The book of revelation can be interpreted from three standpoints. Interpretation understanding the book of revelation. The theme of the book is the events leading up to the jesus second coming. Charts on the book of revelation is a useful supplement to. Flemish apocalypse manuscript 15th century in daily mass we have recently been reading from the book of revelation. Charts on the book of revelation is a useful supplement to courses on the book of revelation in both the church and the academy. Book of revelation for dummies cheat sheet dummies. What this book reveals or unveils is jesus christ in glory. As stated in my introduction, the book of revelation is not. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading understanding the book of revelation. The book of revelation must be taken literal whenever possible. In our study of the book of revelation, we must start out with the clear understanding that. Book of revelation explained scripture by scripture. The key to understanding is the mysterious book of revelation is comprehending its story flow.
Interpreting the symbolism in the book of revelation. Mar 22, 2020 does anyone really understand the book of revelations. Ten keys for interpreting the book of revelation digital commons. Franciscan father stephen doyle provides a catholic commentary on the book of revelation and explains that todays people do not understand what the. In this view, the book contains neither historical allusions nor predictive prophecy. Whether were looking for gospel meaning or struggling with understanding revelations in the bible, ben witherington iii, author of the article asking the right question, says historical bible study can help us find our way.
This book by gregg, on the other hand, is a detailed, versebyverse commentary, with the text divided into paragraphs, and each paragraph followed by four parallel columns. A testimony of jesus christ is a commentary that explains some of the mysteries of revelation. Keys to understanding revelation united church of god. The time for understanding the book of revelation is now at hand. The preterist approach emphasizes the historical context of revelation. Understanding the book of revelation pdf download download. Includes definitions, symbols, ways of approaching the text, and different interpretations. Like all books of the bible, revelation was written in a particular time and place to particular people.
Key to understanding commentaries on revelations is knowing the position. But god is working out a supreme master plan, involving every human being. Does anyone really understand the book of revelations. The book of revelation is a fascinating book, and the debate regarding its interpretation will continue. Go to the bottom of that page to see the index chapters, which are hot links. Core christianity interpreting the symbolism in the book of. Franciscan father stephen doyle provides a catholic commentary on the book of revelation and explains that todays people do not understand what the author of revelation is talking about. Book of revelation explained a testimony of jesus christ.
Introduction the book of revelation is one of the most encouraging books of the new testament. And so what we have to realize is that in some interpretations of the book of revelationin fact most of themthe interpretation is created by bringing things into. And sometime read it alongside one of the better commentaries. One of the basic rules of bible study is to always let the bible interpret itself. When a chapter or section is finished, you will see at the bottom of the page over the links, go to the next section. An introduction to the book of revelation, including issues in interpretation, ways to understand the time frame of the book, and an outline.
Its title is derived from the first word of the koine greek text. Revelation then becomes merely a collection of stories designed to teach spiritual truth. Bible for many christians, yet one of the most difficult books to understand. The book of revelation is perhaps the most mysterious book in sacred scripture. Unlike most books of the bible, revelation contains its own title. As mentioned before, the books very name means to reveal to unveil, to open to understanding what otherwise could not be comprehended. This framework is primarily laid out in daniel and. God reveals a basic framework for understanding future events. It is commonly read at this, the end of the liturgical year, because it speaks to the passing quality of the things of this world and to the end of the world itself. White is professor of classics and christian origins at the university of texas at austin, and acted as historical consultant for apocalypse. This study of the book of revelation is interpreted from the futurist standpoint. God would not have given it to us if its meaning were entirely a mystery. Yet most people believe that this final book of the bible cannot be understood at allthat its language and symbols are too confusing to make sense.
Understanding the book of revelation kindle edition by. Thus the interpretation of chapter 20 of the book of revelation may be undertaken primarily by applying authoritative bahai interpretations of similar prophetic texts, especially of other passages of the book of revelation itself. Core christianity interpreting the symbolism in the book. Is the modern interpretation of the book of revelation flawed. The futurist approach considers most of the book related to future. One of the first things that help us understand the book is understanding what kind of book it is. The idealist interpretation could also be called the symbolic or spiritual interpretation. The interpretation of the book revelation lamb and. Apr 28, 2015 what can we do to understand the book of revelation.
Understanding the book of revelation pamphlet is a. The book of revelation often called the revelation to john, apocalypse of john, the revelation from jesus christ from its opening words, the apocalypse, the revelation, or simply revelation is the final book of the new testament, and consequently is also the final book of the christian bible. Key to understanding commentaries on revelations is knowing the position of the commentator. Understanding the book of revelation is an excellent christian booklet with revelation bible charts that explain the symbols. The following is the forward and a portion of a chapter from a forthcoming book which, in my view, falls in the latter category. Revelations an appeal for right understanding foreward. In it, john1 talks about the ultimate defeat of evil and the glorious return and reign of the lord jesus christ. Is the modern interpretation of the book of revelation. The signs of christs coming parallel the seven seals.
It is commonly read at this, the end of the liturgical year, because it speaks to the passing quality of the things of. Click on a book listed below which will take you to its introduction page. The classical historicist view of the vision of the angel with the little book, in revelation 10, represents the protestant reformation and the printing of bibles in the common languages. If we did not realize already that it takes a lifetime to understand the bible and thats a good thing, the point is driven home when we get to the last book in the biblerevelation. The book of revelation provides some of the keenest insights in scripture concerning the big picture of work. By the end of the course, the student should be able to. In short, the book of revelation is arguably the most important book you will read in your life time. That book allowed the proponents of each of four different views to present an overall summary of their approach to the book of revelation. The book predicts events which will accompany the end of the world. Many have considered the book of revelation to be a sealed book and unable to be understood. Revelation chapter 12 contains a description of a woman, who is clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars atop her head. Youll find four major interpretive approaches to the book of revelation that can help you read, understand, and figure out the apocalyptic letter of john. Some due to length, have been shortened into continued sections. It should be understood that this writer has spoken to those concerned, and has discussed their interpretations with them at some length.
In appealing for a right understanding of the book of revelation, it has been necessary to refer to the work of those who offer alternative views. Despite our various views, there are some common threads upon which christians agree. In these chapters god tells us what eternity with him will be like. The book of revelation in the bible is one of the more difficult books of the bible to understand. Nov 27, 2018 in daily mass we have recently been reading from the book of revelation. What this school said was too idealistic to be accepted by orthodox bible interpreters. What is the idealist interpretation of the book of revelation.
This view also ignores revelations prophetic character and, if carried to its logical conclusion, severs the book from any connection with actual historical events. The adventists take a unique view applying it to the millerite movement. People have shied away from this book because of its use of symbolism and its cryptic references. While many associate the word apocalypse with great disaster, the book of revelation begins and ends by saying that those who read, understand, and apply its message would be happy for doing so. The apocalypse, or revelation to john, the last book of the bible, is one of the most difficult to understand because it abounds in unfamiliar and extravagant symbolism, which at best appears unusual to the modern reader.
It is also a book of glory, depicting the continue reading is the modern interpretation of the book of revelation flawed. Its meaning is positive, not fearful or terrifying to those who serve god. Wilsons charts cover a range of historical, literary, rhetorical, and interpretive issues that will guide the careful student in making more viable interpretations of this difficult yet enriching book. One of our most fascinating exercises in scriptural interpretation is to study the book of revelation, to ponder its truths, and to discover. However, with just a few tips for understanding certain confusing elements, the book opens up as an important and helpful book for christians. Thus the reformers could say that the roman papacy was the antichrist, entrenched in its false doctrine and deception. Only this view does justice to revelations claim to be prophecy and interprets the book by the same grammaticalhistorical method as chapters, and the rest of scripture. A fun and fascinating way to learn about the book of revelation. Introduction revelation is a confusing book to most people despite the many commentaries written. Reading it straight through in one, two, or three settings is very helpful because you will see connections. Historicist interpretations of the book of revelation. It holds a unique place in biblical interpretation. This view regards the book as a book on church history. It can perhaps be best understood in distinction from the other major interpretations of revelation.
The first step in understanding revelation is to know what the sound principles of interpretation are, and to adhere to them. And no other book of the bible promises blessings to those who read it, hear it and take to heart what is written in it. In the book s last chapter god reiterates that his words were given to reveal and not to be sealed revelation 22. Mar 18, 2019 thus the interpretation of chapter 20 of the book of revelation may be undertaken primarily by applying authoritative bahai interpretations of similar prophetic texts, especially of other passages of the book of revelation itself. Dec 20, 2017 the word revelation means an uncovering, unveiling, a disclosure of truth. Historicism has produced many different, and often conflicting, interpretations of the actual. And there has been much speculation about it some of it bordering on off the wall, but some of it serious and scholarly.
We aim to gain an understanding and appreciation of the central message and style of revelation, so that we will be able to lead the total church membership to profit from reading and studying the book themselves. The word revelation means an uncovering, unveiling, a disclosure of truth. Once we do this, then we must trust that a sensible understanding or revelation must be reasonably within our grasp. And there has been much speculation about it some of it bordering on offthewall, but some of it serious and scholarly.
However, the word revelation comes from the greek name apokalypsis, which means a disclosure, a. The book of revelation was written sometime around. And many religious people believe that the book of revelation offers no help anyway, because it cannot be understood. Interpretive models for the book of revelation as a whole. The reason most commentaries fail to enlighten the books contents is because they violate one or more of the three basic principles of sound biblical interpretation. Parker in their new book, the book of revelation made clear published by thomas nelson publishers brings us a downtoearth guide to understanding the most mysterious book of the bible. It talks about a time when god will dwell with men and he will wipe every tear from their eyes and there will be no more death, or mourning or crying or pain for the old order i. Yes i believe one would have to understand a person in the year 95 ad would understand todays world. Understanding the book of revelation kindle edition by rose publishing. The interpretation of the book the interpretation of the book. The concept of barter is gone replaced with currency i would start with revenation in re. In the books last chapter god reiterates that his words were given to reveal and not to be sealed revelation 22. Understanding the book of revelation kindle edition by rose. Because the book of revelation is written in johns own name, it is related to old testament prophecy, perhaps more closely than it is to apocalyptic.
The key to understanding the book of revelation is to interpret it as literally as possibleit says what it means and means what it says. The book of revelation is the final book of the new testament, and consequently is also the final book of the christian bible. While there are keys to understanding revelation, the book itself is the single greatest key to understanding almost all other prophecies in the bible. Historicist interpretations of the book of revelation wikipedia. Hendrickson publishers, 1989, 371 3 to be sure, many aspects of this revelation are set forth elsewhere in scripture, but not in the completeness or sequence shown john. It starts out simply enough, it is a revelation in greek, apocalypse from jesus christ, it is a prophecy, and it comes as a letter to seven churches. Nov 20, 2008 understanding the book of revelation is an excellent christian booklet with revelation bible charts that explain the symbols.
Jan 02, 2020 in these chapters god tells us what eternity with him will be like. Another key to understanding the book of revelation. In this understanding of the book, the events described therein refer to actual events from the beginning of the church until the time of the interpreter. Yet it is a tough nut to crack, not only because of its intrinsic difficulty but because of the myriad interpretations that have grown up around the book. Every statement is to be taken to mean for exactly what is written unless such interpretation is highly improbable to spiritual reason, or against scripture elsewhere. Revelation uses many signs, or symbols, that are not to be understood literally. But it is not prophecy in the popular and incorrect modern sense of predicting the future. Chapters two and three cover the church dispensation. Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. The real meaning of the bibles book of revelation is a popular, ongoing debate. It is full of strange and often scary imagery, confusing numbers, time references, and much more.
514 530 238 603 1312 789 1337 1433 791 1230 735 115 439 1008 321 424 92 700 1044 1056 1365 688 616 465 1086 898 154 275 840 443 684 324 952 317 1056 471 513 372 904 657 1017 115