The Book of Revelation
The last book of the Bible is called the Book of Revelation, or sometimes
“The Apocalypse” which refers to the type of writing of which it consists.
Apocalypyic literature contains the use of brilliant imagery and usually is
descriptive of perilous times of great upheaval. It is a prophetic book which
foretells of things which will happen sometime after it was written. Some people
shy away from it thinking it too difficult to understand due to the apocalyptic
imagery and symbols which must be interpreted. On the other hand, many have
taught far fetched ideas by mis-interpreting the symbols into almost anything.
Though we may not understand every symbol in the book, the good news is that the
overall message is very simple and very plain. The book has value and beauty -
and its theme is very important! Here are some things that we know for sure:
The book was written in the first century by the apostle John. The book itself
says at the very beginning that it is speaking of things which “must shortly
take place” (1:1) and that “the time was near” (1:3). Any speculation which
concludes that the majority of the book has to do with something in our future
and was not fulfilled shortly after it was written is wrong! The book itself
says so! Right away we see the greatand often repeated fallacy of trying to
apply the imagery of the book to present day headlines in the news.
The book is an account of a message Jesus revealed to John in a series of
visionary and audible visions. It was given at a time when Christians were being
severely persecuted. It encourages faithfulness on the part of disciples, even
to the point of death (2:10). It promises complete and final victory to those to
are faithful despite the costs. The turmoil would last for only a short time,
the victory would be eternal. This message is a great comfort not only to
Christians of the first century, but also for Christians today. Thgough the
times are different, the principle is the same.
By Jon W. Quinn
The Front Page
From Expository Files 16.2; February 2009
