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The Book of Revelation (to John)

The Apocalypse

Class 2 May 6,2014

TUESDAYS WITH THE BIBLE

saraph serpents

OPENING PRAYER

Worthy are you to receive the scroll and to break open its seals, for you were slain with your blood you purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue, people and nation. You made them a kingdom and priests for our God, and they will reign on earth

Rev 5:9,10,12b,13b

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OPENING PRAYER

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches wisdom and strength honor and glory and blessing

To the one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor, glory and might forever and ever.

Schedule for Class

April 29 - Introductory Class May 6 - Chapters 1:1 - 5:14 May 13 - No Class (Clergy Institute) May 20 - Chapters 6:1 - 16:21 May 27 - Chapters 17:1 - 21:21

THE BOOK OF REVELATION

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THE BOOK OF REVELATION Review Material Covered to Date

Historical Context

The Author of the book

Genre of the book

Use of symbolism

Contemporary ways this book has been read by Christians

Major themes in the book

The Outline of the book

I. Prologue (1:1-3)

II. Letters to the Churches of Asia (1:4-3:22) III.God and the Lamb in Heaven (4:1-5:14) IV. The Seven Seals, Trumpets, and Plagues with Interludes (6:1-16:21) A. The Seven Seals (6:1-8:5) B. The Seven Trumpets (8:6-11:19) C. The woman and the Dragon (12) D. The Two Beasts (13) E. Salvation and Judgment (14) F. The Last Plagues (15-16)

V. The Punishment of Babylon and the Destruction of Pagan Nations (17:1-20:15) VI. The New Creation (21:1-22:5)

VII. Epilogue (21:6-21)

THE BOOK OF REVELATION OUTLINE OF THE BOOK

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VISIONS

THE BOOK OF REVELATION

John speaks of his own suffering, persecution, exiled to Patmos. The Vision John was caught up in a vision On the Lord’s Day = Sunday

He heard a voice that told him to write Send what he saw to the 7 churches

The description of the vision is similar to Daniel’s and Ezekiel’s vision of God

on the throne - He says he is Jesus, the one dead who is now alive

Rev. 1:12-16

VISIONS

THE BOOK OF REVELATION Symbols Ankle length robe - priest

Eyes - peer of will, judgment; intellect Feet and hands - power to act Sharp two edge sward from mouth-words of judgment

Rev. 1:12-16

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VISIONS

THE BOOK OF REVELATION

The vision explains The 7 stars in his hand are the guarding spirits of the 7 Churches The 7 lamp stands are the 7 Churches Meaning Jesus continues to walk among the Churches (Lamp stands) He is the guardian of the Churches (Stars)

Rev. 1:12-16

FORM OF THE ALL THE LETTERS

To the angel of the church in _____________ write this: (description of Jesus) says this: I know (Message of consolation) yet I hold this against you: (Accusation = problems in the church of his day)

To the victor I will give (Rewards of the faithful) Whoever has ears ought to hear what the spirit says to the Churches

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GROUPS OF PEOPLE JOHN DENOUNCES Nicolaitans (Nic-o-LAY-i-tans) - heretics, unknown for sure, some state that teachings are similar to Balaam Balaam - (Num 31:16) the man who enticed the Israelites into idolatry and licentiousness Balak - a king of Moab described in the Book of Numbers in the Hebrew Bible for his dealings with Balaam. Balak tries to hire Balaam for the purpose of cursing Israel (Numbers 22:1-5). Jezebel - A Nicolaitan, rival to John who deceives. Named after the Canaanite wife of King Ahab who attempted to lead Israel into idolatry by introduction of the cult of Baal. - Now referred to as a false prophet and the name is anathema to the Israelites.

READING FOR UNDERSTANDING Each Church will hear a verdict based on John’s

knowledge of the community. • He is not speaking to abstract Churches • This knowledge is both external and spiritual • Message is crucial for understanding Revelation

• Message of hope to a people who falter • Encouragement

There has never been a perfect Christian community Christians have been faith and heroic Christians have been frail and vacillating

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THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS • Western coast of Asia Minor • Important commercial, cultural and

religious center of the Roman Empire • One of the largest cities in the

province • Many think this was the mother church

of the area • Paul visited here and wrote a letter

to the church • Significant amount of Christians and

Jews • Praises the Church for their endurance and ability to find false

teachers • Warns them that their initial love is fading now. • They may right teaching but do not have love • They must reform their ways • The victor will eat of the tree of life, reference to Genesis, contrast

to sacred tree of Artemis (Greek goddess of the forest)

They have removed impostors to the faith but have lost the love they had

THE CHURCH AT SMYRNA • North of Ephesus • Important commercial city • First in the province to build a

temple to the goddess Roma • Built a temple to Tiberius, emperor

cult • Conflict in the city between rich and

poor, Christians and non-christian, government authorities and Roman authorities

• Jews were free to practice / Christians coming more from Gentiles were being rejected by the Jews / “Claim to be Jews but are members of Satan”

• The Christians are rich in God even as they may be poor • Do not fear suffering • Stand firm in persecution • Martyrdom may come their way • Eternal life will be for the faithful - “Not be harmed by the second death”

Do not fear, persecution will not last and those who stand firm will be rewarded

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THE CHURCH AT PERGAMUM

• Important center for learning, largest libraries in the world

• Center of the arts, school of sculpture

• Silver mines, textiles and parchment • First to build temple to Augustus

• John reminds them that they live in the city of Satan. Nicolaitans are among them enticing them to idol worship, not outside the Church but within the Church.

• They stand firm in the face of persecution • They have accommodated their faith to the demands of the culture • The victor will be given manna (Exodus) white amulet (small stone protection

from evil and harm) New name is a new destiny or new way of life • “Two edge sword in my mouth” = judgment

Those among the Christians are promoting idol worship - internal evil, false teaching

THE CHURCH AT THYATIRA

• Known for the making of wool

• Lydia, from Acts, was from here

• Association with pagans for livelihood

• They are praised for their love, faith, service and endurance • They are scolded for the influence of the prophetess (Nicolaitan) • This prophetess lures them into idolatry • The victors will have authority over the nations, • Not sure of the meaning of the Morning Star

To what extent might Christians conform to the prevailing culture for the sake of economic survival or social acceptance? NONE for John

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THE CHURCH AT SARDIS • Very little is known of Sardis

• There was a large Jewish community

• By the 2nd Century, many Christians were persecuted

• John is very disappointed with this community • They may have a reputation for being good, but are

actually dead • Only a few in Sardis are worthy and alive in Christ • Wake up and repent May look good but have very little faith, half-hearted living of Christianity (“tan” or “beige”)

THE CHURCH AT PHILADELPHIA • Center of agriculture • Leather and textile • Their god - Dionysius, god of wine

Note: no condemnation written. Only words of comfort

• Key of David will be granted to them, faith in the Messiah • “Open door no one can close” - Doors of synagogues

Promise that they will be open one day • “Limited strength now” - very little power • “Assembly of Satan” - Jews who rejected Christianity.

Opposition came from the Jews God will vindicate the suffering and make the wicked see the error of their ways

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THE CHURCH AT LAODICEA

• Manufacturing of clothing and rugs • Medical school for eyes • Major banking center • Wealthy center Note: no praise in this letter

• “I am rich and affluent and have no need of anything” - Comfortable

in their riches they are disgustingly lukewarm in their faith • “You do not realize you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind and

naked” - They have deluded themselves into thinking they are among

the spiritual elite • Take from John spiritual gold refined, white garments and ointment

for eyes

Message of hope - the victor will sit with Christ on the throne

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SYMBOLS FOR THE FOUR GOSPELS

Lion = Mark Ox = Luke Man = Matthew Eagle = John

Message from the vision

God is,

always was and will

always be.

He is all powerful and king over all

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The scroll with seven seals

The angels asks is there is one worthy to break the seals. They found no one worthy except the Lion of the Tribe of Judah

Jesus (the lion of the tribe of Judah) because of his triumph is able to open the scroll

Marks of having been slain

Is alive

7 horns (power)

7 eyes (Knowledge)

Symbolic - Jesus

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HYMNS OF PRAISE SUNG IN HEAVEN

Worthy are you to receive the scroll and to break open its seals, for you were slain with your blood you purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue, people and nation. You made them a kingdom and priests for our God, and they will reign on earth

When Jesus takes the scroll from the one on the throne, the 4 watchers and the 24 elders sang this hymn. The elders had a harp and gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the holy ones, those who are faithful on earth. Our prayers are before the throne through the elders.

HYMNS OF PRAISE SUNG IN HEAVEN

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches wisdom and strength honor and glory and blessing Continue to praise

Jesus Voices of angels who surround the throne joined the elders and the watchers

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HYMNS OF PRAISE SUNG IN HEAVEN

To the one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor, glory and might forever and ever.

Move from praising Jesus to praising the one who sits on the throne “The Father”

Now it is the elders, the watchers, the angels and every creation in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, everything in the universe cry out. This is a number too great to count.

PRAISE AND ADORATION TO GOD

THE SEVEN SEALS

THE SEVEN TRUMPETS

THE SEVEN BOWLS

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THE FIRST 4 SEALS

THE SEVEN SEALS

1st Seal

White horse Rider with a bow

Victorious

Parthians who were skilled with the bow and enemies of

the Romans

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THE SEVEN SEALS

2nd Seal

Red Horse Take away peace

People killing each other

Bloodshed

Strife that follows

war

THE SEVEN SEALS

3rd Seal

Black horse with scale in his hand

Famine

“Ration of wheat costs a day’s pay….

Strife that follows war

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THE SEVEN SEALS

4th Seal

Pale green horse, the rider was named

“Death”

Consequence of war

is death

¼ of the earth dies

THE SEVEN SEALS

5th Seal

Martyrs given a white robe (victory)

Seeking justice

They were told to be patient as they await

those who will join them

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THE SEVEN SEALS

6th Seal

Earthquakes, sun turning black, Moon becoming red,

Stars falling from the sky

It will affect everyone

Fear the wrath of the Lamb

THE 144,000 SEALED The four angles are told to hold back the destruction until the 144,000 are sealed

Greco-Roman world, people were sealed as a sign of ownership

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THE 144,000 SEALED

12,000 from the 12 tribes 12 = Fullness or perfection 1,000 = to much to count

John is not seeing a small crowd but a massive crowd too big to countThose with the seal are saved from the tribulation

Massive crowd from every nation white robes palm branches praising God They have survived the great tribulation

This is the same crowd of the 144,000 after the tribulation Message of hope – God will protect those who remain faithful

THE 144,000 SEALED – NOW THE ELECT

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