Theme and purpose of the book of revelation

The title of the book, revelation, comes from the greek word for apocalypse and. John did not write it to teach his beliefs, or even to tell people his ideas. The word comes from the greek word apokalupsis, which is used in the first verse. Analysis of book of revelation themes by phd students from stanford, harvard, berkeley. What are the three main themes in the book of revelation.

He began his work, the purpose of this book is to show that the apocalypse is a. Revelation to john, also called book of revelation or apocalypse of john, last book of the new testament. Main theological theme of the book of revelation based on revelation 20. Understanding the seven trumpets of revelation gods purpose gods wrath and mercy during the seven trumpets if separated from the larger context of this book, this chapter could make god appear to be very cruel and unfairly harsh so. Four times the author identifies himself as john 1. The greek name of the bible book of revelation, apoka. The discipleapostle john, who followed jesus christ and witnessed his crucifixion, authored it. Here we are getting conflicting answers, all coming from various perspectives. Having established the macrostructure of the book, we will turn our attention to the three primary themes of revelation. Main theological theme of the book of revelation based on. Revelation describes the purpose of the seven seals. What was jesus message to the church in philadelphia in. The goal and purpose of the revelation the new message.

The new view, therefore, began to argue that none of the events described in the book of revelation after chapters i. For many the purpose of the book of revelation served as only applicable to those of the first century christians. It is a very difficult thing to bring a new message from god into the world, and a messenger has been sent for this purpose a man of true character, a man without a position in the world, a man who can bring and express and demonstrate the grace, the compassion and the power of the revelation. John addressed the book of revelation to the seven churches that are in.

The english title comes from the latin revelatio which in its verb form means to reveal or unveil that which has previously been hidden. Purpose of the book of revelation wbmoores biblical. It is the only book of the new testament classified as apocalyptic literature rather than didactic or historical, indicating thereby its extensive use of visions, symbols, and allegory, especially in connection with future events. The reason most commentaries fail to enlighten the book s contents is because they violate one or more of the three basic principles of sound biblical interpretation. Johns greeting from jesus to the churches says jesus is the ruler of all kings.

The word revelation translates the greek word apokalypsis, which means. In the book of revelation, the apocalyptic hopes of the early christian community find their clearest and most complete expression. I think people come into the book expecting something so unusual that sometimes they dont see that it coheres with. Gods judgment on evil, the establishment of gods kingdom, and the overcoming of the people of god. Here are the key themes from the book of revelation, as listed in the esv study bible. Why would anyone write a book like revelation, which is so different from the other books of the new testament. Most people think the book of revelation is simply a book of prophecy. The focus of this essay will be the examination of the purpose of the book o f revelation. This serves as a great summary to the book of revelation for those looking for a bible study on the book of revelation. Key themes of revelation strength through weakness.

I believe the clear purpose of revelation is exactly what it says it is. The last book of the bible, revelation, is also sometimes called the apocalypse. The apostle john wrote the book of revelation around the year ad 95 from. Jesus christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth rev 1. Book of revelation explained scripture by scripture. John wrote revelation while a prisoner on the island of patmos, approximately 8595 a. What was jesus message to the church in philadelphia in revelation. The major theme of the book of revelation is the destruction of human political systems. This is seen in his judgments, his reigning over history, his being the creator, his defeat of satan, and the unfathomable greatness of his glory. Book of revelation read, study bible verses online. The comforting promise of revelation when you are certain of your future, then you can concentrate on your present.

What main themes are in the bible book of revelation. So, in the end, the book of revelation is a book of hope and promise. The book of revelation also called the revelation of john or the revelation of st. Sovereignty the main theme of the book of revelation is the sovereignty of god. Under these conditions, a christian named john wrote revelation, addressing it to the seven churches that were in asia minor. He wrote it because christ commanded him to do that 1. The book of revelation is gods answer that in the end he will prevail and his final victory of justice over evil will be forever. We see in this book the tremendous results of the cross, twenty six times do we see. Gods purpose for the book of revelation is also clear. It portrays christ as the triumphant king and tells us of his complete and eternal victory over satan. Here bible teacher, and best selling author, michael pearl walks you through the scriptures and explains the true purpose.

The purpose, as our title of this book depicts, is a message of comfort during a time of conflict that ultimately results in a conquest and a victory over the oppressor. Jesus is mounted on a white steed and will come to judge and bring victory. The author of revelation makes no claim of apostolic authority nor does he allude to incidents in the gospel or to having known jesus christ in the flesh. The book of life and the book sealed with seven seals are the same book, because the lamb only received one book in revelation and john twice referred to it as the lambs book of life. The book of revelation is the only book in the new testament that begins by spe cifically stating its source, the revelation of jesus christ, which god gave to himand signified it by his angel to his servant john rev. Through his sacrificial death, jesus christ has conquered satan, the accuser, and has ransomed people from every nation to become a kingdom of priests, gladly serving in gods presence. Both caird and ford thus argue that the purpose of revelation was to prepare and strengthen the christians of asia minor, as adressed in the letters to the seven. Book of revelation overview insight for living ministries. 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. Literary structurea key to interpreting the revelation. The purpose of revelation is eschatological and apocalyptic. Revelation is often described as a the revelation of john meaning the revelation to john1 b.

This book is filled with mysteries about things to come. The revelation of jesus christ about the time of the end the end of the age and what was to come after the christian dispensation. 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. The was the title given to the book in the latin vulgate3. R evelation is a confusing book to most people despite the many commentaries written. The book of revelation main the community network of. The book of revelation is the final book of the new testament, and consequently is also the. Revelation particularly emphasizes gods sovereignty and jesus victory over death. Although the content of revelation changes from one extreme scene to another, there is only one actual theme of the book of revelation, that being the return of the massiah leading legions of angels to do battle with satan, deposing him from his god given throne, and taking dominion over the earth, reuniting the kingdom of god here on the earth. John the divine is an example of apocalyptic writing a form that delivers a message using symbols, images and numbers. The theme of revelation is the revelation of the person and the prophetic program of jesus christ.

Overview of the book of revelation people get ready. It is primarily composed of 14 concepts examples 7 seals, 7 trumpets, 7 vials, mystery babylon, the resurrections, etc. Parts of the old testament, particularly in the book of daniel, are also written in the apocalyptic genre. The book of revelation was likely written between a. The revelation of jesus christ was given to john by god to show his servants what must soon take place. Apocalypticism was not a new phenomenon among christians. This summary of the book of revelation provides information about the title, authors, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the book of revelation.

This word means disclosure or revelation and conveys the idea of laying bare or uncovering. God wants his people to be strong when they suffer troubles. That theme is that the church is under attack and jesus is calling his church to persevere and to hope in his power and victory. The literary genres of the book of revelation are an apocalypse, a prophecy, and an epistle or letter. Included in the discussion will be which john wrote the book. God s purpose for the book of revelation is also clear. A careful analysis of the book of rev elation makes it apparent that there are correlatives or counterparts between the earlier portion of the book and the latter part, not only as to specific symbols used which sometimes appear somewhat at random as well but also with respect to general content and. The clear purpose of revelation love worth finding with. The philadelphian church is the recipient of this letter.