ACAS

Book of Revelation

Ross Woods, 2003, rev. 2020

The book of Revelation was written by John the Apostle, an elder of the church at Ephesus, most likely in about 90 A.D. The location was Patmos Island, a small island off the west coast of Turkey. At the time, the Romans used it as a prison.

Outline

Topic Chapter

Introduction and vison of Christ 1

Letters to the seven churches 2, 3

Heaven 4, 5

Three series of seven: Scroll with seven seals, seven trumpets, seven bowls 4 - 16

Destruction of evil 17 - 20

Final judgement 20

Heaven 21 - 22

Conclusion 22

Basic principles of interpretation

You can not assume ...

It only speaks of the end of the world.

It has a secret code to predict the end of the world.

It is a magic picture-show in the sky.

It is unlike any other book in the Bible, and its teachings are unique.

You can assume ... Consequence

It spoke largely of their first century situation. There is less on the end of the world that it appears. You will see the way it reflects their time.

It is a carefully written document, presented as a vision The text is what we are studying.

As a written text, its teachings are similar to the rest of the New Testament. It is based on the Old Testament, often paraphrased. Look for familiar New Testament themes and paraphrases of the Old Testament. You'll see where his theology came from.

John often uses dramatic images that deliberately evoke an emotional response. Many symbols are easy to interpret.

John often deliberately explains his symbols. Look for his explanations and accept them.

Nobody really knows the answers to some things. Admit you don't know. Studying the theories is helpful but inconclusive.

Topic	Chapter
Introduction and vison of Christ	1
Letters to the seven churches	2, 3
Heaven	4, 5
Three series of seven: Scroll with seven seals, seven trumpets, seven bowls	4 - 16
Destruction of evil	17 - 20
Final judgement	20
Heaven	21 - 22
Conclusion	22

You can assume ...	Consequence
It spoke largely of their first century situation. There is less on the end of the world that it appears.	You will see the way it reflects their time.
It is a carefully written document, presented as a vision	The text is what we are studying.
As a written text, its teachings are similar to the rest of the New Testament. It is based on the Old Testament, often paraphrased.	Look for familiar New Testament themes and paraphrases of the Old Testament. You'll see where his theology came from.
John often uses dramatic images that deliberately evoke an emotional response.	Many symbols are easy to interpret.
John often deliberately explains his symbols.	Look for his explanations and accept them.
Nobody really knows the answers to some things.	Admit you don't know. Studying the theories is helpful but inconclusive.