A Tour Through John, Lesson 48

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.Review of Rev A:John contributed 50 chapters to the NT (out of 260).The book is called Revelation (no 's') or the Apocalypse.Geographical locations are important, like Patmos, Rome, Asia, and Ephesus.The book combines three literary genres (types): Letter, Prophecy, and Apocalyptic.[The text read in the last lesson was Rev 1.]Three interpretive keys: familiarity with apocalyptic; some knowledge of ancient history; solid grounding in the OT.Three points emerging from the Apocalypse: God is in control, not Caesar. Hold on to your faith! Things may get worse before they get better.Themes / Angles of Approach to RevelationThere are many great themes in the book of Revelation.When you have time, for example, look for the seven beatitudes, study the seven letters (much is known about each recipient church -- see NT chapter notes), or compare the end of Zech with the end of Rev.Two kingdoms:Roman EmpireKingdom of GodTwo ultimate outcomes:DestructionLife in the new worldTwo cities:Rome -- earthly, corrupt, deceptive... pictured as a harlot, and as Babylon (not simply the city of Rome on the Italian peninsula, but the kingdoms of man)Jerusalem -- heavenly, pure, beautiful -- the abode of the righteous (not the earthly city of Jerusalem, which had been destroyed a quarter century before John’s vision and the Apocalypse)Reading selection from Rev 17-18, 21-22.See also Gal 4:26; Heb 11:16.