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B u d D i e n e r
C e l l 0 7 6 5 8 4 9 7 3 4
F a x 0 8 6 6 7 1 2 8 6 6
The Book of Revelation
Apocalypse
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The Book of Revelation Notes
Introduction
Four Approaches
There are four main interpretive views of Revelation:
Interpretive School Basic approach to Revelation
Preterist Believe that the events of Revelation were fulfilled beginning in A.D.70 with the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans.
Historicist View the book of Revelation as an overview of church history, describing various times of persecution and tribulation.
Idealist Interpret Revelation symbolically, as a nonliteral depiction of the battle between God and the satanic forces of evil.
Futurist Understand Revelation 4-22 as a prophetic account of actual events, specifically focused on the end of this age. This view is the natural result of a straightforward reading of the book.
The preterist, historicist and idealist approaches force allegorizing or
spiritualizing of Scripture to sustain their interpretations.
Timeline of Revelation (see handout)
Opening Remarks
God knows and declares the future – Isa. 46:9-11, “Remember the former
things long past, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there
is no one like Me. Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient
times things which have not been done, saying, My purpose will be
established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure; calling a bird of
prey from the east, the man of My purp0ose from a far country. Truly I
have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, surely I will do
it.”
John opens his revelation (vv. 1:1-8) with two major sections:
Verses 1-6 – specific characteristics of the book
Verses 7-8 – preview of the second coming of Christ
1. CHARACTERISTICS OF REVELATION vv. 1-6
a. It is a revelation of Jesus Christ.
i. ―revelation‖ – means to uncover.
1. Rom. 16:25 says, “Now to Him who is able to
establish you according to my gospel and the
preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the
~ 3 ~
The Book of Revelation Notes
revelation of the mystery which has been kept
secret for long ages past…”
2. Mt. 16:17 uses the verb form of the word to
describe how Peter made the confession that
Jesus was the Christ the Son of the living
God, “And Jesus said to him, „Blessed are you
, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did
not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in
heaven.‟” It was God who uncovered, or
revealed this cardinal truth to Peter.
3. In Luke 2:32, Simeon calls Jesus the “Light of
revelation to the Gentiles.” This is a quote
from Isa. 9:6; 42:6; 49:6; Acts 13:47. The use
of the term Gentiles is in its general
application of all the non-Jewish nations in the
world that did not know God.
b. Jesus is the central figure in the book of Revelation.
i. This point is confirmed in Rev. 22:16 where Jesus
says, “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you
these things for the churches. I am the root and the
descendant of David, the bright morning star.”
1. Root and descendant of David – Gen. 49:8-10;
Isa. 11:1; Rev. 5:5
2. Note that God promised that David’s
descendant would always sit on the throne (2
Sam. 7:12-16; Ps. 132:11; Isa. 9:6-7; Ps.
89:36-37), a unilateral promise from which
God will not turn back.
c. God gave Jesus the information for the sake of the church
(believers). It was intended to encourage and motivate them
because these things will take place soon.
i. Only God knows the time of Jesus’ coming – Mt.
24:36, 42; Mk. 13:32. Therefore, this book should
help us to be alert and watch for the signs of the times.
Don’t be foolish like the virgins who brought no oil
for their lamps (Mt. 25:1-13).
ii. The book is not setting times and epochs – Acts 1:7.
iii. Revelation was written toward the end of Domitian’s
reign as verified by the early church fathers, Iraneus,
Clement of Alexandria, Origen, Victorinus, Eusebius,
and Jerome. This sets the writing of the book around
A.D. 96 (26 years after the destruction of Jerusalem in
~ 4 ~
The Book of Revelation Notes
A.D. 70, a point which eliminates the preterist view
from logical consideration).
iv. The prophecies of this book should also motivate us to
live a holy and obedient life – 2 Pet. 3:14.
d. Vs. 3 – the readers are promised a blessing if they not only
read but heed the message of this book for the time is near.
This blessing is reiterated in Rev. 22:7.
i. ―blessed‖ – comes from the Greek word ―makarioi‖
and the Latin word ―beatis‖ which literally means
bliss, joy, inner happiness. For those who know and
follow the words of this prophecy, there is that
peaceful inner happiness that results.
ii. There are actually seven different beatitudes recorded
in the book of Revelation:
1. “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear
the words of the prophecy, and heed the things
which are written in it; for the time is near”
(Rev. 1:3).
2. “And I heard a voice from heaven, saying,
“Write, „Blessed are the dead who die in the
Lord from now on!‟ ” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so
that they may rest from their labors, for their
deeds follow with them” (Rev. 14:13).
3. “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the
one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so
that he will not walk about naked and men will
not see his shame” (Rev. 16:15).
4. “Then he said to me, “Write, „Blessed are those
who are invited to the marriage supper of the
Lamb.‟ ” And he said to me, “These are true
words of God” (Rev. 19:9).
5. “Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in
the first resurrection; over these the second
death has no power, but they will be priests of
God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a
thousand years” (Rev. 20:6).
6. “And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he
who heeds the words of the prophecy of this
book” (Rev. 22:7).
7. “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that
they may have the right to the tree of life, and
may enter by the gates into the city” (Rev.
22:14).
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The Book of Revelation Notes
iii. The apostles Paul, Peter, James and John all wrote that
the day of Christ’s return was near:
1. Paul – Rom. 13:12
2. Peter – 1 Pet. 4:7
3. James – Jas. 5:7-9
4. John – 1 Jn. 2:18
e. Vv. 4-6 – Point to John as the human author and brings two
important figures into play:
i. The seven churches.
1. Seven is the number that represents
perfection, symmetry, completeness and
fullness.
2. While these churches are literal churches, the
fact that there are seven of them addressed in
Revelation shows that they are representative
of the whole church of God.
The Seven Churches of Asian Minor
ii. “the seven Spirits who are before His throne”
1. Again, the number seven represents the
fullness, completeness, perfection of the Holy
Spirit.
2. This reference is made also in Rev. 3:1; 4:5;
5:6.
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The Book of Revelation Notes
3. In the OT prophecy of Isa. 11:1-2 we see a
depiction of seven characteristics of the spirit
that would rest on the Messiah (see also Zech.
4:1-10).
4. These are NOT different spirits, but
characteristics of the Holy Spirit.
2. PREVIEW OF CHRIST’S SECOND COMING vv. 7-8
a. In these two verses, John provides us with a preview of what
will come later (in detail) in the book of Revelation.
b. Vs. 7 – has been called the motto of Revelation.
i. The first line of this verse echoes Dan. 7:13 – Jesus
will come on the clouds.
ii. The second part of this verse draws from Zech. 12:10
– which says that those who pierced Christ will mourn
over Him.
iii. The same connection is seen in Mt. 24:30, “And then
the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and
then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they
will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the
sky with power and great glory.”
iv. Rev. 7:9 is a fulfilment of the Zech. 12:10 and Mt.
24:30 prophecies.
c. Vs. 8 – the Alpha and Omega
i. The beginning of the verse begins with “I am,”
reminiscent of Ex. 3:14 when Moses asks God what
he should say to Pharaoh about who sent him. God’s
response was, “…I AM sent me to you.” This term is
also used in John 8:58 where Jesus tells the religious
leaders that before Abraham was born, “I AM.”
ii. Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the
Greek alphabet.
iii. The title affirms that God is the sovereign Lord of all
ages.
iv. He is the one who is, who was and who is to
come…He is the Almighty God, the Creator of
the universe, the cause of anything and
everything.
3. JOHN’S PROPHETIC CALL vv. 9-20
a. Christian’s were considered disloyal to Rome because they
were unwilling to acknowledge Caesar as the supreme
authority and they rejected the Roman gods.
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The Book of Revelation Notes
b. In A.D.64 Rome was burned. Many suspected that Nero was
the instigator of the destruction so to avoid suspicion he
blamed the Christians. This fuelled an empire-wide
persecution against the believers which saw the apostle Paul
arrested and beheaded for Christ.
c. Thirty years later, Domitian sanctioned an official persecution
against Christians. This persecution spread to the province of
Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) and impacted the life of the
apostle John.
d. In this section (vv. 9-11), John records the circumstances of
his call to prophecy. You will notice that his call to ministry is
not unlike Isaiah’s call (Isa. 6:1-13), in that there is a
characteristic vision of God.
i. Vs. 9 – John identifies himself as a “fellow partaker.”
John shared three things with the churches to which he
wrote: (1) he shared in their tribulation, (2) he shared
in their kingdom and, (3) he shared in their
perseverance. As such, he was in forced exile on the
Island of Patmos because of his faith and testimony
for Christ.
ii. Vs. 10 – “in the Spirit” – refers to the fact that John’s
experience was beyond the bounds of normal human
apprehension. If John was left to his own wisdom and
knowledge, he would have never gained the kind of
revelation knowledge without the help of God. Under
the Spirit’s control, John was transported to a plane of
experience and perception beyond that of human
senses. In that state, God supernaturally revealed
things to him that could be known in no other way.
Similar episodes were experienced by:
1. Ezekiel – Ezek. 2:2; 3:12, 14.
2. Peter – Acts 10:9-16.
3. Paul – Acts 22:17-21; 2 Cor. 12:1-7
iii. Vs. 10 – “a loud voice, like the sound of a
trumpet” – here the simile employed by John is
description of a loud, distinct, impossible to
ignore sound. The literal reality was that the
voice which spoke to John was loud. Throughout
the book of Revelation a loud voice or a loud
sound is used to indicate the solemnity of ensuing
revelation – Rev. 5:2, 12; 6:10; 7:2, 10; 8:13;
10:3; 11:12, 15; 12:10; 14:2, 15, 18; 16:1, 17;
19:1, 17; 21:3.
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The Book of Revelation Notes
iv. Vs. 11 – John was commissioned to record the
vision and send it to the churches. The fact that
John was to send this letter to seven churches
(which are named) gives further textual evidence
to the literal existence of the seven churches.
e. Vv. 12-20 – John sees the vision, responds to the vision
and the vision is explained.
i. Vs. 12 – “seven golden lampstands” – as we
learn from vs. 20, the lampstands are the seven
churches. Two important descriptions are given in
this verse:
1. “seven” – as we have seen already, the
number seven represents completion or
perfection. It is significant that there are
seven churches because Christ is speaking
to the present day church as a whole.
2. “golden lampstands” – the original words
used here refer to common portable oil
lamps that could be carried around inside
or outside. When used inside, the lamps
were placed on lampstands which elevated
them and increased the output of light for
the house. The use of gold in the
description is a symbol speaking to the
exceedingly great value of the church
(Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:25). The fact that
these lamps were placed on lampstands
represents the fact of the church being the
light of the world, set on a lampstand to
give light to all (Mt. 5:14; Phil. 2:15).
ii. Vs. 13a – in the middle of the lampstands (the
churches) John saw one like a son of man (human
being). It is significant for us to realise that Jesus
always dwells in the midst of the church. The
church is His body and as head, He will never
leave or forsake her (Heb. 13:5). This fulfils His
promise to the disciples in John 14:18, 23, “I will
not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
Jesus answered and said to him, „If anyone loves
Me, he will keep My work; and My Father will
~ 9 ~
The Book of Revelation Notes
love him and We will come to him and make Our
abode with him.”
iii. Vv. 13b-16 – the vision of Jesus
1. Vs. 13b – “clothed in a robe reaching to
the feet” – is a high priestly garment (Ex.
28). Isaiah saw the train of the Lord’s
robe filling the temple in his vision of Isa.
6.
2. Vs. 13c – “girded across His chest with a
golden sash” – the imagery here is rich!
Ex. 28:4 and Lev. 16:4 speak of the high
priest’s sash made of linen. Jesus’ sash is
made of gold representing His more
excellent and eternal priesthood.
a. Heb. 3:1 – describes Jesus as the
High Priest of our confession.
b. His model of priesthood exceeds
the Aaronic priesthood of the Old
Testament – Heb. 7:11, 22-28;
10:11-14.
3. Vs. 14 – “His head and His hair were
white like white wool, like snow” – this is
an obvious reference to Dan. 7:9, “I kept
looking until thrones were set up, and the
Ancient of Days too His seat; His vesture
was like white snow and the hair of His
head like pure wool. His throne was
ablaze with flames; its wheels were a
burning fire.” White carries the
connotation of bright, blazing, brilliant
and symbolizes Christ’s eternal, holy,
glorious truthfulness.
4. Vs. 14 – “His eyes were like a flame of
fire” – again John uses simile to
illuminate the burning judgement of
Christ. In the Bible, fire is often
associated with judgement and
purification – Isa. 47:14; 66:16; Jer.
48:45; Lam. 1:13; Ezek. 39:6; Mt. 13:42;
25:41; John 15:6; 1 Cor. 3:11-15; Heb.
12:29. The eyes represent the penetrating
~ 10 ~
The Book of Revelation Notes
knowledge of Christ’s judgement – Mt.
10:26; Heb. 4:13.
5. Vs. 15 – “His feet were like burnished
bronze” – the idea of glowing burnished
bronze is a picture of the holy and pure
foundation upon which Christ will make
His judgements (Dan. 10:6).
6. Vs. 15 – “His voice was like the sound of
many waters” – Ezek. 43:2 also pictures
the resounding authority of a mighty crash
of the surf breaking against the rocks. No
longer is the voice a clear but loud
trumpet, now it is a tumult of terrifying
thunderous power.
7. Vs. 16 – “seven stars” – these stars are in
the right hand of Christ which represents
them being under his authority. Vs. 20
gives us the identity of these stars as the
angels of the seven churches. But what
should we understand from the
designation of angels? Are they angelic
beings or something else? Though
generally the Greek word angelos refers to
angels, here it does not appear to the be
the best understanding:
a. Angels are not given the
opportunity to repent, but by
reading the message to the seven
churches, it implies that the angels
of the churches along with the
churches themselves are called on
to do just that.
b. There seems to be no need for God
to communicate with the angels by
first given a message to a human
agent, then through him
communicating to the angels.
c. The Greek word angelos is also
translated messenger (Lk. 7:24,
9:52; Jas. 2:25). It would appear
that the idea of messenger of the
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The Book of Revelation Notes
churches would fit best. John is
referring to the leading
representatives (pastor/elders) of
the churches who demonstrate the
function of spiritual leaders in the
church.
8. Vs. 16 – “sharp two-edged sword” –
pictures the cutting clarity of the truth of
God’s Word applied to the churches’
condition (Isa. 49:2; Hos. 6:5; Eph. 6:17;
Heb. 4:12).
iv. Vv. 17-19 – John’s response to the vision
1. “I fell at His feet like a dead man” – in
the common vernacular John is saying that
he fainted. This is similar to the
experience Daniel had in Dan. 10:8-9. It
is a response of intense fear and terror.
Rev. 6:16-17 describes this same feeling,
“and they said to the mountains and to the
rocks, „Fall on us and hide us from the
presence of Him who sits on the throne,
and from the wrath of the lamb; for the
great day of their wrath has come, and
who is able to stand?‟”
2. “Do not be afraid” – words of comfort
from the Lord (see also Gen. 15:1; 26:24;
Judges 6:23; Mt. 14:27; 17:7; 28:10).
3. In verse 18 Jesus claims that he was dead
but now is alive forevermore. This is the
essence of Him being the firstborn from
the dead (Rev. 1:5) which means that of
those who have been resurrected, He is the
first to never again experience death.
Heb. 7:16 describes this as an
indestructible life and Rom. 6:9 clearly
says that He will never die again.
4. Therefore, Jesus has the keys (authority)
of death and of Hades (John 11:25).
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The Book of Revelation Notes
5. Vs. 19 actually provides us with an outline
of the book of Revelation. John is to
write:
a. “the things which he has seen” –
referring to the vision he had seen
of Jesus and which we have just
read about.
b. “the things which are” – which is
contained in chapters 2-3 – the
messages to the seven churches,
describing the current state of the
church in the world.
c. “the things which will take place
after these things” – referring to
the events of chapters 4-22 of the
book of Revelation.
The vision of Christ establishes His sovereign right and moral
qualifications to pass judgement on the church. In the same way that
God presents Himself as Creator (Gen. 1-2), thus having the
sovereign authority to command and punish, so here, Christ is
portrayed as the sovereign God with a right to rule and judge.
Though the visions in this book are startling and disturbing, they are
God’s Word and are profitable for teaching, reproof, correction and
training in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
4. MESSAGE TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES vv. 2:1-3:22
a. Ephesus – 2:1-7
i. The backsliding church.
ii. They were commended for their perseverance and the
fact that they did not tolerate evil men.
iii. They hated the deeds of the Nicolaitans (also
mentioned in Rev. 2:12-15 in letter to Pergamum).
1. Nicolaitans cannot be positively identified,
though some have offered a couple of
explanations. What is consistent however is
that the few references made by the early
church fathers all connect this group with
Nicolas (one of the seven men chosen in Acts
6:5).
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The Book of Revelation Notes
2. One suggestion says that Nicolas was actually
a false believer, but retained his influence in
the church because of his credentials of being
one of the ―chosen seven.‖
3. Another suggestion states that the Nicolaitans
as a group misrepresented some of Nicolas’
teachings.
4. Whatever the identity and origin, we know the
Nicolaitans led people into immorality,
idolatry and other wickedness. The letter to
Pergamum actually links the sin of the
Nicolaitans with the evil of Balaam (Num. 22-
25).
iv. The problem of the church was that they left their first
love. They were a fulfilment of the prophetic claim in
Mt. 24:12 that people’s love for God would grow
cold. Their love had also become mechanical.
Though they went through the motions of ministry,
their hearts were far from God (Mt. 15:8).
b. Smyrna – 2:8-11
i. The suffering church.
ii. Though they were enduring difficult times, we know
that Christ knew what they were going through and
would ultimately perfect, confirm, strengthen, and
establish them (1 Pet. 5:10).
iii. They were enduring tribulation which is a picture of
extreme pressure like that of being between a rock and
a hard place.
iv. They experienced poverty of the kind that required
them to beg for their very existence trusting on the
generosity of others to sustain them.
v. The church would go through an intense tribulation of
ten days after which, if they hold fast, they will
receive the crown of life (1 Cor. 9:25; Jas. 1:12).
c. Pergamum – 2:12-17
i. The worldly church.
ii. They held fast the word and even one of their church
members (Antipas) was martyred for his faith.
iii. The problem was that they tolerated false teachers.
They did not rid themselves of the Nicolaitans who
like Balaam led people astray to immorality. When
~ 14 ~
The Book of Revelation Notes
they should have confronted sin, they instead, like the
church at Corinth (1 Cor. 5) tolerated sin.
d. Thyatira – 2:18-29
i. The unrepentant church.
ii. The problem with this church was not external
persecution but internal compromise. Paul was
concerned about this very thing when he warned the
Ephesian elders that from among themselves men
would arise trying to lead people astray (Acts 20:29-
30; see also Jude; 2 Pet. 2).
iii. There was a period of grace given for repentance, but
it was not to happen. Jezebel (1 Kin. 16-2 Kin. 10)
had a firm foothold on the church.
e. Sardis – 3:1-6
i. The dying church.
ii. This was a social church that was just resting on their
reputation. They were a church in name only.
iii. They were a visible church but many of them were not
members of the invisible church (Mt. 7:21-23).
iv. It is important to remember that the kingdom of
heaven has no grandchildren. Everyone must have a
personal relationship with Jesus…it is neither
hereditary nor associative.
f. Philadelphia – 3:7-13
i. The serving church.
ii. There are no condemnations for this church and
because they persevered, Christ would keep them
from the hour of testing which was to come upon the
whole world.
g. Laodicea – 3:14-22
i. The apostate church.
ii. They had syncretised their beliefs to the point that
Jesus said that they were lukewarm and because they
were lukewarm He would spew them out of His
mouth.
iii. The impact and effectiveness of any church is
absolutely destroyed by mixing with the world. It is
for this reason that Paul calls the Corinthian church to
come out and be separate from the world (2 Cor. 6:14-
18).
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The Book of Revelation Notes
So John introduces the book of Revelation with a vision of the
mighty One who is the Alpha and Omega, the pure, holy and just
judge of all the earth.
So we have read about the things which John had seen, and the
things which are; the remainder of the book deals with the things
which are yet to come…
Judgements and Blessings in Revelation
Below is a chart that summarises the three judgements in Revelation and
the blessings contained in the book. It is helpful to get an overview before
launching into these judgements.
Judgements Blessings
7 Seals 7 Trumpets 7 Bowls
7 Beatitudes
On those who…
1 Antichrist
Rev. 6:1-2
Vegetation Burned
Rev. 8:7
Terrible Sores
Rev. 16:2
Read and heed this book
Rev. 1:3
2 War
Rev. 6:3-4
Sea Life Destroyed
Rev. 8:8-9
Seas Turned to Blood
Rev. 16:3
Die in the Lord
Rev. 14:13
3 Famine
Rev. 6:5-6
Waters Made Bitter
Rev. 8:10-11
Fresh Water to Blood
Rev. 16:4-7
Wait for His coming
Rev. 16:15
4 Pestilence
Rev. 6:7-8
Heavens Struck
Rev. 8:12-13
Sun Scorches Men
Rev. 16:8-9
Are invited to the supper
Rev. 19:9
5 Martyrs
Rev. 6:9-11
Demonic “Locusts”
Rev. 9:1-12
Darkness and Pain
Rev. 16:10-11
Are resurrected
to life
Rev. 20:6
6 Cosmic Disasters
Rev. 6:12-17
Deadly Plagues
Rev. 9:13-21
Euphrates Dries Up
Rev. 16:12-16
Keep these words
Rev. 22:7
7
The Seven Trumpets
Rev. 8:1-6
The Seven Bowls
Rev. 11:15-19
Final Destruction
Rev. 16:17-21
Do His commands
Rev. 22:14
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The Book of Revelation Notes
It is important to note that the chronology of the Book of Revelation is not
completely linear. Some of the events are taking place in heaven and some
are taking place on earth. There is also the element of the chronology of
John’s visions which requires careful attention in our study.
The Bible records only two people who have been taken to heaven and
then returned to earth. Paul (2 Cor. 12), who was not allowed to reveal the
details of his trip and John, who is actually commanded to write down the
vision and send it to the seven churches of Asia Minor, who are
representative of the whole Church.
Beginning in Revelation chapter four, we are informed about the series of
events taking place after John’s vision of Jesus in the midst of the
lampstands (Rev. 1:9-20).
We are taken to the throne room of God in heaven which became John’s
vantage point for most of the remainder of this book. The vision of the
throne forms a prologue to the future, historical events that unfold in
chapters 6-22.
5. THE ONE ON THE THRONE vv. 4:1-3
a. John was not swept away in some mystical fantasyland, but
spiritually transported into the reality of heaven. Remember
that being “in the Spirit” refers to the necessary condition for
him to receive revelatory truth that could not be apprehended
with normal human sensory perception.
b. In vs. 2b-3a, John describes God, the One who sits on the
throne. Note the use of simile which is all John could use to
describe the indescribable God.
i. “was like a jasper stone” – later in this book (Rev.
21:11), John refers to jasper as being crystal-clear;
something like a diamond. There is an unmatched
brilliance in the vision of God.
ii. “sardius” – a fiery red ruby stone, named for the city
by which it was found.
iii. “rainbow” – is the sign of the covenant with
Noah (Gen. 9:13-17), but is also mentioned by
Ezekiel in his vision (1:28).
iv. “emerald” – a huge brilliant green emerald-like
gem also dominated the rainbows appearance.
6. THOSE AROUND THE THRONE vv. 4:3-11
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The Book of Revelation Notes
a. ―twenty-four elders‖ – many have offered varied views about
the identity of the 24 elders. Here is what we can conclude
about their identity:
i. The imagery of their thrones (vs. 4), their white
garments (cf. Rev. 19:7-8), their golden crowns (cf. 1
Cor. 9:25; Jas. 1:12) seem to indicate that these 24
elders represent the redeemed (cf. Rev. 4:9-11; 5:5-14;
7:11-17; 11:16-18; 14:3; 19:4). The question is which
redeemed?
ii. It cannot be Israel, because the nation is not yet saved,
glorified or crowned. Their resurrection and glory
will not happen until the end of the Tribulation (Dan.
12:1-3).
iii. Tribulation saints are not yet saved (Rev. 7:9-10).
iv. Only one group will be complete and glorified at this
point – the Church. Here the elders represent the
Church. They are overcomers who have been brought
up to live in the place prepared for them (John 14:1-4).
b. At this point, let’s consider the rapture of the church.
According to chronology the Tribulation doesn’t really begin
until the opening of the first seal on the scroll. This initiates
the seal judgements which telescope into the trumpet
judgements all occurring in the first half of the seven year
Tribulation. Many are confused about the rapture and the
second coming. Here are some significant distinctions between
the two events:
i. The rapture entails the removal of all believers while
the second coming is the appearing or the
manifestation of the Son to reign on earth.
ii. The rapture sees the saints caught up into the air,
while the second coming has Christ returning to the
earth.
iii. In the rapture, Christ comes to claim His bride, while
at the second coming, Christ comes to claim His
crown and establish His millennial kingdom.
iv. The rapture is imminent and could happen at any time,
while the second coming is preceded by a multitude of
signs.
v. The rapture brings a message of comfort, while the
second coming brings a message of judgement.
vi. The rapture is related to the programme of the Church,
while the second coming is related to the programme
of Israel and the unbelieving world.
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The Book of Revelation Notes
vii. At the rapture believers are judged, while at the
second coming unbelieving Gentiles and Israel are
judged.
viii. The rapture leaves creation unchanged, while the
second coming entails a huge change in creation.
ix. At the rapture Israel’s covenants are unfulfilled, while
at the second coming all her covenants are fulfilled.
x. The rapture has no particular relation to the
programme of God in relation to evil; while at the
second coming evil is judged.
xi. The rapture is said to take place before the day of
wrath, but the second coming follows it.
xii. The rapture is for believers only, while the second
coming has its effect on all men.
xiii. The expectation of the church with regard to the
rapture is ―the Lord is at hand‖ (Phil. 4:5), while the
expectation of Israel with regard to the second coming
is ―the kingdom is at hand‖ (Mt. 24:14).
c. Vv. 5-8a - the four living creatures
i. These are cherubim; angels who are frequently seen in
the Old Testament in connection with God’s presence,
power and holiness. NOTE: Lucifer (Isa. 14:12-15;
Ezek. 28:12-15) was the ―anointed cherub that covers‖
meaning that he was the cherub designated to protect
the holiness and glory of God.
ii. Although John’s definition is not identical to
Ezekiel’s, they are referring to the same supernatural
and indescribably beings (Ps. 80:1; 99:1; Ezek. 1:4-
25; 10:15).
iii. These cherubim were full of eyes which
communicates that nothing escapes their scrutiny.
iv. John obviously is using symbolic language in an
attempt to describe these creatures by using certain of
God’s earthly creatures. Ezekiel also indicates that
cherubim have these four attributes (Ezek. 1:6):
1. Like a lion – representing strength and power.
2. Like a calf – this image demonstrates humble
service rendered unto God.
3. Face like a man – communicates that the
cherubim are rational beings.
4. Like a flying eagle – shows that they fulfil
their service to God with the swiftness and
endurance of eagles.
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The Book of Revelation Notes
d. Vv. 8b-11 – As the creatures give praise and honour to God on
His throne, they are joined by the 24 elders who not only join
in the chorus of praise but also cast their crowns before the
throne of the Lord. It seems evident that they have already
experienced the Judgement Seat of Christ, by the presence of
their rewards (cf. 1 Cor. 3:9-15).
7. THE ONE WORTHY TO OPEN THE SEALED BOOK vv. 5:1-14
a. Vv. 1-7 – The Worthy One
i. John first sees a book with writing on the inside and
the outside, in the right hand of God, and with seven
seals. It was common in ancient times for all major
contracts or documents to have the actual details of the
document written on the inside of the scroll and a
summary of the document written on the outside.
ii. “strong angel” – we are unclear as to the certain
identity of the strong angel here. It is reasonable to
assume that he is Gabriel whose name means strength
of God (Dan. 8:16). This strong angel also makes a
loud proclamation which would be consistent with
Gabriel’s past missions.
iii. John begins to weep because no one present at the
time was worthy to break the seals and open the book
until one of the elders tells John who is worthy:
1. Lion of the tribe of Judah (Gen. 49:9; Heb.
7:14
2. Root of Jesse (Isa. 11:1; Rom. 15:12; Rev.
22:16).
3. The Lamb of God as though it had been slain
(Isa. 53:7; Jer. 11:19; John 1:29).
4. Seven horns, seven eyes, seven Spirits –
representing perfect strength and power;
perfect knowledge (omniscience); perfect
character…the sovereign God.
iv. Jesus takes the book and those worshipping at the
throne of God, turned and began worshipping the
Lamb.
b. Vv. 8-14 – the new song
i. The bowls full of incense are pictures of the people’s
prayers in the OT. The priests would stand twice daily
before the inner veil of the temple and burn incense so
that the smoke would carry into the Holy of Holies
and be swept into the nostrils of God. Here they
represent all the prayers of all the saints that have ever
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The Book of Revelation Notes
been offered concerning ultimate and final
redemption. This becomes a major theme throughout
the book (cf. Rev. 11:17-18; 13:7, 9-10; 14:12; 16:6;
17:6; 18:20, 24; 19:8; 20:9).
ii. Vs. 11 speaks of myriads and myriads of angels which
is another way of saying incalculable. The Greek word
used here can also be translated ―innumerable‖ (Lk.
12:1; Heb. 12:22).
iii. The fact that in vs. 13 those in heaven, on earth and
under the earth are proclaiming the dominion of Jesus
is a direct fulfilment of Phil. 2:9-11.
8. THE BOOK IS OPENED: THE TRIBULATION BEGINS vv. 6:1-17
a. Chapter five revealed that Jesus was the only One found
worthy to open the scroll. As He breaks the seven seals that
secure the scroll, each seal unleashes a new demonstration of
God’s judgement on the earth in the subsequent tribulation
period.
b. The seals and trumpets represent a ―telescoping‖ effect in their
judgements. The seventh seal telescopes into the seven
trumpet judgements and the seventh trumpet into the seven
bowls of wrath.
c. Vv. 1-2 – The first seal – White horse
i. Rider has a bow, which represents war, but the fact
that there are no arrows indicates that the victory is a
bloodless one. In other words, the peace is
accomplished by covenant and agreement, not by war
(cf. Dan. 9:24-27).
ii. The rider has also been given a crown. The Antichrist
becomes king, elected by the world’s inhabitants
regardless of the cost.
d. Vv. 3-4 – The second seal – Red horse
i. The blood red appearance of this horse represents the
holocaust of war. The rider has been given a sword,
granted to take peace away from the earth which
results in men killing each other.
ii. The sword here is not the long broad sword, but the
shorter more easily manoeuvred one that assassins
often used and that soldiers carried into battle.
e. Vv. 5-6 – The third seal – Black horse
i. Black signifies famine (Lam. 5:8-10).
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The Book of Revelation Notes
ii. The result of worldwide war will be the destruction of
the food supply.
iii. The pair of scales represents the scarcity of food
which will lead to rationing and food lines.
1. A quart of wheat is the amount of wheat
necessary to sustain a person for one day.
2. Denarius is equal to one normal day’s wages.
One day’s work will provide enough food for
only one person per day.
3. Three quarts of barely – usually fed to
animals, it is low in nutrients and cheaper than
wheat. A day’s wage will supply enough for a
small family to live one day.
4. Oil and wine – although these were normal
everyday commodities; oil for making bread
and wine for cooking and purifying water;
they will suddenly become luxuries that have
to be carefully protected.
f. Vv. 7-8 – The fourth seal – Pale horse
i. This represents the ashen-green, pallor characteristics
of the decomposition of a corpse.
ii. God grants this horseman the authority to bring death
to 25% of the world’s population or the equivalent of
1.5 billion people.
iii. Hades is literally the place of the dead and is often
used as a partner to death.
g. Vv. 9-11 – The fifth seal – The martyrs
i. This seal describes the force of the saints’ prayers for
God’s vengeance. They souls of martyred saints from
under the throne long to know how long before God
avenges (Rom. 2:5; 12:19).
ii. The saints are told that they must rest a bit longer until
the number is completed. God has predetermined the
number of the righteous whose death He will allow
before moving to destroy the rebels.
h. Vv. 12-17 – The sixth seal – Terror
i. This seal is associated with cosmic disturbances that
produce overpowering fear. This seal represents
judgements that are unmistakably the hand of God to
accomplish His purposes.
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The Book of Revelation Notes
1. There is a great earthquake so severe that all
the land masses are moved thus realigning
entire continents.
2. Accompanying the earthquake will be
numerous volcanic eruptions; and large
amounts of ash and debris will be blown into
the earth’s atmosphere, blackening the sun
and giving the moon a blood-red hue (cf.
Zech. 14:6-7).
3. Stars will fall from heaven. The word “stars”
can refer to any celestial body, large or small
and is not limited to normal English usage.
The best explanation is a large asteroid or a
meteor shower.
ii. The inhabitants of the earth will recognise for the first
time the source of all their trouble is the wrath of the
Lamb. Incredibly, up until now, they were living life
as usual (Mt. 24:37-39).
iii. Such fear will strike the people that they will try to
hide themselves in caves calling on the rocks for
assistance in an effort to hide from the wrath of God.
iv. They will call this the great day of the wrath. But what
they don’t realise is that it will even get worse for
them.
9. EXPLANATORY INTERLUDE vv. 7:1-17
a. Chapter seven forms a parenthesis between the sixth seal
(6:12-17) and the seventh seal (8:1). Two distinct groups
survive the divine fury, the 144,000 Jewish evangelists on
earth (vv. 1-8) and their converts in heaven (vv. 9-17).
b. Vv. 1-8 – The sealing of the 144,000
i. The four angels who are positioned at the four corners
of the earth are in strategic compass positions. They
were holding back the four winds of the earth, which
is the essential engine of our earth’s atmosphere.
Everything was still.
ii. The four angels who were granted permission to do
harm to the earth and the sea were told they could not
move against such until the bond-servants of God
were sealed on their foreheads.
iii. The number of those sealed was 144,000; 12,000 from
each of the 12 tribes of Israel. These Jewish
evangelists are instrumental in the salvation of man
Jews and Gentiles during the Tribulation (vv. 9-17;
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The Book of Revelation Notes
Zech. 12:10). They would be afforded the divine
protection of God while they carry out their mission.
The presence of these missionaries indicates at least
one of the major purposes of the Tribulation…that is
to give Jews from all over the world another
opportunity to accept their Messiah.
c. Vv. 9-17 – A multitude from the Tribulation
i. While the Tribulation is a time of great judgement and
wrath, it is also a time of unprecedented redemption.
ii. People from every nation, tribe, people, and tongue
will come to Christ and worship before the throne in
heaven day and night.
iii. These are believers who have had their robes cleansed
by the blood of the Lamb and have come out of the
Tribulation, meaning that they were either victims of
some catastrophe or they were martyred for their faith.
iv. Now that they are in heaven there is no fear or
discomfort from the heat or from thirst, and the Lord
will wipe every tear from their eye.
10. SEVENTH SEAL AND SEVEN TRUMPET JUDGEMENTS vv. 8:1-13
a. The contents of the seven trumpets indicate that they are
different from the seven seals. The trumpets do not double
back over the seals, but lie under the sixth seal and proceed
from it. In the same way the bowls of wrath proceed out of
the seventh trumpet in rapid succession before Christ’s return.
b. Below is a visual illustrating the relationship of the seals,
trumpets and bowls:
c. Vs. 1 – The seventh seal – Silence in heaven
Seals
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Trumpets
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Bowls
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
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The Book of Revelation Notes
i. The silence in heaven is a silence of awe and
anticipation at the grim reality of the judgement God
is about to unleash.
ii. The interlude is now over and the opening of the
seventh seal flows into the first of the seven trumpet
judgements.
d. Vv. 2-6 – The seven trumpets
i. The seven angels – it is not clear as to the identity of
the angels. The use of the definite article indicates
that it is a special group of angels that John has in
mind. Also the perfect tense of the verb “stands”
indicates that they were standing before the throne for
some time.
1. It could be that these angels are those referred
to in Rev. 1:20 which would make them the
representatives of the seven churches of Asia
Minor who were of course raptured with the
rest of the Church, but a different leadership
group than is represented by the 24 elders.
2. Some have suggested the name of this group
of angels be “presence angels.” Those who
suggest this also identify the different ranks of
angels mentioned in Scripture offer that these
angels represent these different types of
angels.
ii. Whatever their identity, they have been given seven
trumpets and are prepared to sound them.
iii. The censer was a bowl used to transport fire from the
brazen altar to the altar of incense which represented
the prayers of the saints.
iv. The censer is filled with fire and cast down to the
earth which ignites thunder, lightening and an
earthquake greater than the intensity of the one in the
sixth seal.
e. Vv. 6-7 – The first trumpet
i. Hail and fire mixed with blood was hurled to the earth
resulting in a third of the earth being burned up
including the trees and the grass.
ii. It is possible that this is a phenomenological
representation of volcanic eruptions which certainly
would take place with an earthquake of this
magnitude. The steam and water thrown into the sky
could easily condense into hail and fall to earth along
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The Book of Revelation Notes
with the fiery lava (cf. Ex. 9:13-25). Dust and gases
may so contaminate falling liquid water that it appears
blood red.
f. Vv. 8-9 – The second trumpet
i. The thing that is ―like a great mountain burning with
fire‖ is likely to be a meteor or an asteroid that ignites
with fire as it enters the earth’s atmosphere.
ii. The impact of such a huge object would cause a
massive tidal wave that would certainly destroy one
third of the ships.
iii. The reference to the sea turned to blood, definitely has
a supernatural source (Ex. 7:14-22) not necessarily
associated with the impact of the meteor. The result
of the blood is that one third of the living creatures in
the sea die.
iv. This judgement, like that of most of the trumpet
judgements, primarily affected a third of the earth.
g. Vv. 10-11 – The third trumpet
i. A great star fell from heaven, perhaps a comet because
it leaves a fiery tail like a torch. As it enters the
earth’s atmosphere it will disintegrate scattering its
contamination over the globe.
ii. The name of the star, Wormwood, is a bitter,
poisonous root from a desert plant that causes
drunkenness and eventually death. It is mentioned
only here in the New Testament, but is mentioned
several times in the Old Testament where it represents
sorrow and bitter judgement (Deut. 29:18; Prov. 5:4;
Jer. 9:15; 23:15; Lam. 3:15).
iii. The result of the contaminated waters is that many
men died from drinking the water.
h. Vs. 12 – The fourth trumpet
i. Here God supernaturally reduced the intensity of the
celestial bodies by one-third.
ii. The loss of solar heat will cause radical drop in
temperature producing severe changes in
meteorological, botanical, and biological cycles (cf.
Lk. 21:25; Ex. 10:21-23). Note that this affect is
temporary (cf. Rev. 16:8-9).
i. Vs. 13 – The announcement of the final three trumpets
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The Book of Revelation Notes
i. The picture of an eagle in midheaven represents the
swift strong vengeance of the Lord (cf. Deut. 28:49;
Hos. 8:1; Hab. 1:8). Midheaven indicates that the
eagle is flying high in the sky and visible to all.
ii. The proclamation of the triple woe communicates that
although the first four trumpets brought unimaginable
judgements, they are nothing compared to the final
three trumpets that the angels are about to sound.
11. THE FINAL THREE TRUMPET JUDGEMENTS vv. 9:1-21
a. Vv. 1-12 – The fifth trumpet – First Woe
i. The star falling from heaven, unlike the stars of 6:13
and 8:8 is probably a reference to Satan (cf. Rev.
12:7).
ii. He was given the keys to the bottomless pit (literally
“the pit of the abyss”). It is mentioned seven times in
Revelation and it always refers to the prison where
some of the demonic hordes are incarcerated (cf. 2
Pet. 2:4; Jude 6-7).
iii. From out of the abyss come locusts which are
grasshopper like creatures that descend in swarms so
thick they can obscure the sun and strip bare all
vegetation. These however are not normal locusts,
but specially prepared ones that are merely the
outward form of demons who like locusts will bring
swarming desolation (cf. Joel 2:1-5).
iv. The word “like” (which introduces a simile) appears
nine times in John’s description which indicates that
he is finding it difficult to describe what he sees in a
way that the reader will understand. Here is the
description given by John:
1. They were given the power like that of a
scorpion, indicating that they probably had
tails that could inflict their victim with painful
stings. They were able to inflict the pain upon
all mankind who did not have the seal of God
on them (i.e. the 144,000 and their converts
still on the earth). This torment would last for
five months and men would seek death but
were unable to find it.
2. They were like horses prepared for battle –
which indicates some sort of armour that
protected them from retaliatory attacks.
3. They had heads that looked like crowns of
gold.
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The Book of Revelation Notes
4. They had faces like that of men, indicating
rationality and intelligence, which is obvious
because they could distinguish between those
who had the seal of God and those who did
not.
5. They had women’s hair (cf. Jer. 51:27).
6. They had lion’s teeth – fierce, powerful.
7. They had breastplates of iron designed to
protect vital organs.
8. They sounded like many chariots and horses
going into battle.
9. They had tails like scorpions – not just the
ability to sting, but the appearance of a
scorpion’s tail.
v. The king who commanded them was an angel from
the abyss whose name was in the Hebrew, Abaddon
and in the Greek, Apollyon. Both terms mean
“destroyer.” There is a hierarchy of power among
demons, just as among holy angels. Apparently the
angel is one of Satan’s most trusted leaders.
vi. The final three trumpets are called “woes.” Vs. 12
proclaims that one woe is past but two more remain.
b. Vv. 13-21 – The sixth trumpet – Second Woe
i. As the sixth trumpet sounded, John heard a voice from
the four horns of the golden altar. God’s design for
the golden altar of incense included small protrusions
(horns) on each corner (Ex. 30:2). Normally it was a
place of mercy as God responded to the prayers of His
people, but now it has become a source of a cry for
vengeance.
ii. The voice proclaims the release of four angels who
were bound at the Euphrates River. The Bible never
refers to holy angels as being bound, so these must be
fallen angels or demons also in chains until the
appointed day and hour of their temporary release, all
of which was predetermined by God.
iii. Some see the army as a reference to forces
accompanying the kings of the east (cf. Rev. 16:12)
and identify them with a human army coming from
Asia. But that event occurs in connection with the
seventh trumpet not the sixth. The language is better
understood as referring to a demon force that makes
ware with the earth’s inhabitants and kills one-third of
humanity (vs. 15).
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The Book of Revelation Notes
iv. The number of the armies of the horsemen was two
hundred million. Though some take this number to be
figurative, there is no textual reason to interpret it as
such.
v. The appearance of the demonic army is as follows:
1. Riders had on breastplates the colour of red,
dark blue and yellow. There is no
significance to their colour other than the fact
that John records it as literal narrative not a
simile.
2. The heads of the horses are like lion’s heads
and out of their mouths came fire, smoke and
brimstone (sulphur). It was this lethal
combination that killed one-third of mankind.
vi. There was also power in the tails. Their tails were like
serpents. Thus these demon horsemen had the ability
to kill from either direction.
vii. Sadly, verses 20-21 records that in spite of all this
supernatural phenomena, those men who were not
killed remained hardened and did not repent of this
wickedness.
Interlude – Rev. 10:1-11:14
Before the sounding of the seventh trumpet there is another interlude. An
interlude took place between the sixth and the seventh seal (Rev. 7:1-17)
and another interlude will take place between the sixth and seventh bowl
judgements (Rev. 16:15).
Because the prophesies of this book are written to those who are believers
still on the earth before the rapture, God, through John offers the interludes
as a source of encouragement, hope, exhortation and a bit of explanation to
help fill in some gaps that may be missing in the midst of the Tribulation
narrative.
Remember that the interlude of Rev. 7:1-17 gave explanation to the
144,000 Jewish witnesses who were sealed with the protective mark of the
Lord. We also were encouraged to see that there would be an incalculable
multitude saved out of the Tribulation. These words of encouragement
were spoken to give us hope before entering into the more severe trumpet
judgements of Rev. 8:1-9:21.
As we look at chapter 10, we are at the halfway point in the Tribulation.
As I have noted before, many scholars refer to the second half of the
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The Book of Revelation Notes
Tribulation as the Great Tribulation. Let’s continue our study by taking a
closer look at the passages that describe this interlude.
12. APPEARANCE OF ANOTHER STRONG ANGEL vv. 10:1-4
“another strong angel” – many commentators believe this angel
to be Jesus Christ, but the Greek word translated another refers to
another of the same kind, that is a created being like the other
angels. It is also unlikely that John would refer to Jesus as an
angel because in Revelation, where John refers to Jesus it is with
an unmistakable title. Also, this could not be Christ because of the
action taken by the angel in verses 5-6. Christ is God and would
not lift up His hand in an oath, swearing by Him who lives forever
and ever. Since He is God, the risen Christ would swear by
Himself (Heb. 6:13). Finally, this angel came down from heaven
to earth. To identify him as Christ would make this the second
coming of Christ to earth and thus His appearance in Rev. 19-20
would be His third coming which is not at all consistent with
Scripture.
Vs. 1 – the angel’s description:
o “clothed with a cloud” – which symbolises power and the
fact that he comes announcing judgement. Clouds are
elsewhere associated with the second coming of Christ in
judgement (Rev. 1:7; 14:14-16; Mt. 24:30; Mk. 13:26;
14:62; Lk. 21:27).
o “rainbow upon his head” – the rainbow represents God’s
covenant mercy in the midst of judgement. It is a
reminder of God’s promise to Noah after He judged the
world by flooding it. In Gen. 9:12-16, God placed a
rainbow in the sky as a sign of His promise not to again
flood the world.
o “face was like the sun” – the brilliant, radiant glory of this
wonderful angel lit up the earth like the blazing sun.
o “feel like pillars of fire” – this description symbolises his
unbending holiness of judgement and the fire pictures that
which consumes the ungodly.
Vs. 2a – In the angel’s hand was a little book which was open.
Though many scholars have offered different views about which
book is referred to, I believe this is the same book or scroll that
had the seven seals on it (Rev. 5:1), which were opened by Jesus
(Rev. 6). The use of the perfect participle form – “which was
open” – emphasises the idea of the scroll being opened; having
been opened; it is to remain open. That further identifies it with
the fully unrolled scroll of Rev. 6. The diminutive “little” may
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The Book of Revelation Notes
simply refer to the size of the scroll which John is later instructed
to eat (Rev. 10:9). The book is lying open in the angel’s hand and
unveils all the terrors of divine judgement that is yet to come.
Vv. 2b-3 – The angel placed one foot on the land and one foot in
the sea, indicating that the message to be proclaimed was relevant
for all the earth. It also demonstrates that God’s sovereign
authority to judge the entire earth.
o The angel cries out with a loud voice like the voice of a
lion when it roars. This reflects power and authority. The
Old Testament prophets often connected lionlike roaring
with the voice of judgement (Jer. 25:30; Hos. 11:10; Joel
3:16; Amos 1:2; 3:8).
o After the angel cried out, the “seven peals of thunder
uttered their voices.” As we have seen already, the
number seven speaks of completeness and perfection.
“Thunder” is often a mark of judgement in Scripture
(Rev. 8:5; 11:19; 16:18; 1 Sam. 2:10; 2 Sam. 22:14). The
thunder was separate from the angel’s voice and may have
represented the voice of God (1 Sam. 7:10; Ps. 18:13;
John 12:27-29).
Vs. 4 – The seven peals of thunder did not just make a loud sound,
but actually communicated something that John was about to
write. In obedience to God’s commands, John had already written
much of what he saw, and later in Revelation, John would again be
commanded to write what he saw in his visions (Rev. 14:13; 19:9;
21:5). For now, he was commanded to seal up what he heard from
the voice. Whatever the message was we know that:
o It was to be sealed up until God’s timing was fulfilled
(Rev. 22:10; Dan. 8:26-27; 12:9).
o It was something that the prophets had prophesied (Rev.
10:7) which indicates that it may have to do with Israel’s
role and fate at the coming day of wrath.
13. THE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE ANGEL vv. 10:5-7
In Rev. 6:10-11, the souls of martyrs from under the throne asked
how long the Lord would delay vengeance and judgement. The
Lord answered, “until the number of their fellow servants and
their brethren who were to be killed even has they had been, would
be completed also.” Here, in verses 5-6, the strong angels lifts up
his right hand to heaven and swore by the Lord, that “there will be
delay no longer.”
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The Book of Revelation Notes
Vs. 7 – the seventh angel is about to sound the seventh trumpet
which will unleash the bowl judgements. These judgements are
the intense pouring out of God’s wrath. When this happens, the
mystery, which God preached to the prophets, will be finished.
Note the following:
o “days of the voice of the seventh angel” – the judgement
that is coming is not one event but covers a period of time
which includes the seven bowls of wrath (Rev. 16:1-21).
The time of God’s patience has ended; He is no longer
sending witnesses out into the world. His programme of
evangelism has given way to His programme of wrath and
judgement. The anticipated time in His disciples’
questions recorded in Mt. 24:3 and Acts 1:6 has come.
o “mystery…He preached to His servants the prophets” – In
the New Testament a mystery is a truth that God concealed
but has been revealed through Christ and His apostles
(Eph. 3:3-5; Rom. 16:25). Here, the mystery is the final
consummation of all things as God destroys sinners and
establishes His righteous kingdom on earth. Though God
spoke to His prophets (Amos 3:7) of these things, they did
not fully see or understand the extent of them because the
Messiah had not yet come.
14. THE UNUSUAL INSTRUCTION vv. 10:8-11
John is instructed to take the book from the angel and to eat it.
The act of eating graphically illustrates taking in God’s Word.
John’s physical reactions to the book represent what every
believer’s response should be to the judgement of God – there is a
sweet anticipation of God’s glory and victory (which is the overall
message and purpose of Revelation), and at the same time, there is
the bitterness of seeing God’s wrath poured out on those who
reject Christ as Lord. As John digests the content of the
judgements still to come he became nauseated.
John is now called on to prophecy to all peoples, nations, tongues,
and kings about what is to take place with the coming bowls of
God’s wrath. The use of the word again indicates that John was
being commissioned a second time (Rev. 1:19) to write the
remaining prophesies God was going to give him.
The second half of the interlude features the role of the two witnesses. The
presence of the witnesses reminds us that God’s purposes for the
Tribulation have much to do with Israel. We must be careful not to
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spiritualise any of this passage by applying it to the Church. The Church is
in heaven, having been raptured and is now before the throne of God day
and night.
As we proceed with this next section of the interlude, we are getting a top-
down view of the first half of the Tribulation, in which the ministry of the
two witnesses takes, place recorded in Rev. 11:1-14.
15. THE MINISTRY OF THE TWO WITNESSES vv. 11:1-14
The period of their ministry – vv. 1-4
o In this vision, John actually becomes an active part of the
vision. He is given a measuring rod and is told to measure
the temple, the altar and those who worship in it. This is
an indication that we are in the first half of the Tribulation.
During which the Jews enjoy the benefits of the firm
seven year covenant established by the Antichrist (Dan.
9:24-27). The temple has been rebuilt and the nation of
Israel (though still in unbelief) is once again worshipping
God with sacrifices.
o Vs. 4 – It is during this time that the two witnesses are
preaching to the Jews who now have access to the temple.
They are dressed in sackcloth which represents penitence,
mourning and humility (cf. Gen. 37:34; 2 Sam. 3:31; 2
Kin. 6:30; 19:1; Esther 4:1; Isa. 22:12; Jer. 6:26; Mt.
11:21).
o As prophesied, the Antichrist will break the covenant
halfway through and ultimately commit the abomination
of desolation (Dan. 9:27; 11:31; Mt. 24:15; Mk. 13:14; Lk.
21:20; 2 Thess. 2:3-4).
o John does not measure the court outside of the temple
because it has been given to the nations (Gentiles) and
they will tread it under foot for forty two months (3 ½
years) counting from the abomination of desolation to the
end of the Great Tribulation. This coincides with the
visibly evil career of the Antichrist (Rev. 12:6; 13:5).
o Vs. 4 – describes there identity as two olive trees and two
lampstands – this description has been drawn from
Zechariah’s vision in 4:1-14. The question of their identity
has intrigued Bible scholars for years and while it is
impossible to be dogmatic about the specific identity of
these two preachers, there are a number of reasons to
suggest that they may be Moses and Elijah.
The miracles they perform are similar to the
judgements inflicted in the OT by Moses and
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Elijah (2 Kin. 1:10, 12; 1 Kin. 17:1; Jas. 5:17; Ex.
7:17-21).
Jewish tradition expected Moses and Elijah to
return in the future (Mal. 4:5 [Elijah] and Deut.
18:15, 18 [Jews believed that this promise
necessitated the return of Moses]).
Both Moses and Elijah appeared with Christ at the
transfiguration, the preview of the second coming
(Mt. 17:3).
Both Moses and Elijah left the earth in unusual
ways.
Elijah never died, but was transported to
heaven in a fiery chariot (2 Kin. 2:11-12).
God supernaturally buried Moses’ body in
a secret location (Deut. 34:5-6; Jude 9).
The purpose and power of their ministry – vv. 5-6
o They will display the power of God to unbelieving Jews
and Gentiles, and many will be saved through their
witness.
o They are called prophets (vv. 11:6, 10) as well as
witnesses, which indicates that they will not only
communicate the gospel but also the coming judgement
and wrath that will be revealed on all who reject their
message.
o They were given miraculous power and protection:
Fire flowed from their mouths and devoured their
enemies.
They had the power to stop the rain from falling
on the earth.
They had the power to turn the water into blood,
and control of all the plagues.
Persecution and death – vv. 7-10
o Sinful men have never wanted to hear or obey God’s
Word (cf. Rev. 9:20-21). As a result, sinful men under the
control of Satan tried to get rid of the two witnesses.
o God supernaturally protected the witnesses for 3 ½ years
(forty-two months). When the time came for the
Antichrist to be revealed for who he really was, God
removed His protection and allowed the Beast (Antichrist)
to kill the witnesses.
o After their death, the citizens of Jerusalem would not even
give them a proper burial (Ps. 79:1-7). Verse 9 reveals
that this went on for three and one half days. The godless
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people are so happy to be rid of the witnesses that they
celebrate their death and actually exchange gifts to honour
the occasion.
o All this is in conjunction with the abomination of
desolation which not only marks the halfway point in the
Tribulation, but also marks the initiation of the
Antichrist’s evil, murderous ways. His rule becomes more
godless and violent as the last half of the Tribulation
unfolds.
Resurrection of the two witnesses – vv. 11-14
o After 3 ½ days of celebration, the world was shocked and
terrified at the sight of the two witnesses coming alive as
God breathed into them the breath of life and raptured
them both to heaven in a cloud.
o Vs. 13 records the fact that in the very hour of their
departure, there was a great earthquake that shook
Jerusalem destroying a tenth of the city and killing “7,000
of them.” The literal Greek text for the word “people” is
“names of men.” Some suggestions as to the identity of
the 7,000 have been offered:
Some believe it refers to the high ranking officials
of unbelieving Jews still remaining in Jerusalem.
Others have suggested it refers to prominent
leaders in the Antichrist’s forces.
Others believe it may be certain of the celebrators
who guarded the bodies not allowing them to be
buried. This may also be indicated by the phrase
“and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the
God of heaven.” The rest then may refer to the
ones who had not been killed in the earthquake. It
makes sense that they would see such a surgical
judgement as the hand of God’s judgement,
especially given the nature of an earthquake. The
fact that John mentions that the rest of the gave
glory to God (a term of genuine salvation – 1 Pet.
2:12) indicates that a smaller more specific group
is in mind rather than all the Jews still living in
Jerusalem.
The seventh trumpet – Rev. 11:15-19
The seventh trumpet sets in motion the final consummation of God’s
redemptive plan for this world. During this time will come the fury of the
Day of the Lord judgements, the final harvest of judgement on earth (Rev.
11:18; 16:19), and the Lamb’s defeat of the kings of the earth (Rev. 17:12-
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18, culminating in the final climactic triumph of Christ at Armageddon
(Rev. 19:11-21).
The sounding of the seventh trumpet not only announces consuming
judgement on unbelievers, but also the coronation of the Lord Jesus Christ.
It also marks the end of the interlude that follows the sixth trumpet (Rev.
10:1-11:14).
Although the seventh trumpet sounds in Rev. 11:15, the judgements
associated with it are not described until chapter 15. Chapters 12-14 are a
digression, taking us back through the Tribulation to the point of the
seventh trumpet, via a different path. They describe the Tribulation not
from God’s perspective, but from Satan’s.
1. PROCLAMATION OF PRAISE TO GOD vv. 11:15-19
“the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdom of our Lord
and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever” – this
proclamation brings us back to the predictions of the earthly
kingdom made by God through His prophets in the OT (Ezek.
21:26-27; Dan. 2:35, 44; 4:3; 6:26; 7:14, 26-27; Zech. 14:9).
After the fall of man (Gen. 3) Satan became the ruler of this world
(John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 2 Cor. 4:4; 1 John 5:19), but the time
has come when that will change. The fact that this proclamation
(and the prophecies) will be fulfilled at the second coming makes
it clear that the seventh trumpet chronologically reaches to Christ’s
return. Therefore the seventh trumpet introduces and includes the
seven bowl judgements of the wrath of God revealed in Rev. 16.
Vv. 16-18 – the 24 elders are present seen once again on their
faces worshipping before the throne of God. Their song of praise
indicates that the time had come for God to judge the nations, to
judge the dead, and to reward God’s servants.
o That God will one day pour out His wrath on rebellious
men is a major theme in Scripture (Isa. 24:17-23; 26:20-
21; 30:27-33; Ezek. 38:16ff; Rom. 1:18; 2 Thess. 1:5-10).
o The final outpouring of God’s wrath includes judging the
dead (Dan. 12:1-3; Mt. 25:31-46; John 5:25-29). The
judgement has two parts:
God rewards OT saints (Dan. 12:1-3; 1 Cor. 3:8;
4:5; Rev. 22:12), the raptured church (1 Cor.
15:51-52; 1 Thess. 4:13-18), and Tribulation
saints (Rev. 20:4).
God condemns unbelievers to the lake of fire
forever (Rev. 20:15).
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Vs. 19 – the temple of God is the dwelling place of God in all His
brilliant transcendent glory. The ark of His covenant appeared in
His temple (heavenly temple). The earthly ark is only a picture of
this heavenly one (Heb. 9:23; 10:20), so the Holy of Holies in
heaven is opened to speak of God’s saving New Covenant and
redeeming purpose in the midst of judgement.
Digression: a new perspective – Rev. 12:1-14-20
It is necessary for us to understand the nature of the conflict between
God’s people and the powers of evil. John therefore, goes back to the
beginning and outlines the conflict from Satan’s perspective.
1. THE OPPOSING SIDES IN THE CONFLICT vv. 12:1-6
A sign appeared in heaven of a woman in labour ready to give
birth to a male child and a great read dragon who was preparing
himself to devour the child when the woman gave birth.
Who are these characters?
o The woman – is described as clothed with the sun (reflects
the unique glory and exalted status as God’s chosen
people), with the moon under her feet and a crown of
twelve stars on her head. This description reflects
Joseph’s dream (Gen. 37:9-11) which is a prediction of the
nation of Israel.
o The male child who was about to be born is a picture of
Christ the Messiah. This does not picture the birth of the
Messiah in Bethlehem, but rather the second coming of
Messiah to establish His kingdom on earth and thus fulfil
all of God’s covenants with Israel, destroying Satan once
for all time.
o The dragon – having seven heads and ten horns with
seven diadems on his heads, sweeps away a third of the
stars of heaven. This is figurative language identifying
Satan as the dragon. The seven diadems represent the
seven past worldly kingdoms (Egypt, Assyria, Babylon,
Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and the current empire of the
Antichrist) and the future ten nation confederacy (Dan.
7:7, 20, 24). According to Isa. 14:12-15 and Ezek. 28:12-
17, when Lucifer/Satan fell from heaven he took with him
a third of the angels.
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Vs. 5 – Satan sought to devour the Messiah at His birth; he was
unable to prevent Him from dying for sin, rising from the dead and
ascending to heaven (“caught up to God”).
Vs. 6 – the woman, Israel fled to the wilderness where God would
supernaturally protect her for the remaining 3 ½ years of the
Tribulation. Israel must flee when they see the abomination of
desolation take place (Mt. 24:15ff), for it is at this time that the
Antichrist will break the covenant he made with Israel.
2. THE CONFLICT IN HEAVEN vv. 12:7-12
The events on earth during the Tribulation find their counterpart in
heaven. A state of war existed since the fall of Satan (Dan. 10:13;
Jude 9).
Though Satan and his demons were cast out of heaven but they
still have access to it (Job 1:6; 2:1). That access will then be
denied and they will forever be barred from heaven.
Satan will accuse and deceive people during the Tribulation (Rev.
13:14; 20:3). After temporary release from the bottomless pit at
the end of the Millennium, he will briefly resume his deceitful
ways (Rev. 20:8, 10).
Even though he is the accuser of the brethren (vs. 10) he will no
longer be able to accuse the brethren before the throne of God
because he will no longer have access to heaven. He is desperate
because he knows his time is very short.
3. THE CONFLICT ON EARTH vv. 12:13-17
Following his defeat by Michael and the holy angels, Satan (the
dragon) was cast out of heaven. Enraged by his ejection, he
persecuted the woman (Israel) who gave birth to the male child.
The word persecuted means to pursue or to hunt. It carries with it
the idea of pursuit with hostile intent (Mt. 23:34; Acts 26:11).
God supernaturally had prepared a place of protection for them
and they are carried by wings of an eagle (not literal, but
representative of God’s providential protection. They would flee
and be protected in the wilderness (no one really knows exactly
where, though some have suggested Petra, an ancient city carved
into the rocky cliffs of Edom between the Dead Sea and the Gulf
of Aqaba) for 3 ½ years (time, times and half a time).
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The Book of Revelation Notes
Vv. 15-16 – a great army would come against Israel like a flood
only to be swallowed up by the earth (which could be in
conjunction with one of the many earthquakes occurring during
that period).
Vs. 17 – when Satan failed to destroy the woman, in a frustrated
rage he went off to persecute those who followed the Lamb, Jew
and Gentile alike.
The two beasts – Rev. 13:1-18
This chapter introduces us to the two beasts. These verses represent what
many call the ―Satanic trinity-Satan, the beast (Antichrist) and the False
Prophet.
1. ANTICHRIST: THE BEAST FROM THE SEA vv. 13:1-10
Though in the chronology of John’s vision, this appears at the
mid-point of the Tribulation. The work of the Antichrist was
evident as he was introduced (revealed) with the breaking of the
first seal. It makes perfect sense that John would describe him
more closely before moving ahead into the second half of the
Tribulation because the Antichrist and the False Prophet become
more prominent during this latter half.
The Antichrist must be understood as both a kingdom and a
person: (1) a kingdom is represented by the complex description in
the latter part of verse 1. (2) yet he is a person and is always
referred to by using a personal pronoun (Dan. 7:25; 8:24-25;
11:36-45; 2 Thess. 2:4). Note also the similarities of the
Antichrist’s description here and the description of the Dragon in
Rev. 12:3.
These verses reveal seven features of the Antichrist:
o Ancestry – vs. 1 – the Antichrist is from Satan himself.
o Authority – vs. 2 – he possessed attributes like that of a
leopard, a bear and a lion. This is a reflection of the
prophecy in Daniel 7. The leopard represents ancient
Greece alluding to their swiftness and agility as they
conquered, particularly under Alexander the Great (Dan.
7:6). The bear was a metaphor for the ancient Medo-
Persian Empire, depicting its ferocious strength and great
stability (Dan. 7:5). The lion stood for the ancient
Babylonian Empire, referring to their fierce all-consuming
power as they extended their domain. The dragon also
gave his power to the beast.
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The Book of Revelation Notes
o Acclaim – vs. 3 – the Antichrist had been slain by a fatal
head wound (by a sword – Rev. 13:14) and was healed.
Through modern technology, the entire world saw and was
amazed, thus followed after the beast. We don’t know if
the death was staged (faked) or was indeed real energised
by the power of Satan himself (2 Thess. 2:8-12).
o Worship – vs. 4 – the world’s fascination with the
Antichrist will quickly become worship. Not only will
they worship the beast, but also Satan (the dragon)
because it will be clear to them that the power of the
Antichrist stems from the Dragon.
o Arrogance – vv. 5-6 – the Antichrist, once he has broken
the covenant with Israel and begins to persecute believers
wherever he can find them, will speak arrogantly and
blaspheme God for the entire last half of the Tribulation (3
½ years or forty-two months). Note that authority was
given to him to act for this period of time, because no
matter what it looks like, God is in control.
o Activity – vs. 7 – God allowed the Antichrist to make war
with the saints for this period of time. That God allowed
him to overcome (kill) them (thus completing the number
of martyrs that He had pre-determined – Rev. 6:11), gave
the Antichrist confidence that he was actually more
powerful than God, or that he himself was God, thus his
arrogant blasphemies.
o Admirers – vv. 8-10 – all who dwell on the earth will
worship the Antichrist except those whose names were
written in the Lamb’s book of life before the foundation of
the world. Vs. 10 is a call for believers to accept
persecution from the Antichrist with perseverance and
endurance. God has chosen some believers to be
imprisoned and executed which they must not resist (Mt.
26:51-54; 2 Cor. 10:4), but accept with patience such
suffering as God ordains for them (cf. 1 Pet. 2:19-24).
2. THE FALSE PROPHET: THE BEAST FROM THE LAND vv. 13:11-18
Just as the false christs who have plagued mankind will culminate
in the final Antichrist, so also will the false prophets culminate in a
final false prophet (cf. Rev. 16:13; 19:20; 20:10). The false
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The Book of Revelation Notes
prophet will be Antichrist’s partner in Satan’s massive final
deception of the world.
John’s vision of the false prophet reveals three key elements:
o His person – vs. 11 – unlike the Antichrist who comes up
out of the sea, the false prophet will come from the earth.
Here is his description:
“he has two horns like a lamb” – illustrating his
relative weakness compared to the Antichrist (two
horns vs. ten horns). Though he will not come
like an obvious ferocious killing animal like the
Antichrist, he is still a deceptively cruel
murderous liar.
“he spoke like the dragon” – which says that he is
Satan’s mouthpiece and speaks the same message
as Satan who is the source of all false religion (cf.
2 Cor. 11:4).
o His power – vv. 12-14 – the false prophet will have all the
authority of the first beast.
He makes the entire world worship the Antichrist.
He is not depicted as violent so he must have great
influence.
He will have the ability to perform signs and even
makes fire come down from heaven. This helps to
convince men of his power, but it also duplicates
the power demonstrated by the two witnesses
(Rev. 11:5).
He will urge all those on the earth to make an
image of the beast. This is a replication of the
Antichrist that is related to the throne he will erect
during the abomination of desolation (cf. Dan.
9:27; 11:31; 12:11; Mt. 24:15; 2 Thess. 2:4).
o His programme – vv. 15-18 – his programme involves two
things:
He gives breath to the image of the Antichrist and
it appears to have voice. Its speaking in some way
causes those who do not worship to be killed. The
image of the harmless lamb has been torn away
and his true nature is revealed.
The mark he requires to be imprinted on the hand
or the forehead will clearly identify those who are
worshippers of the beast from those who are not.
The mark will also be required to buy or sell, thus
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The Book of Revelation Notes
the believers will be cut off from the basic
necessities of life. The number 6 is a
representation of man who has fallen short of
God’s perfect number 7. When the Antichrist is
finally revealed, there will be some way to
identify him with this basic number of the
personification of sin or evil.
Verse 18 proclaims that it is wisdom to calculate the number of the
beast. There are many possibilities for the exact meaning of “the
number of his name.” Many have tried to apply numerology
different world leaders (such as the Pope), in an attempt to identify
the Antichrist. While it is possible that the numerical value of the
Antichrist’s name does equal 666, it is unwise and undesirable to
spend any of our remaining precious time on earth seeking to
calculate that name. The wisdom is for those who will be present
during those wicked days, so as not to be deceived and also to be
prepared for the even harder times ahead.
Chapter 13 of Revelation shows the worsening conditions for believers
with the ever-increasing intensity of the evil reign of the Antichrist and his
false prophet. Chapter 14 makes it clear that a post millennial dream of a
world getting better and better through Christian effort and gospel
preaching is NOT supported in the Bible. Instead the final form of world
religion will be apostate, satanic and blasphemous.
Preview – Rev. 14:1-21
In Revelation 14 God gives us a summary or ―panoramic view‖ of the
events that lie ahead in the book of Revelation.
Chapter 14 is a bright contrast to chapter 13:
Chapter 13 – Satan (the dragon), Antichrist and the false prophet,
and the false prophet; deception, unsaved/unredeemed, idolatry,
and the mark of the beast – falsehood, wickedness, corruption, and
blasphemy.
Chapter 14 – the Lamb, angels, redeemed saints, genuine worship
and those who have been sealed by God – truth, righteousness,
purity, and praise.
16. THE LAMB ON MOUNT ZION vs. 14:1a
John has described the Lamb throughout the book as:
o Slain – Rev. 5:6; 13:8
o Glorified – Rev. 5:8, 12-13
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The Book of Revelation Notes
o Exalted – Rev. 7:9-10
o The Redeemer – Rev. 7:14
o Shepherd of His people – Rev. 7:17
o Lord of lords and King of kings – Rev. 17:14
His appearance on Mt. Zion is a significant point in redemptive
history (see Ps. 2:6-9; Isa. 24:23; Heb. 12:22-23).
17. THE 144,000 WITNESSES vv. 14:1b-5
The identity of this group is determined by Rev. 5:9-10 & 7:1-8
and by the seal of God written on their foreheads (which is in
contrast to the mark of the beast on the unbelievers – Rev. 13:16-
17).
The scene is a view to the heavenly Jerusalem – Rev. 21:9-27 (cf.
Heb. 12:22-23).
o Vv. 9-21 – gives a description of the New Jerusalem
o Vv. 22-27 – tells us that the Lamb provides illumination
so there is no need for the sun or the moon. Also the
nations will walk by His light and absolute holiness
reigns.
Vv. 2-3 – a loud voice gets John’s attention and identifies the
location of Mt. Zion and the 144,000 as being in heaven along
with the four living creatures (Rev. 4:6) and the twenty-four elders
(Rev. 4:4). As we have noted in our study of Revelation chapter
four, these two groups are heavenly with the elders representing
the raptured church and the four living creatures as special high-
ranking cherubim.
And “they” (144,000) sang a “new song” which was different
than the creatures and the elders’ new song of Rev. 5:8-10.
That they would sing a different song than the elders and four
living creatures makes perfect sense:
o Four living creatures are cherubim in heaven created for a
special purpose of God in heaven
o Twenty-four elders are the raptured saints who have been
rescued form the wrath of the Tribulation (1 Thess. 1:10;
Rev. 3:10).
o 144,000 are witnesses who preach the gospel in the first
half of the Tribulation with a special seal of God which
protects them from harm…“they were purchased out of
the earth” which indicates that their mission was complete
and are now before the throne of God with Church.
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The Book of Revelation Notes
They also sing a different song because they are a select and
specially prepared group:
o Vs. 4a – not defiled with women – with divine restraint
removed (2 Thess. 2:6-7) the world will be even more
promiscuous. Note that this does NOT teach that they
were unmarried, for sexual relations within the context of
marriage does NOT defile (Heb. 13:4). The fact that
sexual purity is mentioned speaks to the immoral culture
of the times and to the seriousness of sexual sin (1 Cor.
6:13, 18).
o Vs. 4b – they follow the Lamb… - this illustrates their
complete and single-minded devotion to Jesus (Mt. 6:22-
24; John 10:27).
o Vs. 4c – purchased…as first fruits… - all believers are
purchased by God (Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23; 1 Pet.
1:18-19), but these were a special purchase out of the
Tribulation…first fruits of the multitude that would come
to believe (Rev. 7:9). Like first fruits in the Old
Testament they were offered and dedicated to God (Deut.
26:1-11; 18:3-5) for His use and glory. Paul also used this
designation for the household of Stephanas who were the
“first fruits of Achaia” (1 Cor. 16:15).
o Vs. 5 – no lie in their mouths…blameless – in contrast to
the lies Satan, the beast, and the false prophet, these
witnesses spoke God’s truth. This is prophetically
pictured in Zeph. 3:13. As to being blameless, they had
no credible accusations against them because of their
practical holiness.
18. THREE ANGELIC MESSENGERS vv. 14:6-11
Vv. 6-7 – Angel flying in midheaven
o Before the passing of the opportunity to be converted and
the wrath of God is revealed, every nation on earth will
have the gospel proclaimed and a final salvation invitation
extended.
o The time to worship God is now because the hour of His
judgement has come – the ensuing bowls of His wrath.
Vs. 8 – second angel proclaims the fall of Babylon
o The details of Babylon’s fall are anticipated in Rev. 16:18-
19 and actually described in Rev. 17-18.
o The reference here is not to the specific city of Babylon
but to the Antichrist’s worldwide political, economic and
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religious empire – Babylon has always, since its beginning
(Gen. 10:8-10; 11:8-9) represented a rebellious anti-God
sentiment. She has always been:
Arrogant – Isa. 14:13-14; Jer. 50:29, 31-32.
Covetous – Jer. 51:13.
Oppressive – Isa. 14:4.
Cruel and destructive – Isa. 14:17; 47:6; Jer.
51:25; Hab. 1:6-7.
o All the godless nations of the world have drunk the wine
of the passion of her immorality.
Vv. 9-11 – the third angel gives a warning
o As we saw at the end of chapter 13, people were required
to receive the mark of the beast in order to buy or sell
(Rev. 13:15-17).
o There is no ambiguity about the meaning of the mark. It is
a sign of allegiance and sealing for the beast in the same
way the Holy Spirit is a seal of our allegiance to God
(Eph. 1:13-14).
o The angel, with a loud voice (so that all hear the warning)
warns against receiving the mark of the beast.
o The warning comes before the mark of the beast was
initiated, which is further evidence that those who receive
the mark do so with full and complete understanding of
what they are doing and what the consequences of that
action will be.
o The consequences of taking the mark is the full force of
God’s wrath:
“drink the wine of God‟s wrath” – Job 21:20; Isa.
51:17; Jer. 25:15; Rev. 16:19; 19:15
“mixed in full strength” – literal translation of the
Greek word is ―mixed unmixed‖ – indicates that
there will no diluting the wrath of God
“fire and brimstone” – associated with the fury of
God’s judgement and wrath – Gen. 19:24-25; Lk.
17:29; Ps. 11:6. Hell is described as a lake of fire
and brimstone (Rev. 19:20; 20:10). Hell is also
described as:
Eternal fire – Mt. 18:8
Unquenchable fire – Mk. 9:43
Where the worm does not die – Mk. 9:48
“torment goes up forever and ever…day and
night” – Lk. 16:23; Mt. 25:46.
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The Book of Revelation Notes
19. PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS vv. 14:12-13
No group of saints have ever gone through the degree of
persecution as the Tribulation saints.
In contrast to the wrath brought upon those who receive the mark
of the beast, vv. 12-13 record the blessedness of the perseverance
of the saints.
The ultimate test of true saving faith is staying true to the Lord
until the end.
Mt. 24:21-22 describe the great tribulation as such that has not
occurred ever in the history of the world. It will be so bad that
God in His mercy cuts the days short for the sake of the elect.
John indicates that those who die in the Lord from this point on are
blessed because they will escape the toils of the day and the
testimony of their perseverance will follow them to the cloud of
witnesses already in heaven.
20. THE REAPING OF THE EARTH vv. 14:14-20
The reaper of vs. 14 is Christ:
o “white cloud” – Dan. 7:13; Mt. 24:30; 26:64; Acts 1:9-11.
o “son of man” – Dan. 7:13; Lk. 19:10; John 5:27; Phil. 2:7-
8; Rev. 1:13.
o “golden crown” – is the victors crown, Christ has won the
victory over hell, death and the grave (Hades).
The reaper of verse 17 is an angel – Mt. 13:36-43, 47-50; 2 Thess.
1:7 indicate that angels will assist Jesus in judgement.
In this passage we see two analogies of the harvest. The first is the
grain harvest and it is said to be “ripe.” The word used here
pictures grain that is overripe and rotting, thus speaking to the
moral and spiritual condition of those on the earth. The second
analogy is that of a grape harvest. The word used here for “ripe”
is a word that speaks of fruit in its prime ready for harvest,
indicating that the earth is ready for judgement…the time for
patience and mercy is past and judgement is now.
Vv. 19-20 – picture the grapes thrown into the great wine press of
God’s wrath (Rev. 19:15). The loss of life here is pictured by the
blood coming up to the horses bridles (see the imagery of Isa.
63:3; Lam. 1:15 and Joel 3:13) for a distance of 200 miles.
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The Book of Revelation Notes
o The battle of Armageddon (Rev. 19:11-21) takes place
outside the city of Jerusalem (Dan. 11:45; Zech. 14:1-4),
about sixty miles north of Jerusalem in the plains of
Esdraelon and Megiddo near Mount Megiddo. It will rage
the entire length of Israel as far south as Bozrah in Edom
(Isa. 63:1).
o “the blood will come up to the horses bridles” – this is
about 1.3 metres. Even though millions will be at this
battle fighting against God and the slaughter will be
unimaginable, it is still best to interpret this description as
hyperbole.
The reference about the horses’ bridles could refer
to the blood splatter from the battle or the blood
that will drain into the rivers, streambeds, and
trenches which may be as deep as 1.3 metres.
The reference to the 200 miles tells us that there
will be no ―quiet‖ areas of the battlefield…the
entire arena will be covered with blood.
This preview of the future events of Revelation brings to our minds a vivid
understanding of Heb. 10:31, “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands
of the living God.”
Bowls of Wrath – Rev. 15:1–16:21
Before the seals were opened we saw the scene in heaven by way of
introduction (Rev. 4-5). Before the trumpet judgements there was a
similar introduction (Rev. 8:1-6).
Here chapter 15:1-8 provides an introduction to the bowls of wrath or the
bowl judgements.
Verse 1 describes the coming judgement as seven plagues which are the
last because in them the wrath of God is finished.
The Old Testament prophets warned of this day: Isa. 13:6-9; Joel 1:15;
Amos 4:12; Zeph. 1:14-18; Job 21:30.
Paul looked forward to the rapture because believers would be saved from
the wrath to come (1 Thess. 1:10) because God has not destined us for
wrath but for the obtaining of salvation.
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The Book of Revelation Notes
Throughout the first half of the Tribulation God has called sinners to
salvation. He has done so using the 144,000 Jewish evangelists (Rev. 7:2-
8; 14:1-5), the two witnesses (Rev. 11:3-13), a host of redeemed Gentiles
and Jews (Rev. 7:9-17), and even an angel flying high in the sky (Rev.
14:6-7).
Now God is ready to simply pour out His wrath. All the witnesses are
gone, though the tribulation saints still left on the earth may still witness to
those who have not yet taken the mark of the beast.
The bowls of wrath introduced in chapter 15 and described in chapter 16
actually emanate from the seventh trumpet (Rev. 11:15).
Chapter 15 opens with a scene of seven angels who have seven plagues
(the seven bowl judgements). That they are called the “last” implies that
the seals and the trumpets were also considered as part of God’s
programme of wrath. “Wrath” – describes rage, a passionate outburst of
anger. As it relates to God’s wrath here, it is against all sin, not forgive
(Zeph. 3:8).
This introduction to the bowls of wrath reveals three motives for the
judgements:
God’s vengeance – vs. 2
o John’s vision of the crystal sea is the same one he saw in
Rev. 4:6, but here it is mixed with fire indicating the
impending doom of God’s final judgement which is about
to commence (Num. 11:1; 16:35; Deut. 9:3; Ps. 50:3;
97:3; Isa. 66:15; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; Heb. 10:27-29; 2 Pet.
3:7).
o Around the throne were those who had been victorious
over the beast. They are martyred believers who have
come out of the Tribulation (Rev. 6:9-11; 13:7). These are
those who refused to worship or take the mark of the beast
(Rev. 13:14-15). They have harps which represent praise
(Rev. 5:8; 14:2) and frequently represent this in the Old
Testament as well (cf. 2 Sam. 6:5; 1 Chron. 13:8; 15:16,
28; 2 Chron. 5:12-13; Neh. 12:27; Ps. 33:2; 71:22; 144:9;
150:3).
o They are rejoicing because their prayers for God to take
vengeance on their persecutors (Rev. 6:9-10) are about to
be answered. They stand before the throne and worship
God for:
God’s character – vv. 3-4
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The Book of Revelation Notes
o “the song of Moses” (Ex. 15:1-18) – when God delivered
the Israelites from the Egyptian army through the Red
Sea…this song is combined with “the song of the Lamb”
(Rev. 5:11-14).
o The mixed song includes the following elements:
Great and marvellous are Your works – Ps.
139:14.
The Lord God Almighty – celebrates His
omnipotence – Gen. 17:1; 35:11; 48:3; Ex. 6:3;
Rev. 1:8; 4:8; 11:17.
Righteous and true are Your ways – Deut. 32:4;
Dan. 4:37; Hos. 14:9.
King of the nations – Ps. 86:9; Jer. 10:7.
Who will not fear You for You alone are holy – 1
Sam. 2:2; Ps. 22:3; 99:5, 9; 111:9; Isa. 6:3; 57:15;
Jer. 10:7; Hab. 1:12-13.
All nations will come worship before You – Ps.
86:9.
Your righteous acts have been revealed – Jdg.
5:11; 1 Sam. 12:7; Ps. 103:6; Dan. 9:16; Mic. 6:5.
God’s plan – vv. 5-8
o “the temple of the tabernacle of testimony” – refers to the
Holy of Holies in which was the Ark of the Covenant
containing the stone tablets (cf. Num. 9:15; Ps. 84:1-2).
This reference emphasises that the judgements of wrath
about to be executed are an expression of God’s holiness
and righteousness just as the Law is an expression of the
holy righteous character of God.
o The “seven angels”
Clothed in bright clean linen which is a symbol of
purity and holiness
Golden sashes indicate that they are glorious and
majestic beings.
o “given seven bowls full of God‟s wrath”
One of the four living creatures – cherubim = an
order of high-ranking angels (1 Sam. 4:4; 2 Sam.
6:2; 22:11; Ps. 80:1: 99:1: Isa. 37:16; Ezek. 1:4-
25: 10:15; Rev. 4:6, 8-9; 5:6, 8, 11, 14: 6:1, 6;
7:11; 14:3; 19:4).
Smoke filled the temple – this is an indication of
the presence of God (Ex. 40:34-35; 2 Chron.
7:23). No one could enter the temple as the
majesty, power and glory, mixed with His terrible
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The Book of Revelation Notes
anger and wrath filled the temple, until the seven
plagues of His wrath were complete.
The scene is now set for the description of the seven bowls of wrath which
proceed from and as part of the seventh trumpet (Rev. 11:15).
While these all take place in the second half of the Tribulation, there is not
a clear time stamp chronology as to how long each last. From the text we
infer that they happen in rapid succession without gaps.
Since these are the final outpouring of God’s wrath, they are more severe
than any of the earlier judgements. These plagues however, had two sets
of precursors in Scripture:
The localised ten plagues in Egypt – Ex. 7-12.
The seven trumpets in Rev. 8:7-12; 9:15, 18 which are not as
localised as the Egyptian plagues but are limited to one third of the
earth’s population.
These final seven plagues will impact the entire earth.
Vs. 16:1 – the loud voice from the temple must be the voice of God for no
one else could enter the temple until the plagues are completed (Rev.
15:8).
1. THE FIRST BOWL OF WRATH vs. 16:2 - sores
When the angel poured out the first bowl of wrath the result was
loathsome and malignant sores that broke out only on those who
had the mark of the beast and who worshipped the image
The two words used to describe the sores are both Greeks words
for evil, but used together they represent the horrible nature of the
sores that were festering, painful and incurable.
The Greek word used for sore, specifically describes ulcers that
are boil-like, oozing sores much like the ones affecting the
Egyptians (Ex. 9:9-11), Job (Job 2:7) or Lazarus (Lk. 16:21).
2. THE SECOND BOWL OF WRATH vs. 16:3 – water to blood
One of the devastating aspects of the bowl judgements is their
cumulative effect.
Here, the seas (oceans) become blood and EVERY living thing in
them died.
Though similar to the Egyptian plague (Ex. 7:20-24) and the
second trumpet (Rev. 8:8-9), the impact of this plague is far
greater since the oceans cover about 70% of the earth’s surface.
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The Book of Revelation Notes
The seas become blood “like that of a dead man” – which
indicates that the oceans are no longer fluid but the coagulated,
thick, dark blood of a person who has died.
The result is that the oceans become putrid, stinking pools of
decaying dead flesh.
3. THE THIRD BOWL OF WRATH vv. 16:4-7 – rivers and streams
The third plague impacts the remaining sources of fresh water on
the earth as the rivers and streams are turned to blood.
This will cause unspeakable hardship and pain upon the already
suffering godless humanity.
Along with this judgement the angel proclaims the righteousness
of Almighty God in pouring out His wrath on those who killed the
saints and the prophets…they deserve this judgement.
4. THE FOURTH BOWL OF WRATH vv. 16:8-9 – scorching sun
This bowl is poured out on the sun and instead of giving the world
light, warmth and energy it becomes deadly.
The effects of the fourth trumpet (Rev. 8:12) are now completely
reversed and the sun’s intensity scorches those who have the mark
of the beast.
As was true in Rev. 9:20-21, so it is with this judgement; the
people do not repent or give glory to God.
The cumulative affect of the bowls of wrath still don’t get through:
o The scorching sun is on top of…
o No fresh water supply which is on top of…
o The stench and disease of the oceans which is on top of...
o The boil like sores.
5. THE FIFTH BOWL OF WRATH vv. 16:10-11 – poured on the beast
This bowl brings darkness upon the kingdom and the throne of the
beast.
The throne and kingdom of the beast represents the extent of his
rule which is world-wide, so the plague of darkness engulfs the
entire earth.
This darkness is a fulfilment of prophecy (Isa. 13:10; 24:23; Zeph.
1:15; Mk. 13:24; Lk. 21:25).
Acts 2:20 makes it clear that all of this will precede the second
coming of Christ.
The intensity of suffering is illustrated by the description of the
people “gnawing their tongues.” Again, they blasphemed God
and did not repent.
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The Book of Revelation Notes
6. THE SIXTH BOWL OF WRATH vv. 16:12-16 – Armageddon
This bowl is poured out on the Euphrates River.
Though the Euphrates, like all other rivers and streams has been
turned to blood, the intensity of the sun caused the melting of the
permanent ice pack on Mount Ararat. The result will be a huge
flow of water rushing down into the rivers causing the bloody river
to overflow its banks and making it impossible to cross.
This bowl will dry up the Euphrates allowing the kings from the
East to make their final stand at the battle of Armageddon. The
kings will see this as a great provision because they must cross the
Euphrates to reach their ultimate destination, but it is really God’s
set up for their final and unsuccessful stands again Him.
Vs. 13 – John witnesses the unholy trinity:
o Dragon – Satan
o Beast – Antichrist
o False prophet
The unclean spirits were like frogs which were unclean animals
(Lev. 10:11, 41).
Vs. 14 – the demons will perform supernatural signs which are
designed to convince the kings to gather all the armies for war at a
place called Har-Magedon (Mount Megiddo). According to Joel
3:2, 9-13 and Rev. 17:12-14 these ten kings are the Antichrist’s
confederation representing his world-wide rulership.
Vs. 15 – is a note of hope to believers who are on the earth at this
time. It says that He is coming like a thief (1 Thess. 5:2; 2 Pet.
3:10) which means it will be quick and unexpected (at least to the
invading armies who believe they will have an easy victory against
the Lord’s people).
The imagery of staying awake is reminiscent of Mt. 25:1-13 and
the parable of the virgins. Like the five prudent virgins, a soldier
who stays awake and keeps his clothes on, will always be prepared
for whatever may come.
Vs. 16 – The plain of Megiddo is about 60 miles north of
Jerusalem and has been the sight of more than 200 battles:
o Barak’s (and Deborah’s) defeat of the Canaanites – Jdg. 4-
5.
o Gideon’s victory over the Midianites – Jdg. 7 (cf. Jdg.
6:33), Valley of Jezreel is another name for the plain of
Esdraelon which is near the plain of Megiddo.
o Josiah’s defeat and death by Pharaoh Neco – 2 Chron.
35:22; 2 Kin. 23:29.
The battle of Armageddon will be over almost as soon as it begins,
as the Lord Jesus returns to rescue His people (Zeph. 14:1-3 – note
the this passage marks the plunder of Jerusalem at the half way
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The Book of Revelation Notes
point in the Tribulation with the Abomination of Desolation, then
the one day fight of the battle).
The sixth bowl of wrath has set the stage, but before the final battle, the
seventh bowl of wrath is poured out.
7. THE SEVENTH BOWL OF WRATH vv. 16:17-21 – it is done!
This bowl is the final outpouring of God’s wrath before the Lord
sets up His millennial kingdom.
At the end of the 1,000 years, Satan is allowed one more final act
of rebellion (Rev. 20:7-10) before final judgement.
The seventh bowl will be the worst calamity in the history of the
world. It will be the most complete and devastating catastrophe
the earth will ever experience.
Vs. 17 – the bowl is poured out into the air as if to cleanse the
former domain of Satan (Eph. 2:2).
The loud voice proclaims, “It is done.” (perfect tense verb denotes
the continuing implications of this final bowl of wrath).
Vs. 18 – this bowl dramatically affects the atmosphere and like the
seventh seal (Rev. 8:5) and the seventh trumpet (Rev. 11:19) this
bowl introduces a violent thunderstorm (but with much greater
intensity).
Not only is the atmosphere affected, but there is a great earthquake
– the largest that has ever hit the planet (Isa. 24:19-20; Zech. 14:4-
10).
Vs. 19 – Jerusalem is split into three parts.
o Some suggest that the “great city” refers to Babylon, but
Babylon is distinguished from the great city later in this
same verse.
o Also, John has already used this term (Rev. 11:8) to refer
to Jerusalem and there is no reason to believe he would
switch terminology now.
o The purpose of the earthquake is not to judge or punish
Jerusalem, but to prepare her to receive the king who will
rule there in the millennium (Ps. 110:2; Isa. 2:3; 24:23;
Mic. 4:7).
“the cities of the nations fell” – this includes Babylon, which God
remembered to give her the cup of the wine of His fierce wrath.
As the capital city of the Antichrist’s empire, John briefly refers to
her downfall here, but describes it at length in chapters 17-18.
Vv. 20-21 – the continuing affects of the seventh bowl result in:
o All islands vanish – these are just underwater mountains
that have been flattened by the huge earthquake.
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The Book of Revelation Notes
o All mountains are flattened – Isa. 40:4…this is a
continuation of what was begun in the sixth seal (Rev.
6:12-14).
The gentle rolling topography of the earth’s original condition will
be restored. The physical environment will largely return to its
antediluvian condition. This may leave Jerusalem as the highest
point on earth from which the Great King will reign (Jer. 3:17).
Those who escape the earthquake will be hit with 45.5 kg
hailstones. The Greek word translated here is not a specific
number but literally refers to the most weight a normal man could
carry (like denarius is not a specific amount but refers to one day’s
wage). To date, the largest hailstone ever recorded has been just
less than 1 kg in size.
Judgement on Babylon – Rev. 17:1-18:24
If one maintained the chronological flow of the book of Revelation one
would move directly from Rev. 16:21 to 19:1. John stops for a moment
and records the details of the description before moving ahead to the battle
of Armageddon and the return of Christ.
Chapters 17-18 give the details of the fall of Babylon. For the purpose of
this study we will give only a brief outline of this description.
Babylon typifies the world system which is inherently anti-God and is
initiated and rule by Satan.
Chapter 17 emphasises the religious aspects of the kingdom which is
overthrown by the beast (Rev. 17:16-18, who is ultimately judged by God.
Chapter 18 depicts the commercial Babylon which is destroyed by God
The Second Coming of Christ – Rev. 19:1-21
Vv. 1-10 – The particular target of God’s wrath was Antichrist’s
worldwide religious, political, and economic empire, symbolized by its
capital city of Babylon. Babylon’s destruction was described in detail in
chapters 17 and 18. That destruction, which caused dismay and mourning
on earth (Rev. 18:9–11, 15–19), now brings joy to heaven.
With the devastation of its capital city, Antichrist’s empire was dealt a
fatal blow. The final destruction of the world’s forces will take place
shortly at Armageddon (Rev. 19:11–21).
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The Book of Revelation Notes
The heavenly rejoicing is not over the damnation of those who reject God
(cf. Ezek. 18:23, 32; 33:11), but because Jesus Christ will soon remove
those obstinate sinners from the world. God will then be properly honored,
the Lord Jesus Christ enthroned, and the earth restored to its lost glory.
Heaven rejoices because history is finally going to reach its culmination as
the true King establishes His kingdom on earth.
Vv. 11-21 – The coming of Christ
In 4:1, heaven opens to let the church in; but here, heaven opens to
let Christ and His armies ride forth in victory. At His trial, Christ
said that the Father could send legions of angels to deliver Him;
and here the Lord rides forth with the armies of glory: the OT
saints, the church, and the angels (Matt. 25:31; 1 Thess. 3:13). In
6:1, the Antichrist had ridden on a white horse, imitating Christ,
but here the ―Faithful and True‖ (v. 11) rides forth to judge and
make war (Ps. 45).
This description of Christ is thrilling! He is no longer on a humble
donkey, but on a fiery white charger. His eyes are not filled with
tears as when He beheld Jerusalem; nor is He wearing a mocking
crown of thorns. Instead of being stripped by His enemies, He
wears a garment dipped in blood, signifying judgment and victory.
When on earth, He was abandoned by His followers; but here the
armies of heaven follow Him in conquest. His mouth does not
speak ―words of grace‖ (Luke 4:22), but rather the Word of victory
and justice. See Isa. 11:4. He comes to rule with a rod of iron (Ps.
2). He comes not to bear the wrath of God on the cross, but to
tread the winepress of God’s wrath at the Battle of Armageddon.
He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
Vv. 17-21 – The battle of Armageddon - Christ destroys the armies with
the Word, the sword that comes from His mouth (Heb. 4:12). Men would
not bow to His Word and receive the Gospel; now they must be slain by
that same Word. The followers of the Beast are ―marked men‖; the mark
of the Beast on their bodies seals them for certain judgment. Christ not
only destroys the armies of the Beast, but He also captures the Beast and
False Prophet and casts them alive into hell.
The Millennium and Final Judgement – Rev. 20:1-15
This is the ―thousand years‖ chapter (mentioned six times here), which
describes the Millennium. The word ―millennium‖ means ―thousand
years‖ in Latin. Some sincere Bible students deny that there will be a
literal thousand-year reign of Christ on earth. They prefer to ―spiritualize‖
the OT kingdom prophecies and apply them to the church today. But I
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The Book of Revelation Notes
believe that there will be a literal thousand-year kingdom on earth for
several reasons: (1) To fulfill the OT promises to Israel, Luke 1:30–33; (2)
To give a public display of Christ’s glory to the nations of earth; (3) To
answer the saints’ prayer of ―Thy kingdom come‖; (4) To fulfill the
promises to the church that saints will reign with Christ; (5) To bring about
the complete redemption of nature as promised in Rom. 8:19–22; (6) To
give mankind one final trial under the sovereign rule of Christ.
1. BEFORE THE MILLENNIUM vv. 1-5
The Battle of Armageddon is now over, and the Beast and False Prophet
have been cast into hell. Christ now lays hold of that old serpent, Satan,
and casts him into the bottomless pit. Some of Satan’s followers are
already chained (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6), but now the ―old serpent‖ himself is
imprisoned. The Beast came out of the bottomless pit (Rev. 17:8) and was
cast into hell; but Satan’s final judgment is not yet come.
After Satan is cast down, there is a resurrection of the Tribulation saints
who gave their lives in faithful service to Christ. From the description in
Dan. 12:1–3, it seems that the OT saints are also raised at this point. Not
being members of the body of Christ, the church, they are not necessarily
raised with the saints at the rapture. At this point, then, all saved people
have been raised to reign with Christ. This is known as the first
resurrection. It extends from the rapture of the church (1 Thess. 4:13ff) to
the resurrection of the saints described in Rev. 20:4. All who are raised in
the first resurrection are saved people; they will not experience the second
death, which is hell. See John 5:24–29.
The OT saints believed in a resurrection of the dead, but they knew
nothing of the ―out-resurrection from among the dead‖ taught in the NT
(see Mark 9:9–10, where ―rising from the dead‖ means literally ―the out-
resurrection from among the dead‖). The Bible makes no mention of ―the
general resurrection.‖ The saved are all raised (at different times) in the
first resurrection; the lost are raised at the second resurrection. A period of
1,000 years will elapse between the first and second resurrections.
Thrones are prepared, and the purified nation of Israel, the church, and the
Tribulation saints reign with Christ. Matthew 25:31–46 makes it clear that
the living Gentiles will be judged before the Millennium begins. Believing
Gentiles (sheep) will have proved their faith by loving and helping the
believing Jews (―my brethren‖). The saved Gentiles will enter into the joy
of the kingdom that God promised for His people Israel.
2. DURING THE MILLENNIUM vs. 6
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The Book of Revelation Notes
The millennial kingdom will be the divine rule of heaven upon earth.
Christ will rule with a rod of iron, permitting no injustice or sin. Jerusalem
will be the center of the kingdom (Isa. 2:1–4), and the disciples will reign
with Christ (Matt. 19:28). Israel will be in its land, sharing the glory of
Christ, its rightful King. There will be peace on earth among men and
animals (Isa. 11:7–9 and 54:13–14). Each person will be suited to his or
her best job, and perfect efficiency and joy will fill the earth. Of course,
since these human beings on earth are still human (apart from the church
and resurrected saints, who have glorified bodies), children will be born
with sinful natures. At the close of the Millennium, many people will still
give only outward obedience to Christ but will not submit to Him from the
heart. One of the main purposes of the Millennium is to prove conclusively
that mankind cannot be changed, even under a perfect rule in a perfect
environment. For, at the end of the thousand years, Satan will be able to
muster a huge army to rebel against Christ! If people are not changed by
the grace of God, nothing else will change them.
The saints will reign with Christ as kings and priests, and will serve Him in
various capacities during the Millennium. Our faithfulness to Him today
will determine the extent of our glorious responsibilities during the
kingdom age (Matt. 25:14–30; Luke 19:11–27).
3. AFTER THE MILLENNIUM vv. 7-15
The final battle – vv. 7–10 – Satan is loosed at the end of the
thousand years, and he gathers a huge army to fight Christ. This
rebellion proves that a rule of perfect law cannot change the
human heart; sinners would rather follow Satan. This is not the
battle of Gog and Magog, for that battle takes place about the end
of the first half of the Tribulation (Ezek. 38–39). This army will
attack the millennial Jerusalem, but fire from heaven will devour
them. Satan will be captured and consigned eternally to the lake of
fire. Note that the Beast and False Prophet are still suffering in hell
a thousand years after being taken! There is no way to get out of
hell once you are there. As we have mentioned before it is a place
of eternal torment.
The final judgment – vv. 11–15
John now sees a throne of judgment. It is great, because all of the
sinners of history will stand before it. It is white because it
represents the unchanging holiness of God; He is not a respecter of
persons. Heaven and earth flee away; there is no place for the lost
sinner to hide! The Judge on the throne is Jesus Christ (John 5:22–
23).
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The Book of Revelation Notes
There is a resurrection. Death gives up the bodies of lost sinners;
Hades gives up the soul. This brief moment when the body and
soul of the lost sinner are joined before Christ’s judgment throne is
the only relief from punishment these sinners will know before
being cast into hell! All lost sinners will be there: small and great,
rich and poor; there will be no escape (Heb. 9:27).
What books are involved in this final judgment? The Bible will be
there, according to John 12:48. The very Word that sinners hear
and reject today will judge them on the last day. There is the Book
of Life, containing the names of the saints. If a person’s name is
not found in the Book of Life, he or she is cast into hell (vs. 15).
Also present is the book containing the deeds people have done.
God is a Righteous Judge; He keeps a record of their deeds and
will punish each one justly.
There will be no opportunity for sinners to argue their case. When
the books are opened and the facts revealed, they will stand
speechless before Christ (Rom. 3:19). God will not weigh the good
against the bad; He will pronounce every lost sinner condemned.
All those who share in the second resurrection must face the
second death—eternal hell.
Satan and sin have been judged; human rebellion has been put
down; now God can usher in the new heavens and earth—eternal
bliss for the people of God.
The Eternal State – Rev. 21:1-22:21
The theme of these two chapters is stated in vs. 21:5: “Behold, I make all
things new!” While it would be interesting and edifying to go into the
many details of these chapters, we will have to confine ourselves to the
main lessons. Note the “new things” that will be a part of the believer’s
eternal home.
1. THE NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH vv. 21:1-2
The Greek. word for ―new‖ means ―new in character‖ rather than ―new
in time,‖ and this suggests that God will renovate the old heaven and
earth and remove all that is sinful and destructive. Note 2 Peter 3:7–10,
where we are told that a fiery judgment brings about this renewal of
the old creation. ―Passed away‖ does not mean ―destroyed.‖ The fact
that there is ―no more sea‖ is significant, since John was exiled on an
island and separated from those he loved. Two-thirds of the globe
today is water; so that in the new creation, God will have devised a
whole new system for watering the earth.
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The Book of Revelation Notes
2. THE NEW PEOPLE OF GOD vv. 21:3-8
What wonderful changes there will be when we enter eternity! God
will dwell personally with His people in a glorious and intimate way.
There will be no more tears, death, or sorrow. All of these came into
the world through sin (Gen. 3), but now the curse is removed (Rev.
22:3). God’s ―It is done!‖ parallels Christ’s ―It is finished!‖ (John
19:30). The same Lord who started creation will also finish it; He is
Alpha and Omega. But vs. 8 solemnly declares some people will not
enter this new creation. They are the fearful, or the cowards who
would not confess Christ; those who would not believe in Christ; those
who ―went along with the crowd‖ and practiced sin. Note that God
puts ―cowards‖ at the head of the list! When people are afraid to take a
stand for Christ, they are liable to commit any kind of sin as a result.
3. THE NEW JERUSALEM vv. 21:9-27
Verse 2 suggests that this heavenly city will hover over the earth
during the Millennium, and then descend when the new creation is
ushered in. The city is identified with God’s people; she is looked
upon as a bride. The New Jerusalem is that city. Note that the city
unites God’s people of the OT and the NT, Israel and the church. The
tribes of Israel are named on the gates, and the twelve apostles are
named on the foundation stones. (On the apostles, see Eph. 2:20 and
Matt. 19:28.) The dimensions and descriptions of the city stagger our
imagination. ―Foursquare‖ means ―equal on all sides‖; which may
mean the city is a perfect cube, a ―holy of holies‖ radiant with the
presence of God. Or, it could be a pyramid. In either case, the city
measures about 1,500 miles each way, or two-thirds the size of the
United States! The beautiful colors of the gems (vv. 18–20) suggest
the ―manifold (many-colored) grace of God‖ in 1 Peter 4:10.
Several things are missing from the city: a temple, natural light, and
night. Since God dwells personally with His people, no temple is
necessary. His glory replaces the glory of the sun, moon, and stars.
Night in the Bible symbolizes death, sin, sorrow; these things are
banished from the city forever. The gates will never be shut, so God’s
people will have access to the city from every part of His renewed
universe! This new earth will have nations (vs. 24, see also Rev. 22:2).
All the glory of these nations will be brought to God, where it belongs.
4. THE NEW PARADISE vv. 22:1-5
In this new creation, God reverses all the tragedies that sin brought to
the original creation. The old heaven and earth were plunged into
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The Book of Revelation Notes
judgment; this new heaven and earth glisten with perfection. Eden had
an earthly river (Gen. 2:10–14); but here we have a wonderful
heavenly river. The tree of life in Eden was guarded after man sinned
(Gen. 3:24); but here the heavenly tree of life is available to God’s
people. The curse was pronounced in Gen. 3:14–17; but now there is
no more curse. Adam and Eve were forced to leave the original
paradise and labor for their daily bread; but here men serve God and
see His face in perfect fellowship. When the first man and woman
sinned, they became slaves and lost their kingship; but vs. 5 indicates
that this kingship will be regained, and we shall reign with Christ
forever!
The present creation is not God’s final product. It is groaning and
travailing under the bondage of sin (Rom. 8:18–23). But one day, God
will usher in His new creation, and we will enjoy perfect liberty and
fullness of life forever.
5. THE FINAL MESSAGE vv. 22:6-21
Three times at the close of this book Christ says, ―I am coming
quickly!‖ (vv. 7, 12, 20). The word ―quickly‖ suggests ―swiftly.‖ It
means that when these great events start to occur, there will be no
delay.
The final verses of this book present a plea, a prayer, and a promise. In
vv. 7 and 12, the Lord has said, ―I come quickly!‖ In vs. 17, the Spirit
and the bride say ―Come!‖ to the Lord Jesus. The Spirit prays through
the church for the return of the Savior. The lost soul is invited to
―Come, drink of the water of life!‖ The last prayer of the Bible is that
of the Holy Spirit through John saying, ―Even so come, Lord Jesus!‖
Verses 18–19 are a warning against tampering with God’s Word.
Satan loves for men to add to the Word or take from the Word, but to
do so is to invite judgment. Note Deut. 4:2 and Prov. 30:5–6. In John’s
day, books were copied by hand, and the copyist might have been
tempted to edit or emend the material. Even today, people add their
theories and traditions to God’s Word or strike from it whatever does
not fit into their scheme of theology. John’s warning applied
specifically to the Book of Revelation, but certainly it includes all of
the Word of God.
Thus ends the last book of the Bible, the book of the last things. We
can end these study notes in no better way than to echo the prayer of
the Spirit, ―Even so come, Lord Jesus!‖
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