Latest revision as of 16:45, 4 April 2019

By Richard Wakefield (1917-2007)

Introduction

The Book of the Revelation has always exercised a certain attraction to Christians as they desire to see what the future may have in store. Events of the past two years, amazing political changes in Europe and the collapse of the Russian Communist Empire are causing many to return to the Book and to re-evaluate their thinking of the possible course of the future.

To understand "Revelation" (or any other book) we need to know who is the author, his qualification to write. to whom the book was addressed and the reason it was written.

We are told who was the human author . Rev . 1:4 and 1:9 tell us clearly that John was the penman and we find that chapters two and three were written as they were dictated to him by Jesus Christ. Chapter 1:19 teaches that ALL the Book was to be an account of what was being revealed to him. We believe this was John, brother of James and writer of the Gospel of John. He was one of the "Inner three" apostles who seemed to be closest to the Lord and he was the "Disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 13:23, 20a2, 2L220) . He was also the last of the apostles to die, tradition has him dying at a very advanced age.

His intimate association with the Lord during His earthly ministry, his years of faithful service and, above all, the special revelation given to him and the instruction to record it, all qualify him for the job.

The book was written "To show unto His (The Lord's) servants---" Rev. 1;1. Therefore we can say the book is intended to be read, and understood, by those who are in facts servants of the Lord. This should include all who profess to be Christians, and certainly all who have truly been saved through faith in the finished work of Jesus. Unfortunately not all who claim to be saved can claim to be servants! This may explain why many Christians are unable to understand it.

At the time Revelation was written the "Church" which had been in existence a little more than 60 years was undergoing very severe persecution. The Christians knew of the Lord's promise to return and to establish a kingdom on earth. Yet, as those who had seen and heard Jesus died, He had still not returned. Wickedness was increasing everywhere, immorality, violence, crime of every type was universal. And the increasing severity of the officially instigated persecution of the church appeared to threaten its very existence. Was it possible that God was no longer in control? Could it be that, finally, Satan would win in his contest with God?

This Book was written to reassure those of the early Church that God was (and is) still in control, that He has a plan and that all Satan's efforts fit into that plan for God's greater glory.

In our day, we may not experience persecution as did the early church (although it cannot be ruled out if the Lord delays His return much longer) but we do see a tidal wave of evil sweeping over the world as predicted in 2 Timothy 3:1-4, so it is very timely for us to look anew et God's plan for the future. the early church

A simple outline the Book is given in 1:19.

1. "The things which thou has seen" Ch 1
2. "The things which are" Ch 2-3
3. "The things which shaLL be hereafter" Ch 4 -22

1. deals with the heavenly vision of the Risen Lord 2. covers the period from the Day of Pentecost up to the Rapture of the Church 3. is sub-divided:

1. 1. Seven years of Tribulation Ch 4-19
   2. The Millennium Ch 20
   3. Eternity ch 21-22

Before we proceed further we must state our firm c onviction that the Church, composed of all who have been saved through the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord, is to be "caught up---to meet the Lord in the air" (1 Thess. 4:17). Before the beginning of the Tribulation. We will look at this more as we study chapters 3 & 4.

The Things Which Thou Hast Seen

Chapter 1

This chapter is an introduction to the whole Book. We are told in the very first verse Who is giving the revelation and to whom it was given.

Revelation 1:1

The Revelation of JESUS CHRIST! This is not intended to be a revelation of Antichrist (although many seek to find a means to identify him). The central figure is Jesus Christ even though He does not always appear on center stage through the main part of the Book.

This Revelation - the Greek word "Apocalipse" means "Removing the veil-" - was given to Jesus Christ by God the Father in order that the Persecuted church might be able to see the final outcome of the battle being waged by Satan against God.

During His earthly ministry Jesus voluntarily gave up the independent use of some of His attributes so that He might, indeed, be tempted in every way as we are. He gave up His knowledge of the future, "But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angel"s which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father" (Mark 13:32). And on the day of His ascension He told the" disciples "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power". (Acts 1:7).

As we read this introductory verse we can imagine God the Father saying, "Son, in this period of great Persecution, the church needs to know the victory is Ours. It is not yet the time of the end, and the Church must not be given dates but show Our servants that Ile are in full control and let them see the final defeat of Satan". the expression "which must shortly come to pass" should not be understood as indicating ALL the events in this Book were to occur soon after it was written. The process was to begin "shortly" and we will see it beginning in chapter two.

Revelation 1:2-3

The human penman is introduced, John. We have already said that we believe this was John the Apostle, the disciple whom Jesus loved. But here he humbly identifies himself as "His servant". He than pronounces a blessing on those who read or hear what is written in the Book and live with it constantly in mind.

Revelation 1:4-5.

The "seven churches which are in Asia". Asia was the Roman province which included much of modern Turkey (not the continent of Asia). At the time John was writing there were more than seven churches in that area but there are two things we should note,

1. Seven is the number of completeness so we might understand this to mean "to all the churches in Asia". We will find the number seven repeatedly in Revelation.
2. The seven churches specified by name, and in the order in which they are addressed, represent seven stages in the development of Christendom (as opposed to genuine Christianity).

The benediction, Grace and Peace, from the Eternal Father, the Seven-fold Holy Spirit and from Jesus Christ, the Three Persons of the Holly Trinity. Jesus is the faithful' witness in the sense that He fully revealed to us just Who God is so he could tell Philip "He that hath seen Me' hath seen the Father" (John 14:9b) "First begotten of the dead---" The 0ld Testament records three who were raised from the dead in the New Testament Jesus Himself raised three and both Peter and Paul also restored dead people to life but all of these died again, their resurrections were onJ.y temporary extensions of life in mortal bodies. Jesus rose from the dead with a glorified, immortal body. He was raised as the firstfruits, a promise of our future resurrection.

Revelation 1:5b-6

What He has done .f or us and what we ere because of Him. He loved usr He poured out His own blood so that, through it, we might be cleansed from our sin and He has (a1r"ay) made us a kingdom of priests (o" kinely priests) to serve God. This was a timely encouragement to those who felt themselves to be a despised and Persecuted minority.

Revelation 1:7

This verse speaks of the Lord's return to reign. In our studies we will see that He will come first to take His Bride, the Church, from this world before the seven years of tribulation begin. this will be secret, the world will not see Him but, seven years later, every eye shall see Him (those who pierced Him). It will be a time of general lamentation as all the gentile

Revelation 1:8

John breaks into his introduction to give one of the titles of the Lord, Alpha and Omega, the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. We might express it, A to Z, the All Inclusive One. The Eternal, the Almighty.

Revelation 1:9-10

The circumstances under which John received the Revelation. The Roman emperor Domitian had instigated en empire wide persecution of the Christian church. John was banished to the tiny island called Patmos because of his position as leader of the churches in the province of Asia. 0n the LORD'S DAY, the first day of a week, he was "in spirit" (the definite article is not in the Greek). The meaning seems to be that John was so engrossed in the things of the Lord, in meditation on Him as the Alpha and Omega that he was completely unmindful of his body. It is Possible that anyone observing him at that time would have thought him in a coma or even dead.

In this state he heard a loud voice and saw the vision of the Glorified Jesus Christ.

Revelation 1:11

The commission to write all that was being revealed to him to seven specified churches. Probably these seven churches had sent messengers to John, perhaps bringing him material help or, perhaps, to seek his guidance during the time of persecution. But, as we have already said' seven is the number of completeness so this writing is intended for All churches at all times.

Revelation 1:12-20

The Glorified Lord. The Lord is seen in the midst of seven "candlesticks", this should really be "lamp-stands" and these are interpreted as churches. (Every Christian should be a light [Matt. 5 : 14 ] and a church upholds these lights).

This vision is very similar to that seen by Daniel (Dan 10:5-6). There are two signifieant differences, Daniel saw the girdle round the Lord's waist, the position where it would be worn so the long robe could be gathered up so as not to impede work; John sew it higher, indicating the work had been completed and the wearer was at rest. Daniel saw the feet and arms like brass (which speaks of judgement and punishment): John saw only the feet like brass, after Calvary His arms are opened wide to pardon but He will still trample underfoot all who reject Him.

We should not think we will meet the Risen Lord on terms of easy familiarity. Both Daniel and John, men greatly loved (Dan 10:11, John 21:20) fell down at the vision, Paul also fell and was blinded when the Lord met him on the Damascus road. But both Daniel and John were told "Fear not!" We will meet Him and will worship Him and also hear "Fear Not".

The Things Which Are

Chapter 2

In these two chapters, letters to seven churches in the Roman Province of Asia, we have an outline of the development of Christendom from Pentecost into the Tribulation period. Each church was an actual, functioning local assembly at the time John was commanded to write. Probably each had sent a messenger to John on Patmos and five of the seven had problems which needed correction. Today we still have churches with some of the same characteristics and problems so each has messages relevant to us.

However, the order in which they are addressed is very significant.

Revelation 2:1-7

To the church of Ephesus, The Apostolic Church Age

This church had been founded by Paul and had shown great zeal in its early days (see Acts ch 19) From it the Gospel had spread throughout the province of Asia, (Acts 19:26). Now, as John was writing, there was much good in the church but the Lord, who identifies Himself as the One walking in the midst of the golden lamp-stands (the churches, see 1:20) found things that needed correction.

It was a working church, a disciplining and discriminating church on the alert for false teaching but it "had left its first love". It no longer had zeal for the Lord and He warned it to repent or cease to be a "lamp-stand".

We, today, are not certain who the Nicolaitanes were. Most probably they were followers of a certain Nicolaus who taught that Christians couLd compromise with the social customs of their pagan neighbors.

This church represents the Period from Pentecost up to the Roman persecutions at which time it ceased to exist as an entity but became the Persecuted Church.

Revelation 2:8-11

To the church in Smyrna, The Persecuted Church

The Lord identifies Himself as the Eternal, the One who died and is alive. He had no word of censure for this suffering church. He knew their material reminded them of their spiritual wealth.

He predicted they should have "tribulation ten days" and history reveals the church experienced ten separate periods of intense persecution from the time of Nero to the accession of Constantine, 306 AD.

The members of this church were promised a crown of Life as a reward of faithfulness and the promise of eternal life.

Under the rule of Emperor Constantine, this the persecuted church, evolved into the "state Church"

Revelation 2:12-17

The church in Pergamos, The State Church

Here the Lord speaks of Himself as holding a sharp sword. Under Constantine, Christianity was first tolerated, then accepted as the official religion of the Empire.

The church took a firm stand against heresies, especially those which attacked the Person of Jesus Christ but it was prepared to compromise with the world.

The Doctrine of Baalam as shown in the Book of Numbers was that of sexual union with unbelievers leading to idolatry. This, together with the practice of the Nicolaitanes resulted in complete moral collapse, Christians were no longer a separated people.

Pagan temples were adapted to "Christian" use, pagan images became "saints " . And pagan officials were "converted" to continue in their office.

The Lord warns that, if they continue in their manner of living He would "fight against them with the sword of His mouth'.

The historic period foreshadowed by this church Lasted from about 312 AD to about 800 AD when it became the Papal Church.

Revelation 2:18-29

The church in Thyatira The Papal (Catholic) Church

The Lord reveals Himself as having all-seeing eyes and judging (brass) feet. Although He had words of praise for the love, endurance and works most of the passage is that of condemnation!

First He condemns fornication. Here the meaning is "spiritual Fornication", the Bride of Christ seeking union with the powers of the world.

Second is the condemnation of idolatry. Although there was a movement in the Middle Ages to eliminate the idols from the Catholic church, the movement failed, largely because of the opposition from the women of the church , supported by many monks (The "space to repent") Several times there were opportunities for the (Catholic) church to break with the secular authorities but it preferred to hold on to its secular Power.

The Lord says this church will go into great tribulation ! The three earlier churches evolved from one to the next. This church, existing today as the Roman Catholic Church, will continue into, and experience, the tribulation period.

Revelation 3:1-6

The church in Sardis The Reformation Church

This is a very sad message to a very sorry church! By the early 16th century the Roman Catholic church had reached such a stage of corruption and depravity that several men, notably ULrich Zwingli and Martin Luther, felt impelled to speak out and to break with it. This began what is known as the Protestant Reformation. At first the new churches appeared to have vigorous life but the Lord saw that, in fact, they were dead!

The reformation began well but the reformers could not bring themselves to trust in the Lord and break their ties with the civil governments. Their attempt to get back to the basics of Christianity fell by the wayside and, in most cases, the Churches which sprang up as a result of the Reformation. (Lutheran, Presbyterian, Anglican etc) no longer accept Christ as the Only Begotten Son of God who died and rose again for our redemption.

The Lord recognised that some from among the reformation churches would be true to Him and included for them the promise of walking with Him and of eternal life.

Verse 3 is very important because in it the Lord warns the church that He will come as a thief and they will not know when He will come. Therefore we can be certain, these dead churches will be in existence on earth and will be taken by surprise at the time of the Rapture.

Revelation 3:7-13

The church in Philadelphia The Evangelical Church

The church described in this letter is similar to meny churches today. From the very beginning of the Christian church there has always been a nucleus of those who have held fast to the basic doctrines of the New Testament, usually they have been a persecuted minority. Even the churches of the Reformation have sought to suppress them but over the past three centuries "evangelicals", some in the established churches, perhaps a greater number in independent churches, have appeared as the vital force of Christianity. The characteristics of this church - both that of the church in Philadelphia of John's day and of the movement today are:

1. A little strength (or only a little strength)
2. It kept "My Word" (the Bible)
3. It did not deny "My Name" (Christ's divinity)

The Lord's introduction of Himself to this church is as the Holy and All-powerful One who can perform acts which no man can undo or prevent. Perhaps we could read v verse 7 as follows "I know your works, (even though) you have only a little strength you have kept My word and have not denied My name. Behold I have set before you an open door, and no man can shut it". (The Greek manuscripts did not have punctuation marks or sentence divisions.) the Lord has set the open door before them, not because of their little strength but because they have kept His word and not denied His divinity.

Although many think the "open door" means the door to missions or evangeLization, we question this. Men can, and do, close these doors. But in the next chapter we find an open door - IN HELVEN. We believe the "Open door" is the Lord's promise that this church, made up of the redeemed, will be caught up in the Rapture This is further strengthened in verse 10. "I will also keep thee from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world". (Temptation should, in this passage, be translated as "TRIAL", that is, the Tribulation). And v 11 has the promise "I come quickly" (or "suddenly")

• The Catholic church (Thyatira) will go into the tribulation,
• The Reformation churches (Sardis) will be surprised at the rapture
• The Evangelical churches (Philadelphia) will be raptured.

Revelation 3:14-22

To the church of the Laodiceans, The Apostate Church

The Lord had not one word of praise for this church! It was "neither cold nor hot". It claimed material wealth but the Lord saw it as "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind and naked". Christ introduced Himself as "Beginning of the creation of God" (or, better, the Beginner of the creation of God) suggesting this church was denying His eternal existence.

Most commentators see this church as the Apostate church of II Thessalonians 2:3. They believe the "falling away" ("apostasy") refers to many professing Christians departing from their faith - and we certainly see much of the so-called church leaving the fundamental beliefs However we suggest that this "Laodicean" church will reach its fruition AFTER the rapture of the true church!

In this view we can understand II Thes. 2'.3 to mean: the Day of Christ will not come' except there come first a departure (going or falling away) of the true church - the Rapture - and then Antichrist may be revealed. If our view is correct' the Laodicean church represents the church which will remain on earth, together with the persecuted Thyatira (Catholic) church, during the period. It will continue to exist and be wealthy during the first three and e half years of tribulation by not stressing Christian doctrine - neither cold nor hot! Then it may become part of the church of Antichrist!