Understanding Revelation

Understanding Revelation (Rev 1:1-3)
Intro: "Jesus wins"
"Prediction is very difficult, especially about the future." 1:3, "Blessed is he who reads & those who hear..."

Purpose of the Book
Rev 1:1, cf 1:3, 22:10,16.

Basic principles of apocalyptic interpretation
Standard apocalyptic literature & should be read like Isaiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, Zechariah, etc.

4 basic schools of approaching Revelation
Preterist: 1st century fulfillment in judgment upon Jerusalem
Historicist: Judgment upon (Jerusalem &) Rome
Futurist: Right before final judgment
Idealist: No specific judgment in view

Evaluation: Purpose statements (above) plus 2:10, 3:10, & many other references to immanent judgment eliminate all but Historicist. The cities are interpreted with startling clarity (11:8, cf Is 1:10, Ez 16:53, etc; & 17:7-10, 18, see 1Pe 5:13).

Basic outline

1. Intro(1)
2. Seven churches: "The things which are" (2-3)
3. Seven seals: "The beginning of sorrows" (4-7)
   Cf Lk 21 & Lk 23:27-31.
4. Seven trumpets: "The judgment of Jerusalem" (8-11)
5. Seven bowls: "The judgment of Rome" (12-19)
6. The Millennial Reign (20:1-10)
7. New Heavens & New Earth (20:11-22:5)
8. Conclusion (22:6-21).

Philip Schaff: "Undoubtedly he had in view primarily the overthrow of Jerusalem & heathen Rome, the two great foes of Christianity at that time."

Application

1. God has given his people an encouragement that he is still reigning through all this destruction & persecution.

2. This balances triumph & suffering, see Rev 12:11.