The Church UNDERGROUND The Book of ... - Blackhawk Church

2 downloads 191 Views 196KB Size Report
Nov 30, 2012 - God is described as Alpha and Omega. He is the first and the last. He controls the beginning and the end.
The Church UNDERGROUND November 30, 2012 – Chris Dolson

The Book of Revelation Helpful Resources     

Richard Bauckham, The Theology of the Book of Revelation, Cambridge University Press, 1993. G.K. Beale, The New International Greek Testament Commentary- The Book of Revelation, Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1999. Millard J. Erickson, A Basic Guide to Eschatology, Baker Books, 1998. Craig S. Keener, The NIV Application Commentary- Revelation, Zondervan, 2000. Grant R. Osborne, Revelation – Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Baker Publishing, 2002.

Interpreting the Book If you don’t like weird, strange, complex, and mysterious you’re not going to like the book of Revelation (not REVELATIONS). The Apocalypse (the literal name of the book, from 1:1) is a difficult book to interpret. The primary difficulties revolve around these things:     

The symbolism in the book The structure of the book (no one has yet to figure that one out in my opinion) The debate about interpretation (see below) The Use of the OT in the book (the book is filled with OT allusions) Perhaps the biggest difficulty is that theologians don’t leave a lot of room for mystery. They feel like they have to define everything and cross all the t’s and dot all the i’s. But we don’t really know what the end will be like (the new heavens and the new earth – or our resurrection body). It is beyond our ability to understand.

This study will take on a “both/and” approach. We should BOTH study the book with care AND leave room for mystery. There is no debate about the fact that the book is composed of three different types of genre: 

Apocalyptic (tends to be visionary; pessimistic towards the present and a promise of hope in the future; i.e. the only hope lies in the future rather than the present). This type of literature flourished from 200 B.C. to A.D. 100. Key elements in this kind of literature are other worldly journeys and an exhortation to endure difficult times in the present. Judgment of the wicked and the vindication of the righteous are also key elements of this kind of literature.

1



 

Prophesy (similar to apocalyptic but more optimistic in tone – i.e. if the nation repents the judgment in the prophesies will not take place). It is virtually impossible to distinguish apocalyptic literature from prophetic literature because the former is an extension of the latter. Some refer to Revelation as “apocalyptic prophesy”. Letter (chapters 1-3). “Thus Revelation seems to be an apocalyptic prophecy in the form of a circular letter to seven churches in the Roman province of Asia” (Bauckham, 2).

Interpreting the Symbols The danger of symbols: It is dangerous to interpret Revelation with a newspaper in one hand and the bible in the other (i.e. this news item – must be what the book of Revelation is talking about). It is highly unlikely that God gave John these visions to speak only to the Christians of the last fifty years or so. Once you say that the beast of chapters 11 and 13 must be a particular world ruler (Nero; various popes – the view of the reformers; Hitler; etc…) the unfolding of history will probably show the error of your view. If you say that the locust plagues refer to helicopters, and the demonic horsemen to tanks (Hal Lindsay) you are committing the same error that the reformers did. Maybe in a few years helicopters will be out of existence. The symbols in Revelation point to a reality: but what reality? The danger is to talk about the symbols in such a concrete way that we don’t see beyond them and the symbols themselves become concrete. The four horses in Revelation 6 could not run in the Kentucky derby. It would be wrong to think of them in concrete terms. When we say, “all hell broke loose.” That is the use of symbolic language. What does that mean? It is pointing to some reality. You have to know something about the speaker, the historical context, and the intended listener to make sense out of that phrase. But in seeking to communicate clearly to a given audience, it might be the best way to communicate. Given these difficulties we should… Begin with humility: There is nothing wrong with saying, “I don’t know what this means.” The disciples in Jesus’ day thought they were reading the Scriptures correctly about the first coming of the Messiah; but they weren’t. If they can get it wrong what about us? Ask “How would the original reader have understood it?” Remember that the Bible was not written to us but for us. This book is written to seven real churches that were in Asia Minor. How would they have understood the use of the term “Babylon” in their day? They would have probably thought of Rome. Know that “literal” vs. “symbolic” is a false dichotomy. Those who call themselves literal interpreters of the book are only selective in doing so. Elements like the lion and the lamb of chapter 5, the golden censer of chapter 8, the swallowed scroll of chapter 10, and the woman in chapter 12 must be taken symbolically. The issue is what does the symbol portray? 2

When we read in our news media, “The White House said….” we know that they are not referring to a house painted white that actually spoke, we all know that behind the symbol is the literal reality that the executive branch of our government made a comment. Symbolic language can be a powerful way to communicate literal truths. Popular Approaches thru the Years: Historicist: This view maintains that chapters 6-19 have been fulfilled in the unfolding of history (Luther, Calvin). Preterist: This view maintains that the details of the book relate to the present situation in which John lived rather than to a future period. John is telling the seven churches how God will deliver them from their Roman oppressors. This is the consensus interpretation among critical scholars (Society of Biblical Literature – e.g. Bauckham and others). Idealist: This view maintains that the symbols do not relate to historical events at all but rather to timeless spiritual truths. The seals, trumpets, and bowls depict God’s judgment on sinners at all times (Hendricksen, Hoekema). Futurist: This view maintains that the events of chapters 4-22 refer primarily to events that will take place at the end of history and will usher in the final victory of God. This was the view of the earliest church fathers (e.g. Justin, Irenaeus, Hippolytus), but with the triumph of the allegorical method by Origen and then Augustine, the futurist method fell out of favor for the next 1000 years (it made a comeback in the 1800s and was popularized in the 1900s by the Scofield Reference Bible and prophesy conferences). Eclectic View: This view combines one or more of the above views. This is the view of Beale and many more. This view has picked up steam in the last view years. My View: I follow the eclectic approach but let the futurist position take the primary place ahead of the others. In other words the events in chapters 4-22 were primarily intended to describe the events that will end world history. But the preterist view is also correct because the visions use the events of the future to encourage John and his readers in their day. The present is addressed with parallels in the future. But the idealist view is also correct in that these final events are also timeless symbols meant to challenge the church in every era. The tribulation that the saints in these chapters go thru should inspire saints going thru tribulation in any age. I share this approach with Grant Osborne, George Ladd, Robert Mounce, and others.

3

Final Introductory Matters (See the commentaries if you want more on this) 











Author – John the apostle (1:4, 9; 22:8). o The text never designates the John as the apostle. Hence there has always been some debate as to which John this might be. See the commentaries for the discussion. o Tradition tells us that John settled in Ephesus but was later arrested and sent to Patmos. Date – mid 90s o There is debate as to whether it might be earlier during the reign of Nero (A.D. 5468) rather than during the reign of Domitian (A.D. 81-96). Historical Background o If a mid-90s date is correct, Domitian reigned for 15 years. He was the second son of Vespasian, brother to Titus who preceded him as emperor. Unlike Nero, Domitian was a good emperor for the Roman citizens. He expanded the empire and brought much needed stability. Times were fairly good for the Romans and he even brought much needed moral reforms (restrictions were placed on prostitution). But during his final years he became paranoid and suspicious. He brought large scale persecution down on the Christians because they were “atheists” (they didn’t bow to the gods of the state). He declared himself to be a god. Toward the end of his rule much of the land was in a state of terror. Officials in his own court had him killed. The following emperor (Nerva) condemned the memory of Domitian. Purposes of the Book o To encourage the persecuted Christians to endure thru the days of Domitian because ultimately they were on the winning team. Only Christ has the right to rule. (Dominant Purpose) o To warn the compromising Christians that they should not be deceived by the cults or tolerate them – hence they too should persevere. o To warn nonbelievers. There are only two choices. You either choose Christ or you choose hell fire. So the book served like a first century evangelistic tract. Major Theme of the Book – Only Christ has the right to rule. History is going someplace and it is all under the control of our sovereign God. The world is not spinning out of control (even though Domitian seems to be winning). Simple Outline of the Book (1:19) o The Person of Christ (“what you have seen”) – Chapter 1 o The People of Christ (“what is now” – the seven churches) – Chapters 2-3 o The Program of Christ (“what will take place later”)- Chapters 4-22

4

Outline of Revelation (Based on 1:19- “Write therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later.”)

I. “What You Have Seen” --- The Person of Christ (1:1-20) A. The Introduction (1:1-8) B. The Vision of Christ (1:9-20) 1. The Instruction to Write (9-11) 2. The Revelation of the Glorified Christ (12-16) 3. The Identification and Interpretation Given to John (17-20) II. “What is Now” --- The People of Christ (2:1-3:22) A. Christ’s letter to the church of Ephesus (2:1-7) B. Christ’s letter to the church of Smyrna (2:8-11) C. Christ’s letter to the church of Pergamum (2:12-17) D. Christ’s letter to the church of Thyatira (2:18-29) E. Christ’s letter to the church of Sardis (3:1-6) F. Christ’s letter to the church of Philadelphia (3:7-13) G. Christ’s letter to the church of Laodicea (3:14-22) III. “What Will Take Place Later” --- The Program of Christ (4:1-22:21) A. The Scene in Heaven (4:1- 5:14) 1. The Throne in Heaven (4:1-11) 2. The Scroll in Heaven (5:1-14) B. The Tribulation on Earth (6:1-19:21) 1. The Seal Judgments (6:1-17) 2. Parenthesis # 1: The Redeemed of the Tribulation (7:1-17) 3. The Trumpet Judgments (8:1-9:21) 4. Parenthesis # 2: The Little Scroll and Two Witnesses (10:1-11:19) 5

5. War in Heaven (12:1-17) 6. The Two Beasts (13:1-18) 7. Various Announcements (14:1-20) 8. Prelude to the Bowl Judgments (15:1-8) 9. The Bowl Judgments (16:1-21) 10. Religious Babylon (17:1-18) 11. Commercial Babylon (18:1-24) 12. The Second Coming of Christ (19:1-21) C. The Millennium – Thousand Years (20:1-15) D. The Eternal State (21:1-22:5) E. The Conclusion (22:6-21)

CommentaryI. “What You Have Seen” – The Person of Christ (1:1-20) A. The Introduction (1:1-8) o Preface (1-3)  The pattern of revelation: God- Christ- Angels – John – 7 churches – us  Note the special blessing in the preface for reading the book aloud. o Greetings and Doxology (4-8)  The seven churches – see Map  Christ is supreme (over all the rulers on the earth).  What are the three things that Christ has done for believers?  God is described as Alpha and Omega. He is the first and the last. He controls the beginning and the end. In other words God is sovereign over all history; even the terrible persecutions under Domitian’s reign. Of the three uses of this title, two refer to God (1.8; 21:6) and one to Christ (22:13, though Jesus is described as the “first and the last” in 1:17). From the beginning of this book the unity of the Father and the Son is stressed. B. The Vision of Christ (1:9-20)  

The instruction to write (9-11). The unveiling of the glorified Christ (12-16). 6



o What is his relationship to the lampstands? o Notice the repetition of the word “like.” o Daniel 7 imagery The Identification and Interpretation given to John (17-20). o John’s reaction (this is in contrast to the relationship that he had with Jesus in Galilee). o The Seven stars – are these angels or people (leaders or pastors of local churches)? – Most scholars (80/20) go with angels not pastors (Osborne). If they are angels then Heaven is involved with the local church on earth. We should quit pretending that the issues we deal with are just earthly issues. There is an invisible realm and the angels are watching. The angels that are placed over us are affected by what is happening. There is an angel over Blackhawk. The angel over us will be happy or sad. They are not judged. But they are affected.

II. “What is now” – The People of Christ (2:1-3:22) Summary of the Letters





Each letter is addressed to a literal historical church in Asia Minor. Knowing the historical and cultural background of each city can really inform a greater understanding of each letter. For example, why does the writer refer to the Laodiceans as being lukewarm? Knowing something about the background of Laodicea will answer that question. The commentaries are helpful in providing this kind of information. Each letter roughly follows this formula: o Address to the church o Description of Christ o Situation in the church o Strengths o Weaknesses o Solution o Closing Promise The challenge to overcome o Common phrase in the letters – “To the one who is victorious” (NIV -2011) – 2:7; 11; 17; 26; 3:5; 21. o Greek – nikonti (Nicholas; Nicole, etc. comes from this term) – it is an athletic and military metaphor that connotes superiority and victory over a foe. In these letters the victory is a participation in the victory of Christ yet is achieved through perseverance. In Revelation there is a contrast between the overcomer and the “cowardly” in 21:7, 8. Only those who conquer in Christ will stand on the crystal sea and sing hymns of victory as in 15:2 or “inherit” God’s kingdom as in 21:7. 7



o Evangelicals are divided about how this concept relates to eternal security and the “perseverance of the saints”.  Some, following 1 John 5:1-5, see all believers as “overcomers” in the sense that they are united to the one and only overcomer – Christ.  Others see overcoming as an active trust in Christ that inevitably leads to faithfulness in difficult situations. If one does not overcome they have either:  Lost their salvation (Arminian view).  Or demonstrate that they were never really saved to begin with (Calvinist view) Four Themes seem to emerge o o o o

The Problem of Orthodoxy without Love (Ephesus) The Problem of Tolerance (Pergamum and Thyatira) The Problem of Suffering and persecution (Smyrna and Philadelphia) The Problem of Secularity in the church (Laodicea)

Note: For simplicity and time we’ll just focus on two of the letters:

The Letter to Ephesus – Orthodoxy without Love – 2:1-7   

 

Address to the Church Description of Christ – Holds the Stars and walks among the lampstands Situation in the Church o Strengths – Orthodox – “cannot tolerate wicked people; have tested false apostles” – They persevere o Weaknesses – Forsaken the love they had at first.  Some take this as “love for God”  Others take this as “love for each other” Solution – Repent: do what you did at first o If they do not repent – the church will be removed from its place Promise – Eat from the tree of life

Lessons for our Lives at Blackhawk  How does our mission statement relate to this letter? Building a loving community that follows Christ…  Today we know that most people want a friendly church. People want to feel loved when they come to church. But the danger with that is that people go to meet their friends and not God. We also want to attract non-Christians. Our mission is to ….reach a community that is lost without Christ. What should we be willing to give up that may be attractive to the nonChristian that is not attractive to Christ? Or, when is a church that is relevant to the culture irrelevant to God?  At Blackhawk we have decided on a “both/and” approach instead of an “either/or” approach. We want to be both orthodox and loving at the same time. We want to be about both word and deed; to be both challenging and affirming; to have both cultural 8

engagement and countercultural distinctiveness; to have commitment to both truth and a generosity to others who don’t share our beliefs. This is easier said than done.

The Letter to the Laodiceans – Being Too Secular (3:14-22) Historical background: Laodicea was located on two major trade routes. It became a banking center and was known for its wealth. When it was destroyed by an earthquake in A.D. 62 it declined help from the government, boasting that it needed no outside help. The bankers in the city were well known for not polluting the gold that they issued their clients and the local medical school produced a popular eye salve that was used throughout the empire. Just north of the city (6 miles) was Hierapolis famous for its hot springs. East of the city (10 miles) was Colossae that was well known for its cold water. Laodicea had neither. Their water supply came from Denzi (5 miles away) via aqueducts and arrived lukewarm and so full of minerals that it made people vomit.       

Address to the church Description of Christ Situation in the church Strengths? Weaknesses Solution Promise

The picture of Christ standing at a door and knocking is not a picture for evangelism but a call to church revival. Table fellowship was a sign of reconciliation and a shared life. Lessons for our Lives at Blackhawk   

What makes a successful church? From the world’s perspective we might have the best of the best but still make Christ vomit. However we measure success there is always the question, in whose eyes? In whose eyes are we successful? What does Christ want us to do according to his great commission (Matthew 28)?

III. “What will take place later” – The Program of Christ (4-22) Note- See charts  Chronology of Revelation (2 charts)  An Overview of Revelation A. The Scene in Heaven (4:1-5:14) 1. The Throne in Heaven (4:1-11)

9

This scene reminds us of Ezek. 1; Isa. 6; and Daniel 7. This chapter introduces us to the throne of God that dominates the rest of the book. The elders function as interpreters of this vision (cf. 7:1317) and they sing hymns to God here and throughout the rest of the book (11:16-18, 19:4). One of the four living creatures inaugurates the seals (6.1) and another gives the seven bowls of wrath to the angels to be poured out on the earth (15.7). In short, the throne room of chapter 4 is at the center of the imagery in the book (Osborne, 222). 





Who are the elders around the throne? o Human beings representing God’s people. o Angels – heavenly representatives of all God’s people.  My preference – They are seated on thrones (4.4; 11:16) while the saints are before the throne (7.9).  Probably celestial beings who have a ruling function. What are the four living creatures? o Cherubim of Ezekiel 1 and 10:15? (“full of eyes”- but 4 wings) o Seraphim of Isaiah 6:6? (six wings – but not “full of eyes”) o A different group? (6 wings – 1 face – “full of eyes”)  “We are dealing with visions which were meant to stir the imagination, not yield to the drawing board.” (Robert Mounce) The Theme: God has the right to rule. God is the creator of all and as such is sovereign overall and has the right to judge. 2. The scroll in Heaven (5:1-14).







What is on the double-sided scroll? o Lamb’s book of life? o The Torah? o A contract deed o God’s plan of redemption and judgment  I prefer this view. Seems to be what happens as the seals are opened. The Lamb o Vss. 5 and 6 are linked together to form one of the most powerful mixed metaphors in the entire Bible. The lion (5) is a lamb (6). o “Arnion” – 28x – the most popular designation of Christ in Revelation  “Horned lamb” of mythic apocalyptic genre – heroic conqueror  Not “amnos” of John 1:29- weak lamb for slaughter o “Takes” the scroll (5.7) – He has the right to open the scroll because he was sacrificed to purchase people for God (5.9). The crescendo of worship (5.11-14).

10

B. The Tribulation on Earth (chapters 6-19) Note: The Chronology of Revelation  There is a “parenthesis” or “interlude” between the 6th and 7th seal; and between the 6th and 7th trumpet.  The seals, trumpets and bowls are successive. The seventh seal (8.1) opens the trumpets; and the seventh trumpet opens the seven bowls (11:15 and 15:1). The bowl judgments happen quickly and simultaneous to the return of Christ. The series of judgments affecting a quarter of the earth (6.8) and the series of judgments affecting a third of the earth (8.7-12; 9:15, 18) are not, as we might expect, followed by a series affecting half the earth. No doubt the seven thunders (10:3-4) would have been such a series. But there was to be only one final judgment – the seventh trumpet (10:7) which accomplishes the final destruction of the unrepentant.  The judgments up to and including the sixth trumpet judgment are strictly limited (6.8; 8:7-12; 9:5, 15, 18). They are warning judgments, designed to bring humanity to repentance. But they did not have this effect; the people on the earth did not repent (9:20-21). Judgment alone, it is implied, does not lead to repentance and faith (Bauckham, 82). Note: The Great Tribulation  Isaiah 26:21 – “The Lord is coming out of his dwelling to punish the people of the earth for their sins. The earth will disclose the blood shed on it; the earth will conceal its slain no longer.”  Jeremiah 25:31- “He will bring judgment on all mankind and put the wicked to the sword.”  Jeremiah 30:7 – “How awful that day will be! No other will be like it.”  Daniel 12:1 – “There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then.”  Matthew 24:21 – “For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now- and never to be equaled again.” Note: The Great Tribulation brings down judgment on the “inhabitants of the earth” (NIV). Other translations call this group the “earth dwellers”. This is an important designation in Revelation (3:10; 6:10; 8:13; 11:10; 12:12; 13:8, 12, 14; 17:2, 8). This is a technical term and it always refers to the unbelievers, the enemies of God who not only worship and follow the beast but also persecute believers. This group is the opposite of the faithful overcomers who are also throughout the book. 1. The Seal Judgments (6:1-17)       

First Seal (1-2) – White Horse – Antichrist? o The man of lawlessness (2 Thess. 2.3); Insolent king (Daniel 8:23-25) Second Seal (3-4) – Red Horse – Removal of Peace Third Seal (5-6) – Black Horse – Suffering, Famine, Inflation Fourth Seal (7-8) – Pale Horse – Death of one fourth of the earth Fifth Seal (9-11) – The Prayers of the Martyrs – (this will become the basis of the severe judgment on the beast later in the book) Sixth Seal (12-17) – Great Disturbances – o Wrath of the Lamb Question – “Who is able to stand?” 6:17 – Answered in chapter 7 11

Note: The Purpose of the Two “Parenthesis” or Interludes: As interpreters read Revelation most are struck by how the sequential pattern of the opening of the seals and the sounding of the trumpets is interrupted. So the question becomes what is the function of these interruptions (what I call a parenthesis)? The seals trumpets and bowls only have to do with the unbelievers (the “earth dwellers” i.e. – all they have is this world – they focus on the world). The interludes tell us the place of the saints – these interludes provide us a kind of chorus or a balance of perspective – they help us see what is happening to the saints. 2. Parenthesis # 1 – The Redeemed of the Tribulation (7:1-17) 



144,000 Jews (1-8) o Some see this as symbolic of all believers and some see this more literally as referring to Jewish saints who believe in Christ during the future tribulation. It is a difficult passage with lots of interpretive challenges! A great multitude (9-17) o From every nation (9) o Beyond count! (9) o Saved out of the great tribulation (14). Given the increasing population explosion – a massive amount of people from every nation may be saved during this time.

3. The Trumpet Judgments (8:1-9:21) 

     

The seventh seal is opened (1-6). The trumpet judgments ARE the seventh seal. o Silence – Something ominous is about ready to take place. o Matthew 6:10 – Jesus wanted his disciples to pray, “Your Kingdom come.” God’s final victory over the forces of evil is about to take place. First Trumpet (8:7) – Against vegetation Second Trumpet (8:8-9) – Against Oceans Third Trumpet (8:10-11) – Against Fresh Water Fourth Trumpet (8:12) – Against the Heavens Fifth Trumpet – Woe # 1 (9:1-12) – Against those who are opposed to God o Demonic flying tormentors – horrible – awful – but limited to five months Sixth Trumpet – Woe # 2 (9:13-21) – Demonic Armies o People still do not repent (9:20-21)!!!!

Note: The Catastrophic Nature of the Judgments - In these judgments we are faced with incredible and awful judgment. Are these to be taken literally? This brings us back to the nature of the literature. I believe that we are supposed to picture one third of all the great forests in the world being burned down. If that literally happened the world would change completely. Every single trumpet judgment would destroy our way of life as we know it. Any one of these judgments by themselves would destroy the earth. We should imagine what might happen, and it should cause us to weep and morn. The images should make us sick (cf. 10:10). The Lord is bringing judgment on those who have themselves destroyed and exploited the earth (cf. 11:18). The “earth dwellers” 12

believe that the earth belongs to them and that they can do what they want with it. God is saying to them in effect, “Mother nature” is not God. The earth belongs to the Lord (Psalm 24:1). Of course as we come to the end of the vision we see that this is not the end; indeed He will restore the earth (cf. 21:1). 4. Parenthesis # 2 – The Little Scroll and the Two Witnesses 



The little Scroll (10:1-11) o 10:7 – The mystery of God will be accomplished – the return of Christ. o The revelation concerning what will happen is sweet but also bitter. o Eat this book! (cf. Psalm 119:103; Jeremiah 15:16; Ezk. 2:8; 3:1-3). INTERPRETIVE KEY FOR THE BOOK – 10:11

John receives instructions to “prophesy again about many people, nations, languages and kings.” This he will do starting in Revelation 12. So in effect the period of great destruction that he has just seen he will see again as the Lord changes the emphasis and shows him the coming end with the emphasis on different people. As with the rest of the book the “people” that he sees may or may not be symbolic for groups that they represent. For example:  The woman in chapter 12 (Israel)  The dragon in chapter 12 (Satan)  A male child in chapter 12 (Christ)  Michael the Archangel in chapter12  Beast from the sea (the antichrist) in 13  Beast from the earth (false prophet) in 13  144,000 physically protected “preachers” in 14  The whore in 17  7 heads of the beast – 7 successive kings in 17  10 horns of the beast – 10 simultaneous kings in 17 

The Two Witnesses (11:1-14) o The identity of these individuals is one of the most debated points of the book. Lists include, Elijah and Enoch, Jeremiah and Elijah, Peter and Paul, Symbols for the witnessing church.

The Seventh Trumpet (11:14-19) – Third Woe – The Final Return of Christ  The passage reads like the end indeed the words were an inspiration to Handel as he wrote “Messiah”. These verses cover the same material as chapter 19.  But it is not the end. Chapters 12-18 describe what was predicted in 10:11.

13

5. War (12:1-17) 





Preparation for War (12:1-6) o A woman – In Revelation sometimes individuals represent groups and sometimes they are just individuals; or both. So the interpretation of who this woman is has generated lots of debate (big surprise!). Some see this woman as Mary or the Church or Israel or more generally the people of God. o A dragon – vs. 9 identified as Satan or the devil. o Male child – Christ – (“rule with an iron scepter” – Psalm 2:9 and Rev. 19:15) o Great gap of time: Chronology is not important in this vision – note there is no mention of the life or passion of Christ. War in Heaven (12:7-12) o The Good guys – Michael and his angels – He is one of the chief princes in heaven (Daniel 10:3). o The Bad guys – Satan and his angels  Satan is described as “leading the whole world astray” – be aware!  Note: Any mockery of Satan as being some kind of moronic being who can be outwitted by Bible toting Christians is naïve and unbiblical. We are no match for him. War on the Earth (12:13-17) o Satan loses his place in heaven.  Right now Satan is in heaven where he stands as the accuser of God’s people – 12:10 (cf. Job 1; 2; Zechariah 3; 1 John 2).  His expulsion (yet future) will cause his great wrath to be unleashed 12:17.  What unfolds is partially his wrath upon God’s people on the earth.

6. The Two Beasts (13:1-18) 

The Beast out of the Sea (13:1-11)

Note: The Unholy Trinity – Chapter 13 begins to unfold how the Dragon is going to conduct his war on the earth! We are immediately introduced to the false and unholy trinity: The Dragon: The Beast out of the Sea; and the Beast out of the earth. They are an imitation of the true trinity. The background behind this is Emperor Worship – Augustus literally worshiped his uncle Julius Caesar who he turned into a god. Then when Augustus died he was turned into a god by the emperors that followed him. However throughout most of the first century the Romans refused to worship living emperors as gods. The first exception to this was Gaius (Caligula) but everyone knew he was insane. But at the end of the century Domitian encouraged the worship of himself as a god. The first readers of this book would see this as a polemic against Domitian. Note: The Antichrist – The term only occurs in John’s epistles and is not used by John here (1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 7). Perhaps the first NT reference to the coming of an antichrist was by Jesus when he spoke of the abomination of desolation (Mark 13:14). This would have reminded his Jewish disciples of Daniel 9:26-27 (cf. Daniel 11:31; 12:11) where it applies to Antiochus 14

Epiphanes and his sacrilege of the temple in 167 B.C. Jesus also tells his disciples that false Christs will appear in the future performing miraculous things (Mark 13:22). Paul also mentions a “man of lawlessness” (2 Thess. 2:1-12) who will one day appear. Many interpreters see the Beast from the sea not as a person but as an evil empire since in Daniel the beasts are empires (Bauckham, Beale, and others). It might be better to see this Beast as an individual. The rest of the NT expects a person from Mark 13:14 (“he is standing”) to 2 Thess. 2 (“the man of lawlessness”) to the “many antichrists” of 1-2 John, who are individual false teachers. This person will lead the empire called Babylon the Great (14:8; 17:5; 18:2, 10).  

The Beast from the Earth (13:11-13:18). o The false prophet – 16:13; 19:20; 20:10. 666 (13:18) o This verse has got to rank as one of the most commented upon verses in the whole Bible. The interpretations are legion. o Note that John is calling for his readers to exercise wisdom when discerning this number. Surely he must have been pointing to some solution that was more first century centered than twenty-first century centered. o When you figure it out; let me know!

7. Various Announcements (14:1-20)   

Concerning the vindication of 144,000 – note the rich contrasts in this chapter between the future of saints versus the future of the earth dwellers. The final message of salvation and judgment to the nations (14:6-13). The final harvest of the saints (14-16) and sinners (17-20).

8. Prelude to the Bowl Judgments (15: 1-8)  



God’s wrath is about ready to be completed (15:1). Finally! The song comes from Martyrs in heaven. o It reminds us of Deuteronomy 32. o It speaks of God’s greatness and holiness. God’s wrath is a function of his holiness. It is his righteous reaction to evil. Before the great day of his wrath comes, the martyrs in heaven sing of God’s holiness.

9. The Bowl Judgments (16:1-21) 

This is the culmination of God’s wrath. There are no interludes. The seals destroyed a fourth of the earth and the trumpets a third of the earth. The bowls will affect the whole earth. They are directed at the earth dwellers; but they refuse to repent (16:9,11).

15



They form an awful anticipation of the coming final battle and the complete destruction of all who are opposed to God.

10. “Religious” Babylon (17:1-18) 







The great whore o Controlled many kings and people (17:15-18) o Corrupted the world’s leaders (2) – that are successive over time (“five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come” – 17:10). o Controls (rides on) the beast at first but in the end the beast turns and devours her (17:1-2; 16). o Is adorned with wealth and materialism o Is drunk with the blood of the saints (17:6). She probably symbolizes seductive Rome and all the self-centered empires in history, including our own, where seductive luxury and immorality are symbolic of ‘success’. The material luxury of 17:4 is loathsome to God. The final world ruler (17:11) comes to power from this system. He is controlled by the system but later turns on it. He emerges from other leaders (ten horns – simultaneous kings – 17:12) and gains authority over them. His final goal is to wage war against the lamb. But the triumph of the Lamb is certain (17:11, 14).

11. “Commercial” Babylon (18:1-24) 

 



Announcement of the Fall (1-3) o The stress in this chapter is more on the commercial aspects of the final empire (18:3, 11-20). Announcement of the Punishment (4-8) The Weeping of the Merchants of the Earth (9-20) o Babylon will be punished for its economic oppression with its economic collapse. o They are surprised at how quickly it all goes away (17). o The people of God should rejoice at her destruction (20). Babylon will sink like a large stone sinks in the sea (18:21).

12. The Second Coming of Christ (19:1-21)!    

In 18:20 the heavens and saints are told to rejoice at God’s judgment of Babylon the Great. Chapter 19 describes that celebration. This is the only place in the NT where the term “Hallelujah” appears. It inspired Handel. This chapter stands in great contrast to the mournful laments of those who benefited from the wealth of Babylon. The Wedding of the Lamb (7-10)

16



o Paul speaks of presenting believers “to one husband, to Christ,” as a “pure virgin” (2 Cor. 11:2), and in Ephesians 5:25-27 he uses the wedding imagery to describe Christ presenting “her to himself as a radiant church”. o The bride is dressed in the righteous acts she has performed. The final battle (11-21) o Christ is described by so many images that the reader can barely keep up with the metaphors. The description ends with his name: “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” o There is not much of a battle! The great battle of Armageddon for which the book has prepared the reader (16:14, 16) never really happens. The armies gather to fight (19:19), but no battle takes place. The sword comes out of the mouth of Christ and immediately the enemies are no more. They are no match for the true King (Isa. 9:6-7).

C. The Millennium (20:1-15) Note on Chapter 20: This is easily the best-known portion of the book and one of the most divisive chapters in the entire bible. The OT has little explicit comment on the “millennium,” but it has much to say about the coming kingdom of God as an earthly reign (e.g., Ps. 72:8-14; Isa. 11:6-9; Zechariah 14:5-17). The early church believed in a literal thousand year reign of Christ called “chiliasm” (from the Greek chilias – thousand). Partly due to an overly materialistic and sensual view adopted by some in the early church the leaders began to turn away from such a literal portrait. When Augustine’s view of no literal millennium became popular the issue went away for the next 1200 years. It was reopened with the pietist movement of the 1700s, postmillennialism among the Puritans (Edwards), and the dispensational Plymouth Brethren movement of the 1800s. Some definitions: Premillennialism: Christ will return to the earth, destroy the evil forces, and reign here for a thousand years. Satan will be imprisoned. The period will end with a final rebellion, the release of Satan, and his final judgment. Amillennialism: The millennium is symbolic for the reign of Christ which began at his resurrection and will conclude at his final coming. There is no literal thousand year reign, in keeping with much of the book of Revelation the term is more symbolic than literal. Postmillennialism: The thousand year period will be a time of the triumph of the gospel and a period of peace that will precede the second coming of Christ. The issues are complex, too complex for this presentation. I take a premillennial approach as does the Evangelical Free Church doctrinal position. (It doesn’t seem to me like Satan is imprisoned today, on the contrary he is very active – 1 Thess. 2:18; 2 Timothy 2:26; 1 Peter 5:8). But at 17

Blackhawk we recognize the viability of the other views and have resolved that the issue will be solved when Christ returns. Until then, we don’t think that it is wise to divide over this issue.  

 

The Imprisonment of Satan (1-3) Saints resurrected and reigning (4-6) o Two resurrections – resurrections of “kind” not “time” – John 5:29  Resurrection to Life – “The First Resurrection”  Daniel 12:2; 1 Thess. 4:16; Rev. 20:4  “The second death has no power over them (20:6).  Resurrection to Judgment  All those who will suffer the second death.  All those who will stand before the great white throne (20:11). The rebellion and the results (7-10) o The end Satan and the false trinity The Great White Throne Judgment o Judgment of all non-believers o Lake of fire (cf. Matthew 5:22; Mark 9:43) o The Second death! o No matter how metaphorical this might be the thought conveyed is awful to contemplate.

D. The Eternal State (21:1-22:5) Note: The New Heaven and the New Earth – Not just the book of Revelation but the entire Bible has been pointing to these final chapters. Since Adam and Eve lost their place in the garden and sin has reigned on earth, the divine plan has prepared for this moment when sin would finally be eradicated and the original purpose of God when he created humankind could come to pass. All of creation has been anticipating this moment (Romans 8:18-25). This is the great hope we await. This is the great light at the end of the long tunnel of human misery and pain. These verses constitute the vision of the eternal state. They are the fulfillment of all the passages in the Bible that speak of hope. This is the only extended description of “heaven” found in the Bible. 



Heaven comes to earth (21:1-8). o Heaven and earth are united in one eternal order, and the dichotomy between the two in this age is broken. o God’s inaugural address: “I am making everything new.” The Description of the New Jerusalem (21:7-27) o If the measurements are literal – the city would cover most of the United States – about 1,500 miles on each side and also tall – is it a cube or a pyramid? Each dimension is about the length of the Roman Empire in the days of John.

18

   

o It would need to be large enough to hold all the saints of all time from “every tribe, language, people, and nation.” (5:9, 7:9; cf. 21:24, 26). There is no temple (21:22). There is no sun or moon (21:23). No need to close the gates (21:25). Eden is restored and transformed (22:1-5). o All that the original garden could have been is expanded and intensified. o Life is the central theme. It is a place of flourishing.

E. Conclusion (22:6-21)      

The complexity of these verses is a fitting end to a complex book. The book is authentic (22:6-11). The reader has a choice between God and evil (22:11). The invitation to come and take of the free gift of the water of life (22:17). The assurance of the Lord’s return (22:20). The book ends with grace (22:21).

19