Introduction to Revelation

Written by the Apostle John on the Island of Patmos in AD 94-96, the book of Revelation is clouded in mystery as God opens up the curtains and exposes events which will transpire at the end of the world. The word revelation itself means an exposing or unveiling and, in this case, the ultimate revelation is Jesus Christ who finally defeats the evil forces of this world. Throughout Scripture, Christ’s final victory has been foretold but the book of Revelation gives the reader a glimpse of these final days before eternity.

John the apostle was also the writer of the gospel which bears his name as well as 1-3 John. He was the last surviving apostle and had been sent to Patmos for preaching the gospel (1:9) – all the other apostles had been martyred for their faith in Jesus Christ and their unwavering passion for preaching the gospel. There is little argument about John’s authorship of this book having mentioned his name four times throughout (1:1,4,9; 22:8). The early church fathers such as Irenaeus and Tertullian also confirmed the validity of this writing.

The book of Revelation surrounds several visions given to John by God which uncovered details about the last days of the earth and the future destiny of the human race. This writing is a record of these events which John saw in those visions. In the first few chapters of Revelation, John declares his writing to be addressed to the seven churches in Asia Minor (1:4) where he had spent the last several years ministering. His writing was meant to be a challenge for them to stay faithful and look forward to the hope which is guaranteed to those who believe in Jesus Christ. After all, many Christians were feeling the effects of persecution and had witnessed many people martyred for their faith. They needed to see the hope which awaited them. Although things seemed out of control for them at this time, God was ultimately in control and Jesus Christ would put an end to all evil.

As a guide for our study through Revelation, here are the main themes:
John’s Vision and Command to Write (Revelation 1)
Letters to the Seven Churches (Revelation 2-3)
Worship in Heaven (Revelation 4-5)
The Seven Year Tribulation Period (Revelation 6-18)
The Second Coming of Jesus Christ (Revelation 19)
The 1,000 Year Reign of Christ – Millennium (Revelation 20:1-10)
The Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15)
The New Heaven and New Earth (Revelation 21-22)

Dear God, provide understanding for the things which will happen in the future.