My eclectic approach to interpreting the book though mostly preterist 2. In the first verse of the book, the apostle john recorded christs words. Charles, a critical and exegetical commentary on the luihlation of st. Revelation means an unveiling, a disclosure, a display of who god is and what he promises to do. I know of no better collection of materials that illuminates revelation than this resource. A commentary of the book of revelation bible truth. The chart provides a summary of the whole book, supporting the theory of recapitulation. Interpreting the book of revelation by ed win re ynolds t the book of revelation comprises some of the most importantyet difficult reading in the bible. Some interpret the phrase which god gave him in con nection with jesus words in. Its meticulous, scholarly approach to studying linguistic structure, vocabulary, and variant readings provides and exegetical model even for those who.
Endocrine system and glands and the book of revelation magnetic healing meditation prayer 2. Patrick zukeran presents a summary of four of the major approaches to interpreting the book of revelation and its meaning for the end times. The real meaning of the bibles book of revelation is a popular, ongoing debate. It holds a unique place in biblical interpretation. Answers to a variety of questions on the book of revelation including, the meaning of the first horseman, the timing of the bowl judgments, the application of the churches of laodicea and thyatira to history, and the meaning of nation against nation. A chronological revelation download ebook pdf, epub. Edwin reynolds is professor of new testament at southern adventist university, collegedale, tennessee, and.
Recipients of revelation revelation as literature interpretation revelation and systematic theology the interpretation of numbers and repetitions the book of revelation and the biblical canon key verse overview and structure outline purpose exposition of revelation i. Studies in revelation pdf download secrets unsealed. Interpreting the book of revelation is a detailed and documented analysis of the most challenging book of the bible. As with every book in the bible, we must attempt to read revelation from the perspective of the firstcentury christians to whom it was originally written.
This stunning book of prophecy is opened, revealed and explained at last. The primary meaning of the revelation, or at least the anchor point of any meaning, is what john intended it to mean, which in turn must also have. Most christians dont even realize other interpretations exist, but there are actually 5 different approaches to interpreting the book of revelation, maybe you knew. There is a lot in the book that will not be found in the standard commentaries. You will thrill as you discern deep spiritual lessons for today from the history of the christian church as described in the symbols found in the letters of john to the seven churches. Four common views of interpreting the book preterist, historicist, futurist, idealist d. Most interpreters hold that the first three chapter are addressed to a circular rout of seven literal churches of that day. Johns revelation extends from before the creation to the end of this earths temporal existence. For each, he presents the basic approach, strengths of the approach and weaknesses of the approach. Outside the canonical books of the bible there are many other extant apocalyptic works. But, of course, we cant leave it at that many books of the bible are very easy to understand on the surface. The book of revelation contains 24 references in which the word worship appears, in most instances derived from the greek proskuneo. We need some keys to unlock its special apocalyptic message.
The book of enoch, apocalypse of baruch, book of jubilees, assumption of moses, psalms of solomon. The revelation of john the divine the argument it is manifest, that the holy ghost would as it were gather into this most excellent book a sum of those prophecies, which were written before, but should be fulfilled after the coming of christ, adding also such things as should be expedient, as well to forewarn us of the dangers to come, as to. Several principles need to guide any study of the book of revelation. And you must examine every scripture quotedalong with the entirety of revelation. Not an exposition in itself, the text avoids eschatological controversy by focusing on teaching the reader how to apply proper hermeneutical principles. Smith, revelation, in the wycliffe bible commentary, pp. Interpreting the book of revelation in this companion volume to interpreting the scriptures, kevin conner describes the fundamental principles for unlocking the mysteries of the book of revelation. Revelation as a running prophecy of church history. While many associate the word apocalypse with great disaster, the book of revelation begins and ends by saying that those who read, understand, and apply its message would be happy for doing so. This view suggests that the events in revelation do not all form a continuous series but the series of sevens seven seals in rev 6.
The interpretation of the book of revelation has often proven difficult throughout the history of the christian church. Interpreting the book of revelation city christian. The book of revelation is the book for the present hour. The following facts and principles of interpretation should be understood in order for one to arrive at a correct understanding of the book of revelation. The vision which opens the book and the verse that organizes it. Studies in the book of revelation project gutenberg. Key to understanding commentaries on revelations is knowing the. This key verse can be used to unlock the meaning of the book.
Its meaning is positive, not fearful or terrifying to those who serve god. Revelation 1 1 the revelation of jesus christ, which god gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass. It is helpful to know what these are so that one can understand the origin of various trains of thought on particular passages. Particularly useful is the list of old and new testament allusions in revelation. Interpreting the book of revelation horizon publishers. Satre luther northwestern theological seminary, st. Charts on the book of revelation kregel publications. I believe that in the book of revelation our lord jesus christ has already given us an excellent key to the interpretation. The symbols in the book are interpreted to represent different movements and events throughout the life of.
But god designed this book for a very different purpose. Taylor university college edmonton, alberta, canada. The author and date of revelation the book s author was obviously john revelation 1. It sees the book as the actual recorded events of past and future history. The root of the verb is kunein, the greek term meaning to kiss. The revelation of jesus christto show unto his servants things which must shortly come. Outline for this study of the book of revelation pages 1, 2, and top of page 3. Open access library journal interpreting the book of revelation and its apocalyptic implications for the 21st century african pentecostal churches josephine. Youll find four major interpretive approaches to the book of revelation that can help you read, understand, and figure out the apocalyptic letter of john.
May i remind you in our introduction of 1 corinthians. Revelation has proven more susceptible to fanciful interpretations than any other book in the bible. Ten keys for interpreting the book of revelation digital commons. Catholic commentary on sacred scripture includes bibliographical references and index. The revelation of jesus christto show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass. Others have no doubt but that they can explain it all, with a detailed chart of the future reconstructed from revelation and other biblical books. The center of this booklet contains two overview graphsan out lineand a story flowto which the reader may occasionally refer. Approaches to interpreting the book of revelation devan c. The book is not a concealment, a puzzle, a riddle, as some people think. Worship in the book of revelation andrews university. Buckingham professor of new testament criticism and interpretation. Historicist interpretations of the book of revelation. Revelation outlines a long seriesof events that relate to one another in a continuous flowcomprising an entire story. Other old testament books relevant to the study of apocalyptic literature, such as.
The purpose of revelation many people either fear the book of revelation or have an unhealthy interest in it. Beale, the book of revelation, for many allusions to the old testament, and merrill c. The book of revelation is a revelation, the revelation of jesus christ 1. The book is not a conceal ment, a puzzle, a riddle, as some people think. What are some of the keys to interpreting revelation, especially all the symbols. The fundamental principles for unlocking the mysteries. The book is well laid out with headings and subheadings etc. Paul, minnesota in a day when most horrors of this book can be matched or exceeded on our planet, and when many are wondering whether we shall make it through 1984, let alone till 2,000, revelation.
Revelation was written to the seven churches that are in asia 1. Most churches today teach the futurist interpretation of the book of revelation. Interpreting apocalyptic literature and the book of revelation fall 2006 2 2 reading report 10%. Historicism, a method of interpretation in christian eschatology which associates biblical prophecies with actual historical events and identifies symbolic beings with historical persons or societies, has been applied to the book of revelation by many writers.
As happened with genesis and evolution, so too with revelation and current political events the interpreter goes through the. This cd discussion covers the premortal war in heaven, johns messages to the churches in his day, explanations of the angelic trumps, and the opening of the seven seals. The revelation of saint john the apostle geneva bible 1599. The book of revelation must be taken literal whenever possible. In part two, we will complete our introduction to the book of revelation by considering. Also the list of symbols used and their interpretation, and the numerology of revelation. Pdf interpreting the book of revelation and its apocalyptic. A commentary on the book of revelation southside christian. The futurist method of interpretation there are several methods of interpreting revelation. Book of revelation for dummies cheat sheet dummies. Every statement is to be taken to mean for exactly what is written unless such interpretation is highly.
Key to understanding commentaries on revelations is knowing the position of the commentator. It fittingly has the last place ending the scriptures and gods revelation to man. As a seminary graduate, pastor and former bible college president, i highly recommend this important work. Required readings include the entire book of revelation, the three textbooks and the reserve readings. Interpreting the book of revelation logos bible software. Not an exposition in itself, the text purposely avoids eschatological controversy by focussing on teaching the reader how to apply proper. Read revelation to see what it says about god ruling history and.
Some general comments about the book of revelation and its uniqueness. This paper seeks to define and present the problems or rationale behind. Approaches to interpreting the book of revelation scholars have approached interpreting the book of revelation through four major methods. The historicist view follows a straight line of continuous fulfillment of prophecy which starts in daniels time and goes through john. It provides the reader with clear insights into the various methods of. Study guide to the book of revelation framepoythress. The prophetic view interprets the book in light revelation. Ten keys for interpreting the book of revelation edwin reynolds adventist international institute of advanced studies silang, cavite, philippines the book of revelation is at once one of the most important books of the bible for many christians, yet one of the most difficult books to understand. The letter is addressed to seven churches in asia 1. For most the only question about eschatology that exists is whether you think the rapture is pre, mid, or posttribulation. Interpreting revelation is a sane, thorough, scholarly, and sensible approach to studying and understanding the book of revelation.
Revelation is meant to produce in you comfort, courage, hope, and praise. In what sense is the book of revelation a gift from the father to. However, he merely writes the words of jesus revelation 1. Pray to the lord that he would interpret this book to your heart. Interpreting the book of revelation provides a concise introduction to the careful interpretive study of revelation.
1471 1546 1516 1465 1265 933 199 915 470 537 826 1268 1572 203 1448 306 1166 1379 1177 80 518 336 658 1265 879 591 620 925 787 772 1189 720 1045 522 1176