THE REVELATION
THE BOOK OF REVELATION UNVEILS CHRIST'S FULL IDENTIFY AND GOD'S PLAN FOR THE END OF THE WORLD; IT FOCUSES ON JESUS CHRIST, HIS SECOND COMING, HIS VICTORY OVER EVIL, AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF HIS KINGDOM. DON'T FOCUS SO MUCH ON THE TIMETABLE OF THESE EVENTS OR THE DETAILS OF JOHN'S (THE AUTHOR) IMAGERY THAT YOU MISS THE MAIN MESSAGE--THE INFINITE LOVE, POWER, AND JUSTICE OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.
JESUS IN THE CENTRAL FOCUS OF GOD'S REVELATION AND HIS REDEMPTIVE PLAN (AS ANNOUNCED BY THE PROPHETS). AS WE READ THE BOOK OF REVELATION, WE SHOULDN'T GET BOGGED DOWN IN ALL THE DETAILS OF THE AWESOME VISIONS; REMEMBER THAT THE OVER ARCHING THEME IN ALL OF THE VISIONS IS THE ULTIMATE VICTORY OF JESUS CHRIST OVER EVIL.
REVELATION CLOSES HUMAN HISTORY AS GENESIS OPENED IT--IN PARADISE. BUT THERE IS ONE DISTINCT DIFFERENCE IN REVELATION--EVIL IS GONE FOREVER. GENESIS DESCRIBES ADAM AND EVE WALKING AND TALKING WITH GOD; REVELATION DESCRIBES PEOPLE WORSHIPPING HIM FACE TO FACE. GENESIS DESCRIBES A GARDEN WITH AN EVIL SERPENT; REVELATION DESCRIBES A PERFECT CITY WITH NO EVIL. THE GARDEN OF EDEN WAS DESTROYED BY SIN; BUT PARADISE IS RE-CREATED IN THE NEW JERUSALEM.
A. LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES (1:1-3:22)
Near the end of his life, John received a vision from Christ which he recorded for the benefit of the seven churches in Asia and for Christians throughout history. This is the only book in the Bible that promises a blessing to those who listen to its words and do what it says.
John's greetings and praise to God (1:4-8)
The vision of Christ (1:9-20)
The loveless church (2:1-7)
The persecuted church (2:8-11)
The lenient church (2:12-17)
The compromising church (2:18-29)
The lifeless church (3:1-6)
The obedient church (3:7-13)
The lukewarm church (3:14-22)
B. MESSAGE FOR THE CHURCH (4:1-22:21)
Moving from the conditions within the churches in Asia to the future of the universal church, John sees the course of coming events in a way similar to Daniel and Ezekiel. Many of these passages contain clear spiritual teachings, but others seem beyond our ability to understand. The clear teaching of this book is that God will defeat all evil in the end. We must live in obedience to Jesus Christ, the coming Conqueror and Judge.
1. Worshiping God in heaven (4:1-5:14)
The glorious throne (4:1-11)
The scroll and the lamb (5:1-14)
2. Breaking the seven seals (6:1-8:5)
The seals (6:1-17)
The 144,000 marked by God (7:1-8)
The great crowd (7:9-17)
The seventh seal (8:1-5)
3. Sounding the seven trumpets (8:6-11:19)
The trumpets (8:6-9:21)
The angel with the small scroll (10:1-11)
The two prophets (11:1-14)
The seventh trumpet (11:15-19)
4. Observing the great conflict (12:1-4:20)
The woman and the Dragon (12:1-17)
The two Creatures (13:1-18)
The Lamb and the 144,000 (14:1-5)
The three angels (14:6-12)
The harvest of the earth (14:13-20)
5. Pouring out the seven plaques (15:1-16:21)
The angels with the last plaques (15:1-8)
The flasks of God's wrath (16:1-21)
6. Seizing the final victory (17:1-20:15)
The Prostitute and the scarlet animal (17:1-18)
The fall of Babylon (18:1-19:5)
The wedding banquet of the Lamb (19:6-10)
The rider on the white horse (19:11-21)
The 1,000 years (20:1-6)
The destruction of Satan (20:7-10)
The final judgement (20:11-15)
7. Making all things new (21:1-22:21)
The new earth (21:1-8)
The new Jerusalem (21:9-27)
The river of Life (22:1-5)
The promise of Jesus' return (22:6-21)
Extracts from explanatory notes concerning Revelation from the Life Application Bible; The Living Bible.
1:1 Revelation is a book about the future and about the present. It offers future hope to all believers, especially those who have suffered for their faith, by proclaiming Christ's final victory over evil and the reality of eternal life with him. It also gives present guidance as it teaches us about Jesus Christ and how we should live for him now. With graphic pictures we learn that (1) Jesus Christ is coming again, (2) evil will be judged, and (3) the dead will be raised for judgment, resulting in eternal life or eternal destruction.
1:4 The seven-fold Spirit is another name for the Holy Spirit. The number seven is used throughout the Revelation to symbolize completeness and perfection.
1:5 Others had risen from the dead, but these people died again. Jesus was the first who rose from death to die no more.
1:5-9: Jesus is portrayed as an all-powerful King, victorious in battle, glorious in peace. He in not just a humble earthly teacher, but the glorious God.
1:13 This man who "looked like Jesus" is Jesus himself. The Son of Man occurs many times in the New Testament in reference to Jesus the Messiah. John recognized Jesus because he lived with him for three years and had seen him both as the Galilean preacher as the glorified Son of God at the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8). Here Jesus appears as the mighty Son of Man. His white hair indicates his wisdom and divine nature; his piercing eyes symbolize judgement of all evil; the golden band reveal him as the High Priest who goes into God's presence to plead forgiveness for those who have believed in him.
1:13,14 The seven candlesticks are the seven churches in Turkey (1:20), and Jesus stands among them.
1:16 The sword in Jesus mouth symbolizes the power and force of his message. His words of judgement are sharp as swords.
2:5 To have the "candlestick" removed from its place among the churches meant to cease (1) to be an effective church or (2) to be a church at all.
2:6 Through John, Jesus commends the church at Ephesus for hating the wicked deeds of the Nicolaitans. Note that they didn't hate the people, just their sinful actions. Accept and love all people, and refuse to tolerate all evil.
2:7 To be victorious means to believe, preserve, remain faithful, and live as one who follows Christ. Doing so brings great rewards. (21:7)
2:7 In the Garden of Eden were two trees--the Tree of Life and the Tree of Conscience (Genesis 2:9). Eating from the Tree of Life brought eternal live with God; eating from the Tree of Conscience brought knowledge of good and evil. Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of Conscience, which God had forbidden them to do, so they were excluded from Eden and barred from eating from the Tree of Life. Eventually, evil will be destroyed and believers will be brought into a restored paradise. In the new earth, no Tree of Conscience will tempt people to sin. Instead, everyone will eat from the Tree of Life and will live eternally.
2:9-11 Smyrma and Philadelphia were the only churches among the seven to receive completely positive messages.
2:10 "Ten days" means that although persecution will be intense, it will be relatively short. It has a definite beginning and end, and God remains in complete control.
2:12 Jesus' sharp, double-bladed sword (1:16) represents God's ultimate authority and judgment. It may also represent God's future separation of believers form unbelievers.
2:13 As the center for four idolatrous cults, Pegamos is called "the city where Satan's throne is."
2:16 This sword is God's judgement against rebellious nations (19:15,21) and all forms of sin.
2:17 "Hidden manna" suggests the spiritual nourishment the faithful believers will receive
2:20 Jezebel, a heathen queen of Israel, was considered the most evil woman who had ever lived.
2:28 Christ is called the Morning Star in 2 Peter 1:19 and Revelation 2:28 and 22:16. A morning star appears just before dawn, when things are coldest and darkest. When the world is at its bleakest point, Christ will burst onto the scene, exposing evil with his light of truth and bringing his promised reward.
3:1 The seven-fold Spirit of God is another name for the Holy Spirit.
3:5 The Book of Life is where the names of all believers are registered. It symbolizes God's knowledge of who belong to him. "Clothed in white" means set apart for God and made pure. Christ promises future honor and eternal life to those who stand firm in their faith. They will be guaranteed a listing in the Book of Life and introduced to the hosts of heaven as ones who belong to Christ.
3:7 The key of David represents Christ's authority to open the door of invitation into his future Kingdom. After it is open, on one can close it--salvation is assured. Once it is closed, no one can open it--judgment is certain.
3:12 The New Jerusalem is the future dwelling of the people of God (21:22).
4:2 John says he was "in the Spirit" (alternate translation) four times in the book of Revelation (1:10; 4:2; 17:3; 21:10). This expression means the Holy Spirit was giving him a vision--showing him situations and events the could not see with mere human eyesight. All true prophecy comes from God through the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20,21).
4:4 Who are these 24 elders? Since there were 12 tribes of Israel in the Old Testament and 12 apostles in the New Testament, the 24 elders in this vision probably represent all the redeemed of God for all time (both before and after Christ's death and resurrection). They symbolize all those--both Jews and Gentiles--who are now part of God's family. The 24 elders show us that all the redeemed of the Lord are worshipping him.
4:5 In Revelation, lighting and thunder are connected with significant events in heaven.
4:5 The "seven-fold Spirit of God" is another name for the Holy Spirit.
Just as the Holy Spirit is seen symbolically in the seven lighted lamps, so the four Living Beings represent the attributes (the qualities and character) of God. These Beings, probably not real animals, guard God's throne, lead others in worship, and proclaim God's holiness. God's attributes symbolized in the animal-like appearance of these four Beings are faithfulness (the ox), majesty and power (the lion), intelligence (the man), and sovereignty (the eagle).
5:1 In John's day, writing was done on scrolls--pieces of paprlus or vellum up to 30 feet long, rolled up and sealed with clay or wax. The scroll John sees contains the full account of what God has in store for the world, and only Christ can open it (5:3-5). The seven seals indicate the importance of its contents. They are placed throughout the scroll so that as each one is broken, more of the scroll can be read to reveal another phase of God's plan for the end of the world.
5:5 The Lion, Jesus, has proved himself worth to break the seals and open the scroll by living a perfect life of obedience to God, dying on the cross for the sins of the world, and rising from the dead to show his power and authority over evil and death. Only Christ conquered sin, death, hell, and Satan himself; so only he can be trusted with the world's future.
5:5,6 Jesus Christ is pictured as both a Lion (symbolizing his authority and power) and a Lamb (symbolizing the humble submission to God's will. One of the Elders calls John to look at the Lion, but when John looks he sees a Lamb. It is the Lamb, not the Lion, that becomes the focus in this vision. Christ the Lamb was the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all mankind; therefore, only he can save us from the terrible event revealed by the scroll. Christ the Lamb won the greatest battle of all--defeating all the forces of evil and death by submitting humbly to God's will and dying on the cross, the perfect sacrifice for mankind's sins. Christ the Lion is victorious in battle against Satan ( 19:19-21). Christ the Lion is victorious because of what Christ the Lamb has already done.
5:6 The Lamb's wounds are those inflicted on Jesus' body during his trial and crucifixion (John 20:24-31).
5:6 The horns symbolize strength and power (Kings 22:11; Zechariah 1:18).
5:9,10 The song of the Living Beings and Elders recounts the work of Christ, for which they praise him. He (1) was slain, (2) bought them with his blood, (3) gathered them into a kingdom, (4) made them priests, and (5) appointed the;m to reign upon the earth.
6:1ff This is the first of three seven-part judgments. The trumpets (chapters 8,9) and the flasks (chapter 16) are the other two. As each seal is broken, Christ the Lamb sets into motion events which will bring about the end of human history. This scroll is not completely opened until the seventh seal is broken (8:1). The contents of the scroll reveal the guilt and depravity
of human beings and portray God's authority over the events of human history.
6:2ff Four horses appear as the first four seals are broken. The horses represent God's judgement of peoples' sin and rebellion. God is directing human history--even using his enemies to unknowingly accomplis his purposes. The four horses are a foretaste of the final judgement yet to come.
6:2-8 Each of the four horses is a different color. Some say the white horse represents victory, and it rider is Christ (because Christ later rides to victory on a white horse--19:11). But since the other three horses relate to judgement and destruction, this white horse and rider may be the Antichrist who rules the world by deception for a short time. The other colored horses represent different kinds of judgement: red for warfare and bloodshed; black for famine and death; pale for disease and wild animal attacks.
6:8 "And there followed after him another horse whose rider's name was Hell," can also be translated, "and hell followed him." It is not clear whether Hell was on a separate horse or merely went along with Death, but the horsemen described in verses 2-8 are commonly referred to as the four horsemen of the apocalypse.
6:8 The four horsemen are given control of one-fourth of the earth, indicating that God is still in limiting his judgement--it is not yet complete. With these judgements there is still time for believers to turn to Christ and away from their sin. In this case, the limited punishment not only demonstrates God's wrath on sin, but also his merciful love in giving people yet another opportunity to turn to him before he brings final judgement.
6:12 The sixth seal changes the scent back to the physical world. The first five judgments were directed toward specific areas, but this judgement is universal.
7:1ff The sixth seal has been opened, and the people of the earth have tried to hide from God, saying, "Who can survive?" (6:12-17). Just when all hope seem lost, four angels hold back the four winds of judgment until God's people are marked as his. Only then will God break the seventh seal (8:1).
7:2 A seal on a scroll or document identified and protected its contents. God places his Great Seal on his followers, identify them as his own and guaranteeing his protection over their souls. This shows how valuable we are to him.
7:3 This Seal of God placed on the foreheads of his servants is the exact opposite of the mark of the beast explained in 13:16. These two marks place the people in two distinct categories--those owned by God and those owned by Satan. This portrays a theme throughout Revelation--Satan's attempt to imitate the great works of God.
7:4-8 The number 144,000 is 12 x 12 x 1,000, symbolizing completeness--all God's followers will be brought safely to him; not one will be overlooked for forgotten. God seals these believers either by withdrawing them from earth (this is called the Rapture) or by giving them special power to make it through this time of great persecution. If they are to endure persecution, the seal does not necessary guarantee protection from physical harm--may will die (6:11)--but God protects them form spiritual harm. No matter what happens, they will receive their reward in heaven. Their destiny is secure. These believers will not fall away from God even in intense persecution. This is not saying that 144,000 individuals must be sealed before the persecution comes, but that when it begins, we can know the faithful have already been sealed (marked by God) and will remain true to him until the end.
7:14 It is difficult to imagine how blood could whiten any cloth, but the blood of Jesus Christ is the worlds greatest purifier because it removes the stain of sin. White symbolizes sinless perfection or holiness, which can be given to people only by the sacrifice and shed blood of the sinless Lamb of God.
8:1,2 When the seventh seal is opened, the seven trumpet judgments are revealed. In the same way, the seven trumpet will announce the seven flask (bowl) judgements in 11:15 and 16:1-21. The trumpet judgments, like the seal judgments, are only partial. God's final and complete judgement has not yet come.
8:3 A censer filled with live coals was used in Temple worship. Incense was poured on the coals, and the sweet-smelling smoke drifted upwards, symbolizing believers' prayers ascending to God. 8:6 The trumpet blasts have three purposes: (1) to warn that judgement is certain, (2) to call the forces of God and evil to battle, and (3) to announce the return of the King, the Messiah. These warnings urge us to make sure our faith is firmly fixed on Christ.
8:7-12 Since only one-third of the earth is destroyed by these trumpet judgements, this is only a partial judgement from God. His full wrath is yet to be unleashed.
8:13 Habakkuk used the image of an eagle to symbolize swiftness and destruction (Habakkuk 1:8). The picture here is of a strong, powerful bird flying over all the earth, warning of the terrors yet to come. While both believers and unbelievers experience the terrors described in verses 7-12 the "people of he earth" are the unbelievers who will meet spiritual harm with the next three trumpet judgements. God has guaranteed believers protection from spiritual harm (7:2,3).
9:1 It is not known whether this "one" who fell from heaven is Satan, a fallen angel, Christ, or a good angel. Most likely it is Satan or an angel, because the key to the bottomless pit is held by Christ (1:17,18), and it was temporarily given to this other being who fell from heaven. This being, whoever he may be, is still under God's control and authority. The bottomless pit represents the place of the demons and of Satan, the Prince of demons (9:11). See also Luke 8:31 for another reference to the bottomless pit.
9:3 The prophet Joel described a locust plague as a foreshadowing of the "Day of the Lord," meaning God's coming judgement (Joel 2:1-10). In the Old Testament, locusts were symbols of destruction because they destroyed vegetation. Here, however, they symbolize an invasion of demons called to torture people who do not believe in God. The limitations placed on the demons show that they are under God's authority.
9:3ff Some interpreters think these locusts are demons--evil spirits ruled by Satan who tempt people to sin. They were not created by Satan, because God is the Creator of al; rather; they are fallen angels who joined Satan in his rebellion. God limits what they can do; they can do nothing without his permission. Demons' main purpose on earth is to destroy, prevent, or distort people's relationship with God.
9:14 These four unidentified demons will be exceedingly evil and destructive. But note that they do not have the power to release themselves and do their evil work on earth. Instead, they are held back by God and will be released by him at a specific time, doing only what he allows them to do.
9:15 Here one-third of all people are killed. In 6:7,8, one-fourth of mankind is killed. Thus, over one-half of the people in the world will have been killed by God's great-judgements. Even more have been killed if God had not set limits on the destruction.
9:16 In John's day this number of warriors in an army was inconceivable, but today there are countries and alliances that could easily amass this many soldiers. This huge army, led by the four demons, will be sent out to destroy one-third of the earth's population. But the judgement is still not complete.
9:20,21 These men were so hardhearted that even plagues did not drive them to God.
10:1-6 The purpose of this mighty angel is clear--to announce the final judgements on the earth. His right foot on the sea and left foot on the earth (10:2) indicate that his words deal with all creation, not just a limited part as with the seal and the trumpet judgements, which will bring an end to the present world. When this universal judgment comes, God truth will prevail.
10:2 We see two scrolls in Revelation. The first contains a revelations of judgements against evil. The contents of the second scroll are not indicated, but it also may contain a revelation of judgement. The prophet Ezekiel had a vision in which he was told to swallow a scroll filled with judgements against the nation of Israel. It was sweet in his mouth, but its contents brought destruction--just like the scroll John was told to eat (10:9,10). God's Word is sweet to believers, but bitter to unbelievers who are judged by it.
10:4 Throughout history people have wanted to know what would happen in the future, and God reveals some of it in this book. But John was stopped from revealing certain parts of his vision. An angel told the prophet Daniel that some things he saw were not to be revealed yet to everyone (Daniel 12:9), and Jesus told his disciples that the time of the end is know by no one but God (Mark 13:32,33). God has revealed all we need to know to live for him now. In our desire to be ready for the end, we must not place more emphasis on speculation about the last days than on living godly lives while waiting.
11:3 In the book of Revelation, numbers are likely to have symbolic rather than literal meanings. The 42 months or 1,260 days equal 3 1/2 years. As half of he perfect number, 7, 3 1/2 can indicate incompletion, imperfection, or even evil. Notice the events predicted for this time period: trouble (Daniel 12:7), the Holy City is trampled (11:2), the woman takes refuge in the wilderness (12:6), and the devil-inspired creature controls the earth (13:5). Some commentators like the 3 1/2 years with the period of famine in he days of Elijah (Luke 4:25; James 5:17). Since Malachi predicted the return of Elijah before the last judgement (Malachi 4:5), and since events in Daniel and Revelation pave the way for eh Second Coming, perhaps John was making this connection. It is possible, of course, that the 3 1/2 years are literal. If so, we will clearly recognize them when they are over! Whether symbolic or literal, however, they indicate that evil's reign will have a definite end.
11:7 This tyrant is also called the "beast" and could refer to Satan or an agent of Satan.
11:10 The whole world rejoices at the death of these two prophets, who have caused trouble by saying what the people didn't want to hear--words about sin, their need for repentance, and the coming punishment.
11:15 The seventh trumpet is blown, announcing the arrival of the King. There is now no turning back. The coming judgements are no longer partial, but complete in their destruction. God is in control, and he unleashes his full wrath upon the evil world that refuses to turn to him (9:20). When the wrath begins, there will be no escape.
12:1-14:20 The seventh trumpet )11:15) ushers in the flask judgement (15:1-16:21), but in the intervening chapters (12-14), John sees the conflict between God and Satan. He sees the source of all sin, evil, persecution, and suffering on the earth, and he understands why the great battle between the forces of God and Satan must soon take place. In these chapters the nature of evil is exposed, and Satan is seen in all his wickedness.
12:1-6 The woman represents God's faithful people who have been awaiting he Messiah; the 12 stare on her head represent the 12 tribes of Israel. God set apart the Jews for himself (Romans 9:4,5), and that nation gave birth to the Messiah. The boy (12:5) is Jesus, born to a devout Jew, Mary (Luke 1:26-33). Evil King Herod immediately tried to kill this newborn "king," whom he saw as a threat to his throne, was motivated by Satan (the red Dragon), who wanted to kill the world's Savior. The heavenly pageant of Revelation 12 shows that Christ's quiet birth in the town of Bethlehem has cosmic significance.
12:3,4 The red Dragon, Satan, has seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns, representing his power and the kingdom of the world over which he rules. The stars that plunged to earth with him are usually considered to be the angels who fell with Satan and became his demons. According to Hebrew tradition, one-third of all the angels in heaven fell with Satan.
12:6 The wilderness represents a place of spiritual refuge and protection from Satan. By aiding the woman's escape into the wilderness, God offers security to all true believers.
12:6 The 1,260 days (3 1/2 years) is the same length of time that the Dragon was allowed to control the earth (13:5) and that the Holy City was trampled.
12:7 Michael is a high-ranking angel. One of his responsibilities is to guard God's community of believers.
12:7ff Much more happened at Christ's birth, death, and resurrection than most people realize. A battle between the forces of good and evil was under way. With Christ's resurrection, Satan's ultimate defat was assured. ... Christ is victorious--Satan has already been defeated by Christ's death on the cross (12:10-12).
12:9 Satan is not just a symbol or legend, he is very real. Originally he was an angel of God, but through his pride, he became corrupt. Satan is God's enemy and he constantly tries to hinder God's work, but he is limited by God's power and can do only what he is permitted to do (Job 1:6-2:8). The name Satan means "Adversary" or "Accuser" (12:10). He actively looks for people to attack (1 Peter 5:8,9). He likes to seek out believers who are vulnerable in their faith, who are spiritually weak. Even though God permits Satan to do his work in this world, God is still in control. And Jesus has complete power over Satan--he defeated Satan when he died and rose again for the sins of mankind. One day Satan will be bound forever, never again to do his evil.
12:12 The devil begins to step up his persecution because he knows that he "has little time."
12:17 While the woman (12:1) represents faithful Jews, and the child (12:5) represents Christ, the "rest of her children" could be either Jewish believers or all believers. Most likely it refers to all believers. He who stands waiting on the beach is the Dragon, Satan.
13:1ff Chapter 13 introduces Satan's two evil accomplices: (1) the Creature that comes out of the sea (13:1) and (2) the strange animal that comes out of the earth (13:11). Together, the three evil beings form an unholy trinity in direct opposition to the holy Trinity of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (see 16:13,14). When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, he wanted Jesus to show his power by turning stones into bread, to do miracles by jumping from a high place, and to gain political power by worshipping Satan (Matthew 4:1-11). Satan's plan was to rule the world through Jesus, but Jesus refused to do Satan's bidding. Thus Satan turns to the fearsome creatures described in Revelation. To the Creature from the sea he gives political power. To the strange animal from the earth he gives power to do miracles. And the Creature and he animal work together to capture the control of the world. This unholy trinity--the Dragon, the evil Creature, and the false prophet--unite in a desperate attempt to overthrow God, but their efforts are doomed to failure. What becomes of them (Revelation 19:19-21 and 20:10).
13:1 This creature was initially identified with Rome because the Roman Empire, in its early days, had an evil lifestyle, persecuted believers, and opposed God and his followers. But the Creature also symbolizes the Antichrist--not Satan, but someone under Satan's power and control. This Antichrist looks like a combination of the four beasts which Daniel saw centuries earlier in a vision (Daniel 7). As the Dragon is in opposition to God, so the Creature is against Christ and may be seen as Satan's false messiah. The early Roman Empire was strong and also anti-Christ (or against Christ's standards); many other individual powers throughout history have been anti-Christ. Many Christians believe that Satan's evil will culminate in a final Antichrist, one who will focus all the powers of evil against Jesus Christ and his followers.
13:3ff The Antichrist will be a counterfeit of Christ and will even stage a false resurrection (13:14). People will follow and worship him because they are awed by his power and miracles (13:3,4). He will untie the world under his leadership (13:7,8), and he will control the world economy (13:16,17). People are impressed by power and will follow those who display it forcefully or offer it to their followers. But in following the Creature, they are only fooling themselves; he uses his power to manipulate others, to point to himself, and to promote evil plans. God, by contrast, uses his infinitely greater power to love and serve. Don't be misled by claims of great miracles or reports about a resurrection or reincarnation of someone claiming to be Christ. When Jesus returns, he will reveal himself to all believers (Matthew 24:23-28).
13:5 The power given to the Creature is limited by God. He allows the Creature to have it only for a short time. Even while the Creature is in power, God is still in control (11:15; 12:10-12).
13:5-7 The Creature will conquer God's people and rule over them, but he cannot harm them spiritually. He will establish worldwide dominance and demand that everyone worship him. And many will worship him--everyone except true believers (see 2 Thessalonians 2:3,4). This will result in temporary suffering for God's people, but they will be rewarded with an eternal reward in the end.
13:10 In this time of persecution, being faithful to Christ could bring imprisonment and even execution. But all that the Creature and his followers can do to believers is harm them physically; no spiritual harm can come to those whose faith in God in sincere.
13:10 "Destined for prison" and "destined for death" are simply other ways of saying that some believers will be hurt and some killed in this great persecution. But all bolivars will enter God's presence and purified by the blood of the Lamb (7:9-17).
13:11ff The first Creature came out of the sea (13:1), but this animal comes out of the earth. Later identified as the False Prophet (16:13; 19:20), he is a counterfeit of the Holy Spirit. He seems to do good, but the purpose of his miracles is to deceive.
13:14 Throughout the Bible we see miracles performed as proofs of God's power, love, and authority. But here we see counterfeit miracles performed to deceive. This is a reminder of Pharaoh's magicians, who duplicated Moses' signs in Egypt (Exodus 7-12). True signs and miracles point to Jesus Christ, but miracles alone can be deceptive. That is why we must ask of each miracle we see, "is this consistent with what God says in the Bible?" The Creature here gains influence through the signs and then orders the people to worship a statue--a direct flouting of the second commandment (Exodus 20:4-6). Allowing the Scriptures to guide our faith and practice will keep us from being deceived by false signs, however convincing they appear. Any teaching that contradicts God's Word is false.
13:16-18 This mark, sometimes translated, "the mark of the beast," is designed to mock the mark God places on his followers (7:2,3). Just as God marks his people to save them, so Satan's Creature marks his people to save them from the persecution that Satan will inflict upon God's followers. Identifying this mark is not as important as identifying the purpose of the mark. Those who accept it are showing their allegiance to Satan, their willingness to operate within the economic system he promotes, and their rebellion against God. To refuse the mark means committing oneself entirely to God, preferring death to compromising one's faith in Christ.
13:18 The meaning of this number has been discussed more than that of any other part of the book of Revelation. The three sixes have been said to represent many things, including the number of man or the unholy trinity of Satan, the Creature, and the False Prophet (16:13). If the number seven is looked upon as the "perfect number" in the Bible, and if three sevens represent complete perfection, then the number 666 falls compete short of perfection. Whatever specific application the number is given, it symbolizes worldwide dominion and complete evil of this unholy trinity designed to unto Christ's work and overthrow him.
14:ff Chapter 13 described the onslaught of evil that will occur when Satan and his helpers control the world. Chapter 14 gives a glimpse of eternity to show believers what awaits them if they endure. The Lamb is the Messiah. Mount Zion, often another name for Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, is contrasted with the wordily empire. The 144,000 represent believers who have endured persecutions on earth and now are ready to enjoy the eternal benefits and blessings of life with God forever. The three angels contrast the destiny of believers with that of unbelievers.
14:4 These people are "spiritually undefiled" because they are true believers, whose robes have been washed and purified by Christ's blood through his death. In the Old Testament, idolatry was often portrayed as spiritual adultery. These believers are spiritually pure; they have remained faithful to Christ and they have received God's reward for staying committed to him.
14:8 Babylon was both an evil city and an immoral empire, a world center for idol worship. John, who did not dare speak against Rome openly, applied the name Babylon to this enemy of God's people (1 Peter 5:13)--and by extension, to all God's enemies of all times.
14:9-11 Those who worship the Creature, accept his mark on their foreheads, and operate according to the Creature's world economic system will ultimately face God's judgement.
14:14-17 This is an image of judgement: Christ is separating the faithful from the unfaithful like a farmer harvesting crops. This is a time of joy for Christians who have been persecuted and martyred--they will receive their long-awaited reward.
14:19 A winepress was a large vat or trough where grapes were collected and then smashed. The juice flowed out of a duct that led into a large holding vat. The winepress is often used in the Bible as a symbol of God's wrath and judgment against sin (Isaiah 63:3-6; Lamentations 1:15; Joel 3:12,13).
15:1 The seven last plagues are also called the seven flask judgements. They actually begin in chapter 16. Unlike the previous plagues, these are universal and will culminate in the abolition of all evil and end of the world.
15:2 This is probably the "crystal sea" described in 4:6, located before the throne of God. Those who stand on it are victorious over Satan and his evil Creature. They are pure because they have been faithful to God to the end.
15:3,4 The song of Moses celebrated Israel's deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 15). The song of the Lamb celebrates the ultimate deliverance of God's people from the power of Satan.
15:5-8 The Holy of Hollies was the innermost room in the Temple (Hebrews (9:1-17), where the ark of the covenant resided, (a symbol of God's presence among his people). This room was closed off from view by a great curtain. Only the High Priest could enter there, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement. The Holy of Hollies was thrown open once before--at Christ's crucifixion, when the curtain was ripped from top to bottom (Matthew 27:50-53). The wide open entrance to the Holy of Hollies symbolizes the open access to God's very presence which Christians have on the basis of Jesus' shed blood. Those of us who are united with the sinless Christ, our High Priest, can approach God boldly (Hebrews 4:14-16), but unrepentant sinners will be destroyed by his presence (Nahum 1:2-6). The angels coming out of the temple are clothed in white with golden belts across their chests. Their garments, reminiscent of the High Priest's clothing, show that they are free from corruption, immorality, and injustice. The smoke that fills the Temple is the manifestation of God's glory and wrath. There is no escape from this judgement.
15:8 Our eternal reign with Christ won't begin until all evil is destroyed by his judgment.
16:1ff The flask judgments are God's final and complete judgements upon the earth. The end has come. There are many similarities between the flask judgement and the trumpet judgements (8:6-11;19), but there are three main differences: (1) these judgements are complete where the trumpet judgments are partial; (2) the trumpet judgements still give unbelievers the opportunity to repent, but the flask judgements do not; and (3) mankind is indirectly affected by several of the trumpet judgements but directly attacked by all the flask judgements.
16:7 This verse can be translated, "I heard the altar cry." The significance of the altar itself crying out is that everyone and everything will be praising God, acknowledging his righteousness and perfect justice.
6:9-21 People knew that these judgements had come from God, because they cursed him for sending them. But they still refused to recognize God's authority and repent of their sins.
16:12 The armies of the east symbolize unhindered judgement.
16:13,14 These miracle-working demons that come from the unholy trinity unite the rulers of the world for battle against God. The demons which come from the mouths of the three evil rulers signify the verbal enticements and propaganda that will draw many people to evil causes.
16:16 Sinful men will unite to fight against God in a final display of rebellion. Many are already united against Christ and his people who stand for truth, peace, justice, and morality. Your personal battle with evil foreshadows the great battle pictured hers, where God will meet evil and destroy it once and for all.
17:1ff The destruction of Babylon mentioned in 16:17-21 is now described in greater detail. The Notorious Prostitute, called Babylon, represented the early Roman Empire with its many gods and the blood of Christian martyrs on its hands. The Prostitute represents the seductiveness of the governmental system as it used immoral means to gain its own pleasure, prosperity,and advantage. In contrast to the Prostitute, Christ's bride, the church is pure and obedient (19:6-9). The wicked city of Babylon stands in contrast to the heavenly city of Jerusalem (21:10-22:5). The original readers easily identified Babylon with Rome, but it also symbolizes any system that is hostile to God.
17:3 The scarlet animal is either the Dragon of 12:3, or the Creature from the sea described in 13:1.
17:6 Throughout history people have been killed for their faith. Over the last century, millions have been killed by oppressive governments, and many of these were believers. The woman's drunkenness shows her pleasure in her evil accomplishments and her false feeling of triumph under the church. But every martyr who fell before her sword only strengthened the church.
17:8 In chapter 12 we met the Dragon (Satan). In chapter 13 we saw the Creature from the se and the power he received from Satan. In chapters 14-16 we see God's great judgments. In this chapter, a scarlet animal similar to the Creature and the Dragon appears as an ally of he Notorious Prostitute. The animal's resurrection symbolizes the persistence of evil. This resurgence of evil power will convince many to join forces with him, but those who choose the side of evil condemn themselves to the devil's fate--eternal torment.
17:9-14 Here John was almost certainly referring to Rome, the city famous for its seven hills. Many say this city also symbolizes all evil in the world--any person, religion, group, government, or structure that is against Christ. Whatever view is taken of the seven hills and seven kings, this section indicates the climax of
Satan's struggle against God. Evil's power is limited and its destruction is on the horizon.
17:12 The ten horns represent kings of nations yet to arise. Rome will be followed by other powers. Rome is a good example of how the Antichrist's system will work, demanding complete allegiance, and ruling by raw power, oppression, and slavery. Whoever the ten kings are, they will give their power to the Antichrist and will wage war against the Lamb.
17:16 In a dramatic turn of events, the woman's allies turn on her and destroy her. This is how evil operates. Destructive by its very nature, it discards its own adherents when they cease to serve its purposes. An unholy alliance is an uneasy alliance, because each partner puts its own interests first.
18:1ff This chapter shows the complete destruction of Babylon. John's metaphorical name for the evil world power, and all it represents. Everything that tries to block God's purposes will come to a violent end.
18:2,3 Businessmen in the Roman Empire grew rich by exploiting the sinful pleasures of their society.
18:4-8 Babylon "lived in luxury and pleasure." She boasted, "I am queen upon my throne... I will not experience sorrow."
18:9-19 Those who are in control of various parts of the economic system will mourn Babylon's fall. The leaders will morn because they were the overseers of Babylon's wealth and were in a position to enrich themselves greatly. The merchants will mourn because Babylon, the greatest customer for their goods, is gone. The sailors will no longer have anywhere to bring their goods because the merchants have nowhere to sell them. The fall of the evil world system affects all who enjoyed and depended on it. No one remains unaffected by Babylon's fall.
19:1-8 A "vast crown in heaven" initiates the chorus of praise to God for his victory (19:1-3). Then the 24 elders (4:4) join the chorus (19:4). Finally, the great choir of heaven once again praises God--the wedding banquet of the Lamb has come (19:6-8).
19:1-10 Praise is the heartfelt response to God by those who love him.
19:7 This is the culmination of human history--the judgment of the wicked and the marriage feast of the Lamb and his bride, the church. The church consists of all faithful believers from all time. The bride's purity stands in stark contrast to the filth of the Notorious Prostitute of Chapter 17.
19:7-9 Here the church is pictured as both the bride (19:7,8) and the guests invited to the wedding feast (19:9). As those given to Christ, we are the bride; as those called to be part of God's Kingdom, we are the invited guests.
19:9,10 Jesus is the central focus of God's revelation and his redemptive plan (as announced by the prophets).
19:11 The name "Faithful and True" contrasts with faithless and deceitful Babylon described in chapter 18.
19:11-21 John's vision shifts again. Heaven opens and Jesus appears, this time not as a Lamb, but as a warrior on a white horse (symbolizing victory). Jesus came first as a Lamb to be a sacrifice for sin, but he will return as a Conqueror and King to execute judgement (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10). His first coming brought forgiveness, his second will bring judgement. The battle lines have now been drawn between God and evil, and the world is waiting for the King to ride onto the field.
19:12 Although Jesus is called the "Faithful and True" (19:11), the "Word of God" (19:13), and the "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" (19:16), this verse implies that no name can do him justice. He is greater than any description or expression the human mind can devise for him.
19:16 This title indicates our God's sovereignty., Most of the world is worshiping the Antichrist, who they believe has all power and authority. Then suddenly out of heaven rides Christ and his army of angels--the "King of Kings and Lord of Lords." His entrance signals the end of the false powers.
19:17 The supper of the Great God" is a grim contrast to the wedding banquet of the Lamb (19:7). One is a celebration; the other, devastation.
19:19-21 The battle lines are drawn, and the greatest confrontation in the history of the world is about to begin. The Antichrist and the False Prophet have gathered the governments and armies of the earth under the Antichrist's rule (16:14). They believe they have come of their own volition; in reality, God has summoned them to battle in order to defeat them. There really is no fight, however, because the victory was won when Jesus died on the cross for sin and rose from the dead. Thus the evil leaders are immediately captured and sent to their punishment, and the forces of evil are all annihilated.
The Lake of Fire is the final destination of the wicked. It is different from the bottomless pit referred to in 9:1. The Evil Creature and the False Prophet are thrown into the Lake of Fire. Then their leader, Satan himself, is cast there (20:10). Finally Death and Hell are also cast there (20:14). Afterward, everyone whose name is not recorded in the Book of Life will be sent to the same fate (20:15).
20:3 John doesn't say why God once again releases Satan, but it is part of his plan for judging the world. Perhaps it is to expose those who rebel against God in their hearts and confirm those who are truly faithful to God. Whatever the reason, Satan's release results in the final destruction of all evil (20:12-15).
20:2-4 The thousand years are often referred to as the millennium, (Latin for "one thousand"). Whatever and whenever the millennium is, Jesus Christ will untie all believers.
20:6 The Second Death is spiritual death--everlasting separation from God (21:8).
20:7-9 God and Magog symbolize all the forces of evil who band together to battle God. Noah's son, Japheth, had a son named Magog (Genesis 10:2). Ezekiel presents Gog as a leader of forces against Israel (Ezekiel 38,39).
20:9 This is not a typical battle where the outcome is in doubt during the heat of the conflict. Here there is no contest. Two mighty forces of evil--those of the Creature (19:19) and of Satan (20:8)--untie to do battle against God. The Bible uses just two verses to describe each battle--the evil Creature and forces are captured and thrown into the Lake of Fire (19:20,21), and fire from God consumes Satan and his attacking armies (20:9,10). For God, it is as easy as that. There will no doubt, no worry, no second thoughts for believers about whether they have chosen the right side.
20:10 Satan's power is not eternal--he will meet his doom. He began his evil work in mankind at the beginning (Genesis 3:1-6) and continues it today, but he will be destroyed when he is thrown into the Lake of Fire. Satan was released from the bottomless pit (20:7), but he will never be released from the Lake of Fire. He will never be a threat to anyone again.
20:11-15 At the judgement, the Books are opened. They represent God's judgement, and in them are recorded the deeds of everyone, good or evil. The Book of Life contains the names of those who have put their trust in Christ to save them.
20:14 Death and Hell are thrown into the Lake of Fire--when God's judgement is finished. The Lake of Fire is the ultimate destination of everything wicked--Satan, the Creature, the False Prophet, the demons, Death, Hell, and all those whose names are not recorded in the Book of Life because they have not placed their faith in Jesus Christ.
21:1 The earth as we know it will not last forever, but after God's great judgement, he will create a new earth (Romans 8:18-21; 2 Peter 3:7-13). God has also promised Isaiah that he would create a new and eternal earth (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22). We don't how it will look or where it will be, but God and his followers--those whose names are written it the Book of Life--will be united to live their forever.
21:2,3 The new Jerusalem is where God dwells among his people, instead of our going to meet him, he comes down to be with us, just as God became man in Jesus Christ and lived among us (John 1:14), Wherever God reigns, there is peace, security, and love.
211:3,4 What will eternity be like? The "Holy City, the new Jerusalem" is described as the place where God "Will wipe away all tears." Forevermore, there will be no death, pain, sorrow, or crying.
21:5 God is the Creator. The Bible begins with the majestic story of his creation of the universe, and it concludes with his creation of a new heaven and earth.
21:7,8 Cowards are not those who are fainthearted in their faith or who sometimes doubt or question. Rather, they are those who turn away from God and refuse to follow him further. They are not brave enough to stand up for Christ; they are not humble enough to accept his authority over their lives. They are put in the same list with the corrupt, murders, liars, idolaters, the immoral and those practicing demonic arts. Conquerors are those who "endure to the end without renouncing" Christ (Mark 13:13). They will receive the blessings God promised: (1) eating from the Tree of Life (2:7), (2) escaping from the Lake of Fire (2:11), (3) having a special name (2:17), (4) having power over the nations (2:26), (5) being included in the Book of Life (3:5), (6) being a pilar in God's spiritual temple (3:12), and (7) sitting with Christ on his throne (3:21). Those who can endure the testing of evil and remain faithful are those whom God will reward.
21:8 The Second Death is spiritual death, meaning either eternal torment or destruction. Permanent separation from God.
21:10ff The rest of this section (21:9-22:5) is the final vision of the book, as stunning description of the new city of God. The vision is symbolic and shows us that our new home with God will defy description.
21:12-14 The new Jerusalem is a picture of God's place for God's people. The 12 tribes of Israel (21:12) probably represent all the faithful in the Old Testament; the 12 apostles (21:14) represent the church. Thus, both believing Gentiles and Jews who have been faithful to God will live together on the new earth.
21:15-17 The city's measurements are symbolic of a place that will hold all God's people. Given in cubits, these measurements are all multiples of 12. Twelve is the number for God's people--there were 12 tribes in Israel, and 12 apostles who started the church. The walls are 144 cubits across (translated "216 feet across"); there are 12 layers in the walls, and 12 gates in the city; and the height, length, and breadth are all the same, 12,000 stadia (translated "1,500 miles"). The new Jerusalem is a perfect cube, the same shape as the Holy of Hollies in the Temple (1 Kings 6:20). These measurements illustrate that this new home will be perfect for us, and the image portrays God as our Holy of Hollies--we will live in him forever.
21:18-21 The picture of walls made of jewels reveals that the new Jerusalem will be a place of purity and durability--it will last forever. The ornate breastplate of the High Priest had twelve precious stones, representing the twelve tribes of Israel (Exodus 28:15-21).
21:22-24 The Temple, center of God's presence among his people, was the primary place of worship. No temple is need in the new city because God's presence will be everywhere. He will be worshipped throughout the city, and noting will hinder us from being with him.
21:25-27 Not everyone will be allowed in the new Jerusalem, "only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life." 22:1 The Water of Life is a symbol of eternal life. Jesus used this same image with the Samaritan woman (John 4:7-14). It pictures the fullness of life with God and the eternal blessings that come when we believe in him and satisfy our spiritual thirst.
22:2 The Tree of Life is like the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:9). After Adam and Eve sinned, they were forbidden to eat from the Tree of Life because they could not have eternal life as long as they were under sin's control. But because of the forgiveness of sin through the blood of Jesus, there will be no evil or sin in this city. We will be able to eat freely from the Tree of Life when sin's control over us is destroyed and our eternity with God is secure. Moreover, this "Tree of Life" bears
twelve kinds of fruit so that fruit is available each month. Life in the new Jerusalem will be abundant and never-ending.
22:2 Why would the nations need to be healed if all evil is gone? John is quoting from Ezekiel 47:12, where water flowing from the Temple produces trees with healing leaves. He is not implying that there will be illness in the new earth, he is emphasizing that the Water of life produces health and strength wherever it goes.
22:12-14 Those who are washing their robes are those who are seeking to purify themselves for a sinful way of life. They are daily striving to remain and ready for Christs return.
22:14 In Eden, Adam and Eve were barred from the Tree of Life because of their sin (Genesis 3:22-24). In the new earth, God's people will eat from the Tree of Life because their sins have been removed by Christ's death and resurrection. Those who eat the fruit of this tree will live forever. If Jesus has forgiven your sins, you will have the right to eat from this tree.
22:16 Jesus is both David's Root and his Descendant. As the Creator of all, he existed long before David's day. As a human, however, he was one of David's direct descendants (Isaiah 11:1-5; Matthew 1:1-17). As the Messiah, he is the Morning Star, the light of salvation to all.
22:17 Both the Holy Spirit and the bride, the church, extend the invitation to all the world to come to Jesus and experience the joys of salvation in Christ.
22:17 When Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well, he told her of the Living Water that he could supply (John 4:10-15). This image is used again as Christ invites anyone to come and drink of the Water of Life. The gospel is unlimited in scope--all people, everywhere, may come. Salvation cannot be earned, but God gives it freely.
22:18,19 This warning is given to those who might purposely distort the message in this book.
22:21 Revelation closes human history as Genesis opened it--in Paradise. But there is one distinct difference in Revelation--evil is gone forever. Genesis describes Adam and Eve walking and talking with God; Revelation describes people worshipping him face to face. Genesis describes a Garden with an evil serpent; Revelation describes a perfect city with no evil. The Garden of Eden was destroyed by sin; but Paradise is re-created in the new Jerusalem. Revelation is above all a book of hope. It shows that no matter what happens on earth, God is in control. It promises that evil will not last forever. And it depicts the wonderful reward that is waiting for all those who believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.