Introduction to Revelation | church of Christ

Introduction to Revelation | church of Christ

Introduction to Revelation

Lesson 1

Introduction: 

The Book of Revelation has often been neglected because many
think it is too difficult to understand.  No doubt this book has been abused and
misused to promote several unscriptural beliefs.  Yet there is a blessing
pronounced on all those who read, hear, and keep the words of it.  (Revelation
1:3) 
So it is certainly worth all our efforts in studying its pages. 

Body: 

I.  Background 

A.
 Title:
Revelation – to uncover,
reveal

  The Greek word is “Apocalypse.”

B. 
Author: John (Revelation
1:1) 
Both the internal evidence and

 

external evidence point to the apostle John who also wrote
the

  Gospel of John and I John, II John, and III John.

  C. 
Recipients: Specifically to the churches located in the provinces of

  Asia (modern Turkey).  These seven congregations were
located in

  an area where Roman Emperor worship was very strong.

D. 
Time of Writing: Most of the evidence points to around 96 A.D. 

II.  Purpose of Writing 

· 


Christians were undergoing terrible persecution because of their
faith.  (Revelation
2:10) 
Some were being martyred.  (Revelation
16:5-6)

· 


This book was written to comfort them and give them hope.  (Revelation
17:14) 
They were encouraged to be steadfast.

· 


The purpose and meaning of this book can only be ascertained if
we “look through first-century glasses.”  W. B. West 

III.  How to Study 

· 


Revelation is a book of symbols.  (Revelation
1:1) 
Therefore, it is filled with figurative language.  It is imperative to keep the
context in mind when interpreting figurative language.  The Bible is its own
best interpreter.

· 


There are at least four different views or interpretations of
Revelation:

1. 


The Futurist View
 This
view believes that most of the book is unfulfilled and refers primarily to the
end of time.  Futurists believe Christ will return to earth for a thousand year
reign from Jerusalem.  They also believe in the “rapture,” the “tribulation” and
a literal battle of Armageddon.  This view disregards two very important
points.  First, John wrote in
Revelation 1:1-3
that these “things would shortly begin to take place” and “the time is at
hand.”  Second, this interpretation takes meaning away from the original
recipients.  They would not be encouraged or comforted by this view.

2. 


The Preteritist View 
This interpretation basically says most all of the book was fulfilled by 70
A.D.  Many of the symbols and signs, they believe, are applied to the fall of
Judaism and the destruction of Jerusalem.  For this view to be true, the book
had to by written before 70 A.D.; but the majority of the evidence dates the
book near the end of the first century.

3. 


The Historical View 
This view says the book is like a timeline of history that refers to the rise
and fall of nations and empires as well as different religious movements.  This
view would also not be very comforting to first-century Christians.

4. 


The Contextual (Historical First Century) View  This view asks the
question – “What did this book mean to those in the first century?”  Revelation
deals with the trials and sufferings faced by these seven churches.  It also
encourages them to “be faithful until death” and victory will be theirs. 

Bobby Stafford