INTRODUCTION Sermon: “Revelation of Messiah Jesus’ Pastor Dave Greenhood | December 27, 2020

Introductory comments:

THE AUTHORSHIP

The Apostle John discipled Polycarp (AD 69—155) … who discipled Irenaeus (AD 120—200) … who testified

to John’s authorship … AD 180.

THE DATE

Irenaeus wrote …

“We will not, however, incur the risk of pronouncing positively

as to the name of Antichrist; for if it were necessary that his name

should be distinctly revealed in this present time, it would have

been announced by him who beheld the apocalyptic vision.

for that was seen not very long time since, but almost in our day,

toward the end of Domitian’s reign.“

Lends itself to AD 95-96 dates.

CONNECTION TO THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES

THE MESSAGE

Revelation begins and ends with Jesus!

INTRODUCTION Sermon—page 2

THE METHODS OF INTERPRETATION

The art and science of Biblical interpretation … Hermeneutics

By the 3rd century two schools of theology with two very different hermeneutics had developed:

Alexandrian School of Theology

Antioch School of Theology

MAJOR INTERPRETIVE HEMENEUTICS … Idealist … Historicist … Preterist … Futurist

THE IDEALIST

“Imagery” in the Book symbolically represents the ongoing conflict between good and evil, God and

Satan...across the ages of time.”

Held to an allegorical method of interpretation which looks to deeper hidden spiritual meanings behind

the language being used.

THE HISTORICIST

Revelation is interpreted as a symbolic representation of church history from the Apostles to the end of

the age.

THE PRETERIST (the last two views are predominant today)

“Preter” comes from the Latin … “past”. This view interprets Revelation as referencing its events being

fulfilled with the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple in AD 70.

Revelation is directed to 1st century Christian believers encouraging them with the hope of God’s

deliverance from the evils of the Roman Empire.

Why dating is so important?

If Revelation is a PROPHECY of Jerusalem’s destruction, it must predate AD 70 … 65—66?

INTRODUCTION Sermon—page 3

THE PRETERIST (cont.)

The churches of Revelation 2—3 … arguments against a mid-60’s date

THE FUTURIST

The major portion of the book, Chapters 4—22, deals with what will take place at the end of history and

leading on into eternity.

The divine outline for the entire book is provided by Jesus Himself in Revelation 1:19:

“What you have seen” … Revelation 1

“What is (now)” … Revelation 2—3

“What will take place after this” … Revelation 4—22

This hermeneutic harmonizes Daniel 9:27 and the 70th Week with Revelation 4—22.

Conclusion:

Thomas, when confronted with the Resurrected Messiah Jesus?

“My Lord and my God”

To which John adds this final divinely inspired statement …

BEHOLD YOUR GOD