A free bible version and commentary on the new testament book of revelation in easy english. Know that the book of revelation deals with things that are to occur after new testament times. Use various latterday revelations which expand upon the same subjects in similar. In this understanding, the contents of the book are not seen to relate to any historical events at all, but only to symbolize the ongoing struggle between good and evil during the church age until christ returns. The interpretation of revelation has always been a subject of debate among bible interpreters. A testimony of jesus christ is a commentary that explains some of the mysteries of revelation. For an adequate understanding of revelation, the reader must recognize that it is a distinct kind of literature. Revelation uses many signs, or symbols, that are not to be understood literally revelation 1. The key to bible interpretation, especially for the book of revelation, is to have a consistent hermeneutic.
A guide for understanding by vern sheridan poythress prepared for use with the course nt 311, general epistles and revelation, at westminster theological seminary, philadelphia version 2. Church of christ lessons on the revelation of jesus christ. This study of the book of revelation is interpreted from the futurist standpoint. The interpretation of the book of revelation has often proven difficult throughout the history of the christian church. Interpretation principles the introduction lays out the interpretation principles that are basic to understanding the apocalypse. Mar 18, 2019 a bahai interpretation of the book of revelation, after acknowledging the existence of a previous, and immediate, historicalcontemporary context, can then apply the prophetic patterns in the book of revelation to a presentday context.
Understanding the book of revelation a systematic study. The word revelation means an uncovering, unveiling, a disclosure of truth. Book of revelation explained a testimony of jesus christ. Sep 23, 2016 revelations mark of the beast exposed 22 revelations ancient discoveries duration. There is a lot in the book that will not be found in the standard commentaries. Book of revelation for dummies cheat sheet dummies. Pastor bob stidham pens an interpretation of the book of. Understanding the book of revelation elder bruce r. The bible is the word of god given in the words of men in history. Keys to understanding revelation united church of god. Although its visions often seem bizarre to the western reader, fortunately the book provides a number of clues for its own interpretation e.
Although prophecy is scattered all through the bible, two books focus almost entirely on symbolic representations. Ben witherington iii, author of the following article, asking the right question, once hitched a ride from a couple who believed the earth was flat. Its title is derived from the first word of the koine greek text. It is, of course, the cryptic symbolism of revelation that makes it challenging to understand. It comes from my lutheran study bible and includes both a brief summary of the book of revelation and a handy charttimeline. God would not have given it to us if its meaning were entirely a mystery. The book of revelation is the last book of the bible in our canon for good reason. Though it is little more than a piece of scholarly gossip, some have even suggested that the reformer john calvin, one of the best interpreters of the scriptures the church has known, shied away from writing a commentary on. In our study of the book of revelation, we must start out with the clear understanding that. Identifying the opposition characters in revelation 5.
Interpreting the symbolism in the book of revelation. The different approaches that various people or groups use to understand the book of revelation called interpretive horizons are generally grouped under four major categories, with some subgroups see the kingdom of god. The prophecies found in the book of revelation are almost identical to. The book of revelation provides some of the keenest insights in scripture concerning the big picture of work. The following is the forward and a portion of a chapter from a forthcoming book which, in my view, falls in the latter category. The books second and third chapters contain vital warnings to the seven churches that existed in asia minor in the first century a. In my opinion interpreting the book of revelation requires a belief in and understanding of astrology, reincarnation, and probably also mythology or at least some of the metaphysical concepts associated with mythology. Revelation chapter 12 contains a description of a woman, who is clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars atop her head. Interpretation understanding the book of revelation. Jan 02, 2020 the idealist interpretation sees revelation as being fulfilled all the time throughout the history of the church. Mcconkie one of our most fascinating exercises in scriptural interpretation is to study the book of revelation, to ponder its truths, and to discoverto our surprise and amazementwhat this commonly misunderstood work is all about. This book is highly recommended to those wanting a better understanding of the book of revelation, but who do not want an overly academic commentary.
Because the book of revelation says that angels stand on the earths four corners. The book of revelation also called the revelation of john or the revelation of st. Understanding the numerical symbolism in revelation 4. Dont be afraid of being damned for not knowing the meaning of a vision or figure, if god has not given a revelation or interpretation of the subject. If you have already fallen in love with johns presentation of the. Yet most people believe that this final book of the bible cannot be understood at allthat its language and symbols are too confusing to make sense. In the idealist interpretation, the symbols in revelation are not normally thought to refer to specific individuals and historic events but to typical individuals and events. God reveals a basic framework for understanding future events. The book of revelation also provides warnings and speaks of things that can be done to defend against them in the latterday. The use of the trumpet throughout the scriptures provides the interpretation of the trumpet.
This view maintains that the words in the entire book have. The revelation of jesus christto show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass. Revelation is first and foremost a revelation about jesus christ 1. We dreamed up elaborate encryptions for disguising our messages back and forth so that nobody but us could understand our communications. The book is well laid out with headings and subheadings etc. Understanding the book of revelation judaicaworld archives. Key to understanding commentaries on revelations is knowing the position of the commentator. The bible is a history book, it tells the pastbut like no other history bookit tells the present and future just as clearly. The book of revelation is the final book of the new testament, and consequently is also the final book of the christian bible.
The idealist interpretation could also be called the symbolic or spiritual interpretation. John the divine in some translations of the bible without comparing what it says to the rest of sacred scripture, can be a confusing experience. Despite our various views, there are some common threads upon which christians agree. Historicist revelation is prophecy about church history from the time of john to the end of the world. Many of revelation s events seem to have been fulfilled in the first century. I wanted to share it with all of you, because this was significant in helping me to properly understand what the word of god has to say about this controversial subject and because students of bible prophecy absolutely love charts and timelines. As the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth 1. But it is not beyond our ability to comprehend and interpret. What is the idealist interpretation of the book of revelation. The book of revelation is at once one of the most important books of the. Sep 04, 2015 the book of revelation opens with a blessing for its reader, hearers, and keepers rev 1. Understanding revelation waitara seventhday adventist church.
Does the book of revelation or other books of the bible provide an interpretation to this symbol. The interpretation of the book revelation lamb and. Parts of the old testament, particularly in the book of daniel, are also written in the apocalyptic genre. As mentioned before, the books very name means to reveal to unveil, to open to understanding what otherwise could not be comprehended. The preterist approach emphasizes the historical context of revelation.
Dec 20, 2017 the word revelation means an uncovering, unveiling, a disclosure of truth. Revelation is apocalyptic, a kind of writing that is highly symbolic. The second method of interpretation is known as the idealist method. And there has been much speculation about it some of it bordering on off the wall, but some of it serious and scholarly. The 7 seals, presented in revelation, are rarely ignored while attempting to produce such a timeline. What is the idealist interpretation of the book of. Chapters two and three cover the church dispensation. She is being pursued by a great red dragon, whose tail has swept a third of the stars from heaven and cast them to earth. Many major entities and symbols in the book of revelation are introduced. The following is adapted from gentrys 2017 book, how to read and understand the biblical prophets. Interpretive models for the book of revelation as a whole. The book of revelation is perhaps the most mysterious book in sacred scripture. Even if you dont understand it, the best rule of thumb is to just accept the plain sense meaning.
Understanding the book of revelation looks at the different interpretations and how each interpretation has insights for today. This framework is primarily laid out in daniel and. Perhaps there is an additional interpretation of the seven seals that. The book of revelation is similar to other literature of the time thats called apocalyptic, which typically includes visions, global clashes, endoftheworld warnings, and many, many symbols.
Click on any of the articles or resources to explore expert analysis of the book of revelation. This interpretive method robs revelation of any meaning for those to whom it was written. Others think they understand the prophecies of the bibleand this is probably most true of the book of revelation. It can perhaps be best understood in distinction from the other major interpretations of revelation. Johnson says that, as a system of interpretation it is more. In 2011, the baptist messenger produced this original series entitled exploring the book of revelation. In the book s last chapter god reiterates that his words were given to reveal and not to be sealed revelation 22. A guide for understanding by vern sheridan poythress prepared for use with the course nt 311, general epistles and revelation, at westminster. Understanding revelation lesson 1 when i was a young boy growing up i used to send my friends letters in code. Book of revelation explained scripture by scripture. The book of revelation can be interpreted from three standpoints.
Can we use that logic when were understanding revelations in the bible. With the release of the new left behind movie, christians once again are discussing the end times. Revelation reveals the events of the day of the lord revelation 1. The revealing is done by the commentators, who know nothing. Understanding the book of revelation rob dalrymple.
The book of revelation, quipped ambrose bierce, is a famous book in which st. Apr 28, 2015 the book of revelation is similar to other literature of the time thats called apocalyptic, which typically includes visions, global clashes, endoftheworld warnings, and many, many symbols. Understanding the book of revelation, pamphlet 5 pack. Three angels broadcasting network 3abn 3,317,241 views 58. There are a wide variety of interpretations of the book of. Book of revelation biblical interpretations, pictures. The book of revelation is notoriously difficult to understand.
An amillennial interpretation of revelation 20 southern. Over the centuries, the church has presented countless interpretations and. Symbolic language, however, is one of the chief characteristics of apocalyptic literature, of which this book is an. No person could know these things unless god showed them. The time for understanding the book of revelation is now at hand. Fortunately, these were two of the topics addressed by the prophet in doctrine and covenants 77. Other patterns presented include characteristics of gods warning trumpets to the world, the preparation of the righteous, the great harvest of missionary work, the character and downfall of babylon, the consequences. Since the rest of the vision is what john sees as each of the seven seals are opened, understanding the symbolism of the book and the seals is critical to understanding the book of revelation. Also the list of symbols used and their interpretation, and the numerology of revelation. In my opinion interpreting the book of revelation requires a belief in and understanding of astrology, reincarnation, and probably also mythology or at least some.
The book of revelation explained in under 5 minutes youtube. The word revelation means that which god now shows. The following is the forward and a portion of a chapter from a forthcoming book which, in my view, falls in. Keys to understanding the book of revelation its meaning is positive, not fearful or terrifying to those who serve god. Global warming, furious storms, the arctic cap north pole melting, earthquakes, stidham points out. Understanding images and symbols in the book of revelation. It is the final expression of and complement to the prophecies of the jewish prophets. The book of revelation in the bible is one of the more difficult books of the bible to understand. Have you ever wondered what the book of revelation is all about. The book depicts him as the risen, glorified son of god ministering among the churches 1. It is not used as much for musical enjoyment in the bible, but rather it was used to announce, summon or notify gods people. Book of revelation read, study bible verses online. Understanding the book of revelation introduction reading the book of revelation, also called the apocalypse of st. The futurist approach considers most of the book related to future.
Interpretation of the book of revelation is spiritually written, and spiritually interpreted, and all of it is proven in the bible gods word. The apocalypse, or revelation to john, the last book of the bible, is one of the most difficult to understand because it abounds in unfamiliar and extravagant symbolism, which at best appears unusual to the modern reader. Religious studies center, brigham young university, 2009, 27189. How can one be blessed by reading a book that no one seems to understand.
The key to understanding the book of revelation is to interpret it as literally as possibleit says what it means and means what it says. Bible for many christians, yet one of the most difficult books to understand. Have an overall knowledge of the plan of salvation and of the nature. Many people, myself included, have endeavored to construct a chronological explanation of the events that will precede the second coming of christ. As stated in my introduction, the book of revelation is not. While many associate the word apocalypse with great disaster, the book of revelation begins and ends by saying that those who read, understand, and apply its message would be happy for doing so. The theme of the book is the events leading up to the jesus second coming. Exploring the book of revelation baptist messenger of. In other words, it is the way you interpret scripture. The author of the book of revelation, saint john the divine, offers a transcription of seven letters and later describes strange beasts, visions of judgments, governments, demonic battles, heaven, and a new world order a prophetic vision for the end of the world. Hermeneutics is the study of the principles of interpretation. Key to understanding commentaries on revelations is knowing the position.
The key to understanding is the mysterious book of revelation is comprehending its story flow. And there has been much speculation about it some of it bordering on offthewall, but some of it serious and scholarly. Draper, understanding images and symbols in the book of revelation, shedding light on the new testament. Since the book of revelation offers a prophetic look into the future, its fulfillment is also prophetic. Youll find four major interpretive approaches to the book of revelation that can help you read, understand, and figure out the apocalyptic letter of john. John the divine is an example of apocalyptic writing a form that delivers a message using symbols, images and numbers.
Particularly useful is the list of old and new testament allusions in revelation. John the divinean alternative name for the book of revelationwas written by a prophet, it makes perfect sense that its interpretation is best given by another prophetespecially by the prophet who fulfills the prophecies in the book of revelation. The interpreters of revelation are divided into three main schools. The real meaning of the bibles book of revelation is a popular, ongoing debate. A testimony of jesus christ is a commentary that explains some.
Another key to understanding the book of revelation, a very important key, is to accept the plain sense meaning of each passage. Its meaning is positive, not fearful or terrifying to those who serve god. Ten keys for interpreting the book of revelation digital commons. The book of revelation is a fascinating book, and the debate regarding its interpretation will continue.
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