Revelation 1-11
Revelation Special Studies
Chapter 2-3: To whom was the book written?
Specifically: To the christians in these seven churches at this time.
In Principle: To all christians in all ages.
Same applies to all of the NT.
Church summaries:
Ephesus: Christianity in a rut. Going through the motions but lacking commitment to Jesus.
Smyrna: Christianity under attack: Persecution.
Pergamum: Christianity going astray. False teaching.
Thyatira: Christianity in immorality.
Sardis: Dead Christianity.
Philadelphia: Christianity with an open door. Little strength, but faithful.
Laodicea: Lukewarm Christianity. The spirit is quenched by the love of riches.
Literal vs. Figurative
Carnal vs. Spiritual
Examples of Jesus speaking Spiritually (figuratively) but people misunderstanding as carnal (literal).
Matt. 16:1-12; John 6:51-63; John 2:18-22
Expectation of apostles and christians that Jesus would return soon.
Chapters 4-6: The time frame of the book.
What time period is covered by this book?
From ascension to second coming.
Chapter 11: The Tribulation perion; The 3 1/2 years.
Chapter 13: The Antichrist; The Man of Sin.
REVELATION CHAPTER ONE
Lesson aims:
1. Identify the figure described in the vision.
2. Understand the significance of his characteristics.
3. What does this chapter say of value to us today.
I. Introduction
A. Author. 1:1-2,4,11,19; 22:8
Who is the author of this letter/book (the one who wrote it down)?
Who's message is it; who revealed it (Revelation)?
1. John the Apostle
Internal evidence.
External evidence: General agreement among early Christian writers.
B. Date: 94-96 AD
1. Near the end of reign of Emperor Domitian.
Significant persecution.
2. Long enough after Paul for these new false teachings to arise.
C. Place: Patmos and / or Ephesus.
1. Patmos  exile?
Where did John receive the revelation?
Why was he there?
2. Ephesus  Generally accepted that John the Apostle lived at Ephesus in his last years.
3. Location: Ephesus on the western coast of Asia Minor.
Pamos: Southwest of Ephesus 40-60 miles off the coast.
D. Blessing. 1:3; 22:7
Who will be blessed? How? Why?
Those who READ.
Those who HEAR and TAKE TO HEART.
Because the time is near.
II. Greeting. 1:4-8
A. Who is writing the letter?
B. Grace and peace from Who?
1. Him who is, who was, and who is to come.
Who is this and why is he described this way?
2. The seven spirits (sevenfold spirit)
Who is this and why is he described this way?
3. Jesus.
What is the meaning of the three descriptions of Jesus?
Faithful witness. (John 14:10,24)
Firstborn from the dead. (Colossians 1:18)
Ruler of the kings of the earth.
C. To Him 5b-6.
Who is this talking about? How do you know?
What are we?
How are we a kingdom?
How are we priests?
What is our purpose?
Why should Jesus be worthy of glory and power forever?
D. Look, he is coming. Verse 7
Daniel 7:13ff. Zechariah 12:10
Who is this talking about?
E. I am the Alpha and the Omega. Verse 8
Who is this talking about?
III. The vision. 9-18.
List the descriptions of this person.
A. One like a son of man. (13)
Daniel 7:13
B. Robe reaching down to his feet. (13)
Priestly garments (Ex. 28, 39)
Isaiah 6:1
C. Golden sash around his chest. (13)
Daniel 10:5
D. Head and hair white like wool. (14)
Daniel 7:9
E. Eyes like blazing fire. (14)
Daniel 10:6
F. Feet like bronze glowing in a furnace. (15)
Ezekiel 1:7; Daniel 10:6
G. Voice like the sound of rushing waters. (15)
Ezekiel 43:1-2
H. Sharp double edged sword out of his mouth. (16)
Isaiah 49:2; Hosea 6:5; Hebrews 4:12; Ephesians 6:17
I. Face like the sun shining in its brilliance. (16)
Ezekiel 1:28; Matthew 17:2
J. The figure identifies himself. (17-18)
1. I am the First and the Last.
2. I am the living one.
3. I was dead, and I am alive for ever and ever
4. I hold the keys of death and Hades.
Who is being described here?
What is the evidence?
What does this picture tell us about Jesus?
IV. The conclusion. 19-20
A. Write.
What three things is John told to write about?
What does each one mean?
1. What you have seen.(chapter one vision)
2. What is now. (the letters)
3. What will take place later. (chapter 4 and on.)
B. The mystery explained.
1. Seven stars: The "angels" of the seven churches.
2. Seven lampstands: The seven churches.
What is the significance of describing the churches as lampstands?
C. What are the angels?
1. Guardian angels.
2. Angel sometimes refers to a human being as a messenger.
a. The leader/elder/preacher for each church.
b. The actual person carrying the letter to the church.
What do these two verses tell us about the type of language used in this chapter?
Does this give us a clue as to the type of language used in the rest of the book?
LESSON TWO
THE LETTERS TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES
I. Introduction
A. Original recipients
B. How do we apply these letters to us today?
C. Example: Paul's first letter to the Corinthians.
1. Specific application to them.
Example: 1:10-16. A specific problem dealt with.
Does this letter and this passage have any relevance to anyone other than the Corinthians? To Us? Why? Colossians 1:1-2, 4:16
2 Tim 3:16,17; 2 Pet. 3:15,16
How is application to us the same as to the Corinthians?
How Different?
E. Application in principle to us.
F. Doctrine and Daily living.
II. The seven letters.
A. Specific application to those specific churches.
These were real people living in real cities.
B. Application beyond them.
Do these letters have any relevance beyond these actual people?
What relevance do they have for us?
How do we apply these letters to us today?
Would We apply them the same as 1 Corinthians?
III. Ephesus.
A. Background.
1. Major city and sea port, 250,000 population
Temple of Diana.
2. Paul founded the church in 54 AD, spent two years there.
Acts 19:8-10,23-34; I Tim. 1:3.
3. Timothy was there when Paul wrote his letters.
4. John moved there some time after the fall of Jer. in 70 AD.
B. The description of Jesus: Walking among the lampstands.
What do you think Jesus was trying to say with this description?
LIST: Good things about them. Bad thing.
C. Hard work, perseverance, exposing false apostles and teachers.
D. BUT, you have lost your first love.
What did Jesus mean by "first love"?
How could Jesus give these compliments, and then say this?
How could someone work hard, persevere, and avoid false teaching, and still be accused of loosing their first love?
What do you think was there first love?
How can we today lose our first love?
E. REMEMBER the height from which you have fallen.
What do you think this means?
F. REPENTand do the things you did at first.
What does this mean?
G. Summing up.
1. The words of the one who walks among the seven lampstands.
2. If you do not repent.
3. I will remove your lampstand.
What did Jesus mean by this?
4. Overcomer: Right to eat from the tree of life.
Rev. 22:1-2
What does this mean?
What does this letter say about our purpose in this life?
What does it say about our goal, our reward?
IV. Smyrna 2:8-11
A. Background
1. Port city 35 miles north of Ephesus.
2. 100,000 population.
3. Modern day Izmir, Turkey.
4. Several pagan temples.
5. A city known for its beauty.
B. Description of Jesus (8).
C. Affliction and poverty, yet rich (9).
1. Affliction and poverty.
Most were poor to begin with.
Often becoming a christian meant loosing your job and possessions.
How were they rich?
D. Those who say they are Jews but are not.
What do you think this means?
1. They have deserted Judaism for the world.
2. They are not true Jews because they rejected Jesus.
3. They slander the christians.
E. Persecution (10).
1. The Jews were especially numerous and influencial in Smyrna. They had the power to cause trouble for christians.
2. The devil wil put some of you in prison.
How can the devil put someone in prison?
What does this mean?
3. Ten days. (compared to eternity)
What is the significance of this period of time?
4. Be faithful to the point of death.
What does this mean?
5. Persecution todayin many parts of the world.
F. Polycarp, an elder or evangelist at Smyrna, martyred 156AD at Smyrna. Polycarp was a disciple of John and may have been at Smyrna at the time this letter was received. In fact, he could have been the "angel".
(Read from Cottrell, TT-10, p. 42)
G. Crown of life.
H. The overcomer will not be hurt by the second death.
What is the second death? Rev. 20:6,14; 21:8
Why is it called this? What is the first death?
I. Pull it all together.
1. The words of the one who died and came to life again.
2. Be faithful to the point of death.
3. Crown of life.
4. Overcomer: You will not be hurt by the second death.
Compare Ephesus.
V. Pergamum
A. Background
1. Forty miles north of Smyrna and a little inland.
2. Possible explanations for "Satan's throne"
a. Altar of Zeus
b. The Asklepios: A temple and cult of spiritual healing.
c. A center for Emporer worship.
d. Several other pagan temples, a center for pagan worship.
One of these or a combination of all.
B. Description of Jesus: The sharp double edged sword.
See v. 16
C. Satan's throne.
What is Jesus' commendation to them?
What things does Jesus name that could have caused them to renounce him?
Satan's throne (pagan worship)
Death of Antipas.
What are some things that cause people to renounce faith in Jesus today?
D. Condemnation.
What is Jesus' condemnation of them?
1. Teaching of Balaam.
Sexual immorality.
Eating food sacrificed to idols.
Numbers 31:16
2. Nicolaitans
Gnostic cult: purposely indulging in sin, particularly sexual sins.
How do these things relate to our generation?
E. Summing up.
1. Sharp double edged sword.
2. Repent, OR
3. I will fight them with the sword of my mouth.
Who is them?
4. Overcomer:
Hidden manna John 6:49ff.
Based on our study of John's gospel, what might be the significance of the hidden manna?
White stone:
Token of acquittal from a judge.
Ticket to a marriage supper.
Token of honor given to public heroes (it had purchasing power in the markets).
With a new name on it.
Isaiah 62:2; Rev. 3:12; Rev. 19:12
VI. Thyatira
A. Background.
1. Forty miles S. E. of Pergamum, inland.
2. A commerce center, and a high number of trade guilds. Among them: textile workers and dyers.
Acts 16:12-15 Lydia.
3. No church remained by 200 AD.
4. Nest for Montanism: He believed that the end of the world was at hand and that he was the mouthpiece through whom the Holy Spirit was speaking.
B. Description of Jesus.
1. Son of God.
2. Eyes like blazing fire.
3. Feet like burnished brass.
chalkolibanos, "burnished brass", a technical term.
Coppersmiths (bronzsmiths) (1:15, 2:18) a trade here.
Brass: zinc and copper; Bronze: tin and copper.
C. Condemnation: Jezebel.
1. Tolerate.
2. Prophetess who misleads.
Sexual immorality
Food sacrificed to idols. 1 Kings 16:29-32
3. She has been given time to repent, but will not.
D. Consequences.
1. Suffering for her and her followers.
2. Strike her children dead. 2 Kings 9:6-10
3. The churches will know...
I search hearts and minds (eyes like blazing fire)
Psalm 11; Rev. 4:6,8; Rev. 19:11-12
Repay according to deeds (brass feet of judgement)
E. Commendation.
1. v.19 I know your deeds.
2. The rest of you who do not hold to her teachings.
Satan's deep secrets.
In order to conquer Satan, you must know him.
You will learn how to conquer sin by becoming thoroughly acquainted with it by experience.
You will become a better christian by participating in the immoral feasts and idolatry.
3. Hold on to what you have.
F. The overcomers.
1. Authority over the nations. Rev. 12:5, 19:15, Ps. 2:6-9.
Now the world oppresses and ridecules the christian, in the future the christians will rule over the world with Jesus.
2. The morning star. Rev. 22:16
VII. Sardis
A. Background.
1. Sitting in a valley at the convergence of several roads.
2. Earthquake in 17AD.
3. A large synagogue.
B. The description of Jesus.
1. Holding the seven Spirits. (Jesus sent the Holy Spirit)
2. The seven stars.
C. Reputation for being alive, but you are dead.
1. Seven Spirits (Holy Spirit) source of life.
D. Wake Up or I will come like a thief.
1. They are dead - but the spirit is life.
2. You will not know what time I am coming.
3. Built on an elevated plateau with vertical rock walls thought to be unscalable on three sides. As the city expanded the upper city was used as an acropolis.
Indiana-polis
Acro - highest Polis - city
A fortified area.
The civic center, also where the money and valuables were kept.
Sardis was conquered 6 times, atleast twice because the attackers scaled the rock walls which were not adequately guarded.
Why? Lack of vigilance.
E. Dirty clothes - White clothes.
1. A few who have not soiled their clothes.
F. Overcomers
1. Dressed in white.
What is the significance of overcomers being dressed in white?
3:18; 4:4; 6:11; 7:9-17; 19:6-16; Isaiah 61:10
2. Book of life. 13:8; 17:8; 20:12,15; 21:27.
3. Jesus will acknowledge your name before the Father.
Matt 10:32,33.
VIII. Philadelphia
A. Background
1. 125 to 150 miles from the coast.
2. Located in a beautiful fertile valley.
3. 17AD earthquake. Many aftershocks. They lived outside the city out of fear for a long time.
4. Modern day Turkey is a secular moslem country. Christianity is suppressed and persecuted.
B. Description of Jesus.
1. Holy and True.
The Holy One: Name for God. Is. 37:23
2. The Key of David. Is. 22:15-25 (22)
C. An Open Door.
1. Missionary door.
Purpose for founding of Philadelphia: A border town - to take greek culture to the barbarians beyond.
2. An open door to heaven because of their faithfulness.
Jews had shut christians out of the synagogue (closed door).
Jesus offers them an open door to heaven
3. McGee: Door to the knowledge of the word of God.
Learning themselved; teaching others. .
D. Little strength, yet have remained faithful.
1. Little strength by outward appearance: a small town, a small church.
2. Strength from God: 2 Cor. 12:7-10
3. They remained true to his word.
E. Synagogue of Satan.
1. Jesus will be true to them before the false Jews
2. The false Jews will be forced to acknowledge that Jesus is True.
3. You have kept my command. (human exertion)
4. I will keep you from the hour of trial.
"Delivered from" or " brought safely through" (John 17:15).
What does it mean to you that Jesus is true to you?
What is involved in remaining true to Jesus?
G. I am coming soon. Hold on.
"soon" or " suddenly"
H. Overcomers.
1. Pillar in the temple of God. (permanent and solid)
Psalm 27:4
2. I will write on him:
The name of my God.
The name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem.
My new name.
What is the significance of names in the Bible?
Identification:
With God; with the bride of Christ; With Jesus.
We will be permanently identified with the kingdom of God!
IX. Laodicea
A. Background
1. A trade rout center.
2. A commercial center.
3. A wealthy city.
4. Eventually abandoned because of earthquakes.
B. The description of Jesus
1. The Amen
Hebrew word meaning firm, permanent, faithful, true.
2. The faithful and true witness
3. The arche of God's creation.
KJV, NKJV, NASB, ASV: Beginning
NIV: Ruler
The root arch indicates something of worth.
archo means "to be first" in time or position.
archon denoted a ruler
arche means a beginning (active), the origin, the active cause. The JW's incorrectly interpret this in a passive sense, that Jesus was the first thing created.
C. I know your deeds.
1. Neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm.
2. Background:
Colosse: cold water from the mountains.
Hierapolis: Hot water from hot springs.
Laodicea had to bring in water from these two locations by aqueduct. But by the time it got there, it was lukewarm.
3. Spit you out. Jesus was repulsed by them just like we are by warm water.
D. Usless riches, arogant selfsufficiency.
1. You say "I am Rich..." "I have acquired..." "I don't need a thing..."
Dr. Laura Schlessinger: "The profane Trinity: Me, Myself, and I."
Worshipping yourself, making yourself the center of your life.
2. But you do not realize:
wretched Deeply distressed or unhappy, unfortunate.
pitiful
buy from Me :
poor gold refined in the fire.
Isaiah 48:8-14; Zech 13:1-9; malachi 3:1-3.
blind salve for your eyes, so you can see
naked White clothes to cover your shameful nakedness.
E. Love - Rebuke - Discipline
F. I stand at the door and knock.
1. Compare to the Philadelphia door.
Phil: The door to Jesus. He has opened it. we can come in.
Laodicea: The door to our hearts and minds.
Jesus is knocking and wants in. We control the door.
We can let him in.
Example: the adjoining motel rooms with two doors.
2. Eat with him, and he with me.
G. The overcomers
1. Sit with Me on my throne.
2. Just as I overcame and sat down with my father.
LESSON THREE
GOD ON HIS THRONE
I. Entrance to heaven
A. A door standing open.
1. Alternating scenes: earth and heaven.
B. The voice.
1. Who is speaking?
2. What is the message?
3. What must take place after this.
Rev. 1:19 What you have seen - the vision of Christ.
What is now - the seven letters, current events
What will take place later - future to John's time.
4. With qualifications: letters have future application.
Some events in rest of the book take place before 95 AD.
Chapter 5, Chapter 12
C. In the Spirit.
II. The Holy of Holies
A. The Old Testament tabernacle.
The Holy of Holies, the Arc, mercy seat, Cherubim
God as a cloud. Ex. 40:33-38
The Lampstand - The Holy Spirit
The altar, lamb, blood - The Son
B. The Heavenly Tabernacle. Heb. 8:1-2
Brothers and Sisters, we are about to get a look with John at the Holy of Holies in Heaven. We are standing on holy ground.
III. The throne room.
A. The throne with someone sitting on it.
1. His personal appearance is not described.
2. Not in anthropomorphic terms.
3. Exodus 34:5-8. God described in terms of his attributes, but not physically.
4. In terms of lights and colors from precious stones.
a. Jasper: Rev.21:11 Diamond, clear, bright.
b. Carnelian (sardius) translucent fiery red.
Blood of redemption OR judgement.
` c. Rainbow (emerald green): mercy or judgement
Gen 9:13-16; Ezek. 1:28.
B. 24 thrones, 24 elders.
1. Who? Rev. 21:9-14; 11:16; 19:4.
New Jerusalem:
12 gates named for the 12 tribes if Israel.
12 foundations named for the 12 apostles.
Literally the 12 patriarchs (or tribes) and 12 apostles.
Representative of all of the people of God from both
old and new covenants.
2. Dressed in white: Redeemed.
3. Crowns of gold: stephanos, from stepho, to encircle.
a. Crown of victory, token of public honor.
prize for triumph in game or contest.
b. NOT diadema, crown of royalty, power.
c. Crown of thorns was stephanos.
C. Lightning, rumblings, thunder.
Job 26:14, The tree across the road.
1. Ex. 19:6; 1 Samuel 2:10; Ps. 77:13-20;
Is. 33:3
The great power of God.
D. Seven blazing lamps: Holy Spirit
1. A temple scene, the holy of holies in heaven.
The throne - the mercy seat on the arc of the covenant.
God's throne in the temple: Isaiah 6:1; Ezek. 43:1-7
2. The temple lampstand: Ex. 25:31,32,37; 26:34,35.
3. Before the throne.
4. Significance of seven: Seven is the number for perfection, completeness.
One lampstand, seven lamps, One light.
The light of the seven lamps merges into one great light.
E. Sea of Glass
1. Before the throne: in the presence (sight) of.
2. Ex. 30:17-21; 2 Chron. 4:1-6
. Purification for the priests and their utensils.
3. Of glass, clear as crystal.
Possibly symbolizing sanctifying power of blood of Christ.
F. Four living creatures.
1. Hebrew KERUWB; singular cherub, plural cherubim.
A unique word to Hebrew O.T.
By context, it is angelic beings or images of them.
Hebrews 9:5 cheroubin is a transliteration of the Hebrew.
Rev. 4: Greek zoon (zo-on) a living thing; from zao, life.
2. Connection to Ezekiel's four creatures: Ezek. 10:15.
3. Four: ready to go in any direction to carry out God's purpose.
4. Wings: Swiftness of movement.
5. Eyes: God is all knowing and all seeing.
6. Faces.
a. Lion: strength
b. Ox: service
c. Man: intelligence.
d. Eagle: swiftness.
G. Worship.
1. Continuous.
2. The four living creatures.
Holiness
Eternal nature.
Glory, honor, thanks.
3. The 24 elders
What they do:
Fall down before Him.
Lay their crowns before the throne.
What they say:
You are worthy.
Of what? Glory, honor, power
Why? You created all things by your will.
They have their being by your will.
Close: Psalm 99:1-5.
IV. The Scroll and the Lamb.
A. The Scroll
1. In God's right hand.
2. Writing on both sides.
3. Seven Seals.
Foster:
To designate ownership.
To assure genuineness of authorship.
To protect against change or abuse of contents.
To conceal until an official opening.
Seven seals on a will, designating seven witnesses.
4. Mighty Angel: Who is worthy to open the scroll?
5. No one in the entire universe was found.
In heaven, on the earth, under the earth.
6. John wept and wept.
B. The Lamb.
1. Lionof the tribe of Judah: Gen. 49:8-12.
2. Root of David: Isaiah 11:1-5.
3. One of the elders: "Don't weep. LOOK! The Lion is able. 4. Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if slain
Why is he able to open the scroll?
Because he has conquered, triumphed.
Over What? Sin and death.
How? Through suffering and sacrifice, even of his life.
He didn't conquer death by avoiding it, but by resurrection.
3. Where? In the center of the throne.
4. Seven horns: Complete power and authority.
I Samuel 2:9-10; Psalm 18:1-3.
5. Seven eyes: full of the Holy Spirit, sent out into the world.
Complete and universal knowledge.
6. He came and took the scroll.
C. Worship
1. Living creatures and elders fell down before the Lamb.
2. Bowls of incense, the prayers of the saints.
3. Harps: they sang ("saying" before) a new song.
Go back and review the first two worship statements.
God is holy, eternal, worthy, creator, sustainer.
They now worship the Lamb.
Before they said, now they sing.
Why is the Lamb worthy to take the scroll?
What two things has the Lamb done for us?
D. The universe joins in.
1. All of the angels encircle the throne and sing a song of worship.
Who are they worshipping?
What is the Angels' song saying about the Lamb?
2. All of the creatures in the universe sing a song of worship
to God and the Lamb.
Who is worshipped in this final song?
What is the content of this worship?
For what time period?
3. Living creatures say Amen.
4. The 24 elders fall down and worship.
Close: Philippians 2:5-11
LESSON FOUR
THE FOUR HORSEMEN OF THE APOCALYPSE
Revelation Chapter Six
I. The Four Horsemen
Setting the scene:
The scene shifts from heaven to earth (and alternates).
The Lamb opens the seals
Each of the four living creatures announces a horseman.
A voice like thunder: A loud, powerful, authoritative voice.
A. The Conqueror
1. A white horse. Every other use of white in Revelation is of those who are pure and righteous.
Possibilities:
Jesus or the gospel (Psalm 45:1-7). The white is real.
Matt. 10:34-36. Boldly preaching the gospel can lead to these other things.
The beast. The white is counterfeit, a deception.
False christs (Matt. 24:3-9).
2. Rider held a bow.
3. Given a crown (stephanos). Victor's crown.
4. A conqueror, and to conquer
Greek nikon, to overcome.
Rev. 2-3: "To him who overcomes..."
Rev. 3:21; 5:5; 17:14 of Jesus.
John 16:33 "I have overcome the world".
Of the Beast: Rev. 11:7; 13:7.
Romans 8:37. "In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Greek hupernikomen: Superconquerors.
B. The Warrior
1. A red horse. Bloodshed
2. Rider given power to take peace away and cause men to slay each other.
3. Given a sword.
4. Clearly a reference to war (Matt. 24:6)
"wars and rumors of wars"
C. The rationer
1. A black horse.
2. Rider holding a pair of scales. Rationing
3. For a days wages: quart of wheat, 3 qt. of barley.
Not enough to feed a family.
4. "Do not damage the oil and the wine"
Reserved for the wealthy (McGee)
Not as scarce as the other things.
5. Food shortages and famine.
D. The Pale Rider.
1. A sickly green horse
2. Rider's name was Death.
3. Hades following close behind. (The place of the dead)
4. Giver power over a fourth of the earth
Massive, but not total devastation.
5. To kill by:
a. Sword - war - red horse.
b. Famine - black horse.
c. Pestilence - pale horse.
These often follow along with war.
African civil wars currently.
d. Wild beasts - pale horse.
II. The two groups of people.
If you were going to divide the people of the earth into two groups from God's point of view, what would those two groups be?
A. The Saints.
1. Under the altar.
2. The souls: In heaven before the resurrection.
3. Those who had been slain.
a. Because of the Word of God.
b. Because of their testimony.
4. The question: How long until you judge and avenge our blood.
Who? The inhabitants of the earth.
5. The response:
a. Given a white robe.
b. Wait patiently until their number is completed.
B. The Sinners.
1. Signs in nature.
What different parts of the universe are named here, and how are they effected?
Earthquakes, islands and mountains moved.
Sun, moon, stars effected.
Sky rolled up like a scroll.
2. The people: Who were they?
From kings to slaves. All groups, all classes.
Those not under God's protection.
What did they DO?
Hid in caves and among rocks.
How does their position compare to the others in the fifth seal?
Dangerous, precarious, unprotected.
Under the altar: Under God's protection, safe, secure.
What did they SAY?
What did they want to hide from?
God and the wrath of the lamb.
C. The contrast.
1. Those under God's protection.
2. Those under God's wrath.
The problem is that those under God's wrath don't realize it or don't care until it is too late.
III. What is the time reference for this whole picture?
A. The Schools of Interpretation.
1. What are they? I don't even want to name them.
2. Most common:
Rev. 4 through 20 are in the future and are about the last seven years before the second coming of Jesus.
The events described are chronological.
Rev. 4 through 20 describe the christian age from the first
coming to the second coming of Jesus.
The events described are cyclical.
Which one is the majority? I don't know, but remember, the majority is not necessarily right, or the determiner of the truth.
3. Disagreements about the rapture.
Pre-tribulation Mid-tribulation Post- tribulation
4. Making this a test of faith.
Example: Church in Plainfield.
Example: Ministry leader who changed to mid-trib.
5. Misrepresentations and inconsistencies.
That the cyclical view tries to force descriptions in revelation to fit historical or present events.
The futurists themselves do exactly the same thing when they try to fit the seven letters to seven periods of church history. There is absolutely nothing in the book which suggests that this should be done.
This is forcing an interpretation on the scripture that is simply not suggested anywhere in the book.
B. Literal vs. Figurative (Symbolic)
Carnal vs. Spiritual.
Another accusation: That suggesting a spiritual interpretation instead of a literal physical interpretation is diluting the truth of the Bible or denying prophesy.
1. Cottrell: Physical reality Spiritual reality
a. John 18:33-37 "Not of this world"
b. Ephesians 6:10-17 (Spiritual battle)
Reality for the christian is spiritual battle.
Why is it that we christians all understand clearly that Paul is talking about spiritual things in a "literal" letter, but we get all upset and disagreeable when someone suggests a spiritual interpretation of a scripture in a letter that itself admits to use symbolism and spiritual meanings?
2. Example: An error in interpreting Jesus literally.
John 6:48-63.
Jews
Catholic Church.
3. Jews looking for an earthly kingdom.
John 6:14-15.The Jews.
Acts1:4-8. The disciples.
I believe that some in the church today are making the same mistake as the Jews around Jesus. They are looking for an earthly kingdom when this is not God's plan or purpose.
John 18:36
4. Appeal to be objective.
Don't try to force the Book of Revelation into an artificial mold.
[Personal Example]
C. The Lamb coming forward to take the scroll.
What events in Jesus existence are referred to here?
A Lamb, standing as if slain.
He has overcome (triumphed)
Jesus' death and resurrection. 30 AD.
D. Conquest, war, famine, pestilence, death.
Matthew 24:1-14 Rev. 6:1-8
Do these things necessarily refer only to the very end times, or do they possibly represent conditions throughout the last 2000 years?
The Roman destruction of Jerusalem, the crusades, the 30 years war, the Spanish Armada, the Napoleanic wars, Civil war, WW1, WW2, etc.
Roman persecutions, Papal persecutions during the dark ages, persecutions of free Christians by organized religious groups, the rise of Islam and persecution in the middle east, Israel, Communism.
E.. "The great day of their wrath has come"
Put aside everything you have heard over the years, and look at these verses objectively. What period of time or point in time does this sound like?
Matthew 24:29,30 Mark 13:24-27 Luke 21:25-28 2 Peter 3:10-13
1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 Rev. 11:14-19 Rev. 16:13-15
1. We are right up to the point of the second coming here.
LESSON FIVE
TRIBULATION FOR CREATION
THE SEVEN TRUMPETS
CHAPTERS 7 - 11
INTRODUCTION
The seven seals on the scroll.
Now a different kind of seal: a seal of ownership, protection, genuineness.
Ezekiel 9 (idolatry in Jerusalem 591 bc)
The most publicized: The mark of the beast Rev. 13:11-17.
Greek charagma: A scratch or etching, ie a stamp (as a badge of servitude).
We will look at another seal today: God's Seal. Rev. 7:1-3
Greek sphragis: a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation), stamped impression.
The more important seal is God's seal.
I. Winds of trubulation.
A. The four winds.
Symbolic of destruction, judgement, great tribulation.
Jer. 49:36; Dan 7:2; Zech 2:6.
B. The four angels at the four corners of the world.
1. Holding back the four winds.
2. Given power to harm the land and the sea.
3. They are told to wait for what?
The sealing of the servants of God.
II. The Seal of God.
A. Who was sealed? Where were they?
B. Numbers and their meaning.
1. 12 One of God's numbers.
3 - God's number (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)
4 - Number of creation (four corners of the earth)
Is. 11:12; Rev. 7:1; 20:8 (North, South, East, West)
3 + 4 = 7. The completion of creation.
3 X 4 = 12. God (3) working in the earth (4) created and sustained His nation of Israel (12 tribes) under the old covenant and His church (12 apostles) under the New Covenant.
Twelve patriarchs, Twelve tribes.
Jesus at the temple as a boy at 12 years old.
Twelve apostles.
12 loaves picked up at the feeding of the 5,000.
Mark 8:11-21
Spiritual meaning: Matt. 16:1-12.
Don't make the mistake of the disciples and think in earthly terms when you should be thinking in spiritual terms.
The gates and foundations of the New Jerusalem.
Eph. 2:17-22; Heb. 12:18-24; Rev 21:10-14
2. 1,000 10 X 10 X 10 = 1000. A cube.
A large number representing completeness.
3. 12 X 12 X 1000 = 144,000.
12 X 12 X 10 X 10 X 10 = 144,000.
C. Who do they represent?
1. Some say literal Jews during the last seven years.
2. The church on earth - God's faithful servants.
Spiritual Israel.
a. The roundness of the numbers.
b. Spiritual Israel. WE ARE SPIRITUAL JEWS.
Ephesians 2:11-22.
Hebrews 12:18-24.
Rev. 21:10-14.
c. Revelation 14:1-5, esp. 3,4.
D. The seal of God.
1. Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30. The Holy Spirit; NOW!
2. Rev 7:3; 9:4. Those who are sealed are on earth.
III. The Great Multitude.
A. How many were there?
B. Where did they come from?
C. Where are they now?
144,000 on earth, Great multitude in heaven
D. Their apperance.
1. White robes.
2. Holding Palm branches.
E. Salvation to our God.
F. Others around the throne.
Angels, elders, 4 creatures.
Worshipping.
G. The elder's question and John's response.
H. The explanation: Who are these people?
1. Came out of the great tribulation. (Matt. 24:21,29)
2. Washed in the blood of the Lamb.
3. They serve God.
What do they give God?
What does God give them?
God will dwell among them. (tabernacle)
Spread His tent over them.
Rev 21:3
How does this differ from now? Does God dwell among us now?
No hunger, thirst, or heat.
4. The Lamb will be their Shepherd.
Living fountains of water.
No more tears.
IV. The Seven Angels.
A. Silence: Anticipation, reflection, intermission.
B. The seven angels.
C. The other angel
1. Incense, the golden Altar.
O.T. Temple: in the center in front of the vail.
Incense burned twice a day.
The blood of the attonement sprinkled on it.
Angel appeared to Zechariah whne he went to burn the incense, Luke 1:8-11.
People were praying outside.
2. The prayers of the saints.
We are involved in this process of judgement.
3. Fire thrown down to earth, and the consequences.
V. The Seven trumpets sounded.
A. The consequences of sin upon human beings.
1. The four horsemen.
Conqueror, human conflict, famine, plague.
2. The three consequences.
The martyrs, the lost, corruption of creation.
B. The consequences of sin on the creation.
1. Four physical consequences.
(1) Consequences for the earth.
(2) Consequences for the seas. (salt water)
(3) Consequences for the rivers. (fresh water)
Wormwood: A plant from which an oil is extracted.
Greek word here: apsinthos
A liguor using this oil is bitter and causes mental deterioration and even death.
(4) Consequences for the sky.
2. One third of them damaged or destroyed.
Catastrophy and destruction, but not complete.
C. The three woes.
Eagle: Bird of prey, more destruction.
Woe, Woe, Woe: The worst is yet to come.
1. Three spiritual consequences.
(1) Suffering.
(2) Physical death.
(3) Spiritual death (judgement).
2. The seal of God: protection from the woes, not from the first four trumpets.
The first four trumpets are physical calamities.
The last three trumpets (woes) are spiritual judgements from which we are protected by the seal of God.
3. The first woe: human physical suffering as a result of disobedience to and rejection of God.
a. Hal Lindsey's helicopters.
b. Spiritual beings, forces.
The Abyss: greek abussos
a - intense bussos - a depth
The place where demons dwell. Luke 8:31.
c. Who was suceptible to these judgements?
The reason for the seal of chapter 7.
4. The second woe: Human physical death as a result of disobedience.
Euphrates: Gen 15:18, the border of the nation as promised to Abram.
Demonic horses and soldiers.
5. Trumpets are for warning.
Warning of judgement.
Call to repentance.
First two woes: The focus is on the earth and mankind.
God permits the forces of evil to work in the world.
The third woe: The focus is back on God in heaven.
Worship of God and his victory.
4. The third woe: Judgement Day.
The time of judgement and reward.
VI. Interlude One: The Angel and the scroll.
A. The angel's appearance
1. Clothed with a cloud. Judgement: Psalm 97:1-4.
Zephaniah 1:14-17.
2. Rainbow on his head. Mercy and salvation.
3. Face like the sun. Glory of God.
4. Feet like pillars of fire.
5. Right foot on the sea; left foot on the land.
B. The angel's voice.
1. A loud voice like a lion's roar.
2. The seven thunders.
Psalm 29: The voioce of the LORD.
Seal up and do not write: We human beings are still limited, inferior beings. We do not and cannot know everything.
We should be careful about predicting the future.
3. The angel's oath.
a. No more delay.
The Day of Judgement is here with the seventh seal.
b. The mystery of God.
Romans 16:25-27; Ephesians 6:19-20
1 Cor. 1:18-24.
C. The Scroll.
1. Little, open in the angel's hand.
What does this scroll represent?
2. The Old Testament connection.
Jeremiah 15:15-16. Symbol of eating the word of God.
Ps. 119:97-106 Symbol of Word of God and taste in the mouth.
3. Ezekiel's vision.
1:1-3
Ezekiel 1:28-3:4
What are the similarities between Ezekiel and John?
Prophets.
In exile.
Commanded to prophesy.
Receiving visions form God.
Prophesying during and about times of great tribulation.
What is similar about the people mentioned in Ezekiel and those mentioned in Revelation 9?
Under God's Judgement.
Undergoing great suffering and tribulation.
Rebelious, unrepentant people. Ezek.2:1-7; Rev 9:20-21.
What are the similarities between the scrolls in Ezekiel and Revelation?
They were both open.
4. Connection between eating and speaking, prophesying.
Ezek. 3:1,4; Rev. 10:10,11.
Ezekiel was a prophet; John was a prophet.
5. The taste of the scroll.
Sweet to the taste, sour in the stomach.
What do you think is the significance of this?
The two effects of the word of God:
Salvation Persecution, tribulation.
Israel: Faithful (remnant) Rebellious
Revelation 6:9 Faithful Unrepentant, Judgement.
Faithful Believers: Joy of salvation Suffering of persecution and tribulation.
2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Pet. 4:12-19
D. The significance
1. John 6:32-35. Jesus is the true spiritual food, bread.
The Lord's Supper: we symbolically eat Jesus' flesh and blood. This symbolizes having Jesus within us through the Holy Spirit.
V. Interlude Two: Measuring the temple and the two witnesses.
A. Measuring the temple.
1. The measuring rod.
What was John to measure?
Temple (sanctuary) altar those who worship in it.
What was excluded from being measured?
The court outside the temple (sanctuary)
Why was it excluded?
It has been given to the ethnos gentiles, nations.
What will the gentiles do?
tread under foot the holy city.
What is the holy city? Why?
Jerusalem. That is where the temple is.
For how long?
42 months. (3 1/2 years) (approximate length of Jesus' ministry) (1/2 of seven years; Daniel 9)
What is the significance of measuring the temple?
Revelation 21:15-17
Ezekiel 9 (destruction)
Ezekiel 40:1-5; 42:15-43:9 (restoration and eternal dwelling)
Zechariah 1 & 2 (1:16,17) (2:1-5, 10-13)
Measuring the temple is closely connected with God setting apart, restoring His people, protecting them, and dwelling with them.
Zech 2:10-11 God dwelling among them.
Many nations will join themselves to the Lord AND BECOME HIS PEOPLE.
1 Cor. 3:16-17
1 Cor. 6:19-20
2 Cor. 6:16-18
Ephesians 2:19-22
In the New Testamant, the temple of God is no longer the earthly temple in Jerusalem, but the church is God's temple, the people of God from many nations (Jews and Gentiles).
2. The interpretation.
The temple (sanctuary): The church in this present age.
Those who worship: Individual christians.
The measuring: setting apart, marking off, protecting (spiritually) those who are faithful.
The court and the "holy city": The world in this present time.
The nations (gentiles): Those who do not believe and who presecute the church.
Treading under foot: control of the world and its institutions in rebellian against God.
Forty two months: period from 1st to 2nd coming of Jesus.
B. The Two Witnesses. Deut. 17:6; Matt 18:16; 1 Tim. 5:19.
1. Prophesy for 1260 days.
2. The two olive trees and lampstands.
Zechariah 3 - 4
Ezra 5:1-2; Haggai 1:1-5,12-15; 2:1-4, 23.
The context is the rebuilding of the temple after the return from captivity in times of trouble.
Emphasis is on trusting God and spiritual renewal. 4:6
Two anointed ones:
Joshua the priest, Zerubbabel the governor. 4:14
These are Zechariah's two anointed ones. Who are John's two witnesses? Read verses 5-6.
3. Elijah and Moses.
Elijah: 1 Kings17 - 2 Kings 2.
Malachi - context (1:6-8):
The people are bringing defective, defiled sacrifices.
The priests are instructing falsly.
3:1-4 I will send my messenger. cf. Matt.11:10,14.
Malachi 4: Sending Elijah (Moses also mentioned).
Judgement to those who reject God.
Healing and protection to those who believe.
Remember the Law of Moses.
Elijah will change hearts.
When and how is Elijah mentioned in the New Testament?
John the Baptist
Great Confession Matt. 16:13-14
Transfiguration
Crucifiction Matt 27:46-49
A Remnant (Romans 11:1, 11-14)
Importance of prayer (James 5:17)
Luke 1:8-17.
Matt 11:11-15. (v.13 - Law and Prophets, cf. 5:17)
How is Moses mentioned in the New Testament?
Almost always as the representative of the Law.
Matt. 17:1-13.
John the Baptist fulfills the Elijah prophesy.
Elijah and Moses appear together representing the Law and the Prophets.
4. Summary: Who are John's two witnesses and what do they represent?
John gives us clues:
(1) The two olive trees and the two lampstands.
Zechariah 4: Joshua and Zerubbabel were the anointed leaders: Priest and Governor(royal lineage).
The branch (messiah) combines the two offices. 6:12-13
cf Jeremiah 23:5-6.
(2) Fire out of their mouths.
2 kings 1:10. Elijah.
Jeremiah 5:14. Jeremiah, a prophet.
(3) No rain during the time of their prophesying.
Elijah.
(4) Water to blood and other plagues.
Moses.
The Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) are the two witnesses of the coming messiah.
Joshua and Zerubbabel.
Elijah and Moses.
The two witnesses are like Joshua and Zerubbabel and like Elijah and Moses.
(5) Witnesses.
Acts 1:8 "you will be my witnesses".
The two witnesses represent the church speaking forth the word of God in the gospel of Jesus in a hostile world, announcing Jesus the Priest and King.
5. The result of their testimony.
Their testimony is finished.
The beast from the Abyss. 9:11
The city. Symbolic: Jerusalem.
Refused burrial, gloating, gifts.
Why did the people of the earth gloat over them?
6. The result of their faithfulness.
Resurection.
Taken up to heaven in a cloud. Heavenly reward and protection.
7. Parallels.
a. Moses: Deut. 34:5-6 - God buried Moses in an unknown place.
b. Elijah: 2 Kings 2:11 - taken up to heaven.
c. Jesus: testified about 3 1/2 years.
He was put to death.
He was in the grave 3 days.
He was resurrected and taken to heaven.
d. The church is the body of Christ.
The church testifies about Jesus.
The church is attacked and threatened.
Christions are often severvly persecuted when they testify about Jesus boldly.
We will be resurrected for the new earth.
The testimony which Jesus began in His physical body is continued by His spiritual body throughout this age.
VI. The seventh trumpet sounds.
A. This trumpet is different from the others.
1. It is not describing physical judgements upon the earth.
2. It is describing spiritual things.
B. The scene moves back to heaven.
1. This begins with the two witnesses being taken to heaven.
2. Loud voice: "come up here".
3. While their enemies looked on.
4. This is no secret rapture.
C. The loud voices: The end of the kingdom of the world.
D. The twenty four elders.
1. God has begun to reign.
2. His wrath has come.
3. Time for judging and reward.
4. Time for destroying the destroyers.
E. The temple in heaven is opened.
1. The heavenly ark of the covenant is seen.
F. This is describing the end of time, the judgement day.
1. Not described (in detail) but introduced.
2. 11:13 earthquake. compare chapter 6.
3. Kingdom of this world.
4. Judging and reward.
5. Opening of the temple.
VII. Revelation 1-11 Summary
A. The risen, glorified Jesus in the midst of his churches.
This is today's reality.
Jesus is here, today, with us!
In the seven churches, we see real, literal situations in real, literal churches.
But we also see ourselves in a mirror. We see in principle the condition of the church (and individual churches) throughout the christian age.
B. Then we move to heaven to see God on his throne and Jesus the lamb as He goes to the right hand of God and receives his authority.
C. Then we go back to the earth to see history unfolding through conquest, war, famine, and plague. We see those who die because of their testimony about Jesus protected under the altar in Heaven. Finally we see those who reject God and Jesus fleeing to hide as the Judgement Day approaches.
D. Now we see on earth (in the 144,000) God's people marked with His seal to protect them from the spiritual battles to come. We also see all those who have survived the spiritual battle to death serving God in Heaven.
E. The Seven Trumpets
1. Physical consequences of man's sin.
Now , back on earth, in the first four of the seven trumpets we see the consequences of man's sin as disaster and destruction are poured out on the earth, seas, rivers, and the sky.
2. Spiritual consequences of man's sin.
Now in the first two woes we see the spiritual attacks on the inhabitants of the earth and their failure to repent.
F. The Scroll, the temple, and the two witnesses.
The emphasis here is on God's word as it is proclaimed on the earth.
1. The Word of God goes out with great power and provides salvation to those who receive it.
2. There is suffering and death involved in the proclaiming of the Word.
G. Finally, with the sounding of the seventh trumpet and the third woe, we come to a description of the Day of Judgement.
1. The kingdom.
2. The time for judgement and reward.
3. The time to destroy those who destroy the earth.
4. God's temple is opened and the ark of the covenent is seen.