Probably not John the apostle, certainly not John the elder (writer of John and epistles), nor John the Baptist. John was a common name, used of many leaders of the early church. The style of Revelation is so different compared to any other NT writing, on the surface I would need some evidence that it was another John who wrote it.
The evidence comes from an early church tradition (Justin Martyr), who claims that the author of Revelation is the same as the apostle John. However, there is an alternative tradition (Tertullian) that says that the apostle John died as a martyr before the time of John of Patmos. Given the mixed tradition, and the huge difference between writing styles, I think that John the Prophet is someone else.
Hebrew—Yohan. John is a prophet of Asia Minor, connected with the seven churches that he sends the letter to.
Amazingly enough, the Anchor Bible commentary recommends John the Baptist as the author of Revelation. I find this amazing. Yes, there is a lot of connection to the Hebrew Scriptures, but John the Baptist? Who didn't have this much information about Jesus? Who died before Jesus died? I don't think so.
Friday, December 18, 2009
The Process of Revelation
God to angel to John to churches—This is the same pattern the law was given, with John taking Moses’ place and the churches taking the place of Israel.
"Soon"
“Quickness” or “nearness” Similar to Mark 1:15; Indicating an immediate fulfillment whose fruition might occur later: e.g. Jesus crucifixion is an immediate event that eventually leads to the destruction of Jerusalem.
"Servants"
or, literally “slaves”, servants of a king, those bound by a covenant to serve a greater one, although the freedom of that one, apart from the command of the king, is not limited.
"Christ"
Messiah Jesus
Christos is used among early Christians to be a title of the Messiah, the Jewish replacement of Caesar. Jesus, who died and rose again, is revealed in the writing to be that Messiah.
Christos is used among early Christians to be a title of the Messiah, the Jewish replacement of Caesar. Jesus, who died and rose again, is revealed in the writing to be that Messiah.
Revelation: The Definition
The term "revelation" or "unveiling" or "opening" is an opening, likely in vision form, of the Spirit world (Daniel 2)
A revelation is displaying the “reality behind reality”
A Literal Translation of Revelation 1
The uncovering of Jesus Christ, which God give to show to his slaves that which must quickly happen, and sending it, he made it known by his angel to his slave John who testified to the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ everything he saw. Blessed is the one who recites and are those who hear the words of this prophecy and who keep that which is written in it, for the time is near.
John to the seven fellowships which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come and from the seven spirits who are before His throne and from Jesus Christ, the Witness, the Faithful One, The Firstborn of the dead and the Ruler of the kings of earth. To him who loves us and loosed us from our sins by his blood and He has made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father, to him the glory and the might in the ages. Amen.
Behold he comes with clouds and every eye will see him and those who pierced him and every tribe on earth will mourn concerning him. Yes, amen.
"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "Who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."
I, John, your brother and co-fellowshipper in the suffering and kingdom and endurance in Jesus was on the island which is called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. I was in the Spirit on the day of the Lord and I heard behind me a great voice like a trumpet, saying, "What you see write in a book and send to the seven churches: To Ephesus, and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodikia."
And I turned around to see the voice which was speaking with me and having turned I saw seven golden lampstands and in the middle of the lampstands was one like a son of man, being dressed in a long robe and a golden sash being wrapped around his chest. His head and his hairs were as white wool, as snow, and his eyes as a flame of fire. And his feet were like polished brass as burned in a furnace and his voice as the sound of many waters. And having in his right hand seven stars and from his mouth came out a sharp two-edged sword and his face as the sun shining in its strength.
And when I saw him, I fell toward his feet as dead and he placed his right upon me saying, "Do not fear. I am the first and the last and the living and I was dead and behold I am alive for age upon ages and I have the keys of death and of Hades. Therefore write what you have seen and what you see and what is about to happen after these things. The mystery of the seven stars which you saw upon my right and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are angels of the seven fellowships. And the seven lampstands are the seven fellowships.”
John to the seven fellowships which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come and from the seven spirits who are before His throne and from Jesus Christ, the Witness, the Faithful One, The Firstborn of the dead and the Ruler of the kings of earth. To him who loves us and loosed us from our sins by his blood and He has made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father, to him the glory and the might in the ages. Amen.
Behold he comes with clouds and every eye will see him and those who pierced him and every tribe on earth will mourn concerning him. Yes, amen.
"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "Who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."
I, John, your brother and co-fellowshipper in the suffering and kingdom and endurance in Jesus was on the island which is called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. I was in the Spirit on the day of the Lord and I heard behind me a great voice like a trumpet, saying, "What you see write in a book and send to the seven churches: To Ephesus, and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodikia."
And I turned around to see the voice which was speaking with me and having turned I saw seven golden lampstands and in the middle of the lampstands was one like a son of man, being dressed in a long robe and a golden sash being wrapped around his chest. His head and his hairs were as white wool, as snow, and his eyes as a flame of fire. And his feet were like polished brass as burned in a furnace and his voice as the sound of many waters. And having in his right hand seven stars and from his mouth came out a sharp two-edged sword and his face as the sun shining in its strength.
And when I saw him, I fell toward his feet as dead and he placed his right upon me saying, "Do not fear. I am the first and the last and the living and I was dead and behold I am alive for age upon ages and I have the keys of death and of Hades. Therefore write what you have seen and what you see and what is about to happen after these things. The mystery of the seven stars which you saw upon my right and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are angels of the seven fellowships. And the seven lampstands are the seven fellowships.”
An Annotated Outline of Revelation
Message: God is the Provider and Defender of those are faithful to Jesus.
Chapter 1: Revealing Jesus
John the prophet is given a set of visions, who wrote them down and returned them to the churches in Asia Minor.
Jesus is the great Spirit, God over His people, most powerful of all spirits. And he speaks to his congregations.
Chapters 2-3: Revealing Congregations
Ephesus: Jesus commends them for orthodoxy, but condemns them for their lack of love. Unless they change, they may not be part of the church.
Smyrna: This congregation has been made poor through persecution, but Jesus says that they are rich. Jesus calls them to endure and so be victorious.
Pergamum: Jesus commends them for remaining faithful through persecution. But he condemns some for compromising with idolatry for the sake of employment. Jesus calls them all to remain faithful.
Thyatira: This is an almost perfect church in faithfulness, love and service. However, there is a false teacher, who is saying that compromise with idolatry is good. Those who stay with her will be judged, but those who remain faithful will live.
Sardis: This church has an excellent reputation, but it is built upon nothing. Jesus tells them to do really positive, loving works, not just things that look good. Follow the example of the few who are faithful.
Philadelphia— Jesus commends this persecuted church for remaining with him, even thought their salvation was called into question. Jesus says that their place in heaven will never be lost.
Laodicea—This church is wealthy, and they think that they are self-sufficient. Jesus says that their self-sufficiency is their death and unless they surrender their earthly wealth, they will never have eternal wealth.
Chapter 4: Revealing the Father
God the Father is shown on a throne, his enemies at his feet, surrounded by his promises. The apostles, the patriarchs, and representatives of all the realms of creatures worship Him.
Chapter 5: Initiating the Kingdom
The document initiating the plan to begin the rule of God over the earth is presented. No one is found worthy to begin this process. Then, a warrior who was sacrificed steps forward—Jesus. He is the only one worthy to open the document and to begin the kingdom.
Chapter 6: The Present Age
Jesus initiates the present age of God’s kingdom. It is an age characterized by conquerors, war, famine and death. Throughout this age are many martyrdoms. The martyrs cry out for God’s justice, but they are told to wait until all the martyrs are killed. This age began right after Jesus’ ascension to God to the present time. The end of this age may be indicated by a great earthquake.
Chapter 7: Preparation for the end
Fast forward to a future age. The church has shrunk to only 144,000 people. And there is a great multitude of people who has been killed.
Chapter 8-10: The Little Judgment
God begins to judge the world, but he holds back, only judging one third of the world. He uses plagues that are similar to Egypt’s, so the world will recognize that it is Him doing them. They are each initiated with a trumpet blast. A third of the trees are burned, a third of the sea turns to blood, a third of the fresh water is poisoned, the celestial lights are darkened by a third, a third of humanity is in terrible pain for months and a third of humanity is killed by a demonic army.
The world does not repent of its worship of evil things. Heaven declares the earth ready to be judged. John is happy at the revenge for God’s people, but regretting the terrible judgment.
Chapter 11: Call to Repent
The heavenly temple is measured to indicate where God’s rule really is based. God sends two prophets to the earthly Jerusalem to tell people to repent. No one listens, and they are killed, while the world rejoices over their bodies for three days. God raises them from the dead and they ascend to heaven. In this repeat of Jesus’ passion, God shows the world that they are deserving of the final judgment. The final stage is in place, and nothing will stop God’s final judgment.
Chapter 12: Flashback! Satan and the People of God
To explain more what happened to cause this judgment, John backtracks and gives some background. The people of God had been waiting for the Messiah—God’s king—to come and rule. Satan had also been waiting to destroy that same Messiah. But Satan missed his opportunity, as the Messiah came and ascended to the Father. After the Messiah began to rule, Satan’s place was taken from him and he was thrown out of heaven, along with his angels. In his rage, Satan began to attack God’s people, especially the people of Jesus.
Chapter 13: Empire and Worship
To accomplish this attack, Satan brings up the spirit of the empires that have always persecuted God’s people. Empire claimed to take God’s place in offering salvation, requiring obedience and demanding worship and service. John, at this point, declares that everyone must make a choice to either serve in the Empire’s army or to be killed and gain eternal life. The Empire Spirit appoints a false teacher to lead people to worship the Empire. At this point, the Empire is given the whole world for three and a half years, during which time he persecutes and kills anyone who does not worship him. Those who worship the Empire are given a tattoo, and those who do not have a tattoo cannot buy what they need.
Chapters 14-16—The Great Judgment
Heaven prepares for the great judgment to come. The remnant of the church are brought to heaven and pronouncements of the destruction of the Empire are made, as well as declaration of punishments for those who worship the Empire. Jesus casts a sickle to the earth, to indicate that the “harvest” of judgment is to begin, and the waiting martyrs give their praise to God for the judgment. Seven angels are given seven bowls of plagues. Suddenly, all at once, the people of earth have sores, all the sea becomes blood, all the fresh water becomes blood, flames come from the sun to cause severe burns and all the Empire becomes completely dark. The people of the world know that this is judgment from God and so they speak evil against God, and plot to destroy Jesus with armies when he returns. A mass of storms, earthquakes and huge hailstones fall upon them.
Chapters 17-18—Woe of the Great City
A pause is given to focus on the controlling city of the Empire. This is the city that seduced the world to love greed, to worship the Empire and to kill God’s people. The city did so through economic forces, controlling the market, and the Empire supported the city through it’s army. In the chaos of judgment the city is destroyed by its own army, and the world’s economic leaders weep.
Chapter 19—Jesus’ Kingdom
Jesus comes to earth with all the angelic host of heaven. All the armies that gathered to attack Jesus are destroyed. The birds come to eat their flesh. And Jesus establishes his rule with his people.
Chapter 20—Summary of End time stuff
Jesus reigns with his people for approximately a thousand years, during which time Satan is imprisoned. There is no Empire apart from Jesus’ and no false teaching. God’s utopia reigns. Satan is then released, and deceives nations to attack Jesus again. They are defeated by God. Everyone that has ever lived is resurrected and God judges them all based on their actions. The eternal life begins.
Chapters 21-22—The Final Kingdom
In eternal life, all of the enemies of God are no more. Satan and his angels are in hell, the sea is dried up and the celestial lights are unnecessary. God lives with his people, and his temple—his courtyard—is on earth. God’s people live in a magnificent, huge city, as tall as it is wide, and God is at the center. The city is the center of all the earth’s wisdom, wealth and power. No one who does evil will live in the city, but there will be people who live outside the city, under God’s rule.
Chapter 22—The Last Exhortation
These events of the coming of God’s kingdom is going to occur anytime, Jesus says. So be ready. Don’t be cowardly or hide your worship of Jesus. Rather, live for Jesus in all things and so reign with him in eternity.
Chapter 1: Revealing Jesus
John the prophet is given a set of visions, who wrote them down and returned them to the churches in Asia Minor.
Jesus is the great Spirit, God over His people, most powerful of all spirits. And he speaks to his congregations.
Chapters 2-3: Revealing Congregations
Ephesus: Jesus commends them for orthodoxy, but condemns them for their lack of love. Unless they change, they may not be part of the church.
Smyrna: This congregation has been made poor through persecution, but Jesus says that they are rich. Jesus calls them to endure and so be victorious.
Pergamum: Jesus commends them for remaining faithful through persecution. But he condemns some for compromising with idolatry for the sake of employment. Jesus calls them all to remain faithful.
Thyatira: This is an almost perfect church in faithfulness, love and service. However, there is a false teacher, who is saying that compromise with idolatry is good. Those who stay with her will be judged, but those who remain faithful will live.
Sardis: This church has an excellent reputation, but it is built upon nothing. Jesus tells them to do really positive, loving works, not just things that look good. Follow the example of the few who are faithful.
Philadelphia— Jesus commends this persecuted church for remaining with him, even thought their salvation was called into question. Jesus says that their place in heaven will never be lost.
Laodicea—This church is wealthy, and they think that they are self-sufficient. Jesus says that their self-sufficiency is their death and unless they surrender their earthly wealth, they will never have eternal wealth.
Chapter 4: Revealing the Father
God the Father is shown on a throne, his enemies at his feet, surrounded by his promises. The apostles, the patriarchs, and representatives of all the realms of creatures worship Him.
Chapter 5: Initiating the Kingdom
The document initiating the plan to begin the rule of God over the earth is presented. No one is found worthy to begin this process. Then, a warrior who was sacrificed steps forward—Jesus. He is the only one worthy to open the document and to begin the kingdom.
Chapter 6: The Present Age
Jesus initiates the present age of God’s kingdom. It is an age characterized by conquerors, war, famine and death. Throughout this age are many martyrdoms. The martyrs cry out for God’s justice, but they are told to wait until all the martyrs are killed. This age began right after Jesus’ ascension to God to the present time. The end of this age may be indicated by a great earthquake.
Chapter 7: Preparation for the end
Fast forward to a future age. The church has shrunk to only 144,000 people. And there is a great multitude of people who has been killed.
Chapter 8-10: The Little Judgment
God begins to judge the world, but he holds back, only judging one third of the world. He uses plagues that are similar to Egypt’s, so the world will recognize that it is Him doing them. They are each initiated with a trumpet blast. A third of the trees are burned, a third of the sea turns to blood, a third of the fresh water is poisoned, the celestial lights are darkened by a third, a third of humanity is in terrible pain for months and a third of humanity is killed by a demonic army.
The world does not repent of its worship of evil things. Heaven declares the earth ready to be judged. John is happy at the revenge for God’s people, but regretting the terrible judgment.
Chapter 11: Call to Repent
The heavenly temple is measured to indicate where God’s rule really is based. God sends two prophets to the earthly Jerusalem to tell people to repent. No one listens, and they are killed, while the world rejoices over their bodies for three days. God raises them from the dead and they ascend to heaven. In this repeat of Jesus’ passion, God shows the world that they are deserving of the final judgment. The final stage is in place, and nothing will stop God’s final judgment.
Chapter 12: Flashback! Satan and the People of God
To explain more what happened to cause this judgment, John backtracks and gives some background. The people of God had been waiting for the Messiah—God’s king—to come and rule. Satan had also been waiting to destroy that same Messiah. But Satan missed his opportunity, as the Messiah came and ascended to the Father. After the Messiah began to rule, Satan’s place was taken from him and he was thrown out of heaven, along with his angels. In his rage, Satan began to attack God’s people, especially the people of Jesus.
Chapter 13: Empire and Worship
To accomplish this attack, Satan brings up the spirit of the empires that have always persecuted God’s people. Empire claimed to take God’s place in offering salvation, requiring obedience and demanding worship and service. John, at this point, declares that everyone must make a choice to either serve in the Empire’s army or to be killed and gain eternal life. The Empire Spirit appoints a false teacher to lead people to worship the Empire. At this point, the Empire is given the whole world for three and a half years, during which time he persecutes and kills anyone who does not worship him. Those who worship the Empire are given a tattoo, and those who do not have a tattoo cannot buy what they need.
Chapters 14-16—The Great Judgment
Heaven prepares for the great judgment to come. The remnant of the church are brought to heaven and pronouncements of the destruction of the Empire are made, as well as declaration of punishments for those who worship the Empire. Jesus casts a sickle to the earth, to indicate that the “harvest” of judgment is to begin, and the waiting martyrs give their praise to God for the judgment. Seven angels are given seven bowls of plagues. Suddenly, all at once, the people of earth have sores, all the sea becomes blood, all the fresh water becomes blood, flames come from the sun to cause severe burns and all the Empire becomes completely dark. The people of the world know that this is judgment from God and so they speak evil against God, and plot to destroy Jesus with armies when he returns. A mass of storms, earthquakes and huge hailstones fall upon them.
Chapters 17-18—Woe of the Great City
A pause is given to focus on the controlling city of the Empire. This is the city that seduced the world to love greed, to worship the Empire and to kill God’s people. The city did so through economic forces, controlling the market, and the Empire supported the city through it’s army. In the chaos of judgment the city is destroyed by its own army, and the world’s economic leaders weep.
Chapter 19—Jesus’ Kingdom
Jesus comes to earth with all the angelic host of heaven. All the armies that gathered to attack Jesus are destroyed. The birds come to eat their flesh. And Jesus establishes his rule with his people.
Chapter 20—Summary of End time stuff
Jesus reigns with his people for approximately a thousand years, during which time Satan is imprisoned. There is no Empire apart from Jesus’ and no false teaching. God’s utopia reigns. Satan is then released, and deceives nations to attack Jesus again. They are defeated by God. Everyone that has ever lived is resurrected and God judges them all based on their actions. The eternal life begins.
Chapters 21-22—The Final Kingdom
In eternal life, all of the enemies of God are no more. Satan and his angels are in hell, the sea is dried up and the celestial lights are unnecessary. God lives with his people, and his temple—his courtyard—is on earth. God’s people live in a magnificent, huge city, as tall as it is wide, and God is at the center. The city is the center of all the earth’s wisdom, wealth and power. No one who does evil will live in the city, but there will be people who live outside the city, under God’s rule.
Chapter 22—The Last Exhortation
These events of the coming of God’s kingdom is going to occur anytime, Jesus says. So be ready. Don’t be cowardly or hide your worship of Jesus. Rather, live for Jesus in all things and so reign with him in eternity.
A Commentary on Revelation
Last year, I taught verse by verse on the Book of Revelation. When I taught, I also used a number of pictures to illustrate what I was talking about. Here, I plan to put all my notes on Revelation.
But I won't be putting my thoughts down verse by verse, but idea by idea. There will be the occasional longer articles, but mostly we will have a number of descriptions of phrases, and then the occasional picture to illustrate the section we are in.
I'm going to put it all in order, I hope, beginning with chapter 1 (at the bottom) and then going straight to chapter 22. If you look at the topics, each section will be listed by chapter and overall parts will be listed as Overview.
You are invited to make your own points as well, and if it seems apt, I will respond.
But I won't be putting my thoughts down verse by verse, but idea by idea. There will be the occasional longer articles, but mostly we will have a number of descriptions of phrases, and then the occasional picture to illustrate the section we are in.
I'm going to put it all in order, I hope, beginning with chapter 1 (at the bottom) and then going straight to chapter 22. If you look at the topics, each section will be listed by chapter and overall parts will be listed as Overview.
You are invited to make your own points as well, and if it seems apt, I will respond.
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