The new testament includes books that are biographies, histories, letters, sermons, and one book of apocalyptic prophecy. Preterists understand the book exclusively in terms of its firstcentury setting, claiming that most of its events have already taken place. Like all books of the bible, revelation was written in a particular time and place. The key to understanding is the mysterious book of revelation is comprehending its story flow. Really excellent chapter by chapter explanation of the book of revelation. Best take away for me was the fine explanation for how messiah yeshua. The books second and third chapters contain vital warnings to the seven churches that existed in asia minor in the first century a. Revelation made simple and easy to understand this last book of the bible bears the title revelation, meaning, unveiling, yet, it presents visions of. Have you ever wondered what the book of revelation is all about. Only those who believe that the bible is inspired by god and trust what it says will be able to understand the significance of what is revealed in the book of. Messages from jesus to the seven congregations revelation 1. Historicists take it as describing the long chain of events from patmos to the end of history. Some believe the bibles last prophetic book is closed, meaning no one as yet can understand it.
The book of revelation explained in under 5 minutes youtube. Book of revelation for dummies cheat sheet dummies. Daniel hays, teaches the biblical interpretation online course. Revelation seems to address the firstcentury christians directly, so we should read revelation the same way that we read every other book of the bibleby taking its historical context seriously.
Franciscan father stephen doyle provides a catholic commentary on the book of revelation and explains that todays people do not understand what the. The key to bible interpretation, especially for the book of revelation, is to have a consistent hermeneutic. Historical bible study doesnt treat revelation as a cosmology textbook. Here is how wilcock outlines the flow of revelation. Zwingli regarded it as nonbiblical, and calvin did not comment upon it. Interestingly enough there are only 4 chapters in the bible where there is. Hermeneutics is the study of the principles of interpretation.
Keys to understanding revelation united church of god. In revelation the message is that god is coming to judge and. Interpreters of revelation normally fall into four groups. Like the books of prophecy in the old testament, revelation proclaims a message. The purpose of this 5 session study is to provide a biblical understanding of what death is and where it leads. Revelation also presents timeless truths for surviving the struggle between good and evil. A series of visions, each one leading into the next. Unlike most books of the bible, revelation contains its own title. Book of revelation explained scripture by scripture.
A testimony of jesus christ is a commentary that explains some of the mysteries of revelation. The theme of the book is the events leading up to the jesus second coming. The real meaning of the bible s book of revelation is a popular, ongoing debate. The book of revelation is full of mystery and wonder. We find, however, a key verse which refutes this claim which. Overview of the book of revelation introduction revelation 119. Book of revelation read, study bible verses online. Youll find four major interpretive approaches to the book of revelation that can help you read, understand, and figure out the apocalyptic letter of john. Book of revelation explained a testimony of jesus christ. Key to understanding commentaries on revelations is knowing the position of the commentator. Each genre must be studied with some awareness of historical context and historical bible study. I really enjoyed skips teaching in this book, although understanding the book is bitter sweet. A testimony of jesus christ is a commentary that explains some. The book of revelation is notoriously difficult to understand.