Leader’s Study Guide
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
Divine Author: God the
Holy Spirit
Late date c. AD 90-95
Key word: Christ is Lord
Key Verse: Revelation 19:6
“And I heard as it were
the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the
voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the
Lord God omnipotent reigneth.”
The Story Behind the Revelation
Between AD 66 and AD 70, the prophetic utterances of
Jesus in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 began to be fulfilled. Briefly the
known facts can be stated. In the summer of the year AD 66, a Jewish revolt broke
out in
In broad strokes this was the terrible picture of
death and destruction, violence and chaos between AD 66 and AD 70. The words of
Jesus in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 and the words of John in the
Revelation can be used to paint in the details of this period. What will be
seen is a historical fulfillment of the great tribulation that Jesus predicted
would come upon the generation He ministered to. These were days of vengeance
as God poured out His wrath on those who dared to kill His Son (Luke
Some Bible scholars place the dating for the
Revelation c. AD 90. Other Bible scholars argue for an earlier dating of the
Revelation, prior to the fall of
At first, the statement seems conclusive until it is
remembered that the original work of Irenaeus
does not exist any longer. His writings have come down the centuries from the
Latin version with some exception. In the translation there is a question as to
whether Irenaeus meant to say the vision of the Apocalypse belongs to
Domitian's reign or John himself was seen "no
very long time since." The truth of the matter is that the Domitianic
date cannot be established with absolute certainty from any external evidence.
Furthermore, there is no direct evidence in Revelation itself to
establish a late date for its writing. However, John was told he was to see
things that must shortly come to pass. This is significant for John was writing
to seven churches that desperately needed a message from the Lord. There is
good reason to accept an early date for the writing of the Revelation in that
comfort could be given to the people of God in the first century swept up in
turbulent times that their four great enemies, the Dragon (satanic opposition),
the Beast (political opposition), the False Prophet (religious opposition) and
death (the final enemy), would soon be destroyed. And they were.
The Last Letter: Lord of the Church Chapters 1-3
The Prologue: A Preview of Coming Glory: Rev. 1:1-4
REVELATION
1
1 The Revelation [lit. unveiling] of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
1:1 Many
truths about the ascended Christ will be unveiled to John for this work is not
about the anti-Christ or end time matters. It is about the Lord Jesus coming to
judge the nation that crucified Him and vindicate the saints who follow Him.
Matthew Henry notes “These
events (it is said) were such as should come to pass not only surely, but also
shortly; that is, they would begin to come to pass very shortly, and the whole
would be accomplished in a short time. For now the last ages of the world had
come.”
2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy [divine revelation], and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
1:3 There
are other blessings to be found in the Revelation.
· There is a blessing for those who die in the sphere
of faith (Rev. 14:13).
· There is a blessing for those who are holy (Rev.
16:15).
· There is a blessing for those who are invited to the
marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:9).
· There is a blessing for those who have a part in the
first resurrection (Rev. 20:6).
· There is a blessing for those who are obedient to
the gospel (Rev. 22:14).
Commenting
on the blessings Matthew Henry observes the following.
·
It is a blessed privilege to enjoy the oracles of God. This was one of
the principal advantages the Jews had above the Gentiles.
·
It is a blessed thing to study
the scriptures; those are well employed who search the scriptures.
· It is a privilege not
only to read the scriptures ourselves, but to hear them read by others, who are qualified to give us the sense of
what they read and to lead us into an understanding of them.
·
It is not sufficient to
our blessedness that we read and hear the scriptures, but we must keep the
things that are written; we must keep them in our memories, in our minds, in
our affections, and in practice, and we shall be blessed in the deed.
·
The nearer we come to the accomplishment of the scriptures, the greater
regard we shall give to them. The time is at hand, and we should be so much the
more attentive as we see the day approaching.
1:3 The time is at hand. In the following verses it is revealed that God
lifts the curtain of time to reveal a portion of the future to the Church. Read
Amos 3:7; Daniel 2:28; Matthew 11:25; Luke 8:10.
4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits [Holy Spirit Isa. 11:2; Zech. 3:9; 4:10] which are before his throne;
1:4 The seven churches were located in the providence of western Asia
Minor, which is roughly equivalent to modern day Turkey. Because the Roman
province of Asia included more churches than these seven the question arises as
to why John singled out only seven.
One possibility is that these seven cities may have
been centers of seven postal districts. These seven churches all stand on the
great circular road, which formed a rough circle around the west central part
of the Roman province of Asia. As such, these seven cites served as good
centers of communication for the surrounding districts. Letters in the first
century had to be handwritten, and a letter sent to one assembly would be
passed on to be read by Christians in other congregations.
1:4 The letters to the seven churches called for the Christians to
repent of sin and return to faithfulness and good works; encouraged them to
stand firm for Christ against the temptations, trials, and persecutions of the
Roman Empire; and promised specific rewards to the martyrs who faced death
without denying Christ (Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary).
5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead [Rev. 20:6; 1 Cor. 15], and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved [lit. loves], us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood [sanctification],
1:5 There are three titles of Christ in this passage. Jesus is the
Faithful Witness [of God the Father]; the First Begotten of the Dead [in that
He never died again]; and the Prince [Ruler] of the Kings
1:5 The death of Christ and His atoning work was limited to those whom
He loves and washed “in His own blood.”
If Christ had died for all men in the same manner then there are people in hell
for whom He made atonement for sin.
6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father [glorification]; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
1:6 There are four glorious doxologies in Revelation as per Revelation
1:6; 5:11; 5:13 and 7:12.
7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him [i.e., every eye without distinction not without exception], and they also which pierced him [i.e., the Jews of the first century]: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
1:7 The concept of the Lord dwelling or coming in clouds to the nations
of the earth is taught in other passages of Scripture (Psalm 104:3; 18:7-15;
Isaiah 19:1; Mark 13:26).
8 I
am Alpha and Omega [first and last letters of the Greek alphabet], the
beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which
is to come, the Almighty.
9 I John,
who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and
patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos [a small barren
rocky island 35 miles off the coast of Asia Minor, 60 miles from Ephesus], for
the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
1:9 The small, barren rocky island of Patmos is located
in the Aegean Sea about 60 miles from Ephesus. It was about ten miles long and
six miles wide. Christians were put on the island for political, economic and
religious reasons.
It is
possible that John was no longer on the isle of Patmos when he wrote the
revelation for he says that he “was”
on the isle of Patmos.
Ø Spiritual application. John becomes an example to all believers to
persevere in the sphere of saving faith. Those who endure to the end shall be
saved (Matt. 10:22).
10 I was in the Spirit on the Lords day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
Ø Spiritual application. The Lord’s Day refers to Sunday, the first day of
the week. It is the new day of worship for the believers in honor of the
resurrection of Christ (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2; John 20:19-26).
11
Saying, I am Alpha [the beginning] and Omega [the end],
the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto
the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto
Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto
Laodicea.
Ø Spiritual application. The resurrected Lord does not hesitate to identify
Himself through various titles as very God of very God. The Saviour of men’s
souls is the Almighty One (cf. Rev. 1:8). Christ is able to save to the
uttermost those who come to Him.
12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks [Ex. 25:37];
13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks [lamp stands] one like unto the Son of Man [cf. Matt. 16:13], clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle [in the robe of a judge].
14 His
head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow [a
symbol of purity]; and his eyes were as a flame of fire [a symbol of
judgment];
15 And
his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as
the sound of many waters [signifying authority].
16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance [face] was as the sun shineth in his strength.
17 And
when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me,
saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
18 I
am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore,
Amen; and have the keys of hell [hades, the sphere of death] and
of death.
19 Write the things which
thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
20 The
mystery [hidden truth] of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand,
and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels [messengers]
of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks [lamp
stands] which thou sawest are the seven churches.
Summary
The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches; the seven candlesticks
are the seven churches of Asia; the sharp two-edged sword is the word of God
(cf. Heb.4: 12); and the keys of hell
and death represent authority.
1. What words in Revelation 1:1 and 1:7 suggest that John was speaking to his generation?
Answer. In Revelation 1:1 we read of things “which must
shortly come to pass” and in Revelation 1:7 we read that “they also which
pierced him” shall see Him. Those who pierced Jesus were Jews of the first
century.
2. Of whom does the Revelation concern (Rev. 1:1)?
Answer. This is the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
3. Why was the Revelation given to Christ (Rev. 1:2)?
Answer.
The Revelation was given to Christ so
that He could show unto His followers events which were to shortly or rapidly
come to pass.
4. According to 2 Timothy 3:16 who is the divine author of the Revelation?
Answer. God the Holy Spirit is the author of all Scripture
according to 2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness.”
5. Who is the human author of the Revelation (Rev. 1:1)?
Answer. The apostle John.
6. What title does the author give to himself (Rev. 1:1)?
Answer. John calls himself “servant.”
7. How can a person receive a blessing from studying the Revelation (Rev. 1:3)?
Answer. There is a spiritual blessing for those who
read or hear and keep the words of the prophecy.
8. Study the following passages and tell what other blessings are to be found in the Revelation: 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14.
Answer.
9. Where are the seven churches located to whom John initial writes (Rev. 1:4)?
Answer. The seven churches to whom John writes are
located in Asia.
10. List the seven churches (Rev. 1:4 cf. 1:11).
Answer.
·
The Church of Ephesus
·
The Church of Smyrna
·
The Church of Pergamos
·
The Church of Thyatira
·
The Church of Sardis
·
The Church of Philadelphia
·
The Church of Laodicea
11. The number seven occurs frequently in the Revelation. State what is referred to in the following passages.
Answer.
·
Seven letters Rev.
1-3
·
Seven spirits Rev.
1:4
·
Seven stars Rev.
1:16
·
Seven golden
candlesticks
or lamps Rev. 4:5
·
Seven seals Rev.
5:1
·
Seven horns Rev.
5:6
·
Seven eyes Rev.
5:6
·
Seven angels Rev.
8:2
·
Seven trumpets Rev. 8:2
·
Seven thunders Rev.
10:3
·
Seven heads Rev.
12:3
·
Seven crowns Rev.
12:3
·
Seven plagues Rev.
15:1
·
Seven vials (bowls) Rev. 17:1
·
Seven mountains Rev. 17:9
·
Seven kings Rev.
17:10
12. In light of Isaiah 11:2 what might be meant by the “seven Spirits which are before the throne” (Rev. 1:4)?
Answer. Most likely the passage refers to the gifts
of the Spirit found in Isaiah 11:2.
13. List three titles of Christ from Revelation 1:5.
Answer.
·
Jesus is the Faithful Witness [of God the Father]
·
Jesus is the First Begotten of the Dead [in that He never died again]
·
Jesus is the Prince [Ruler] of the Kings
14. What is the divine attitude towards the saints (Rev. 1:5)?
Answer. The Bible says that the Lord has a deep
abiding and everlasting love for the saints.
15. What has Christ done for His own with His blood (Rev. 1:5)?
Answer. Christ washes or releases the saints from
their sins by His own blood.
16. Are believer’s kings and priests unto God today? If not, why not and if so, in what way (Rev. 1:6)?
Answer. Believers are indeed presently kings and
priests unto God. The kingship of the believer is manifested when the Church
stands in judgment upon sin in society.
17. Must Revelation 1:7 refer to the Second Advent of Christ (Acts 1:11 cf. Heb. 9:28) or can it refer to a coming in judgment upon Jerusalem in AD 70? Use Scripture to defend your answer.
Answer. The concept of the Lord dwelling or coming
in clouds to the nations of the earth is taught in other passages of Scripture
(Psalm 104:3; 18:7-15; Isaiah 19:1; Mark 13:26).
18. What title(s) of deity is ascribed to Christ in Revelation 1:8?
Answer. Jesus is declared to be the Alpha and
Omega, the Almighty.
19. Where was John when he saw the Revelation (Rev. 1:9)?
Answer. As a political prisoner of Rome, John was on
the isle of Patmos.
20. How does John describe himself in relation to the other saints to whom he writes?
Answer. John calls himself a “brother” and
“companion in tribulation.”
21. Why was John on the isle (Rev. 1:9)?
Answer. John was being held a political prisoner “for the
testimony of Jesus Christ.”
22. On what day of the week did John begin to write his vision (Rev. 1:10)?
Answer. John wrote on “the Lord’s day”.
23. What title is given to the voice John heard (Rev. 1:11)?
Answer. John heard the voice saying, “I am
Alpha and Omega, the first and the last.”
24. What did John see when he turned to face a voice that spoke to him (Rev. 1:12,13)?
Answer. John saw one like unto the Son of Man
standing in the midst of seven golden candlesticks.
25. John says he saw one like unto “the Son of Man”. Who is the Son of Man and how is He dressed in the vision (Rev. 1:13-16)?
Answer. Jesus
is the Son of Man (Matt. 16:13 cf. Dan. 7:13). This was the Lord’s favorite
title for Himself during the days of His ministry. His dress is described.
·
Garment. The garment Christ wore
reached down to His feet.
·
Chest. Around His chest He wore a golden sash
·
Head and
hair.
The
Lord’s head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow reflecting His
justice, purity and glory.
· Eyes. The Lord’s eyes were as
flames of flashing fire symbolizing His penetrating gaze of omniscience.
· Feet. The Lord’s feet were like
unto fine burnishing brass, which speaks of judgment.
·
Voice. The Lord’s voice was as the babbling sound of many
rushing waters.
·
Right hand. He held in His right hand
seven stars.
·
Mouth. Out of His mouth came a
sharp two-edged sword.
26. Interpret the following symbols: seven candlesticks; seven stars; sharp two-edged sword; the keys of hell and death (Rev. 1:13, 16, 18, 20).
Answer.
· The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches
· The seven candlesticks are the seven churches of
Asia
· The sharp two-edged sword is the word of God (cf.
Heb.4: 12)
· The keys of hell and death represent authority
27. What was John’s reaction when He saw the Son of Man (Rev. 1:17)?
Answer. John collapsed in the presence of the resurrected
and exalted Christ.
28. What was John commanded to do (Rev. 1:19)?
Answer. John was commanded to write what he was a witness
to.
29. What threefold division is given in Revelation 1:19?
Answer.
·
John was to write of things that he had seen in chapter one.
·
John was to write of things that were present in chapters two and
three.
·
John was to write of things that were to come in chapters four through
twenty-two.
Personal Application and Reflections
1. Do you believe most of the events in Revelation have
been fulfilled historically? If not why not? What part is yet to be fulfilled?
2. Do you believe that Jesus is now, at this moment
King of kings and Lord of lords? If so, of whom is He the king? (see Matthew
28:18-20)
3. Have you ever considered yourself to be a king and a
priest unto the Most High God, not in the future but now? What are the implications
of this concept if embraced?
4. Is the Christian’s Lord’s Day a replacement of the
Jewish Sabbath? If so, in what way and if not why not?
5. How does a person distinguish what is literal and
what is symbolic in the Revelation? What guidelines would you adopt for
understanding the narrative? Be specific.
Revelation 1:4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be
unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come;
and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; 5 And from Jesus
Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and
the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us
from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God
and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
~*~
Summary
Revelation Chapter 2
Summary
Revelation Chapter 2
The apostle John, having in chapter 1 written about
the things which he had seen, now proceeds to write about the things that are,
according to the command of God (Rev 1:19). The text concerns itself with the
present state of the seven churches of Asia, with which John had a special
interest and for which he had a tender concern. The apostle was directed to
write to every one of the churches according to their present state and
circumstances, and to inscribe every letter to the angel of that church. The
ministers are called angels because they are the messengers of God to mankind.
In this chapter we have the following.
· The message sent to Ephesus
Revelation 2:1-7
· The message sent to Smyrna
Revelation 2:8-11
· The message sent to Pergamos
Revelation 2:12-17 and
· The message sent to Thyatira
Revelation 2:18-29
Seven Messages to the Seven Churches
The Message to Ephesus
1 Unto the angel of the Church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
2:1 The city of Ephesus was an important commercial and
religious center in Asia Minor. The temple of the goddess Artemis [Diana] was
in Ephesus. The other churches in Asia Minor looked to the bishop of Ephesus
for spiritual guidance.
2 I
know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear
[tolerate] them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are
apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
3 And
hast borne, and hast patience, and for my names sake hast laboured, and hast
not fainted.
4 Nevertheless I have somewhat
against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
6 But
this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans which
I also hate.
2:6 The teaching of the Nicolaitans included the belief
that it was lawful to self-indulge and worship idols. They also taught that God
was not the creator of the world. Immorality was permissible in order for the
grace of God to flow more freely.
7 He that hath an ear,
let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life,
which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
2:7 Genesis 3:24 records how God set a cherubim to guard
the way of the Tree of Life. The guardian angel was placed there in grace lest
man eat of the tree in an unregenerate state and be confirmed in evil. Now,
through Christ, individuals are invited to freely eat of the Tree of Life.
8 And
unto the angel of the Church in Smyrna [40 miles N of Ephesus] write;
These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is
alive;
2:8
Located in the Roman province of Asia 50 miles north of Ephesus on the Aegean
shore, Smyrna was a jewel of prosperity and culture. A temple dedicated to the
Emperor Tiberius had been erected in the city. As a result emperor worship was embraced
which led to a period of persecution for Christians who would not show their
political loyalty by acts of emperor worship. Polycarp, a former disciple of
the apostle John and bishop of Smyrna became the twelfth martyr. The modern
Turkish city of Izmir has been built over the
ruins of Smyrna.
Ø Spiritual application. The word “church” refers to a called out
assembly. Dr. Mark Dever suggests that a true church will be characterized by
the following.
· Expositional preaching.
· A commitment to a biblical theology that seeks to
understand God's character and His ways.
· The Gospel, which is the message of salvation based
on Jesus Christ.
· The necessity of conversion.
· Evangelism.
· An active membership in a local church.
· Biblical church discipline.
· A concern for discipleship and spiritual growth.
· Biblical church leadership (Nine Marks of a Healthy Church).
9 I
know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know
the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the
synagogue of Satan.
10 Fear
none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall
cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have
tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown
of life.
2:10 Life under Nero was
horrendous for the saints. During his reign many Christians were crucified, put
into the public arena with wild animals, or wrapped in garments to be set on
fire and burned while Nero laughed at their cries. The words of Revelation 2:10
may refer to a literal short and specialized period of persecution. It is
instructive to note there were more official edicts of anti-Christian
persecution following the death of
Nero. Other crowns in Scripture are recognized. There is a crown of
righteousness to be given to all who love the appearance of Christ (2 Timothy
4:9). There is a Crown of Life to believers that endure temptation because they
love the Lord (James 1:12). There is a Crown of Glory, which shall be awarded
faithful ministers (1 Peter 5:4). Christians are to guard their
crowns so that “no man take thy
crown” (Rev. 3:11).
Ø Spiritual application. God does not ask how many talents one has; He asks
for faithfulness.
11 He
that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that
overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
12 And
to the angel of the Church in Pergamos [Pergamum in Turkey, 50 mile N
of Smyrna, 15 miles from the Aegean Sea] write; These things
saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
2:12 Located about 50 miles north of Smyrna and 15 miles inland from
the Aegean Sea, the city of Pergamos [lit. “Thoroughly
married”], better known as, Pergamum was the capitol of the Roman province
of Asia. Pergamos became the center for emperor worship after a temple had been
erected in 29 BC in honor of Rome and Caesar Augustus. The modern Turkish town
of Bergama stands over the historic site.
13 I
know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satans seat is
[Pergamos had a throne like altar to Zeus]: and thou holdest fast
my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in
those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among
you, where Satan dwelleth.
2:13 The mention of Antipas reminds the Christian
community of all the unsung heroes of the faith who have been faithful to the
Lord even unto death. The Lord knows those who are His (Rev. 7:3).
2:13 The
reference to “Satan’s seat” may refer to the throne like altar that the
city had built in honor of the god Zeus. There were other temples as well
including those dedicated to the worship of the Roman emperor.
14 But
I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the
doctrine of Balaam [selling spiritual gifts for personal profit], who
taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat
things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
15 So
hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I
hate.
16 Repent;
or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the
sword of my mouth.
Ø Spiritual application. It has been said that if a person will fear God and
they will have nothing else to fear.
17 He
that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him
that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna [spiritual
food], and will give him a white stone, and in the
stone a new name written [symbolic of God’s favorable verdict], which no man knoweth
saving he that receiveth it.
2:17 During the days of the wilderness journey manna was
the main sustenance of life. It became a symbol for Christ (cf. John 6:48-51).
For a Jew, to eat of manna was to enjoy life itself and beyond that the
blessings of the reign of the Messiah
including fellowship with the Lord (study Exodus 16:11-15, 33, 34).
2:17 It was not uncommon in the ancient wold to carry a stone on which was written the name of a
deity. To know the name of a god was to have power. The Lord was telling the
Church of Pergamos that in as far as they repented and rejected false doctrine
they would have renewed spiritual power with Him. The believers would also have
fellowship with the Lord for the Church would know the name of the Savior. He
is the Lord God Omnipotent.
18 And
unto the angel of the Church in Thyatira [20 miles SE of Pergamos, note
Acts 16:14] write; These things saith the Son of God, who
hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine
brass;
2:18 Located 20 miles southeast
of Pergamos, Thyatira [lit. “Continual
Sacrifice”] was the hometown of Lydia (Acts 16:14). It was famous for a dye
and cloth industry.
19 I
know thy works, and charity [love], and service, and faith,
and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
20 Notwithstanding
I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest
that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a
prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to
eat things sacrificed unto idols.
Ø Spiritual application. Sin is not hurtful because it is forbidden, but is forbidden because it is hurtful.
21 And
I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
22 Behold,
I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great
tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
Ø Spiritual application. The harvest of judgment is sure as soon as the seed
of sin is sown.
23 And
I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am
he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you
according to your works.
Ø Spiritual application. The harvest of judgment is sure as soon as the seed
of sin is sown.
24 But
unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this
doctrine, and which have not known the depths [doctrines] of Satan, as they
speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
25 But
that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth [maintains] my works unto
the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
Ø Spiritual application. The nations of the earth need righteous leaders in
the highest echelons of government.
27 AND HE SHALL RULE THEM WITH A ROD OF IRON; AS THE VESSELS OF
A POTTER SHALL THEY BE BROKEN TO SHIVERS [small
pieces; Psa. 2:8,9]: even as I received of my
Father.
Ø Spiritual application. The rise and fall of emperors and empires, the
constant outbreak of plagues, the raging of nature, the universal guilt, shame
or blame that is manifested when the commandments of God are broken testifies
to the rule of God in the affairs of men. This is a moral universe. God does
not wait until eternity to judge the nations but rules them with a rod of iron
as Nazi Germany, Communist Russia and Islamic Iraq have discovered in more
recent times.
28 And I will give him the morning star.
Ø
Spiritual application. The world crowns success; God crowns faithfulness.
29 He
that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
1. To whom does the Lord speak (Rev. 2:1)?
Answer.
The Lord speaks to the angel [lit.
messenger] or pastor of the local assembly.
2. To which church is the first letter of love addressed (Rev. 2:1)?
Answer. The command is given to write to the Church of
Ephesus.
3. What four commendations are known to the Lord about the Church of Ephesus (Rev. 2:2)?
Answer.
·
The Lord knows their good works
·
The Lord knows how hard the people labor for His cause
·
The Lord knows how much the people hate evil
·
The Lord knows how false apostles have been tested and found to be
liars
4. What condemnation did the Lord make against the Church of Ephesus (Rev. 2:4)?
Answer. The people in the Church of Ephesus had left
their first love or initial devotion to Christ.
5. What threefold divine counsel is given to the Church of Ephesus (Rev. 2:5)?
Answer.
· The Church is to remember from where it had fallen
· The Church is to repent
· The Church is to return to their first works of
salvation
6. What threat was given to the Church of Ephesus if they refused to repent (Rev. 2:5)?
Answer. The Lord told the Church of Ephesus He
would remove their witness from the world.
7. Which religious group did the Church of Ephesus abhor (Rev. 2:6)?
Answer.
The Church of Ephesus hated the deeds
of the Nicolaitans.
8. What was promised to those who avoided the false doctrine of the Nicolaitans (Rev. 2:7)?
Answer.
The Tree of Life in the midst of the
Paradise of God was offered to those who would overcome the doctrine of the
Nicolaitans.
9. To whom is the second letter of love addressed (Rev. 2:8)?
Answer.
The second letter is addressed to the
Church of Smyrna.
10. What title is given to the Lord Jesus in Revelation 2:8?
Answer.
Jesus is called “The First and the Last.”
11. How is Christ characterized (Rev. 2:8)?
Answer.
T
Christ is spoken of as He who was once dead but is now alive.
12. What four facts does the Lord know about the situation in Smyrna (Rev. 2:9)?
Answer.
·
The Lord knows the good works of the Church of Smyrna
·
The Lord knows the sufferings the Church has endured
·
The Lord knows the physical poverty of the Church but declares it to be
rich spiritually
·
The Lord knows the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews but are not
13. How is a false church characterized (Rev. 2:9)?
Answer. A false church is characterized as
being a synagogue of Satan.
14. What is the devil allowed to do to some believers (Rev. 2:10)?
Answer. Satan is allowed to persecute the saints and cast
some believers into prison.
15. How long was the suffering of the saints to last (Rev. 2:10)?
Answer. The persecution would be of short duration, ten
days.
16. What shall those who are faithful unto death receive (Rev. 2:10)?
Answer. There is a martyr’s crown for some to
win and wear.
17. What shall not hurt those who are faithful to the Lord (Rev. 2:11)?
Answer. The second death, which is the Lake of
Fire (cf. Rev. 20:14) shall not hurt the faithful Christian.
18. To whom is the third letter of love addressed (Rev. 2:12)?
Answer. The third letter is addressed to the
Church in Pergamos.
19. What three facts does the Lord know about the Church of Pergamos (Rev. 2:13)?
Answer.
·
The Lord knows the good works of the Church of Pergamos
·
The Lord knows the geographical location of the Church of Pergamos
·
The Lord knows how members in the congregation have been faithful to
Him even after they saw the death of Antipas
20. What two doctrinal errors were allowed to exist in the Church of Pergamos (Rev. 2:14,15)?
Answer. The Church of Pergamos embraced the doctrine of
Balaam who had encouraged sexual immorality and led the children of Israel into
idolatry (cf. Numbers 31). The Church also allowed individuals to remain in the
assembly who held to the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.
21. What is the divine emotional attitude of the Lord toward false doctrine (Rev. 2:15)?
Answer. The attitude of the Lord toward false doctrine is
said to be that of hatred.
22. What does the Lord promise to do if the Church of Pergamos does not repent (Rev. 2:16)?
Answer. The Lord promises to take up spiritual warfare
against the Church.
23. What three gifts of divine grace were promised to the believers in the Church of Pergamos if they were to overcome the spiritual battles they faced (Rev. 2:17).
Answer.
·
The believers in Pergamos were promised to eat of the hidden manna.
·
The believers in Pergamos were promised a new stone.
·
The believers in Pergamos were promised a new name.
24. To whom is the fourth letter of love addressed (Rev. 2:18)?
Answer. The fourth letter of love is addressed to the
Church in Thyatira.
25. What four facts does the Lord know about the Church in Thyatira (Rev. 2:19)?
Answer.
·
The Lord knows about the good works of the Church in Thyatira
·
The Lord knows about the acts of love of the Church in Thyatira.
·
The Lord knows about the great faith the people have.
·
The Lord knows the believers are people of patience.
26. What controversy did the Lord have with the church in Thyatira (Rev. 2:20)?
Answer. The Lord was angry that the church allowed false
doctrine to be taught leading to immorality and idolatry.
27. What two acts of retribution will the Lord visit upon the woman “Jezebel” (Rev. 2:22, 23)?
Answer.
·
The Lord promises to bring Jezebel and her followers into great
tribulation apart from gospel repentance.
·
The Lord promises to kill the children or followers of Jezebel. There
is a sin unto death (cf. 1 John 5:16).
28. By passing judgment upon Jezebel and her children what does the Lord want His church to learn (Rev. 2:23)?
Answer. The Lord wants His people to know that He is
omniscience in His ability to search the reigns [emotions] and hearts
[innermost thoughts] but He is also just in giving to every person a righteous
evaluation of their works.
29. What initial reward is promised to those who do not embrace false doctrine and have not known the depths of satanic depravity (Rev. 2:24-26)?
Answer. The Lord has determined to honor those
who keep themselves from doctrinal error and moral impurity by giving them
authority over the nations.
30. Characterize the present messianic reign of Christ and His saints (Rev. 2:27).
Answer. The reign of Christ is the reign of
righteousness whereby the wicked are ruled with a rod of iron (cf. Psalm
2:8,9).
31. What secondary reward is promised to those who do not embrace false doctrine and have not known the depths of satanic depravity (Rev. 2:28).
Answer. The Lord has promised to give the Morning Star to
faithful saints, perhaps a reference to Christ Himself as per Revelation 22:16.
“ I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the
churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning
star.”
Personal Application and Reflections
1. Because there is often a
delay of mercy in God’s judgment do you think it is easy for Christians to not
believe the Lord will judge His church and so live carelessly? Can you give an
example of this happening either personal or otherwise?
2. What shocking sins of the
professing saints have you discovered in the church? What does this say about
church discipline?
3. How can a Christian
believe that the Lord rules the earth with a rod of iron in light of so much
evil, sorrow and suffering?
4. Do you believe in the “second
death”?
If not why not? If you do believe in the second death what might it be like? Be
please specific in your description.
5. Is the devil a real
personal but spiritual entity or simply a name for an impersonal force of evil?
Revelation
2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the
first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy
candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
~*~
Summary
Revelation Chapter 3
In this chapter there are three more of the letters
of love of Christ to the churches: to Sardis (Rev. 3:1-6); Philadelphia (Rev.
3:7-13); and to Laodicea (Rev. 3:14-22).
1 And
unto the angel of the Church in Sardis write; These
things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know
thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest,
and art dead.
3:1 Sardis was the ancient
capital of the kingdom of Lydia, which was known for its wealth. Sardis was
located about 30 miles south of Thyatira. The city lay in an important river
valley and was a focal point for both trade and military.
Ø Spiritual application. The person and work of the Holy Spirit is vital to
effective Christian living. Without the Spirit there is only spiritual death
reflected physically in the vast cemetery seven miles from Sardis but able to
be seen from the city.
2 Be
watchful and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I
have not found thy works perfect before God.
3 Remember
therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If
therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt
not know what hour I will come upon thee
4 Thou
hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they
shall walk with me in white [a symbol of righteousness]: for
they are worthy.
5 He
that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not
blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before
my Father, and before his angels.
3:5 In the ancient world it was a
common practice for city officials to erase the names of the dead from the
records. Those who are dead or unregenerate shall be removed by the Lord even
though they have a name that they live.
6 He
that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
The Message to Philadelphia
Rev. 3:7-12
7 And
to the angel of the Church in Philadelphia write; These
things saith he that is holy, he that is true, HE THAT HATH THE
KEY OF DAVID, HE THAT OPENETH, AND NO MAN SHUTTETH; AND SHUTTETH, AND NO MAN
OPENETH [Isa. 9:7; 22:22; Jer. 23:5];
3:7
Located 30 miles southeast of Sardis and 70 miles east of Smyrna, Philadelphia
[lit. “Brotherly love”] was founded
in AD 17. The city was located on a mountain pass that provided a trade route
to the Anatolian hill country. Philadelphia was destroyed in AD 17 by a massive
earthquake. Today, the ancient city has become the Turkish town of Alasehir.
3:7
In the Bible a key is a symbol of authority. Jesus is represented as having
ultimate and final authority. The Lord claimed all authority for Himself in
Matthew 28:19. By referring to the key of David, John was drawing upon an Old
Testament incident. There was a king named Hezekiah who ruled over Judah from
c. 715-687 BC Hezekiah had a faithful servant called Eliakim
who was responsible for his entire house. Eliakim
alone would admit those he wanted into the presence of the king. The prophet
Isaiah heard God say of Eliakim, “I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David, he shall
open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.” (Isa.
22:22). For John, Jesus was Eliakim. Jesus alone has
the authority to allow entrance into the New Jerusalem, the city of David.
Ø Spiritual application. Though Christians might
have little strength Christ keeps an open door for service and fellowship.
Believers can be faithful, not because they are strong but because Christ will
not let the enemies of the faith prevail.
8 I
know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can
shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not
denied my name.
9 Behold,
I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are
not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet,
and to know that I have loved thee.
10 Because
thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from [Gr. ek, out of not by escape but by endurance,
Gen. 6] the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all
the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
Ø Spiritual application. It is easy to be animated about the Christian life
in moments of spiritual victory. More often than not faith demands patient
endurance. The church will not be removed from periods of tribulation on earth
because Christ has prayed that the saints not be removed. Study John 17:15 “I pray not that thou shouldest take them
out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.”
11 Behold,
I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
12 Him
that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go
no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the
city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven
from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
3:12 A pillar is a great and honored support. On the
pillar rests the weight of the building. Peter, James and John are declared to
be the pillars of the early Church. Galatians 2:9 “And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars,
perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the
right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto
the circumcision.”
3:12 The reference to a new name may be found in Numbers 6:22-27 where God told Moses the blessing which Aaron and the priests were to pronounce over the people. "They shall put my name upon the people of Israel". To have the name of God is to have it be known that one is the personal possession of deity.
According to Ezekiel the name of the re-created city
of God is, "THE LORD IS THERE"
(Ezek. 48:35).
What the new name of Christ is no one knows at this
time according to Revelation 19:12. The Church knows other names for Christ.
13 He
that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
14 And
unto the angel of the Church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the
Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of
God;
3:14 Located 50 miles southeast of Philadelphia, Laodicea was in the
Lycus River valley near Colossae and Hierapolis (cf. Col. 4:13-16). Despite
being famous for its great wealth the city had to bring water by way of an
aqueduct. By the time it
arrived the water was lukewarm
and produced nausea.
15 I
know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or
hot.
3:15 The sin of the believers in the Church of the
Laodiceans was that of lukewarmness. The people were neither spiritually hot or
cold.
16 So
then because thou art lukewarm [worthless], and
neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Ø Spiritual application. Indifferent people do not change society.
Indifferent people do not change anyone. Only people of passion are useful in
the Kingdom of Heaven.
17 Because
thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and
knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and
naked:
Ø Spiritual application. Spiritual destruction is characterized by
self-justification of evil, self-delusion and self-absorption.
18 I
counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and
white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy
nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou mayest
see.
3:18 From 1 Peter 1:7 we learn that gold tried in the
fire has reference to the sphere of faith being tested by suffering. Through
much tribulation the saints will be tested.
3:18 The Laodiceans were very proud of the white robes they wore in
public. The clothing from Laodicea was famous all over the known world. The Lord
draws from this a spiritual lesson. The spiritual robe of righteousness is more
important than the luxury articles being worn. It was a shame to Christ for the
Church to be without spiritual garments despite their display of wealth. Christ
would have His people clothed in righteousness. The world watches and wonders
at professing Christians caught in spiritual nakedness. God's threat to His
people by the prophet Nahum was this: "I
will shew the nations thy nakedness, and the kingdoms thy shame” (Nahum 3:5).
God will let the world look upon the nakedness of the Church unless there is a
clothing of righteousness put on.
3:18 An eye salve is simply a solution to help the eyes
stop burning or watering or itching. But the eye-salve of old hurt when applied
which meant that the people were hesitant to use it. Spiritually, the
Laodiceans were hesitant to use the eye-salve. It hurt too much. They did not
want to see themselves as they really were. Nevertheless Jesus said, "I want you to see. I want you to anoint
thine eyes with eye-salve." Spiritually, this means to apply the Word
of God for it alone helps believers to see themselves not only as
they are but also as they might be. As Christians look into the perfect
law of liberty they see (James 1:25).
19 As
many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
20 Behold,
I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I
will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
21 To
him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also
overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
3:21 It is easier to understand this verse when it is realized that the
eastern throne was more like a couch than a chair. To sit with Christ is to share
His victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil. “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”
22 He
that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
1. To whom is the fifth letter of love addressed (Rev. 3:1)?
Answer.
The fifth letter of love is addressed
to the Church in Sardis.
2. What does the Lord know about the saints in the Church in Sardis (Rev. 3:1)?
Answer. The Lord knows that the Church in Sardis is filled
with people whose reality does not match the rhetoric of their reputation. They
have a reputation for spiritual life but are really spiritually dead.
3. Define the divine assessment of the works of the saints in the Church in Sardis (Rev. 3:2).
Answer. The works of the believers
were found to be less than perfect or mature before God.
4. What council does the ascended Christ give to the Church in Sardis (Rev. 3:3)?
Answer. The Lord calls upon the saints to remember the
gospel truths they had initially heard and embraced and to repent.
5. In what manner will Christ come in judgment to His people (Rev. 3:3)?
Answer. The Lord will come in judgment as a thief in the
night, which means He will come with power and overwhelming force and when
least expected (cf. 1 Tim. 6:20; Matt. 24:42).
6. In the midst of general apostasy God always has a remnant according to the election of grace. Based on the words of Revelation 3:4, did the Lord have a remnant in the local Church in Sardis?
Answer. The Lord did have a faithful remnant in Sardis for
we read of those “which have not defiled their garments.”
7. What three promises are given to faithful saints in the Church in Sardis (Rev. 3:5)?
Answer.
·
The Lord promised to clothe the faithful in robes of white reflecting
purity
·
The Lord promised not to blot the faithful from the book of life
·
The Lord promised to confess the names of the saints before the Father
and holy angels
8. To whom is the sixth letter of love addressed (Rev. 3:7)?
Answer. The sixth letter of love is addressed to the angel
or pastor of the Church in Philadelphia.
9. List three descriptions of Christ in Revelation 3:7-9.
Answer.
·
Jesus is declared to be holy.
·
Jesus is declared to be true.
·
He is declared to be the possessor of the key of David.
10. Does God promise to remove His people from the hour of tribulation (Rev. 3:10)?
Answer. God does not promise to remove the Church from the
hour of tribulation but to keep or protect it when others are tested.
11. Does Revelation 3:11 teach that salvation can be lost?
Answer. Revelation 3:11 does not teach that salvation can
be lost. The salvation of a born again believer is secure. However, it is
possible for the crowns of service to be lost.
12. What four promises are given to the saints in the Church of Philadelphia (Rev. 3:12)?
Answer.
·
The saints are promised to be made pillars in
the temple of God.
·
The saints are promised to have written upon
them the name of God.
·
The saints are promised to have written upon
themselves the name of the city of God.
·
The saints are promised to have written upon
them the new name of Christ.
1.
Jesus Christ Revelation 1:1
2.
The Faithful
Witness
Revelation
1:5
3. The First Begotten of the dead
Revelation
1:5
4. The Prince of the kings of the earth
Revelation
1:5
5. The Alpha and Omega
Revelation 1:8
6. The Son of Man Revelation
1:13
7. The First and the Last
Revelation
1:17
8. The Son of God Revelation
2:18
9. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah
Revelation
5:5
10. The Root of David
Revelation
5:5
11. The Lam Revelation5:6;
16,17;
7:17
13. Our Lord Revelation
11:8
14. The Man Child Revelation
12:5
15. King of Saints Revelation
15:3
16. Faithful and True Revelation 19:11
17. The Word of God Revelation
19:13
18. King of kings Revelation
19:16
19. Lord of lords Revelation
19:16
20. Beginning and End
Revelation
22:13
21. Bright and Morning Star
Revelation
22:16
13. To whom is the seventh letter of love written (Rev. 3:14)?
Answer.
The seventh letter of love is written
to the angel or pastor of the Church of the Laodiceans.
Answer.
·
Jesus
is called the Amen. Amen is that special word which is put at the end of a solemn
statement for the expressed purpose of affirming its truthfulness. To call
Jesus the Amen is to affirm that He is to be believed.
·
Jesus
is called the Faithful and True Witness. Because Christ is the Faithful and True Witness
He can be trusted.
·
Jesus
is called the Beginning of the Creation of God. It is the Christian view that the God of
creation is also the God of redemption.
Answer. The believers in the Church of the Laodiceans was
that of lukewarmness. The people were neither spiritually hot nor cold.
Answer. The Lord was going to spue the Church out of His
mouth which means that He was sick of their spiritual status.
Answer. The believers at the Church of Laodicea had grown
financially prosperous to their spiritual ruin.
Answer.
·
The Church was advised to buy gold tried in the fire in order to be
spiritually rich.
·
The Church was advised to purchase white raiment in order to be
spiritually clothed.
·
The Church was advised to anoint their eyes with eye-salve in order to
discern spiritual truths.
Answer. Out of love the Lord rebukes and chastens
believers.
Answer. By way of interpretation the promise in Revelation
3:20 of renewed fellowship is for the believer. By way of application the
unbeliever is invited to come to Christ.
Answer. The Lord promised a place on His throne for those
who overcome the sin of being lukewarm.
Personal Application and Reflection
1.
Much stress is placed upon faithfulness in the
Revelation and good works. What part does works have in salvation or
sanctification?
2.
Do you believe that believers shall escape
great tribulation? If so why?
3.
What are five of your favorite titles for
Christ?
4.
Many Christians have a reputation for
spiritual life but they secretly struggle with an addictive sin pattern. What
practical counsel could you give a person to help them have a connection
between the rhetoric of their profession and the reality of the practical
experience?
5. Have
you ever had a feeling the Lord is sick of you because of your spiritual
condition? If so, what did you do to restore fellowship with Him?
Hiding God’s Word in My Heart
Revelation
3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man
can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast
not denied my name.
~*~
Summary
Revelation Chapter 4
In this chapter the prophetical scene opens. As the
initial part opened with a vision of Christ (Rev. 1), so this part is
introduced with a glorious appearance of the great God, whose throne is in
heaven, compassed about with the heavenly host.
In this chapter John first records the heavenly
sight he saw (Rev. 4:1-7) and then the heavenly songs he heard (Rev. 4:8-11).
REVELATION 4
Lord of the Earth Chapters 4-20
The Vision Unfolds from the Throne of God
1 Behold,
a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was
as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come
up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
Ø Spiritual Application. While John was not physically or literally lifted
up from earth to heaven, he was given a fantastic vision of things to come. Being
in the midst of tribulation himself and suffering for his love for and loyalty
to the Saviour, John becomes a fitting example of how believers in every age
can endure great tribulation. Throughout the vision, the people of God are
constantly in view. Though the specific term “Church” is not found until
Revelation 22:16 the believers are represented by such terms as “saints” (Rev.
14:12 cf. Rom. 1:7);
“fellow servants” (Rev. 6:11 cf. Col. 4:11); “people washed in the
blood” (Rev. 17:14 cf. 1 Cor 6:11); “called, chosen by God, faithful” (Rev.
17:14 cf. Eph. 1:4; 2 Thess 2:13); “His servants” (Rev. 19:2,5 cf. Eph. 6:6);
“the dead who died in the Lord” (Rev. 14:13 cf. 1 Thess. 4:14). The whole
purpose of the Revelation is to give courage to God’s people in the midst of
great tribulation (John 16:33).
2 And
immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and
one sat on the throne.
4:2 It is instructive to observe that no where in the Revelation does the
body of John leave earth though His spirit is transported into the heavenlies.
Nor is John ever said to be a picture of the Church removed from the sphere of
tribulation. John is a brother and companion in tribulation (Rev. 1:9), not
someone who is removed from it.
3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper [quartz] and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
4:3 The reference to the rainbow would remind a person
familiar with the Old Testament of two things. First, the rainbow would remind
a reader or listener of the covenant God made with Noah after the flood (Gen.
9:11-17). In biblical terms a covenant is a gracious under-taking entered into
by God for the benefit and blessing of men, in particular men of faith who had
received the promises of God and committed themselves to the obligations which
the undertaking involves.
Genesis 9 records the covenant God made with Noah. The sign that God
used to confirm this covenant was the rainbow in the sky.
Ø Spiritual Application. Every rainbow today is a reminder of the
faithfulness of God in keeping His word. When John saw the rainbow around the
throne of God he was reminded of the God who keeps His word. John might also
have been reminded of Ezekiel's vision as well for that great prophet also saw
the glory of God and a rainbow around His throne (Ezek. 1:28).
The throne of God
Rev. 4:2-3, 5-6
Twenty-four Elders and four Beasts
Rev. 4:4-8
4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
5 And out
of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there
were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits
of God.
6 And
before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the
midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts
[living creatures] full of eyes before and behind.
4:4 While the
identify of the twenty-four elders remains uncertain it is possible they may be
a symbolic representation of the church in all the ages in that there were
twelve patriarchs and twelve apostles. The unity of the patriarchs and apostles
is found again in the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:12,14).
They wear white
robes, which are promised to all who are faithful (Rev. 3:4).
They wear crowns that
are promised to all that are loyal unto death (Rev. 2:10).
And they sit on
thrones that Christ promised to all who love and follow Him (Matt. 19:27-29).
4:5 The lightening and thunder and voices that
emanated from the throne impressed John. Once again the mind turns to the Old
Testament. Ezekiel saw lightening come out of the fiery veil around the throne
(Ezek. 1:13). The psalmist writes of the voice of the thunder of God being
heard in heaven (Psa. 77:18). Job observed that God sends His lightening to the
ends of the earth (Job 37:4). However, the most familiar scene is the
description of Mt. Zion. When the Law was given the Bible says, "that
there were thunders and lightning, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the
voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the
camp trembled" (Ex. 19:16).
7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
First Beast like a lion Rev. 4:7
Second Beast like a calf Rev. 4:7
8 And the
four beasts [creatures] had each of them six wings about him; and they
were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord
God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
4:8 The early church fathers found much symbolism in the four living
creatures as they associated them with the four gospels. Augustine's
identification became the most commonly accepted. The lion was viewed as
representing the gospel of Matthew because in it Jesus is demonstrated to be
the Lion of Judah, the One in whom all the expectations of the prophets came
true. The man best represents the gospel of Mark because it is the nearest
approach to a factual report of the human life of Jesus. The ox best represents
the gospel Luke because it presents Jesus as the sacrifice for all classes and
conditions of men and women everywhere. The eagle best represents John. Of all
birds the eagle flies the highest and is said to be the only living creatures
that can stare straight into the sun. In the gospel of John the highest height
of thought is reached (William Barclay, Revelation).
Ø Spiritual application. The heart of every Christian should seek to soar to
be with Christ.
Ø Spiritual application. Much can be learned from the four beasts for they
teach the Church the importance of being near the throne and the Lamb. The four
beats or living creatures are always found near the throne (cf. Rev. 4:6; 5:6;
14:4).
9 And when those beasts [creatures] give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
11 Thou
art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast
created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
4:11 These twenty-four elders appear often in the
Revelation. In Revelation 4:10 they cast their crowns before the throne. In
Revelation 5:11, 14; 7:11; 11:16 they worship and praise God In Revelation 5:5
they comfort John In Revelation 5:8 they bring the prayers of the saints before
God In Revelation 7:13 they interpret one of the visions
1. As the vision of the Revelation continues what does John see in heaven that is opened (Rev. 4:1)?
Answer. After hearing the seven messages for the
seven churches of Asia John is witness to an open door in heaven.
2. When the command is given to John to “Come up hither” does His body ever leave earth (Rev. 4:1,2)?
Answer.
It was not the body of John that
was caught
up into heaven but his spirit.
3. Describe the throne, which John saw and the items surrounding it (Rev. 4:2-6).
Answer.
·
Rainbow. There was a rainbow around
the throne with the color of an emerald.
·
Twenty-four
seats. These
seats circled the throne.
·
Twenty-four
elders. Twenty-four
elders who were dressed in white garments and wore crowns of gold upon their
heads occupied the seats.
·
Violent
forms of weather. There were flashes of
thunder and lightning which emanated forth from the throne.
·
Voices. John heard the sound of
voices.
·
Seven
burning lamps. The seven lamps were located before the throne.
They are defined as being the seven Spirits of God.
4. In this part of the vision John sees four “beasts” or literally “living creatures”. Describe each one (Rev. 4:7-8).
Answer.
·
The First Beast was like a lion.
·
The Second Beast was like a calf.
·
The Third Beast had the face of a man.
·
The Fourth Beast was like a flying eagle. Each of the beasts had six
wings and they were full of eyes.
5. What were the four beasts [living creatures] saying day and night (Rev. 4:8)?
Answer. Circling the throne the beasts cried
“Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.”
6. What did John witness the twenty-four elders doing and saying before the throne (Rev. 4:10-11)?
Answer. John saw the twenty-four elders fall down before
the One who sat upon the throne and worship him while casting their crowns
before Him saying, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and
honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they
are and were created.”
Personal Reflection
and Application
1.
A popular teaching declares John is a picture
of the church which is translated from earth to heaven during the difficult
events unfolding in Chapters 4 – 19. Would you support this teaching? Why or
why not? Appeal to Scripture to support your response.
2.
Have you ever had an out of body experience or
even an exalted spiritual state of emotions? Please share.
3.
What do you think Christians will do with
their rewards at the judgment (Rev.
4:10)?
4.
Something more is being said about God’s
character more than “Separate! Separate!
Separate! (Rev. 4: 8). What do you think the angels mean?
5.
How can creation bring pleasure to Christ when
there is so much sin and suffering (Rev. 4: 11)?
Hiding God’s Word in
My Heart
Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive
glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy
pleasure they are and were created.
~*~
Summary
Revelation Chapter 5
In the previous chapter the prophetical scene was
opened in the sight and hearing of the apostle. John had a sight of God as the
Creator and ruler of the world and the great King of the church. He saw God on
the throne of glory and government, surrounded with His holy ones and receiving
their adorations.
Now the counsels and decrees of God are set before
the apostle as in a book, which God held in His right hand.
This book is represented as sealed in the hand of
God (Rev. 5:1-9), but taken into the hand of Christ the Redeemer to be unsealed
and opened (Rev. 5:6-14).
REVELATION 5
The scroll (book) sealed with seven seals Rev. 5:1-14
The scroll in the right hand
Rev. 5:1
1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
5:1 The right hand was considered to be the hand of power and
authority. Whatever the scroll contained was safe and secure in the hand of the
Sovereign.
5:1 There is a parallel to be found in life.
Under Roman law the will of a person was sealed with seven seals observed by
seven witnesses.
2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
5:2 The question is more rhetorical in nature than a search for an
answer for the reality is that neither angels nor man nor animal nor any
created thing is worthy to open the scroll or even to look upon it. The secret
things belong to the Lord.
3 And no
man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the
book, neither to look thereon.
4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
5 And one
of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe
of Juda [Gen. 49:10], the Root of David [2 Sam.
7:16; Isa.11:1], hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose
the seven seals thereof.
6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts [creatures] and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials [bowls] full of odours [incense], which are the prayers of saints.
5: 8 The Bible does not say that the twenty-four elders presented the
prayers of the saints to God in an official capacity for there is only one
Mediator between God and men the man Christ Jesus (1 Tim. 2:5). The prayers of
others, while recognized, need no assistance. The ear of God is open to catch
the faintest whisper of any call for help. “Call
unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which
thou knowest not” (Jer. 33:3).
9 And
they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to
open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy
blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and
nation;
5:9 The reference to the redeemed is not universal and indiscriminate
but particular and limited, referring to the world of the elect.
10 And
hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
5:10 The Church does reign now on earth, the Church shall yet reign on
the earth in a more gloried manner following the Second Advent of Christ. One
day the Church shall judge the angels (1 Cor. 6:3). One day the meek shall
inherit the earth (Matt. Psalm 37:11). One day the Church shall occupy the
redeemed and renovated new earth (2 Peter 3:13).
Ø Spiritual application. This song says something wonderful concerning the death
of Christ.
First, the death of Christ was a sacrificial
death. Jesus was slain as a substitute
for all who shall ever be saved. He literally took the place of you and me and
all who shall be saved. Jesus was a perfect substitute for He was without sin.
Second, the death of Christ was a liberating
death. Jesus came to deliver us from
the power of sin, the domain of Satan, and the curse of the Law.
Third, the death of Christ was a definite
redemption. One of the great
theological questions of all times that has been endlessly debated is the
question, "For whom did Christ
die?" The biblical answer is that Jesus Christ accomplished something
definite at the Cross-of Calvary. He redeemed us. Jesus did not provide a
potential redemption. He actually redeemed “us”, those who are the heirs
of salvation (1 Pet. 1:19). The purchasing price was His own precious blood.
Jesus has made us kings and priests. This is a spiritual reality. And we shall
reign on the earth.
The Christian does reign on the earth even now by faith as the Church
assists in the pulling down of bad governments, bad laws, and set up a
spiritual kingdom that circles the globe. The reign of the Church is spiritual
but real with materialistic overtones for the Church does own buildings and
property. But these things do not constitute the essence of the reign of the
saints. Rather, there is the triumph that is found in victorious Christian
living regardless of the circumstances of life. “In the world, said Jesus, you shall have tribulation; but be of good
cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts [creatures] and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
12 Saying
with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to
receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and
blessing.
13 And
every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and
such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing,
and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the
throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
14 And
the four beasts [creatures] said, Amen. And the
four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever
and ever.
1. What did John see in the right hand of the One who sat on the throne (Rev. 5:1)?
Answer. John saw a book or scroll written on both sides.
2. How many seals did the book have (Rev. 5:1)?
Answer.
There were seven seals on the scroll.
3. What question did the strong angel ask concerning the book (Rev. 5:2)?
Answer. The angel cried, “Who is worthy to
open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?”
4. Why did John began to weep (Rev. 5:4)?
Answer. John began to cry bitterly because no one was found
worthy to open and to read the book.
5. What caused John to stop crying and be comforted (Rev. 5:5)?
Answer. John was comforted and able to stop crying when he
learned that Someone had been found worthy to open the book.
6. What two titles are given to Christ (Rev. 5:5)?
Answer.
·
Jesus is called the Lion of the tribe of Judah
·
Jesus is called the Root of David
7. Describe the resurrected Christ that John saw (Rev. 5:6).
Answer. John saw a bleeding Lamb in the center of the four
beasts [living creatures] and twenty-four elders. The Lamb had seven horns and
seven eyes.
8. What divine interpretation and explanation is given to the seven horns and seven eyes on the Lamb (Rev. 5:6)?
Answer. The seven horns and seen eyes are said to be the
seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
9. Who came and took the book out of the hand of John (Rev. 5)?
Answer. John says that “he” came and took the book
referring to the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Root of David, the Bleeding
Lamb even Jesus Christ.
10. What divine interpretation and explanation is given to the golden vials full of odours or incense in Revelation 5:8?
Answer. The golden vials full of odours are said to be the
prayers of the saints.
11. What are the words of the new song sung to the Bleeding Lamb in heaven (Rev. 5:9, 10)?
Answer. “Thou are worthy to take the book, And to open
the seals therefore; For thou was slain, and hast Redeemed us to God by thy
blood Our of every kindred, and tongue, And people, and nation. And hast made us unto our God kings and
priests; And we shall reign on the earth.”
12. Is the making of kings and priests something that is in the future or is this divine undertaking to be considered a present spiritual reality (Rev. 5:10)?
Answer. The cautious answer is both. On behalf of the completed church the symbolic
twenty-four singing elders testify to a present reign and spiritual ministry
with a view to a future reign on the earth.
13. How many angels did John see in heaven praising the One on the throne along with the beasts [four living creatures] and the twenty-four singing elders (Rev. 5:11)?
Answer. John saw the number of the angels as being very
large, ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands.
14. What were the words of the angelic songs (Rev. 5:12)?
Answer. “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain To
receive power, And riches, and wisdom, And strength, and honor, And glory and
blessing.”
15. What were the words of the general creation that John heard sung (Rev. 5:13)?
Answer. “Blessing, and honor, and glory, and
power, Be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, And unto the Lamb, For ever
and ever.”
16. What was the final word the four beasts [living creatures] said at the ending of the three heavenly songs (Rev. 5:14)?
Answer. The four beasts said simply enough, “Amen.”
Personal Reflection and Application
1.
In the Scriptures
spiritual weeping is part of the journey in grace (Rev. 5:4). Have you ever
wept for the lost, or over sin or in sorrow over the sufferings of others? If
not why not ask the Lord for holy tears (Psa. 126:5)?
2.
Singing is also part of the journey of grace
(Rev. 5:9). Do you speak to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord (Eph. 5:19)?
3.
Write out your own doxology to Christ
following the pattern of Revelation 5:12.
4.
The twenty-four elders fell down in prayer and
worship. What position do you take when you pray and worship? Have your
ever-kneeled in prayer before the Lord? Have you ever lain prostrate before
Him?
5.
How many angels do you think there might be in
light of Revelation 5:11?
Hiding God’s Word in My Heart
Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying,
Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast
slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and
tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and
priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
~*~
Summary
Revelation Chapter 6
With the book of the divine counsels firmly in His
hand the Lord loses no time but immediately enters upon the work of opening the
seals and publishing the contents. However, the way Christ reveals the contents
of the book is in such a manner as to leave the predictions very dark and
difficult to understand. The prophecies of this book are divided into seven
seals opened, seven trumpets sounding, and seven vials poured out.
In this chapter six of the seven seals are opened,
and the visions attending them are related.
· First seal Rev.
6:1, 2
· Second seal Rev.
6:3, 4
· Third seal Rev.
6:5, 6
· Fourth seal Rev.
6:7, 8
· Fifth seal Rev.
6:9-11
· Sixth seal Rev.
6:12, 13-17.
REVELATION 6
1 And I
saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of
thunder, one of the four beasts [creatures] saying, Come
and see.
2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.
6: 3 An attempt is often made to identify the rider of the white horse
as Jesus Christ. However, The White Horse rides with the other three not in
contrast to them. Together they convey calamities. Furthermore, it the Lamb is
the one who has opened the seal in distinction to the vision itself. The
picture presented is not that of Christ the victor but of the terrors of the
wrath of God being poured out.
Second Seal: a rider on a red horse
Rev. 6:4
Third Seal: a Rider on a black horse
Rev. 6:4
4 And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
6:4 In the turbulent time period following the ascension of Christ to
the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70 peace was often taken from the earth. For all
the fame of the Pax Romana,
there were periods of great bloodshed and violence on a massive scale within
the confines of the Roman republic reflected in the civil war in Rome. From AD
30 to AD 70 no fewer than eight men ruled the Imperial Empire.
The men who ruled came to the throne and kept the
throne by keeping the edge of their sword whet with the dripping blood of their
would be rivals As Roman fought
Roman so Jew fought Jew. Brother fought against brother, and neighbor
against neighbor. There was religious unrest illustrated by the persecution of
Jewish leaders towards Jewish Christian. There was political unrest as the
general public wanted to be free from the rulers of Rome. They did not like the
humiliating laws such as the one that compelled a Jew to carry the burden of a
Roman citizen one-mile. Contributing to the religious and political unrest in
Palestine were a group of nationalist called The Zealots. These violent
fanatics were willing to assassinate any Roman they could kill. As the year AD
70 approached, it seemed as if peace was taken from the earth. People by the
hundreds of thousands took a sword to kill one another. The Rider of the Red
Horse heard the Divine summons and responded.
5 And
when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see.
And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of
balances in his hand.
6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts [creatures] say, A measure [one quart] of wheat for a penny [Gr. denarius], and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
7 And when he [the Lamb] had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.
8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell [Hades] followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts [creatures] of the earth.
9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:
10 And
they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy
and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the
earth?
6: 9-10 In the vision John noticed that the souls of
the saints went to heaven and resided under the altar. There are some Bible
teachers that believe there is a literal altar in heaven based upon the following
passages.
·
Exodus 25:9
According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.
·
Exodus 25:40
And look that thou make them after their
pattern, which was shewed thee in the
mount.
·
Numbers 8:4
And this work of the candlestick was of beaten gold, unto the shaft thereof,
unto the flowers thereof, was beaten work: according unto the pattern which the
LORD had shewed Moses, so he made the candlestick.
6:9-10 The souls beneath the altar would remind one of the fact that
the lifeblood of the saints were poured out as an offering to God. The apostle
Paul said of himself in sacrificial terms in Philippians 2:17. “Yea, and if I be offered upon the
sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.” The
good life, the godly life in Christ is an offering to God.
11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
13 And
the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her
untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.
6:12-13 Both John and Jesus spoke of great cataclysmic events
characterized by the heavens falling. History records that there was a time
when symbolically the sun became black as sackcloth and the moon became as
blood. There was a time when the stars of heaven fell upon the earth even as a
fig tree caseth her untimely figs, when she is shaken
out of a might wind. There was a time when the heavens departed as a scroll
when it rolls together and when every mountain and island moved out of its
place.
There was a time when the kings of the earth and the great men, and the
rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondsman, and
every freeman, hid themselves in the dens and rocks of the mountains. History
records that these things happened not once but several times including AD 70.
The poetic symbolic language of many other passages of Scripture indicates
periods of universal upheaval from a divine point of view. Notice the
apocalyptic language of the following passages: Obadiah 1-21; Jer. 48:1-47; Jer. 9:26; 25:21;
49:6; Dan. 11:41; Amos 1:13; Zeph.2: 8,9; Acts 2:16-21 cf. Joel 2:28-30; Matt.
24; Mark 13; Luke 21. For John to appeal to earthquakes and a darken sun and
the falling of stars and the folding of the heavens was for him to appeal to
familiar language to Jews. The prophets had spoken of the great wrath of God in
terms of earthquakes (Amos 8:8; Ezek. 38:19; Joel 2:10; Haggai 2:6); a darken
sun (Amos 8:9; Isa. 13:10; 50:3; Ezek 32:7; Joel 2:31); falling stars (Isa.
34:4); folding of the heavens (Isa. 13:13; Psa. 102:25,26).
6:12-13 Apart from the familiar, terrible language of the prophets
representing God's strong dealings with the nations of the earth, history does
record that during the time of AD 66 to AD 70 there were unusual events in the
sky. There were earthquakes and the kings of the earth were afraid of what was
happening to the world.
14 And
the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain
and island were moved out of their places.
15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman [slave], and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
16 And
said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide
us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the
Lamb:
17 For
the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
A Comparison of Revelation 6 with the words of Jesus in Matthew 24
What Jesus said would happen,
John saw would happen.
First Seal. Jesus said there would be wars and rumors of war
(Matt. 24:6). John saw "a white
horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he
went forth conquering and to conquer.” (Rev. 6:2).
Second Seal. Jesus said that nation would rise against nation,
and kingdom against kingdom (Matt. 24:7). John saw "another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat
there on to take peace from the earth and that they should kill one another:
and there was given unto him a great sword.” (Rev. 6:3-4).
Third Seal. Jesus said that there would be famines, and
pestilence, and earthquakes in diviers places (Matt. 24:7). John saw "a black horse: and he that sat on him
had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the
four beasts say, “A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley
for a penny; and see that thou hurt not the oil and the wine" (Rev.
6:5-6).
Fourth Seal. Jesus said that there would be much sorrow during
this period (Matt. 24:8-12). John saw a pale horse, “and his name that sat upon him was Death and Hell followed him. And
power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth to kill with sword,
and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth"
(Rev. 6:7-8).
Fifth Seal. Jesus said that the saints would be killed (Matt.
24:9). John saw the altar "and under the altar the souls of them that were
slain for the word of God, and for the testimony, which they held" (Rev.
6:9-11).
Sixth Seal. Jesus said that in the days of great tribulation
the sun would be darkened, and the moon would not give light, and the stars
would fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens would be shaken (Matt.
24:29). John saw "a great earthquake; and the sun became black as
sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; and the stars of heaven fell
unto the earth even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken
of a mighty wind.” (Rev. 6:12-13).
Leader’s Study Guide
1. Who has the power and authority to open the first of the seven seals on the scroll (Rev. 6:1)?
Answer. John saw the Lamb open the first of
the seven seals on the scroll.
2. Describe what John beheld as the first seal on the scroll was opened (Rev. 6:2).
Answer. When the first seal was broken and the
scroll was unrolled John saw a white horse being ridden by a personage with a
bow.
3. What was given to the rider of the white horse and for what purpose did he ride (Rev. 6:3)?
Answer. A crown was given unto the rider on the white
horse that he should go forth to conquer.
4. With the opening of the second seal what did John witness (Rev. 6:3,4)?
Answer. The opening of the second seal brought forth a
rider on a red horse. The rider was given a sword that peace should be taken
from the earth.
5. The third seal brought forth a third horseman. Describe what was given to him and the results of his ride (Rev. 6:5,6).
Answer. The third horseman of the
apocalypse, riding on a black horse, was given a pair of balances or scales to
record the inflation of prices in the market place.
6. What was the color of the fourth horseman John saw with the breaking of the fourth seal on the scroll and what followed him (Rev. 6:7, 8).
Answer. The fourth horseman of the apocalypse rode on a
pale horse. Death and hell followed him.
7. How much of the earth was to be destroyed at once by the four horsemen (Rev. 6:8b)?
Answer. Power was given unto the four horsemen to kill one
fourth of the current populace with the sword, hunger, death and the beasts of
the earth.
8. Review the four colors of the four horsemen of the apocalypse.
Answer.
9. What did John witness when he opened the fifth seal on the scroll (Rev. 6:9)?
Answer. The breaking of the fifth seal brought
into view the souls of the saints who had been slain. They were under the
heavenly altar.
10. What was the cry of the martyred saints beneath the altar (Rev. 6:10)?
Answer. The saints beneath the altar were pleading with God to avenge their death by crying out, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, does thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on earth?”
11. What was given to the martyred saints (Rev. 6:11)?
Answer. John saw that white robes were given unto each of
the martyred saints.
12. Does God foreordain the death of His children (Rev. 6:12)?
Answer. God does indeed foreordain the death of His children
even in a violent way for it is said the martyred saints rested for a little
season “until their fellow-servants also and their brethren, that should be
killed as they were, should be fulfilled.”
13. What did John witness when the sixth seal was broken (Rev. 6:12, 13)?
Answer.
With the breaking of the sixth seal
John witnessed a violent earthquake while the sun became black as sackcloth and
the moon turned to the color of blood. John gazed with wonder as the stars of
heaven fell upon the earth and then the heaven rolled up like a scroll. Every
mountain and island was removed out of its place.
14. What was the two fold response of men on earth to the great judgments that were unfolding (Rev. 6:15, 16)?
Answer.
First, the rich and the
poor, the powerful and weak fled and tried to hide from the wrath of God in
caves and dens in the rocks of the mountains. Second, men cried out in fear to
be hidden from the wrath of the Lamb.
15. Review the six seals John saw opened and what was witnessed with each seal being broken.
Answer.
·
The First Sea. John saw a rider
on a white horse able to make war
·
The Second Seal. John saw a rider on a red horse with power to take
away peace.
·
The Third Seal. John saw a rider on a black horse with power to inflate
prices
·
The Fourth Seal. John saw a rider on a pale horse followed by Death and
Hell
·
The Fifth Seal. John saw the
souls of martyred saints under the heavenly altar
·
The Sixth Seal. John
saw violence in nature and men hiding in terror
Personal Reflection and Application
1. Do you find the creatures
of heaven disturbing and frightening as many creatures on earth are disturbing
and frightening?
2. Is God unjust to
sovereignly cause war, famine, inflation and plagues in the affairs of nations
(Rev. 6:1-8)? Comment on the following thought: “God is the Author but not the actor
of evil?”
The word “evil” is used to speak of the calamities of life.
3. Despite pain and
suffering the heart can become so hardened it invites death (Rev. 6:16) rather
than repent. Have you experienced such a hardening in your own life or have you
witnessed it in others?
4. The day of wrath is a
large theme in Scriptures. From what you know of the church today, do you
think the love of God is spoken of at the expense of His righteous wrath? What
is not more said about the wrath of God?
5. One modern prevailing
concept is the God of the Old Testament is a God of anger and vengeance while the
God of the New Testament is a God of love, mercy and forgiveness. Is this a fair
characterization? If not why not?
Revelation 6:14 And the heaven departed as a
scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out
of their places. 15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich
men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every
free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; 16 And
said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him
that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: 17 For the great
day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
~*~
Summary
The events contained
in this chapter came in after the opening of the six seals which foretold great
tribulation in the world and before the sound of the seven trumpets, which gave
notice of great corruption arising in the church. Between these events there is
comfort for the people of God in times of great tribulation. The chapter
records an account of the restraint laid upon the winds (Rev. 7: 1-3); the
sealing of the servants of God (Rev. 7:4-8); the songs of angels and saints on
this occasion (Rev. 7:9-12); and finally a description of the honour and
happiness of those who had faithfully served Christ, and suffered for him (Rev.
7:13-17).
REVELATION 7
Before the opening of
the Seventh Seal, there was the first of Six Interludes. John is a witness to
the sealing of the 144,000 Jews (Rev. 7:1-8) and a great multitude of Gentiles
washed by the blood of the Lamb (Rev. 7:9-17).
1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
2 And I
saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God:
and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt
the earth and the sea,
3 Saying,
Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we
have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
7:1-3 To seal something was to indicate source or possession. God
sealed the saints. In the early Church the picture of being sealed by God was
connected with the physical act of water baptism and the gift of the Holy
Spirit. For the mark to be placed on the forehead was for the entire world to
see. God has an easily identifiable mark for His own.
4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
7:4 The number of those saved is not small but great. By referring to
the 12 tribes by name it must be kept in mind that the early Church saw itself
as the real Israel. National Israel had lost faith. National Israel had been
set aside (cf. Rom. 11:25). All the gospel privileges and promises belonged to
the Church (cf. Rom. 2:28,29; 9:6,7; Gal. 3:29; 3:3; 1 Pet. 2: 9). Examining
this passage as a whole, Dr. Dr. William Barclay observes three great truths in
this section. There is a warning that sin brings judgment (Rev. 7:1-2). There
is a promise that God will avenge His own (Rev. 7:1). There is an assurance for
the saved are sealed (Rev. 7:3).
5 Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.
6 Of the
tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nephthalim were
sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve
thousand.
7 Of the
tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were
sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve
thousand.
8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.
9 After
this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all
nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before
the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
7: 9 Both the white robes and the palms speak of victory.
Roman generals would wear white garments during their victory parades and
people would lay down palm branches for the horse to tread upon. The scene is
one of great joy.
10 And
cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God
which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,
12
Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and
thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever
and ever. Amen.
13 saying
unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes?
And whence came they?
14 And I
said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These
are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and
made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
7:13 From Genesis to Revelation
the doctrine of election flashes forth from the pages of Holy Scripture.
7:14 There are other historical examples in which God has brought His
people out of great tribulation. Noah and his family were brought out of great
tribulation that fell upon the world, not by being translated into heaven but
by being sealed inside the safety of an ark. When God delivered Lot and His
daughters from the wrath that fell on Sodom and Gomorrah, He did not translate
them but gave Lot and his family a word of warning and sent holy angels to
guide them to safety. When the Jews were in the land of Egypt and God judged
the land, the faithful were not translated but protected by being sealed wit
the blood of the Lamb. In AD 70, when Jerusalem fell to the Roman soldiers God
delivered His people, not by translating them but by helping them to flee as
the Christians remembered the words of their Lord and obeyed His instructions.
15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
16 They
shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sunlight on
them, nor any heat.
17 For
the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead
them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from
their eyes.
The Church in
Revelation
It would not be
consistent to use the same terminology for the Church in Revelation 4-19 that
is found in the rest of the New Testament and then deny that the Church exists
on earth during the Great Tribulation period Jesus spoke of and John saw
visualized.
Too much has been
made over the absence of a specific term for the Church, ekklesia, while
ignoring the many other references to the Church in Revelation 4-19. If the
absence of the specific term for the Church, ekklesia, means that the Word of
God does not speak of or to the Church directly then the following books of the
Bible must also be for someone other than the people of God because the
specific terminology, ekklesia, is not found in them either.
The word Church is
not found in Mark, Luke, John, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, or Jude! No one would
suggest that these books be discarded as not speaking directly to the Church
simply because a specific term is not found. The saints of the Church are
indeed in view throughout the Revelation.
Is the Church found in Revelation 4-19?
Matthew-Jude Revelation 4-19
Saints Saints
Romans
1:7 Rev 14:12
1
Cor 1:2 Rev 15:3
Eph
1:1 Rev 17:6
Fellowservants Fellowservants
Col
4:11 Rev 6:11
Col
1:7
Brethren Brethren
1
Thess 1:4 Rev 6:11
Col
1:2
2
Thess 1:3
People washed People washed
in the blood in
the blood
1
Cor 6:11 Rev 17:14
Called, chosen by Called, chosen by
God, faithful God, faithful
Eph
1:4 Rev 17:14
2
Thess 2:13
The servant of Jesus His servants
Eph
6:6 Rev 19:2,5
Phil
1:1
Those who sleep The dead who died in the Lord in the Lord
1
Thess 4:14 Rev 14:13
Prophets Prophets
1
Cor 12:28 Rev 16:6
1
Cor 14:29
1
Cor 14:32
Eph
2:20
1. In the opening verse of chapter 7 what does John see?
Answer. John sees four angels standing on the four corners
of the earth holding back the four winds of the earth that they blow not.
2. What power was invested in the four angels (Rev. 7:2)?
Answer. The four angels had power to hurt the earth and the
sea.
3. In Revelation 7:2 John sees an angel coming from which direction?
Answer. John sees an angel coming from the East having the
seal of God.
4. What command did the fifth angel give to the four angels holding back the wind (Rev. 7:3)?
Answer. The four angels were told not to hurt the earth,
neither the sea, nor the trees, till the servants of God were sealed in their
foreheads.
5. In John’s vision where does God place His seal on His servants (Rev. 7:3)?
Answer. God seals His servants on their foreheads.
6. How many servants of God were sealed (Rev. 7:4)?
Answer. A total of 144,000 saints were sealed, 12,000 from
each of the twelve tribes of Israel.
7. List the twelve tribes of the true spiritual Israel (Rev. 7:5-8).
Answer.
·
The Tribe of Judah
·
The Tribe of Reuben
·
The Tribe of God
·
The Tribe of Aser
·
The Tribe of Nepthalim
·
The Tribe of Manasses
·
The Tribe of Simeon
·
The Tribe of Levi
·
The Tribe of Issachar
·
The Tribe of Zabulon
·
The Tribe of Joseph
·
The Tribe of Benjamin
8. The number 12 is prominent in the book of Revelation. List what is referred to in the following passages.
Answer.
12,000 from each of the twelve tribes
9. Whom did John see standing before the throne, what were they wearing and what did they hold in their hands (Rev. 7:9)?
Answer. John saw standing before the throne a great
multitude, which no man could number. The saints were dressed in white robes
and carried palms in their hands.
10. What did the vast multitude before the throne say in a loud voice (Rev. 7:10)?
Answer. “Salvation to our God Which
Sitteth upon the throne, And unto the Lamb.”
11. Who are those which were arrayed in white robes and where did they come from (Rev. 7:13,14)?
Answer. Those whom John saw clothed in white robes are
those who were martyred during the great tribulation.
12. Make a chart showing the
saints of the tribulation period are members of the royal family of God, which
constitutes the church of Jesus Christ.
Matthew-Jude Revelation
4-19
Saints Saints
Romans
1:7 Rev 14:12
1
Cor 1:2 Rev 15:3
Eph
1:1 Rev 17:6
Fellow servants Fellow servants
Col
4:11 Rev 6:11
Col
1:7
Brethren Brethren
1
Thess 1:4 Rev 6:11
Col
1:2
2
Thess 1:3
People washed People washed
in the blood in
the blood
1
Cor 6:11 Rev 17:14
Called, chosen by Called, chosen by
God, faithful God, faithful
Eph
1:4 Rev 17:14
2
Thess 2:13
The servant of Jesus His servants
Eph
6:6 Rev 19:2,5
Phil 1:1
Those who sleep The
dead who died in in the Lord in the Lord
1 Thess 4:14 Rev 14:13
Prophets Prophets
1 Cor 12:28 Rev 16:6
1 Cor 14:29
1 Cor 14:32
Eph 2:20
13. List eight specific blessings that were given to the Christians who came out of the great tribulation.
Answer.
·
The saints were privileged to reside before the throne of God
·
The saints were allowed to serve God day and night in His temple
·
The saints were well fed so they were hungry no more
·
The saints were never thirsty again
·
The saints were not to suffer under the oppressive heat of the sun
·
The saints were never hungry again
·
The saints were allowed to drink of the living waters
· The saints
were comforted as God wiped away all tears from their eyes
Personal Reflection and Application
1.
Do you believe there is an essential unity
between the church and spiritual Israel or, does God have a plan for the church
and a plan for Israel and never the two shall meet or mix? Explain.
2.
Compose the third stanza of a song of three
verses. Use Revelation 7:10 as the first stanza and Revelation 7:12 as the second.
Add the third.
3.
If the church were to be taken away from earth
at the beginning of some special future great tribulation period, how would
people come to faith for Revelation 7:14 speaks of those “which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and
made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Rev. 7:14).
How would that be possible?
4.
What service would you like to render Christ
for all eternity (Rev.7: 15)?
5.
Is it your practice to memorize the Word of
God so that it can be a source of strength and comfort to you in time of trial
and tribulation? If not why not?
Hiding God’s World in My Heart
Revelation
7:15-17 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and
night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun
light on them, nor any heat. 17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the
throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and
God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
~*~
Summary
Revelation
Chapter 8
Having already seen what occurred upon the opening of six of the seals,
John now comes to the opening of the seventh seal, which introduced the
sounding of the seven trumpets. A dreadful scene opens. In this chapter there
is the preface or prelude, to the sounding of the trumpets (Rev. 8:1-6) and the
sounding of four of the trumpets (Rev. 8:7-13).
The Seventh Seal was broken Rev. 8:1 Then there was silence in heaven
for the space of half an hour. Divine preparations were made by seven angels
which stood before God. They were given Seven Trumpets. Another angel was given
a golden censer to offer incense, with the prayers of the saints (Rev. 8:3-5)
offered upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
1 And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.
8:1 The silence may be attributed to the terrible events
that were about to be unleashed on earth much like a calm before a great storm
or the silence on the eve of a great military battle. The silence may be
attributed to something else namely the importance of the place of prayer
before God.
2 And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.
3 And
another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there
was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the
prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angels hand.
8:2-4 Concerning this golden altar before the throne
several things should be observed. First, the altar appears often in the vision
of heaven (Rev. 6:9; 9:13; 14:18). Second, the altar must be identified as the
altar of incense and not the altar of burnt offering. The altar of incense
stood before the Holy Place in the Temple (Lev. 16:12; Num. 16:46), which
indicates that God wants His people near to Him in fellowship. The altar of
incense was a small piece of furniture measuring only 1 1/2 feet by 1 1/2 feet
and 3 feet high being overlaid with gold. The spiritual lesson is that it is
not the length of a prayer that will avail much but the fervent prayer of a
righteous man. The wood overlaid with gold speaks of the humanity of our Lord
enhanced by His deity so that He is able to function as our great High Priest
(Heb. 7:25; 8:1). There were four horns on the altar of incense located at the
four corners. These were made of wood overlaid with gold. Horns are associated
in Scripture with power which serves to remind the saints that there really is
power in prayer. In addition, horns are associated with salvation (Luke 1:60; 2
Sam. 22:3). The gospel is the power of God unto salvation. The horns on the
altar in the Old Testament were sprinkled with blood from the brazen altar once
a year on the Day of Atonement.
We must never forget the privilege of prayer comes
through the shed blood of Christ. The altar of incense was hollow but covered
over with a gold plate, and around it
was a little railing to keep the burning coals from falling off. The
believer is reminded that the Lord protects those prayers which are pleasing to
Him so that, like His sheep, none are lost. Finally, the altar of incense was
placed according to divine plan in the Tabernacle. Our prayers are directed
according to Divine sovereignty so that we always pray, "Not my will but
thine be done, O Lord." The one major difference between the altar of
incense in heaven and the altar of incense in the Tabernacle is that the altar
of incense in the Tabernacle was before a veil. In heaven there is no barrier.
The saints have direct access to God.
5 And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.
The sounding of the seven trumpets
Rev. 8:6-11:19
First Trumpet hail, fire, and blood
Rev. 8:6-7
6 And the
seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.
7 The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.
Second Trumpet: pollution of the seas
8 And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;
9 And the
third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the
third part of the ships were destroyed.
Third Trumpet: pollution of the rivers
10 And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;
11 And
the name of the star is called Wormwood [bitter]: and the third part of the
waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made
bitter [poisonous].
Fourth Trumpet: sun/moon/stars affected Rev.
8:12-13
12 And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.
13 And I
beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a
loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by
reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to
sound!
8:12-13 Understanding the violent, political upheaval that
took place between AD 66 and AD 70 makes it easier to find a literal
fulfillment of John's vision in many ways. For example, the land of Palestine
during this period was devastated so that wood became scarce. One reason why
wood could not be found was that up to 500 people a day was being crucified
during one phase of the struggle (Rev. 8:7). Volcanoes did erupt (Rev.8: 8)
which killed off fish, polluted streams, made the water bitter (Rev. 8:9,10,11)
and turned the sky blood red in color. The stars fell from the heavens in
unusual numbers. While the Christian community was vindicated the inhabitants
of the earth knew misery upon misery.
1. What seal does John see opened (Rev. 8:1)?
Answer. John sees the Lamb open the seventh seal.
2. How long did the period of silence last (Rev. 8:1)?
Answer. There was silence in heaven for about half
an hour.
3. What was given to seven angels in this part of the vision (Rev. 8:2)?
Answer. Seven trumpets were given to the seven angels.
4. What is the divine interpretation and explanation of the incense on the golden altar (Rev. 8:3, 4)?
Answer. The smoke of incense represents the prayers of the
saints which ascend up before God.
5. Where did the angel throw some of the censer from the altar (Rev. 8:5, 6)?
Answer. The angel took the censer, filled it
with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth.
6. When the first angel blew the first trumpet what happened (Rev. 8:7)?
Answer. The first angel sounded, and there
followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth:
and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.
7. When the second angel blew the second trumpet what happened (Rev. 8:8)?
Answer. With the blowing of the second trumpet by the second angel John saw “as it were, a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood.”
8. What was destroyed with the blowing of the second trumpet (Rev. 8:9)?
Answer. With the blowing of the second trumpet by the second angel “the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.”
9. List four great catastrophic events that took place when the third angel blew the third trumpet (Rev. 8:10,11).
Answer.
·
The blowing of the third trumpet by the third angel caused the third
part
of the
creatures which were in the sea, and had life, to die.
·
The blowing of the third trumpet by the third angel caused the third
part of the ships of the sea to be destroyed.
·
The blowing of the third trumpet by the third angel caused a great star
to fall from heaven into the waters. The star burned as if it were a lamp.
·
The blowing of the third trumpet by the third angel caused many men to
die of the waters that had been made bitter.
10. When the fourth angel blew the fourth trumpet what happened (Rev. 8:12)?
Answer. With the blowing of the
fourth trumpet by the fourth angel
“the
third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the
third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day
shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.”
11. What did the flying angel of Revelation 8:13 say to the inhabitants of heaven?
Answer. “Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of
the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels,
which are yet to sound!”
12. Review the events associated with the four angels blowing four trumpets.
Answer.
· The First Angel blowing the First Trumpet killed one
third of the forests and all of the green grass
·
The Second
angel blowing the Second Trumpet caused one third of the sea to become blood thereby
killing one third of the sea creatures while destroying one third of the ships.
· The Third Angel blowing the Third Trumpet caused one third of the waters to become bitter.
·
The Fourth
Angel blowing the Fourth Trumpet caused one third of the sun, moon, and stars to be
darkened.
q
Leader’s
study note. Understanding the violent,
political upheaval that took place between AD 66 and AD 70 makes it easier to
find a literal fulfillment of John's vision in many ways. For example, the land
of Palestine during this period was devastated so that wood became scarce. One
reason why wood could not be found was that up to 500 people a day was being
crucified during one phase of the struggle (Rev. 8:7). Volcanoes did erupt
(Rev.8: 8) which killed off fish, polluted streams, made the water bitter (Rev.
8:9,10,11) and turned the sky blood red in color. The stars fell from the
heavens in unusual numbers. While the Christian community was vindicated the
inhabitants of the earth knew misery upon misery.
Personal Reflection and Application
1.
John speaks of silence in heaven (Rev. 8:1).
Meditation is to be part of the Christian’s discipline. Though you might read the Bible, do you meditate upon it? Do you write down
the thoughts the Lord gives you, which come from time spent in His Word? What
plans will you make to do so?
2.
Christians are a praying people (Rev. 8:4).
How often do you pray? Are your prayers long or shot? What is the main content of
your prayer life: praise or petition?
3.
The angels cry out, “Woe! Woe! Woe!” Do you witness to others and tell them to
flee from the wrath to come? If not will you pray right now, earnestly and
sincerely, for the opportunity to witness to someone before the week is over?
4.
Do you believe there is a divine purpose and a
spiritual understanding of history behind the plagues that affect the nations
of the earth?
5.
Does the violence of serial judgments in the Revelation alter your concept of a meek and mild Jesus?
In what way?
Hiding God’s Word in My Heart
Revelation
8:2 And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given
seven trumpets. 3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a
golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer
it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the
throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the
saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand
~*~
Summary
Revelation Chapter 9
In this chapter an
account is given of the sounding of the fifth and sixth trumpets and the events
that were to follow the fifth trumpet (Rev. 9:1-12) and the sixth (Rev.
9:13-2).
1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit [lit. abyss].
9:1 To assist understanding of this passage, it must be
remembered that in the historical setting Israel was under the dominion of Rome
and desperately wanted to be free. It was not going to happen for the wrath of
God was being poured out upon the land. Israel had rejected the Messiah. Israel
had dared to crucify the Son of God. Israel had cried and pleaded that the
blood of Christ be upon their head (Matt. 27:25). The foolish prayer was heard.
Jesus had stated plainly that great tribulation would be poured out upon the
nation before the generation He spoke to vanished (Matt. 24:34). There would be
days of vengeance (Luke 21:22). Beginning in AD 66 the full fury of the wrath
of God began to be unleashed. What Jesus said would happen the apostle John saw
would happen. In his vision of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, John saw the Four
Horsemen of the Apocalypse ride. He witnessed the scenes of Divine wrath in the
Seal Judgments and then in the Trumpet Judgments.
9:1 In the Trumpet Judgments John saw nature itself being used by God
to administer discipline upon those who were the enemies of the saints (Rev.
8:1-13). John now beholds the picture of terror once more as it mounts in its
awful intensity. The terrors coming upon the people of the earth are beyond
nature; they are demonic. John watches in fascinated horror as a fallen star
opens the abyss.
In biblical imagery and in Jewish thought a star was
a living thing representing some great personage. Revelation 1 states, "the
seven stars are the angels of the seven churches" (Rev. 1:20). To this
fallen angel a key was given to the abyss.
A key represents power or authority. Who is this
fallen angel? The most famous of all the fallen angels is Lucifer. Authority or
power was given to Lucifer. Lucifer has no independent authority. As a creature
he too is subject to the Sovereign. Lucifer received his evil authority and he
uses it. To Lucifer it is better to reign in hell than to serve in heaven.
Lucifer has always wanted to be like the Most High God. Lucifer, being given
permission, opened the door to the black abyss and when he did, "there
arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and
the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit" (Rev. 9:2).
Commenting on this scene Matthew Henry wrote, “The
devil carries on his designs by blinding the eyes of men, by extinguishing
light and knowledge and promoting ignorance and error. He first deceives men,
and then destroys them; wretched souls follow him in the dark, or they durst
not follow him."
2 And he
opened the bottomless pit [abyss]; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as
the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason
of the smoke of the pit.
3 And
there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.
4 And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.
5 And to
them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be
tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a
scorpion, when he striketh a man.
6 And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.
7 And the
shapes of the locusts were [appeared] like unto horses prepared unto
battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were
as the faces of men.
8 And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions.
9 And
they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their
wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle.
10 And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months.
9:3-10 From the symbolism of the locust a number of
observations can be made about demons and demonic activity. Demons are under
the immediate leadership of Satan himself who is called in the Hebrew tongue
Abaddon (destruction) and in the Greek tongue Apollyon c (the Destroyer).
Demons are limited by the sovereign will of God. They were commanded not to
hurt the vegetation that would have been their normal diet (Rev. 9:4). They
were commanded not to hurt the elect of God that had been sealed in their
foreheads (Rev. 9:4b). They were commanded to only torment the non-Christian
community (Rev. 9:5). Demons are powerful creatures of darkness, which is why
so many people became enslaved to sin in the form of pornography, drugs, alcohol,
anger, money, power, and all the other works of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21). The
power of demons is manifested by: the symbol of authority in the crowns of gold
(Rev. 9:7); the show of wisdom in the faces of men (Rev. 9:7); the allurement
of beauty reflected in the ornamental hair some have (Rev. 9:8); their strength
as the teeth of lions, and by their armor of iron defense (Rev. 9:9).
11 And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.
Fifth Trumpet: killing of men
12 One woe [trouble] is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter.
Sixth Trumpet: a great slaughter
13 And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,
14 Saying
to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels
which are bound in the great river Euphrates.
9:13-14 The Euphrates River was the boundary for the nation
of Israel. God promised Abraham, “To your descendants I give this land, from
the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates.“ (Gen.15: 18). The
angels are sent to judge the whole land of Israel. As a people of the covenant
they had rejected the Messiah. Now they would be judged fully.
15 And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.
16 And
the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand
thousand: and I heard the number of them.
9:15-16 By using the imagery of a
Calvary, John may have been instilling a sense of dread of foreign invaders for
the Parthians, who dwelt beyond the Euphrates were
the most dreaded Cavalry in the world. It had attacked Rome in 53 BC and again
in AD 62. John saw a vast host of 200 million, which means they were beyond
numbering like the chariots of God (Psa. 68:17).
17 And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth [a precious blue stone], and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.
18 By
these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke,
and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.
19 For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt.
20 And
the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of
the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils [demons], and
idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can
see, nor hear, nor walk:
21 Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.
9:17-21 Since men do not repent
God will not cease to express the righteous judgments of His wrath. It is all
very sad. After seven seal judgments, after six trumpet judgments, the earth
still remains steadfast in sin. Men are judged because they have sinned against
God and hurt His servants. But the voice from the altar (Rev. 9:13) reminds all
of the power of prayer and the justice of the resurrected Savior.
It is important to see in these verses, not an
apocalyptic timetable but a message for God's people. John was writing to his
seven churches a great letter of hope and encouragement in the midst of
tribulation. Over and over he emphasized that Jesus
Christ would triumph over the rulers of this world and that the prayers
of the saints would be heard. May that message be heard afresh.
1. John
sees a “star” fall from heaven to the
earth. Whom might the “star” refer to
(Rev. 9:1)?
Answer. The star that fell from heaven may be a
reference to Satan.
2. When the fifth angel blew his trumpet what was given to him (Rev. 9:1)?
Angel. To the fifth angel was given the key to the
bottomless pit.
3. What happened when the fifth angel opened the bottomless pit (Rev. 9:2)?
Answer. When the pit was opened “ there arose a smoke out of the pit,
as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by
reason of the smoke of the pit.”
4. What suddenly arose from out of the pit (Rev. 9:3)?
Answer. Locusts came up out of the pit.
5. What
commandment was given to the creatures from the pit (Rev. 9:4)?
Answer. It was “commanded them
that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing,
neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their
foreheads.”
6. What power was given to the creatures from the pit (Rev. 9:5)?
Answer. Power was given to the creatures to torment men for
the space of five months with the sting of a scorpion.
7. What will the Lord not allow the unrighteous to do during the day of divine visitation of the scorpions?
Answer. Though men desire death, the Lord will not allow
individuals to die.
8. Describe the appearance of the locusts from the pit (Rev. 9:7-10)?
Answer.
·
The shape
of the locusts. The
shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle.
·
The head
of the locusts. On their heads were, as it were crowns like gold.
·
The face
of the locusts. Their faces were as the faces of men.
·
The hair
of the locusts. They had hair as the hair of women.
·
The teeth
of the locusts. Their teeth were as the teeth of lions
·
The
breastplate of the locusts. They had breastplates, as it were breastplates of
iron.
·
The wings
of the locusts. The sound of their wings was as the sound of
chariots of many horses running to battle.
·
The tails
of the locusts. They had tails like unto scorpions, and there were
stings in their tails.
· The power of the locusts. Their power was to hurt
men five months.
9. What is the name of the king of the scorpions in Hebrew and in Greek (Rev. 9:11)?
Answer. The name of the king of the scorpion in Hebrew is
Abaddon but in the Greek it is Apollyon.
10. How many more woes could John anticipate (Rev. 9:12)?
Answer. There were to be two more woes.
11. What
happened when the sixth angel sounded the sixth trumpet (Rev. 9:13)?
Answer. When
the sixth angel blew his trumpet a voice was heard from the four horns of the golden altar
which is before God.
12. What did the voice say to the sixth angel with the trumpet (Rev. 9:14)?
Answer. The voice commanded the angel to “Loose the
four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates.”
13. How long were the four angels released to slay one third of all mankind (Rev. 9:15)?
Answer. The angels were to administer death for one year,
one month, one day and one hour.
14. How large was the army let loose by the blowing of the sixth trumpet (Rev. 9:16)?
Answer. The number of the army was two hundred thousand
thousand (200 million).
15. Describe the attire of the horses in the vision (Rev. 9:17).
Answer.
·
The
breastplates. The
breastplates were of fire and of jacinth and brimstone.
·
The heads. The heads of the horse
were as the heads of lions.
·
The mouths. The mouths issued fire
and smoke and brimstone.
16. How much of mankind was destroyed by the army (Rev. 9:18)?
Answer. The fire and the smoke and the brimstone that
issued out of the mouths of the horses killed one-third part of mankind.
17. Describe the tails of the horses (Rev. 9:19).
Answer. The tails of the horses were like serpents with heads and
power to hurt.
18. Despite the spiritual condition of those who were not destroyed by the plagues (Rev. 9:20).
Answer. Those who were not destroyed by the plagues
repented not of their sins.
19. Describe the sins of men not destroyed by the plagues (Rev. 9: 20,21).
Answer. In addition to idolatry those not destroyed by the
plagues engaged in acts of murder, sorcery, fornication and theft.
Personal Application and Reflection
1.
Some Bible teachers believe hell is in the
center of the earth (Rev. 9:1-2). Do you believe this is probable or even
possible? Why or why not?
2.
Why is so much attention paid to the mark of
the Beast on the forehead and so little attention is paid to the mark of God on
the forehead (Rev. 9:4)?
3.
What are modern forms of idol worship (Rev.
9:20)?
4.
What makes sin so strong the heart will not
repent of murder, drug addiction, sexual immorality or stealing (Rev. 9:21)?
5.
Sin drives some individuals to seek death
(Rev. 9: 6). Do you think suicide is a sin? Is it forgivable? Can anyone die
apart from divine permission?
Hiding God’s Word in My Heart
Revelation 9:20 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these
plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not
worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of
wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: 21 Neither repented they of
their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their
thefts.
~*~
Summary
This chapter is an introduction to the latter part
of the prophecies of the Revelation. In this chapter there is a remarkable
description of a very glorious angel with an open book in his hand (Rev.
10:1-3) followed by an account of seven thunders which the apostle heard.
However, what was communicated to John was not allowed to be recorded for the
moment (Rev. 10: 4). As the unfolding scene continued John saw a solemn oath
taken by Him who had the book in His hand (Rev. 10:5-7). Instructions were then
given to the apostle and observed by him (Rev. 10: 8-11).
Second Interlude
During this second interlude, John bears witness to a little scroll Rev. 10:1-11 and saw two witnesses Rev. 11:1-14.
1 And I
saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a
rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun,
and his feet as pillars of fire:
2 And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,
3 And
cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried,
seven thunders uttered their voices.
The verses in chapters 10:1-11:14 form an interlude between the
sounding of the sixth and the seventh trumpets. The sixth trumpet blast has
been sounded but the seventh is silent until Revelation 11:15. In between the
sixth and the seventh trumpets are terrible sights to see.
4 And
when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I
heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things
which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.
10: 4 “I heard a voice.” Adam and Eve heard the voice of God before the Fall
and enjoyed fellowship with the Divine. Then they heard the voice of God after
the Fall and fled. “And they heard the
voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam
and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees
of the garden” (Gen. 3:8).
· Abraham heard the voice of God and spared the life
of his son Isaac. Genesis 22:11-12 “And
the Angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham,
Abraham: and he said, Here am I. 12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the
lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God,
seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.”
· Moses heard the voice of God and gave to Israel the
Law. “And when the voice of the trumpet
sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by
a voice” (Ex. 19:19).
· Samuel heard the voice of God and was able to speak
with prophetic authority. “And the LORD
said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of
every one that heareth it shall tingle” (1 Sam. 3:11).
· Paul heard the voice of God and the world was turned
upside down for the cause of Christ. Acts 9:4 “And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul,
Saul, why persecutest thou me?”
· John heard the voice of God and wrote of those
things which were yet to come. “And his
feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the
sound of many waters” (Rev. 1:15).
5 And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,
6 And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:
7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.
8 And the
voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go
and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which
standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.
9 And I
went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little
book. And he said unto me, Take
it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be
in thy mouth sweet as honey.
10:9 There was a Jewish custom that was used to help young children learn. The letters of the alphabet would be made from flour and honey. Then, when the child was able to identify the letters correctly, he was able to eat them much like alphabet cereal today. Words formed from sugared cereal can be very sweet. However, as the Word of God can be sweet, it can also be very bitter as it pronounces judgments upon individuals. At such time it is more of a challenge to be a messenger with a mandate. Still, the servant of the Lord will be careful to communicate what the Lord has given and when the Lord would have His message given.
10 And I took the little book out of the angels hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.
11 And he
said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples,
and nations, and tongues [languages], and kings.
1. Describe the Mighty Angel John saw coming down from heaven (Rev. 10:1-3).
Answer.
·
Head. There was a cloud and
rainbow upon his head.
·
Face. His face was shining as
the sun.
·
Feet. His feet were as pillars
of brass.
·
Hand. In his hand was a little
open book.
·
Right
foot. He set
his right foot upon the sea.
·
Left
foot. He set
his left foot upon the land.
·
Voice. He cried with a loud
voice as the roar of a lion.
2. What command was John given (Rev. 10:4)?
Answer. John was told to “Seal up those things which the
seven thunders uttered, and write them not.”
3. The sounding of seven thunders serves to remind the Church of whose voice?
Answer. The sounding of the seven thunders reminds the
Church that part of the spiritual experience of many people is to hear the
voice of God.
4. What did the Mighty Angel lift up his hand to heaven and swear (Rev. 10:5,6)?
Answer. The Mighty Angel swore, “that
there should be time no longer.”
5. What is said to be revealed to the prophets (Rev. 10:7)?
Answer. God is pleased to reveal to His servants great
mysteries.
6. Review the seven trumpet judgments (Rev. 10:7).
Answer.
·
The first trumpet judgment brought fire and hail and caused the
destruction of vegetation (Rev. 8:7).
·
The second trumpet judgment turned a third of the sea into blood (Rev.
8:8,9).
·
The third trumpet judgment made a third of all the fresh water bitter
(Rev. 8:10,11).
·
The fourth trumpet judgment made a third of the celestial lights dark
(Rev. 8:12).
·
The fifth trumpet judgment was to bring a five-month period of torment
(Rev. 9:1-3).
·
The sixth trumpet judgment results in the death of a third of the
survivors from the other plagues (Rev. 9:13-15).
·
The seventh trumpet judgment contains the seven final bowl judgments
and thus the consummation of the ages. There is also an explanation for all
things. (Rev. 11:15-19 cf. 16:1).
7. What instruction did John receive from the voice he heard in heaven (Rev. 10:8)?
Answer. John was instructed to “Go and take the little book which is
open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.”
8. What did John tell the Mighty Angel to do (Rev. 10:9)?
Answer. Going to the Mighty Angel John said
to him, “Give me the little book.”
9. When the book was given to John so was an unusual commandment. What was John to do with the book (Rev. 10:9)?
Answer. John was instructed to take the book and eat it.
10. When John was obedient to the heavenly command what happened (Rev. 10:10)?
Answer. When John took the book and ate it
upon gospel instruction it was sweet as honey to his taste but bitter in his
belly.
11. To whom was John to become a witness (Rev. 10:11)?
Answer. John was going to become a witness to
“many people, nations, and tongues, and kings.”
Personal Application and Reflection
1.
Why is the Word of God
sweet to some and bitter to others?
2.
John speaks of “time no longer.”
What do you
think this means? What are the implications of such a thought?
3.
Do you believe God reveals the future to some
men (Rev. 10:7)? Why or why not?
4.
Since the church is to speak to many people,
nations and in many languages which personal responsibly do you have in getting
the gospel out to the ends of the earth?
5.
What is the greatest “mystery” you have had
revealed to you concerning the Christian life (Rev. 10:7)? In other words, what
is the single greatest spiritual truth you have learned?
Hiding God’s Word in My Heart
Revelation
10:11And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and
nations, and tongues, and kings.
~*~
Summary
In Revelation 11 an account is recorded of a measuring-reed
given to the apostle to take the dimensions of the temple (Rev. 11:1-2). John
also recorded the appearance of the two witnesses of God (Rev. 10:3-13), the
sounding of the seventh trumpet and what followed (Rev. 10:14-19).
Attention was paid to these witnesses: their association with the
temple
Rev. 11:1-2
1 And
there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise,
and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
11:1 The measuring of the Temple, like the sealing of the
saints (Rev. 7:2,3), was for the purpose of protecting the faithful one's from
the demonic terrors about to descend upon the Earth. God will always protect
His saints, not in the sense of excluding them from suffering but in the sense
that after the danger passes the Church lives on.
2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months [3 ½ years].
11:2 The presence of impending
danger just outside the inner Temple area of security has a historical basis.
In AD 70 when the Roman army was attacking the city of Jerusalem the Jews began
to retreat. Fighting was taking place in the Court of the Gentiles, the Court
of the Women, the Court of the Israelites, and the Court of the Priests which
contained the altar of burnt offering made of brass, the altar of incense made
of gold, and the Holy Place. In this court only the priests could come. As the
fighting grew fierce, the Zealots urged their fellow citizens to fall back to
the priestly court where God would stop the Gentiles (Romans) advance. For
John, there was a spiritual reality for the true Temple of God, the Church (1
Pet. 2:5; Eph. 2:20,21; 1 Cor. 3:16 cf. 2 Cor. 6:16) would be protected. No
harm would come to it. The terror was to last for only a limited time reflected
in the 42-month period.
3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days [1,260], clothed in sackcloth.
11:3 It is not difficult to trace the origin of the phrase 42 months.
It goes back to the reign of terror under Antiochus Epiphanes,
king of Syria, who dared to force Greek language and Greek culture and worship
on the Jews. When the Jews resisted, a blood bath followed. There was a great
slaughter of Israelites that was finally stopped by the efforts of Judas
Maccabees and his followers. Waging guerrilla warfare, the Maccabees won some
stunning victories. Finally, Antiochus and his soldiers were driven out of the
land and the Temple was restored. The whole terrible time had lasted
42 months, from June 168 BC to December 165 BC. Today, the Jews still
celebrate Hanukah to commemorate this period of restoration and cleansing. The
phrase 42 months was stamped upon the ancient Jewish mind as a time of terror,
suffering, and martyrdom. In the midst of the physical suffering there was to
be spiritual suffering as well for God would send His two prophets. Clothed in
sackcloth, commissioned to preach for 3 1/2 years the prophets did not offer
hope but condemnation.
Their Personal Protection and Power
4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks [lamp stands] standing before the God of the earth.
11:4 There are several possibilities in identifying the two witnesses. If the passage is viewed as an allegory the two witnesses might be the Law and the Prophets or the Law and the Gospels, or the Old Testament and the New Testament. Another possibility is that the two witnesses are Elijah and Enoch for these two men never died (Gen. 5:24; 2 Kings 2:11). A third understanding is that witnesses are Moses and Elijah who appeared with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration (Mark 9:4).
5 And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.
6 These
have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and
have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all
plagues, as often as they will.
11:5-6 Moses and Elijah exercised the power attributed to the two witnesses. The two witnesses had power to devour their enemies (2 Kings 1:10,12; Hos. 6:5). They could stop the rain from falling (Rev. 11:6 cf. 1 Kings 17:1). The two witnesses could turn water into blood (Ex. 7:14-18) and then smite the earth with plagues.
7 And
when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of
the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and
kill them.
8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
9 And
they of the people and kindreds and tongue [languages] and nations shall see
their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer [allow] their
dead bodies to be put in graves.
10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.
11 And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.
12 And
they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come
up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld
them.
13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
14 The
second woe [trouble] is past; and, behold, the third woe [trouble]
cometh quickly.
The
Seventh Trumpet sounded to announce the sovereign reign of the Lord over the
nations of the earth (Rev. 11:15-19). The nations resisted the reign of the
Sovereign with violence.
15 And
the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, THE KINGDOMS OF
THIS WORLD ARE BECOME THE KINGDOMS OF OUR LORD, AND OF HIS CHRIST; AND
HE SHALL REIGN FOR EVER AND EVER [Ex. 15:18; Dan. 2:44; 7:14].
16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
17
Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which
art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great
power, and hast reigned.
18 And
the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that
they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants
the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great;
and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
19 And
the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the
ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings,
and an earthquake, and great hail.
1. What instrument was John given in Revelation 11:1?
Answer. John was given “a reed like unto a rod.”
2. What was John to measure (Rev. 11:1)?
Answer. John was to measure the temple, the altar and those
that worshipped.
3. What area of the Temple was John told not to measure and why (Rev. 11:2)?
Answer. John was instructed to measure not the Court of the
Gentiles for that area and the city of Jerusalem was to be under divine
judgment for forty-two months.
4. How long were the two witnesses to minister (Rev. 11:3)?
Answer. The two witnesses were to minister for 1,260
days or forty two months (30 months x42=1.260 days)
5. Can the identity of the two witnesses be established from the text (Rev. 11:3,4)?
Answer. The only identity of the two witnesses is that they
are said to be the two olive trees and the two candlesticks standing before the
God of the earth.
6. What divine protection was given to the two witnesses (Rev. 11:5)?
Answer. The two witnesses had power to destroy with fire
out of their mouths anyone who opposed their ministry.
7. What three miracles were the two witnesses able to perform (Rev. 11:6).
Answer.
·
Rain. The two witnesses had
power to shut heaven that it rain not for 42 months or 1,260 days.
·
Water. The two witnesses had
power to turn water into blood.
·
Plagues. The two witnesses had
power to produces plagues at will.
8. Who made war with the two witnesses and when were they killed (Rev. 11:7)?
Answer. At the end of a 42-month period of ministry the two
witnesses were said to be killed by “the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless
pit.”
9. Where were the bodies of the two witnesses placed following their murder (Rev. 11:8,9)?
Answer. John saw the dead bodies of the two
witnesses being left in the open in the city of Jerusalem which is spiritually
called Sodom and Egypt. The bodies were left for three and a half days.
10. What was the reaction of the general population to the death of the two witnesses (Rev. 11:10)?
Answer. With the death of the two witnesses there was
general rejoicing even to the exchanging of gifts.
11. What happened after three and a half days to the two witnesses (Rev. 11:11)?
Answer. After three and a half days the spirit of
God entered into the two witnesses and they lived to the amazement and fear of
the general population.
12. What did a voice from heaven say to the two witnesses (Rev. 11:12).
Answer. A voice from heaven called the two witnesses home
saying, “Come up hither.”
13. In the same hour that the two witnesses ascended into heaven what happened on earth (Rev. 11:13)?
Answer. In the same hour of the ascension of the
witnesses into heaven there was a great earthquake in which a tenth part of the
city of Jerusalem was destroyed.
14. How many people died in the earthquake (Rev. 11:13)?
Answer. Seven thousand died in the earthquake.
15. What twofold change was produced in the hearts of many following the earthquake (Rev. 11:13)?
Answer.
There was a twofold change in the
hearts of many. The first change was that of fear and the second change was a
willingness to give glory to the God of heaven.
16. How many woes are left after the passing of the first two (Rev. 11:14)?
Answer. There was one “woe” left in a series of
three.
17. Review the type of judgment associate with the three “woes”: Revelation 9:12 cf. 9:1-11; Rev. 11:14 cf. 9:13-19; Rev. 11:14 cf. 11:15-19.
Answer.
·
The first woe in Revelation 9:12 is associated with the judgment of the
fifth angel which opened the bottomless pit to release an army from hell that
tormented men.
·
The second woe in Revelation 11:14 is associated with the judgment of
the sixth angel to whom power was given kill one third of mankind.
·
The third woe in Revelation 11:14 is associated with the seventh angel
which poured forth lightening and voices and thunderings, and an earthquake,
and great hail.
18. What did the voices of heaven say after the ascension of the two witnesses, the earthquake and the two-fold change in the hearts of many (Rev. 11:15)?
Answer. “And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven,
saying, The kingdoms of this world are
become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of
his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.”
19. What did the twenty-four elders say as they worshipped God (Rev. 11:16, 17)?
Answer. The twenty-four elders fell on their faces saying, “We give
thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which
art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great
power, and hast reigned.” “And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come,
and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest
give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that
fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the
earth.”
20. What was seen or heard when the temple of God was opened in heaven (Rev. 11:19)?
Answer. John saw in the temple the “ark of his
testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an
earthquake, and great hail.”
1.
Spiritual power is needed for ministry (Luke
24:49; Rev. 11:3). How can the average Christian receive this power from on
high?
2.
Do you ever feel you are in a spiritual
warfare (Rev. 11:7)? What form does this battle take?
3.
Why do so many nations hate Christ and
Christianity (Rev 11:18)?
4.
If a Christian became familiar with the
Tabernacle of the Old Testament
do you believe the Christian might be more comfortable with the sights of
heaven (Rev. 11:12)?
5.
Judgment is pronounced on those “which destroy the earth” (Rev. 11: 11). Do
Christians have a responsibility toward the earth’s environment? What s that
responsibility?
Hiding God’s Word in My Heart
Revelation 11:16 And the four and
twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and
worshipped God, 17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art,
and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and
hast reigned.
~*~
Summary
Revelation Chapter 12
It is likely that Revelation 12-14, from the
sounding of the seventh trumpet to the opening of the seven vials, is not a
prediction of things to come, but rather a recapitulation and representation of
things past. As God would have the apostle to foresee future events so He would
have him review what these events were in the past so that he might have a more
perfect idea of them in his mind. The Lord would have John to observe an
essential unity between prophecy and the Providence that is always fulfilling
the Scriptures. In Revelation 12 there is an account of the contest between the
church and antichrist, the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent. The
angelic conflict which began in heaven (Rev. 12:1-11) is carried on in the earth
(Rev. 12:1217).
Seven Personages:
Rev. 12:1-14:20
First Person: the woman clothed with the sun Rev. 12:1-2
1 And
there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the
moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:
2 And she
being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.
12:1-2 Concerning the woman the best understanding is that
the Woman is spiritual Israel, which means that she represents all those who
have the faith of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Collectively, in the Old Testament,
spiritual Israel was considered to be the Bride of God. In Isaiah 54:5 we read,
"For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of Host is His name."
As the wife of Jehovah, Israel was the mother of His son, the Messiah.
3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.
12:3 The concept of a Red Dragon was well known to the
ancient world. In Babylon, where the Jews were once exiled for 70 years, in the
temple of Marduk, the creating god, there was a great
image of a red-gleaming serpent that represented the defeated dragon of chaos.
The Old Testament has reference to a dragon. The dragon appears as Rahab, a
poetical name for Egypt, in Isaiah 51:9. The dragon is associated with
Leviathan, which may refer to the crocodile, a symbol for the ruling powers of
Egypt (Psalms 74:12-14). The dragon is associated with behemoth, a terrible
creature of uncertain identity in Job 40:15.
4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.
5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
6 And the
woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that
they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days
[1,260].
7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
12:
7 In Jewish thought Michael was the great
champion of the people of God (cf. Daniel 10:13, 21; 12:1). Being an elect
angel confirmed in holiness, Michael and his angels fought against Lucifer and
his angels and prevailed. Here is a marvelous passage of Scripture for in it we
have a glimpse of a civil war in heaven. Just when the great angelic conflict
first began is not certain. It may have taken place prior to creation or more
likely after the creation of the world. Only one thing is certain about the
timing. The angelic warfare did occur prior to the fall of man for it is
Lucifer who tempted Adam and Eve to join him in his revolt against God. From
this passage several conclusions can be noted about Satan.
v
He lost the war in heaven
Rev.
12:8a
v
He lost his position in heaven
Rev.
12:8b
v
He was cast out into the earth
Rev.
12:9
v
He retained the ability to deceive the
whole
world Rev. 12:9
v
His angels (demons) were cast out with
Him Rev. 12:9
v
His exile was witnessed by Christ Luke 10:18
v
His power on earth was broken by Christ Rev. 12:10 cf. Luke
10:17
v
He still stands to accuse the saints
before
God Rev. 12:10
v
He knows that his time is short Rev.
12:12
v
He has a tremendous amount of anger Rev. 12:12
v
As he once declared war on spiritual
Israel
so he has turned to making war
with
the Church Rev. 12:13, 17
8 And
prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out I into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
10 And I
heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation,
and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser
of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
11 And
they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony;
and they loved not their lives unto the death.
12
Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters
of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great
wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
Fifth person: the woman with child
Rev. 12:13-17
13 And
when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman
which brought forth the man child.
14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time [three and one half years], from the face of the serpent.
15 And
the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he
might cause her to be carried away of the flood.
16 And
the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed
[drank] up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.
17 And
the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of
her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus
Christ.
Leader’s Study Guide
1. Describe the first great wonder of the woman of John’s vision in Revelation 12:1,2.
Answer.
·
Clothing. The woman was clothed
with the sun.
·
Feet. The moon was under her feet.
· Head. A crown of twelve stars
was upon her head.
·
Stomach. The woman was great with
child.
2. What was the second great wonder of John’s vision at this point (Rev. 12:3)?
Answer. The second great wonder John saw at this point in
his vision was a red dragon. Having seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns
upon his head.
3. How
many stars of heaven did the tail of the dragon extinguish (Rev. 12:4)?
Answer. The tail of the dragon
drew a third of the stars of heaven and cast them upon the earth.
4. What was the intent of the dragon in regards to the woman (Rev. 12:4)?
Answer. It was the intent of the dragon to destroy the
woman’s child as soon as it was born.
5. What happened to the baby that was born (Rev. 12:5)?
Answer. When the woman gave birth to the man-child, her
child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
6. While the man-child was caught up to heaven, what protection was given to the woman (Rev. 12:6)?
Answer. The woman fled into the wilderness where she was
divinely protected for 1,260 days or 42 months.
7. Who fought against the dragon in heaven (Rev. 12:7)?
Answer. In the angelic conflict of heaven Michael and his
angels fought against the dragon and his angels.
8. What was the twofold result of the angelic conflict in heaven (Rev. 12:8,9)?
Answer.
First, Michael and his
angels prevailed against the dragon and his angels.
Second, the great dragon
was cast out of heaven into the earth along with his angels.
9. List three other names for the great dragon (Rev. 12:9).
Answer. The great dragon is also called that old serpent,
the Devil, and Satan.
10. What did John hear the unseen voice in heaven say (Rev. 12:10)?
Answer. John heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now is come salvation, and strength, and the
kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our
brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.”
11. How were the brethren able to overcome the accusations of the Devil (Rev. 12:11)?
Answer. The saints overcame him “by the blood of the Lamb, and by the
word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”
12. What was to be the attitude the inhabitants of heaven with the departure of Satan and his angels (Rev. 12:12)?
Answer. There was to be rejoicing in heaven by the casting
out of Satan.
13. What was to be the attitude of the inhabitants on earth knowing that Satan was now present (Rev. 12:12)?
Answer. The inhabitants of the earth are to tremble for
Satan is angry knowing his certain doom.
14. Whom did the great dragon try to harm (Rev. 12:13)?
Answer. When the dragon saw that he was cast unto the
earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.
15. With the great dragon chasing her how did the woman escape (Rev. 12:14)?
Answer. “To the woman were given two wings of a
great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she
is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the
serpent.”
16. What spewed forth from the mouth of the serpent to try and destroy the fleeing woman (Rev. 12:15)?
Answer. “The serpent cast out of his mouth
water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of
the flood.”
17. What supernatural intervention took place to protect the fleeing woman (Rev. 12:16)?
Answer. The “earth helped the woman, and the
earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of
his mouth.”
18. Because he was not able to destroy the woman on whom did the dragon turn his rage (Rev. 12:17)?
Answer. “The dragon was wroth [angry] with the
woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed [the church], which
keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”
Personal Reflection and Application
1.
The idea of war in heaven between Michael and
his angels and Lucifer stirs the imagination (Rev. 12:7). What are your
thoughts on this matter. Why was there war in heaven?
2.
Satan is called an accuser (Rev. 12: 10). Has
the Evil One ever accused you in your conscience? What is your response when
these accusations come? Are they true?
3.
Why must mankind be caught up in the angelic
conflict between God and Lucifer and between Michael and his angels? If there
had been no Devil to tempt man do you think there would have been a Fall?
4.
A command is given to rejoice in heaven (Rev.
12: 12) in relation to events on earth. How much of the events are earth do you
think is known in heaven?
5.
Yes, or no. Do you keep the commandments of
God? Do you have a vital testimony for Jesus Christ? Would your pastor agree
with your answer? Yes, or no.
Hiding God’s Word in My Heart
Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come
salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his
Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before
our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and
by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
~*~
Revelation Chapter 13
Revelation 13 reveals the discovery and description
of the enemies of the church. These enemies are not really new though they are
represented as two beasts. The record of the first beast is found in Revelation
10:1-10 while Revelation 10:11-18 describes the second beast. The first beast
may represent Roman pagan authority while the second beast represents Roman
ecclesiastical authority all of which was abused.
Sixth person: the beast out of the sea
1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
2 And the
beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet
of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his
power, and his seat, and great authority.
13:1-2 For John, the Beast which he saw rise out of the sea embodied all the base characteristics of previous empires (cf. Daniel 7:3-7). John's Beast was like a leopard with bear's feet and a lion's mouth which is the say that for the apostle the Roman Empire included all the terrors and fears associated with all the evil empires which had gone before. The Beast, which John saw, had seven heads and ten horns.
These heads and horns could easily stand for the various rulers and emperors of Rome. The emperor's were as follows.
·
Julius Caesar 49-44 BC
·
Augustus 31
BC - AD 14
·
Tiberius AD
14-37
·
Caligula AD
37-41
·
Claudius AD
41-54
·
Nero AD
55-68
Between
AD 68-69 there was a period of 18 months in which three men tried to rule Rome:
Galba,
Otho, and Vitellius.
·
Vespasian AD 69-79
·
Titus AD
79-81
·
Domitian AD
81-96
3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered [followed] after the beast.
13:3 The seven
emperors together with three other rulers, Galba, Otho, and Vitellius made up
the ten horns. However, as John saw, one of the heads, perhaps representing
Nero, was wounded unto death. But the wounded head was restored. Something like
this happened in history. When Nero committed suicide the news was too good to
be true. Rumors spread leading to the legend of Nero redivivus
or Nero resurrected. It was whispered that whatever deadly wound Nero inflicted
upon himself was healed.
4 And
they worshipped the dragon, which gave power unto the beast: and they
worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? Who is able
to make war with him?
5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months [3 ½ years].
6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
13:4-6 On the heads of the Beast were blasphemous names.
The emperors of Rome often took titles of deity unto themselves. For example,
Nero has inscribed on his coins, "The
Savior of the World." In order to enforce worship of themselves the
emperors of Rome created an elaborate organization of magistrates and
priesthood.
7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongue [languages], and nations.
8 And all
that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the
book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
13:7-8 The election to salvation was not a general, racial,
or indiscriminate selection. Rather, God chose particular individuals to be the
heirs of salvation and wrote their names in the Book of Life before the
foundation of the world.
9 If any man have an ear, let him hear.
10 He that leadeth into
captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the
sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
Seventh Person: the beast out of the earth Rev. 13:11-18
11 And I
beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a
lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
12 And he
exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth
and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was
healed.
13 And he
doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth
in the sight of men,
14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
15 And he
had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast
should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the
beast should be killed.
16 And he
causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a
mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
13:11-17 The complete picture
presented in Revelation 13 teaches that evil can totally dominate the soul of a
person. A person can so abandon themselves to the works of the flesh that they
actually become the property of Satan, devoted to him and remain forever under
satanic authority, without genuine faith but happy in the evil that is
committed. Jesus told certain religious people, "You are of the devil and
the lust of your father you will do." Those who do not follow Christ do
not consider themselves slaves of the devil nor workings out his lusts— but
they are and they do.
Concerning the number of the Beast the suggestions
as to the meaning of 666 are endless. It is possible that the number has
something to do with Nero. Many ancient manuscripts give the number as 616. If
we take Nero in Latin and give its numerical equivalent, we do get the sum of
666. N = 50 E = 6 R = 500 O = 60 N = 50. The name can equally well be spelled
without the final N, which would give the number 616. In Hebrew the letters of
Nero Caesar also add up to 666. It may well be that the number of the Beast
from the Land for Nero but again it is speculation at best and best not to
speculate. What is not idle speculation is that the composite picture of speaks
of two beasts.
There is the Beast from the Sea reflecting the abuse
of political power. There is the Beast from the Land reflecting the abuse of
religious power. Opposing the Beast from the Sea and opposing the Beast from
the Land was the Church which was exhorted to be faithful unto the death to
Christ while pledging ultimate allegiance only to Him and His kingdom.
18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six [666].
Beast from the Sea
Looked like a leopard
with feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion
Beast from the Earth
Looked like a lamb with two horns
Beast from the Sea
Received a moral head wound which healed
Beast from the Earth
Never wounded
Beast from the Sea
Able to communicate effectively while speaking
blasphemies
Beast from the Earth
Able to communicate effectively while speaking like the dragon
Beast from the Sea
Not able to perform miracles
Beast from the earth
Able to perform miracles such as making
fire come down from heaven
Beast
from the Sea
Empowered
for 42 months
Beast from the Earth
No time
limit is given
Beast
from the Sea
Made war
with the saints even unto death
Beast
from the Earth
Hurt the
saints economically if they refused the act of honor by the placing a mark,
name of number (666) of the first beast on their right hand or in their
forehead.
Beast
from the Sea
Received
personal worship
Beast from the Earth
Caused
people to worship the first beast from the sea by deception in making a dumb
idol speak
~*~
Spiritual Lessons from Revelation 13
1.
Satan as “the Dragon” will empower
certain world leaders and governments. Rev 13:2 “and the dragon gave him [the
Beast from the Sea] his power, and his seat, and great authority.” There is no
question but Satan can empower individuals who open themselves up directly or
indirectly to his influence and guidance.
2.
Because the devil and man want to be like
God and be the object of worship the heart must guard against such idolatry.
Rev 13:4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and
they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? Who is able to
make war with him? The cult of emperor worship, the making of “movie idols” or
“Teen idols” is a direct violation of the principle of the commandment of God
forbidding such activity.
3.
Evil can persuasively present its
ideologies while being bold to defy the righteousness of God. Rev 13:5 And
there was given unto him [the Beast from the Sea] a mouth speaking great things
and blasphemies.
4.
Whatever power evil may exercise it is
under the sovereign control of God. Rev 13:5 “and power was given unto him to
continue forty and two months.” Why God gives power to men to do that which is
evil is a great mystery.
5.
As Christians are part of the angelic
conflict they will come under demonic persecution in the normal affairs of
life. Rev 13:6 And he [the Beast from the Land] opened his mouth in blasphemy
against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in
heaven. 7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to
overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and
nations.
6.
The elect shall be faithful and never
worship man or the devil. Rev 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall
worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain
from the foundation of the world.
7.
Christ has a chosen remnant, redeemed by
his blood, recorded in his book, sealed by his Spirit; and though the devil and
his antichrist might overcome their bodily strength, and take away their
natural life, they can never conquer their souls, nor prevail with them to
forsake their Savior and revolt to his enemies (Matthew Henry).
8.
The assurance is given in Revelation
13:10 that when God has accomplished His work on mount Zion, His refining work,
then He will turn His hand against the enemies of His people. Those who have
killed with the sword shall themselves fall by the sword. Those who led the
people of God into captivity shall themselves be made captives. Until the Lord
comes to deliver His people they are to exercise patience and faith in times of
persecution. There is to be patience under the prospect of great sufferings;
there is to be faith in the prospect of a grand and glorious deliverance.
1. Describe the terrible image John saw rise up out of the sea (Rev. 13:1,2)?
Answer.
·
Heads. The beast had seven heads
upon which were written the names of blasphemy.
·
Horns. The beast had ten horns.
·
Body. His body was like unto a
leopard.
·
Feet. His feet were as the
feet of a bear.
· Mouth. His mouth was shaped like that of a lion’s mouth.
2. Who empowered the beast from the sea (Rev. 13:2)?
Answer. “The dragon gave him his power, and his
seat, and great authority.”
3. What happened to one of the seven heads on the beast from the sea (Rev. 13:3)?
Answer. One of the heads was mortally wounded but the
deadly wound healed.
4. When the head of the beast from the sea was healed whom did the world worship (Rev. 13:4)?
Answer. The world worshipped the dragon that gave power
unto the best.
5. What was given to the first beast to seduce the world (Rev. 13:5,6)?
Answer. A mouth speaking great blasphemies was given unto
the first beast to deceive the world for 42 months.
6. How extensive was the power given to the first beast (Rev. 13:7)?
Answer. The authority of the first beast extended over the
saints and “over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.”
7. Who is said to worship the first beast (Rev. 13:8)?
Answer. Those whose names are not written in the book of
life shall worship the first beast.
8. When was the Lamb slain (Rev. 13:8)?
Answer. The Lamb was slain from the foundation of the
world.
9. What gospel call and words of warning are issued in Revelation 13:9-10?
Answer. “If any many have an ear, let him
hear. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth
with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the
faith of the saints.”
10. John saw a second beast but this one comes from out of the earth. Describe the appearance of this second beast (Rev. 13:11).
Answer. This second beast which came from the
earth had two horns like a lamb but he spoke like the dragon.
11. Detail the strength and activity of the second beast that came from the earth (Rev. 13:12-17).
Answer.
·
Power. The second beast
exercised all the power of the first beast.
·
Worship. The second beast caused
the world to worship the first beast whose deadly wound was healed.
·
Miracles. The second beast made
fire to fall from heaven in the sight of men to their amazement.
·
Idolatry. The second beast by
satanically induced miracles gained credibility to suggest that an image be
made to the first beast which had been wounded by a sword.
·
Artificial
life. The
second beast was able to give artificial life to the image of the first beast
so that the image should speak and command the death of those who did not
worship.
·
Markings. The second beast had
power to mark people on their right hand or on their forehead so that they were
not able to buy or sell unless they had the mark, the name or the number of the
first beast.
· The Number of the Beast. The number of the first beast was 666.
12. By way of review, compare and contrast the beast from the sea with the beast from the earth.
Answer.
Beast from the Sea
· Looked like a leopard with feet of a bear
Beast from the Earth
· Looked like a lamb with two horns and the mouth of a
lion
Beast from the Sea
· Received a mortal head wound which never healed
Beast from the Earth
· Able to communicate effectively while
Beast from the Sea
· Able to communicate effectively speaking blasphemies
while speaking like the dragon
Beast from the Earth
· Able to perform miracles such as making fire come
down from heaven
Beast from the Sea
· Empowered for 42 months
Beast from the Earth
· Made war with the saints even unto death Hurt the saints economically by causing
them to receive a mark, name, or number (666) of the first beast on their right
hand or in their forehead
Beast from the Sea
· Received personal worship
Beast from the Earth
· Caused people to worship the First
~*~
Personal Application and Reflections
1.
Why are the rulers of the earth likened to
animals (Rev. 13: 1-2)? If you were an animal which one would you be based on
character traits?
2.
Why do men at times worship the creature more
than the Creator?
3.
Why does God allow the enemies of the church
to overcome them (Rev. 13: 7)? What purpose does the triumph of evil serve?
4.
How can the Christian distinguish between a
genuine miracle and a false (Rev. 13:14)?
5.
What do you think the number 666 refers? Why?
What would you say to the idea the modern bar code on items contain the number
666?
Hiding God’s Word in My Heart
Revelation 13:16 And he causeth all, both
small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right
hand, or in their foreheads: 17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that
had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 18 Here is
wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it
is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
Summary
Revelation Chapter 14
After an account of the great trials and sufferings
that the servants of God had endured, a more pleasant scene is presented. The
day begins to dawn with the Lord Jesus at the head of His faithful followers
(Rom. 14:1-5). Three angels are sent successively to proclaim the fall of
Babylon and the events associated with so great an event (Rev. 14:6-13). The
vision of the harvest is given in Revelation 14:14-20.
Third Interlude
Rev. 14:1-20
After the description of the seven personages, John heard various
announcements proclaimed concerning:
The Lamb on Mount Zion and the 144,000 Rev.
14:1-5
1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the Mount Sion and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Fathers name written in their foreheads.
2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
3 And
they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts,
and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty
and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
4 These
are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are
they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from
among men, being the
firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.
14:1-5 It is possible that the
reference is to spiritual adultery. Many times in the Old Testament it is
lamented that the people of Israel went "a
whoring" after strange gods (Ex. 34:15; Deut. 31:16; Judges 2:17;
8:27,33; Hos. 9:1). Unfortunately, the passage in
Revelation 14:4 does not read as if it is to be understood in a metaphorical
manner.
Honesty compels an understanding hat exalts celibacy
and virginity. History records that the idea soon appeared in the early Church
hat the highest Christian life was possible only if marriage was renounced. One
of the leading Church fathers, Origen, had himself
castrated to ensure virginity.
There is on record a Roman trial at which the
Christians are charged with being "the people who impose upon silly women
and tell them that they must not marry and persuade them to adopt a fanciful
chastity" (Ruinart: Acts of the Martyrs, 27 April, AD 304).
While the Church must hold an exalted view of celibacy, it is not the only view of the Church on sexuality. In Matthew 19:4-6 Jesus glorifies marriage and warns that what God has joined together, no man should put aside. The apostle Paul idealized marriage and compared it to the relation between Christ and the Church (Eph. 5:22-23). The gospel warning foretold that in the latter times the doctrine would be taught not to marry (1 Tim. 4:3).
Ø Spiritual application. Heresy is doctrinal error carried to extreme. The Christian must be very careful to stay close to the text. To speak when the Scriptures speak and to be silent when the Scriptures are silent is a great antidote to spiritual pride, which is tempted to teach what is not warranted.
The proclamation of the everlasting gospel Rev. 14:6-8
6 And I
saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to
preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and
tongue, and people,
7 Saying
with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the
hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and
the sea, and the fountains of waters.
8 And
there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is
fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the
wrath of her fornication.
14:6-8 Historically, the original
Babylon fell to Cyrus the Persian (d. 529 BC). It was one of the most
shattering events of ancient history though the prophets of Israel foretold it.
Isaiah cried, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of
her gods he hath broken unto the ground." (Isa. 21:9) Jeremiah said,
“Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; take balm for her
pain, if so be she may be healed." (Jer. 51:8).
For John, Rome was his contemporary Babylon ripe for divine
judgment. As Babylon was a golden cup in the hand of the Lord (Jer. 51:7) making all the earth drunken so Rome was also a
corrupting force luring the people of the world into immorality.
Ø Spiritual application. Because God operates a moral universe He does not
wait until eternity to deal with the nations of the earth.
9 And the
third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If
any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his
forehead, or in his hand,
10 The
same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without
mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire
and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
11 And
the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no
rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever
receiveth the mark of his name.
14:9-11 Hell is the ultimate expression of the wrath of God
(Rev. 14:10). It is a just expression of Divine anger. Hell is the place of no
mixture of mercy with judgment; it is the place of total fury. Hell is a place
of endless torment. The agony of hell is known to the holy angels and to the
Lamb. Once the Christians were thrown to the lions while the world sat in the
bleachers and watched. In eternity, it is the ungodly that shall suffer
while the holy angels and the Savior who suffered looks on. Hell is a
place where the smoke of the torture ascends us forever and ever. The Jewish
mind would recall the Old Testament account of the destruction of Sodom and
Gomorrah. Genesis 19:28 says that, "the smoke of the country went up as
the smoke of a furnace."
Unlike Sodom and Gomorrah the eternal death, the second death offers no relief by day or
night. Time ceases in eternity. The concept about an eternal unceasing place of
torment for the wicked has troubled many people. It has been argued that the
punishment does not fit the crime.
Eternal torment for sin is said to be too harsh a
penalty to have to pay. The response is that men do not consider sin as
horrible as God does. It has been suggested that the concept of eternal
punishment go against the ethical teachings of Jesus.
The response is that the whole concept of hell is
ethical for it declares that there is justice in the world. For God not to
punish sin would be unethical. It would make God unjust and even unmerciful
towards those who have suffered.
To turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to acts of
brutality and cries of pain is wrong. It has been suggested that God will one
day redeem all of mankind. In response, it can be said that neither the plain
language of Scripture nor the vision of John offers any hope for such a
possibility as nice as that concept appears to be.
Ø Spiritual application. The lessons of this passage become compelling and
terrifying: Turn or burn. Those who will not worship the Lamb shall suffer the
fate of the damned and the doom of the Beast.
12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
13 And I
heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the
dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they
may rest from their labours; and their works do
follow them.
The blessed dead and a great harvest Rev. 14:14-20
14 And I
looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto
the Son of Man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp
sickle.
15 And
another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat
on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to
reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.
16 And he
that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was
reaped.
17 And
another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp
sickle.
18 And
another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried
with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust
in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her
grapes are fully ripe.
19 And
the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the
earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.
20 And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by [during] the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs [200 miles].
14:20 The amount of “blood” that resulted from the
winepress speaks of the severity of the judgment to fill a stretch of earth 184
miles, the full length of Palestine. The height of the horse’s bridle is about
four feet.
1. Describe the scene that John sees in Revelation 14:1.
Answer. John sees the Lamb standing on Mount Sion
surrounded by 144,000 souls with the name of the Father written in their
foreheads.
2. What three sounds did John hear in this part of the vision (Rev. 14:2,3)?
Answer.
·
John heard a voice sounding like that of a babbling brook.
·
John heard a voice sounding like that of a thunderclap.
·
John heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps.
3. Who could understand the song that was sung (Rev. 14:3)?
Answer. The new song sung before the throne was not
understood by anyone but the 144,000.
4. List five facts associated with the 144,000 (Rev. 14:4,5).
Answer.
·
They were virgins.
·
They followed after the Lamb wherever He went.
·
They were the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
·
They were pure in speech.
·
They lingered before the throne of God.
5. What did the first flying angel in the midst of heaven proclaim to the inhabitants of the earth (Rev. 14:6)?
Answer. The flying angel preached the everlasting gospel.
6. What was the content of the message the second flying angel proclaimed (Rev. 14:7,8).
Answer. The flying angel cried with a loud voice, Fear God,
and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him
that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. And
there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great
city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
7. What was the message of the third flying angel (Rev. 14:9-11)?
Answer. The third flying angel cried with a loud voice
saying with a loud voice, ”If any man worship the beast and his image, and
receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the
wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of
his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the
presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of
their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor
night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of
his name.”
8. What is meant by the “patience of the saints” (Rev. 14:12)?
Answer. The patience of the saints refers to those that
keep or obey the commandments of God and keep the faith of Jesus.
9. Review the ministry of the three flying angels.
Answer.
·
The First Flying Angel of Revelation 14:6 was to preach the everlasting
gospel.
·
The Second Flying Angel of Revelation 14:8 was to announce the fall of
Babylon.
·
The Third Flying Angel of Revelation 14:9 was to warn against
worshipping the beast.
10. What was the message of the Holy Spirit (Rev. 14:13)?
Answer. The voice of the Spirit commanded John to write
saying “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: …that
they may rest from their labours; and their works do
follow them.”
11. Where was the Son of Man positioned and what did he possess (Rev. 14:14)?
Answer. The Son of Man was seen sitting upon a white cloud
having on His head a golden crown and in His hand a sharp sickle.
12. What did the fourth angel say as He came out of the temple to cry with a loud voice (Rev. 14:15)?
Answer. The fourth angel cried saying, “Thrust in
thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of
the earth is ripe.”
13. Whose thrust administered the judgment of the sickle on the earth (Rev. 14:16)?
Answer. “He that sat on the cloud” answered the cry for
judgment.
14. John saw a fifth angel who also held a sharp sickle and a sixth angel from the altar that had power over fire. What did the sixth angel say to the fifth angel (Rev. 14:17,18)?
Answer. The sixth angel commanded the fifth angel saying, “Thrust in
thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her
grapes are fully ripe.”
15. What happened when the fifth angel thrust in his sickle into the earth (Rev. 14:19,20)?
Answer. Once the fifth angel thrust in his sharp sickle and
gathered the cluster of grapes they were thrown into the winepress to be
trodden without the city.
16. What happened when the grapes were pressed (Rev. 14:20)?
Answer. When the grapes were pressed blood came out of the
winepresses and flowed unto the horse’s bridles for 200 miles (six hundred
furlongs).
Personal Application and Reflection
1.
Is the state of virginity desirable for
Christian service (Rev. 14:4)? How would your position be defended?
2.
Why is the gospel called “the everlasting
gospel” (Rev. 14: 6)?
3.
In recent years attention has been shifted
from belief in a revived Roman Empire to a revived Babylonian empire (Rev.
14:8). How should Christians interpret current events in light of ancient
prophecies? What should happen to prophetic teachers who lead people to believe
certain events will unfold, in the name of the Lord, and they do not?
4.
Why is heaven called a place of rest (Rev.
14:13)? Comment on the statement, “I get weary in the work
of the Lord but I never grow weary of it.” Is this true of
you?
5.
Do you think literal blood will someday flow
for 200 miles as high as the bridle of a horse (Rev. 14:20)? Why or why not?
Hiding God’s Word in My Heart
Revelation 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write,
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the
Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and
their works do follow them.
~*~
Revelation Chapter 15
So far in the divine narrative God has set forth the
state of the Church under pagan political powers in form of the six seals
opened and then the state of the church under false ecclesiastical powers in
the vision of the six trumpets that began to sound after the opening of the
seventh seal. Attention is now redirected to a general and brief account of the
past, present, and future state of the church in the form of a little book.
The Lord proceeds to show John in the vision of the
seven vials how the great enemies of the church shall be destroyed and by what steps
the destruction is be accomplished. Chapter 15 contains a frightening
preparation for the pouring out of the vials. John sees the angels in heaven
that are responsible for the execution of this great work. The administration
of justice and divine wrath is applauded by a heavenly host (Rev. 15:1-4).
There is the sight of holy angels coming out of heaven to receive the vials
which are to be poured out and the great upheaval judgment will cause in the
world (Rev. 15:5-8).
The prelude to the seven bowl judgments
began as John saw a sea of glass (Rev. 15:2-4). Angels came down out of the
temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven (Rev. 15:5-8).
1 And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.
2 And I
saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the
victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over
the number of his name, stand on the
sea of glass, having the harps of God.
3 And
they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb,
saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord
God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
15:1-3 The victory for some of the saints came through
natural death having been faithful to the end by fleeing the cities. The
victory for others came in the form of martyrdom whereby even torture did not
cause a denial of Christ. John sees the victorious saints in their heavenly bodies
standing on the sea of glass holding the harps of God.
The reference to a sea of glass mingled with fire
may be an allusion to the brazen (laver) sea in the Temple, in which the
priests were to wash. Another thought is that the image of a sea of glass
mingled with fire refers to the Red Sea that stood solidified while the
Israelites went through and the pillar of fire reflected light upon the waters.
This latter suggestion is based upon the fact that
the saints sing the song of Moses the servant of God (Rev. 15:3). Here is a
wonderful passage that stresses the unity between the Old Testament
saints and the New Testament saints. In heaven the truth is known. There
is but one people of God and they all say the same thing.
4 Who
shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? For thou only art
holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are
made manifest.
5 And
after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony
in heaven was opened:
6 And the
seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure
and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.
7 And one of the four beasts [creatures] gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials [bowls] full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.
8 And the
temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no
man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven
angels were fulfilled.
1. In the opening scene of Revelation 15:1 what did John see (Rev. 15:1)?
Answer. In the opening scene of Revelation 15:1 John saw seven angels
having the seven last plagues.
2. What did John see in reference to the sea of glass (Rev. 15:2,3)?
Answer. The sea of glass appeared to be mingled with fire.
3. What threefold expression of victory had the saints gotten over the beast.
Answer.
·
There was victory over the image of the beast.
·
There was victory over the mark of the beast.
·
There was victory over the number of the beast.
4. What two songs were sung in heaven (Rev. 15:3)?
Answer.
·
The Song of Moses was sung (cf. Exodus 15:19).
·
The Song of the Lamb was sung.
5. What were the words to the song being sung (Rev. 15:3,4)?
Answer. “Great and marvelous are thy works,
Lord God Almighty; Just and true are thy ways, Thou King of saints. Who shall
not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? For thou only art holy: For all
nations shall come and worship before thee; For thy judgments are made
manifest.”
6. What four events followed the singing of the song (Rev. 15:5-8)?
Answer.
·
The temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened.
·
Seven angels came out of the temple dressed in white and carrying seven
plagues. Their breasts were clothed with golden girdles.
· One of the four beasts
[living creatures] gave unto the seven angels seven bowls.
·
The temple then filled with smoke from the glory of God and His power.
7. What was prohibited in the temple (Rev. 15:8)?
Answer. No man was able to enter into the temple
until the seven plagues were fulfilled.
Personal Application and Reflections
1.
Do you have confidence that before you die you
will be sanctified (Rev. 15:2)? Why or why not?
2.
What is the title of your favorite Christian
song? If you have more than one list the top five.
3.
Why does God want Christians to fear Him (Rev.
15:4)?
4.
What do you want to see when you get to
heaven? Whom would you like to visit with? What do you think will happen when
people are earth who did not get along are found together in heaven?
5.
How does a Christian glorify the name of God
(Rev. 15:4). Be specific.
Revelation 15:2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire:
and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and
over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass,
having the harps of God. 3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God,
and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God
Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
~*~
Revelation Chapter 16
Chapter 16 gives an account of the pouring forth of
the vials that were filled with the wrath of God. Historically, these vials
were poured out upon the whole Anti-Christian Empire of Rome including Judaism.
John sees judgment upon the earth (Rev. 16:2), upon the sea (Rev. 16:3), and
upon the rivers and fountains of the waters (Rev. 16:4). John listens as the
heavenly hosts proclaim and applaud the righteousness of the judgments of God.
The fourth vial was poured out on the sun (Rev. 16:8), the fifth on the seat of
the beast (Rev. 16:10:,11), the sixth on the river Euphrates (Rev. 16:12-16)
and the seventh into the air and upon the cities so that the nations of the
earth fell and the great city of spiritual Babylon (Rome) became nothing more
than a memory to God (Rev. 16:13-21).
1 And I
heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go
your ways, and pour out the vials [bowls] of
the wrath of God upon the earth.
2 And the
first went, and poured out his vial [bowl] upon the earth; and there fell a
noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon
them which worshipped his image.
3 And the second angel poured out his vial [bowl] upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.
4 And the
third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and
they became blood.
5 And I
heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and
wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.
6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.
16:4-6 John can sympathize with the suffering saints caught
up in the turmoil of divine judgment (Rev. 16:6) as a spiritual truth is
learned. The saints may and do suffer for righteousness sake while the ungodly
shall suffer the punishments of an outraged Father who will avenge His Son and
those who follow Him (Luke 21:22; Rom. 12:19).
7 And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.
8 And the fourth angel poured out his vial [bowl] upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.
9 And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.
10 And the fifth angel poured out his vial [bowl] upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,
11 And
blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and
repented not of their deeds.
Sixth Bowl: Euphrates river dries up
Rev. 16:12-16
12 And the sixth angel poured out his vial [bowl] upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.
16:12 John may have as the background for this part of the
vision a historical event. Herodotus (1:91) writes that when the Persian king
named Cyrus captured Babylon, he did so by drying up the Euphrates. The
Euphrates flowed right through the center of Babylon. Going up the river Cyrus
had his army deflect the course of the river into a lake. The level of the
water dropped and in the end the channel of the river stretching through
Babylon became a dry road. The Persians used the road to enter Babylon and the
city was conquered.
16:12 John was reminding his
audience that the Lord has a way to make even the mightiest of empires fall. To
the East of Rome, beyond the Euphrates River lived the Parthians,
the great cavalry force Rome feared. The rumor spread that Nero had not died
but gone to Parthia and it was from Parthia that Nero redivivus was
to return. In John's vision if was from across the Euphrates River that death
and destruction and judgment was to come.
13 And I
saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the
dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false
prophet.
14 For they are the spirits of devils [demons], working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
16 And he
gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue [language]
Armageddon.
16:13-16 There is
in both Jewish and Christian theology a concept of a final conflict between God
and the forces of evil. There is also in Jewish and Christian theology the
concept of an ongoing struggle between God and the forces of evil. Psalms 2:2
says that, “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the
rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and His anointed.”
The symbolic place where
good and evil fight in the Jewish mind is a place called in the he Hebrew
tongue Armageddon.
Ø Spiritual application. Because the Christian is engaged in spiritual warfare it is necessary that the whole armor of God be used. Ephesians 6:11 “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”
During this fourth interlude, John observed three unclean spirits
coming out of the mouth of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet (Rev.
16:13-16).
17 And
the seventh angel poured out his vial [bowl] into the air; and there came a
great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It
is done.
18 And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.
19 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.
20 And
every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.
21 And
there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the
weight of a talent [100 lbs.]: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of
the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.
1. What did the voice in heaven command the seven angels to do (Rev. 16:1)?
Answer. The seven angels were commanded by the voice
that said to them, “Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath
of God upon the earth.”
2. What happened when the first angel poured out his vial [bowl] (Rev. 16:2)?
Answer. When the first angel poured out his vial
upon the earth there fell a grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of
the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.
3. What happened when the second angel poured out his vial [bowl] (Rev. 16:3)?
Answer. When the second angel poured out his vial upon the
sea it became as the blood of a dead man and every living soul died in the sea.
4. What happened when the third angel poured out his vial [bowl] (Rev. 16:4)?
Answer. When the third angel poured out his vial upon the
rivers and fountains of waters they became blood.
5. What did the angel of the waters say (Rev. 16:5,6)?
Answer. John heard the angel of the waters say, “Thou art
righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged
thus. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given
them blood to drink for they are worthy.”
6. Out of the altar John heard another voice speaking. What was said (Rev. 16:7)?
Answer.
The voice that John heard out of the
altar said, “Even so, Lord God
Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.”
7. What happened when the fourth angel poured out his vial [bowl] (Rev. 16:8, 9)?
Answer. When the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the
sun, power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. Men were scorched with
great heat to the point they blasphemed the name of God that hath power over
these plagues. In all of this they repented not to give him glory.
8. What happened when the fifth angel poured out his vial [bowl] (Rev. 16:10, 11)?
Answer. When the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the
seat of the beast his kingdom was full of darkness. Men gnawed their tongues
for pain. Men blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their
sores but they repented not of their deeds.
9. What happened when the sixth angel poured out his vial [bowl] (Rev. 16:12)?
Answer. When the sixth angel poured out his vial he poured
it upon the great river Euphrates and the water thereof was dried up. A roadway
was suddenly created so that the kings of the east might prepare for an
invasion of the land.
10. Revelation 16:13 presents an unholy trinity of the dragon, the beast and the false prophet. What did John see coming out of the mouth of each?
Answer. John saw an unclean spirit like a frog come out of
the mouth of each member of the unholy trinity.
11. Identify the three frog like unclean spirits (Rev. 16:14).
Answer. The frogs like spirits are the spirits of devils
who are able to work miracles.
12. What do the unclean spirits go forth to do (Rev. 16:14)?
Answer. The unclean spirits of devils go forth unto the
kings of the earth to gather them for a battle on that great day of God
Almighty.
13. The voice of the resurrected Lord is suddenly heard in Revelation 16:15. What did John hear Christ say (Rev. 16:15)?
Answer. John heard Christ say, “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that
watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.”
14. Where were the armies of the world gathered together (Rev. 16:16)?
Answer. The armies of the world were gathered into a place
called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.
15. What
happened when the seventh angel poured out his vial [bowl] (Rev. 16:17-21)?
Answer. When the seventh angel poured out his vial into the
air there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne,
saying, “It is done.” As a result of the vial being poured out there were
voices in the middle of thunder and lightning. A great earthquake took place
such as was not since men were upon the earth. The earthquake was of such a
magnitude that the great city was divided into three parts. All over the world
other cities in other nations fell. Islands vanished and mountains
disintegrated. In addition, there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven. Some
of the stones had the weight of a talent [100 lbs.]. Men blasphemed God because
of the plague of the hail because for the plague thereof was exceedingly great.
16. Review the seven angels with the seven vial [bowl] judgments.
Answer.
·
The first angel with the first vial
·
The second angel with the second vial
·
The third angel with the vial
·
The fourth angel with the fourth vial
·
The fifth angel with the fifth vial
·
The sixth angel with the sixth vial
·
The seventh angel with the seventh vial
Personal Application and Reflection
1.
Would you agree or disagree with the following
statement uttered after death and destruction are poured out upon the earth: “Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are they judgments”?
The
attempt to divorce God from evil is called “theodicy”.
Theodicy is the defense of God's goodness and omnipotence in view of the existence of
evil Have you given much thought to this issue? If so,
what is your conclusion?
2.
When Jesus says that He comes as a “thief” (Rev. 16:15), what do you think He means?
3.
The Bible
speaks of a place called Armageddon (Rev. 16:16). Do you believe there will be
a great and final universal conflict engaged here between the literal armies of
the earth in array against Israel? Why or why not?
4.
Do you believe that one-day hail weighing 100
pounds will fall from the sky (Rev. 16: 21)? Why or why not?
5.
Why does God allow one generation to be born
and defy Him only to be judged and pass away? Why does God not end the cycle of
violence now?
Hiding God’s Word in My Heart
Revelation 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief.
Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and
they see his shame.
~*~
Revelation Chapter 17
Chapter 17 contains another representation of those
things that had been revealed before concerning the wickedness and ruin of
antichrist. This antichrist had been before represented as a beast and is now
described as a great whore. In this vision scene the apostle is invited to see
this vile woman (Rev. 17:1-2). John tells what a majestic appearance she made
(Rev. 17:3-6). The mystery of the scarlet whore is explained to him (Rev.
17:7-12). Her ruin foretold (Rev. 17:13-18).
REVELATION 17
The vision of John entered into a final
phase as he witnessed the seven final judgments (Rev. 17:1), which we call
Armageddon.
1 And
there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials [bowls], and
talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will
shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:
2 With
whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of
the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.
17:1-2 For John the Great Whore of this vision was majestic
imperial Rome. “And the Woman which thou sawest is that great city, which
reigneth over the kings of the Earth.” Obviously, Rome reigned over the kings
of the earth and for John, Rome was nothing less than a great whore. Such
language sounds harsh to our sensitive ears but in the Bible, harsh
language is often used, not only to shock but alto to communicate. John wants
his readers to realize how evil Imperial Rome had become in the sight of God.
Calling upon Old Testament images of ancient Babylon (Rev. 17:1 cf. Jer. 51:13).
John presents Rome as a wealthy courtesan, dressed
in all her glory to seduce men. Just as the prostitutes in the public brothers
wore upon their foreheads a frontlet giving their names, so the Woman wore her
name (Rev. 17:5).
For John, not only had Rome encouraged sexual
immorality, she had also become drunk with the slaughter of the saints having
drunk their blood (Rev. 17:6). Something must be done to challenge this majestic
woman and something will be done.
John sees that the Great Whore is to be destroyed by
the invasion of a confederation of ten kings. To remain faithful to the image,
it is as if the Great Whore is to be destroyed by her lovers turning against
her (Rev. 17:16). It is interesting that John makes a connection between
immorality and the persecution of the saints.
3 So he
carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a
scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy,
having seven heads and ten horns.
4 And the
woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and
decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her
hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:
5 And
upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF
HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration [lit. wonderment (astonishment)].
7 And the
angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell
thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth
her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.
8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.
17:3-8
The choice of God as to whom He will save and whose names are in the Book of
Life was not based upon foreseen intrinsic merit or upon any works of human
righteousness. The true gospel is that of free mercy according to the
Sovereign’s grace.
9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.
10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.
11 And
the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and
goeth into perdition.
12 And
the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour
with the beast.
17:9-12 No matter how many times
evil reappears it can effectively be destroyed. The conclusion of this part of
the vision is that John sees judgment upon the Great Whore and judgment upon
the Beast. Though both personages have great evil power and authority it is
limited and directed and finally destroyed. For a people persecuted this will
be of great comfort. When people are hurting they cannot be comforted enough
that everything is going to be all right. God is the God of comfort. There may
come a day when the Church will read Revelation with renewed understanding. The
Book of Revelation will be read, not out of sensationalist speculations in mind
but for the constant comfort it offers those suffering for their faith.
13 These
have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.
14 These
shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord
of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and
chosen, and faithful.
17:13-14 The application of the Sovereign’s grace is applied
singularly on the basis of the omnipotent power of God. What a great comfort is
the doctrine of election. Those who have been called will be sanctified and
seated in the royal reign of Christ forever and ever. Believers recognize the
origin of their salvation and rejoice in the goodness of God.
15 And he
saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore
sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.
16 And
the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and
shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with
fire.
17 For God hath put in
their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and
give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.
18 And
the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings
of the earth.
17:14-18 When
all of this is put together, a number of spiritual lessons are learned.
First,
the saints and the martyrs share in the final triumph of God (Rev. 17:14). This
has been the hope of the prophets of old and the expressed belief of the
apostles of Christ (Matt. 20:21; Mark 10:37). Here is a noble thought. The
saints and martyrs shall assist Christ to win His victory over evil and to
share in the glory of His eternal reign of righteousness.
Second,
evil is intrinsically self-destructive. In Revelation 17:16 there is the
picture of the Ten Horns rising violently against The Harlot. Even though The
Harlot
had
been their mistress the Confederation devoured her flesh. History is filled
with similar examples. Prior to the outbreak of WW II Hitler signed a secret
treaty with Stalin of Russia. Then, in the winter of 1940-41 he invaded Russia.
Hitler had signed a treaty with Italy. Then he invaded Italy. Japan talked
peace while sailing to bomb Pearl Harbor. And so it goes. Nations east the
flesh of other nations as political and military cannibal (Micah 3:3).
Third,
evil shall be burned. In the Old Testament terrible vengeance was manifested in
burning. The most heinous sins were dealt with in this way (Lev. 20:14). The
daughter of a priest who had been guilty of sexual immorality was burned (Lev.
21:9). Rome was a harlot and was worthy of destruction.
Fourth,
evil has a divisive power. It is the nature of goodness to promote harmony and
symmetry. It is the nature of evil to be disruptive and divisive.
Fifth,
evil powers, though working out their own purpose are in fact working out the
purposes of God (17:17). Here is a great mystery and yet as R.H. Charles notes,
"Even the wrath of man is made to
praise God."
For
those to whom John wrote it was a source of great comfort to realize that Rome
would some day fall. Rome would someday be destroyed and devoured. Rome would
not be allowed to hurt the people of God and go unpunished.
Leader’s Study Guide
Questions and Answers on Revelation 17
1. What did one of the seven angels with the seven vial judgments say to John (Rev. 17:1,2)?
Answer. One of the seven angels which had the seven vials spoke to John saying, “Come hither; I will show you the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters with whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.”
2. Describe the beast and the woman John saw in his vision (Rev. 17:2-6).
Answer.
·
The beast. The beast was the color
of scarlet. It had written upon its body names of blasphemy. The beast had
seven heads and ten horns.
· The woman. The woman who rode the beast was draped in purple and scarlet color, and had jewelry of gold, precious stones and pearls. She held in her hand a golden cup that was filled to overflowing with the abominations and filthiness of her sexual immorality. Upon the head of the woman was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
3. What substance made the woman drunk (Rev. 17: 6)?
Answer. The woman became drunk with the
blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.
4. What did the angel promise to reveal to John (Rev. 17:7)?
Answer. The angel promised to reveal to John the mystery of
the woman and the beast that carried her which hath the seven heads and ten
horns.
5. List two facts associated with the beast (Rev. 17:8).
Answer.
·
The beast that was once alive but is presently not alive shall one day
come out of the bottomless pit only to return to its doom.
·
Many shall worship the beast out of the bottomless pit.
6. Identify the seven heads of the scarlet beast (Rev. 17:9).
Answer. The seven heads are seven mountains.
7. How many kings does John see (Rev. 17:10)?
Answer. John sees seven kings.
8. Describe what happens to the seven kings (Rev. 17:11).
Answer. Of the seven kings John sees that five are killed,
one remains alive and the seventh is yet to appear. When the seventh king
appears he will reign for a little while.
9. There is an eighth king whom John sees. Explain who he is (Rev. 17:12).
Answer. The eighth king whom John sees is actually the
scarlet beast suddenly transformed into a person. John looks closely and sees
that the transformed beast is the one who once was alive, died and now lives again only to be redestroyed.
10. Interpret the ten horns (Rev. 17:12).
Answer. The ten horns on the scarlet beast are also ten
kings.
11. What is different about these ten horns (Rev. 17:12)?
Answer. These ten horns representing ten kings are
different from the other seven kings in that these have no authority. In time
they will be given authority to rule but they shall only reign one hour with
the beast.
12. What are the kings united in doing (Rev. 17:13)?
Answer. The kings are initially united in giving “their
power and strength unto the beast.”
13. With whom do the kings wage war and what is the end result of that effort (Rev. 17:14)?
Answer. The kings of the earth shall “make war
with the Lamb.” However, the warfare shall not be successful for the “Lamb
shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings.”
14. Describe those who fight on the side of the Lamb (Rev. 17:14)?
Answer. Those who fight with the Lamb are called, chosen,
and faithful.
15. Interpret the waters where the whore dressed in scarlet sits (Rev. 17:15).
Answer. The waters where the whore sits are peoples, and
multitudes, and nations, and tongues.
16. List the three places the whore is said to sit.
Answer.
·
Revelation 17:1 The whore sits on many waters.
·
Revelation 17:3 The whore rides the scarlet beast.
·
Revelation 17:9 The whore sits on seven mountains.
17. What is the attitude of the ten horns of kings towards the whore who rides the beast and what do they do to her (Rev. 16)?
Answer. The ten horns, which are ten kings,
hate the whole and shall turn on her to destroy her. They shall make her
desolate and naked and shall eat her flesh and burn her with fire.
18. Having destroyed the woman who rides the beast, why do the ten horns of kings give their authority to the beast itself (Rev. 17:17)?
Answer. In a display of His sovereign power over the minds
of men God puts it into the hearts of the ten horns of kings to fulfill His
will and to agree to give their kingdoms unto the beast.
19. Identify as much as possible the woman that rides the beast and is destroyed (Rev. 17:18).
Answer. The woman whom John saw is declared to be that great
city [Rome] which reigns over the kings of the earth.
Personal Application and Reflection
1.
Many of the Puritan Reformers believed the
woman of Revelation 17 was and is the Catholic Church. Is this interpretation
valid? Why or why not?
2.
Can a devout Catholics be truly converted to
Christ? Defend your answer with Scripture.
3.
How do individuals “make war
with the Lamb” (Rev. 17:14) today?
4.
Why has the Catholic Church dominated so much
of church history?
5.
Why do individuals get involved in the world
of the occult and give their power to evil (Rev. 17:13)?
Hiding God’s Word in My Heart
Revelation 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb,
and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings:
and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
~*~
Revelation Chapter 18
Chapter 18 records an angel proclaiming the fall of
Babylon [Rome] (Rev. 18:1-2) and the reasons for her destruction (Rev. 18:3).
Before judgment a gospel call is issued to all who belong to God to come out of
her (Rev. 18:4-5) and assist in her destruction (Rev. 18:6-8). John listens to
a lamentation made for fallen Babylon by those who had been large sharers in
her sinful pleasures and profits (Rev. 18:9-19). While some lament the fall of
an evil entity others rejoice greatly at the sight of her irrecoverable ruin
(Rev. 18:20-24).
Second Judgment: commercial Babylon Rev. 18:1-24
1 And
after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great
power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.
2 And he
cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is
fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils
[demons], and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of
every unclean and hateful bird.
3 For
all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the
kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of
the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
An appeal is made to the people:
to separate from the corrupt system
4 And I
heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my
people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her
plagues.
5 For her
sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.
6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.
7 How
much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously [luxuriously], so much
torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I
sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.
8
Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine;
and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who
judgeth her.
An appeal is made to the people: because suffering will be certain
9 And the
kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with
her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her
burning,
10
Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas,
alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour is thy
judgment come.
11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:
12 The
merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine
linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine
wood [an African coniferous tree which yields gum], and all manner vessels of
ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious
wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,
13 And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.
14 And
the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things
which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them
no more at all.
18: 11-14
In Revelation
18:11-24 the Bible tells us that many will weep at the funeral of the Roman
Empire. The merchants of the earth would weep because their best market had
ceased to exist (18:11). The prostitute and the party lovers would weep for the
freedom of their passions could no longer be openly displayed (18:14). At the
funeral of the Roman Empire, while many wept from all over the world, others
would be dancing at the graveside. The saints in heaven are also commanded to
rejoice for God has avenged His own (18:20).
In Rome was the blood
of the prophets and the saints. Now that blood has been avenged. While the
Roman citizens engaged in open sins against every commandment of God, the Lord
sanctified the citizens of heaven. God has called His people to be different.
Chapter 18 is really a marvelous chapter as it sets forth the certain
destruction of Rome, the sanctification of the Church and the willing seduction
of other nations by Rome.
15 The
merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off
for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,
16 And
saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in
fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones,
and pearls!
17 For in
one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every
shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by
sea, stood afar off,
18 And
cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What
city is like unto this great city!
19 And
they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas,
alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by
reason of her costliness! For in one hour is she made desolate.
An appeal is made to the people: just judgment caused joy for the elect
Rev. 18:20-24
20
Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for
God hath avenged you on her.
21 And a
mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into
the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon
be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.
22 And
the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be
heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be,
shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no
more at all in thee;
23 And
the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the
bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy
merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all
nations deceived.
24 And in
her was found the blood of prophets,
and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.
Leader’s Study Guide
1. In the opening verse of chapter eighteen what does John see (Rev. 18:1)?
Answer. John sees an angel in heaven coming down with great
power filling the earth with his glory.
2. What did the angel say (Rev. 18:2-3)?
Answer. The angel cried with a loud voice saying, Babylon
the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the
hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For
all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the
kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of
the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
3. John heard another angel from heaven speak. What did the angel say (Rev. 18:4-5)?
Answer. The angel whom John heard cried, “Come out of
her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not
of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered
her iniquities.”
4. What reward was prayed for and why (Rev. 18:6)?
Answer. It
was requested that Babylon be given a double portion of judgment.
5. What was the thinking of Babylon personified (Rev. 18:7)?
Answer. Babylon was filled with pride saying, “I sit a
queen and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.”
6. What form of judgment was to be administered to Babylon (Rev. 18:8)?
Answer. Plagues, death, mourning, famine and fire were to
fall upon Babylon.
7. How do the kings of the earth respond to the judgment administered on Babylon (Rev. 18:9-11)?
Answer. The kings of the earth mourned the judgment upon
Babylon crying out, “Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty
city! For in one hour is thy judgment come.”
8. List at least twenty of the treasures associated with Babylon (Rev. 18:12-13)?
Answer.
·
Gold
·
Silver
·
Precious stones
·
Pearls
·
Fine linen of purple, silk and scarlet
·
Thyine (scented)
·
Ivory
·
Precious wood
·
Brass
·
Iron
·
Marble
·
Cinnamon
·
Odors
·
Ointments
·
Frankincense
·
Wine
·
Oil
·
Fine flour
·
Wheat
·
Beasts of sheep, horses
9. What happens to the fruits of the flesh that souls lust after (Rev. 18:14)?
Answer. The fruits of the soul that are lusted after vanish
and are found no more.
10. What do the merchants who were made rich say after seeing the judgment on Babylon (Rev. 18:16)?
Answer. The merchants made rich by Babylon stand afar off
for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing and they cry out, “Alas,
alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet,
and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!”
11. Describe the reaction of the shipmasters and sailors to the fall of Babylon (Rev. 18:17-19).
Answer. Standing afar off the shipmasters and sailor cast
dust on their heads and cried out saying, “What city is like unto this great
city! Alas, alas, that great city wherein were made rich all that had ships in
the sea by reason of her costliness! For in one hour is she made desolate.”
12. Review by listing the three groups that lament the fallen city of Babylon [Rome] (Rev. 18:9-20).
Answer.
·
Revelation
18:9,10. The kings of the earth.
·
Revelation
18:11-16. The
merchants.
·
Revelation
18:17-19. The
seamen.
13. Why were the saints in heaven to rejoice over the fall of Babylon (Rev. 18:19)?
Answer. The saints in heaven were to rejoice over the fall
of Babylon because God had taken revenge on their enemies (Rev. 18:20).
14. What symbolic gesture did John witness in anticipation of the destruction of Babylon (Rev. 18:21)?
Answer. In a symbolic demonstration of the destruction of
Babylon John saw a mighty angel take up a large stone like a giant millstone
and cast it into the sea saying, “Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be
thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.”
15. What items shall not be found and what work shall not be done in Babylon (Rev. 18:22-23)?
Answer.
·
The voice of harpers was not to be found Babylon.
·
The sound of musicians such as pipers and trumpeters was not to be
found in Babylon.
·
The light of a candle would not shine in Babylon.
·
The sound of a bride and bridegroom was not to be found in Babylon.
·
The sound of craftsmen working was not to be found in Babylon.
16. What was found in Babylon (Rev. 18:24)?
Answer. In Babylon was found the blood of prophets, and of
saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.
Personal Application and Reflection
1.
In what way is it possible to take part in the
sins of others (Rev. 18:4)?
2.
Do you believe in the principle of cursing by
association? And blessing by association? If you have ever been blessed or cursed
because of an association with someone else share that experience.
3.
Why is association with the world, the flesh
and the devil presented in Scripture as spiritual adultery (Rev. 18:9; James
4:4)?
4.
Should Christians ever use symbols to indicate
their repentance such as tearing of their clothing, ashes on their forehead and
loud crying? Why or why not?
5.
Is it wrong to rejoice when the enemies of the
church are destroyed (Rev. 18:20)?
Hiding God’s Word in My Heart
Revelation
18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people,
that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. 5
For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her
iniquities.
~*~
Summary
Revelation Chapter 19
Chapter 19 sets forth a further account of the
triumphant song of angels and saints for the fall of Babylon (Rev. 19:1-4).
After the fall of Babylon John sees that the marriage between Christ and the
church is proclaimed and perfected (Rev. 19:5-10). The marriage supper is
followed by a great crusade by the glorious Head and Husband of the church. He
enjoys great success against His enemies (Rev. 19:10-21).
Fifth Interlude
During a fifth interlude the apostle anticipates the coming of Christ: there is a hallelujah chorus
1 And
after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia;
Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:
2 For
true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great
whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the
blood of his servants at her hand.
3 And
again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever
and ever.
4 And the
four and twenty elders and the four beasts [creatures] fell down and worshipped
God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.
5 And a
voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye
his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.
6 And I
heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many
waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia:
for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
19:1-6 The thought of marriage showing forth the relationship
between the Lord and His people is rooted in the Old Testament. “I will betroth
thee unto me forever. I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and
thou shalt know the Lord.” (Hosea 2:19,20) “For thy Maker is thine husband: the
Lord of hosts is His name” (Isa. 54:5). The symbolism of marriage permeates the
gospels. Matthew 22:2 speaks of the marriage feast. Matthew 22:10 sets forth the bridegroom and the wedding garment.
Mark 2:19 teaches of the friend of the bridegroom. Mark 2:19 and Matthew 5:1
speaks of the bridegroom. John 3:29 comments on the friends of the bridegroom.
In the epistles that he writes Paul presents the converts of Corinth as a pure
virgin to Christ (2 Cor. 11:2). The relationship of husband and wife reflects
the relationship between Christ and the Church (Eph. 5:21- 23).
7 Let
us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is
come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
Marriage Supper of the Lamb
Rev. 19:8-10
8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
9 And he
saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called
unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true
sayings of God.
10 And I
fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See
thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have
the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit
of prophecy.
After the Marriage Supper all the enemies of the Lord are defeated
11 And I
saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called
Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
12 His
eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he
had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
13 And he
was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The
Word of God.
14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
16 And he
hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND
LORD OF LORDS [Dan. 2:47].
17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he
cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of
heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the
supper of the great God;
18 That
ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of
mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the
flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.
19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.
Third Judgment: False Prophet and Beast Rev. 19:20
20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.
Leader’s Study Guide
Questions and Answers on Revelation 19
1. In the opening scene of chapter 20 what did John hear (Rev. 19:1-3)?
Answer. John heard the voices of many people in worship
saying, “Alleluia [lit. “praise Jehovah”] Salvation, and glory, and honour,
and power, unto the Lord our God: 2 For true and righteous are his judgments:
for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her
fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. And again
they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.”
2. What did the twenty-four elders say as they worshipped God (Rev. 19:4)?
Answer. The twenty-four elders said, “Amen;
Alleluia.”
3. What command did the voice out of heaven give (Rev. 19:5)?
Answer. John heard a voice coming out of the saying, “Praise
our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.”
4. What did the voice of the great multitude say (Rev. 19:6)?
Answer. John heard as it were the voice of a great
multitude and as the voice of many waters and as the voice of mighty
thunderings, saying, “Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the
Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.”
5. What was granted to the bride of the Lamb (Rev. 19:8)?
Answer. To the bride of the Lamb was given fine linen,
clean and white.
6. Give the symbolic interpretation of the fine linen given to the saints (Rev. 19:8).
Answer. The fine line, lean and white, given to the
Lamb’s bride speaks of righteousness.
7. What was John instructed to write (Rev. 19:9)?
Answer. John was commanded to write, “Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage
supper of the Lamb.”
8. What forceful words of certainty were communicated to John (Rev. 19:9)?
Answer. John was told directly, “These
are the true sayings of God.”
9. Why is worship of the angels prohibited (Rev. 19:10)?
Answer. Worship of angels is prohibited because they too
are a created being and so a fellow servant of our great and glorious God.
10. What title is given to the rider on the white horse (Rev. 19:11)?
Answer. The one who sat on the white horse is called
Faithful and True.
11. Describe the rider on the white horse (Rev. 19:12-16).
Answer.
·
Eyes. His eyes were as a flame of fire.
·
Head. On his head were many crowns.
·
Private
Name. On his
head he had a new name which no man knew but he himself.
·
Vesture.
His clothing
was dipped in blood.
·
Public
Name. He is
called The Word of God.
·
Mouth. Out of his mouth went a
sharp sword.
·
Thigh. On his thigh was written a name: King of kings, and
Lord of lords.
12. What did the angel say to the fowl of the air (Rev. 19:17, 18)?
Answer. The angel cried to the fowl of the air, “Come and
gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God that ye may eat the
flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the
flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free
and bond, both small and great.”
13. Who arose to oppose the rider on the white horse (Rev. 19:19)?
Answer. John saw the beast and the kings of the earth and
their armies gather to fight against him that sat on the white horse and his
army.
14. Describe the fate of the beast, the false prophet and all that were deceived by him (Rev. 19:20-21).
Answer. The beast, the false prophet and all that were
deceived by him were cast into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. The sword
of him that sat upon the white horse killed the remnant that remained and the
fowls of the air were filled with their flesh.
Personal Application and Reflection
1.
In Revelation 19:5 fear of God and praise of
Him are united. How is this possible?
2.
According to Revelation 19:6 what is a
constant theme throughout the book?
3.
What is your understanding of the marriage
supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19: 9)? Is it only for the church age saints or will
all believers of all ages be present?
4.
Would you like to believe in the doctrine of
universal salvation for all including Lucifer or is justice better served in
the slaughter of those who do evil with eternal punishment to follow (Rev.
19:2-3)?
5.
What violence would be done to the person of
the resurrected Christ if the images of Him in the Revelation were literally
true (Rev. 19:15)? Is it not better to seek for the spiritual truth behind the
symbolic writings? Explain.
Hiding God’s Word in My Heart
Revelation 19:11 And I saw heaven
opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful
and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
~*~
Summary
Revelation Chapter 20
Chapter 20 contains an account of the of the binding
of Satan for a thousand years for the expressed purpose that he should deceived
the nations no more thereby prohibiting the universal spread of the gospel
(Rev. 20:1-3). The binding of Satan allows the glorious reign of the saints
with Christ for the same period (Rev. 20:4-6). The time when come when Satan
shall be loosed for a little season and then will come the conflict of the
church with Gog and Magog (Rev. 20:7-10). Human history will end with a day of
divine judgment (Rev. 20:11-15).
REVELATION
20
In this interlude John observers: The binding of Satan
1 And I
saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a
great chain in his hand.
2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
3 And
cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him,
that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be
fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5 But the
rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is
the first resurrection [John 5:25,26].
6 Blessed
and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second
death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall
reign with him a thousand years.
20:1-6
In Revelation 20 John speaks of the spiritual
present reign of Christ in three scenes beginning with the binding of Satan in
verses 1-3. God controls Satan through all of his deceptive changes even as he
appears “as an angel of light” (2
Cor. 11:14). It is the LORD God who holds the “key to the bottomless pit” (Rev 9:1; 20:1) into which Satan is
cast.
The word “key” appears six times in the New
Testament. Not once does it refer to a literal, physical key. In Matthew 16:19
Jesus told Peter that he would be given the “keys of the kingdom”.
Peter never received a literal key to a literal
kingdom and yet he was given spiritual authority, which he exercised time and
again during the days of his ministry. Jesus rebuked lawyers in Luke 11:52 for
taking away spiritual understanding from the people in regard to the Law of
God. And in Revelation 1:18 and 3:7 we read that Jesus Christ possesses the
keys of Hades and Death and of the house of David.
Again, the reference is not to a physical key but to
the power to make available (to open) and to restrict (to shut). So in
Revelation 20 we need not entertain questions regarding the shape and size of
the “key to the bottomless pit.” The key is a symbolic representation of
great restrictions placed upon Satan.
The word “bound” emphasizes the binding of
Satan. “Binding” expresses limitations or obligations. “A wife is
bound by law as long as her husband lives”, says 1 Corinthians 7:9. And the
meaning is understood. There are limitations imposed by the law of the land.
However, a wife being bound in no way implies inactivity or inability to
influence others.
The binding of Satan does not mean cessation of his
activities. Nevertheless, Satan is bound as the Scriptures teach. Therefore
consider Matthew 12:29. Christ states that He Himself has bound Satan so He can
plunder his house.
This binding of Satan probably took place just
before the start of His ministry when the Dragon, that Serpent of old,
personally confronted Jesus. Two temptations were initiated with the challenge:
“If you are the Son of God, prove it” (Matt. 4:3,6). Jesus proved that
He was very God of very God and so bound His number one enemy. Turning to Luke
10:18 it is read that Jesus His disciples,
“I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.”
When His disciples returned with their report about
casting out demons Christ exclaimed, “I know. I was watching Satan fall from
heaven like lightening.”
Nearly every case of demon possession recorded in
the Bible took place during the Lord’s ministry. In Christ, Satan knew
He faced His greatest foe and so unleashed the demons of darkness upon the land
of Palestine. But it was to no avail. Jesus cast out the demons and gave His
disciples power to do the same.
The Lord’s power over demons was evidence of the
arrival of God’s kingdom. Satan was being bound. But that was not the best
news. The disciples were not to rejoice in this. Rather, they were to rejoice
because their names were written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Luke 10:20). John
12:31 “Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world
be cast out.”
Jesus said that “now” in His day Satan would be cast
out. He did not say that Satan would be cast out thousands of years in the
future. Jesus could say this because He knew that soon, oh very soon, He was
going to destroy Satan at the Cross. Though each step to the Cross was a step
of agony, it was also a step to victory. “Now shall the prince of this world
be cast out.”
Observe 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7. Led by God the Holy
Spirit Paul declared that the works of Satan were and are currently being
restrained. In context the apostle taught that as long as law and order are
still present, men of lawlessness, energized by Satan are unable to appear upon
the scene of history with a program of unprecedented unrighteousness,
blasphemy, and persecution.
If and when God removes the restraints then the
forces of hell will and do break forth afresh until they are arrested. History
is filled with examples of this process. The life of Adolph Hitler is a
familiar example.
The great truth from this passage is that the works
of Satan were and are currently being restrained. The next passage to consider
is Hebrews 2:14 The death of deaths in the death of Christ has rendered Satan
defeated, “destroyed”, and powerless.
Oliver Holden recognized what great work Christ accomplished and invited the
Church to sing the praises of the Savior.
All hail
the pow’r of Jesus’ name!
Let angels
prostrate fall:
Bring forth
the royal diadem,
And crown
Him Lord of all.
Christ has rendered Satan defeated, “destroyed”,
and powerless. Because Christ has bound Satan in order to plunder his house of
precious souls held captive, because Christ watched Satan fall from heaven,
because Christ in His own day cast out Satan, because the works of the Devil
are being restrained, the Evil One is not able to deceive the nations any
longer. Now the Great Commission can be engaged in with confidence. Christians
can go into the entire world with the good news of redemption. And the gospel is
being preached to all the nations for they are deceived no more.
7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
9 And
they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints
about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and
devoured them.
10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
Seventh Judgment: on the wicked dead Rev. 20:11-15
11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 And I
saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and
another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were
judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their
works.
13 And
the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the
dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their
works.
14 And
death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And
whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of
fire.
Leader’s Study Guide
1. What did the angel from heaven carry (Rev. 20:1)?
Answer.
The angel from heaven carried in his
hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain.
2. What three names are ascribed to the one being bound in the bottomless pit (Rev. 20:2)?
Answer.
·
That old serpent
·
The Devil
·
Satan
3. How long did the angel bind the Devil (Rev. 20:2)?
Answer. Satan was bound in the vision for a thousand years.
4. For what specific purpose was Satan bound (Rev. 20:3)?
Answer. Satan was bound that he should deceive the
nations no more.
5. What happened after the thousand years passed in John’s vision (Rev. 20:3)?
Answer.
Following the thousand years Satan was
set loose for a little season.
6. Who did John see living and reigning with Christ a thousand years (Rev. 20:5)?
Answer. Those who lived and reigned with Christ for
a thousand years were those who had died a martyrs’ death because they had not
worshipped the beast, nor received his mark on their foreheads, or in their
hands.
7. When did the rest of the dead live (Rev. 20:5)?
Answer. The rest of the dead did not live again
until the 1,000 were finished.
8. In light of John 5:25 is the first resurrection a physical resurrection or a spiritual resurrection of the soul from death to life (Rev. 20:6)?
Answer. In John 5:25 Jesus said that “The hour
is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God:
and they that hear shall live.” There is even now a spiritual resurrection
of the soul from the dead on which the second death has no power.
9. How long do those who are made priests of God and of Christ rule (Rev. 20:6)?
Answer.
Those who are made priests of God and
of Christ rule with him for a thousand years.
10. When Satan is set loose at the end of the thousand-year period, what does he do (Rev. 20:7-8)?
Answer. When the thousand years expired Satan was set loose
out of his prison in order to go out to deceive the nations which are in the
four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle:
the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
11. When Satan and his army from hell declared war on the holy city how was he destroyed (Rev. 20:9)?
Answer. John saw fire come down from God out of heaven to
them.
12. What unholy trinity was cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:10)?
Answer. The devil that deceived so many was cast
into the lake of fire and brimstone along with the beast and the false prophet.
13. Who shall be standing at the great white throne to be judged (Rev. 20:12)?
Answer. John saw “the dead, small and great, stand before God.”
14. On what basis are men judged when they stand at the great white throne (Rev. 20:11-13)?
Answer. Every
person shall be judged according to his or her works.
15. Besides the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet what else is cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:14, 15)?
Answer. John saw that death and hell were cast into the
lake of fire along with ‘whosoever was not found written in the book of life
was cast into the lake of fire.’
Personal Application and
Reflection
1.
Do you believe a literal devil can be bound
with a literal chain and be thrown into a literal pit? Do you believe that is
what John had in mind when he wrote Revelation 20:1-3? Explain.
2.
What do you think is the first resurrection in
light of John 5:25?
3.
Do you believe in a literal reign of Christ on
earth for a thousand years followed by a revolt led by Satan? Why or why not?
4.
Will only unbelievers stand before God at the
great white throne judgment or is this even for all Rev. 20:11)? Use Scripture
to support your position.
5.
Do you think people will be based upon their
works with a view to eternal life (Rev. 20:12-15)?
Hiding God’s Word in My Heart
Revelation 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon
them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were
beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not
worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon
their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a
thousand years.
~*~
Summary
Revelation Chapter 21
For the larger part of the prophecy in the
book of the Revelation there is a mixture of light and shadow, prosperity and
adversity along with mercy and judgment in the conduct of divine Providence
towards the church in the world. Now, at the close of the narrative the day
breaks and the shadows flee away. There is a New World that appears because the
former has passed away. The overarching message of the Revelation comes into
focus. Let the faithful saints and servants of God wait just a little while
more and they shall not only see but also enjoy the perfect holiness and
happiness of a New World. In Revelation 21 there is an introduction to the
vision of the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:1-9) and then the glorious vision itself
(Rev. 21:10-27).
Lord of the New Heaven and New Earth Chapters 21-22
Seven wonderful blessings, together with the crucifixion and
resurrection of Jesus Christ, form the climax of the Bible as eternity future
is unveiled:
1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2 And I
John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I
heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle
of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his
people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4 And
God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more
death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for
the former things are passed away.
21:1-4 There is an obvious mixture of metaphors here for
cities do not appear in wedding garments. What John has done is to take two
great symbolic images to try to communicate how majestic, how powerful, how
spectacular the Church is. The sight of a heavenly host descending at once
towards earth could easily bring to John's mind the image of a city with
definite structure much like dances can form physical looking shapes. In John's
imagination the descending beautifully arrayed Bride (Rev. 21:2), the very wife
of the Lamb (Rev. 21:10) takes on a definite shape in the form of a city with a
foundation and gates in a wall.
5 And he
that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he
said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
6 And he
said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning
and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water
of life freely.
7 He
that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall
be my son.
8 But
the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and
whoremongers, and sorcerers [lit. a
drug; spell-giving potion; a druggist], and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their
part in the lake which burneth with fire
and brimstone: which is the second death.
9 And
there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials [bowls]
full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come
hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lambs wife. [Note
that the Lamb’s wife is associated with the Holy Jerusalem]
10 And he
carried me to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the
holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
11 Having
the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious,
even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
12 And
had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve
angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve
tribes of the children of Israel:
13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.
14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15 And he
that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates
thereof, and the wall thereof.
16 And
the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he
measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs [1,500 miles]. The
length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
17 And he
measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits
[72 yards], according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.
18 And
the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure
gold, like unto clear glass.
19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished [adorned] with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony [a small stone of various colors]; the fourth, an emerald;
20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius [a quartz varying from pale golden yellow to reddish orange]; the seventh, chrysolyte [lit. gold stone; probably the beryl]; the eighth, beryl [a pale-green transparent precious stone]; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst [Gr. the name alluding to a belief that the amethyst prevented intoxication; the purple or violet variety of quartz].
21 And
the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one
pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.
21:9-21 The list of twelve foundations with twelve precious
stones is full of symbolic meaning. By the imagery the splendor of the Church
[the city of God] is stressed for the very foundations are made of riches
beyond price. The essential unity of the Church is also stressed for the twelve
foundations are the twelve apostles made up the precious stones many of which
can also be found in the breastplate of the High Priest of Israel (Ex. 28:17).
22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
23 And
the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the
glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
24 And
the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the
kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
26 And
they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.
27 And
there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever
worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the
Lambs book of life.
Leader’s Study Guide
1. What happens to the first heaven and earth (Rev. 21:1)?
Answer. The first heaven and earth will one day pass away
to give birth to a new heaven and earth.
2. What is the new Jerusalem compared to (Rev. 21:2)?
Answer. The new Jerusalem is compared to a bride adorned
for her husband.
3. What did the voice say which John heard (Rev. 21:3, 4)?
Answer. John heard a voice saying, “Behold,
the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall
be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God
shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death,
neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the
former things are passed away.”
4. List four great promises found in Revelation 21:4.
Answer.
·
One day God shall wipe away all tears.
·
One day there shall be no more death.
·
One day there shall be neither sorrow, nor crying or pain.
5. What did the One who sat upon the throne say (Rev. 21:5)?
Answer. He that sat upon the throne said,
Behold, I make all things new.
6. What was God commanded to do and why (Rev. 21:5)?
Answer. Once more John was commanded to write, “for these
words are true and faithful.”
7. What else did the One who sat on the throne say to John (Rev. 21:6-8)?
Answer. The One on the throne said unto John, “It is
done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him
that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh
shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But
the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and
whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their
part in the lake, which burneth with fire and
brimstone: which is the second death.”
8. What was John promised by one of the seven angels having the seven last vials full of the seven last plagues (Rev. 21:9)?
Answer. John was told that he would be shown the bride, the
Lamb’s wife.
9. When John was carried away in the spirit to a great and high mountain to be shown the Lamb’s wife, what was he shown (Rev. 21:10)?
Answer. When John was taken away to be shown the Lamb’s
wife he was shown the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven
from God, having the glory of God.
10. Describe the New Jerusalem that John saw (Rev. 21:11-21).
Answer.
·
The light
of the city. The
light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as
crystal.
·
The wall
of the city. The
wall of the city was great and high.
·
The street
of the city. The
street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.
·
The gates
of the city. There
were twelve gates within the walls of the city. And the twelve gates were
twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl.
·
Guarding
the gates. There
were twelve angels at the gates.
·
The names
of the gates. The
names of the gates are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of
Israel.
· The number of the gates.
On the east
were. three gates.
On the north
were three gates.
On the south
were three gates.
On the west
were three gates.
·
The number
of foundations. The
city had twelve foundations on which were written the names of the twelve
apostles of the Lamb.
·
The
measurements of the city. The city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth.
The city measured twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the
height of it are equal. The wall measured an hundred and forty and four cubits.
·
The basic
element of the wall of the city. The building of the wall of the city was of jasper.
·
The basic
building material of the city. The city was pure gold, like unto clear
glass.
· The jewels of the foundations of the wall of
the city. The
foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious
stones.
¨ The first foundation was
made of jasper, a green jewel.
¨ The second foundation was
made of sapphire, a blue stone.
¨ The third foundation was
made of chalcedony, a sky blue stone with color stripes.
¨ The fourth foundation was
made of an emerald, a bright green stone.
¨ The fifth foundation was
made of a sardonyx, a white stone with layers of red and brown.
¨ The sixth foundation was
made of a sardius, a fiery blood red stone.
¨ The seventh foundation
was made of chrysolite, a transparent golden yellow stone.
¨ The eighth foundation was
made of beryl, a sea green stone.
¨ The ninth
foundation was made of topaz, a transparent golden green stone.
¨ The tenth
foundation was made of chrysoprasus, a blue apple green stone.
¨ The eleventh
foundation was made of jacinth, a violet blue purple stone.
¨ The twelfth
foundation was made of an amethyst, a brilliant purple stone.
11. What will not be found in the new Jerusalem (Rev. 21:22)?
Answer. There is to be no temple in the new Jerusalem for
the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
12. What will the new Jerusalem not need (Rev. 21:23)?
Answer. The New Jerusalem will have no need of the sun or
the moon for the glory of God and the glory of the Lamb will be its light.
13. What is said of the nations and the kings of the earth who are converted (Rev. 21:24)?
Answer. The nations that are saved shall walk in the light
of the glory of God and the kings of the earth will bring their own glory and
honour into the new Jerusalem.
14. What is the status of the gates of the new Jerusalem (Rev. 21:25)?
Answer. The gates of the New Jerusalem will not be shut at
all by day or there is no night in the holy city.
15. Who shall never be allowed into the new Jerusalem (Rev. 21:27)?
Answer. In the city of Jerusalem there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that
defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie.
16. Who shall be allowed into the new Jerusalem (Rev. 21:27)?
Answer. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book
of life shall be allowed into the new Jerusalem.
Personal Application and Reflections
1.
Where is the dwelling place of God today (Rev.
21:3)?
2.
Will there be tears n heaven (Rev. 21:4)?
3.
When John was told He would be shown the
bride, the Lamb’s wife (Rev. 21:9) and then was shown that great city, the holy
Jerusalem descending out of heaven, is a logical connection of divine imagery
to be they are one in the same in a mixture of spiritual metaphors? If not, why
not?
4.
Do angels still talk to individuals today
(Rev. 21:15)? If so, how, when and where?
5.
Is your name written in the Lamb’s book of
life? When was it placed there? How do you know you are written in the book of
life?
Hiding God’s Word in My Heart
Revelation 21:3-7 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold,
the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall
be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God
shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death,
neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the
former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold,
I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and
faithful.
6 And he
said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I
will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he
shall be my son.
~*~
Summary
Revelation Chapter 22
Revelation
22 contains a further description of the heavenly state of the church (Rev.
22:1-5) ending with a confirmation of this and all the other visions of the
book (Rev. 22:6-19). The vision concludes in verses 20-21.
REVELATION
22
1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
4 And
they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
5 And
there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the
sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and
ever.
The Apostle John closes the Book of the Revelation with
6 And he
said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the
Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the
things which must shortly be done.
7 Behold,
I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this
book.
8 And I
John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I
fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.
9 Then
saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellow
servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of
them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.
10 And he
saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this
book: for the time is at hand.
11 He
that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be
filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that
is holy, let him be holy still.
12 And,
behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according
as his work shall be.
13 I
am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
14
Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to
the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
15 For
without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth
and maketh a lie.
16 I
Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I
am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
22:17 It is true that
whosoever will may take of the water of life freely. But who is that wills to
come Christ and drink of the living water? Not man in his natural condition for
‘There is none that understandeth, there is none that
seeketh after God’ (Rom. 3:11). Only those whom the
Father draws will come to drink and be thirsty no more. ‘ No man can
come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him
up at the last day’ (John 6:44).
18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19 And if
any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall
take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from
the things which are written in this book.
20 He
which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come
quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
~*~
1. What was John shown proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb (Rev. 22:1)?
Answer. John was shown a pure river of water of life, clear
as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
2. Describe the tree of life (Rev. 22:2).
Answer. The tree of life that John saw overflowed on either
side of the river. It bore twelve fruits fresh each month. The leaves of the
tree provided medicine for the healing of the nations.
3. List five true statements found in Revelation 22:3-5.
Answer.
·
The Curse.
There shall be
no curse in heaven.
·
Throne of
God. The throne
of God and of the Lamb shall be in heaven.
·
Service. The servants of God shall
serve Him.
·
Light. There is no need of light
for there is no darkness in heaven.
·
Reigning. The saints shall rule and
reign with Christ forever and ever.
4. When are the events of the Revelation said to come to pass (Rev. 22:6)?
Answer. John was told the events of the Revelation “must
shortly [lit. with haste] be done.”
5. What blessing is associated with the Revelation (Rev. 22:7)?
Answer. There is a blessing for anyone who will keep the
sayings of the prophecy of this book.
6. Why was John not allowed to worship before the feet of the angel (Rev. 22:8,9)?
Answer. As a created being, the angel did not allow John to worship him. The angel considered himself a fellowservant.
7. What command was John given (Rev. 22:10)?
Answer. John was instructed to seal not the prophecy of
this book “for the time is at hand.”
8. What confirmation in evil or holiness is declared (Rev. 22:11)?
Answer.
· Confirmation in evil. “He that is unjust, let him be
unjust still: and he that is filthy, let him be filthy still.”
· Confirmation in righteousness. “He that
is righteous let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy
still.
9. What are the final words of Christ in Revelation 22:12-20?
Answer.
· Revelation
22:12-13 Jesus
said, “Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man
according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the
end, the first and the last.”
· Revelation
22:16. The
Lord declared, “ I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you
these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the
bright and morning star.”
· Revelation
22:20. Christ declared, “Surely I come quickly.”
10. What two rights are given to those that keep the commandments of God (Rev. 22:14)?
Answer.
·
Those who keep the commandments of God have a right to eat of the tree
of life.
·
Those who keep the commandments of God may enter in through the gates
into the city.
11. What six groups of people must remain outside the new Jerusalem (Rev. 22:15)?
Answer. Outside the gates of the new holy city are the
following:
·
dogs,
·
sorcerers,
·
whoremongers,
·
murderers,
·
idolaters,
·
and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
12. Who may take of the water of life freely (Rev. 22:17)?
Answer. Whosoever will, let him take the water of life
freely.
13. What will happen to those who add to the things of God written in the prophecy of this book (Rev. 22:18)?
Answer. “If any man shall add unto these
things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.”
14. What will happen to those who take away the words of the prophecy of this book (Rev. 22:19)?
Answer. “If any man shall take away from the
words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the
book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written
in this book.”
15. Study the following passages to review the time element in reference to the fulfilling of the major events in the Revelation. In each passage tell when the event(s) shall occur.
Answer.
·
Revelation 1:1 Soon.
·
Revelation 3:11 Quickly.
·
Revelation 16:15 As a thief in the night.
·
Revelation 22:7 Quickly.
·
Revelation 22:12 Quickly.
·
Revelation 22:20. Quickly.
16. What divine benediction is given in Revelation 22:21?
Answer. “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be
with you all. Amen.”
Personal Application and Reflection
1.
Do you believe Christians shall literally see
Christ in heaven? Will His name be literally in their foreheads (Rev. 22:4)?
2.
Do you believe it is possible to be confirmed
in evil with no chance of change (Rev. 22:11)? Should this thought be
communicated to non-Christians? Why or why not?
3.
Are Study Bibles wrong because they make
comments upon the Scriptures?
Should they not be published and is it wrong for Christians to buy them?
4.
What should be said about cult leaders and
other world religions that add their thoughts to the Bible (Rev. 22:18-19)?
5.
Do you want Jesus to come again quickly or are
there some events you would like to see happen first in your life? What would
they be?
Hiding God’s Word in My Heart
Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that
heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let
him take the water of life freely.
~*~
For those in Search of Salvation
The greatest issue in life which any person faces is
the matter of salvation. The cry of the Philippian jailer is universal: “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts
16:30). The divine answer is that a person must be born again. Speaking to
Nicodemus, “Jesus answered and said unto
him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see
the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). But how is this possible? Can man be born
again by performing good works? The answer is no for it is “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his
mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy
Ghost” (Titus 3:5). If man cannot work in order to secure the salvation of
his soul then how is the heart converted? Once more the Scriptures reveal the
answer. Salvation is the gracious and sovereign work of God. Salvation is
completely God’s prerogative and not man’s.
· Ephesians
1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe,
according to the working of his mighty power.
· John 5:21
…even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
· John 6:37
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I
will in no wise cast out.
· John 6:44
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I
will raise him up at the last day.
· John 6:65
And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it
were given unto him of my Father.
· Acts 16:14
And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira,
which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended
unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
· Acts 13:48
And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the
Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
· James 1:18
Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of
firstfruits of his creatures.
~*~
Therefore,
come ye sinners, poor and needy
Week and wounded, sick and sore,
Jesus ready stands to save you,
Full of pity, and love, and power.
Come you weary, heavy laden,
bruised and broken by the Fall,
If you tarry till you’re better,
You’ll never come at all.
Let not conscience make you linger,
or of fitness fondly dream;
All the fitness He requireth
is to feel your need of Him.
Come ye thirsty, Come and welcome!
God’s free bounty glorify.
True belief, true repentance,
every grace that brings you nigh,
Without money,
come to Jesus Christ and buy.
~*~
Final
Thoughts on the Revelation
1. The purpose of the book of the Revelation was to
bring comfort to God’s people during the darkest period of Jewish history.
These were days of vengeance. Luke 21:22
“For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be
fulfilled.”
2.
While God
is not going to put His people through any ordeal like the great tribulation
there will always be suffering for the saints.
3. Tribulation is designed by God to bring forth a
patient spirit. Romans 5:3 “And not only
so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh
patience.” Tribulation is designed by God to test the level of spiritual
maturity. Writing to a divided church in the city of Corinth Paul had this to
say. “For first of all, when ye come
together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly
believe it. 19 For there must be also heresies [erroneous teaching] among you,
that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.” (1 Cor 11:18-19).
4. An erroneous teaching or even an erroneous belief
which leads to unbiblical thinking and then unchristian behavior is often
rooted in wanting something that the Bible does not authorize or not wanting
something the Bible does authorize.
5. For example, Joseph Smith wanted to have sex with
more than one woman. It is as simple and crude as that. The result was the
resurrection of the practice of polygamy. His heresy was rooted in wanting
something the Bible does not authorize which is the multiplying of wives (Deut.
17:17).
6. Miriam became angry at her brother Moses and moved
against him to first undermine his leadership and then to substitute herself
and Aaron for Moses. And she gained a following to be sure. The sad story is
told in Numbers 12:1-3. An unholy thought led to unholy results.
7. Every Christian must make sure there is a biblical
basis for their thoughts, their attitude and their actions.
8. God is looking for spiritual people with a high
level of spiritual maturity and so tribulation comes to test the soul.
9. Tribulation is designed by God to allow Him to draw
closer to the soul. 2 Corinthians 1:4
“Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them
which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted
of God.”
10. Despite the pressures of life God will always move
to destroy the enemies of His people.
11. Sometimes the enemies of Christ and His people are
in the religious assembly. The seven letters to the seven churches of Asia
Minor revealed that truth.
12. In the church of Ephesus the Doctrine of the
Nicolaitans was found.
13. In the church of Pergamos the Doctrine of Balaam was
taught.
14. In the church of Thyatira there was that woman
Jezebel.
15. Sometimes the enemies of Christ and His people are
outside the religious assembly. The early church had to deal with opposition by
The Beast [Political Rome] and The False Prophet [Emperor Worship and Judaism].
16. No matter how great the suffering may be the Lord
will vindicate His people, reward them, and judge the unrighteous no matter how
secure they might feel in their own position and place in life. Keep that truth
in mind while reading the Revelation and it will be reaffirmed time and again.
17. In the last three chapters of this glorious book all
the events of life move to a majestic crescendo. The vision of John moves along
quickly. Rapid scenes appear before his mind.
18. John sees the binding of Satan (Rev. 20:1-3). The
binding of Satan does not mean the cessation of activities only a limitation.
19. John notices a blessing for those in the first
resurrection (Rev. 20:4-6). The first resurrection is spiritual and is the new
birth. Jesus said in John 5:25 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming,
and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that
hear shall live.”
20. John sees a final rebellion as Satan is loosed (Rev.
20:7-9). Satan is hostile to the gospel going into the nations of the earth as
many pastors have discovered.
21. John witnesses the final destruction of Gog and
Magog (Rev. 20:8-9).
22. John notices judgment falling upon Satan (Rev.
20:10).
23. John is witness to the last great judgment of the
wicked dead (Rev. 20:11-15).
24. The vision of John is brought to a conclusion by
observing seven wonderful things.
· There is a new heaven
Rev. 21:1
· There is a new earth
Rev. 21:2-8
· There is a new city
Rev. 21:9-23
· There is a new order of nations
Rev. 21:24-27
· There is a new river of life
Rev. 22:1
· There is a new tree of life
Rev. 22:2
· There is a new eternal throne Rev.
22:3-5
25. Finally, the apostle John closes the book of the
Revelation with three types of words.
· There are words of comfort
Rev. 22:6-17
· There are words of warning
Rev. 22:18-19
· There are words of blessing Rev. 22:20-21
I trust God the Father will allow His children to
find His glory and comfort through a continued study of the “Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his
servants things which must shortly come to pass“ (Rev. 1:1).