Revelation 1-7
Today we begin a mad dash through one of the most challenging books of the Bible, the Book of Revelation, aka the Apocalypse of John. (By the way, the word “apocalypse” simply means “revelation” or “disclosure”, but because of its association with this book, it has come to mean “end of the world” or “global catastrophe”.) We could quite literally spend a year or more studying just the first three chapters of this book — and that’s the easy part! And so, to assist us in our reading, I am not going to try to explain anything.
But I will say this… Although I am not generally a fan of The Chronological Study Bible that we have been using this year, I have to say that the notes introducing this book — the sections entitled “Apocalyptic Writings and the End Time” and “The Revelation to John” — are decent. Here is one bit that is helpful:
Throughout history apocalyptic literature has been most popular when current conditions have turned chaotic. At such times there has been a tendency to find remarkable similarities between one’s own situation and the biblical prophecies. This tendency should be resisted. Biblical prophecy was not given in order that we might create a timetable for future events. Rather its authors intended to stimulate obedience to and confidence in God, who remained firmly in control of both contemporary events and the future.
The Chronological Study Bible, NKJV, page 1408, copyright 2008, Thomas Nelson, Inc.
So keep that in mind as we read this final book of the Bible. Let the Lord Himself speak to you, and don’t jam it all up by trying to figure out every detail. But here’s a spoiler alert: Jesus wins!
And Who is this Jesus? He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, Who is and Who was and Who is to come, the Almighty. (Revelation 1:8,17-18; 2:8; Isaiah 41:4) He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, [Who] has conquered. (Revelation 5:5; Genesis 49:9; Isaiah 11:1,10) He is the Lamb Who was slain. (Revelation 5:6,12; John 1:29) And He is worthy of our worship! (Revelation 5:12-14; 7:9-12)
Let’s listen to what He has to say.
See also: