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Revelation
Bible studies
For group and individual
How to use these Bible Studies
I liken a study of Revelation to visiting an art gallery. When you study a painting, you do not look at the detail. You stand back and look at the big picture. I will often suggest that we stand back and look at the big picture (one or two paragraphs). If we look at the detail of each verse, we will soon get tied up in difficulties of interpretation, miss the point, and not give time to applying the message. For each passage I give you the bible background from which the pictures are drawn. Don’t get tied up in the background. It is enough just to note the background and concentrate on the simple message.
Part of the problem with studying Revelation is that some think that we need the help of experts to understand it. I will show you that all you need is a Bible. Using the Bible as our interpreter, we will find that there is nothing new in this book. Revelation draws its pictures and its message from the whole Bible, and in that sense also draws the whole Bible together. Our study will help us see not only how inspiring is this book, but how divinely inspired, as it weaves its message from one gallery of pictures to another.
Another problem is that some teachers look at Revelation as if it refers specifically to people or events or nations of our own time. I believe that Revelation is divinely inspired, and therefore has equally referred to every generation. It is as relevant today as it has been to every generation of Christians. With that in mind, there is no need to find Revelation cryptic, or mysterious. The key thing is to interpret Revelation using the Bible alone, looking for the obvious simple message. Therefore I have no interest in recent controversies.
In a gallery, paintings are grouped together in rooms. Similarly, we find that the pictures of Revelation are grouped together, building up a message for us. Sometimes people ignore the obvious natural structure in Revelation. Instead of seeing 7 sections which are gradually building up the message for us, often repeating that message like 7 circles which interweave, they mistakenly see the pictures as a straight line, as if one event is following on from the next. This misunderstanding then leads to speculation and controversies. Rather, if we stand back and look not only at the big pictures but the big themes of each ‘gallery’, we will be thrilled at the simple yet rich message that flows from it. Enjoy your study!
The studies are based on the New International Version of the Bible. Other versions are of course valid and can help throw further understanding on the text.
A few pointers of interpretation have been included – in Italics.
A commentary is not needed, though if one is sought, I recommend the Bible Speaks for Today commentary on Revelation by Michael Wilcox. I agree with his scheme for understanding the structure of Revelation, and have used it throughout. Commentaries may in fact be unhelpful for an initial study, as they focus on details and controversies. Whereas, these studies are about finding the simple message. These are written for groups, but may be used for personal study.
I have divided into 22 sessions; but you can go at your own pace, picking up again where you left off.
But I do discourage you from going slower, and getting tied up in the detail. It is better to stand back and see the big picture, and return to a more detailed study the next time you read through.
I am giving all the profits to the work of the Bible Society, who are doing so much to make the scriptures accessible to each new generation.
David Bolster 2018
Chapter 1 v 1 – 8
1. In verses 1 – 3, what does John say about this book? What kind of book is it? What kind of authority does it have?
‘Prophecy’ means that God speaks. It does not mean predicting future events.
2. Who is revealed? How is Christ revealed? What is the purpose of this revelation?
How should we receive it?
This verse is crucial for us. It shows that this book is for all people of all times. It is meant to be understood simply. Whereas often today it is implied that this book can only be understood if we listen to the interpretation of the ‘experts’. These Bible studies will show that we only need the Bible to understand this book. If you have 2 Bibles, bring them both with you in future, so that you can easily look up links elsewhere in the Bible without loosing your place. If you have only one, bring a bookmark.
3. We cannot be certain who is the “John” of v 4. It is probably the apostle John, son of Zebedee.
Who was it first written for?
How does John greet them?
4. John’s greeting is full of Jesus.
Before you look at the detail, stand back and think about his experience and belief about Jesus. How would you sum up his experience and belief?
Now portion out the following Bible verses among your group.
Do some work on your own, and then share you findings with the group. You will be doing this a lot in future group sessions. You will see that what often appears to be strange language is only the language of the Bible. It is often picture language. How do these verses and pictures deepen our understanding?
a) “who is ... who is to come” (repeated in v 8) Exodus 3 v 13 – 15 (and also look at the notes at the bottom of that page in your bible, to see how the Hebrew word “I am” can be translated also into the future and past).
b) “7” is the most common picture in Revelation. We will gradually build up its meaning as we read on through the book. Think of it as God’s mark. E.g., – think about how Genesis 2 v 2 helps us to form this picture.
c) “Witness” Isaiah 55 v 4;
d) “First born” Psalm 89 v 27 & Colossians 1 v 15;
e) “kingdom of priests” Exodus 19 v 6 & 1 Peter 2 v 9;
f) “coming in clouds” Daniel 7 v 13 & 1 Thessalonians 4 v 17;
g) “Pierced” John 19 v 34 & 37; Zechariah 12 v 10;
h) “First and last” Isaiah 44 v 6 & 48 v 12.
Now share your research with each other. Don’t spend longer than 15 minutes.
How has your picture of Jesus become larger?
Christians are sometimes criticised of thinking too highly of Jesus, falsely raising him to the status of ‘Son of God’. How does this passage help to counter that criticism?
Is Christ sometimes too small in your mind?
5. Is worship the best response to hearing this greeting? Why?
Then, end your group time with worship.
Chapter 1 v 9 – 20
1. v 9 What does John have in common with the people of the 7 churches?
This is important for us to remember as we continue reading this book. You will see how this book is prophetic – speaking to their situation and needs.
Why was John on the island of Patmos? What does that tell us about John?
2. v 10. ‘Trumpet’ is like a picture word. Think about trumpets, and what they do. What is its’ significance here?
V 11 & 19: What is John told to do?
3. v 12 – 16. Stand back from the detail, and try and picture what John sees. What do you see in this picture? Who do you think it is?
Portion out the following Bible passages. These will show where these pictures come from. – There is nothing new or strange about them. What do these pictures mean in their original context?
Daniel 7 v 9, 13;
10 v 5 - 6,
Ezekiel chapter 1 and esp. v 24;
Ezekiel 43 v 2.
4. v 17- 20. What effect did this have on John? What can we learn from this?
What does Christ say about himself?
‘Angels’. Forget wings! It literally means’ messengers’. We are not told who these messengers are. Any guesses are speculation and lead us away from the importance and significance of the ‘stars’.
What does Christ say about the stars and lampstands? What is the importance and significance of this picture?
5. If Churches were to see themselves as lamps, and God’s word as stars - what difference could that make?
Worship Christ as the one who walks among the lampstands and holds the stars.
Pray for the Church.
This first picture of Christ and his message to his Churches serves as an introduction to the next two chapters. Often we think of the “letters to the 7 Churches”. The message begins from 1 v 1, not 2 v 1. The letters will often refer back to this first greeting, introduction and first picture of Christ with his Church.
The first gallery – one picture (Christ) and seven messages
The letters to the 7 Churches have seven parts to them.
To the angel / messenger of .......................
From Christ ...........................
The strengths he sees ............
What he has against them .....
Call to repent ........................
The rewards for those who overcome the tests ..............
The call to listen
You may also find it useful to draw a grid with each of the seven parts and summarize each part.
Then you can stand back and see the overall message more clearly.
Ephesus 2 verses 1 - 7
1. How is the Lord described? (see also 1 v 12 & 20, Matthew 5 v 14 - 16)
2. What are the strengths of this Church?
3. What is its’ weakness? What do you think is meant by "losing its first love"? (someone could give a summary of Acts 19)
4. What is the warning that goes with the call to repentance?
What things can become more important than our love for God?
How can we keep our love alive? Look at Ephesians 3 v 17 – 19 & 5 v 1 – 2
We know nothing about the Nicolaitans other than what is written here; their practice of immorality.
5. What are the rewards for those who overcome the temptations and trials?
A common symbol of the goddess Artemis was a tree. see also Revelation 22 v 2; Genesis 2 v 9 and Ezekiel 28 v 13
6. What did you find most surprising in this message?
What can the Church worldwide learn from this message?
Pray for the Church
Over 2000 years ago Ephesus had once been a major trading port because of its superb harbour. That was its strength. But deforestation inland had brought soils down the river which eventually made the harbour useless. It replaced this 'first love' by a Temple to the Goddess Artemis.
As far as we know, they did repent. In the next century, Ephesus remains a strong and influential Church.
Smyrna 2 v 8 - 11
1. How is the Lord pictured? (see also 1 v 17 - 18)
In 600BC Smyrna was burnt by the Kingdom of Lydia, but then in 290BC it was resurrected.
2. What are its strengths? Do we usually see these as strengths or as weaknesses? What lessons can we learn from this?
3. There are no weaknesses! Do we sometimes expect a perfection from our churches which Christ does not expect ?
But what must they prepare for?
4. What will be their reward?
5. Smyrna had recently built a temple to worship Caesar Tiberius and Rome. On the hill top was a 'crown' of buildings.
In 2 v 10 where do we find the true crown? Who is it for?
6. What has surprised you about this message?
What are the lessons from poverty? 2 v 9 Is your Church rich or poor?
What are the lessons from persecution? 2 v 9 - 10
How should the Church today face persecution?
Polycarp, who was Bishop of Smyrna, was martyred in AD 155. He said: "86 yrs have I served my King and he has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King?"
Pergamum Revelation 2 v 12 - 17
1. How is the Lord described? (see also 1 v 16; Hebrews 4 v 12)
2. What are the strengths of the Church?
Pergamum was the official capitol of the region. It had a temple to Zeus - the greatest of the gods, and false "saviour". Worse, it had a temple to Caesar who was worshipped as a god. This is probably what is meant by "Satan's throne". And Satan was behind the persecution of the Church.
3. What are its weaknesses? For v 14 read Numbers 25.
These are the same as Thyatira, and the teaching of the Nicolaitans which Ephesus rejected.
Balaam had been unsuccessful in cursing God's people just as the persecutors had been unsuccessful in closing the Church during the persecution, even when Antipas became a martyr. But Balaam enticed God's people with sexual immorality.
Does the same temptation face the Church today?
What is the danger of becoming more free about sexual morals?
4. How seriously does the Lord take this threat to the Church? What will he do?
What is the meaning of the sword? (v 12 & Hebrews 4 v 12)
5. What is promised to those who overcome persecution and temptation?
“Manna” – read John 6 v 48 – 50; “Name” – read Isaiah 62 v 2.
6. What have you found most surprising in this letter? What do you think is its relevance today?
Pray for the Church
Thyatira Revelation 2 v 18 - 28
1. How is the Lord pictured? See also 1 v 14 - 15 (and Ezekiel 1 v 27)
Thyatira had a temple to Apollo, a sun-god. The Lord is more frightening than Apollo!
It was famous also for its bronze. The Lord is pictured as having feet of bronze.
2. What are the strengths of the Church in v 19?
3. What are the weaknesses? Think about how Jezebel opposed Elijah, and led the people of God to 'commit adultery' – to find another husband in the false god, Ba'al (1 Kings 16 v 30 – 32; 1 Kings 17 v 18 – 19; 1 Kings 19 v 2). How is this modern "Jezebel" leading the Church in Thyatira astray? (v20).
Are these 21st century weaknesses?
4. v 23. Despite the strengths of v 19, how serious are the weaknesses? How does this verse relate to the picture of God in v 18?
5. What is the Church called to do? (v24 - 26). In the context of the weaknesses, what has the church to “overcome”?
6. What will be her rewards? Matthew 28 v 18 – 19 gives an obvious meaning of “authority”.
v 28 probably refers to a firm Christian 'hope' - just as the morning star heralds the dawn.
7. What do you find most surprising about this message? Pray for the 21st century Church.
Sardis Revelation 3 v 1 - 6
1. How is the Lord described? (see also 1 v 16, 20; Ezekiel 1 v 18, 20 and possibly John 3 v 8)
2. There are no strengths! Only a false strength. What is it? What can he mean by being "dead"? How do you think the Lord’s ‘knowledge’ (“I know”) of Sardis is different from his knowledge of the other churches?
500 years previously, Sardis had a famous King who believed his fortress of Sardis 1500 feet above the plain, and built into the rock could not be overthrown. He was complacent. Like a "thief in the night" (v 3), a soldier climbed the cliff where it was not guarded, and the city was overthrown. The Church in Sardis needs to apply this lesson.
3. What must they do?
4. What warning is given? (v 3)
5. What are the rewards, and who are they for? (Isaiah 61 v 10 & Colossians 3 v 12; Exodus 32 v 32 – 33 & Daniel 12 v 1; Matthew 10 v 32).
6. What have you found most surprising in this message? What is its’ relevance for the Church today? Pray for the Church.
Philadelphia Revelation 3 v 7 - 13
1. How is the Lord described? (see 1 v 18, Matthew 16 v 1, Isaiah 22 v 22 – where ‘ key’ means spiritual authority, Matthew 28 v 18 - 19)
2. What are their strengths? (v 9, - see Isaiah 60 v 14)
Philadelphia was on a trade route, hence the "open door" - to evangelize.
They were persecuted by a synagogue of Jews. Their faithfulness will result one day in the Jews recognising their fault, and that the true inheritors of the Old Testament promises is the Church.
Philadelphia denied its name (which means "brotherly love") for a few years earlier in the century. There had been an earthquake, and in gratitude for the help they received from Rome, they renamed the city after Caesar. The Church however, was not ashamed of the name of Jesus!
Does the Church today have the same strengths as Philadelphia?
Does we make the most of the 'open door' opportunities to evangelize?
3. There are no weaknesses and no call to repent. What are they called to do?
4. What will be their rewards?
How is the new name and new city unlike what happened to the name and city of ‘Philadelphia’?
5. What do you find most surprising about this message?
Do you think the church in Sardis saw itself as a strong church or a weak church? (see also 1 Corinthians 1 v 27).
What is its relevance today? Pray for the Church.
Laodicea Revelation 3 v 14 - 22
1. How is the Lord described? (see also 1 v 5 and Isaiah 55 v 4, Colossians 1 v 16)
2. Like Sardis, there are no strengths! They resemble the warm undrinkable waters from local springs.
What will he do? (v16)
3. What are their weaknesses?
Did the Laodiceans see themselves as a strong church or a weak church?
Laodicea was a wealthy city, also famous for its eye ointment.
What are the dangers to the Church of living in an affluent society? (e.g., Matthew 6 v 19 – 24, Mark 2 v 17)
What kind of Church does the Lord like to see? (see also 1 Corinthians 3 v 12 – 13, 2 Corinthians 7 v 1, John 9 v 41)
4. Why does the Lord rebuke and discipline them?
What will he bring to those who turn to him?
V 20 is a picture of deep irony to a church that thinks Christ is present in their worship. Instead, Christ is outside the church, at the door, waiting to be invited in to a Holy Communion where he can spiritually feed them and they can enjoy true fellowship with him.
5. What is the promise to those who overcome? (Matthew 19 v 28)
6. What do you find most surprising about this message? What is its relevance to the 21st century Church? Pray for the Church.
Revelation 4 & 5 introducing the second gallery of pictures
A note about the structure of Revelation. I have chosen the analogy that it is like moving from one themed gallery to another.
4 v 1 'After these things I saw .... a voice ... "Come here .... I will show you"'.
Like moving from one room to another. We begin in Patmos, where John is, and then he is called into heaven. 7 times heaven opens to him and first he sees what is in heaven – throne, holy silence, ark, tabernacle, horse, bride; and then he sees 7 pictures, often accompanied by a message for the Church.
The 8 galleries are 1v12, 4v1, 8v2, 11v19, 15v5, 17v1, 19v11, 21v9.
1st gallery, Patmos; 7 messages from Christ to his Church; Introduced by a vision of the Lordship of Christ.
4 v 2 2nd gallery, the throne room of heaven; introduced by an experience of worship. (chs 4 & 5)
We will benefit from studying the Old Testament passages from which this picture is drawn. Then it will make sense to us. But after studying, we must read this passage again, as an experience of worship. But first, portion out the Old Testament passages, and then share. The Old Testament passages just show where these pictures come from, and help us ‘see’ them.
4 v 3 - 8 What does the picture show us? Ezekiel ch 1, Exodus 19 v 16, Zechariah 4 v 2
The number “24” is a picture. Why 24 other thrones?
Exodus 19 v 6, Psalm 8 v 5, 1 Chronicles 24 v 1 - 19, 1 Peter 2 v 9, Rev 3 v 21.
4 v 8 - 11 Can you feel the power and majesty of this worship?
Isaiah 6 v 2-3, Exodus 20 v 3, Matthew 22 v 36-7
5 v 1 - 4 The scroll. Ezekiel 2 v 9 - 10. What are they words of?
Why is no one worthy? Isaiah 29 v 11 - 14.
5 v 5 - 7 Who is this? Root": Isaiah 11 v 1; "Lion": Genesis 49 v 9;
"Lamb": Isaiah 53 v 7; "7 eyes": Zechariah 4 v 10
5 v 8 - 10 What is similar to the worship in 4 v 8 - 11, and what is different?
5 v 11 - 14 Can you feel the climax of worship for the Lamb? (as in Philippians 2 v 9 - 11)
There is no picture of worship in the whole of the Bible like this one. We need to see ourselves as taking part in it.
Now read the passage again, as dramatically as is possible. We must not be observers. What did you feel?
If only people could taste a little of this worship, the whole world would bow down in worship. It is awesome!
Revelation chapters 6 & 7 the second gallery of 7 pictures
It is more helpful to imagine that we are looking at a big picture. The details are only important to paint the picture. If you look too deeply into the detail, you will lose the big picture. There is nothing new in these chapters. The pictures are drawn from Old Testament pictures, and the teaching from Jesus. Share Bibles in 3’s - 1 open at Revelation, another open at Matthew and a third to look up other passages.
1. Read Chapter 6 verses 1 - 8 with Matthew 24 verses 3 - 8
What will happen before the end?
desire for conquest killing injustice death
Is God in control? How do we know?
What do the 4 horses represent? see 7 v 1; Zechariah 6 v 1 - 6
When we are asked 'Why is there suffering'? what answers does Revelation give us?
(see also Romans 8 v 35)
2. Read verses 9 - 11 with Matthew 24 verses 9 - 14
How do these verses encourage Christians who are being persecuted?
What do they pray for?
What answer are they given? Chapter 7 gives us the fuller answer
3. Read verses 12 - 17 with Matthew 24 verses 29 - 30
What is this a picture of? see also Isaiah 13 v 10; 34 v 4; 2 v 19;
Joel 2 v 31; Hos 10 v 8; Mal 3 v 2
4. Read 7 verses 1 – 4. As with all numbers in Revelation, 144,000 is a picture (12 x 12 x 1000).
What does the 144,000 represent? Who are they? see also verses 9, 13 - 14
Why are they sealed? see also Ezekiel 9 v 4 - 6; Ephesians 1 v 13 - 14)
How do this picture encourage Christians?
The final picture of the sealed sees them in the throne room in worship. Read verses 9 - 17.
This is also seeing into the final gallery of Revelation (chs 21 & 22)
5. Read 8 verse 1
The 7th seal will take us into that final moment of history.
We are told one important thing about it. What is it?
What can it mean?
Is this ½ an hour of silence a picture of awe and holiness, even also a picture of the end of all suffering – as in 21 v 4?
Summary
(Chs 1 - 3) 1st gallery - began with Jesus Lord of the Church. 7 pictures of the Church as he sees it. 7 letters, - warnings, calls for faithfulness holiness and repentance.
(Chs 4 - 8 v 1) 2nd gallery of pictures
7 pictures of suffering as he sees it; began in the throne room of heaven, an experience of worship (chs 5 & 6) where the Lamb is in control. He opens the seals. The scroll is a picture of suffering, including the persecution of Christians. The 6th picture of suffering is the final day of judgement.
The 7th picture will bring it to an end.
Where are Christians during all of this? - sealed by the blood of the lamb.
Christians will suffer also, but we are safe.
Psalm 91 and Romans 8 verses 18 - 39 give the same message.
We leave the gallery where we began - in the throne room, in worship.
Revelation chapters 8 – 10 The third gallery of pictures.
The 7 trumpets, 3 woes, a little scroll and two witnesses. All of these pictures have the same theme. Let’s see what that theme is ... Again, stand back and see the big picture.
1. The first four trumpets
8 v 2 - 5 What is the 8th angel given to do?
A key to understanding Revelation is to realise that themes are introduced in one place, and expanded on in another, and then repeated again and again. Like loops. Whereas if you read Revelation as a straight line of future events, you will lose the simple message and get into speculation as to what event refers to what, and endless controversies. An example of this is the link between these verses and 6 v 9 – 10.
How does this link with 6 verses 9 & 10?
The incense went "up" to God. Where else did it go?
What can this mean? Ezekiel 10 v 2
What does the noise, lightning and earthquake mean? Exodus 19 v 16;
2. 8 v 6 - 12 The 4 pictures remind us of the plagues, Exodus 7 - 10 & Gog, Ezekiel 38 v 18 - 22.
The earth, sea, rivers and sky are struck. For the star read Isaiah 14 v 12.
What does 1/3rd symbolise?
3. Three woes. The eagle/ vulture was a herald of doom. Read v 13.
4. 9 v 1 - 12 the fifth trumpet
Who is the fallen star? (8 v 10; Luke 10 v 18) v 11 Abaddon/ Apollyon =s destroyer
What does he do?
What are the locusts not allowed to do?
What is their purpose? Read Joel 2 v 1 - 14
5. 9 v 13 - 21 the sixth trumpet and second woe. The army brings death
v 20 - 21 (& Joel 2 v 1, 12 - 14) summarize the purpose of the trumpets (and the woes).
Psalm 135 v 15 - 17; Daniel 5 v 23
There is no repentance. Therefore there will be no more delay (9 v 6). See also Romans 9 v 22.
6. 10 v 1 - 7 What do you feel?
v 4 what does this suggest? (what did ‘seal’ signify in the last gallery?)
In what ways is the angel alike and different from the locusts?
The third gallery is also about suffering. It is God's loud voice to wake people up and warn them.
A purpose of suffering is to bring us to repentance (like plagues, Ezekiel, Joel etc.).
In a similar way that ch. 1 introduced the 1st gallery, and chs. 4 – 5 set the scene for the 2nd gallery, 10 v 8 -11 and 11 v 1 – 13 bring the message home to John (and us) for this 3rd gallery
10 v 8 - 11 What is the little scroll? Ezekiel 2 v 8 - 3 v 3
This is the reason why we must preach the gospel - to warn people
and lead people to repentance.
Chapter 11
This is part of the third gallery of pictures. The 7 trumpets, 3 woes, a little scroll and two witnesses.
The first four trumpets: The earth, sea, rivers and sky are struck. ‘Suffering’ acts as warnings.
Three woes: The fifth trumpet & first woe The destroyer They sting
The sixth trumpet & second woe Death There is no repentance
The little scroll. This is the reason why we must preach the gospel - to warn people and lead them to repentance.
chapter 11 The two witnesses
The place of this section - between the 6th & 7th trumpet shows us that this is about the Church.
(as also in chapter 7). First let us look at the detail which builds up this picture. Some of the details and pictures are new, but the themes have already been given in Revelation, - in many places.
1. v 1 - measuring - is a repetition of the sealing: who will be kept safe?
(see also Zechariah chapter 2, especially v 1 - 5)
This picture is full of symbols
But the outer court is trampled (in what way is this a symbol for persecution of the Church?)
‘42’ comes from Numbers 33 – the 42 stages of the wandering of the Hebrews in the wilderness before entering the promised land. What does this represent for us Christians?
‘42’ is also represented by other numbers. 42 months = 1260 days = 3 ½ years.
also 42 = 7 x 6 - one short of 7 x 7 the period of the Church preaching before the end.
2 witnesses - They may represent Moses & Elijah & / or Law and the prophets (as in the transfiguration) & / or Christ & Church (Acts 1 v 8). Think about how, in the Bible, God often gives the same message over and over again.
Why do you think sackcloth?
2 Olive trees – See Zechariah 4 (symbol of the Holy Spirit) who anoints and empowers
2 Lampstands. What did this mean in the first gallery? (1 v 20)
v 5 How are they pictured as being safe? (as in Zechariah 2)
v 6 They have authority to preach. To preach what?
v 7 How is the persecution of the Church pictured?
v 8 How is this world in which we are witnesses pictured? What does ‘Sodom’ represent?
What does ‘Egypt’ represent? (e.g., Genesis 18 & Exodus 3 v 7)
v 9 - 10 How does this picture that sometimes the Church will go under? Can we think of examples of this in history?
v 11 How is the reappearance of the Church pictured?
v 12 How is the Church pictured during this time? (as in v5; 6 v 9; 7 v 14)
v 13 hints at the anger of God (as in 10 v 4 - the 7 thunders)
2. Now stand back from the details. Try to see the big picture. What is the simple message of these verses? How does it speak to you? What does it say about the priorities of the Church? How does your church measure up? Pray for the Church.
7th Trumpet & third woe v 15 - 18
Why is this a woe? See v 18
How many repetitions from chapters 4,5 & 7 can you see?
What is new about the kingdom reign? What is taking place?
At this point, we have arrived at the end.
From now on in Revelation everything will be repetition, - look out for them. The structure is like endless loops, building up our big and simple picture of God’s victorious plan. And yet each verse from now on will give us a new perspective on what we have read already.
Revelation 11 v 19 – 15 v 4 The fourth gallery of pictures
First, it may be helpful to briefly remind yourself of the unfolding structure of Revelation and its themes.
1. 7 letters to the Churches The Church as Christ sees us
A vision of the Lord The Church must be watchful & faithful
2. 7 seals Suffering as God sees it
An experience of worship The Lord is in control, the Church is sealed and safe
3. 7 trumpets Suffering is a warning
Eating a scroll and measuring The word must be preached - to warn
4. First, read 12 v 1. Where are we?
Second, read 12 v 7. What is happening?
This is the theme of this 4th gallery of pictures. -The heavenly war behind our earthly suffering.
Now read 11 v 19. It both continues the pictures of 11 v 18, and sets the scene for this 4th gallery of pictures. What does the Ark of the covenant signify for God’s people in the wilderness? (E.g., Numbers 10 v 33, 35; Joshua 3). How does this speak to Christians today, as we face spiritual warfare?
How is God pictured in this verse (and in 11 v 18)?
Chapter 11 v 19 – 12 v 17 A sign – War in heaven
The theme of this gallery of pictures is introduced by a sign. We see into the war in heaven that is behind our earthly struggles.
As in the previous chapters don’t get tied up in the detail. Just note how these pictures are all from the Old Testament. Then stand back and look for the simple message.
v 1-2 Who is the woman? Genesis 3 v 15, Genesis 37 v 9.
She is a picture of God’s people of the Old Testament and the Church now.
v3, 9, 10 Who is the dragon?
heads = authority; crowns = royal ("prince" John 14v30); horns = power (e.g., Daniel chs 7 & 8)
“Satan” means accuser – look at Zechariah 3 v 1 - 2
v 5 Psalm 2, especially v 9. When was this fulfilled?
v6 The wilderness is the place where they escaped from Egypt (dragon). Hosea 13 v 5.
This is a place of suffering but safety.
v 1 - 6 Now try and summarize the theme of these verses.
The dragon tries to kill the woman and her offspring, but they are safe.
Can you see how this is part of the story behind the Old and New Testaments?
v 7 - 12 The same picture from another view: Michael.
What happens to the dragon? Who has the victory? Why? (see also Romans 16 v 20)
v 13 - 18 The same picture from another view: The descendants
v 17 Who are the descendants?
v 14 Eagle - Exodus 19 v 4
v 15 Water - Exodus 15 v 12
The descendants will be attacked by the dragon, but they will be kept safe
Now stand back and see the whole picture. Try to summarize this chapter in one sentence.
In what way is it a picture of the Church today and down the centuries?
How does it give you confidence in your prayers?
Can you see a similarity between the discernment and confidence of this picture and Paul in Ephesians 6 v 12?
Introduced by a sign chapter12 war in heaven
Each of the 7 pictures is introduced by the words “and I saw”
The 1st picture of war 13 v 1- 10 war between the beasts and God's people
This is like the first picture in many ways.
v 1 – 4 This is based on Daniel chapter 7. Dan 7 v 17 beast = empires
v 2 Who is behind empires?
v 3 What happens when one empire falls?
v4 What examples of this can you see in history?
v 5 -10 What does the beast do?
What is it given? For how long? What must God's people have?
The 2nd picture of war 13 v 11 – 18 a lamb – like beast
v 11 - 18 The second beast is the same as the first beast. But the focus is on false religion (it is like a "lamb"). E.g., the Roman emperors were claiming to be 'God'.
Who is behind false religion?
How do they deceive people to follow them? (see also Matthew 24 v 23-4)
What examples do you see today?
v16 - 18 This is an invisible mark of ownership. How is this different from Rev.7 v 3?
What initiation rites do you see in false religions today?
"What is the number of the beast? It is a human number!" (the word "meaning" is not in the Greek).
Some people have thought this verse is cryptic and refers to one person or institution. It is unnecessary to see this verse as difficult or mysterious. The picture is fairly obvious within its context. Look again at v 11 – 18 and especially v 16 – 18. We have seen how all numbers in Revelation are pictures. This number, - 666, is not a divine number. We are told clearly in v 18 that it is man’s number. False religions of all kinds are human inventions, not divine revelation. The reader of this chapter is called to exercise “wisdom” (v18) – to examine and discern in their own culture and time, what is trying to lead God’s people astray.
Pray for the Church in the world:
- the temptation to be led astray by false ‘truths’
- to have discernment in all matters
- to discern what is merely human
- to wage spiritual battle
The 3rd picture of war 14 v 1 - 5 The Lamb and his followers
(This is a repetition of ch 7 v 2 - 17, following on from Psalm 2 v 6 & Rev 12 v 5).
Look back on your notes of 7 v 2 – 17.
v 4 - 5 What marks them out as different from those marked by the beast?
(virginity is a picture of holy commitment to the Lamb, opposite of the prostitute of ch 17)
The 4th picture of war 14 v 6 - 13 The eternal gospel
(angels have spiritual messages. Call to worship the one true God. Satan's world is doomed)
What does the first angel proclaim? (Psalm 2 v 11)
What does the second angel proclaim? Jeremiah 51 v 8 anticipates sixth set of pictures ch 17
What does the third angel proclaim? (Psalm 2 v 5, 12) anticipates fifth set of pictures ch 15
Look also at Isaiah 51 v 22 & 23.
What is the Church called to do?
Can you think of how this theme has been presented already in other galleries?
(e.g., 1 v 9; 2 v 3; 2 v 10; 2 v 13, 19; 3 v 10; 6 v 9; 13 v 10)
V 13 The promise of eternal 'sabbath' anticipates the last picture in chs 21 - 22
The 5th picture of war 14 v 14 - 20 The announcement of Judgment
The picture follows on from Isaiah 63 v 1 – 6. Find the links.
What do these 3 angels announce and do?
In what way does this repeat and add to the 4th picture?
The 6th picture of war 15 v 1 God's wrath is complete
The 7 last plagues are detailed in chapter 16 - announcing the theme of the next gallery
The 7th picture of war 15 v 2 - 4 Songs of victory
It is similar to the song of Moses in Exodus 15 v 1 – 18. Who will sing it? What kind of song is it?
Look back at these 7 pictures. What is their message to the Church today?
What attitudes should God’s people have to the spiritual battle we should be engaged in?
Has this given you new spiritual eyes with which to see the world around you?
Engage in some spiritual battle of prayer as you end this session.
1. 7 letters to the Churches The Church as Christ sees us
A vision of the Lord The Church must be watchful & faithful
2. 7 seals Suffering as God sees it
An experience of worship The Lord is in control, the Church is sealed and safe
3. 7 trumpets Suffering is a warning
Eating & measuring The word must be preached - to warn
4. War in heaven The heavenly war behind our earthly suffering
A sign of war Call for endurance & faithfulness
The fifth gallery of pictures Seven plagues - bowls of God's anger 15 v 5 – 16 v 21
15 v 5 Where are we now?
What is the significance of the tabernacle / tent of meeting? Look at Numbers 1 v 53.
15 v 6 – 8, 16 v 1.
As you enter this fifth gallery it is helpful to realise that the theme has already been introduced to you. Therefore it makes sense. Remind yourself of this.
6 v 17 (6th seal), 9 v 13 – 14 (6th trumpet and 2nd woe),
11 v 18 (7th trumpet - "anger"), 14 v 19 & 15 v 1 (5th & 6th pictures of war)
16 v 1 - 10 bowls 1 - 5
It builds on the plagues (Exodus chs 7 – 10). An easy summary is in Psalm 78 v 43 – 53. Look at it.
Why did God send the plagues? What character of God did they express? Were God’s people safe?
What conclusions do we reach (v 9, 11 – see also 9 v 20)?
How is v 5 an answer to prayer (see 6 v 10 – the 5th seal)
There is so much here that it repetition of what we have already seen. How many repetitions can you see? (E.g., first 4 seals and first 4 trumpets)
The difference between the seals trumpets and plagues is that now we see suffering as an expression of God's anger on those who are marked by the beast. Therefore, the Church does not experience suffering in this way. God is not angry with us personally. He is angry with sin. We can see how those who do not know Christ experience the anger of God.
Can you summarize the message of these pictures in one or two sentences.
16 v 12 - 21 bowls 6 & 7
This is a repetition of 6th picture of war. Who is it directed against?
Look at how v 15 draws on Matthew 24 v 43 & Luke 12 v 39, and the message to Sardis (3 v 3 – 5).
Look at how v 16 builds on 2 Kings 23 v 29.
Here, the will of the dragon and God become the same. The dragon seeks to destroy. So does God!
How many other repetitions can you see? (e.g., 11 v 13 - 19; 14 v 8, 10)
Bowl 7 also looks forward to 18 v 1 and the next gallery.
How does Bowl 7 sums up the theme of this room?
Some people cannot reconcile the idea of a God of love being also a God of wrath. How does this gallery help you answer that?
How would this gallery give comfort to those Christians facing severe persecution?
Pray for them.
1. 7 letters to the Churches The Church as Christ sees us
A vision of the Lord The Church must be watchful & faithful
2. 7 seals Suffering as God sees it
An experience of worship The Lord is in control, the Church is sealed and safe
3. 7 trumpets Suffering is a warning
Eating and measuring The word must be preached - to warn
4. War in heaven The heavenly war behind our earthly suffering
A sign of war Call for endurance & faithfulness
5. 7 bowls Suffering as an expression of God's anger
A blessing for faithfulness The Church believes that God is just
The sixth gallery of pictures Babylon and the Bride 17 - 18
17 v 1 - 2 What does this tell us about God?
“Adultery” is a common word used in the Old Testament to describe rebellion against God. (E.g., Jer 3 v 8; Mk 8 v 38)
v 3 - 18 The first picture & angel voice
Who is the woman? – Look at v 18. prostitute = Babylon = beast = dragon.
Look at how this picture draws on Jeremiah 51. How many links can you find?
It is the opposite of God's city - Jerusalem, the bride (pure 14 v 4)
Look at how this is drawing together lots of themes from all 5 galleries.
adultery 14 v 8; 2 v 22 (+4 in this picture)
Babylon 14 v 8; 16 v 19
7 heads (& Kings) & 10 horns 13 v 1
blasphemous name 13 v 1, 5 - 6
blood of the saints 6 v 10; 16 v 6
Abyss 9 v 1 - 2, v 11; 11 v 7
names in the book 13 v 8
war 12 v 7, 17; 13 v 7
wisdom 13 v 18
What is new in this picture?
v 3 John is taken to the desert place to see it. Think about how a ‘desert’ is a good picture to describe the world of evil. E.g., Isaiah 14 v 17.
v 2 - 4 she is attractive. See the simple message in 1 John 2 v 15 – 17.
v 5 – 6 her true identity is uncovered to John's astonishment. Look at Isaiah 47 v 3.
v 16 she is destroying herself . See how Jesus also said that in Mark 3 v 23 -6 & Matthew 24 v 7)
Don’t get lost in the detail – especially the 7 & 8 kings. Rather, stand back and see the simple message that this brings – that we have already seen in Revelation.
Is it helpful to think of the world in these pictures of prostitution?
When evil (the beast / kings / tyrants / dictators) is defeated, yet keep on reappearing it can be discouraging. How does this picture help you deal with such discouragement? (Jeremiah 51 v 46)
Pray for nations which are at present going through a similar hard time.
The sixth gallery – pictures 2 – 7 chapter 18 & 19 v 1 - 8
2nd picture & angel voice
18 v 1 - 3 What is the simple message of this picture? (Isaiah 21 v 9)
How does it build on the 1st picture?
3rd picture and voice
v 4 - 20 What is the simple message of this picture
Look at how this draws from Isaiah 48 v 20 & Jeremiah 51 v 6 & 45.
How many “woe”s are there? Who is voicing them?
(How is this different from the 3 woes of the gallery of trumpets?)
How does it build on the 1st and 2nd pictures?
There are some links with the prophesies against Tyre in Ezekiel 26 - 28. If you choose to look at this, don’t spend long! – It is sufficient just to show you Old Testament links.
4th picture and angel voice
v 21 - 24 What is the simple message of this picture (Jeremiah 51 v 37, 42-45, 53-55, 62-64)
5th picture and voices
19 v 1 - 4 What is the simple message of this picture?
How does it differ from the silence of 18 v 23? What are the themes of their praise?
“smoke” see e.g., Isaiah 34 v 10
6th picture and voice
v 5 Whose voice is this? What is the call?
7th picture and voices
What kind of voice and sound is this?
v 6 - 8 What is this picture?
(Matthew 22 v 1; 25 v 1; Song of Songs; Jeremiah 2 v 2; John 3 v 29, Isaiah 62 v 5)
v 9 What is the link with the message to the church in the fifth gallery? (16 v 15)
Stand back and look at the pictures in this gallery. Can you feel the crescendo of the last 3 pictures?
Voices are part of this gallery. What different kind of voices do we hear?
What are the messages and themes of this gallery?
Pray for the Church which often lacks discernment, and fails to hear the call to “come out”.
Worship along with the last 3 pictures.
1. 7 letters The Church as Christ sees us
A vision of the Lord The Church must be watchful & faithful
2. 7 seals Suffering as God sees it
An experience of worship The Lord is in control, the Church is sealed and safe
3. 7 trumpets Suffering is a warning
A taste of the gospel The word must be preached - to warn
4. War in heaven The heavenly war behind our earthly suffering
A sign of war Call for endurance & faithfulness
5. 7 bowls Suffering as an expression of God's anger
A blessing for faithfulness The Church believes that God is just
6. 7 angels The world must be judged
A vision of judgement Call for discernment
Seventh gallery of pictures Revelation 19 v 11 - 21 v 8
19 v 11 Who is this first picture?
How is this different from the first picture of the sixth gallery?
11 - 16 How many different pictures of Jesus are we given?
Only one picture is new. What is the new one? (v13)
v 17 – 18 2nd picture
How would you summarize this 2nd picture in one sentence.
v 19 – 21 3rd picture
Can you see how this is a repetition of pictures in the last 3 galleries?
How would you summarize this 3rd picture in one sentence?
20 v 1 – 3 4th picture
How does picture repeat and build on the themes of the third gallery?
The "binding" of Satan recalls Mark 3 v 27 and Luke 10 v 17 - 18.
As with all numbers in Revelation, the 1000 years is a picture. It should not be understood as chronological nor literal. This picture is a summary of the message to the church in the 3rd gallery.
Satan frustrates us, but he cannot prevent the gospel from being preached.
Can you see the similar message by Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2 v 3, 6 – 10?
v 4 – 10 5th picture is like the 4th picture, but features those who have died in Christ.
This is not as difficult to understand when you stand back, see the simple message, and recall the repetitions (e.g., 6 v 9; 14 v 1 & 9; 14 v 13)
Recall Hebrews 12 v 1. Also Matthew 19 v 28 shows that this picture also includes us.
The first resurrection is our spiritual rebirth. The Church cannot be destroyed.
V 6 – see how this repeats and builds on 1 v 6 & 5 v 10.
The background to “Gog & Magog” is in Ezekiel 38 – 39. It is not necessary to read these chapters to understand the message.
Stand back and look at the two features of this picture (v 4 – 6 & v 7 – 10). What do you like about this picture?
v 11 – 15 6th picture
“Book” – look at 13 v 8 & 17 v 8. Also look at this message in 2 Corinthians 5 v 10
How would you summarize this 6th picture in one sentence?
Before we look at the 7th picture of the 7th gallery, stand back and summarize the message of this gallery. How do you feel? Knowing that the serpent is chained, how does that give you more confidence to preach the gospel? Thank God and praise him.
The last picture and voice 21 v 1 – 8
Many things have already been included in pictures elsewhere. Can you find them?
(e.g., 3 v 12; 11 v 2; 19 v 7; 7 v 17; 1 v 8; 2 v 11; 20 v 14.)
This picture brings them all together in superb clarity.
But there is a lot that is new in this picture. Look at how it draws from and summarizes the message of scripture. There are more scriptures than listed below. Give one scripture to each person, and then share together as a group.
2 Peter 3 v 10 - 11; Isaiah 65 v 17 - 19; 52 v 1; 55 v 1; 61 v 10; Ezekiel 37 v 24 - 28.
Where will this new life for Christians be lived? – In heaven or on earth?
Who speaks? How many times does he speak? What does he say?
Now stand back, and look at this picture and hear the voice.
How do you feel?
Can you also look back to all of the 7 galleries. Can you see how everything is working towards this last picture.
“Come I will show you the bride ...” 21 v 9 – 22 v 5
V 9 takes us into yet another gallery – but with only one picture – more of an experience than a vision. How can we understand this in the structure of Revelation? Michael Willcox (Bible speaks for today commentary) suggests that this 50th picture could be a fulfilment of the year of Jubillee (Leviticus 25 & 27).
Whatever its significance, we can see that it is giving detail to the last picture, 21 v 1 – 2.
If the 7 galleries were giving us divine perspective on our life now, this last gallery belongs to eternity.
First, note that this picture is not new to scripture. Note how it draws on Ezekiel 47 v 1 - 12; Isaiah 54 v 4 - 7; Isaiah 60 – 62; Ephesians 5 v 26 - 27. You can give passages to different members of the group, to share their findings. You are only looking for ‘associations’ – words, pictures and prophesies that are in common with Revelation.
Note also the importance of “measuring” in 21 v 15 – 17. Note how this is part of the message given also in 11 v 1, and 7 v 6 -9 (see the identical numbers in 21 v 16).
The important thing is to stand back and look at the big picture. What are the different strands of message in this picture?
Final instructions 22 v 6 - end
They are fitting instructions not only for this book but for all of scripture.
What promise is made (three times)? (v 7, 12, 20)
What response to that promise is suggested? (v 17, 20)
What truths about Christ are restated here for us to commit ourselves to? (v 13 & 16)
What call is made to the Church? (v 7, 9)
What are the “prophecies”, - the “words”, that should be kept? (“prophecy” means ‘message that God has given to his Church’. – So think back over Revelation ... what has been the message to the Church?)
What invitation is given? (v 17)
What warning is given? (v 18 – 19)
What blessings are given? (v 7, 14)
What grace ends this book? (v 21 – and also begins it! ... 1 v 4)
Can you see how this promise, call, invitation and warning were repeatedly stated in the 7 letters and elsewhere in the other galleries?
It is worth looking at the blessings given throughout Revelation, and to see how they are building up to this final page of the book. It may be helpful to write them out.
1. 1 v 3 .........
2. 14 v 13 ......
3. 16 v 15 ......
4. 19 v 9 ......
5. 20 v 6 ......
6. 22 v 7 ......
7. 22 v 14 .....
Now stand back, and think about these final instructions.
In what ways does it sum up the message to the Church that is given in scripture?
As you look back on your study of Revelation, what insights and message do you want to give thanks to God for?
Ideas for further study
Now that you have reached the end you may want to consider reading it again! It may be that the ‘penny’ did not ‘drop’ until the end.
And you may also like to take a thematic approach to your study. Jot down themes as they emerge, and note how they are repeated. Repetition is not only in order to get the message across. Often the repetition is enlarging the theme, adding to it, and seeing it in another context.
I have enjoyed drawing circles for each ‘gallery’ of pictures, and writing inside all the themes.
Then I have joined the circles together, to show how some themes are developed in the next ‘gallery’.
Then I have drawn lines from themes and written verses outside the circles that link to them.
Standing back, I am amazed at the way the themes weave in and out of each other. It leaves me with no doubts about the divine inspiration of this scripture!
Here are some suggestions about themes you can look out for. It is far from exhaustive.
God : Majesty and holiness
Call to worship
The Lordship of Christ
Meaning of life: Suffering
Wars
Warnings
Satan - empires
False religion
The work of the Church
To call people to repentance
Endurance and faithfulness
Holiness
Psychology for the Church
Assurance (being sealed)
Persecution
War in heaven - spiritual warfare
Hope
Death and its sting
Underlining of Scriptural themes and truths
Satan is doomed
Sin leads to death
The temple
Holiness
The anger of God
Covenant & God's people
Victory
Judgement
The Bride
Eternal life
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