Church of
Christ Sermons From the Book of Revelation
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Bobby Stafford |
1. Introduction
to Revelation |
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Introduction to Revelation
Introduction:
The Book of
Revelation has often been neglected because many think it is too
difficult to understand. No doubt this book has been abused and
misused to promote several unscriptural beliefs. Yet there is a
blessing pronounced on all those who read, hear, and keep the words
of it. (Revelation
1:3)
So it is certainly worth all our efforts in studying its pages.
Body:
I.
Background
A.
Title:
Revelation
– to uncover, reveal
The
Greek word is “Apocalypse.”
B.
Author: John (Revelation
1:1)
Both the internal evidence and
external
evidence point to the apostle John who also wrote the
Gospel
of John and I John, II John, and III John.
C.
Recipients: Specifically to the churches located in the
provinces of
Asia
(modern Turkey). These seven congregations were located in
an
area where Roman Emperor worship was very strong.
D.
Time of Writing: Most of the evidence points to around 96
A.D.
II.
Purpose of Writing
·
Christians
were undergoing terrible persecution because of their faith. (Revelation
2:10)
Some were being martyred. (Revelation 16:5-6)
·
This book
was written to comfort them and give them hope. (Revelation
17:14)
They were encouraged to be steadfast.
·
The purpose
and meaning of this book can only be ascertained if we “look through
first-century glasses.” W. B. West
III.
How to Study
·
Revelation
is a book of symbols. (Revelation
1:1)
Therefore, it is filled with figurative language. It is imperative
to keep the context in mind when interpreting figurative language.
The Bible is its own best interpreter.
·
There are at
least four different views or interpretations of Revelation:
1.
The Futurist
View
This view
believes that most of the book is unfulfilled and refers primarily
to the end of time. Futurists believe Christ will return to earth
for a thousand year reign from Jerusalem. They also believe in the
“rapture,” the “tribulation” and a literal battle of Armageddon.
This view disregards two very important points. First, John wrote
in
Revelation 1:1-3
that these “things would shortly begin to take place” and “the time
is at hand.” Second, this interpretation takes meaning away from
the original recipients. They would not be encouraged or comforted
by this view.
2.
The
Preteritist View
This
interpretation basically says most all of the book was fulfilled by
70 A.D. Many of the symbols and signs, they believe, are applied to
the fall of Judaism and the destruction of Jerusalem. For this view
to be true, the book had to by written before 70 A.D.; but the
majority of the evidence dates the book near the end of the first
century.
3.
The
Historical View
This
view says the book is like a timeline of history that refers to the
rise and fall of nations and empires as well as different religious
movements. This view would also not be very comforting to
first-century Christians.
4.
The
Contextual (Historical First Century) View This view asks the question – “What
did this book mean to those in the first century?” Revelation deals
with the trials and sufferings faced by these seven churches. It
also encourages them to “be faithful until death” and victory will
be theirs.
Bobby
Stafford
More on
Revelation
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