The Genre: type of literary work of a book, art or music belong.

*Apocalypse: The category this book belongs.Use of symbols to convey message.

- Symbols are not to be taken literally, except forced otherwise.

- Under this category also are books like Daniel (6&7), Isaiah (6), Ezekiel (1,10,40) & Mark 13 to mention just few.

The TitleThe title “The Revelation of John” comes from chap. 1:1. Note the verse says that the revelation was from Christ, given him by God, from the purpose of making it known to his servants. This message was sent by a messenger to john, who was commended to write it in a book (1:11).

The word: “REVELATION” (apocalypses) means to reveal or unveil that which has been hidden”. The WriterJohn says that Jesus commended him to write (1:10, 11, 19).John describes himself as “your brother and companion with you in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus” (v. 9). He is, of course the apostle who wrote the Gospel and the three shot Epistles.

SEE NOTE SESSION

The book was first of all intended for the seven churches in Asia (1:4, 10, 11, ch. 2&3).

However, what was written to one or all of these churches is also intended for all other churches of the Lord (2:7, and at the conclusion of each letter to the seven).

In addition, 1:3 pronounces a blessing upon anyone who hears and keeps the words of this book (see 22:18, 19).

The ancient writers, Irenaeus (175A.D) says that this banishment of john to Patmos was during Emperor Domitian’s reign (18-19A.D).

Various dates have been given to this book.

They range from 68 – 96 A.D

Scholars offer different arguments to support their varying dates, but the majority give 95-96A.D.

To comfort persecuted Christians.

- God sees their tears (7:17, 21:4)- Their prayers move God to act (8:3-4)- Their death is precious in his sight (14:13)- Their final victory is assured (15:2)- Their blood will be avenged (6:9-17)- Christ rules forever (5:11-13)- Christ is coming again to receive his own (chapters 21, 22)

SEE NOTE SESSION

One: Unity (Eph 5:31)Two: Strengthening (Jesus sent out disciples two–by–two) (Ecc 4:9-12)

Three: Divine number (Father, Son and Holy Spirt) (2 Cor 13:14)

Four: World or cosmic number (four winds of heaven; four corners of the earth) (Acts 10:11)

Five: human completeness

Seven: Number of perfection (divine: 3 plus cosmic: 4) - Use of the number seven (52 times) - Seven: churches, spirits, lampstands, stars, seals, horns, eyes, trumpets, thunders, signs, crowns, plagues, bowls, hills, kings, and others

Six: Evil and sinister (short of perfect: 7, like “13” today in the U.S)

Ten: Completeness (all fingers or toes)1,000: Ultimate completenessTwelve: Organized religion (Mk 3:14)

3 ½: Period of instability and persecution (also found as 42 months, 1260 days, “a time, and half of a time”) SEE NOTE SESSION

1. Blessed is he that reads this prophecy (1:3)

2. Blessed are the dead who die in the lord (14:13)

3. Blessed is he that watches and is prepared for the lords coming (16:15)

4. Blessed are those bidden to the lamb’s marriage supper (19:9).

5. Blessed is he that has part in the first resurrection (20:6)

6. Blessed is he that keeps the words of this book (22:7)

7. Blessed are they that wash their robes (KJV) “do his commandments”) (22:14).

SEE NOTE SESSION

Four major interpretations or views of the book

*Preterists: Events therein exclusive to 1st century times & had taken place.

*Futurists: Events to be primarily at end of times

*Historicists: Events from Patmos to end of history.

*Idealists: Symbolic pictures of the truth that victory of good over evil is timeless.

SEE NOTE SESSION

(a) Conditions of the empire (Rome)

(b) Conditions of the church

*Rome was built on two things- Conquest (military) & Commerce (Pax Romana).

- Between 27BC-97AD have had 11 Emperors (Caesars)

Augustus | Tiberius | Caligula | Claudius | Nero | (Galba | Otto | Vitellius) |

Vespasian | Titus | Domitian.*Rome was not only centre of government, but also of religion….many gods/deities’ worship allowed.

1. Christianity was an illegal religion (religio illicita) until edict of Milan in 315AD.

2. Christianity’s universality vs. Empire’s state.

3. Christianity’s exclusivity was hated….- so if no rain fall, blame them…too much rain (flood), blame them…defeat in battle, they were to blame.

4. Christians accused of all manner of evils: - Secrete services at night…’eating flesh & drinking blood’... etc.

5. Converts were mostly from the poor & outcast, so were looked down upon by the ‘respectable’ SEE NOTE SESSION

Rev 1:3,22:18-21- Blessings for those that read & put to heart (obey) the message.

- Condemnation for those that obey not, but are selective with what they do with the message.

- Do you choose what to obey in the bible?

- It’s about Christ the revealer & revealed as well.

- He had died, but had also risen. Had gone & to be back.

- His church may suffer, but can’t be destroyed. Evil may exist, but can’t be victorious.

- The message was: it may get worse, before it gets better.