Revelation is a source of hope and encouragement for christians because the book tells about the triumphant return of our lord, jesus christ. The book of revelation is perhaps the most mysterious book in sacred scripture. Understanding the book of revelation tim conway youtube. Hermeneutics is the study of the principles of interpretation. The book depicts him as the risen, glorified son of god ministering among the churches 1. It is also a book of glory, depicting the continue reading is the modern interpretation of the book of revelation flawed. As stated in my introduction, the book of revelation is not. And there has been much speculation about it some of it bordering on off the wall, but some of it serious and scholarly. Understanding daniel and the revelation plus supplementary material by p. Revelation reveals the events of the day of the lord revelation 1. The interpretation of the book the interpretation of the book. Another key to understanding the book of revelation. Outline for this study of the book of revelationpages 1, 2, and top of page 3.
The book is not a concealment, a puzzle, a riddle, as some people think. The book of revelation can be interpreted from three standpoints. I make this broad declaration, that whenever god gives a vision of an image, or beast, or figure of any kind, he always holds himself responsible to give a revelation or interpretation of the meaning thereof, otherwise we are not responsible or accountable for our. In the 1970s there was an extremely popular book titled the late great planet earth which allegedly interpreted the book of revelation. The bible is the word of god given in the words of men in history. Chapters two and three cover the church dispensation. When people read the book of revelation they encounter this vast array of symbols. Draper, understanding images and symbols in the book of revelation, shedding light on the new testament. Symbolic language, however, is one of the chief characteristics of apocalyptic literature, of which this book is an. 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. Delve deeper into the experiences of the men and women addressed by john. It is most important to understand that the book of revelation does not list the scenes and events in the same order in which they will actually occur. 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.
Sep 16, 2017 the book of revelation can be interpreted from three standpoints. The books second and third chapters contain vital warnings to the seven churches that existed in asia minor in the first century a. The book of revelation often called the revelation to john, apocalypse of john, the revelation from jesus christ from its opening words, the apocalypse, the revelation, or simply revelation is the final book of the new testament, and consequently is also the final book of the christian bible. In this view, the book contains neither historical allusions nor predictive prophecy. Temple second edition 2011 thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. The historicist view follows a straight line of continuous fulfillment of prophecy. The following facts and principles of interpretation should be understood in order for one to arrive at a correct understanding of the book of revelation. Fortunately, these were two of the topics addressed by the prophet in doctrine and covenants 77. 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. A 21st century, secular interpretation of the book of revelation now, even though the realms of religion and science in themselves are clearly marked off from each other, nevertheless there exist between the two strong reciprocal relationships and dependencies. Historicism, a method of interpretation in christian eschatology which associates biblical prophecies with actual historical events and identifies symbolic beings with historical persons or societies, has been applied to the book of revelation by many writers. Try to discover the message to the original readers. Keys to understanding the book of revelation its meaning is positive, not fearful or terrifying to those who serve god. People have shied away from this book because of its use of symbolism and its cryptic references.
It can perhaps be best understood in distinction from the other major interpretations of revelation. Historicist interpretations of the book of revelation. The idealist interpretation could also be called the symbolic or spiritual interpretation. In other words, it is the way you interpret scripture. The interpretation of the book of revelation has often proven difficult throughout the history of the christian church. The first two chapters of revelation discuss the issues facing the christian communities that first received the book. The real meaning of the bibles book of revelation is a popular, ongoing debate. The time for understanding the book of revelation is now at hand. Get an inside look at the controversial book of revelations in these captivating lessons on the meaning behind the. Interpretive models for the book of revelation as a whole. Key to understanding commentaries on revelations is knowing the position of the commentator.
This continued up until the time of jerusalem s destruction in 70 ad. Aug 01, 20 in this brief bible study tim discusses how looking for repetition in the scripture is a method to use in order to understand apocalyptic language. 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. Book of revelation for dummies cheat sheet dummies. The book of revelation is a revelation, the revelation of jesus christ 1. 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. Take revelation seriously, but dont always take it literally. 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. And no other book of the bible promises blessings to those who read it, hear it and take to heart what is written in it. As the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth 1.
Understanding images and symbols in the book of revelation. The book of revelation, quipped ambrose bierce, is a famous book in which st. The revelation of jesus christto show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass. The revealing is done by the commentators, who know nothing.
Roger scruton first addressed this topic in his celebrated book the aesthetics of music oup and in this new book he applies the theory to the practice and examines a number of composers and musical forms. A wellknown illustration of an historicist reading of the book of revelation is the reformation identification of the harlot babylon in revelation 17 with the roman catholic church and the papacy. Its meaning is positive, not fearful or terrifying to those who serve god. A less wellknown historicist interpretation is the medieval churchs identification of the beast from the sea in revelation with the rise of islam. This interpretation, which has found expression among both catholic and protestant theologians, considers the liturgical worship, particularly the easter rites, of early christianity as background and context for understanding the book of revelation s structure and significance.
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 the book of revelation for this very reason. His continued fascination with wagner provides much interesting content but he also deals neardeath blows to his favorite targets like pierre boulez and hoagy carmichael. In this sense the word apocalyptic has a slightly broader meaning, and it. Interpretation understanding the book of revelation. What is the idealist interpretation of the book of revelation. The key to bible interpretation, especially for the book of revelation, is to have a consistent hermeneutic. Book of revelation explained scripture by scripture.
A testimony of jesus christ is a commentary that explains some of the mysteries of revelation. The key to understanding is the mysterious book of revelation is comprehending its story flow. 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. Johnson says that, as a system of interpretation it is more. Like all books of the bible, revelation was written in a particular time and place to particular people. The interpretation of the book revelation lamb and. The versebyverse commentary on revelation introduction this commentary on revelation will prove, contrary to what most people think, that the revelation, the last book of the bible, is not difficult to understand if we will take a simple, facevalue, commonsense approach to interpreting it. Ten keys for interpreting the book of revelation digital commons. This framework is primarily laid out in daniel and. Seeing the book of revelation as a book of revelation. Understanding the book of revelation the book of revelation is an exciting yet often misunderstood book in the bible.
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. This study of the book of revelation is interpreted from the futurist standpoint. Book of revelation explained a testimony of jesus christ. What was the nature of the persecution and other problems they faced.
However, with just a few tips for understanding certain confusing elements, the book opens up as an important and helpful book for christians. Bible for many christians, yet one of the most difficult books to understand. Is the modern interpretation of the book of revelation. The book of revelation is the last book of the bible in our canon for good reason. 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.
Since the death of stephen in acts 7, the jewish temple authorities had been waging a violent war against the church. The book of revelation is notoriously difficult to understand. In daily mass we have recently been reading from the book of revelation. Understanding the book of revelations the history of the. It is, of course, the cryptic symbolism of revelation that makes it challenging to understand. In this brief bible study tim discusses how looking for repetition in the scripture is a method to use in order to understand apocalyptic language. It is only when we start to overallegorize it or to force its interpretation according to our preconceived ideas or doctrines about the end. 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 book of revelation is at once one of the most important books of the. His continued fascination with wagner provides much interesting content but he also deals neardeath blows to his favorite targets like. Since the book of revelation offers a prophetic look into the future, its fulfillment is also prophetic.
The foundations and pillars ministry 1204 besstown rd beersheba springs tn 37305. The theme of the book is the events leading up to the jesus second coming. Whether were looking for gospel meaning or struggling with understanding revelations in the bible, historical bible study can help us find our way. Unlike most books of the bible, revelation contains its own title. Many major entities and symbols in the book of revelation are introduced. You will start understanding the book of revelation. 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. Dont try to discover a strict chronological map of future events. It is the final expression of and complement to the prophecies of the jewish prophets. Reagans book, wrath and glory, covers the book of revelation chapter by chapter. It comes from my lutheran study bible and includes both a brief summary of the book of revelation and a handy charttimeline. 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.
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. 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. This view also ignores revelations prophetic character and, if carried to its logical conclusion, severs the book from any connection with actual historical events. Every statement is to be taken to mean for exactly what. Understanding the book of revelation kindle edition by. The book of revelation must be taken literal whenever possible. Its title is derived from the first word of the koine greek text.
The historicist view follows a straight line of continuous fulfillment of prophecy which starts in daniels time and goes through john. Revelation then becomes merely a collection of stories designed to teach spiritual truth. Understanding revelation waitara seventhday adventist church. Revelation uses many signs, or symbols, that are not to be understood literally revelation 1. The interpretation of the book revelation lamb and lion. Interpreting the symbolism in the book of revelation. The word revelation means an uncovering, unveiling, a disclosure of truth. Revelation is first and foremost a revelation about jesus christ 1. An overview of revelation multimedia training kit covers the book of revelation verse by verse. Two literary forms useful for understanding johns metaphor are satire and the obituary. What is the idealist interpretation of the book of. Key to understanding commentaries on revelations is knowing the position. 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. This commentary on revelation will prove, contrary to what most people think, that the revelation, the last book of the bible, is not difficult to understand if we will take a simple, facevalue, commonsense approach to interpreting it.
The following is the forward and a portion of a chapter from a forthcoming book which, in my view, falls in. The second method of interpretation is known as the idealist method. God reveals a basic framework for understanding future events. And there has been much speculation about it some of it bordering on offthewall, but some of it serious and scholarly. 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. In short, the book of revelation is arguably the most important book you will read in your life time. It is full of strange and often scary imagery, confusing numbers, time references, and much more. God would not have given it to us if its meaning were entirely a mystery.
The book of revelation is the final book of the new testament, and consequently is also the final book of the christian bible. Over the centuries, the church has presented countless interpretations and. As to these difficult portions of the book of revelation, joseph smith said. Religious studies center, brigham young university, 2009, 27189. A testimony of jesus christ is a commentary that explains some. Historicist interpretations of the book of revelation wikipedia.
795 1430 17 1480 1041 996 1276 115 962 1385 843 480 101 354 542 1119 197 212 450 395 839 310 363 863 1242 565 244 71 1130 1070 420 1083 1259 904 743 456 978 151 1493 327 1423 55 238 176 574 382 1112