Like all books of the bible, revelation was written in a particular time and place. Book of revelation overview church of jesus christ. Within the book, youll find references to all other parts of the bible, so reading it is really not enough. The bible, the book of mormon, and continuing revelation duration.
But peter williamsons revelation has opened me to the wisdom and yes, the practicality, of this mysterious book. But maybe the most significant point to make is why we have to ask the question in the first place. But it is a profoundly catholic work that reveals christ for who he is lord of the cosmos and is full of rich. David reagan presents an overview of the entire book of revelation, covering the book chapter by chapter. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant john. Why is the book of revelation difficult to understand. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it. At the other end of the spectrum are those who think revelation is too difficult to understand and give up trying. He emphasizes that the book of revelation is not difficult to understand.
Sixty years ago, respected nazarene scholar ralph earle wrote. Its complex imagery and visions can be very difficult to understand and interpret. This might have been in part to avoid persecution because the roman empire is almost cert. So, the divine author of revelation is jesus christ and the human author is the apostle john. The book of revelation starts with this is a revelation from jesus christ, which god gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place.
Why is the book of revelations so difficult to understand. Over the centuries, the church has presented countless interpretations and theories about the meaning and significance of this. Therefore, interpreting the book of revelation is not so much about eschatology the study of last things as it is about hermeneutics correctly interpreting the bible. Core christianity 6 tips for reading the book of revelation. 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.
How has the book of revelation been interpreted through. In a grand way, it is not so hard to understand because it begins with people on earth and ends with the same people in heaven. Reading the book of revelation 1256 words 123 help me. In the book of revelation, the apocalyptic hopes of the early christian community find their clearest and most complete expression. The book of revelation is difficult to understand and inspires a wide range of questions, especially since there are many. The chapters follow each book of the bible, and the verses and views are laid out in an outline format. The book of revelation is generally considered one of the most difficult books to understand, not without good reason. How can we understand the book of revelation in the bible. Many find the book of revelation difficult to grasp, but god intended it for us and will help us as we strive to understand and apply its teachings. The book of revelation is the only book in the bible, that i know of, that has a blessing associated with it for those who will read itnot once but twice. Few today would contest the claim that the book of revelation stands as one of the most controversial, complicated, and esoteric books in the new testament canon.
The book of the revelation of jesus christ is a fascinating prophecy of the end times. As a result of this, there are multiple understandings of the way in which the author of revelation has laid out the book, focusing on different aspects and. A book cannot mean what it could never have meant to its author or first readers. Useful was not a word i would have used to describe the book of revelation until recently. This is especially difficult for people who try to use it as a prediction of historical events in the future. The simple answer is the obvious one it is part of the bible and therefore should be read. 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. Revelation articles resources from ligonier ministries. In the first chapter, the risen and exalted christ is speaking to john. The things john had already seen are recorded in chapter 1. Opening the wisdom of revelation for me the book of revelation has always been formidablehard to understand, difficult to apply to my life.
It is important to apply proper bible study methods also called hermeneutics to understand revelation. Few today would contest the claim that the book of revelation stands as one of the most controversial, complicated, and esoteric books in the. The book of revelation is notoriously difficult to understand. Understanding the book of revelation does not begin by choosing a school of interpretation rather, it should begin by settling how we understand any book of the bible. The book of revelation is similar to other literature of the time thats called apocalyptic, which typically includes visions, global clashes, endoftheworld warnings, and many, many symbols. Apr 28, 2015 the book of revelation is similar to other literature of the time thats called apocalyptic, which typically includes visions, global clashes, endoftheworld warnings, and many, many symbols.
Apocalypticism was not a new phenomenon among christians. Jun 27, 2010 why is the book of revelation difficult to understand. The following can aid you as you go forward with your study of revelation. There are two opposite reasons why something could be difficult to understand. The book was addressed to 7 churches, but repeatedly uses the phrase, he who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit says to the churches. The book of revelation is difficult to understand and inspires a wide range of questions, especially since there are many competing interpretations. This name indicates the meaning of revelation it uncovers matters that had been hidden and discloses events that would happen long after it was written. There is far too much detail to explain in one article so here i will only point out one of the major themes that run throughout the book. The examination of the book of revelation by those seeking to understand and explain its structure has been one of the most difficult tasks undertaken by biblical literary critics. The book takes challenging verses and passages head on, and presents various views and analysis of which one is most likely correct from a conservative christian standpoint. The liberal theologian has tried to make it a difficult book, and the amillennialist considers it a symbolic and hardtounderstand book. John wrote these things down so that we could know about them too. May 25, 2007 revelation is not difficult to understand. Sproul august 22, 2018 without question, the book of revelation is difficult to understand.
Revelation catholic commentary on sacred scripture kindle. Perhaps it should come as no surprise, then, that its reception by the early church was equally complicated and controversial. Jesus speaks to john and tells him in the first chapter, rev. We were convinced that revelation was the key to understanding todays headlines. In some cases, revelation identifies figurative aspects in. Johns book is difficult to understand because god showed him amazing things hed never. Apr 01, 1998 of all the books of the bible, few are as fascinating or as bewildering as revelation. It is, of course, the cryptic symbolism of revelation that makes it challenging to understand. And not only read it, but study it and meditate on it. The book is difficult, but it also promises a blessing to those who hear and keep what is written in it 1. This can assist in determining which aspects are literal and which are figurative. Nov 23, 2018 five tips to help you understand the book of revelation. So the lush imagery and the complicated imagery of revelation, has been one of.
The church of jesus christ of latterday saints 173,964 views 2. The apocalypse, or revelation to john, the last book of the bible, is one of the most difficult to understand because it abounds in. But all the particulars between those points can be challenging to understand. The greek name of the bible book of revelation, apoka. Its title is derived from the first word of the koine greek text. Book of revelation overview through the prophet joseph smith, the lord has given us vital keys to understanding the book of revelation, particularly the meaning of the seven seals. Of all the books in the bible, the book of revelation is one of the most difficult to understand. Why is the book of revelation so hard to understand.
Questions about the antichrist, the millennium, and many others a are sharply disputed among bible teachers today. Because it possibly on purpose use insider language and pictures to give its message. Johns book is difficult to understand because god showed him amazing things hed never seen before, things that he couldnt always explain with. Interpreting the book of revelation has been approached in many ways. A simple outline for the book of revelation is found in revelation 1. Williamson has doggedly researched the best biblical scholarship. The author was probably a christian from ephesus known as john the elder. The first blessing is in the first chapter of revelation in verse 3. The book of revelation is undoubtedly difficult and full of mysteries. Grant osbornes commentary on revelation begins with a thorough introduction and the many difficulties involved in its interpretation. Jan 02, 2020 a simple outline for the book of revelation is found in revelation 1. Christ tells john to write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. The book of revelation is often difficult to understand.
Even some of our premillennialists are trying to demonstrate that it is weird and wild. A2a why is the book of revelation so difficult to understand. He wrote the book after god showed him special events that would happen in the future. The book of revelation, a prophecy of warning and hope. Understanding the book of revelation how can i do it. Jun 17, 2008 here are seven reasons why we should not avoid difficult books in the bible like revelation. The book of revelation is both difficult and fascinating. He demonstrate over and over that if you will accept its plain sense meaning, you will understand it.
Take the extra time to study it and cross reference. Mar 01, 2000 the book of revelation contains some of the most difficult passages in scripture. But whatever the challenges, one thing is very clear in the book, and that has to. The book of revelation was written sometime around 96 ce in asia minor.