A Bible Study Course

Revelation

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A Bible Study Course

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Community Bible Institute is a Christian studies school designed “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12)

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Introducing Revelation

The human spirit is like a little child on a long journey asking, “Are we almost there?” Yet today many of us have stopped thinking about the future. Fear of the bomb and an unthinkable holocaust drives us to squeeze what we can from the present. We become obsessed with momentary gratification. This erodes our capacity to plan and build for the future—if there is one—and paralyzes us from living faithfully in the present.

Unlike people today, New Testament Christians eagerly awaited and longed for the future. They believed the complete reign of Christ on earth was a more certain reality than the seeming victory of evil. Jesus gave John the strangely beautiful vision recorded in the Book of Revelation to give us hope. Of the three Christian virtues—faith, hope and love—the one most needing attention today is hope. Revelation touches us at the point of our despair, our world weariness, our future shock, our fear of persecution, our collaboration with a sick (though friendly) society. It is quite possibly the most relevant book of the Bible for this moment in history.

But how are we to understand this highly symbolic book? Since Revelation was meant to be read at one sitting (1:3), we do well to put aside the charts, sermons and films we have seen that claim to unravel its mysteries. It is better just to read it. A child might understand Revelation better than adults who approach it with preconceived systems. If a child were to hear this as a story and were to conclude, “I'm so glad the Lamb won over the awful beast,” he or she would have truly heard it and taken to heart what is written in it (1:3).

Two Common Misconceptions

Many people misunderstand the book because of two commonly held misconceptions. First, Revelation is not difficult to understand. Though it is highly symbolic, it is not a lock whose key has been lost. The major reason we have difficulty decoding the symbolism of this book is that, unlike the first readers, we are largely illiterate when it comes to the Bible.

The Old Testament provides the most important clues for decoding Revelation. Of the 404 verses in Revelation, 278 allude to the Old Testament (though not one direct citation is actually quoted). The book is a biblical implosion. Old Testament ideas, symbols, names and themes have been powerfully pulled together through the inspiration of the Spirit to form a collage, a kaleidoscope effect in the message John brings.

For example, phrases like “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (7:17) is a creative adaption of Isaiah 25:8. Proper names like Balaam, Jerusalem and Sodom and concepts like “the tree of life” are adapted from John's Bible. Numbers like “twenty-four months” are used symbolically, as they are in the Old Testament (Dan 9:27). This book above all others in the New Testament must be interpreted by Scripture.

Second, we misunderstand Revelation when we treat it as a book of predictions. It is not so much a prediction of future events as it is an expose of spiritual realities that affect us now and will bring the events of history to a worthy end. John shows us how the world looks to someone in the Spirit.

John wrote Revelation between a.d. 90–95 from his place of exile on PatmosIsland. Tradition tells us that prior to his exile John left Israel to live in Ephesus, capital of the Roman province of Asia. The seven churches to whom this book is addressed were visited by a courier traveling on the circular road through modern Turkey. His letter described John's vision of Christ as Lord of the churches (1:12–3:22), as the Lamb on the throne (5:1–14), as the liberating Word of God (19:11–16) and as the Leader in the new creation (21–22). This book is truly the Revelation of Jesus Christ (1:1).

This study guide contains twelve selected studies in Revelation. It does not seek to cover every chapter and verse but rather focuses on key themes.

John says, “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it” (1:3). Look forward to this blessing as you study Revelation.

From Revelation: The Triumph of God by Paul Stevens. Copyright 1987 by R. Paul Stevens. Published by InterVarsity Press. One-time permission granted for user to make up to ten copies for group use. For information on additional use, click the Permissions button in the About Logos Lesson Builder dialog box.

1

The Illustrated Letter

Revelation 1:1–11

Purpose: To become oriented to Revelation and its special form of communication.

Because Revelation is a vision communicated through words, we are intended not only to hear the words as thoughts and ideas but also to see them. To reduce the book to principles and time charts would be to frustrate the intention of the author. He wants us to experience, in some measure, the vision he received and to take it into our hearts.

Warning! A group discussion of Revelation is most likely to grind to a halt not because of what the text says but because of what it does not say. People often project into the text ideas they have previously been taught about “end times.” Many speakers and books claim to give an “authoritative” interpretation of Revelation. The most strategic thing many people can do to hear God speak through this book is to attempt to read it as though they were hearing it for the first time. Invite the group to make a contract at the beginning not to inject interpretations from the outside. It is a contract that will bear rich fruit.

Persecution, imprisonment, martyrdom. These seem far removed from the lives of many Christians today. Yet we do suffer. Who can witness the breakup of families, the death of unborn children, the threat of war and the plight of the poor without crying out, “Come, Lord Jesus”? In this passage he does come in a vision to give us hope in a suffering world.

1. Following Jesus brings many benefits. It also causes new pressures and problems. In what ways have you found being a Christian difficult?

2. Read Revelation 1:1–11. The word revelation means to bring to light what was formerly hidden, veiled and secret. Who and what will be unveiled by the revelation given to John (vv. 1–3)?

3. What statements stress the urgency and importance of the revelation?

4. How would John's description of God be a comfort to his readers (vv. 4–5)?

5. Why would it help discouraged believers to know they are “a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father” (v. 6)?

6. John presents a vision of Jesus as both coming (v. 7) and already and always here (v. 8). What would it be like to have only one of these two perspectives?

7. In what ways has a knowledge of Christ's coming encouraged you in the midst of suffering?

8. How does John's description of himself in verse 9 make you want to hear what he has to say?

9. Why are the circumstances of his receiving the revelation especially encouraging (vv. 9–11)?

10. What does John's example teach us about helping believers to be faithful through hard times?

11. Imagine that you are a member of one of the seven churches. How would you feel when you discovered that Christ himself had asked John to send you this letter (v. 11)?

To what extent do you have this same feeling today, knowing the letter is also addressed to you?

12. John states that we will be blessed if we hear his message and take it to heart (v. 3). In what ways do you think he expects us to take this message to heart?

2

Surprised by Magnificence

Revelation 1:12–20

Purpose: To shatter our “normal” images of Jesus and to be delighted with a fresh vision of who he is.

It is important to try and see John's vision rather than simply reading it. Encourage the group to think of Revelation as a multimedia presentation, a drama or a choral symphony with Scriptures interwoven, like Handel's Messiah. These can provide us with links as to how John presents God's Word to us.

The experience of meeting a famous person is sometimes disconcerting. He or she may be less impressive than we had imagined. But when John sees Jesus face to face, he is overwhelmed with his magnificence. John's experience challenges us to ask whether we have ever met the same Person. Or do we follow a pale, distorted copy of the real Lord?

1. From all that you have read or experienced before opening Revelation, what images or pictures do you have of Jesus?

2. Read Revelation 1:9–20. John pictures the seven churches as seven golden lampstands (to hold oil lamps). What does John's picture tell us about the function of the churches?

3. How would Jesus' relationship to these churches (v. 13) encourage them to fulfill their function during hard times?

4. John's vision of Jesus is rich with biblical symbolism. Instead of trying to picture these characteristics at once, allow them to impress you one at a time, like a slide presentation. Which images impress you most with the magnificence of Jesus, and why (vv. 13–16)?

5. Why do you think a godly person like John would be so powerfully overcome by the presence of the One he loved (v. 17)?

6. How would Jesus' words encourage John not to be fearful in his presence (vv. 17–18)?

7. Why do you think we are so seldom, if ever, so overcome with awe in the presence of Jesus that we need his encouraging touch?

8. How would this vision of Jesus give heart to churches facing a sinful and hostile world?

9. Revelation was written to churches persecuted under a totalitarian regime. Our society seems more friendly. Yet how is it hostile to us both morally and spiritually?

10. How has this passage enlarged your vision of who Jesus is?

11. How can this vision of Jesus encourage us to resist the seductions of our society?

3

Pardon My Speaking the Truth

Revelation 2

Purpose: To learn how to confront and affirm as Christ does with his people.

Balancing affirmation and confrontation is one of our hardest tasks of ministry to our brothers and sisters. The particular value of these letters is to teach us how Jesus' person and Word provide the basis for constructive confrontation and encouragement.

What can we do to help a fellow Christian who is ready to cave in under pressure? Usually we wouldn't say that things are going to get worse before they get better! But that's what Christ does in the seven letters to churches in Asia (Rev 2–3). He confronts believers who have compromised morally and spiritually. But he also encourages them. This kind of tough love is essential for spiritual health.

1. What might be the results of confronting—or failing to confront—those who have seriously compromised themselves spiritually?

2. Ephesus: Read Revelation 2:1–7. Why would “forsaking your first love” (v.4) be so tragic for this church?

3. Why do you think Christ's judgment would be so severe if they did not repent (v. 5)?

4. Why is there a tendency for most of us to lose the initial enthusiasm and excitement we had when we first came to know Christ?

If we have lost our first love, what steps can we take to renew our commitment to Jesus?

5. Smyrna: Read Revelation 2:8–11. Smyrna was noted for emperor worship. Refusal to worship the emperor brought martyrdom to some Christians. What does Jesus know about the believers in Smyrna?

6. How might Jesus' statements about himself, as well as his promises, solidify their faithfulness and ours?

7. The letter to Smyrna is the only one of the seven that mentions no problem and gives no warning. What role does affirmation play in helping Christians who are under spiritual pressure?

8. Pergamum: Read Revelation 2:12–17. Pergamum was also a center of emperor worship. This may be why it is called the place “where Satan has his throne.” In addition, temple prostitution was prevalent. How had the church responded to the lure of these temptations?

9. What temptations lure the church today?

How have we responded to them?

10. The proconsul of this provincial capital was granted the “right of the sword,” the power to execute at will. In light of this, how is verse 16 a contrast to the way we often think of Jesus' coming?

11. Thyatira: Read Revelation 2:18–29. Jezebel (v. 20) is an Old Testament character who symbolizes spiritual adultery (1 Kings 16:31). How was the so-called prophetess in Thyatira like her namesake?

12. Jesus charges this godly and loving church with being too tolerant of evil in their midst. In what areas are Christians today too tolerant?

13. Each of the letters (except the one to Smyrna) contains an affirmation, a problem, a warning and a promise. How might Jesus' example guide us as we care for a brother or sister ready to cave in under pressure?

4

My Dear Compromised People

Revelation 3:1–22

Purpose: To show how the church can be seduced during easy times.

This study shows that a church under pressure from a seemingly friendly environment is susceptible to false teaching, immorality, loss of fraternal love, laziness, complacency and spiritual death. The remarkable thing in these letters is how different they are from the gloom-and-doom critics of the church today. If appropriate, you might point that out.

Experts tell us we are exposed to fourteen hundred advertisements a day. It takes an enormous act of will not to be conformed to our environment, to be in but not of the world. The remaining three churches in the crownlike array of towns in Asia would be visited by a postal courier completing his circuit in the exact order of John's letters. Each letter helps us resist this powerful threat of being conformed to the world.

1. In what ways do Christian groups and churches you know resemble the surrounding culture?

2. Sardis: Read Revelation 3:1–6. In the first century, Sardis exhibited a stark contrast between its past splendor as a Persian capital and its current decay. What indications does the Lord give that the church's reputation does not match its reality?

Why is this such a serious problem?

3. Having lost most of its former glory, Sardis was now known more for its wickedness and affluence. What bearing do you think this had on the problems the church in Sardis was facing?

4. George Ladd wrote: “Here is a picture of nominal Christianity, outwardly prosperous, busy with the externals of religious activity, but devoid of spiritual life and power.” [George E. Ladd, A Commentary on the Revelation of John (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 1972), p. 56.] To what extent does the church today fit this picture?

5. Philadelphia: Read Revelation 3:7–13. Of the seven churches, only the church in Philadelphia received nothing but praise and promises. Why would a weak church be encouraged by Jesus' promise of an open door of opportunity (v. 8)?

6. As the Philadelphian church faced opposition, how would Jesus' other promises encourage them (vv. 9–13)?

7. Many churches today feel weak, insignificant and discouraged. What can we learn from Christ's words to the Philadelphians?

8. Laodicea: Read Revelation 3:14–22. Laodicea's northern neighbor, Hierapolis, had famous hot springs. Its southern neighbor, Colosse, had refreshing cool water. A six-mile aqueduct brought water to Laodicea, but by the time it arrived it was lukewarm. How does this help us understand Christ's statements in verses 14–16?

9. Laodicea was so self-sufficient that when they suffered an earthquake in a.d. 60 they rejected help from Rome. How did this attitude affect them spiritually?

10. The city was known for its finances, its woolen cloth and its eye salve. Yet what did the Laodicean Christians need to do to become overcomers?

11. How does Jesus demonstrate his love for this church?

12. As you review all seven letters (Rev 2–3), what has the Spirit taught you about being an overcomer?

5

Worship the Omnipotent Lamb

Revelation 4–5

Purpose: To discover worship as the essence of our response to God.

In a play by George Bernard Shaw, Don Juan says, “Heaven is all right, of course, but for meeting old friends and acquaintances you can't beat hell.” There is a powerful truth in this facetious remark. While most people say they want to go to heaven, they might prefer hell if heaven is like the picture given in these two chapters. People concerned only about themselves would find the ceaseless praise of God and the Lamb intolerable. Worship on earth, a foretaste of heaven, is just as unpalatable. But worship is the deepest need of the seven churches just described. And it is our deepest need too, as this study will show.

1. What was the most significant worship experience you have ever had, and what made it so special?

2. Read Revelation 4. Instead of trying to decode every part of the throne room of God, try to imagine what can be seen and heard. What are some of your initial impressions of God's glory as envisioned here?

3. What would be the value of attempting to describe the indescribable glory of God for world-weary believers then and today?

4. How do the four creatures and the twenty-four elders respond to God's glory?

How does their reaction help us define and practice worship?

5. While your own worship may not include flashes of lightning and thunder, how does it compare to the adoration of the elders and creatures?

6. Read Revelation 5. John is shown a sealed scroll which probably represents future events (see 4:1). Why would worried and fearful believers be encouraged that Christ alone is worthy to open the scroll?