Book of RevelationBook of Revelation

IntroductionIntroduction

Traditional View: Apostle JohnTraditional View: Apostle John

Dominant church tradition Dominant church tradition Supported by the internal evidenceSupported by the internal evidenceNot strongly challenged by any Not strongly challenged by any

alternate theoryalternate theory

Apostle JohnApostle John

One of the original 12 Apostles One of the original 12 Apostles Son of Zebedee and brother of Apostle Son of Zebedee and brother of Apostle

James (Matthew 4:21; 10:2; 17:1; Mark James (Matthew 4:21; 10:2; 17:1; Mark 1:19; 10:35; Luke 5:10)1:19; 10:35; Luke 5:10)

Fisherman by trade, on the Sea of Galilee Fisherman by trade, on the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 4:13(Matthew 4:13

““The beloved disciple” (John 13:23; 19:26; The beloved disciple” (John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20-24)20:2; 21:7, 20-24)

Ministry with the church at EphesusMinistry with the church at Ephesus

Afterwards, John, the disciple of the Lord, who also had leaned upon His breast, did himself publish a Gospel during his residence at Ephesus in Asia.

EusebiusEusebius

At that time the apostle and evangelist John, the one whom Jesus loved, was still living in Asia, and governing the churches of that region…

EphesusEphesus

Basilica of St JohnBasilica of St John

Church traditions and legendsChurch traditions and legends

Long life (John 21:20-23)Long life (John 21:20-23)Survived shipwreckSurvived shipwreckSurvived being stoned by enemiesSurvived being stoned by enemiesSurvived execution attempts by Survived execution attempts by

DomitianDomitianSurvived a murder attempt from Survived a murder attempt from

poison in his drink poison in his drink

Memling, Hans (1430?-94)

Burgkmair, Hans the Elder (1473-1531)

CANO, AlonsoSpanish painter (1601, Granada, d. 1667, Granada)

Greco, El (1541-1614). Cretan-born painter, sculptor, and architect who settled in Spain and is regarded as the first great genius of the Spanish School

El GrecoSt. John the Evangelistc. 1600Oil on canvas90 x 77 cmMuseo del Prado, Madrid

Bassano, Jacopo Bassano, Jacopo

Internal EvidenceInternal Evidence

Rev. 1:1, 3, 9; 22:8Rev. 1:1, 3, 9; 22:8Jesus as “the Lamb” (John 1:29, 36)Jesus as “the Lamb” (John 1:29, 36)Jesus as the “Word of God” (John 1:1, 14; Jesus as the “Word of God” (John 1:1, 14;

1 John 1:1) and Rev. 19:131 John 1:1) and Rev. 19:13Jesus “pierced” on the cross (John 19:34; Jesus “pierced” on the cross (John 19:34;

Rev. 1:7) both quoting Zech. 12:10Rev. 1:7) both quoting Zech. 12:10

External EvidenceExternal Evidence

Justin Martyr (c.110-165 AD)Justin Martyr (c.110-165 AD)Irenaeus (about 180)Irenaeus (about 180)Clement of Alexandria (d. 215 AD)Clement of Alexandria (d. 215 AD)Tertullian (c.160-c.230 AD)Tertullian (c.160-c.230 AD)

Island of PatmosIsland of Patmos

Date of CompositionDate of Composition

Most likely date: mid 90’sMost likely date: mid 90’sIrenaeusIrenaeusHipoolytusHipoolytusEusebiusEusebius

A recent proposal: mid 60’sA recent proposal: mid 60’s

Historical BackgroundHistorical Background

Domitian Domitian What do you know about What do you know about

this emperor?this emperor?

DomitianDomitian

Took the power of censor perpetuusTook the power of censor perpetuus Insisted on being called “dominus et deus” Insisted on being called “dominus et deus”

(lord and god)(lord and god)Required his subjects to offer sacrifices to Required his subjects to offer sacrifices to

himhimSuetonius records that he wanted people Suetonius records that he wanted people

to call him “our Master and our God”to call him “our Master and our God”

DomitianDomitian

Wrote “Care of the Hair”Wrote “Care of the Hair” In A.D. 85 he made himself censor In A.D. 85 he made himself censor

perpetuus, censor for life, with a general perpetuus, censor for life, with a general supervision of conduct and moralssupervision of conduct and morals

Outlawed making eunuchs and lower price Outlawed making eunuchs and lower price of slave market to discourage the practiceof slave market to discourage the practice

Put an end to the ritual sacrifice of oxen Put an end to the ritual sacrifice of oxen and outlawed indecent pantomimeand outlawed indecent pantomime

DomitianDomitian He was a passionate supporter of traditional He was a passionate supporter of traditional

Roman religionRoman religion Had the traditional games every four years Had the traditional games every four years

and often had elaborate public showsand often had elaborate public shows ““No Christian, once brought before the No Christian, once brought before the

tribunal, should be exempt from punishment tribunal, should be exempt from punishment without renouncing his religion.”without renouncing his religion.”

When he died the senators hated him so When he died the senators hated him so much they voted for damnatio memoriae much they voted for damnatio memoriae (condemnation of memory) (condemnation of memory)

Why would the Empire Why would the Empire persecute Christians?persecute Christians?

Reasons for Persecution Reasons for Persecution

Rome feared any widespread series of Rome feared any widespread series of meetings by its citizens might be seditiousmeetings by its citizens might be seditious

Ancient religions were provincial and tied Ancient religions were provincial and tied directly to political and cultural survivaldirectly to political and cultural survival

Christians did not mingle freely with the Christians did not mingle freely with the pagans in their activities at the theaters, pagans in their activities at the theaters, games, taverns, and temples.games, taverns, and temples.

Reasons for PersecutionReasons for Persecution

Wild rumors Wild rumors Many Christians refused to serve in the Many Christians refused to serve in the

Roman armyRoman armyMany Christians were from the poor an Many Christians were from the poor an

salve population salve population Political trouble with the JewsPolitical trouble with the JewsChristians Monotheistic Evangelistic PushChristians Monotheistic Evangelistic Push

Reasons for PersecutionReasons for Persecution

Conversions cost the government moneyConversions cost the government moneyChristians refused to worship the emperorChristians refused to worship the emperor

Why is all of this important to know?Why is all of this important to know?

Literary StyleLiterary Style

Revelatory Nature of the BookRevelatory Nature of the BookAn Apocalyptic WritingAn Apocalyptic Writing In Old Testament: Ezekiel, Daniel, In Old Testament: Ezekiel, Daniel,

ZechariahZechariahAmong non-Biblical writingsAmong non-Biblical writings

Dozens of examples, mostly 210 BC – AD200Dozens of examples, mostly 210 BC – AD200Prize Example: Book of EnochPrize Example: Book of EnochOther examplesOther examples

Clear PatternClear Pattern

Series of VisionsSeries of Visions

Story line typically involves the author Story line typically involves the author reporting a series of visions he says he reporting a series of visions he says he has received from Godhas received from God

The “seer” (author) usually has an angel The “seer” (author) usually has an angel guide to lead him through the visions and guide to lead him through the visions and provide some commentaryprovide some commentary

The seer is often drawn in as a minor The seer is often drawn in as a minor participantparticipant

Tribulation and HopeTribulation and Hope

Story line normally follows a thematic Story line normally follows a thematic pattern:pattern:The present is a time of tribulation for God’s The present is a time of tribulation for God’s

peoplepeopleEven greater tribulation and oppression is yet Even greater tribulation and oppression is yet

to cometo comeBut God will eventually lead his people in a But God will eventually lead his people in a

messianic triumph over their oppressors at messianic triumph over their oppressors at the end of this age of tribulationthe end of this age of tribulation

Drama and SymbolsDrama and Symbols

Each vision is the series of vision is Each vision is the series of vision is like a strange drama on a grand scalelike a strange drama on a grand scale

Normally has highly imaginative Normally has highly imaginative symbolssymbols

Example Zechariah 4Example Zechariah 4

Mysteries to be solvedMysteries to be solved

As a general rule, apocalyptic writings As a general rule, apocalyptic writings should be interpreted figuratively rather should be interpreted figuratively rather than literallythan literally

Apocalyptic imagery does not describe Apocalyptic imagery does not describe literal realities, but rather, it symbolizes literal realities, but rather, it symbolizes literal realities (as well as theological literal realities (as well as theological concepts)concepts)

Key TextsKey Texts

Daniel 2Daniel 2Daniel 9:24-27Daniel 9:24-27Matthew 24 and 25Matthew 24 and 252 Thessalonians 22 Thessalonians 2Revelation 20:1-10Revelation 20:1-10

Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream

Daniel 2

Daniel 9:24-27Daniel 9:24-27 "Seventy weeks are determined For your people and for your holy city, To finish the transgression, To make an end of sins, To make reconciliation for iniquity, To bring in everlasting righteousness, To seal up vision and prophecy, And to anoint the Most Holy. "Know therefore and understand, That from the going forth of the command To restore and build Jerusalem Until Messiah the Prince, There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; The street shall be built again, and the wall, Even in troublesome times. "And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself; And the people of the prince who is to come Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, And till the end of the war desolations are determined. Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate."

Daniel 9:24-27Daniel 9:24-27

70 weeks: 70 times 7, or 490 years 70 weeks: 70 times 7, or 490 years 69 weeks the coming of Christ69 weeks the coming of Christ490 years later a end to the sin offerings 490 years later a end to the sin offerings

“to make reconciliation for iniquity” or “to “to make reconciliation for iniquity” or “to make atonement”make atonement”

““to seal up the vision and prophecy” to seal up the vision and prophecy” means that the things seen in visions and means that the things seen in visions and the things prophesied by the OT prophets the things prophesied by the OT prophets would be fulfilled, 490 years later. would be fulfilled, 490 years later.

Daniel 9:24-27Daniel 9:24-27

7 weeks (49 years) to rebuild Jerusalem 7 weeks (49 years) to rebuild Jerusalem In 457 BC (Ezra 7:20), Artaxerxes gave In 457 BC (Ezra 7:20), Artaxerxes gave

Ezra an order to draw on the royal Ezra an order to draw on the royal treasury to rebuild Jerusalem. 49 years treasury to rebuild Jerusalem. 49 years later in 408 BC the last act of Nehemiah is later in 408 BC the last act of Nehemiah is told in the 15th year of Darius Nothus told in the 15th year of Darius Nothus

Daniel 9:24-27Daniel 9:24-27

Vs. 25 says that the Messiah would appear Vs. 25 says that the Messiah would appear 69 weeks after the decree to rebuild 69 weeks after the decree to rebuild Jerusalem. 457 BC 483 years later puts us Jerusalem. 457 BC 483 years later puts us at AD 26, the date of Jesus’ baptism and at AD 26, the date of Jesus’ baptism and beginning of his public ministry beginning of his public ministry

Vs. 27 tells us that it will happen in the Vs. 27 tells us that it will happen in the middle of the 70th week.middle of the 70th week.

3 ½ years after the beginning of Jesus’ 3 ½ years after the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in AD 26 would bring us to AD 30, ministry in AD 26 would bring us to AD 30, the date of his crucifixion. the date of his crucifixion.

Daniel 9:24-27Daniel 9:24-27

Vs. 26 also talks of another “prince” who Vs. 26 also talks of another “prince” who comes after “Messiah the prince has been comes after “Messiah the prince has been cut off.” The second prince will destroy cut off.” The second prince will destroy the city of Jerusalem and the Temple. the city of Jerusalem and the Temple. Matthew 24:15 and Luke 21:20 tell us that Matthew 24:15 and Luke 21:20 tell us that this part of Daniel’s prophecy has this part of Daniel’s prophecy has reference to the destruction of Jerusalem reference to the destruction of Jerusalem under Titus and the Romans in AD 70 under Titus and the Romans in AD 70 after a long siege.after a long siege.

Daniel 9:24-27Daniel 9:24-27

The first part of verse 27 appears to speak of The first part of verse 27 appears to speak of Messiah who causes God’s covenant with Messiah who causes God’s covenant with Israel to prevail for one week. God’s Israel to prevail for one week. God’s covenant with Israel, his covenant to send a covenant with Israel, his covenant to send a Messiah, a part of the eternal covenant with Messiah, a part of the eternal covenant with Israel, would prevail with the hearts of many Israel, would prevail with the hearts of many of Israel during “one week.” It was about 7 of Israel during “one week.” It was about 7 years from Jesus’ beginning ministry to the years from Jesus’ beginning ministry to the conversion of Paul. After that time more conversion of Paul. After that time more Gentiles came into the church than Jews.Gentiles came into the church than Jews.

Matthew 24 and 25Matthew 24 and 25

Two main questions Two main questions Jesus answers:Jesus answers:Matthew 24:4-28 speaks of the destruction Matthew 24:4-28 speaks of the destruction

of Jerusalemof JerusalemMatthew 24:29-25:30 speaks of the Matthew 24:29-25:30 speaks of the

second comingsecond coming

Destruction of JerusalemDestruction of Jerusalem

False Christs 24:2, 5False Christs 24:2, 5 Wars and rumors of wars 24:6, 7aWars and rumors of wars 24:6, 7a Great natural disturbances 24:7b and Luke 21:11Great natural disturbances 24:7b and Luke 21:11 Persecution against the Church 24:9, Mark 13:9-11, Persecution against the Church 24:9, Mark 13:9-11,

and Luke 24:14, 15, 18, 19and Luke 24:14, 15, 18, 19 False prophets arising in the church 24:11-13False prophets arising in the church 24:11-13 World-wide proclamation of the gospel 24:14 (Col. World-wide proclamation of the gospel 24:14 (Col.

1:23 says it was done)1:23 says it was done) Abomination of desolation standing in a holy place Abomination of desolation standing in a holy place

24:15ff, Luke 21:2024:15ff, Luke 21:20

Second Coming (Note 24:34)Second Coming (Note 24:34)

Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things by no means pass away till all these things take placetake place

No one knows 24:36No one knows 24:36 Like the days of Noah 24:37-39Like the days of Noah 24:37-39 Rapture 24:40-42Rapture 24:40-42 It will be unexpected 24:43-25:13It will be unexpected 24:43-25:13

2 Thessalonians 22 Thessalonians 2 The man of lawlessness The man of lawlessness 2 Thess. 2:1-4 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of 2 Thess. 2:1-4 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of

our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.that he is God.

Two things will happen Two things will happen

A great falling awayA great falling away Coming of the man of lawlessnessComing of the man of lawlessness 1 John 1:18 Little children, it is the last 1 John 1:18 Little children, it is the last

hour; and as you have heard that the hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.that it is the last hour.

Significance of NumbersSignificance of Numbers

In apocalyptic writings numbers are In apocalyptic writings numbers are normally used to symbolize ideas rather normally used to symbolize ideas rather than to actually indicate a literal count than to actually indicate a literal count

Note: A significant number not used is 8Note: A significant number not used is 88 was often used during that period for 8 was often used during that period for

Sunday or for Jesus ChristSunday or for Jesus Christ

Number 4Number 4

Typically used to refer to activities on earth Typically used to refer to activities on earth verses activities in heavenverses activities in heaven

Reason:Reason:Four directions of compassFour directions of compassFour corners of the earth (Isa. 11:12; Four corners of the earth (Isa. 11:12;

Ezek. 7:2; Rev. 7:2)Ezek. 7:2; Rev. 7:2)Four winds of earth (Jer. 49:36; Ezek. 7:9; Four winds of earth (Jer. 49:36; Ezek. 7:9;

Zech. 6:5; Dan. 7:2; Matt. 24:31; Rev. 7:1)Zech. 6:5; Dan. 7:2; Matt. 24:31; Rev. 7:1)

Number 7Number 7

Typically used to denote a full and Typically used to denote a full and complete set, not lacking in any waycomplete set, not lacking in any way

Can be used for good or evilCan be used for good or evilReasonReasonPerhaps drawn from the Old Testament Perhaps drawn from the Old Testament

use of 7 as the first number to mark a use of 7 as the first number to mark a complete unit of timecomplete unit of time

Seven days of creation and 7 days of Seven days of creation and 7 days of weekweek

Number 10Number 10

Typically used to denote a full and Typically used to denote a full and complete set, not lacking in any way (very complete set, not lacking in any way (very similar to 7)similar to 7)

ReasonReasonPerhaps drawn from the common usage of Perhaps drawn from the common usage of

10 to mark a complete unit10 to mark a complete unit10 digits in Arabic (Roman) math10 digits in Arabic (Roman) math10 fingers and 10 toes10 fingers and 10 toes

Number 6Number 6

Typically used to denote man’s failure to Typically used to denote man’s failure to attain a “divine” completeness or attain a “divine” completeness or perfection on his ownperfection on his own

ReasonReasonPerhaps drawn from the idea that 6 is the Perhaps drawn from the idea that 6 is the

most natural number to represent being most natural number to represent being close to perfection (7) and yet falling shortclose to perfection (7) and yet falling short

A good symbol to use for man’s best A good symbol to use for man’s best efforts to accomplish things without relying efforts to accomplish things without relying upon Godupon God

Number 12Number 12

Typically used to refer to the saints of God Typically used to refer to the saints of God as a groupas a group

ReasonReasonPerhaps drawn from the 12 tribes of the Perhaps drawn from the 12 tribes of the

Old TestamentOld TestamentThe 12 apostles of the New TestamentThe 12 apostles of the New Testament

Combinations of numbersCombinations of numbers

Multiples of key symbolic numbers have Multiples of key symbolic numbers have added significance added significance

Some larger numbers in apocalyptic Some larger numbers in apocalyptic literature appear to be intended to convey literature appear to be intended to convey symbolic meaningsymbolic meaning

Notably when they are obvious multiples Notably when they are obvious multiples of the basic number symbols: of the basic number symbols: 1,000=10*10*10 or 1,000=10*10*10 or 144,000=12*12*10*10*10144,000=12*12*10*10*10

The Preterist InterpretationThe Preterist Interpretation

Typical Outline:Typical Outline:Revelation 1-3 records messages to 7 literal Revelation 1-3 records messages to 7 literal

churches of the 1churches of the 1stst century centuryRevelation 4-20 symbolizes the 1Revelation 4-20 symbolizes the 1stst century century

church’s immediate past, present, and church’s immediate past, present, and immediate futureimmediate future

Revelation 21-22 symbolizes the church Revelation 21-22 symbolizes the church and/or heavenand/or heaven

Observations Observations

It is recent in originIt is recent in origin It is a minority viewIt is a minority view

Why we will not take this viewWhy we will not take this view

It does not seem to work well with It does not seem to work well with passages throughout the book that present passages throughout the book that present “end of the age” imagery“end of the age” imagery

The extreme version that denies a future The extreme version that denies a future second coming of Christ is an unnatural second coming of Christ is an unnatural readingreading

A reasonable interpretative method will A reasonable interpretative method will listen to the preterist emphasis upon the 1listen to the preterist emphasis upon the 1stst century context, but will not limit the bookcentury context, but will not limit the book

Futurist Interpretation Futurist Interpretation

Typical outlineTypical outline1-3 records messages to 7 literal churches of 1-3 records messages to 7 literal churches of

the 1the 1stst century century andand symbolizes 7 successive symbolizes 7 successive periods of church history periods of church history

4-19 depicts a 7 year period of “Great 4-19 depicts a 7 year period of “Great Tribulation” Tribulation”

20 depicts a 1,000 year millennial reign for 20 depicts a 1,000 year millennial reign for Christ and the nation of IsraelChrist and the nation of Israel

21-22 depicts heaven21-22 depicts heaven

ObservationsObservations

Not popular until recentlyNot popular until recentlyUsed by some Protestant ReformersUsed by some Protestant Reformers

Why we will not be using itWhy we will not be using it

Dose not work well with the emphasis in Dose not work well with the emphasis in the opening chapter that the message of the opening chapter that the message of Revelation is relevant to its 1Revelation is relevant to its 1stst century century readersreaders

Conclusions constantly being revisedConclusions constantly being revisedStrong liberal hermeneutic of this view Strong liberal hermeneutic of this view

does not fit apocalyptic literature does not fit apocalyptic literature Too elaborate unless you take the Too elaborate unless you take the

dispensational premillennial viewdispensational premillennial view

Historical InterpretationHistorical Interpretation

Typical Outline:Typical Outline: 1-3 records messages to 7 literal churches of the 1-3 records messages to 7 literal churches of the

11stst century century 4-19 depicts key historical events and periods 4-19 depicts key historical events and periods

from the 1from the 1stst century to Christ’s return century to Christ’s return 20 depicts a 1,000 year millennial reign on earth 20 depicts a 1,000 year millennial reign on earth

from Christ and the nation of Israel (or spiritual from Christ and the nation of Israel (or spiritual Israel)Israel)

21-22 depicts heaven21-22 depicts heaven

General ObservationsGeneral Observations

Goes back to the Middle AgesGoes back to the Middle Ages

Why we will not use this methodWhy we will not use this method

Conclusions drawn form this methodology Conclusions drawn form this methodology are constantly being revised as history are constantly being revised as history continuescontinues

Does not work well with passages that Does not work well with passages that introduce events out of chronological order introduce events out of chronological order

Minimal relevance to the original 1Minimal relevance to the original 1stst century readerscentury readers

If you are not a dispensational If you are not a dispensational premillenialist it does not work wellpremillenialist it does not work well

Spiritual or Idealist InterpretationSpiritual or Idealist Interpretation

This approach emphasizes the symbolism This approach emphasizes the symbolism of Revelation as teaching spiritual lessons of Revelation as teaching spiritual lessons rather than expecting literal fulfillment. rather than expecting literal fulfillment.

The prevailing lesson pertains to the The prevailing lesson pertains to the constant warfare between good and evil, constant warfare between good and evil, both in Heaven and on earth. both in Heaven and on earth.

General ObservationsGeneral Observations

Very popular with some throughout historyVery popular with some throughout historyWhat is the problem with this?What is the problem with this?Does not see the future aspects or the Does not see the future aspects or the

historical aspects that are evidenthistorical aspects that are evident

Cyclical Interpretation Cyclical Interpretation

Typical OutlineTypical Outline1-3 messages to 7 literal churches of 11-3 messages to 7 literal churches of 1stst

centurycentury4-20 symbolizes the conditions in which 4-20 symbolizes the conditions in which

the church must always live and minister the church must always live and minister (done is six different ways)(done is six different ways)

21-22 symbolizes the ultimate destiny of 21-22 symbolizes the ultimate destiny of the church (heaven)the church (heaven)

General ObservationsGeneral Observations

Apparent in the early ChurchApparent in the early ChurchAugustine made it very popular (354-430 Augustine made it very popular (354-430

AD)AD)

Why we will take this viewWhy we will take this view

Best accounts for the apparent repetition Best accounts for the apparent repetition of events throughout the bookof events throughout the book

Follows precedent of the other prophetic Follows precedent of the other prophetic passages in which God uses repeated passages in which God uses repeated visions with different story lines to tell the visions with different story lines to tell the same basic ideasame basic idea

Seems best to fulfill the intent of the book Seems best to fulfill the intent of the book that it is relevant to the 1that it is relevant to the 1stst century reader century reader and to the all subsequent readersand to the all subsequent readers

Bottom LineBottom Line

Purpose of the book:Purpose of the book:The emphasis of the book is to encourage The emphasis of the book is to encourage

Christians to persevere in their Christians to persevere in their commitment to Christ even in the midst of commitment to Christ even in the midst of sufferingsuffering

Key text is Rev. 1:9 Key text is Rev. 1:9

Revelation 20:1-10Revelation 20:1-10

Pre-millennial Pre-millennial Historic Historic DispensationalDispensational

Post-millennialPost-millennial A-millennial A-millennial I will explain in detail when we get there, but I will explain in detail when we get there, but

worth bringing up because some use it as worth bringing up because some use it as the basis for the interpretation of the whole the basis for the interpretation of the whole bookbook

What Not To ExpectWhat Not To Expect

First, one ought not to expect to receive here a guaranteed, valid interpretation of all figures. God cannot tell us of the future with such a certainty that takes away the freedom of man’s will as he lives out his period of probation

What Not To ExpectWhat Not To Expect

Second, one should not to expect to put the figurative on a literal screen.

Finally, one should not expect for everyone to agree

What To ExpectWhat To Expect

First, a focus on the main point of God’s purpose in revealing the truths recorded in Revelation.

Second, one should expect to think and imagine.

Third, one should be encouraged to be alert to the signs of the time.

Last, one should expect to apply the principles urged in the book of Revelation to one’s own life