1.

REVELATION SERIES:
An Introduction to the Book of Revelation

Before we begin our study of the book of Revelation, let me suggest that during the
course of time between this study and the next that you read the entire book of
Revelation. Be sure to read it at least once, but if you have the opportunity, a second
reading of the book will also be helpful.

As we work our way through the book of Revelation it will be useful to read through the
study prior to attempting to answer any questions in it and prior to looking up any of
the references. Once read through I suggest going through the study again (perhaps in
your next study session), but this time looking up the references and answering the
questions. Once you have done this, a further study session could be used for doing
research into the Individual Discovery questions that are asked at the end of each study
as a way for preparing for the next study in the series.

Of course you may choose to use the study notes any way you wish, yet the above
suggestions seem to me to be the way to use these studies for the greatest profit. A
further suggestion for maximum profit in the use of these studies would be to use them
in a group situation in the format suggested above.

1.1 PREFACE

The Book of Revelation has been a battleground of controversy for centuries. As I put
forward these studies for your consideration, I acknowledge that I am entering a field
upon which many greats have previously tread. Many have made useful contributions,
and others less useful contributions. I am among the lesser sort. I recognize that I am far
from those great ones who have gone before and sought to comment on the book of
Revelation.

My purpose in these studies is to help the average Christian to better understand this
book, from what I consider to be a Biblical perspective. I am still learning and therefore
do not claim any form of infallibility, though I am fully persuaded as to the orthodoxy of
this interpretation.

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These studies are dedicated to the Northlake’s Reformed Baptist Church, which was
formed during the exposition of this book on Sunday evenings. These studies have as
their basis the studies given during those months of Bible study together. May you find
these studies a helpful reminder of what we learnt together during those days, as well
as a further building upon those studies for your profit.

So I put these studies forward for your consideration, trusting that you will ‘prove all
things; hold fast that which is good.’ I ask you to consider carefully the Biblical evidence
that is put forward, searching the Scriptures to find out if these things be so.

1.2 INTRODUCTION

‘Revelation’ and its alternative title ‘Apocalypse,’ comes from Latin and Greek words for
‘unveiling.’ In this regard the title refers to the supernatural unveiling of that which is
about to take place.

The title of ‘Apocalypse’ has been used to classify a whole class of writings, especially
Jewish writings, which appeared between 200BC and 100AD. These writings are known
as Apocalyptic Literature. Examples of this type of literature can be found in the Biblical
books of Isaiah, Daniel and Revelation.

An apocalypse claims to be a divine disclosure or unveiling, usually through a heavenly

intermediary to some prominent person from the past (Rev 1:1). In such disclosures God
promises to intervene in human history, thereby bringing times of trouble to an end and
destroying all evil and wickedness.

QUESTION: Why is this book called ‘Revelation?’

1.3 AUTHOR OF REVELATION

The Book of Revelation claims for itself two authors. The first and obvious Author is God
Himself (1:1; 2 Tim 3:16) and the other is John (1:1,4,9; 22:8).

Is this John the apostle John? The apostle usually never mentions his own name (John,
1-3 John), which has led some to believe that this is not the apostle. Yet by calling
himself simply John, the author was obviously someone well known throughout the
Asian region. So is this the apostle?

Some, like Dionysius of Alexandria (300 AD) and Eusebius, ascribe the Book of
Revelation to another John, perhaps John Mark, or even a John who lived at Ephesus.
Yet there is a strong tradition that tells of the apostle John being banished to Patmos
(1:9) and that his closing years were spent in the Asian church of Ephesus.

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The early church is almost at one in ascribing authorship to the apostle John. Early
ascriptions to the apostle include Justin Martyr (140 AD), Irenaeus (180 AD - a disciple of
Polycarp, who had been a disciple of John), the Muratorian Canon (200 AD), Clement of
Alexandria (200 AD), Tertullian of Carthage (220 AD) and Hippolytus (240 AD).

Internal evidence also suggests that the apostle John was the human author, with
striking similarities in construction and expression to the Gospel of John (see Jn 3:36;
Rev 22:17; Jn 1:1; Rev 19:13; Jn 10:18; Rev 2:27; Jn 20:12; Rev3:4; Jn 1:29; Rev 5:6).

1.4 DATE OF COMPOSITION

As regards the date when Revelation was written, the following quotes from Irenaeus
should be considered.

‘For that was seen not a very long time since, but almost in our day, toward the end of Domitian’s reign.’

‘... the church in Ephesus, founded by Paul, and lived in by John until the time of Trajan (98-117 AD), is a
true witness of the traditions of the apostles.’

Irenaeus

It is thought that the epistle of Revelation to the seven churches of Asia was written
toward the end of Domitian’s reign, a time when banishment was a common
punishment for Christians.

QUESTION: Why should the witness of Irenaeus be taken seriously?

1.5 THE RECIPIENTS

The Book of Revelation has been subject to many interpretations. For many it is a book
for our day only, but if this is so, why was it addressed to the Christians of John’s day
who were suffering and being persecuted in the Province of Asia Minor (1:4,11)?

It was a book written to the Asian believers of John’s day, intended as a comfort for
them, being God’s answer to the prayers of these persecuted saints. It was more than
likely a circular letter, specifically to the seven churches of Asia (Ephesus, Smyrna,
Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea) and as such, lent itself to quick
reception throughout the Asian region.

But it is also a book for us today, note especially the following reasons:

1. It is typical of persecution throughout the ages (Mt 24:29,30; 2 Tim 3:12).

2. Many of the principles and prophecies are very broad and span the centuries.

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 3. The letters to the seven churches could suggest completeness and therefore are
for the church as a whole.
4. All who read the book and hear are blessed, and the warnings are addressed to
all (1:3; 22:18,19).

QUESTION: How will understanding who the book was written to, aid in interpretation of
the book?

© All Bible Studies by the author may be freely copied, printed and distributed. We ask only that they
remain unedited (unless approved by Kevin Matthews) and contain the Aussie Outpost name and website
URL: http://particularbaptist.com This Bible Study is by Kevin Matthews. It is asked that this notice be
included as is. Thankyou.

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