Thinking on Scripture with Dr. Steven R. Cook

     Thyatira was located about 40 miles southeast of Pergamum. Lidia was from Thyatira (Acts 16:14), and she may have been the one who took the gospel to them. Of the messages given to the seven churches, the one given to Thyatira is the longest.

• “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: The Son of God [ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ - occurs only here in the book of Revelation], who has eyes like a flame of fire [emphasizing righteousness], and His feet are like burnished bronze [symbolizing righteous judgment], says this: 19 ‘I know your deeds [emphasizing omniscience], and your love and faith and service and perseverance, and that your deeds of late are greater than at first [an increase in good works]. 20 ‘But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess [i.e. one who receives direct revelation from God], and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray [with false doctrine and sinful practices], so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols [similar to what Ahab and Jezebel in the OT did with Israel; cf. 1 Kings 16:31-33]. 21 ‘And I gave her time to repent [warning before judgment]; and she does not want to repent of her immorality [perpetuation of negative volition]. 22 ‘Behold, I will cast her upon a bed of sickness [divine judgment for rebellion], and those [her willing Christian followers] who commit [spiritual] adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds. 23 ‘And I will kill her children [Christians who follow her teaching and practices] with pestilence; and all the churches [i.e. all who see Christ’s judgment on the church at Thyatira] will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts [emphasizing omniscience]; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds [emphasizing justice]. 24 ‘But I say to you [faithful Christians], the rest who are in Thyatira, who do not hold this [false] teaching, who have not known the deep things of Satan [i.e. false teachings of Jezebel, perhaps a claim to secret knowledge], as they call them-- I place no other burden on you. 25 ‘Nevertheless what you have, hold fast until I come. 26 ‘And he who overcomes [1 John 5:4-5], and he who keeps My deeds until the end [faithfully executes the Christian life], to him I will give authority over the nations [to rule with Christ; 2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 20:4-6]; 27 and he shall rule [ποιμαίνω poimaino – lit. act like a shepherd; cf. Rev. 12:5; 19:15] them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to pieces, as I also have received authority from My Father; 28 and I will give him the morning star [eternal reward – perhaps right to rule]. 29‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’" (Rev. 2:18-29)

     Jesus is presented as the “Son of God”—a phrase that occurs only here in the book of Revelation—and He is described as one “who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like burnished bronze” (Rev. 2:18), which pictures Him as a righteous judge Who brings righteous judgment. As a righteous judge, Jesus commended them for the things they were doing right, which included their good deeds, love, faith, service, and perseverance. “In many particulars some in this church were praiseworthy. They were strong in good deeds, love for others, trust in God, service of their Savior, and patient endurance in trials. Moreover they had become even more zealous recently. Love shows itself in service, and faith demonstrates itself in perseverance through persecution.”[1] However, all these good qualities and practices were overshadowed by a sinful woman na

     Pergamum was about 55 miles northeast of Smyrna. The city was known for its library (roughly 200,000 parchments), its manufacture of parchment, a university for medical study, and as a religious center for the Greek pagan cults of Zeus, Dionysius, Athena, Asclepius, and Roman emperor worship. The church at Pergamum received both praise and rebuke.

• “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword [i.e. the authority to kill] says this: 13 ‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is [θρόνος thronos – seat of sovereignty, authority, dominion]; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith, even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 ‘But I have a few things against you, because you have there some [a few believers] who hold the teaching of Balaam [who desired greed above godliness], who kept teaching Balak [the leader of Moab] to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel [to fellowship with the Moabites and be seduced by their pagan practices], to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit acts of immorality [πορνεύω porneuo – fornication; see Num. 25:1-2; 31:15-16]. 15 ‘Thus you also have some [a few believers] who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans [which seems to be similar to the teaching of Balaam, promoting acceptance of pagan religions]. 16 ‘Repent therefore [i.e. deal with the few who are teaching error]; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth [discipline for those rebellious believers in the church]. 17 ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches [i.e. listen and comply]. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna [located in the Ark of the Covenant in heaven; Rev. 11:19], and I will give him a white stone [perhaps symbolizing acceptance by Christ], and a new name written on the stone [perhaps the name of Jesus] which no one knows but he who receives it.’" (Rev. 2:12-17)

     Jesus is identified as the One who has “the sharp two-edged sword” which means He has the authority and power to kill (Rev. 2:12). He displays omniscience when telling His church, “I know where you dwell” and identifies it as the place “where Satan’s throne” is located. (Rev. 2:13a). This could be a reference to the worship of Zeus, or perhaps emperor worship, which was prevalent in Pergamum. Though a Satanic hotspot with many imposing pressures, Jesus praises them as faithful witnesses, specifically mentioning “the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells” (Rev. 2:13b). The church at Pergamum was reprimanded for not dealing with members who accepted and promoted dangerous teachings similar to those of Balaam. Balaam was a prophet of God who was hired by Balak—the king of Moab—to curse the Israelites, but God stopped Balaam and blessed Israel instead (see Numbers 22-25). However, God’s people were defeated when the Moabites enticed them into friendly relationships that led to idolatry and sexual promiscuity (Num. 25:1-3), and this was accomplished “through the counsel of Balaam” (Num. 31:16). This social enticement that led to sin seems to be the same thing taught by the Nicolaitans (Rev. 2:14-15), and is another example of how bad associations can lead believers into sinful practices (1 Cor. 15:33; 2 Cor. 6:14-15). Jesus states He will make war with them if they do not repent of their false views and practices. Jesus promises “hidden manna” to those who overcome, which is spiritual nourishment, in contrast to the food sacrificed to idols (Rev. 2:14). “Christ is the true bread from heaven (John 6:31–33, 48–51) and that may be the idea here. Those faithful t

     Thoughts are a function of the mind, which refers to our ability to receive (through our senses), organize, and comprehend information. No one has ever seen a thought. We can observe the activity of the brain while thinking, but we cannot see the thought itself. We know thoughts exist because we have them, and because we can share them with other rational persons by means of communication, either verbally or written.

     Talking and hearing are perhaps the most common ways thoughts are shared, and this was true at the time when the Bible was written. On several occasions Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Matt. 11:15; 13:9, 43; Mark 4:9, 23; Luke 8:8; 14:35; Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22; 13:9). Assuming normal development and birth, every person has physical ears to hear, which help to advance intellectual growth. “Let him hear” translates the Greek verb ἀκούω akouo, which refers to one’s capacity to receive and understand the verbal information provided by a communicator. The word also connotes attentive listening for the purpose of complying with a command. At times a parent, teacher, or supervisor will say, “Listen to me”, which really means, “Pay attention and understand what I’m saying.” The comment is often used when saying something important or issuing a command. Every instance of the verb ἀκούω akouo in the Gospels and the book of Revelation is in the imperative mood, which means Jesus is issuing a command to His hearers to pay attention and comply with His words.

     To each believer in the seven churches Christ states, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29 ; 3:6, 13, 22). This means that each believer was to understand and comply with Jesus’ commands. Failure to obey would result in discipline (Rev. 2:5, 16, 22-23; 3:3, 16, 19-20).

     Though most of us have ears to hear, not everyone has the ability to understand. At the moment of regeneration (John 3:3-10; 1 Pet. 1:3, 23), God gives every believer the spiritual capacity to receive and understand His revelation (1 Cor. 2:6-16), and to comply with His commands (Rom. 6:11-13; 1 Cor. 10:13); although, according to His sovereign purposes, there were times He concealed information from believers (Luke 9:45; 18:34; Rev. 10:4). Impediments to understanding and obedience include immaturity (Heb. 5:11-14; 1 Pet. 2:2), carnality (1 Cor. 3:1-3), and bad associations (1 Cor. 15:33; 2 Cor. 6:14). Stimulants to increase understanding and obedience include:

1. Submission to God and seeking His will above all else (Rom. 12:1)

• “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life [i.e. suffered unjustly and overcome], says this: 9 ‘I know [οιδα oida – to have seen, or perceived – emphasizing omniscience] your tribulation [suffering] and your poverty [financial], but you are rich [spiritually; cf. James 2:5], and the blasphemy [slanderous attacks] by those who say they are Jews and are not [Rom. 9:6], but are a synagogue of Satan [religious people who are governed by Satan]. 10 ‘Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil [through his servants] is about to cast some of you into prison [persecution according to God’s permissive will], that you may be tested [to determine the quality of their faith, like Job; see Job 1:6-20], and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death [as Christ had been], and I will give you the crown of life [a martyrs-reward for obedience; cf. 1 Cor. 3:13-14; Jam. 1:12]. 11 ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes [1 John 5:3-4] will not [οὐ μὴ ou me – emphatic negative] be hurt by the second death [Lake of Fire; Rev. 20:14].’ (Rev. 2:8-11)

Summary:

     Smyrna was a seaport city about 40 miles north of Ephesus and had a population of nearly 100,000. It was known for its connection with myrrh, from which the city derives its name. Jesus identifies Himself as “the first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life” (Rev. 2:8). Jesus knew their persecution, and though they were financially poor, they were spiritually rich (Rev. 2:9a). He also knew about the slanders they suffered at the hands of hostile Jews, whom Jesus declared “are a synagogue of Satan” (Rev. 2:9b). That is, they belong to Satan and do his will, attacking God’s people. Ultimately, our battle is in the spiritual realm (Eph. 6:12). God permitted some Christians at Smyrna to undergo suffering for a period of ten days, promising a crown-reward for those who endure (Rev. 2:10). It is not the gift of eternal life, but the abundance of that life (John 10:10). Though these Christians might be hurt by physical suffering and death, they will never be hurt by the second death (Rev. 2:11).

• “To the angel [ἄγγελος aggelos – messenger, most likely a human leader; cf. Luke 7:24, 27; 9:52] of the church in Ephesus write: The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand [emphasizing sovereignty], the One who walks [περιπατέω peripateo – lit. walks about – emphasizing His omnipresence] among the seven golden lampstands [i.e. churches], says this: 2 ‘I know [οιδα oida – to have seen, or perceived; hence to know – emphasizing omniscience] your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot endure [βαστάζω bastazo – take up, bear, tolerate] evil men, and you put to the test [doctrinally] those who call themselves apostles [i.e. men sent by God], and they are not, and you found them to be false [2 Cor. 11:13; 1 John 4:1; perhaps the Nicolaitans mentioned in vs. 6]; 3 and you have perseverance and have endured for My name’s sake, and have not grown weary. 4 ‘But I have this against you, that you have left your first love [πρῶτος protos – first, chief]. 5 ‘Remember [μνημονεύω mnemoneuo – remember, to call to mind] therefore from where you have fallen [like the prodigal son; Luke 15:17-18], and repent [μετανοέω metanoeo – change one’s mind, or purpose] and do the deeds you did at first [“do” – ποιέω poieo – aor/act/imp – to make, do – i.e. direct the will to action]; or else I am coming to you [divine discipline], and will remove your lampstand out of its place [shut down the church] -- unless you repent. 6 ‘Yet this you do have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans [a group that endorsed other religions and their licentious practices], which I also hate. 7 ‘He who has an ear [i.e. spiritual capacity and willingness to understand], let him hear [ἀκούω akouo - aor/act/imp – to hear, listen] what the Spirit says to the churches [i.e. requires of all churches]. To him who overcomes [νικάω nikao – to prevail, conquer, overcome – pres/act/part – lit. to him who is overcoming], I will grant to eat of the tree of life [see Rev. 22:14], which is in the Paradise of God [in heaven].’ (Rev. 2:1-7)

Summary:

     Ephesus was the Roman capital city of Asia Minor. “Paul had evangelized it and used it as a base of operations for at least three years (Acts 18:19–21; 19; 1 Cor. 16:8). Timothy had labored there (1 Tim. 1:3) as had the Apostle John.”[1] Jesus identifies Himself as the One who is present at the church at Ephesus and knows their deeds, that they do not tolerate evil men and test and reject those who falsely call themselves apostles (Rev. 2:1-2). He also recognizes their faithful perseverance during persecution (Rev. 2:3). However, in spite of their doctrinal purity and faithfulness, they had “left their first love” (Rev. 2:4). Jesus tells them to remember, repent (twice), and return to practicing the deeds they did at first (Rev. 2:5a). Christian love motivates us to good deeds, and good deeds fan the flames of love. Refusal to love will result in the removal of their lampstand, which is a picture of judgment upon a stagnant church (Rev. 2:5b). Christ then offers praise for their hatred of the deeds of the Nicolaitans, a group that promoted acceptance of pagan religions, which has no place in the Christian church. Jesus then calls them to hear what the Holy Spirit says to the churches, “To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God” (Rev. 2:7). In one sense, we overcome the world by our faith in Jesus (1 John 5:4-5), and in another sense we ove

Revelation 1:9-20 Part 2

     Twelve times John was commanded to write what was revealed to him (Rev. 1:11, 19; 2:1, 8, 12, 18; 3:1, 7, 14; 14:13; 19:9; 21:5), and one time not to write (Rev. 10:4).[1] The word write translates the Greek word γράφω grapho, which means to mark characters on the surface of material (such as paper, stone, or even a computer screen), in order to transmit thought from one person to another. The act of writing assumes intellect, volition, and the ability of the recipient to understand what is communicated. The content of John’s writing is a picture of Jesus as the righteous Judge. “He judges the churches (chs. 2–3), the whole earth (chs. 4–16), Babylonianism (chs. 17–18), world rulers at Armageddon (19:19–21), and Satan (20:1–3, 10). He also judges the earth during the Millennium (20:4–6), the rebellious earth at the end of the Millennium (20:7–9), and all the unsaved dead (20:11–15).”[2] Jesus mentioned seven golden lampstands (Rev. 1:12), as well as seven stars in His right hand (Rev. 1:16). Later, He explains, “the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches” (Rev 1:20). The word angel translates the Greek word ἄγγελος aggelos which means messenger, and can refer either to supernatural spirit beings (Rev. 7:2; 14:6), or human messengers (Luke 7:24; 9:51-52; Jam. 2:25). It seems likely these are human representatives in the church who serve in a leadership capacity. The word lampstand translates the Greek word λυχνία luchnia, which device was used to illuminate its surroundings. Jesus is the Light of the world (John 1:4-9; 8:12), and His light expels the darkness of sin (John 3:19; 12:35). The two witnesses in Revelation 11 are described as “the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth” (Rev. 11:4). Believers are connected to the One who is Light (John 12:36; 1 Thess. 5:5), choose to walk in obedience to God (1 John 1:5-7; cf. Rom. 13:12-14), fellowship with other believers (2 Cor. 6:14-15), and pursue “goodness and righteousness and truth” (Eph. 5:8-10).

The fruit of the light is those qualities that characterize God’s life (i.e., the fruit that the Spirit produces). The three qualities mentioned here are the opposite of the fruit of darkness (4:18–19). If the child of light does not walk in the light, he will not bear much of the fruit of the light (cf. John 15:1–6). He might even be outwardly indistinguishable from a child of darkness (cf. Matt. 13:24–30).[3]

[1] Other persons were commanded by God to write what He revealed (Ex. 17:14; 34:27; Deut. 27:8; Jer. 30:1-2; 36:2; Rev. 1:11, 19), and some chose to write on their own (Luke 1:3).

[2] Tom Constable, Tom Constable’s Expository Notes on the Bible (Galaxie Software, 2003), Re 1:16.

[3] Ibid., Eph 5:9–10.

Revelation 1:9-20 Part 1

I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation [θλῖψις thlipsis – tribulation, affliction = general sufferings for Christ] and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus [cf. Acts 14:22; 2 Thess. 1:5], was on the island called Patmos, because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus [church tradition says John was exiled by Emperor Domitian]. 10 I was in the Spirit [ἐν πνεύματι en pneumati – used by John to describe his visionary transport; see Rev. 4:2; 17:3; 21:10] on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet, 11 saying, “Write [γράφω grapho – aor/act/imp = to write down, record, compose] in a book [βιβλίον biblion – book, scroll] what you see, and send [πέμπω pempo – aor/act/imp – to send, dispatch] it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” 12 And I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands [i.e. seven churches; see Rev. 1:20]; 13 and in the middle of the lampstands one like a son of man [Jesus Christ, Dan. 7:13; cf. Matt. 9:6; 10:23], clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His breast with a golden girdle [likely the attire of a judge]. 14 And His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow [symbolizing purity from sin, Isa. 1:18; Dan. 7:9]; and His eyes were like a flame of fire [perhaps eyes that judge righteously Rev. 2:18; 19:11-12]; 15 and His feet were like burnished bronze [perhaps feet that bring righteous judgment], when it has been caused to glow in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters [a voice of authority]. 16 And in His right hand [symbolizing strength and sovereignty] He held seven stars [seven angels of the churches]; and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword [ῥομφαία rhomphaia - a Roman sword used for killing, Rev. 2:12, 16; 6:8; 19:15, 21]; and His face was like the sun shining in its strength [like at His transfiguration; Matt. 17:2]. 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as a dead man [he fainted]. And He laid His right hand upon me [comforting and strengthening], saying, “Do not be afraid [Divine encounters often produced fear – Judg. 13:21-23; Isa. 6:1-5; Dan. 10:9-12; Matt. 17:6-8]; I am the first and the last [merism – eternal One], 18 and the living One; and I was dead [crucified], and behold, I am alive forevermore [resurrection – never to die again], and I have the keys of death and of Hades [power over death, and the place of the dead]. 19 “Write [γράφω grapho – aor/act/imp] therefore the things which you have seen [past – chapter 1 – the vision of Christ], and the things which are [present – chapters 2-3 – the seven churches], and the things which shall take place after these things [μετὰ ταῦτα meta tauta – future – chapters 4-22; cf. Rev. 4:1 – the events of the Tribulation, Jesus’ Second Coming, the earthly kingdom, and eternal state]. 20 “As for the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches [the seven angels are possibly humans; see Luke 9:51-52; Jam. 2:25], and the seven lampstands are the seven churches [a lamp is to light it’s environment = the light of bib

     After His second coming, Jesus will rule the whole earth, from Jerusalem, on the throne of David (2 Sam. 7:16; Ps. 89:3-4, 34-37; Jer. 23:5-6; 33:14-15; Dan. 2:44; 7:14, 27; Matt. 6:10; Luke 1:31-33; cf. Mark 11:9-10), He will rule absolutely with “a rod of iron” (Ps. 2:9; Rev. 19:15), and His reign will be marked by righteousness and peace on the earth (Isa. 11:1-9). Also, we know from Scripture that the earthly kingdom will last a thousand years (Rev. 20:1-6), and afterward will become an eternal kingdom (Dan. 2:44; 7:27; 1 Cor. 15:24). The word millennium is derived from the Latin words mille which means “thousand” and annum which means “year”. The word millennium translates the Greek word χίλιοι chilioi, which occurs six times in Revelation 20:1-6. The millennial kingdom will see Jesus seated on the throne of David, in Jerusalem, ruling over the world. He will rule the nations in righteousness, advocating for the poor and weak, as well as suppressing wickedness and rebellion (Isa. 9:6-7; 11:1-9; Jer. 23:5-6; 33:14-15). Satan will be bound during the reign of Christ (Rev. 20:1-3), and a new worship system will be implemented (see Ezekiel 40-46).

Revelation 1:1-8

The Revelation [ἀποκάλυψις apokalupsis – to reveal, uncover, expose, make known] of Jesus Christ, which God [the Father] gave Him [Jesus] to show to His bond-servants [for their benefit], the things which must shortly take place [ἐν τάχει en tachei – speed, swiftness, quickness]; and He [Jesus] sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John [revelation came several times by means of an angel; see Rev. 17:1; 19:9-10], 2 who bore witness [μαρτυρέω martureo – to testify, bear witness] to the word of God [Scripture] and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 3 Blessed is he [singular] who reads and those [plural] who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it [cf. Rev. 22:7]; for the time is near. 4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia [modern Turkey]: Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come [Jesus Christ]; and from the seven Spirits [perhaps the Holy Spirit, Isa. 11:2; cf. Rev. 3:1; 4:5; 5:6] who are before His throne; 5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first-born of the dead [i.e. the first to be resurrected from the dead; see 1 Cor. 15:20-23], and the ruler of the kings of the earth [emphasizing His sovereignty over human rulers]. To Him who loves us [ἀγαπάω agapao – present tense = keeps on loving us], and released us [λύω luo – to release, untie, set free = image of freeing a slave] from our sins by His blood [His blood = the payment for our sins], 6 and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests [spiritual representatives] to His God and Father; to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever; amen. 7 Behold, He is coming with the clouds [Dan. 7:13], and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him [perhaps mourning because He disrupts their lives]; even so; amen [the coming of Jesus is the theme of the book].  8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega [merism = the eternal One; similar to the term I Am],” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty [παντοκράτωρ pantokrator – almighty, all-powerful – used 9 times: Rev. 1:8; 4:8; 11:17; 15:3; 16:7, 14; 19:6, 15; 21:22].”

Summary:

1. The Central Idea of the Text is that John is given a revelation from Jesus, about Jesus, to the seven churches in Asia.

• "John’s prophecy is primarily the revelation of Jesus Christ, not the revelation of future events. You must not divorce the Person from the prophecy, for without the Person there could be no fulfillment of the prophecy. “He is not incidental to its action,” wrote Dr. Merrill Tenney. “He is its chief Subject.” In Revelation 1–3, Christ is seen as the exalted Priest-King ministering to the churches. In Revelation 4–5, He is seen in heaven as the glorified Lamb of God, reigning on the throne. In Revelation 6–18, Christ is the Judge of all the earth; and in Revelation 19, He returns to earth as the conquering King of kings. The book closes with the heavenly Bridegroom ushering His bride, the church, in

Author & Date

     The apostle John wrote the book of Revelation while exiled on the island of Patmos by the Emperor Domitian (A.D. 81-96). “Some of the early church fathers (Clement of Alexandria, Eusebius, Irenaeus, and Victorinus) wrote that the Apostle John experienced exile on the island of Patmos during Domitian’s reign.”[1] Accepting their testimony helps to date the book around A.D. 95-96.

Audience

     John wrote the book of Revelation to seven churches that resided in Asia (modern day Turkey). These churches are listed in Revelation chapters 2-3.

Interpretive Approaches

1. The nonliteral or allegorical approach – this view lets the reader make the text say whatever he/she wants, but primarily sees it as an allegory in which good triumphs over evil.

     This author will follow a normal, grammatical, historical approach to the book of Revelation. This approach considers words and phrases within their context, and reads them according to their normal meaning, unless something within a passage indicates it should be interpreted otherwise. There are symbols used throughout the book of Revelation; however, many of those symbols are either interpreted within the passage itself, or can be interpreted by similar passages that provide understanding. For example, the seven stars are angels (Rev. 1:20), the great dragon is Satan (Rev. 12:9), and the leopard, bear, and lion (Rev. 13:2) resemble the animals mentioned in Daniel (Dan. 7:4-6).

Purpose of the Book

     The purpose of the book is to reveal Jesus Christ, His authority over the church and the world, and the establishment of His kingdom on earth after His Second Coming.

Outline

     The outline of Revelation is given within the book. The Lord Jesus told John, “Therefore write [γράφω grapho – aor/act/imp] the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things [μετὰ ταῦτα meta tauta – Rev. 4:1]” (Rev. 1:19).

1. The things which have been – Chapter 1

[1] Tom Constable, Tom Constable’s Expository Notes on the Bible (Galaxie Software, 2003), Jud 25.

[2] Charles C. Ryrie, Revelation-Everyman's Bible Commentary (Chicago, Ill. Moody Publishers, 1996), 6.