In the biblical context, the concept of community is deeply rooted in the nature of God and His relationship with humanity. From the very beginning, God designed humans to live in community, as seen in Genesis 2:18, where God declares, "It is not good for the man to be alone." This foundational principle underscores the importance of relationships and communal living.

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of community life among the Israelites. The nation of Israel itself was a community chosen by God to be His people, as stated in Deuteronomy 7:6: "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession, above all peoples on the face of the earth." The Israelites were called to live according to God's laws, which included provisions for justice, care for the poor, and communal worship, as seen in Leviticus 19 and Deuteronomy 15.

In the New Testament, the concept of community is further developed through the teachings and actions of Jesus Christ. Jesus emphasized love and unity among His followers, as seen in John 13:34-35: "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." The early church exemplified this communal living in Acts 2:42-47, where believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer, sharing their possessions and caring for one another's needs.

The Apostle Paul also addressed the importance of community in his epistles, using the metaphor of the body to describe the church. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Paul explains that believers are like different parts of a body, each with unique functions but all essential to the whole. This imagery highlights the interdependence and unity that should characterize Christian community.

Revelation

Revelation in the Bible refers to the disclosure of divine truth and knowledge to humanity. It is through revelation that God makes Himself known, His will, and His purposes. The Bible itself is considered the ultimate revelation of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit and authoritative for faith and practice.

The Old Testament records various forms of revelation, including direct communication from God, dreams, visions, and theophanies. For instance, God revealed Himself to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3:2-6) and gave the Law on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20). Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel received visions and messages from God to convey to the people of Israel.

In the New Testament, the ultimate revelation of God is found in Jesus Christ. Hebrews 1:1-2 states, "On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. But in these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe." Jesus is the Word made flesh (John 1:14), the full and final revelation of God's character and redemptive plan.

The Book of Revelation, the final book of the New Testament, is a unique form of apocalyptic literature that reveals the ultimate victory of Christ and the establishment of God's kingdom. It was given to the Apostle John through visions and symbols, offering hope and encouragement to believers facing persecution.

Throughout Scripture, revelation is not merely for intellectual understanding but calls for a response of faith and obedience. As James 1:22 exhorts, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." Revelation, therefore, serves to guide believers in their relationship with God and their conduct within the community of faith.