Epaggelia

REVELATION 5:1-14

v1, “Written within and on the back”,  This book represents the full will of God concerning the 7 churches of Asia’s immediate future.  In Revelation 10 there is another book representing what Ezekiel prophesies, but here in chapter 5, it is presented sealed and ready to be opened. This book is showing what is about to happen to the 7 churches, how they face persecution should be the same way we face it!

v2, “Who is Worthy”  This is the reason why John is brought to tears.  It is not about the book’s power but whether or not someone is worthy to take responsibility for the development of what is about to follow.  Whoever steps forward is clearly involved in determining how the future events affect John and our family in Asia.  God the Father on the Throne is worthy, but He asks who else is, because He and His Holiness can not and has not been in the Temple with His children.  Who Has?  Jesus. 

“no one…under the earth” v3, even past prophets from the grave, like Moses, Samuel or Elijah are not worthy. Not even the Mighty Angel issuing the question feels worthy. However, Jesus in the victorious resurrection is not seen yet, but in John’s heart he knows Jesus should be there.

“weep not, behold the Lion” v5, We have good reason to find a cause to rejoice. Jesus said in this world we have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world”, Jn. 16:33. Indeed we weep with those who weep but we do not sorrow as those who have no hope, 1Thes. 4;13. Our pain in any kind of trial or temptation is known by Jesus and His Spirit that resides in us, Col. 1:24. “the Root of David”, Jesus came from David and was of the Tribe of Judah, Hebrews 7:14, and he was declared to be the Son of God from the seed of David, Romans 1:3-4. He claimed to have authority over the house of David, Rev. 3:7. The significance of this lay in the fact that Jesus is King of kings then and now, until the time is fulfilled and He delivers His Kingdom to the Father, 1^st Cor. 15:24.

“A Lamb standing as if slain” v6, Literally the marks of slaughter, but He was alive & standing. “7 horns, 7 eyes, 7 Spirits of God, representing all-sufficient working power and presence. With this reality amongst the churches, we must face the war of Satan’s terrorism and overcome evil with good. In 2^nd Chron. 16:8-9 Israel failed, but we can succeed, Mat. 28:18.

“harps and golden bowls of incense” v8. Christian prayers & praise are represented by harps & bowls because their pleas are both emotional, pleasing and a logical sacrifice, see 1^st Corinthians 14:13-15 & Hebrews 13:15. We will see more of the harps and bowls of incense, Rev. 15:2. Great comfort comes from the fact that God hears and smells our praise & prayers from our hearts and tongues, like beautiful music and wonderful aromas, even when we are hurting in trials.

“Sang a new song” v9, This is reminiscent of the Song of Moses and may be compared to Rev. 15:3-4. Except here in 5:9-10 the emphasis is redemption, whereas back in Exodus 15:1-18 the emphasis is victory in deliverance, here the victory is the Lamb’s deliverance through the punishment for sin, triumphing over death. Love for his creation was the only way to bring about salvation and transform sinners into a Kingdom of Priests pronounced in v10, remember Ex. 19:5-6 & 1^st Peter 2:9. No matter what this priesthood must sacrifice they will be praising Jesus for their victory of deliverance. No matter the costly casualties, we win and sing about it. In Mat. 21:43 Jesus claimed that physical Israel would lose the Kingdom and true spiritual Israel would be people that bore the Kingdom’s fruit.

“Many Angels” v11, an innumerable mighty host is for us, who can be against us? All the angels know how factual 1^st John 4:4 really is. Do we believe it?

“Every Created Thing” v13, Total submission of the entire creation in praise, Hebrews 1:3, 11:3, Col. 1:17 & Romans 8:18-22. Do you receive courage from this passage, or does it instill fear?

REVELATION  ~   6: 1-17

1st Seal, Jesus the Conqueror wins, Rev. 19:11

2nd Seal, A war which has spiritual implications and our enemy loses.

3rd Seal, Economic hardship affecting the church but is not total.

4th Seal, Death itself will affect the church but will not win.

5th Seal, Martyred Christians see their victory on the earth.

6th Seal, The destructive force of authority will recognize Jesus as Judge and King.

“Come” v1,3,5 & 7.  Each of the four living creatures pronounce the command to “come” into the vision of the first four seals, but the 5th and & 6th seals do not have horses with riders coming. John was already a conqueror as EVERY Christian is, but the martyrdom and end of their enemies, John and the churches would not personally experience. John did not suffer martyrdom, but the extent of his life was indeed affected by the harsh isolation during banishment on Patmos. This word “come” should alert us to our own personal experience of suffering for Christ if called to do so.  There is no reason to shrink from ridicule since Jesus shows and shares his victory. Mat. 11:28 & 16:24 shows our discipleship should be real and enduring, discipleship should not be solely enjoyable, entertaining or simply an academic exercise.  We can not COME into experiencing discipleship unless we GO, (Mat. 28:19)

v2, “…had a Bow and a Crown was given to Him”.  The Lamb opens the seals and is responsible for controlling what happens.  When the white horse appears the rider is given a crown (Stephanos) by whom?  The One on the Throne.  Later in 19:12 Christ is given another crown (Diadema).  Christ with a  bow and ‘stephanos’ is most likely representing the fame of the Tribe of Benjamin’s fierce force in using bows & arrows, 1Chron. 8:40 & 12:2 and also the destructive forces of the Parthian Army. This was a deadly threat to Rome as they never defeated the Parthian warriors, Rome suffered the loss of over 20,000 soldiers in 53BC and never went beyond the ancient Iranian borders. The battle of Carrhae left a nasty memory in Rome, where the Parthian volley of arrows from bows was used so successfully.  In 20BC the Parthians still held their own Throne and agreed to work with Rome during Claudius’ reign, where the Parthians were actually given seats amongst Roman Senators.  King Vologaesus of Parthia sent ambassadors to Rome in 68AD to confirm the agreement after Nero’s death, but later the Emperor Domitian failed to keep the agreement, resulting in his own head chamberlain named PARTHENIUS arranging his servant Stephanus to initiate Domitian’s assassination, (96AD). This may be a surreptitious way of prophesying how Caesar Domitian of Rome would come to meet his end and Jesus knew and orchestrated it all along to ensure it !  Eusebius comments on a certain fierceness in persecution of Christians during the latter part of Domitian’s reign. 

v4, “Bright Red”, Horses are always connected with war in the Bible. There is an interesting glimpse of these horses in Zech. 1:7-9ff, previewing a still watch throughout the world. But here in Revelation, they are unleashed for war throughout the known world of the Roman Empire and their colors change!  “Great Sword”, in Greek it’s “megas macharia” literally “big dagger”.  Romans used an 18” two-edged sword excellently in battle and it was feared everywhere.  It is not the “romphaia” or huge machete sword wielding from the mouth of Jesus in Rev. 2:12 & 16.

v5-9, “Black” and “Pale-Green” the third seal’s horse would bring a failing economy. Both Tacitus and Suetonius (Roman historians of the 1st & 2nd Century) record how the financial crisis in Rome of 33AD had a knock-on effect creating the demise of the successful trade in the Roman Empire. They had built a great road system connecting all the nations of the civilized world to do trade and taxes, but as their economy weakened, their roads would be used for the spread of the gospel, instead of Roman rule. The fourth seal brought death. The Antonine Plague during 165-180AD from Rome during Emporer Marcus Aurelius reign, signaled the beginning of the end of the Roman Empire, appx 10 million people died. During his reign, Marcus Aurelius saw the plague form a turning point in so many ways, the crisis of the first pandemic brought about a demise that the Roman world would never recover from. In 216AD, Roman armies lost over 50K soldiers in the battle of Cannae, and in 351AD they lost again in the battle of Mursa suffering over 24K killed, and in 378AD they lost again in the battle of Adrianople with over 10K killed. 

v10, “They Cried Out”, Contrast this with v15 and we see only two groups of people from God’s perspective in the Revelation, saints and enemies. The martyred saints cry, not out of selfishness, but from a need for justice, as the One on the Throne desires.  Most records of martyrdom carry a note of bravery and forgiveness not cowardice or self-pity. Acts 7:60. 

v16, “Wrath of The Lamb”,  Christ will show his judgment over all rulers and humanity, this figurative language is similar to Old Testament passages reminding us of God’s judgment over foreign nations.  God even made Nebuchadnezzar to eat grass like an ox, Dan. 4:9-17 and talked of humiliation as judgment over the whole world, Isa. 13:1 & 11.  The sky parting as a scroll in Dan. 34:4 and Jeremiah’s staggering earth & shaking mountains in Jer. 4:23-25 are reminders of His presence at Sinai, Micah 1:3-6 & Amos 4:13.  Psalm 110 is the epitome of Old Testament prophecy concerning the wrath of the Lamb to come and seen active in the Roman Empire’s decline and destruction.  We are more than conquerors through Him who loves us,  Romans 8:37.

v17, “Who Can Stand?”  When your world is so shaken, the churches are reminded that their only hope lay in God’s promises of a new world,  3:12 & 21:4.  Where is your citizenship?  Php. 3:20.

REVELATION  ~   7:1-17

After the first six seals show such scary statements about the future, God comforts and strengthens His children in this way. By answering the question, “Who Can Stand”?

v1, “Four Angels” Showing judgment from God placed within them and holding the affects of His judgment back until the appropriate time. The angels personify the winds of judgment, 6:13.  The Hebrews salvation from Egypt involved a great wind, Ex. 14:21-28 and is also used as a term for judgment against idolatry,  Isa. 57:13 & Jer. 18:17.   From the east, John’s vision of the angel is an introduction of mercy because in Acts 2:2 and Jn 3:8, The Holy Spirit’s activity brings judgment and salvation simultaneously. 

v3, “Bond-Servants”, are God’s faithful children shown as the 144,000 and also in v9 as the innumerable mass of people no one could count. Therefore we see the totality of God’s faithfulness of delivering His children from Seth to an unknown date in the future.  His angel from the “Rising of the Sun” v2, has the SEAL of the Living God, which proclaims our security and identity. Paul taught this seal was a deposit in 2^nd Cor. 1:22 & Eph. 1:13, 4:30.  It is important for every Christian to understand that not ALL suffering is judgment from God, just because we are caught in the crossfire or suffer consequences from God’s judgment on other people doesn’t mean we are condemned.  Ezekiel 21:3-4 and Ezk 9:1-11. This teaches us that Jesus realizes that the spiritual war we are in and win, does not guarantee our physical safety. The purpose of the seal is to ensure eternal life, spiritual protection and that our sanctification is an identifying mark of God’s possession.  Tertullian wrote in 210AD,  “if rains don’t come, Christians are blamed, if too much rain comes and the floods ruin us, Christians are blamed”. The reality of His Seal and what He does to comfort us (God’s Spirit in our heart) is seen then and now.

v4-8,  The tribes listed are representative of spiritual Israel because Joseph is listed.  Joseph did not have a physical blessing from Jacob, nor did he have a physical tribe. Jacob treated Joseph’s  2  sons as future patriarchs instead of Joseph because Levi was to be spread out as spiritual servants/priests for the physical tribes, leaving only 10. The number 12 always reflects God’s authority delegated.  We are spiritual Israel and a royal priesthood., Rom. 9:27, Gal. 6:16, Php. 3:3, Col. 2:11-12, 1Pt. 2:9.

v9-10 “Palm Branches”, very reminiscent of the Feast of Tabernacles. Remember this was the MOST JOYOUS of feasts, with dancing, singing, praying and rejoicing with meals, it’s theme was thankfulness!

v12, The praise given to God, is now extended and enlarged upon from 1:6, 4:11 & 5:12. As our life grows in Christ, recognizing how much more and more valuable His blood is, so should our praise grow!

v14, “The Great Tribulation”,  At no other time in history has God had a greater fight against evil than when Christ came and His church was established.  Before the resurrection of Christ there were many cases of demon possession, but after the resurrection, demon possession waned.   The Hebrew writer talked of 1^st century Christians suffering from apathy and “had not struggled with sin to the point of losing blood”, Heb. 12:3-6.   This is a clear indication that judgment begins at the house of God, 1^st Peter 4:17. Throughout the awful rise and fall of persecution during the first few centuries of the church’s existence, His faithful children were all sealed through terrible tragedies, remember Noah, Lot and Joseph in the Old Testament and Stephen, James and Antipas in the New Testament.  This does not discount or negate the fact of modern day martyrs, but it does establish an enduring truth in the power of His Seal/Spirit and the way He comforts us through it. 

“The Blood of the Lamb”,  how this whitens, can only be appreciated when we consider His work of sanctification. 1^st Peter 2:2 “grow” & 2^nd Cor. 7:1, “maturing”.

v17, “The Lamb in the center of the Throne”,   He welcomes the faithful to join Him here, 3:21.  Sharing in His authority over the Nations, 2:26-27.  The Christian martyrs who died before us have experienced paradise before us, they know the reign of God personally better than we do, Luke 16:19-31 and Hebrews 12:1-2.

REVELATION  ~   8:1- 13

The Seventh Seal reveals seven trumpets to sound. The Seals give news, truths or principles. But a trumpet gives WARNING in active judgments.  Notice the warnings are of damage or suffering which is partial (1/3).  The ungodly people the judgment is directed against are meant to pay attention and repent, but they will not.  Each trumpet corresponds to plagues against Egypt in the days of Moses.  The persecuted church will be caught in the crossfire but salvation will be tasted, and every Christian reading this would enjoy the infusion of mercy within judgment against the oppressive Romans (Egyptians).  

“silence….half an hour”,  8:1. Hours in the Bible often speak of important events, like a climax, so a half hour would be a clear indication that something very important is about to happen, like the way our culture would use a drum roll to usher in something great. God’s timing is perfect, so this silence may be a reminder that God is waiting for just the right time to usher in punishment on persecutors of his children made into martyrs. 

“7 Angels with 7 Trumpets”,  8:2. Those who stood in God’s presence, remember Gabriel must have been one of them, see Luke 1:19-20, and he pronounced judgment even in the face of good news because of the unbelief in Zacharias. Don’t forget that when God’s angels come into the forefront of a vision of judgment, Jesus spoke of them as “Reapers”, Mt. 13:39, 41, 49.

This is reminiscent of Numbers 10:1-10. Remember the three reasons for using trumpets amongst Jews. A-Calling An Assembly.  B-Alarm Troops For War.  C-Bring Israel Into Remembrance At Feasts (don’t forget God’s purpose).  These trumpets remind us that Christians are never forgotten or forsaken as they go through the pain of martyrdom and suffering the crossfire of war.  They must stay close together in their fellowship and fight with good to overcome the evil around them, 1^st Cor. 9:1, Gal. 2:9, Php 2:1-3, 1^st Jon 1:7, and of course a reminder NOT to fellowship with “her” amongst the plagues, Rev. 18:4.

The reason for the judgments God is revealing is because of the Christians cry, “How Long” in 6:10.  It is not because Romans are sinners, it is because Romans refuse to acknowledge Christ as King, they execute Christians and enforce idolatry towards Emperors, so Rome will fall in judgment. Just as Jews rejected Jesus as Christ, and so Jerusalem fell and they do not have their Temple now or forever. The only way Jews can retain a Temple is to come into Christ and enjoy his Temple viewed in the Revelation. So Romans can come to Christ for forgiveness, even in view of this judgment against their rulers.

1^st Trumpet, Judgment against Agriculture.

2^nd Trumpet Judgment against Commerce.

3^rd Trumpet Judgment against Religion,

Water usually always symbolizes spiritual activity, Mt.12:43, demons dislike water.  “Wormwood” finds it’s significance in bitter consequences, see Jer. 23:10-15 & Ex. 15:22-25, it is only God that can sweeten bitter waters, or make palatable the disgusting. Only God can make sense of any kind of spirituality humanity practices, Ac. 17:23

4^th Trumpet, Judgment against Government & politicians. The heaven’s light bearers are

an obvious symbol of worldly leadership. 

“Woe, woe, woe” 8:13. The symbol of the eagle is obviously placing Rome as the center of God’s destruction.  The eagle was the Empire’s symbol. Three woes are pointing to more destruction from the angels blowing the next 3 Trumpets of Warning.

REVELATION 9:1-21

5^th Trumpet, Judgment upon Rome’s Cultural Ethics. The fallen star is Satan the ruler of the locusts, he is a type of god, 2^nd Cor. 4:4. The locusts are an apt description of the consequences of immorality and it’s painful results.  Sexual sins were rampant in the lifestyle of the Roman Empire.  

“Key, 9:1, There are only two keys mentioned in the Revelation. One held by Jesus, Rev. 1:18, 3:7 & 20:1 and one held by Satan 9:1. 

“Smoke” 9:2,  As if the power of this judgment was from hell itself, don’t forget Sodom & Gomorrah, Gen. 19:28,  Isa. 30:33. Jesus told us to remember Lot’s wife, Lk. 17:32. 

“who do NOT have the seal”, 9:4.  Anyone who is not a Christian, Eph. 1:12-14, is without the spiritual protection we need from the painful effects of immorality.  Sexual sins are squarely pointed towards our self, 1^st Cor. 6:18. 

Two more “Woes” and “Four Horns”, v12-13. The judgments God is warning His children about include a measure of mercy. Mercy is what the Four Horns speak of, from Exodus 30:1-3,  it was not the altar for burnt offerings covered in brass outside the Holy Place, (Ex. 27:1-2) but rather it is the altar of incense, a centerpiece of the Temple before the Veil which tore apart at Christ’s death.  The prayers of Christians would have this presence before God. Their angels are always before the face of God, Mt. 18:10. God is paying attention to their needs throughout the entirety of the judgment against their enemies. 

6^th Trumpet, Judgment upon the Military, “bound at the great river Euphrates”, 9:14, see Rev. 16:12. A spiritual viewpoint expressed through Jerusalem and Babylon, is showing holiness & evil, if this is accepted, then the Euphrates would be where these two forces meet and draw sharp contrast.  Don’t forget the four angels of 7:1 from the four corners of the earth, have now moved.  Do not forget Rome’s greatest threat, Persia (The Parthians or modern Iran).  Other armies like Goths, Vandals, Franks & Turks all took advantage of Rome’s weak eastern front, which Persia threatened. The first big division in the Empire was at Constantinople, from there it began to crumble. The lion headed horses with tails like snakes are a sure indication that the armies against Rome are full of deceptive power. Since the 5th Trumpet could be against Rome, then it may be logical for the 6th Trumpet to be a warning of military might in the east against Rome. The number of 200 million is closely aligned in size with Psalm 68:17, but of course the context of an unholy army is here in Revelation, whereas the context in Psalm 68:17 is the holy army of God. So it would make sense to relate this number to a military judgment against Rome.The churches can be caught in the cross-fire and suffer if they do not heed this Trumpet call, Hebrews 2:2-3, even Jesus warned his disciples to flee war, Mt. 24:16.

“Did not repent”, v20-21. Even when faced with military judgment and losses, the majority of people in the Roman Empire would not repent from idolatry. Rome’s insistence on Emperor worship was the chief cause for their downfall and God would use different enemies to judge them. After the Empire crumbled, it indeed acknowledged Jesus Christ, but did not submit to true worship, but continued in false worship and gross sinfulness, Romans 1:21-23 was, is and always will be true, Rev. 22:11.

Revelation 10:1-11

“Another Strong Angel”, 10:1, There are only two angels in the entire Bible which are named, Michael and Gabriel. This is probably one of them, maybe Michael. Read Jude v9, he is also called one of the chief princes in Daniel 10:13, this would fit with what happened in Rev. 5:2.

“The Little Book”, v2, Ezekiel had a similar experience, 2:3 & 3:3, it was his expression of commitment to the message he was given. To eat something shows acceptance and complete fellowship. John was making this message his and committing to deliver it.  With the likelihood of him dying before he could spread the Revelation far and wide beyond the 7 churches, he included the warning of plagues on anyone who would want to change it, Rev. 22:18-19.  Our relationship with the New Testament is indeed nutritious. Do we treat God’s word like food? John 6:45-58, Hebrew 5:12-14 & 1^st Cor. 10:4 & 12:13.

“Seven Peals of Thunder uttered their voices”, v3.  The way these judgments lack explanation and are sealed up, are a clear sign to us that further judgments can be exercised against the church’s enemies, even after the Roman Empire had fallen.  According to Daniel’s timescale on prophecies to be fulfilled which are sealed, these judgments could roar their thunder for centuries into the future beyond the generations of the 7 churches of Asia. However, there is no denying that persecution still threatens the church TODAY. We should pray and realize that God will judge modern persecutors and rejoice in the fact that other Christians have suffered before us, Matthew 5:10-12.  God here is saying that His judgment is just as effective now as it was then, no matter what shape our enemy takes. Romans 12:20. 

“Standing on the sea and on the land”, v5. This tells us that the oath the Angel takes applies to every soul on the entire globe, (Dan. 12:7).  The upheld hand indicates he is aware of being in full view of God on the Throne and his holy work is being proclaimed.

“Delay no longer”, v6.  The only delay the saints were suffering was the time in which God was giving the public of the Roman Empire to repent in the face of his impending judgments. This proves that God loves our enemies and that we should be praying for their repentance, Mt. 5:44 & 2^nd Tim. 2:25.  Even though the majority of them will remain stubborn, there are always the few which will turn. 

“Sounding of the 7^th Angel”, v7.  Within this judgment comes that totality of God’s judgment against the Roman Empire, seven bowls of wrath, Rev. 16. For Christians, these days are long and hard but for John, it is seen as coming after a delay. When God’s judgment is finished, the Christians can see the glory of good news victorious. As promised the Revelation has a blessing and His children are more than conquerors. 

“Go and Take…and Eat”, v8-9.  Just as John was showing his own voluntary acceptance of responsibility to the message, we also must VOLUNTEER to go and pass the message on, Mt. 28:18-20.  The strong angel did not give John the book, John was told to take it from him. God never forces anyone to eat. Have you personally taken the gospel? Rom. 2:16, 2Tm. 2:8.

“Your belly bitter…your mouth…sweet”, v10.  The content is sweet because the blessing is real to those of us who believe, but it’s also bitter because John too will feel the suffering the Church must endure through the judgments of God against evil.  Overcoming evil with good in our lives is not easy, but it is worth it! 

v11, The effect of this vision was not limited to 7 churches in Asia, we can feel it today !

REVELATION  ~   11:1-11

“Measure The Temple of God”, v1, As John writes there is only one Temple, the churches of Christ, 1^st Cor. 3:16-17, Eph. 2:19-22 & Rom. 16:16. During AD 70 the physical Temple was completely destroyed forever.  Now the Altar being holy, necessitates that our prayers are sanctified in Christ. The worshippers are measured too, within the Naos (inner temple), therefore they are priests, 1^st Pet. 2:9.  The main purpose of measuring is to designate what is holy and whatever else remains, is common & profane, Ezk. 40:3-5, 42:20.  What is the consequence?  Relief from the nations trampling underfoot God’s holy children, the church.  Though the church will suffer abuse and martyrdom, they will not be profaned and punished by God.  Everyone outside Christ suffering hardship from the Empire falling will indeed be punished here and in the next life. 

“42 Months…1260 Days”, v2-3. This is two ways to express the same thing. Here we are introduced  to the identity of the Two Witnesses as identical to the Temple. The numbers correspond to the 3 ½ years, but in the context of the Two Witnesses so that it relates to the resurrection of Jesus, see v9.  This number, be it in the form of days, weeks, months or years means this: LIMITED, TEMPORARY SUFFERING.  It’s equivalent occurs in Dan. 7:25 as the “little horn” temporarily persecutes God’s children, and it occurs in Rev. 12:6 &14 where the Woman is suffering in the wilderness but nourished and it occurs in 13:5 where the Beast temporarily exercises authority over the saints but is eventually destroyed, 19:20-21.  

“Two Witnesses”, v3, The church can be seen as mournful prophets, witnessing His judgments against their persecutors and prophesying God’s deliverance with the return of Jesus. Why “TWO”, so that God’s message and meaning of the “olive trees and lampstands” (v4) delivers strength to them in their suffering.  Zechariah helps us understand the meaning, Zech. 4:11-14, where we see two olive trees providing the candlestick with oil, they are two anointed ones before the Lord, whose eyes go throughout the whole earth.  Without light, Zerubbabel can’t build and use his plumbline, the enemy can’t be seen and the victorious presence of God isn’t witnessed.  So the olive trees and candlestick are essential for God’s work of judgment and the spreading of His good news, building His new Temple, the church.  Two is used to bring the meaning of King Zerubbabel and the High Priest Joshua son of Jehozadak inside the olive tree and candlestick as Witnesses. The historical background to this is in Haggai 1:1-8.  Both Royalty and Priesthood are seen in this vision of the church, 1^st Pet. 2:9.  If the church behaves with noble lifestyles as royalty live holy lives like priests, therein lay the avenues of God’s power to endure hardship, preach the word and experience the deliverance of God into salvation.  His Temple will be built no matter what opposition halts it temporarily. 

“If Anyone Wants To Harm Them”, v5, The church’s altar (Prayers) are measured, sanctified and heard for a response, God will punish the “Beast” v7, being Rome for it’s persecution against the church.

“Their Dead Bodies”, v8-9, The Witnesses’ Resurrection is coming, their humiliation and suffering is temporary. This sin against the church is committed by Rome, symbolized by Egypt for it’s oppressive power over God’s people, and also symbolized by Sodom for it’s degenerate morals which lure people away from the church.  It is also symbolized as Jerusalem where their Lord was crucified because of false worship in Judaism which instigated the crucifixion.

“They Stood On Their Feet”, v11, After the Roman Empire died, the church grew larger. The unbelieving world around Christians would indeed be amazed to see such a persecuted religion win despite all the odds.  The resurrection of Jesus, which the church preached and lived within, is this experience.  We are now surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, Heb. 12:1.

REVELATION 11:12-19 & 12:1-6

“The Seventh Trumpet…Kingdom of the World”, v15,  Here marks the most significant division in Revelation’s text.  The end of the Roman Empire is finalized in this trumpet, we see the triumph of Christ within this Trumpet. There are no more warnings of judgment!  Later in chapters 15 & 16 we see the last series of 7 in the 7 bowls outpouring His entire wrath on the enemy, which show judgment, confirming the finality.  From there are no more series of sevens.  Therefore Christ’s reign is celebrated and established completely over all the earth.  We may not understand why Jesus guides the chaos of world powers in certain directions, nevertheless, He is King of kings and Lord of lords now and forevermore, 1:5 & 19:16. Never let chaos and evil convince you that God is not reigning as King in Jesus Christ, Luke 17:21-22. 

Between Chapters 12 – 16 we see the conclusion of His New Temple being established and His Priesthood reigning over all the earth in full view of the Throne scene of God.  Chapter 17 begins a new scenario of the same war being fought from a different perspective with another great victory. 

“A Woman Clothed with the Sun”, v1, The faithful children of God are symbolized as the young woman in the prime of her life.  She is giving birth to the future success of the church, Jesus Christ. The Old Testament is clear about how God views his people as a wife, Isa. 50:1, 54:1 & Mic. 4:9ff.  

“The 12 Stars” represent God’s continual crowning authority and victory for his faithful children, the 12 tribal leaders of Israel, 7:5-8. In God’s plan, the faithful grow in unity to be in the same body the 12 apostles will lead, Rom. 2:28-29, 9:6, Gal. 6:16, Rev. 21:12. Stars have been compared to God’s children through Abraham, Gen. 15:5. Our ancestry sheds light on the world in darkness and having the moon under our ancestry’s feet would signify any other light other than our clothing in Christ is of lesser significance.  The labor pain is indicative of the fact, “no pain no gain”, which is a common recurring struggle the nation of Israel went through in order to bring the Messiah into the world.  

“A Great Red Dragon”, v3, It is noteworthy to remember that Satan has grown from the beginning of time as a subtle snake into a monstrous dragon.  This is the nature of evil, it’s deception and destruction grow out of control, but God’s victory overcomes our enemy in the end.  The Pharaohs are described as dragons several times in the O.T., Psa. 74:13, Isa. 51:9 & Ezk. 29:3.  The “7 Diadems” the dragon wears is actually reflecting how totally inferior his rule is, in comparison to the victory crown (garland) the woman wears.  She is the winner, in the end, the dragon loses his temporary reign.    “Stands before the Woman”, v4, this is illustrated twice, once in Pharaoh’s slaughter of the baby boys, Ex. 1:15-19 and again prophesied in Jer. 51:34 through Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon, being fulfilled in Herod’s slaughter after the birth of Jesus and John alludes to the analogy in Rev. 11:8.

“She bore a Man-Child” v5, this being Jesus is the reason God ruled perfectly in his life, ministry and sacrifice, he had his heart enthroned with the Father’s rule. While the mother was being chased in the wilderness, she was nourished by God, this is happening in the spiritual heavenly places, Eph. 1:3.  The nourishment is given to her for 1260 days, again emphasizing the temporary limited suffering of the new church, this young mother now represents.  Daniel foresaw this pain & suffering in Dan. 7:25-27 & 12:5-7. 

On the subject of ruling with a “Rod of Iron”, we understand Jesus as a shepherd that defends his flock with certain punishment against enemies.  There are literal descriptions of middle-eastern shepherds carrying staffs that were covered or shielded with iron and/or lead to hit wolves with.  

“War broke out in Heaven…He was cast down to earth”, v7-9.  Michael represent God in battles, Dan. 12:1, so here in Revelation we should not think Michael has won the battle, rather we should see Michael representing the fight Jesus initiated on earth, but won in Heaven.  Our spiritual battles are initiated here, but won in the heavenly places, Eph. 6:10-17.

“Now…have Come” v10, Past tense for us, is the victory.  For Jesus the victory was in three days as a resurrection, for us, the victory is in his blood, v11.  The blood has no effect, if we do not express a testimony and are willing to suffer for Him who paid the price, 1^st Pet. 2:21 & Acts 14:22.

“Down to the earth, he pursued the Woman”, v13, As the woman’s meaning changes into the church, she doesn’t lose her stars representing the 12 apostles, but previously represented the 12 patriarchs of the 12 tribes.  Mt. 10:2-4.  

“Two wings of a great Eagle”, v14, The woman was not changed into an eagle, but was given wings of a great eagle, this is indicative of God’s care and strength to rescue, nourish and deliver her out of imminent danger, Dt. 32:11, Psa. 36:7 & Isa. 40:31.

“The Serpent spewed water out of his mouth”, v15.  Satan here tries to ape God’s action during Noah’s flood, but the effect is reversed by the earth. This may be an analogy of Satan’s spiritual work in the false religion of Rome’s secular seal of approval on Christianity.  Which did not bless the woman’s later offspring.  The new church gave birth to a more mature church which struggles with false doctrines and practices. Notice this ongoing war is not commented on, but is obviously ongoing.  We experience the war’s reality, Eph. 6:10-17.  If your testimony is true, then your using the sword of the Spirit. 

“Earth opened it’s mouth and swallowed the river”, v16-17. This can be viewed as the public within and outside the Empire quenching the Empire’s persecution of Christians, bringing it to an end. This would make Satan (dragon) angry and later he would ensue different ways to give a maturing church (rest of her offspring) more trouble and trials, (10:4).  The mature church is indeed the body of Christ and we find our identity and unity by keeping God’s commandments and holding onto Christ’s testimony, John 14:15-31.

REVELATION  ~   13:1-18

A clear explanation of all the activity in this chapter is best viewed through the lens of two other passages, Daniel 7:1-23 & Revelation 17:9-16.  Daniel’s fourth beast represents the Roman Empire Government, but John’s vision of it is different because of the time element between the two prophets. The eleven horns in Daniel can correspond to the 8 heads of John’s sea beast, when we consider the three that were uprooted from Daniel 7:8. 

Daniel’s 11 horns                            John’s  Sea Beast with 7 heads (13:1) + 1 head (17:11)

1. Augustus 1. Augustus

2. Tiberius 2. Tiberius               5

3. Caligula 3. Caligula            fallen

4. Claudius 4. Claudius           17:10

5. Nero 5. Nero

6. Galba  

7. Otho             Galba, Otho & Vitellius uprooted Dan.7:8                                

8. Vitellius

9. Vespasian 6. Vespasian         “is”

10. Titus 7. Titus          “other to come”

11. Domitian                                                   8. Domitian         17:11

Suetonius correctly titles the first Emperor to be Augustus because Julius Caesar acted as General turned Dictator, wanting to dispose of the Senate, which disposed of him. This sequence dates John’s writing during 69-79AD, during Vespasian’s reign.  John’s Sea Beast has ten horns, v1, and represents kings to come, but they turn on and destroy the harlot riding the Sea Beast (17:12-16).  The ten kings-horns-mountains of the future are actually powerful provinces causing the Roman Empire’s downfall complete, which is another reason the number 10 can be used. Edward Gibbons describes many of them in his work, “The Decline & Fall of the Roman Empire”.

1. Parthian Armies of Persia
2. Germanic Barbarians
3. Armenian Turks
4. The Cappadocian Army
5. Coalition of Franks & Galatians
6. Visigoths of Spain
7. Coalition of Arabs & Saracens
8. Vandal Kingdoms of Africa
9. Grecian Goths
10. Coalition of Cantabrians & Asturians

The wars that ravaged Roman rule throughout the whole of the Empire was slow but sure and many of these Provinces with Kings sacked Rome itself, which is represented by the Prostitute riding on the Beast. 

“The Authority to Act for 42 Months”, v5.  Any power Satan the Dragon gives to the Sea Beast is ferocious but it is also limited and will come to complete ruin. Because the Sea Beast later (17:11)  has the 8^th horn (Domitian) which first promoted self-worship. 

“The Perseverance & Faith of the Saints”, v6. Here we see the reason Jesus taught the tactics of Christian warfare, Mt. 5:38-45 as being spiritual. Paul wants us to know that the spiritual centurion in them was spiritual and overcoming evil, Eph. 6:10-17 & Rom. 12:14-21.  If we live these teachings, our longsuffering patience and loyal faithfulness will bring about a victory over any size of evil that attacks us.

“Another Beast coming up out of the Earth” v11, The subtle insidious nature of this beast in it’s lamb-like horns with a dragon’s voice, gives us the impression that it doesn’t want to show the real evil power that lurks inside. This land beast motivates worldly people to love the Sea Beast (Roman Empire Leadership), which would make the land beast represent the Roman Empire Religion. A spiritual power that wreaked havoc on the Church, making self-proclamations of deity in the Emperors.  Domitian had the audacity to build Temples to his father Vespasian and brother Titus. Other Emperors after him, such as Marcus Aurelius and Hadrian were exactly the same in spirit.

“Six hundred & Sixty-Six, The Number For Mankind”, which is a literal translation of the Greek words, “arithmos gar anthropos” in the New Testament. The mark which worldly people are given is the Beast’s identity or “name”, which is symbolized by the number . Six hundred & sixty-six, from God’s perspective, whenever humans put a person over and above our worship of Jesus, we identify with the meaning of this mark. So now do we see significance in being measured and sealed, to have your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life?  v8.  See Php. 4:3 & Eph. 1:13.  Protecting God’s holiness in humanity that identifies with Christ, not the anti-christ, 2^nd John 1:7-9. 

REVELATION  ~   14:1-13

“The Lamb Standing on the Mount”, v1. Comfort is given after the horrendous news in Chapter 13.  Now instead of a lamb-like monster (Earth Beast), here is the Lamb which rules because he became “dead” and then overcame death, walking off triumphantly with the gates of the city of death.  Martyrs get great strength following this kind of victor. They are with Him on the Mount.  Psalm 2:6, prophesies the King to be set on the holy hill of Zion and Paul applies this prophecy to the resurrected Jesus, Acts 13:32-37.

“144,000 having his Father’s Name, v1. What a name (3:12). What a privilege, it is said of Alexander the Great, that he learnt of a soldier in His army which shared his name, but the soldier was lazy, dirty and rebellious, so Alexander the Great called the solder up to His throne and charged him with these words, “Change either your way or your name, now, or suffer the consequences of my wrath”. Surely there is alesson in this for us, “be holy for I am holy”, 1^st Peter 1:16.  The name holds enduring power, Acts 4:12, and everyone will one day bow to His name, Php. 2:9-11.  The exact name is what?  Isaiah 9:6 holds the description, as he tells of the 7-fold description of the Lord’s Spirit in Isa.11:2.

“Harpists playing their harps, they sang as it were a New Song”, v2-3.  The church sings before the Throne, because of their experiencing deliverance.  This is a NEW song because it’s a new type of deliverance, better than the ancient deliverance of God’s people from Egypt.  Isaiah prophesies of God making a new thing, Isa. 43:18-19.  Reminding us that in order for God’s powerful deliverance from slavery to take place, we must be willing to go through a terrible desert in order to reach the land of milk & honey.  The greater deliverance John sees us singing about is what Isaiah declared in 42:9-10.  Heavenly harps would be wonderful to hear, but God is listening to feel gracious hearts “plucking” out tunes of love, thankfulness and cries for help in praise, and of course cries for help in receiving the promised deliverance in Jesus Christ from their martyrdom.

“No man could learn the song except the 144,000”, v3. This proves our faith needs to be genuinely our own personal faith, not our parents, preachers or elders faith, but only our own expression of faith in the persevering promise of Jesus to deliver us by the cost of his blood.  When Pilate asked Jesus if he were a King, Jesus replied, “do you say this from what others say, or from your own heart?.  There is so much instruction here for us.  How many times do we sing a song mimicking the words instead of meaning the words.  Do we sing this because the songwriter wrote it with sacred sentiments or because it comes from our own heart?

“These are they that are not defiled with women”, v4.  The description of the saints, ourselves, is a God given goal for the church.  The more we appreciate it and learn of it, the more we will live like it.  In London’s British Museum, research by curators proved an interesting fact.  Every single man which enters the display area of the Grecian stature of Apollo and spends anytime gazing at the magnificent manhood, when he exists the display area , he is always walking more upright in posture, then the usual slouched walk when he entered the display.  Why? Because we are all made by God to be affected by what we set our sights on.  Do we believe this is the description of a church in the 1^st century with their faults & sins? Do we gaze upon God’s view of the church here?

“The hour of his judgment has come”, v7.  When God’s judgment upon the Roman Empire took place, it was final.  Today Italy holds only the remains of relics leftover from the Empire extinguished.  It is remarkable, that after God showed his judgment on Israel, that they are still intact to this date.  They have no Temple, but Judaism survies in a nation constantly struggling with war.  Today’s conflict remains modern to remind the world of God’s judgment, not His approval.

“Fallen”, v8. Even though Jews in 136AD still challenged Rome, it was as good as dead in God’s eye. Remember the faith of Abraham and Paul, Romans 4:17.

“A Mark…of it’s Name”… “Tormented”, v9-11. The rich man in Luke 16:28 found the reality of this vision.  His Name is His Number, 666, (13:15-18), meaning the unbridled arrogant pride of humanity proclaiming themselves to be as perfect as God, just like the Roman Emperors accepted.

“Blessed are the…” v13. There are seven beatitudes in the Revelation, this is the second. See 1:3,  14:13,  16:15,   19:9,   20:6,   22:7,   22:14.  There may be a correlation between these 7 beatitudes in Revelation and John’s seven “I AM’s” of Jesus in His Gospel.  

Bread, 

Light, 

Door, 

Good Shepherd,  

Way, Truth, Life, 

Resurrection & Life, 

True Vine

Perhaps eight, considering John 8:58, where Jesus claims Himself to be the “I AM”. 

“Their Deeds Follow Them”, v13. They do not precede, because we are more important, and our deeds do not identify us, the deeds that follow us, are evidence of God’s fruit bearing blessings. The rewards He gives are indescribable and full of glory, Eph. 1:3, “EVERY” spiritual blessing!

REVELATION  ~   14:14 – 15:8

“Son of Man” v14-17, This is the first time Jesus is seen wearing a crown that is royal.  He first appeared in Daniel’s vision, and in Rev. 1:13, he appears again. Then in 6:2 he is wearing the victor’s crown. But now, His Kingdom is established and he is justified in executing justice.  Angels coming out of the Temple, would show us that because of the Church, his judgment is executed upon the world, for it’s persecution of His saints. Jesus promised that angels will accompany his judgment upon our enemies, see Matthew 16:27-28. 

“Power Over Fire”, v18.  These angels represent God’s judgment over the Empire in different aspects, much like the different seals making different statements on the totality of God’s judgment.  Here the “another” Angel is reminiscent of Ezk. 9:1-6, showing the bronze altar signifying that because of Christ’s sacrifice being rejected and the saints were persecuted, then the angels will wreak revenge on God’s enemies.  The sickle is reaping the grapes of wrath which all sinners will be made to drink of, v10.  This winepress gives blood incalculable in war as the Roman Empire falls into violence.  

“Grape Harvest”, v19-20, This is very reminiscent of Rev. 6:9-10, and stems from the picture of God’s wrath in Deuteronomy 32:31-44. The wrath of God must be made clear to the Church because they will face prolonged persecution. For example, Emperor Marcus Aurelius AD161-180 would enact laws, making it easier for Christians to be prosecuted in courts. One of the recorded acts of violence against Christians in his reign is the persecution in Lyons, France, which occurred in AD 177.  Marcus Aurelius came to a sad end. The historian Cassius Dio wrote about him after AD182.  “Just one thing prevented him (Marcus Aurelius)  from being completely happy, namely, that after rearing and educating his son in the best possible way he was vastly disappointed in him. This matter must be our next topic; for our history now descends from a kingdom of gold to one of iron and rust, as affairs did for the Romans of that day.”

“Seven Plagues”, 15:1, The word in the Greek for “Plague” actually means ‘a wound or stripe from a blow’. It only appears here in the New Testament, and 7 of them, means the judgment will be final and perfectly complete, so that both Beasts and it’s image will never again hurt the Church.  God’s punishment is not probable, it is purposely planned, prophesied and fulfilled.  

“Seven Angels”, v1.  The last plague upon Egypt heralded the same anticipation and importance for everyone in the land.  God himself struck dead the firstborn in Egypt and the Angel of the Lord initiated the work of Moses in the burning bush where God had spoke. Therefore we see here the similarity in God using angels when He himself issues execution, Ex. 3:2 & 11:1-4.  

“In Them is Finished The Wrath of God”, v1. This is very comforting for the Christians caught in the crossfire, they know how well the Hebrews were protected & segregated in the last plague. 

“Who Will Not Fear You O LORD”, v4. Salvation is not the purpose here, even the demons tremble but won’t obey.  Fearing God is only part of humanities responsibility, but to act in faith upon that fear is what counts toward God, who gives grace to save us, Gal. 5:6.   Remember the Canaanites were frightened to death to hear of the Hebrews arriving in Palestine, but look what happened when they did, Ex. 15:14-16.  They brought glory to God’s name, even amongst pagan governments, but it won’t move God to save the government.  But who can express faith and repentance?

“Angels … Arrayed with … Golden Girdles”, v6.  The priestly dress of the angels for the deliverance of God’s judgment are performing a holy duty of sacrifice.  This Judgment was a sacrifice for the preservation of the Church.  Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was for the salvation of the church.  But without suffering we cannot enter the Kingdom, likewise without sacrificial judgment, God cannot preserve the Kingdom, Acts 14:22.  The apostle Paul knew that Christ’s suffering in His siblings is not finished, Col. 1:24-25.  The Judgment is clearly against Satan and the Roman Empire as God’s wrath is poured out to destroy the Empire with saints being martyred. There is a sense in which suffering is part of the life of the Church until Jesus comes again.  When we endure persecution or ridicule for Christ’s sake, we are helping the word of God to be fully known, and His Kingdom to be fully glorified. 

“Seven Golden Bowls”, v7. The cherubim giving bowls are represented by creatures. Remember the Throne scene of 4:6-8, protecting His holiness.  We are not dealing with cultural upheaval, political changes or a false religion.  It is outright rebellion against God that He is judging. When David approached Goliath, he never viewed the conflict as anything other than an insult against God. When this becomes obvious, the bowls are full and ready to be poured out. God’s holiness in his people is not even to be threatened, much less polluted.

“Temple Filled With Smoke”, v8. The solemnity of the occasion is shown in Ex. 40:34ff, 1^st Kings 8:10-11 & 2^nd Chron. 5:13-14. The smoke ensured seclusion of God’s present holiness being exalted, which the Romans were threatening to pollute.  

REVELATION  ~ 16:1-21

“Go”  v1. This is a strong word which specifically commands an exit with the connotation of anger. Perhaps like our phrase, “Get Out”!  It is as if God feels like the persecutors of His people have gone too far and their punishment is past due.

The bowls of God’s anger are connected in thought with the trumpets in chapters 8-11. 

1^st Trumpet – Fire  &  1^st Bowl – Sores

2^nd Trumpet – Seas  &  2^nd Bowl – Seas

3^rd Trumpet – Rivers, Springs  &  3^rd Bowl – Rivers, Springs

4^th Trumpet – Sun  &  4^th Bowl – Sun

5^th Trumpet – Pit, Locusts  &  5^th Bowl – Throne, Sores

6^th Trumpet – Euphrates  & 6^th Bowl – Euphrates

7^th Trumpet – Voices  &  7^th Bowl – Voice

Note the hail from the 1^st Trumpet is seen in the 7^th Bowl, Why?  Complete annihilation of the Roman Empire. The Trumpets warned of wrath, the Bowls delivered wrath against…

1- Agriculture & Commerce.   2- International Trade & Allied Provinces.   3-Roman Emperor Worship.   4- Roman Emperors/Senate/Ambassadors.   5- Cultural Morals & Social Ethics.   6- Roman Military.   The 7^th was a warning of the ultimate victory of Christ, recognizing His authority. Please understand the nature of symbolic language in the context of defeat and victory with this example.  Zec. 1:2-4 speaks of total destruction but didn’t mean it literally, so we might ask this question: If God doesn’t mean complete annihilation, why does He use that kind of language?  Because He is promoting horror in a visual description of the terrible & permanent defeat the enemy would experience and feel.  Read Isaiah 13:17 in reference to Babylon. The Medes & Persians defeated it for all time, and to this day, it is ruined in modern day Iraq.  The description in Isa. 13:10-13 & 17-22 didn’t literally happen, but the result was permanent.  The same can be said for Rome.  

“Euphrates”, v12, Symbolizing military power rising and falling. Babylon came from here to pounce upon Judah, in the advance of armies, the river can rush or overflow, Isa. 8:7-8, 17:12. Now in the Revelation it’s drying up because the Roman armies are falling apart at the seams to retreat and be defeated.  For God’s people the drying up of water has been a means of escape & deliverance, Ex. 14:21-22 through the Red Sea and twice over the river Jordan, Jos. 3:15-17 & 2Kg. 2:7-14.

“Har-Magedon”, v16. Meggido (rendezvous) is a region historically linked with battles that have a permanent effect.  Judges 4 & 5 show Israel thrashing Jabin and where Sisera was defeated, they never bothered Israel again, ever!  Vice-versa, Pharoah Necho was used by Jehovah God to defeat Judah during the days of King Josiah, afterwards, Judah never had another conflict with Egypt, remaining in subjugation to this day! See 2^nd Chron. 35:20-27.  So for the Jewish Christians of John’s day, even the mention of Har-Magedon said this: whoever wins here, wins forever!

“Accomplished”, v17.  Rome and her allies are buried. Some elements prolong and are described in Rev. 17 & 18 and the battle of Har-Magedon in Rev. 19 shows the Devil himself being defeated, which is final in Rev. 20. 

“Seventh Angel”, The Revelation is full of different angels, the word always means “messenger”.

+ Angel for the Revelation itself, 1:1

+ Angels for each church in Asia, 2-3

+ Angel for the mission to find someone worthy, 5:2

+ Angels for announcing judgments, 7:1-11

+ 7 Angels for saints protected, 8-9

+ Angel for the prophetic work of John’s own accountability, 10

+ Angels for the ultimate battle between Jesus & Satan, 12:7

+ Angels for the inevitable consequence of God’s defeat of Rome, 14:6-20.

+ 7 Angels to deliver God’s vengeful punishment, 16:1-17

+ Angel to deliver the key to the bottomless pit, 20:1-3

The obvious point being made is that God is always using His angels to deliver his ever active and powerful message to His children, Hebrews 12:22. They are in our midst and we are in His presence.

“The Great City was divided into three parts”, v19.  This may have two meanings within it.  The most probable is a reference to the Dragon, Beast and False-Prophets downfall from within Rome’s reign.  Secondly, it may be a reference to the three different sections of the Roman Empire, 

Honorius of the Western Empire of Rome 395 to 423.  

Attalus with Visigoth support, holding the title of Emperor in Rome, during 409, and later in Bordeaux in 414 . His strongholds of support in Rome came from the North.

Constantine, who defeated  previous emperors during civil wars. He also fought successfully against the Franks & Visigoths during his reign, Constantine also transformed the ancient Greek colony of Byzantium into Constantinople,  which would be the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire for over one thousand years.

However we view the division, Rome itself would fall and never be the same. God in Jesus Christ orchestrated it’s ruin and painful destruction.

REVELATION  17:1-18

“The Great Harlot”, v1. Jerusalem (2^nd Chron.21:11-13), Tyre (Isa. 23:13-18), and Ninevah (Nahum 3:4) are all called whores.  Why? Because they made financial alliances for power instead of relying on God.  Of course, in reference to Jerusalem, it is an alliance for earthly power in rejection of God’s powerful providence and strength.  But for other nations, it is simply, making money for earthly power.  Rome was guilty of this on the grandest scale, the richest ruling city on earth in John’s day was Rome.  The center of a ruthless commercial power and built upon seven hills.  The description, “Mother of Harlots” v5, really describes Rome, because in every province large cities would copy Rome’s tax policies.  Commercial enterprises and the formation of local government was copied from Rome too. Why? To strengthen their own ruling forces which in God’s time would turn on Rome itself.  God saw the end of Rome as lots of “kings” (little daughter prostitutes) would eat their mother up.  Of course that is exactly how the Roman Empire fell from within itself.

“Cup of Gold….impurities of her lewdness….drunken with the blood of the Saints”, v4-6.  The cup was first mentioned in Jer. 51:7 in reference to Babylon.  Rome and her provincial Roman cities boasted in two things.  RICHES and SUPREME POWER which were credited to the DEITY of Roman Emperors.  This of course meant persecuting Christians to death because neither Christians nor Jews would bow to the Lordship of Roman Emperors.  The City of Rome’s population supported and propagated the rich economy, which is the source of their strength.  This victory over the Christian martyr was mad insanity to God.  The city or economy (harlot) on 7 hills controlled the beast with 7 heads and 10 horns.  Remember what Daniel’s vision displayed in the three horns being plucked up.  Here in John’s vision those three are ignored, which is possibly Galba, Otho & Vitellus.

The Five Fallen, Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero.

The One Is, Vespasian

The Other to Come, Titus

The Eighth, Domitian (self-proclaimed Deity)

Second Century writers, Tertullian & Eusebius both state that Domitian was the second to persecute Christians, therefore John makes sense when he says the Beast, “is not”, v8, but yet is.  If John was writing during Vespasian’s reign, the Beast is not actively persecuting at this time, but soon will be.  

“Ten Kings who have received no kingdom as of yet”, v10.  The Roman provincial client kingship.  Modern historians Perowne and Unger show us that Herod was a Roman client king of Judea and it was not a new institution in Rome’s expanding government existing two centuries before Christ.  There were many client kingships which were in servitude to the Emperors.  If Imperial favor was offended, the client king could be dethroned at will.

“For He Is Lord of lords”, v14.  This is present tense on purpose.  To let the Christians know that before any of this happens, Jesus is in charge.  This victory doesn’t make or establish Jesus as Lord, this victory is BECAUSE Jesus is Lord, Colossians 1:13.   The Church is going to defeat Rome (whore) and the Lord will destroy the Beast.  Because He made us chosen (choice) and faithful disciples. 

“Shall Eat Her Flesh”, v16.  Edward Gibbons lists four exclusive reasons why the Empire fell.

1. External Invasion. Client kings allied with foreign forces.
2. Inner Decadence.  Legions dictated authority and imperial favor leading to corruption & bribery.
3. Inner Strife & Disease. The family unit decayed the military with immorality, destroyed by entertainment.
4. Government Seats were divided instead of removed.

Notice three of these reasons are from INSIDE the Empire itself, signifying that the daughter prostitutes had a meal on their mother.  The picture of flesh being eaten is also in Ezk. 39:17ff.

“God did put it into their hearts” v17.  He gets the glory for the victory because He motivates us to follow Him, Isaiah 10:5.

REVELATION  18:1-24

“Another Angel…Great Authority”, v1. The defeat of Rome comes from God Himself and is repeatedly announced, being first proclaimed in 14:8, now it is being reiterated to clarify the fact that Rome’s destruction is as good as done in God’s view, it is past tense.

“Nations…Kings…Merchants”, v3.  To date, the Nations take no notice of Rome, Kings desire no political favors from Rome and the Euro currency is based on the stock exchanges between Brussels, Frankfurt & London. Rome has and always will be out of the picture of importance and struggling to be a major center of any global importance.  Even in the G20, Italy has the lowest European GDP.  The biggest boast Rome has now is it’s tourism trade, once the greatest city in the world, is now really relegated to a being a museum! In Christ’s day the “wealth of her sensuality”, became her ruin.  There is nothing in the Bible that prohibits God’s wrath from being shown before the day of Judgment when Jesus returns.  God’s wrath was displayed in the absence of Christ’s second coming, and Judgment Day did not take place, so what will stop God’s wrath from being displayed again against any other Nation that mimics Rome’s trust in itself and turns against Christians?

“Come Out Of Her”, v4.  God warned the captive Jews in Babylon, Jer. 51:5-10, 45. Jesus warned his disciples in Jerusalem, Mt. 24:15-22, “to flee” and now Johns warns the seven churches. The point for us?  If the congregation you are in, suffers persecution. The Lord wants you to spread the good news and wherever His message is not received, then moves on and wipe the dust off your feet.  Persecution has always been a great advertisement for the church and resulted in growth. It is better to suffer as a Christian and reap a reward than to suffer as a coward and reap judgment, Rev. 21:8.  We are called to suffer for righteousness sake, so we can not lie about our identity, our name is written in the Lamb’s victorious Book of Life, 1^st Peter 3:9-17, 4:13-19. 

“Pay Her Back”, v6. God’s justice is perfect and Rome’s death will be long and torturous.  Just as Rome’s time consuming persecution of the Church was torturous, so too would be God’s punishment on Rome. Historically the first big sacking of Rome came by the Goths in 269AD, and it was attacked again and again over the centuries. The last time it was destroyed was by Visigoths led by Alaric the 1^st  in 410AD. The crisis in the 3^rd century began as Emperor Valerian was defeated and captured by the Sassanid Empire of Persia, leaving Valerian’s son Gallienus in very shaky control.  Next came the Gallic Empire of 260 – 284AD, which was the back breaker of the Roman Empire as the Christians knew it from the 1^st century.

“In One Day”, v8.  See Jeremiah 50:31-34 with his reference to Babylon. Remember specific numbers and times are not to be taken literally in the Revelation. This signifies a complete turn around in Rome, from being the richest to the poorest city in the world. 

“The Fear of Her Torment”, v10-15. Client-Kings and Merchants didn’t really love Rome, they cried for her because they just lost their ticket to riches and power.  Their hub of luxury was being ravaged and they started distancing themselves.  In Ezk 27:1-13, 33-36 & 28:1-19 you see the same kind of language used towards Tyre in their prosperity.  Whenever any Nation (even the USA)  attributes their prosperity to themselves instead of the one true God in Jesus Christ, they have their own demise in the making.  Do we pray for our Government AND Leaders in Finance to gain wisdom and faith in God and His glory?  What about our Leaders of the Department of Commerce and the Department of Treasury?

“Will Not Be Heard In You Any Longer”, v21-24.  Edward Gibbon wrote concerning 253AD “Romans were irritated to a still higher degree when they learnt they had not secured a repose, even at the expense of their honor.  The dangerous secret of their wealth and weakness of the Empire had been revealed to the world, while new swarms of barbarians encouraged by their success, and not conceiving themselves bound by the obligation of their allies, spread devastation through the provinces and terror as far as the gate of Rome itself”, Vol. 1. pg. 196. 

This chapter shouts to Christians, PATIENCE !  The Apostle Peter teaches that Christians should not be short-sighted, 2^nd Pt. 1:8-9.  The repeated phrase “ONE HOUR”  is a reference to time just like other passages of Revelation. The 30 minutes of silence in Rev. 8:1 is not literal, it’s a statement that something is about to happen, like a drum roll introducing a great event is about to take place. Now that the hour has come, we see the whole purpose of Revelation being accomplished. Jesus uses the phrase “my hour” several times in the gospel of John 2:4, 12:27, to describe that the whole purpose of his life was being achieved. Jesus King of kings and Lord of lords has accomplished the purpose of His Church, to overcome evil with good.  The Roman Empire’s hub of power was dead, and His Church was established and ready to be exalted in everyone’s eyes. The conclusion?  God is saying, “Leave My People Alone, or Suffer The Consequences”

REVELATION  19:1-21

“A Great Voice of a Great Multitude”, v1. The church of God, martyrs, prophets and royal priests, that is, all saints rejoice in God’s victory.  Reference the great crowd of 7:4-12, God avenged his children of the terrible whore, without his children having to take vengeance into their own hands, Romans 12:19.  God is capable of rendering vengeance since he is not moved by irrational emotions. He gives punishment fairly, which is rarely understood by us, because we can not judge motives and neither can we separate ourselves from unbridled anger. God is both love & truth which enables him to enforce perfect justice.

“Her Smoke Goes Up Forever”, v3. Jude speaks of Sodom suffering eternal fire, Jude v7.  He’s not referring to a literal flame, rather he is helping us understand how permanent his judgment is and how it’s never forgotten.  A similar picture of permanent punishment is meted out for Edom in Isaiah 34:8-ff, upon reading, we can not have burning brimstone and nettles growing with thorns at the same time. It is figuratively a ruin forever. To this day, governments built upon Egypt, Nineveh, Tyre, Edom, Babylon and yes even Rome, will never experience God’s blessings of power & glory as in times past. 

“The Almighty Reigns”, v4.  The Greek for Almighty is “Pantokrator”, which literally means ‘the ability to display an awe-inspiring grip of power’.  The past ability of Rome to march across the known world and conquer was now stopped in it’s tracks!

“The Marriage of the Lamb”, v7.  The sublime happiness of the Lamb and the rejoicing of the Saints need expression and this picture is perfect. They were married in Paul’s mind and John saw how blissful their unity is, here we see God the Father’s consent, see Romans 7:1-ff and Eph. 5:22-23.  Now nothing can separate them!

“The Righteous Acts of the Saints”, v8. The fine linen represents a pure lifestyle in daily imitating Jesus.  A pure righteousness is not scriptural worship, not doctrinal astuteness, nor bold evangelism producing many baptisms, but rather it is truly the ability to live day in and day out, a holy, selfless expression of humility in trying to imitate Jesus.  This much needed humility is expressed by an angel, and if angels express it in their glory and power, why can’t we? see v10.  Never forget Matthew 18:3-4.

“The Testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy”, v10. When we are in total unity with Jesus, we exude his truth and love, demonstrating the fulfillment of his promise to remain with us and live through us.  When a promise of God comes true, it’s the very essence of prophecy.  When we remind people of the return of Christ because of his resurrection that is prophecy! Read 1^st Cor. 12:1-3.  Testifying of Jesus does indeed involve prophecy, read 1st Jn. 5:10 & Rom. 12:6.  Many Christians do not realize it because they do not express their faith in Jesus clearly enough for their faith to be tested, and if there is no test, there can be no testimony. No one can live like Jesus will return if their faith does not believe in His promise of deliverance. Prophecy is truly pointing to a future that involves a glorious victory over sin.

“Faithful and True…The Word of God”, v11-13.  The white horse from Rev. 6:1 appears again, but this time, Christ is wearing royal crowns, not just the victor’s wreath-like crown. 

“Called To All The Birds”, v17.  The war’s victory and final judgment of God is already assumed by the angel who calls on the birds to eat on the corpses before they are actually slain by Christ’s sword.  This kind of destruction from friends that turn into enemies is very much like what happened to Israel in their idolatry, read Ezk. 39:3-20. 

“Thrown Alive Into The Lake of Fire”, v20. This might refer to the lingering influence the Roman Empire had on Christianity even in the face of being destroyed.  For centuries after it was in decline, the Roman Emperor Worship (False-Prophet) and the Persecuting Emperors themselves (Beast) were still “alive”, yet destroyed in God’s view.  It is interesting to note that in 18:8, the Whore is burned up and the smoke ascends in the previous chapter, which would infer that Rome  and it’s Romish cities throughout the Empire would have their power completely destroyed. Yet the long and enduring years of reigning Emperors and their worship was still intact, barely. When Constantine the Emperor made Christianity legal, Rome ceased to be a threat. 

“All The Birds Were Gorged With Their Flesh”, v21.  This may refer to the many Allied Armies which turned against Rome and killed many people, soldiers and kings in their murderous paths.  

REVELATION  20:1-15

In this vision there are many symbols. Usually we see the ‘binding’, and the ‘Gog & Magog” as symbols serving a meaning, but when we get to the ‘resurrection’ towards the end of the chapter, we see something literal?  No, it’s still the same vision.  Let us remain consistent in our interpretation.

“Great Chain”, v1. Pictured here is a huge manacle like chain to restrain the activities of Satan. It allows movement but does not incapacitate him completely. It’s the same word used in Acts 12:6-7 to describe Peter’s confinement and Mk. 5:3-4 to describe the confinement of the man possessed by a demon.

“1000 Year Binding”, v2.  Satan is not allowed to use Rome to persecute Christians anymore, remember how 1000 is used in other passages to mean completeness, Psa. 50:10 & Dt. 7:9.

“1000 Year Reigned”, v4-6. The past tense of the reign in v4 and the future tense in v6 is meaningful. This may be two different sets of faithful children of God sharing in the same reign but under different oppressors, both of which end up being defeated. Rome first and then future persecution until Jesus arrives.

“1000 Year Death & First Resurrection”, v5. Representing the utter loss to self which Christians had to experience, in order to become Christians, Luke 9:23-24. The 1^st Resurrection represents the eternal reward, life and victory we are promised by faith in our baptism, where we both spiritually die and are raised again. Even the death of persecution and martyrdom can not have a lasting effect on those that have already experienced the 1^st resurrection.  This remains true and effective, awaiting to be surpassed with the 2^nd resurrection to come when Jesus arrives for the final day of Judgment, (John 5:22-29). 

“Little Season of Satanic Freedom”, v3-10.  God is saying, just as I’ve sealed and saved you right now under Rome, I will make your children victorious in the future (offspring of the woman 12:17).  This is true for any Christian in any century.  A similar message was given to Jews by Ezekiel. 1-24, Jerusalem must fall. 25-32, foreign nations must fall.  33-34 Jerusalem is smitten.  34-38 Jerusalem must be comforted.  How can he comfort and strengthen them with real security and victory?  He tells the now kingless Jews that he offers a restoration of the Kingdom under “David”, to the Jew without hope of ever regaining his national dignity.  He offers just this, one nation under one King.  But a pessimist might say, ‘we had all that before with Egypt, Philistines and the Babylonians, so what guarantee do we have of the future after Rome?  So in Ezk. 38-39 the Jews are assured that a Messiah (David) Jesus will reign against an army so huge coming from the four points of the compass relative to Jerusalem, that his children have no chance of winning, but God defeats them without his children having to fire a shot.  So here is the place of the “little season”, wherein Gog – Magog host the battle, v8. So the 1000 year binding speaks of utter defeat of the present oppressor, but the “little season’ speaks of the future victory over Satan’s work against the church until Jesus comes again.  Our present enemy may be large (Eph. 6:12) but they will be defeated.

“Invasion of the Holy City”, v9.  Any future persecution hitting the New Jerusalem will be withstood and those winning are in the blood of the Lamb. Rev. 12:17, Heb. 12:22-23.

“Second Resurrection”, v12. Here is our victory and the early church’s victory too.  Judgment Day is real and in a sense is tasted after our second death (physical). We share in the same victory they experienced.  Remember with God, after the 2^nd death there is no element of time, 2^nd Peter 3:8.

“Judgment Scene”, v11-13. This represents what is already taking place back in v4, but towards the unbelievers which didn’t take the church serious and get their names written in the book of life.  They were too busy being deceived by the Devil. 

“Second Death”, v14. There is no literal first death in the vision, but it is implied, as people became Christians through the victorious death of Jesus.  The 2^nd death represents future pain and suffering or even martyrdom till Jesus comes again. Therefore we are victorious in the final Judgment to come. The 2^nd death has no sting for the Christian, 1st Cor. 15:51.& Php 1:23 & 2nd Cor. 5:8.  Jesus promises us that we will not “See” death, Jn. 8:51. This means we will not ponder or stare upon it with the intent of defeating it, because we are given faith through His resurrection that death itself is conquered.

“Lake of Fire”, v14-15.  This represents a complete end and eternal limit to their potential leadership.  Never again would the Devil be able to use the Beast or False-Prophet (Roman Empire & Emperor Worship).  It is an opinion of the early church writers that the future church will experience persecution which Satan is orchestrating, but it will never be as huge as what was happening in the first few centuries of our history. Persecution is very real today and equally as painful as it’s ever been, but it will never be on the same scale as Satan used it with Rome. 

REVELATION  21:1-27

“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth”, v1.  The new Jerusalem was a reality and existing many years before Revelation was written.  Here, God’s description of the glorious replacement of the Roman world authority, with a new Godly world authority in Christ. The old Jerusalem was for the Jews, but the new Jerusalem is for the whole world.

“A Bride adorned for her Husband”, v2.  The woman, or church is now finished with her trial, being chased, and persecuted. How does she look after the battle? Not blood-stained, but pure & beautiful. 

“The Tabernacle of God is with men”, v3. God living with “anthropos”, correctly translated humanity. Tabernacle is a word used to show God’s mobility amongst us in the world. The New Jerusalem is truly global. 1^st Cor. 3:16, Eph. 2:20ff, 1^st Pt. 2:5. 

“He shall wipe away every tear”, v4.   God’s comfort and presence is an effective reality for his children who are facing persecution.  Isaiah talks of God wiping away tears for his children on earth, Isa. 25:8, so here we have no reason to think this divine act is only in the future.  Isaiah repeatedly talks of this comfort as ongoing, Isa. 14:3, 30:19, 35:9, 65:13-19.  Rome will no longer use martyrdom against the church, death is no longer a tool they can use against the church, Rev. 20:14.  

“I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life”, v6.  Thirsting for righteousness is not something Christians do, Mat. 5:6.  We are made to drink of Him, 1^st Cor. 12:13.  Then we have a well of water springing up into eternal life, Jn. 4:14-16.  Jesus made this promise and keeps it in each of us, Jn. 7:37-38. There is a reason to rejoice in every circumstance.

“The Glory of God”, v11.  The Church is splendid and secure with huge walls. His Son paid for it with his blood, so it should be defended seen as valued with costly jewels, 1^st Pt. 1:18-19.  

“12 Gates…12 Angels…12 Foundation Stones”, v13-14. These gates are not for closing, because the city is growing, v25. The 12 Angels are for security protecting the holiness of inhabitants & God, just as the Seraphim protected God’s holiness in Isaiah 6. The 12 Names on the Gates, reflects the family nature of all the citizens in the New Jerusalem, this city is a fortified family!  The 12 Foundations with the Apostles’ names reflect the authority and strength of the city, deriving it’s strength from the Cornerstone, Christ Jesus. Eph. 2:20. 

“A Golden Reed to Measure the City”, v15. The one who does the measuring can be described as God Himself from Rev. 4:2. He measures for the same reason in Ezk. 40-43. Why? To identify who is holy and glorious, therefore everyone outside the city is sinful. The size of the city is actually 1,500 miles high & wide. It’s walls are 72 yards thick, therefore it is truly impossible to penetrate by enemies. It’s as big as a Nation itself, 1^st Peter 2:9. If it was built on this earth, you could see it from the moon!

“The Lamb”, v23.  He was worthy in Rv.5:6-13 to open the seals and orchestrate the victory and He was victorious in marching over enemies in Rv.14:1-10 , but He looked like he had been slaughtered as his children in white were winners. But now, the Lamb is glorious & brilliant.

“Nations will walk by it’s light…Kings of the earth will bring their glory into it”, v24.  The lamb in the center is the light as the sun. Jesus is the light of our world, Jn. 8:12.  Concerning the Kings of the world, we see Isaiah talk the same way, Isa. 60:1-20. This city actually represents the church victorious in history and we are now in it. We now know of many political leaders that have blessed the Church, from Emperor Constantine to President Lincoln. Outside this City, it must be dark, which may remind us of Egypt’s 9^th plague of darkness, which led to them giving the Hebrews gifts to leave! Ex. 10:21-11:4. We are leaving this dark world to live an abundant life in Christ’s church, the New Jerusalem NOW, Jn. 10:10.

“Nor anyone who does what is detestable or false”, v27.  This is why Ananias & Sapphira were instantly killed in Act 5:1-11.  No liars will live in the true church.  Only honest submissive and repentant believers in Christ, have their names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. 

REVELATION  22:1-21

“River of Water…Proceeding from The Throne”, v1. This continues in the same vision of the New Jerusalem, but now is focused on what the Throne supplies. Jesus uses water to signify His Spirit, Jn. 7:37-39. Water blesses the Tree of Life to grow His fruit. A river flows from God’s House in Ezk. 47:1-12, Zec. 14:1-8 & Joel 3:18. Ezekiel’s picture is the most detailed. Healing is emphasized by Ezekiel because healing is what the inhabitants of the New City need most. “The Lamb” is reigning from the Throne because He is part of it and Paul talks about the Kingdom belonging to Christ and to be delivered to the Father, 1^st Cor. 15:24ff. 

“12 Crops of Fruit”, v2. The Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden sustains eternal life. God is delegating His authority to everyone who eats of this fruit so that Christ’s virtues are seen as empowered from Him. There are 12 words God uses to describe His fruit.

(1-9) are from Galatians 5:22-23, Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Goodness, Faithfulness, Kindness, Gentleness & Self-control.  Ephesians 5:9 uses Truthfulness (10) & Righteousness (11) and Romans 6:22 uses Holiness (12). Christ is the King in Rev. 17:14 & 19:16, and it’s His authority that is shared by growing this fruit. “Healing of the Nations”, Pagan people would find forgiveness, friendship and citizenship in this city if they would try just the leaves of this Tree. Since the fruit represents what is growing in the Christian’s heart, then what would the leaves represent?  Leaves indicate how good the tree is, and sinful people will get healing by eating them like medicine. Remember Adam & Eve used leaves to hide their shame, God doesn’t just try to cover up our sin, He heals us from sin. The leaves may represent the good news of Christ. God’s word is represented as food in the New Testament. 

“They will see His Face”, v4.  This reiterates the sermon on the mount from Jesus, Mt. 5:8.

“Repay Everyone for what they have Done”, v12.  Jesus foretells of His judgment, the subjects, Mt. 16:27 and the mode, Jn. 12:48. Now it is execution time!

“Blessed”, v14. There are 7 Beatitudes in the Revelation, 

1:3, Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.

WORDS ~ grapho; READ, HEARD & KEPT.

14:13, 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!

DIE IN THE LORD

16:15, Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed.

STAYS AWAKE

19:9, Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb. 

INVITED

20:6, Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ,

SHARES

22:7,  Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.

SAYINGS ~  Logos; PROPHESIED

22:14, Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.

WASH

Happiness (Blessed) in the face of persecution & martyrdom is amazing! See Paul & Silas in Acts 16:19-29. A happiness that is perfect, divine and eternal. 

“A Lie”, v15.  Honesty is the best policy as a Christian, hypocrisy is spiritual suicide.  Living a lie will get us kicked out of the city, outside is death. Ananias & Sapphira experienced His wrath, Acts 4:32-5:10. When Peter attempted hypocrisy, he was rebuked publicly in the eternal gospel by Paul, Galatians 2:11-14. 

“Morning Star”, v16, Stars have always been akin to Christ’s presence, since the Magi of Mt. 2:7-10, to Peter’s words in 2^nd Pt. 1:19 for our hearts to experience His light. Paul calls us “stars in the universe”,  Php. 2:15, “phoster en cosmos”.  

“Things which are written in this book”, v19. They could lose it all if they disturbed this message.  Do you think they would want to change any part of any letter that came from an Apostle?  We should never try to make any part of the Bible say anything different from the original. This is a principle God has always maintained in his word, see Duet. 4:2, Galatians 1:6-9& 1st Jn. 9-10.

“Come Lord Jesus”, v20. John understood this to be soon and it couldn’t be fast enough. Do we love the appearance of Jesus, or is that a frightful prospect?  2^nd Tim. 4:8. If he doesn’t come in your lifetime while you are on earth, then he will “appear” upon your deliverance through death described by Jesus as “Sleep”, John 11:11-14. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God, Mt. 5:8

CONCLUSION; Revelation is singular, Whoever is in Christ, WINS, no matter how big the enemy. The victory is now, not in the future. Christ gives the Revelation so that His believers can be secure in His victory while they face persecutions. He has ALREADY won, but they now had to fight through their part of the battle. Revelation is like part two of the gospel of John, written so that we might believe, Jn. 20:31. Part two (The Revelation) is written so that the believers may decide to keep their faith.  Jesus purposely gave this to John. What is the purpose of us reading and believing it?

THE POINT OF THE REVELATION

The main point is that those who read this prophecy and try to keep what is written, will be blessed; 1:1-3 and recieve God’s grace, 22:21. Not intimidated, frightened or even educated, but BLESSED. No one is told they must figure out it’s sequence of numbers so they can understand what John wants them to know. The key to understanding any theological meaning in the apocalyptic language of Revelation is to “hear what the Spirit and the Bride say”, as they invite people to “Come”! Then those who come to this word in faith and in turn say to others, “Come” to take the water of life freely, do so liberally! They are not to take a bowl of words here and a mug there, but rather they should drink down the whole life-giving Revelation. Then as the angel says to John, “all the fellow-servants of John (angels included) who keep the sayings of this book will worship (love/adore) God; 22:9

However, we should not dismiss the numbers and their patterns, they have a place in our study, but they are not the point of the Revelation. For future reference in reading Revelation again, note this: Many have claimed a pattern to these many numbers: But remember these numbers are WRITTEN out in the Greek language, not being numerical digits, but words. During the 1st century common Greeks would write numbers with symbols borrowed from both Egyptians and also letters from Rome, depending on what type of usage they needed. So the fact that all numbers in the Greek language of Revelation are words, would reflect John’s intent being the whole message, he never seemed to write to put an emphasis on the numbers themselves, so you may be free to think about the numbers within the message, and not be tempted to make a message out of the numbers!

• 3 may be the number of the threefold nature of God
• 4 may be the number of the earth
• 6 may be the number of man
• 7 may be the number of God’s perfection
• 10 may be the number of plentitude or consummation
• 12 may be the number of God’s power delivered/delegated
• 1000 may be the number of totality or eternity

An example of understanding truth with these numbers, consider this: if Six Hundred and Sixty Six is the number of man. What would Three Sixes mean? From the above suggestions, could we think of “man trying to be God”? Instead of trying to think of what 666 is divided by or multiplied with, it is written to stay in the message and not be extrapolated out of context.

The phrase “to the one who lives for ever and ever” occurs four times (Revelation 4:9,10; 10:6; 15:7), “the seven spirits” occurs four times (1:4; 3:1; 4:5; 5:6), “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” along with its equivalents, “I am the first and the last’ and “the beginning and the end,” occurs seven times (1:8, 1:17, twice in 21:6, three times in 22:13). 

But the words that occur most often really should be emphasized.

“Lamb” occurs over 29 times – 28 times it is applied to Jesus and once to the beast from the land. So we must understand Jesus is our central focal point and ultimate Victor in the entirety of Revelation.

“Amen” occurs over nine times. This would clearly tell us that this prophecy is POSITIVELY agreed upon from God, The Lord Jesus, His Angel in delivery and from John who records it. “Amen” is a remarkable word, it’s transliterated directly from the Hebrew into Greek, then into Latin and into English and many other languages, so practically it’s almost a universal word. It’s been called the best known word in human speech. It’s directly related, in fact almost identical to the Hebrew word for “believe” (aman) so it came to mean “sure or truly” as an expression of absolute trust or confidence. Do you believe this Revelation?