Revelation - Introduction
How the Book of Revelation Encourages the Church
The book of Revelation is given for the encouragement of the church. It points believers to the reality of the battle, the power of Christ, and the call on the church to persevere and endure.
The Book of Revelation Is Not about the Rapture
What is the book of Revelation about? This article shows that it is not concerned with the rapture, but at its heart it is about Christ.
Interpreting the Symbols in the Book of Revelation
How should you understand the symbolism in Revelation? This article shares some keys to understanding the use of symbols in the book of Revelation.
True Reality The Matrix had it a bit right, Revelation has it all right
The Political Thought of the Book of Revelation
This article is an account of the political thought of the book of Revelation. It reflects on how the goodness of creation is questioned by the apparent meaninglessness of the historical events. Only if history can be shown to have a purpose can the praise of creation resume. The sacrificial death of the Messiah of God is the event that interprets all other events.
"The Lamb" in the Apocalypse
The book of Revelation applied the title "Lamb" twenty-eight times to the Lord Jesus Christ. John consistently uses the Greek word "arnion" for "Lamb" in the book. The article discusses the suitability of this.
The Book of Revelation Is Not Just about the Future
This article shows that the book of Revelation is not just about the future, but also about the past and the present.
Assessing Old Testament Allusions in the Book of Revelation
The allusions to the Old Testament in the book of Revelation form a key to its interpretation. This article is a survey and evaluation of recent studies on the role of the allusions in how Revelation is to be interpreted.
Counterfeiting in the Book of Revelation as a Perspective on Non-Christian Culture
Can the book of Revelation's picture of spiritual warfare help the church today with critical engagement with contemporary culture? Poythress answers this positively. He first notes the important features of spiritual war in Revelation. The battle against counterfeiting and deceit is duly noted.
Alteration of Old Testament Imagery in the Book of Revelation: Its Hermeneutical and Theological Significance
It is a striking characteristic of the book of Revelation that it makes use of Old Testament imagery in its proclamation of Jesus Christ. This article explores how these Old Testament images are altered in Revelation.
Revelation – The Revelation of the Glory of God's Justice and Mercy
In Chapter 1 Hamilton provides a popular overview of the content, structure, and theology of the book of Revelation.
The Returning King – Can We Understand Revelation?
Why do so many people struggle to understand Revelation? The author encourages readers to see it as a picture book, not a puzzle book. The Introduction wants to provide readers with a basic approach to the reading and understanding of Revelation.
Revelation – Introduction
This Introduction considers the usual introductory questions and aspects of the Book of Revelation. It considers the date of writing, the purpose, author, genre, the historical interpretation, how readers should interpret the symbolism, the use of the Old Testament, the structure, and an outline of Revelation.
The Purpose of Symbolism in the Book of Revelation
Why does God communicate through symbolism in the book of Revelation? Is Revelation to be understood primarily as literal or symbolic? Beale argues that the popular approach to Revelation—interpret literally unless you are forced to interpret symbolically—should be overturned.
A Response to Jon Paulien on the Use of the Old Testament in Revelation
This article reflects on the hermeneutical issues involved in the use of the Old Testament in the book of Revelation.
The Influence of Daniel upon the Structure and Theology of John's Apocalypse
Can we say that the book of Daniel is the essential key to understanding the book of Revelation? This article argues that it is basically correct to assume it. Common themes between Daniel and Revelation are explored.
Demystifying the Book of Revelation What It Means for You and Me
Revelation: Why, How, and When?
Genesis to Revelation
Revelation – A Book for Every Christian, a Book for Today
Can We Understand Revelation?
Interpreting Revelation
How should we interpret the book of Revelation? This article evaluates five approaches to interpreting this book.
Revelation – Set Your Mind on Things Above
This is a short introduction to the book of Revelation.
Revelation 1:1-8 - God Introduces the Final Phase of History
Revelation 1:9-20 - The Exalted Christ Cares for His Church
How John's Vision of Jesus' Glory Brings us Comfort Today
The vision about the glory of Jesus, found in Revelation 1:9-20 is given for the benefit of the church. This article discusses how this vision offers us biblical comfort, motivation for worship, and eager expectation of Christ.
A Day Belonging to Jesus
Is it proper to conclude that "the Lord's Day" in Revelation 1:10 refers to Sunday? This article engages with this question.
The Book of Revelation: How Difficult Was Its Journey into the Canon?
This article provides a few highlights about Revelation's journey into the canon: its early reception was outstanding, objections to it were later and limited, they were not driven by historical matters, and were eventually resolved.
Revelation 1:4 – The Seven Spirits
Revelation 1:4-5 – Benediction
This article offers an exposition of the benediction in Revelation 1:4-5.
Revelation 1:4-5 – Firstborn of the Dead?
Jesus is referred to as firstborn of the dead in Revelation 1:4-5. This article explains what this means.
Apocalyptic Speculation and the French Revolution
This article refers to apocalyptic speculation in the present context of a generation of prophets, whether religious or secular, who are annoucning the coming of the end of the world. This article is directed against current misdirected apocalyptic speculation in the light of a similar development during the time of the French Revolution in the 18th century.
Revelation 1:19: An Eschatologically Escalated Prophetic Convention
What is the function of Revelation 1:19 within the book? The author argues that the purpose of this verse is to assert the divine origin of the message of the apostle John in Revelation. This verse together with others actually echoes the language and themes of Daniel 2.
Revelation – Revelation 1
The author provides in Chapter 1 an expository Bible study of Revelation 1.
Revelation 1-3
Revelation 1:4-20 - The Alpha and the Omega
Revelation 1:1-3 - The Time is Near
Revelation 1:9-20 - Christ in the Midst of the Lampstands
This article is about Revelation 1:9-20.
Revelation 2:12–29 - When the Church Begins to Compromise
Revelation 2:1-7 - Ephesus: Pure in Doctrine, but Lacking in Love
Revelation 2:8-11 - Smyrna - Poor and Persecuted, but Rich
Revelation 2:12-17 - Pergamum: Faithful, but Compromising
Revelation 2:18-29 - Thyatira: Loyal, but Open to False Teaching
Ten Things You Should Know about the Nicolaitans
Who were the Nicolaitans (Revelation 2:6, 15) and what were their teachings? The article offers ten things you need to know about the Nicolaitans.
When We Suffer, How Does It Help to Know Jesus Is the "First and Last"?
How should we respond to suffering? This article explains from Revelation 2:8-10 that our response must be shaped by the knowledge that Jesus is the "First and Last."
The Letter to the Church in Ephesus
In Revelation 2:1-7 we read about Christ's evaluation of the church in Ephesus. This article explains the lessons the church must learn today from Christ's evaluation of the church.
Revelation 2:18-29 - The Seven Churches – Jesus Speaks to His Church Today The Compromised Church
Revelation 2:12-17 – The Seven Churches – Jesus Speaks to His Church Today The Worldly Church
Revelation 2:8-11 – The Seven Churches – Jesus Speaks to His Church Today The Model Church
Revelation 2:1-7 – The Seven Churches – Jesus Speaks to His Church Today The Frozen Church
Letters from Jesus Reformation will come only through Rediscovering God's Word
Revelation 2:17 – White Stone
This article offers an explanation of the meaning of the "white stone" in Revelation 2:17.
Another Look at the Nicolaitans
This article considers the identity of the Nicolaitans in Revelation 2 in the light of the Old Testament.
Revelation 2:10 – Steadfastness
This article considers the letter to the church at Smyrna (Revelation 2:10).
Revelation 2-3: A Critical Analysis of Seven Prophetic Messages
What is the function of Revelation 2 and Revelation 3 in the overall structure of the book of Revelation? The article explores the basic structure, function, and message of Revelation 2-3 in the whole of the book.
Revelation 2:12-17 - To The Church in Pergamum
Revelation 2:12-17 - The Church in the Midst of the World: Where Satan Dwells
This article is about the antithesis of church and world. Revelation 2:12-17 is also discussed.
Revelation 2:8-11 - To The Church in Smyrna
Revelation 2:18-29 - To the Church in Thyatira
Revelation 2 and 3 - The Seven Lampstands
This article is about Revelation 2 and Revelation 3: the seven letters to the seven churches.
Revelation 2:1-7 – To the Church in Ephesus
This article provides an exposition of Revelation 2:1-7.
Revelation 2:18-29 - “The church in the midst of the world: In danger of being led astray”
This article on Revelation 2:18-29 is about the letter to Thyatira.
Revelation 3:1-6 - Sardis: Dead, but Not without Hope
Revelation 3:7-13 - Philadelphia: Faithful and Enduring
Revelation 3:14-22 - Laodicea: Self-Confident, but Useless!
Revelation 3:14-22 – The Seven Churches – Jesus Speaks to His Church Today The Lukewarm Church
Revelation 3:7-13 – The Seven Churches – Jesus Speaks to His Church Today The Small and Steady Church
Revelation 3:1-6 – The Seven Churches – Jesus Speaks to His Church Today The Dead Church
Genre and Hermeneutics in Revelation 20:1-6
What type of literature is Revelation 20:1-6? The decision about the literary genre of this chapter is one of the most crucial factors in its exegesis and interpretation. Is this chapter a simple report concerning the future, apocalyptic vision, prophetic prediction, or something totally different?
Revelation 3:12 - The City of Love
Revelation 3:1-6 - The Church that is Near Death
Revelation 3:7-13 - To the Church in Philadelphia
Revelation 3:1-6 - To the Church in Sardis
Revelations 3:14-22 - Called back to Christ
This article on Revelation 3:14-22 is about a church losing its antithesis with the world, and becoming like the world.
Revelation 3:14-22 - To The Church in Laodicea
Revelation 3:1-6 - In Danger of Falling Asleep
This article is on Revelation 3:1-6 and complacency in the church is also discussed.
Revelation 3:7-13 - Kept by Christ
In this article on Revelation 3:7-13, the author discusses the church in tribulation (persecution of the church)
Revelation 4 - Our God is an Awesome God: He Reigns from Heaven Above
Shouting in the Apocalypse: The Influence of First-Century Acclamations on the Praise Utterances in Revelation 4:8, 11
What is the possible origin of the praise sections in the book of Revelation? Seal argues that John shaped his praise utterances according to the form of acclamations shouted to dignitaries of his time. The article first defines acclamations before discussing their form and function in John's Roman world.
"I Will Not Erase His Name from the Book of Life" (Revelation 3:5)
Is it possible for a true believer to lose his salvation? How should we read and understand the promise of Revelation 3:5? Should this text be read as a support for the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints? The author wants to demonstrate that a good reading of this passage does not include the possibility of the loss of salvation.
Casting Crowns
Revelation 4:1-2 - Heaven: What is it?
Revelation 4-7
Revelation 4:1-11 - Before the Throne
Revelation 4:3b - Look! A Rainbow!
Revelation 5 - Christ: Our Hope for the Future of the World
An Apocalyptic Tribute to the Lamb: Revelation 5:1-14
This article considers the function of Revelation 5 and the Lamb of God in that chapter.
Glorying in Jesus’ Ascension and the Outpouring of His Spirit
Revelation 5:8-14 - The Song of Heaven
Revelation 5:1-7 - The Lion and the Lamb
In Revelation 5:1-7, Jesus is portrayed as a Lion and a Lamb. These titles refer to two events: Christ's first coming, and His second coming.
Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb was Slain
Revelation 5:5 - The Vital Importance of The Scroll
Revelation 5:1-7 - “The Lion of the Tribe of Judah”
This article on Revelation 5:1-7 is about Jesus Christ as the Lion and Lamb.
Revelation 5:1-14 - Worthy is the Lamb
Revelation 6 - God's Judgments Begin to Unfold: Round 1
The Tripartite Structure of the Sixth Seal, the Sixth Trumpet, and the Sixth Bowl of John's Apocalypse: Revelation 6:12-7:17; 9:13-11:14; 16:12-16
The structure of the book of Revelation has an important influence on its interpretation. This article argues that the three scenes of Revelation 6:12-Revelation 7:7, Revelation 9:13-Revelation 11:14, and Revelation 16:12-16 should be viewed as a tripartite unity.
The Relationship between the Seals, Trumpets, and Bowls in the Book of Revelation
What is the relationship between the bowls, seals, and trumpets in the book of Revelation? This paper argues that each series of judgments is primarily sequential to the previous series, but that the end of each series is parallel to the end of the other series.
The Unseen Sources of Suffering: From the Biblical Text to a Sermon Manuscript on Revelation 6:1-8
How can severe calamity exist in a world governed by a good God? The author reads Revelation 6:1-8 as an answer to the question whether suffering is merely part of a chaotic world.