Introduction to the Book of Revelation

Perspective of this Commentary

It would be an understatement to say that the book of Revelation has been interpreted in many ways. Some more fanciful than others. Which is right? The only true way to determine if any interpretation of the Bible is correct is to compare concepts with similar concepts found elsewhere in the Bible. The Word of God will not contradict itself, nor will it say something that requires additional insight (such as from another book, a dream, a teacher, etc.) The Bible is always its best commentary. When reading Scripture we know that God uses a variety of literary devices and as a reader we need to determine what is literal, metaphorical, allegorical, etc. But that choice needs to be grounded in Scripture, it can’t be arbitrary, nor can it be based on a presupposition. In this commentary on the book of Revelation, the primary perspective will be from a literal point of view. With the understanding that there will be times for allegorical or other interpretations, but those will always be qualified by the text. Some alternate viewpoints will be explored.

Now with that said, let’s look at the basic structure of the book. The book opens with an introduction that claims it to be the unveiling or revealing of Jesus Christ, something given to Him by His Father. The reason given for this sharing of information is to show future events to His servants, “things that must soon take place.” The first ‘vector’ we come to begs the question, “Did these things already take place?” A Futurist would say no, that the text is clear that these things are reserved for the end times. Since much of the prophecy aligns well with the language of other end-time prophecy, that is the basic framework this commentary will follow.

The author of Hebrews bridges the teachings of the Torah to the gospel message, in order to help readers see and understand that these are not two separate and unrelated stories but are in fact one complete message.

The extent of this review of the book of Hebrews could be considered as being somewhere between a survey (typically a cursory review of a book or section of the Bible) and an exhaustive exposition. With the understanding that the purpose of this study is to amplify or explain various elements of the Torah, it will then primarily focus on those aspects. In that light, one could easily summarize the book of Hebrews by saying Jesus is superior to Moses and the law, better than all the prophets, better than the angels, better than Melchizedek, Aaron or Joshua and certainly more superior than any sacrifice or offering. Two words are often repeated in this book, ‘superior’ and ‘perfect’, ideal words to describe Jesus.

The Author

John is sometimes called the "Apostle of Love," as he refers to the subject of love more than any other author in the New Testament. For example, more than half of the 143 appearances of the Greek verb ‘agapáō’^[1] (the highest form of love) alone in the New Testament were written by John, which includes the gospel, the three epistles and here in the book of Revelation. Due to John’s frequent references to ‘love’, many commentators portray him as being somewhat of a “push over.” Even many artists, especially those from the Renaissance era, depict John as almost being feminine. Nothing could be further from the truth. John had a fiery temperament and was certainly not a "push over." We read that Jesus named John and his brother James the “Sons of Thunder” (see Mark 3:17), and it appears that the two brothers lived up to that name. He also had a strong passion for the gospel message as he wrote in his gospel account, "Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." (John 20:30-31)

The Writings of the Apostle John

The Bible contains five books written by the apostle John. His gospel account is different from the other ’synoptic’ gospels. Likely the last gospel account written, he emphasizes the deity of Jesus and that by believing in Him as the Savior, one absolutely receives the promise of salvation. When a person repents of their sins and accepts Jesus they are instantly saved (made righteous in God’s eyes) and will go to heaven when they die (or when Jesus comes to retrieve believers). John states it clearly that faith in Jesus is all that is necessary, as Jesus paid the full price for our salvation. He did all the work for us, nothing more is required. John also wrote three epistles that address how to live for Jesus during our time on earth. The epistles again emphasize the absolute nature of Jesus’ promise of salvation. Then the fifth writing, the last book of the Bible, he notes critical issues Christians and churches should be aware of, but most of the book addresses the end times. It is interesting to note that John wrote about the three ’stages’ of salvation. The gospel of John offers salvation (now saved, often referred to as ‘positional’, done in the past through Jesus), the epistles help us understand how to live (practical application, the present), the daily process of sanctification, and Revelation speaks of our redemption, the end times and eternity (fully redeemed, yet future).

Controversy

As mentioned above where the book of Revelation can be compared to an objective lens that brings things into focus in a telescope, one that brings focus to the entire Word of God. We can therefore understand that placing the wrong lens on the telescope would then cause distortions, and if ever focused, it would be on the wrong object. The study of end times is often believed to be ‘optional’, that regardless of how the ‘end’ does ‘end’, the result is the same. But remember the tail can wag the dog in theology,^[2] the understanding of God’s Word in general can be affected by an improper view of eschatology, and that includes salvation (something you really want to get right). 

Perhaps the greatest ‘battleground’ of Christian doctrine and theologies within Christendom, is the book of Revelation. We will explore some of the various counter positions, but will not be able to provide an exhaustive review of each. The biggest rift in the study of Christian based end times is between those that embrace Preterism and those that believe in Futurism.^[3] Since knowing the date when Revelation was written could easily settle the matter, it is on the top of the list of controversies debated. If it was written before the Temple was destroyed in 70 A.D., then many of the events in Revelation could be describing that terrible siege on Jerusalem. But if it was written later, such as in the 90s, then John must be writing about something still yet future. 

Overview

Using the breakdown provided in the 19th verse in chapter one, the first chapter answers most of the ‘journalistic’ questions, chapters two and three gives us a snapshot of the condition of the church, chapters four through twenty present the events of the end times, and chapters twenty-one and twenty-two address eternity that begins with a new earth and a new heaven. 

We read in chapter one that the ‘who’ is Jesus Christ (see verses 1-2), the message of the gospels now continue as what was promised becomes fulfilled, beginning with judgment and the final blow to sin. The ‘what’ is the warning of the coming judgment and punishment given through a vision of the apostle John (see verse 19). The ‘when’, while often argued, is at what the Bible simply calls the “end times” (see verse 7). The ‘where’ question can be answered both in heaven and on earth, but mostly here on earth (see verse 7). There can be two potential ‘why’ questions, why was John given this vision, and why is there to be judgment. Why John was given this insight was so that we, all believers, can see the whole plan of God, so that we will know ahead of time (see verse 1, understanding the time of judgment is approaching tells us that we need to make evangelism our top priority). Why judgment? God is a ‘just’ God, justice is essential and all sin must be eradicated before our eternity can begin (see verses 1 and 19). The ‘how’ can also be two parts, how is this message conveyed is through a vision given to John and written down for us to read (see verses 11 and 19). Then how is everything that is recorded in this book going to happen? The answer is simple, through the power of God (see verse 17-18).

Perhaps the most important section of the book of Revelation for us today is the letters given from Jesus to the seven churches recorded in chapters two and three. We already know that they represent the present church period, but why are they included in a prophecy primarily aimed at the end times? Before we can answer, we need to take a closer look at the question, why did God desire to “show to his servants the things that must soon take place”? There are several potential answers such as, to give us a ‘heads up’ warning, to let us know how He will fulfill His promises, to keep us from being ignorant about the end times, etc. But has anyone considered it as part of God’s training program “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12)? The gospels teach us about Jesus and His offering for salvation. The book of Acts chronicle the first thirty years of the church. The epistles tell us how to live and serve God all while we “make disciples” (see Matthew 28:18-20). Then we come to Revelation where in between the first chapter and John’s vision of future events, we find seven letters. One way to view those seven letters is to see them as ‘report cards’ or as ‘performance assessments’, given to each church from the head of the church, Jesus (see Ephesians 1:22; 4:15). The bad news is that five of the seven churches were not doing that well. We should note that not much time had gone by since they were planted and find that five were already corrupt (estimated to be around 30-40 years, some churches, like the church in Corinth, Paul tells us in his epistle that they had major issues long before that). 

Now fast-forward to today, how would Jesus ‘grade’ churches today? Is the ratio still five out of seven churches being bad? Likely it’s worse than we think, as we will see in the study of these churches, that those churches that were not doing well, thought they were, and the two that were doing well thought they had failed. That’s one hundred percent opposite of what Jesus’ revealed. So what’s the lesson? In the epistle just before Revelation we find an astonishing statement, that ungodly people had successfully infiltrated the body of believers, the church, to deliberately mislead and corrupt the church from within (see Jude 4-16). Jude then reminds his readers of Peter’s words, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” (Jude 18b, citing 2 Peter 3:3) And then tells them that while waiting of Jesus to return, to build up their faith, keep praying, keep in the love of God, have mercy on those who doubt, and save others (see Jude 20-23). The edict of the Great Commission does not change or get revoked as the end approaches, quite the opposite, it becomes even more the primary concern. The lesson from these seven letters is to learn what went wrong in those five churches and be willing to apply the correction as Jesus commanded and seek to be like the two good churches. Sounds reasonable, but when facing the inevitable “we have always done it this way” traditional viewpoint, it won’t be easy. Remember Paul’s words above, the purpose of the church is to “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” In other words, everyone needs to learn God’s Word so that they can be effective witnesses and followers of Jesus.

Then we come to chapter four which begins with John being invited to come up to heaven, to be shown what will happen “after this.” If the seven churches represent the present age of the church on earth, then the “after this” could apply to being a reference to when the ministry of the church is complete and its people are with Jesus in heaven. Even if it is not a reference to the church age, and the church is still active in ministry, and John was simply referring to the next part of the vision, which takes place in God’s throne room, so it still points to something yet future. It is truly remarkable, and along with John, we cannot help but be overwhelmed by the angels singing and praising God. The throne room is described as having a throne, four winged creatures, and twenty-four other thrones around God’s throne, each with an elder dressed in white and wearing crowns. Then a scroll with writing on both sides that was sealed with seven seals is brought in. It is thought that any scroll that has writing on the outside in addition to what is written inside, is a legal document that states the qualifications of the person allowed to open and read the scroll. At first it is believed that no one meets the qualifications and John begins to weep. Apparently John knew that the scroll was vital and very important. Some consider it to represent some form of a “land deed” for the whole earth. Then Jesus appears and everyone sings to Him “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 1:9b-10)

John watched as he saw Jesus begin to open the scroll and as each seal is broken, he observed and recorded every response. The first seal revealed a white horse with a rider that had a bow and was given a crown, and he began to conquer. The second seal was opened and a red horse appeared and the rider was given a large sword to end peace and bring war. After the third seal was broken a black horse came and the rider was holding scales. A voice was heard saying that the prices for food will be outrageously  high. A fourth horse, came after the fourth seal was opened. On this pale horse was a rider named ‘Death’ and Hades followed him. He was given authority over a quarter of the earth to kill with either the sword, famine, pestilence, or by wild animals. When the fifth seal was opened, John saw those that were martyred for their witnessing for Jesus under the altar, and they were crying out asking how much longer will it be before they are avenged. They were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer. A great earthquake occurred when the sixth seal was opened, followed by the sun being blackened, the moon became like blood, and the stars fell to earth.

Before the seventh seal was opened, John reports seeing four angels standing on the four corners of the earth. They were not allowed to harm the earth or sea until 144,000 Jews were sealed on their foreheads, twelve thousand from each tribe. John is startled by the sudden appearance of people from every nation and heritage in the throne room. He is told these people came out of the Tribulation, those that accepted Jesus, as they were washed in the blood of the Lamb. Then the seventh seal was opened and there was silence in heaven for about a half an hour. John sees seven angels appear before God and they were each given a trumpet. Another angel came and stood before the altar with a golden censer. The smoke from the incense coming out of the censer and the prayers of the saints rose before God. The angel then filled the censer with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth, resulting in thunder, lightning and an earthquake.

John notices that the seven angels who were given the trumpets were preparing to blow them. The first angel blows his trumpet and the earth is inundated with hail and fire mixed with blood. A third of the world was burned up along with a third of all trees and all grass. The second angel blew his trumpet and John sees something like a large mountain being thrown into the ocean and a third of the earth’s sea water was turned to blood. Plus, a third of all living creatures in the water died and a third of all ships on the water were destroyed. The third trumpet is blown and a great star fell from heaven onto a third of the rivers. The water became bitter and poisonous as many died from the water. The fourth angel blows his trumpet and a third of the sun, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars were darkened. Then John noticed flying above him was an eagle crying in a loud voice, “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, at the blasts of the other trumpets that the three angels are about to blow!” (Revelation 8:13b) The fifth angel proceeds to blow his trumpet and a star fell from heaven to earth and he (see Revelation 9:1) was given the key to open the Abyss, the bottomless pit. When opened, a dense smoke came out causing the sun and the air to be darkened further. Then from the smoke came locusts who were given the power of scorpions. They were not allowed to harm the plants, but they were allowed to torment those that did not have the seal of God on their foreheads for five months, but not kill them. Those inflicted by the locusts will desire to die but will not be able to. John offers a description of these locusts which includes having human-like faces, making it clear they are not natural locusts. The sixth trumpet is blown and four angels that were bound near the river Euphrates are released at a specific time and date to kill a third of mankind. They assembled a large army all mounted on horses. John describes these horses as having heads like lions which spewed smoke, fire and sulphur out of their mouths and were able to wound people with the thrusts of their tails which were like serpents. John then interjects parenthetically that those who had not been killed so far still did not repent of the works of their hands, their murders, their sorceries, their sexual immoralities, their thefts, nor give up worshiping demons and idols. 

A mighty angel descends from heaven wrapped in a cloud with a rainbow over his head. John describes him as having a face like the sun and legs like pillars of fire. He had a little scroll open in his hand and he was standing with his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land. The angel called out and the seven thunders sounded. John was about to write what the thunders said, but was stopped, he was instructed to “seal up” those words instead of writing them down. Next, the angel with the scroll raised his right hand to heaven and swore by Him who lives forever, the Creator of all, that there would be no further delay, that the days of the trumpet call be sounded by the seventh angel, and that the mystery of God would be fulfilled as announced by the prophets. John was then instructed to take the little scroll out of the angel’s hand and eat it. He was told it would be sweet like honey but will become bitter in the stomach. John ate the scroll and it did taste sweet and it also became bitter in his stomach. He was then told, “You must again prophesy about many peoples and nations and languages and kings.” (Revelation 10:11)

John was given a measuring rod and was told to measure the temple of God, the altar, and the people worshiping there, but not the outer court as it was given over to the nations to trample over for a period of 42 months. John is then told about two unnamed witnesses who have been given authority to witness and prophesy on earth for 1,260 days while dressed in sackcloth. They could not be harmed during that time, as they could destroy with fire, and had the authority to “shut the sky” from raining, turn water into blood, and strike the earth with any kind of plague. When their testimony is through, the beast that rises from the bottomless pit will make war with them and kill them. Their dead bodies will be publicly displayed on a street in a large city spiritually known as Sodom and Egypt, where the Lord was crucified (see Revelation 11:8). For three and a half days people will come from all around the world to look at them. People will rejoice and celebrate as these two had tormented them and now they were dead. At the end of the three and a half days, God revives them and they stand up and those watching were afraid. God called them to heaven and they went up in a cloud. In that hour a great earthquake struck the city and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand died in that earthquake and the rest were terrified, giving glory to God. 

The seventh trumpet is blown, and loud voices in heaven proclaim, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15b) The twenty-four elders in heaven fell on their faces worshiping God saying, “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign. The nations raged, but your wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged, and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear your name, both small and great, and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.” (Revelation 11:17-18) Then God’s temple in heaven was revealed and the ark of His covenant was able to be seen. There was thunder and lightning, heavy hail, and an earthquake. 

A great sign appeared in heaven, that of a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars (the woman is the nation Israel, see Genesis 37:9-11). The woman was pregnant and was crying out in agony of birth pains. Then another sign appears, a great red dragon, his tail swept down a third of the stars in heaven casting them to earth. The dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth so that he might devour the child (the dragon is Satan, see Revelation 12:9). She gave birth to a son who will rule all the nations with a rod of iron. The child was immediately “caught up” to God and to His throne, while the woman fled into the wilderness to a place prepared for her by Him and will be cared for 1,260 days (42 months, see Revelation 11:2; 13:5). John sees a war break out in heaven, the Archangel Michael and his angels battled against the dragon and his angels (those ’stars’ he cast to earth), but Satan was defeated and the dragon was thrown down to earth along with his angels (see Revelation 12:7-9). John then heard a loud voice in heaven say, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!” (Revelation 12:10-12) 

Now on earth, Satan pursues the woman, but the woman was given two wings and flew into the wilderness for three and a half years. Satan (now called a ’serpent’), tries to flood her out, but the earth opened up and stopped the flood. Satan became furious and decided to go and make war with her offspring, those that accepted Jesus. He then stood by the sand of the sea where John sees a beast rise out of the sea. He described this beast as having ten horns with a crown on each one, seven heads with blasphemous names on each head, it had a body like a leopard, feet like a bear, and a mouth like a lion. The dragon, Satan, gave the beast his power, throne and authority. One of the beast’s heads suffered a mortal wound but was healed to everyone’s astonishment. The people of earth began to worship both the dragon and the beast. The beast spoke blasphemous words against God and those who live in heaven. He was allowed to exercise his authority for 42 months. He was also allowed to make war with the saints on earth and succeed, as he had authority over all the people. Everyone whose name is not written in the book of life of the Lamb worshiped the beast. Believers on earth are called to endure and have faith.

John notices another beast, this one coming out of the earth. He describes the beast as having two horns like those of a lamb, but spoke like a dragon. It exercised the first beast’s authority performing signs to deceive all inhabitants of earth to worship the beast that was healed from the mortal wound. This second beast then had the people make an image of the first beast which was then given life so that it could speak and kill those who did not worship the image. It also required everyone to be marked on the right hand or forehead in order to buy or sell anything. The mark was either the name of the beast or the number of its name. The name is not given, but the reader is to use wisdom to figure out the number. We are told that the number is a number of a man, and his number is 666.

The scene changes to Mount Zion where John sees Jesus standing with the 144,000 who were sealed with the Father’s name on their foreheads (see Revelation 7:3-8). They were singing a new song before the throne, but no one was able to learn the song except for the 144,000. They had not been defiled as they are virgins who always follow Jesus wherever He goes. These have been redeemed for mankind as firstfruits (see Revelation 14:4) for God and the Lamb. In their mouths no deceit was found, they are blameless. 

John sees an angel directly over him with “an eternal gospel to proclaim” to those still living on earth, to every nation. The angel loudly said, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.” (Revelation 14:7b) A second angel appears following the first, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality.” (Revelation 14:8b) Then a third angel loudly warned that if anyone worships the beast and its image, and receives a mark on their forehead or hand will suffer God’s wrath and eternal condemnation (see Revelation 14:9-11). The text records a second call for believers to endure (see Revelation 13:10), those who keep the commandments of God and have faith in Jesus. John hears a voice from heaven instructing him to write, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” (Revelation 14:13b)

A white cloud with a man sitting on the cloud is then seen by John and he describes the man as looking like Jesus wearing a golden crown and holding a sharp sickle in His hand. An angel comes out of the Temple and tells Him that it was time to reap the harvest. So the one on the cloud swung His sickle across the earth and the earth was reaped. Then another angel came out of the Temple with a sharp sickle in his hand and was told by yet another angel that came out of the altar, identified as one who had authority over the fire, told the angel with the sickle to gather the clusters of grapes from the vine of the earth, as they were now ripe. The angel swung his sickle and gathered the grape harvest and threw them into the “great winepress of the wrath of God.” The winepress was then trodden outside the city and blood flowed as high as a horse’s bridle for many miles (see Revelation 14:17-20, see also Joel 3:13). 

John sees another sign in heaven, this one consisting of seven angels with seven plagues. We are told that these are the last, as God’s wrath would then be over when finished. He next sees, what could be in the throne room in heaven with a sea of glass mingled with fire (compare with Revelation 4:6), a gathering of those who had conquered the beast, its image, and the number of his name. They each had harps and were singing the song of Moses and song of the Lamb (see Revelation 15:2-4). After this, the sanctuary of the tent of witness in heaven (the Tabernacle) was opened and the seven angels with the seven plagues came out, now described as being clothed in bright linen with golden sashes. One of the four living creatures gave the seven angels, seven bowls full of God’s wrath. The sanctuary was then filled with smoke from the glory and power of God. No one could enter the sanctuary until the seven plagues were finished (see Revelation 15:5-8). 

The seven angels are told to “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.” (Revelation 16:1b) The first angel poured out his bowl on earth and those that received the mark of the beast and worshiped its image were inflicted with painful sores. The second angel poured his bowl into the sea and the water became like blood and every living thing in the water died. The third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water and they became blood. The angel then said “Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was, for you brought these judgments. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!” (Revelation 16:5b-6) John then hears the altar agreeing, “Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments!” (Revelation 16:7b) The fourth bowl was poured out on the sun and it scorched people with fire. They cursed God but did not repent, nor gave Him glory. The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed on their tongues and cursed God for their pain and sores, but still did not repent of their deeds. The sixth bowl was poured out on the Euphrates River and it dried up to allow the kings from the east to cross. John then saw three “unclean spirits like frogs,” one each coming out of the mouths of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet (see Revelation 16:13-14). These demonic spirits performed signs in order to persuade kings from all around the world to assemble together to battle God at Armageddon. The seventh angel proceeded to pour his bowl into the air and a loud voice was heard saying “It is done!” Flashes of lightning, rumblings, thunder, and an earthquake greater than any in the past followed. Resulting in the great city being split into three parts, cities in every nation fell, and Babylon received the full fury of God’s wrath. Plus, all of the islands of the world disappeared along with all of the mountains leveled. Then the people on earth began to be pelted by large hailstones weighing around one talent each (approximately 75 pounds) and again they cursed God (see Revelation 16:8-21).

One of the seven angels approached John and said to him, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk.” (Revelation 17:1b-2) The angel then carried John away in the Spirit into a wilderness where he sees a woman sitting on a scarlet-colored beast that had ten horns, seven heads, and was full of blasphemous names (see Revelation 13:1; 17:3). The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet and was adorned with gold, jewels, and pearls. She was holding in her hand a golden cup full of her abominations and impurities of her sexual immorality. On her forehead was a mystery of a name, “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations.” (Revelation 17:5b) John noticed that the woman was drunk with the blood of God’s holy people who were witnesses for Jesus. But John couldn’t stop staring at her in amazement. The angel asks John why he was so amazed by this woman, as he will now explain the mystery of the woman and the beast. This beast was once alive, but is not now, and will soon rise out of the bottomless pit and go to eternal destruction. The people dwelling on earth, those not written in the book of life, will be astonished at the reappearance of this beast that once died. The angel notes that what he is about to say requires some wisdom to understand. He says that the seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman is seated, but they also represent seven kings. Five that have fallen, one that is, and one is yet to come, although only for a short time. But as for the beast, who was and is no longer, he is an eighth king like the others, also destined for destruction. The ten horns are ten kings but have not yet risen to power. They will be given authority to reign for one hour with the beast. They are all like-minded and will give their power and authority to the beast. They will then make war with the Lamb (Jesus) and the Lamb will conquer them for He is, “Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.” (Revelation 17:14b) The angel further explained that the waters they saw where the prostitute was seated (see Revelation 17:1) represent the people of every nation and language. The scarlet beast and its ten horns will hate the prostitute and will strip her naked, devour her flesh, and burn her in fire. God has put His plans in their hearts, that the kings hand over their power to the beast, until God’s words are fulfilled. The angel concluded by saying that the woman he saw is, “the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth.” (Revelation 17:18b) 

John saw another angel come down from heaven, one with great authority, and the earth was made bright with his glory. The angel loudly proclaimed, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place for demons” (Revelation 18:2b). He further proclaimed that Babylon was a haven for unclean spirits and that all nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality, that kings have committed immorality with her, and that merchants around the world have become rich due to her extravagant living in luxury. Then John heard another voice from heaven say, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues” (Revelation 18:4b). The voice continued to list the many sins, and that for those sins the plagues of God’s judgment against her will occur in a single day including, death, mourning, famine, and fire (see Revelation 18:5-9). The kings on earth who committed immorality with her and enjoyed her luxurious living, along with the many merchants who sold her many valuable things (including slaves), will weep and mourn as she is destroyed. Even those on ships will mourn saying, “Alas, alas, for the great city where all who had ships at sea grew rich by her wealth! For in a single hour she has been laid waste.” (Revelation 18:19b) John saw a mighty angel pick up a large stone and threw it into the sea, saying “So will Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence, and will be found no more…” (Revelation 18:21b) he continued to list several things that would no longer occur or be found in the city and concluded by saying, “And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all who have been slain on earth.” (Revelation 18:24)

After this John heard many loud voices from heaven cry out, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.” (Revelation 19:1b-2) Then the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!” Shortly afterwards John heard a voice coming from the throne that said, “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great.” (Revelation 19:5b) Next, John heard a large number of voices, so great that he compares it to that of a roar of many waters and the sound of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.” (Revelation 19:6b-8) Then an angel told John to write, “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” (Revelation 19:9b) John, possibly overwhelmed by what he has witnessed, falls down and begins to worship the angel. But is quickly stopped by the angel, saying that he is just another fellow servant of God, that he should worship only God. The angel adds, for the purpose of prophecy is to give witness to Jesus.

Then heaven opened and John saw a white horse emerge, riding on that horse was one called “Faithful and True,” and in righteousness He judges and makes war (Jesus). John describes Him as having eyes like fire, wearing several crowns on His head, being clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and is called by the name “The Word of God.” He also had a name written on Him that no one understood. Then following behind Him were the armies of heaven wearing white linen, each riding white horses. Out of the mouth of the one called Faithful and True was a sword that will be used to strike down the nations and rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the wrath of God. On His robe and on His thigh was written the name “King of kings and Lord of lords.” (See Revelation 19:11-16)

John next sees an angel standing in the sun who calls to all the birds in the sky to gather together for the great supper of God. They are to eat the flesh of those who will die soon, kings, captains, mighty men, horses and their riders, and everyone else that will fall during the last battle. John watched as the beast and the kings of the earth gathered together to make war against the one sitting on the white horse and His army. The beast and the false prophet were captured and were thrown alive into the lake of fire (also known as hell). Everyone else was slain and all the birds gorged themselves on the flesh. (See Revelation 19:17-21) 

An angel came down from heaven holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a chain. The angel seizes the dragon, also known as the ancient serpent (see Genesis 3:1), the devil and Satan, and throws him into the bottomless pit for one thousand years. When the thousand years are over he will be released for a short period. John next sees thrones with those who were granted authority to judge appear. He also saw those that were beheaded for their witness for Jesus and the Word of God and those who did not worship the beast and never received the mark of the beast, they all came to life and reigned with Jesus for one thousand years. This is the first resurrection, the rest of the dead will not come to life until the thousand years have ended. When the thousand years is over, Satan will be released to once again deceive the nations. He will gather those he deceived to gather to battle surrounding the beloved city and God’s people, but fire will come down from heaven and consume them all. Then Satan will be thrown into the lake of fire where the beast and the false prophet were previously sent, to be tormented forever.

At the end of the thousand-year period, John sees a great white throne appear with Jesus as the judge. He saw the dead all standing before the throne and the books were opened including the book of life and everyone was judged according to what was written in the books. Death and Hades were thrown in the lake of fire and all those whose names were not found in the book of life were thrown in the lake of fire, this is the second death.

The earth and heaven disappeared and John saw a new earth and a new heaven appear in their place. John notes that the sea could no longer be found. He then saw the new Jerusalem come down from heaven and heard a loud voice from the throne proclaim, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 20:3b-4) Then from the throne Jesus announces that He is making all things new and told John to write, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.” (Revelation 20:6b) All those that thirst will be given the spring of water of life, and those that are victorious will receive this heritage. But those that are cowardly, faithless, detestable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolators, and all liars, their fate is the lake of fire, the second death. 

One of the angels that had one of the bowls that plagued the earth came over to John and said, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” (Revelation 20:9b) He took John away in the Spirit to a high mountain and showed him Jerusalem coming down out of heaven having the glory and radiance of God. The wall of the city had twelve foundations and each one was named after one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. The angel had a measuring rod and measured the city. Its length and width were the same, each measured 12,000 stadia (considered to be approximately 607 feet per stadia, times 12,000 would be 1,380 miles). The walls were measured to be 144 cubits high (or approximately 216 feet) made of pure jasper. The city was described as being pure gold, looking like clear glass. The foundation was adorned with jewels and the streets were made of gold. John did not see a temple as the Temple was Jesus Himself. The city had no sun or moon to shine on it since the glory of God shined lighting everything, therefore there will never be night. The gates will never be shut, but nothing unclean will enter, nor anyone detestable or false, only those who are written in the “Lamb’s book of life.” (Revelation 21:27b)

The angel showed John the river of the water of life flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb, through the middle of the city. On each side of the river was the tree of life (see Genesis 2:9) yielding twelve kinds of fruit. The leaves of the tree were used for healing the nations. No longer will anything be cursed, the throne of God and the Lamb will be there and His servants will worship Him. They will see His face and His name will be on their foreheads. Again, John is told that there will be no need for lamps or the sun as the Lord will shine on them, there will no longer be night. His servants will reign forever. The angel tells John that everything he has seen and heard are trustworthy and true. Jesus said, “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” (Revelation 22:7) 

John once again is overwhelmed and falls down before the angel to worship him and again he is told not to do that, as he is a servant just like he is, and once again is reminded that worship is for God alone. The angel instructed John not to seal the words of the prophecy of this book as the time is near. The people doing harm will continue doing harm, those that are vile will continue being vile, the righteous will continue doing right, and the holy will continue being holy. Until Jesus returns, life goes on, the good and the bad will continue. Jesus then spoke, “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” (Revelation 22:12-13) Blessed will be those who wash their robes (see Revelation 7:14), as they will be allowed to enter the city and eat of the fruit of the tree of life. Outside the city will be the ‘dogs’, those that were sorcerers, sexually immoral, murderers, idolators, and those who love to lie. Then Jesus tells John, “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this message for the churches. I am both the source of David and the heir to his throne. I am the bright morning star.” (Revelation 22:16) 

The Holy Spirit and the Bride (all believers) invite everyone to come, everyone who hears they are to come, and the person who is thirsty is to come. Those who desire to take the water of life, it is available to them for no cost. Readers of this book are warned not to add anything to the words of this prophecy because if they do, God will “add to him the plagues described in this book.” (Revelation 22:18b) And if anyone takes away from these words (leave something out), “God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city.” (Revelation 22:19b) Jesus said, “Surely I am coming soon.” John replied, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.” (See Revelation 22:20-21)

Chronology

After reading the overview you probably have a number of questions regarding the chronology (the order and timing) of the events recorded. Especially when one reads of what sounds like the total destruction of something and then later it is referenced again as if nothing had previously happened. There is an order to things, but before looking at the order, we should first look at how the Bible is constructed. God, being the Creator of all, also created the concept of language, a way for us to communicate with each other. Even though there are many languages, the basic concept of information exchange is the same. In that exchange many literary devices are employed. Many of these devices are used in the book of Revelation, here are few that may help us understand the order of events.

A ‘Generalization’ is an overview, typically a quick one or two sentence description of some event or someone. A ‘Comprehensive Description’ is the opposite, a description that provides detail for the reader. The Bible often uses these two devices in tandem where something is first generalized (a brief summary) followed later by a comprehensive description of the same thing. For example, the story of creation in the book of Genesis is summarized in chapter one, and then in chapter two more detail is given of the same event, they are not separate events (like a detailed inset of a big city on a map of a larger area or state). 

We also need to consider a ‘Parallelism’ where repeated similarities are introduced for rhetorical effect (for example see Isaiah 5:20-21; Matthew 7:7-8; 10:27; Luke 8:17). Next is the use of a ‘Prolepsis’ which presents or assumes a future event or action as if it had already occurred or the results already exists. In the Bible, this device is often used to connect two events separated in time for explanatory purposes or to give the impression they occurred simultaneously (see 1 Corinthians 10:2-4; Hebrews 11:26). Also in reverse of a prolepsis we can find the use of ‘Analepsis’ employed, a form of a flashback. Where instead of assuming a future event, an analepsis takes the reader back in time. We need to consider ’Telescoping’, a method employed to compress time, often by presenting the main idea with no explanation, requiring the audience to know the subject well enough to fill in the otherwise missing or necessary details (see Mark 1:12-13; Mark 1:29-31).

So the question remains, is John’s prophecy in chronological order? Yes, but only if we properly interpret and employ the correct literary device. Without the aid of the proper figure of speech, many of the events will indeed appear to be out of order. Telling a story with several concurrent storylines running simultaneously can be a difficult task. Today our modern-day books, movies, television dramas, and other media regularly shift from one scene to another of simultaneous events, as well as provide flashbacks to help the viewer or reader understand motivations, past situations, etc., each critical to understanding the story. We will encounter similar storytelling tools in this book. 

Comparisons to the Book of Joshua

The sixth book of the Bible, the book of Joshua, tells the story of how the Israelites were being led into the Promised Land. Due to their disbelief they were not allowed in the land, until the last of that disbelieving generation had died (with the exception of Joshua and Caleb). Under the leadership of Joshua (which is essentially the same as the name ‘Jesus’ in the Greek language), the Israelites enter the Promised Land to usurp (remove) the pagans that had infiltrated the land (Satan had over 400 years to spiritually pollute the land, see Genesis 15:13-16, that’s when he undoubtedly heard God’s plan). There are a number of parallels between the book of Joshua and the book of Revelation, besides both key players having the same name. Just like Joshua, Jesus is removing the existence of evil, instead of just one portion of land, Jesus clears the whole earth. The book of Joshua appears to be a prophetic model pointing to Jesus doing just that, which is recorded in chapters 8-19 in the book of Revelation, the last prophetic writing in the Bible. 

Outline

I. The revealing of Jesus Christ "Things seen" (1:1-20)

A. The purpose and audience (1:1)

B. The method (1:2)

C. The blessing (1:3)

D. The greeting (1:4-7)

E. The affirmation (1:8)

F. The vision and instruction to John (1:9-17)

G. The explanation (1:18)

H. Further instruction to John along with the “table of contents" (1:19)

I. The interpretation of the “seven stars" and the “seven lampstands" (1:20)

II. Letters from Jesus to seven churches "Those that are" (2:1-3:22)

A. To the church in Ephesus (2:1-7)

B. To the church in Smyrna (2:8-11)

C. To the church in Pergamum (2:12-17)

D. To the church in Thyatira (2:18-29)

E. To the church in Sardis (3:1-6)

F. To the church in Philadelphia (3:7-13)

G. To the church in Laodicea (3:14-22)

III. The revealing of what is to come "Those that are to take place after" (4:1-22:21)

A. The church in heaven with Jesus (4:1-5:14)

1. Throne of God (4:1-3)

2. Twenty–four elders (4:4-5)

3. Four living creatures (4:6-11)

4. Scroll with seven seals (5:1-4)

5. Jesus being the Lion of the Tribe of Judah and the Lamb which has been slain (5:5-10)

6. Angels in heaven join the song of praise and redemption (5:11-12)

7. Worship of the Savior (5:13-14)

B. Tribulation in the world (6:1-18:24)

1. The opening of the seven-sealed book (6:1-8:1)

a. First seal, rider on a white horse (6:1-2)

b. Second seal, rider on a red horse (6:3-4)

c. Third seal, rider on a black horse (6:5-6)

d. Fourth seal, rider on a pale Horse (6:7-8)

e. Fifth seal, the cry from those who had been slain (6:9-11)

f. Sixth seal, the wrath of the Lamb begins with an earthquake and the sky vanishing (6:12-17)

g. Wrath paused (7:1-17)

1) Reason for the interlude, the need to seal the servants (7:1-3)

2) Remnant of Israel sealed (7:4-8)

3) Redeemed multitude of Gentiles standing before the throne (7:9-17)

h. Seventh seal, silence for half an hour (8:1)

2. Blowing of the seven trumpets (8:2-11:19)

a. Angel at the altar with a censer of incense (8:2-6)

b. First trumpet, trees burnt (8:7)

c. Second trumpet, seas become blood (8:8-9)

d. Third trumpet, fresh water becomes bitter (8:10-11)

e. Fourth trumpet, sun, moon, and stars darkened (8:12-13)

f. Fifth trumpet, fallen star and plague of locusts (9:1-12)

g. Sixth trumpet, angels loosed at Euphrates River (9:13-21)

h. Pause between the sixth and seventh trumpets (10:1-11:14)

1) The Angel with the little scroll (10:1-7)

2) John eats the little scroll (10:8-11)

3) The end of the “Times of the Gentiles” (11:1-2)

5) The second woe, a great earthquake (11:13-14)

i. Seventh trumpet and the opening of Temple in heaven (11:15-19)

3. Seven people (or people-groups) that play a role in the end times (12:1-13:18)

a. The woman, Israel (12:1-2)

b. The red dragon, Satan (12:3-4)

c. The child of the woman, Jesus Christ (12:5-6)

d. Michael the Archangel, battles the dragon (12:7-12)

e. The dragon persecutes the woman (12:13-16)

f. The dragon battles the remnant of Israel (12:17)

g. Beast out of the sea, a person with Satan’s power (13:1-10)

1) Description of the beast (13:1-2)

2) Mortal wound healed (13:3)

3) Beast worshiped as deity (13:4-5)

4) Beast defies and blasphemes God (13:6)

5) Beast wars against the saints (13:7)

6) Beast worshiped by those not in the Book of Life of the Lamb (13:8)

7) Defiance of beast denied to anyone (13:9-10)

h. Beast out of the earth, a false prophet and religious leader (13:11-18)

1) Description of the beast (13:11)

2) Beast given authority (13:12-13)

3) Beast has image of first beast made, which must be worshiped or die (13:14-15)

4) Image of beast requires everyone to be marked (13:16-17)

5) The number of the beast (13:18)

4. The last harvests (14:1-20)

a. The Lamb with the 144,000 (14:1-5)

b. Proclamation of the gospel message (14:6-7)

c. Pronouncement of judgment on Babylon (14:8)

d. Pronouncement of judgment on those who received the mark of the beast (14:9-12)

e. A blessing for those who die in the Lord (14:13)

f. A preview of Armageddon (14:14-20)

5. The pouring out of the seven bowls of wrath (15:1-16:21)

a. Preparation for final judgment of the great Tribulation (15:1-16:1)

1) Tribulation saints in heaven worship God (15:1-4)

2) Tabernacle opened in heaven and seven angels come with seven golden bowls (15:5-16:1)

b. First bowl poured out (16:2)

c. Second bowl poured out (16:3)

d. Third bowl poured out (16:4-7)

e. Fourth bowl poured out (16:8-9)

f. Fifth bowl poured out (16:10-11)

g. Sixth bowl poured out (16:12)

h. Kings of inhabited earth proceed to Armageddon (16:13-16)

i. Seventh bowl (16:17-21)

6. Babylon judged (17:1-18:24)

a. The apostate church headquartered in Babylon (17:1-18)

1) Harlot riding the beast (17:1-7)

2) Beast destroys the harlot (17:8-18)

b. Political and commercial Babylon judged (18:1-24)

1) Fall of commercial and political Babylon announced (18:1-8)

2) The world anguishes over the judgment of Babylon (18:9-19)

3) Joy in heaven because of the judgment of Babylon (18:20-24)

C. Marriage of the Lamb and return of Christ in judgment (19:1-21)

1. Four hallelujahs (19:1-6)

2. Bride of the Lamb and marriage supper (19:7-10)

3. Return of Christ as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (19:11-16)

4. Battle of Armageddon (19:17-18)

5. Hell opened (19:19-21)

D. The Millennium (20:1-15)

1. Satan bound for 1000 years (20:1-3)

2. Saints reign with Christ 1000 years (20:4-6)

3. Satan released after 1000 years (20:7-9)

4. Satan cast into Lake of Fire (20:10)

5. Great White Throne judgement those not in the Book of Life sent into Lake of Fire (20:11-15)

E. Entrance into eternity (21:1-22:5)

1. New heaven, new earth, and new Jerusalem (21:1-2)

2. New era (21:3-8)

3. New Jerusalem, description of the eternal abode of the bride (21:9-21)

4. New relationship God dwelling with man (21:22-23)

5. New center of the new creation (21:24-27)

6. River of Water of Life and Tree of Life (22:1-5)

F. Closing (22:6-21)

1. Promise of return of Christ (22:6-16)

2. Final invitation and warning (22:17-19)

3. Final promise and prayer (22:20-21)

Commentary Considerations

In the following commentary a number of notes have been added after some sections of exposition that are under a heading titled 'Considerations'. Just as the name implies, these are things to consider while studying those sections of text. These considerations hopefully will provide additional guidance and further illumination on the subject. 

⇐Previous (Table of Contents) Next⇒

---

[1] Strong’s Greek 25.

[2] See "Warning - Controversy Ahead!" in the Introduction.

[3] See "Varied Viewpoints" in "An Examination of the End Times."