Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: The Revelation, also known as the Book of Revelation or the Apocalypse, is the final book of the New Testament and the Christian Bible. It is a prophetic work attributed to John, often identified as John the Apostle, who received visions while exiled on the island of Patmos. The Revelation is unique in its apocalyptic style, rich symbolism, and vivid imagery, offering a glimpse into the ultimate triumph of God over evil. Authorship and Date: The author of The Revelation identifies himself as John (Revelation 1:1, 1:4, 1:9). Traditionally, this John has been associated with John the Apostle, one of the original twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. The book is believed to have been written during the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian, around AD 95-96, a time of persecution for Christians. Purpose and Themes: The Revelation was written to encourage and strengthen the faith of Christians facing persecution. It assures believers of the ultimate victory of Christ and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. Key themes include the sovereignty of God, the return of Christ, the final judgment, and the hope of eternal life for the faithful. Structure and Content: The Revelation is structured around a series of visions and symbolic imagery. It begins with letters to the seven churches in Asia Minor (Revelation 2-3), addressing their spiritual conditions and offering promises to those who overcome. The central portion of the book (Revelation 4-22) contains a series of apocalyptic visions, including: 1. The Throne Room of Heaven (Revelation 4-5): John is taken up to heaven, where he witnesses the worship of God and the Lamb, Jesus Christ, who is worthy to open the scroll with seven seals. 2. The Seven Seals (Revelation 6-8): As each seal is opened, events unfold, including the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, representing conquest, war, famine, and death. 3. The Seven Trumpets (Revelation 8-11): These judgments bring plagues and disasters upon the earth, calling humanity to repentance. 4. The Woman, the Dragon, and the Beasts (Revelation 12-13): Symbolic figures representing the cosmic battle between good and evil, with the dragon identified as Satan. 5. The Seven Bowls of Wrath (Revelation 15-16): God's final judgments are poured out upon the earth, leading to the destruction of Babylon, symbolizing the corrupt world system. 6. The Fall of Babylon (Revelation 17-18): The judgment and fall of the great city, representing the ultimate defeat of evil. 7. The Return of Christ (Revelation 19): Jesus returns as the victorious King of Kings and Lord of Lords, defeating the beast and the false prophet. 8. The Millennium and Final Judgment (Revelation 20): Satan is bound for a thousand years, followed by a final rebellion and the great white throne judgment. 9. The New Heaven and New Earth (Revelation 21-22): The book concludes with a vision of the new creation, where God dwells with His people, and there is no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. Symbolism and Interpretation: The Revelation is rich in symbolism, drawing heavily from Old Testament imagery and apocalyptic literature. Interpretations vary, with some viewing the book as a literal account of future events, while others see it as symbolic of spiritual truths and the ongoing struggle between good and evil. Key symbols include the Lamb, representing Christ; the dragon, representing Satan; and Babylon, representing worldly corruption. Relevance and Impact: The Revelation has had a profound impact on Christian theology, art, and literature. Its vivid imagery and themes of hope and redemption continue to inspire believers. The book serves as a reminder of God's ultimate authority and the promise of eternal life for those who remain faithful to Christ. Topical Bible Verses 2 Timothy 3:16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: Topicalbible.org 1 John 4:1 Hebrews 1:14 Revelation 1:1 Greek 602. apokalupsis -- an uncovering ... Phonetic Spelling: (ap-ok-al'-oop-sis) Short Definition: an unveiling, uncovering, revealing Definition: an unveiling, uncovering, revealing, revelation. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/602.htm - 7k 4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness 2304. theios -- divine 3686. onoma -- a name, authority, cause 3466. musterion -- a mystery or secret doctrine 5538. chrematismos -- a divine response, an oracle 1121. gramma -- that which is drawn or written, ie a letter 3453. mueo -- to initiate into the mysteries, hence to instruct 3661. homothumadon -- with one mind 1936. epithesis -- a laying on, an assault Strong's Hebrew 2378. chazoth -- vision... Word Origin from chazah Definition vision NASB Word Usage visions (1). vision. From chazah; a revelation -- vision. see HEBREW chazah. 2377, 2378. ... /hebrew/2378.htm - 6k 241. ozen -- an ear 4406. millah -- a word, thing 2380. chazuth -- vision, conspicuousness 1540. galah -- to uncover, remove 2384. chizzayon -- vision 2377. chazon -- vision Library Commentary on Revelation Thoughts on a Revelation The Revelation of Sons The Revelation of John The Revelation to which the Scripture of the Old Testament Owes ... The Revelation in a Son. The Revelation Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation The Revelation and Career of the Anti-Christ. The Meaning of Sin, and the Revelation of the True Self Resources The: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics the Epistle of Paul To Philemon the First Epistle General Of John The Kingdom or Church of Christ the Second and Third Epistles Of John Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |