Revelation 1- 11

All of the strange symbols and numbers and visions recorded in the book of Revelation tend to confuse most who read it. Consequently, far too many become discouraged and do not try to understand its message. Still others rely too much on the fanciful interpretations of mortal men searching for hidden clues to decipher the timing of the “end times”.

Above all else, the Bible interpreter (all of us) must take great care to assure accuracy. First, the book of Revelation is in the Bible. That sounds kind of silly, but it is important. Because it is in the Bible, we must treat it exactly like every other book in the Bible and interpret it the same way. Specifically, we ask a series of questions of any and all biblical texts:

What kind of writing is it? The book of Revelation is a letter, an epistle, just like Philippians. This letter contains prophecy, just like Isaiah. The prophecies are presented using “apocalyptic” language which uses symbols, numbers and hyperbole to teach themes of judgment and salvation – just like in Daniel.

Who is the original audience? The book of Revelation is written to Christians living in Asia Minor in the latter decades of the first century.

What did it mean to the original audience? John tells us that the visions, symbols and numbers will tell the Christians living in Asia Minor what was about to happen to THEM very soon and that they needed to pat attention to the warnings and encouragements in this letter.

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.

Revelation 1:1-3

In the opening verses, we are clearly told the prophecies are to be fulfilled soon. But, that’s not all. The end of this letter says the same thing …

And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.” “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near.

Revelation 22:6-10

Interestingly, Daniel WAS told to seal up a prophecy (Daniel 12:9) that history reveals its fulfillment was 400 years in the future. Logic and consistency dictate that the fulfillment of the prophecies in Revelation, then, would be sooner than 400 years. Combined with the “must happen soon” and “the time is near” statements, we can easily understand that the original audience could glean the truth that these visions foretold things that they would witness, NOT things still 2000+ years in the future.

These Christians were about to undergo a severe persecution at the hands of the Romans (described in Revelation as the Beast). Emperor worship required folks to bow to the image of Caesar and declare “Caesar is Lord”. In exchange for such homage, people could freely buy and sell food and other goods. They also could participate in whatever other “religion” they chose. The problem for Christians is that this is blasphemy. Jesus is Lord, not Caesar. To deny Jesus is to lose one’s soul. The book of Revelation calls upon them to remain faithful, even if the Romans kill them because of their faith.

They were told “Fear not” and always encouraged to know that Jesus is with them. Jesus told them to overcome physical tribulation by embracing and clinging to spiritual life. He called these folks “overcomers” because they conquered oppression, tribulation and temptation.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:31-39

What does it mean to us? All scripture is beneficial to all readers. Once we determine the intended meaning to the original audience, we can bring that meaning forward to us. That’s the beauty of inspired scripture. It is living and active and is beneficial for teaching and correcting us so we are prepared for the challenges of life on this earth. Be careful, however, knowing that a passage or book can never mean to us what it never meant to the original audience.

In the book of Revelation, all Christians are encouraged to remain faithful no matter what this world throws at us. We may never face a firing squad if we do not deny Jesus, but we can surely forsake Him because we love the things of this earth. Whether we face temptation, disease, death of loved ones or persecution we need not fear or be anxious, because Jesus is with us.

Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13:4-8

The message of faithfulness in the face of persecution for those in first century Asia Minor is one we must take to heart today. Their circumstances may be different than ours today, but the promises are the same. Salvation is in Jesus alone. Forgiveness of sins is for all who abide in Christ Jesus. Heaven with God is the destiny of all who remain faithful unto death.

Jesus calls us to overcome and share in His victory. In Him we are truly more than conquerors!

Consider His nature.  Consider His ways.  Strive to love Him more!