Text: INTRODUCTION
John is the writer of the book of Revelation (1:1, 4, 9, 22:8); God is its author (1:1). The book consists of the revelation (unveiling, uncovering) of Jesus Christ which God gave him to show unto his servants (1:1). Christians at the time when the book was written were being beheaded and slain for the word of God and the testimony which they held (2:13, 6:9-11, 7:13-17, 13:7-8, 16:6-7, 17:6, 18:24, 19:2, 20:4). This means the book was written in the atmosphere of intense and widespread persecution.
There are many other views as to the interpretation of the book. Some think that the book reveals all of history from the beginning to the end of time. Others think it reveals the future for the church--the rise of the Papacy, Mohammedanism, the Reformation, etc. Still others say that these are not actual historical events, but are symbolical of temporal and physical forces at work. Some, in the light of this, say that the book was fulfilled in John's day and could have no meaning for us. Besides all these, there are Millennial groups which have formulated their own various doctrines from the book.
To rightly interpret the book, we should seek to find the meaning the book had in the day of its origin. In other words, "What did it mean to the Christians of John's day?" The things in it were "shortly" to come to pass (1:1, 3, 22:6, 10).
Furthermore, we should seek to determine its meaning for all ages and especially for our own age. Thus, "What does the book mean to us today?" All readers are blessed (1:3), and it is for "everyone who hears" (22:18). It is written to "His servants" (1:1). Therefore, in our study of the book we will seek to understand how its principles applied then, and observe how they will apply in similar situations now.
The victory of Christ is revealed throughout the book (1:18, 5:9, 6:2, 11:15, 14:1, 14, 17:14, 19:15). Christ conquers death, Hades, the dragon, the beast, the false prophet, and those who worship the beast. The book also pictures the victory that the saints have through Christ--as having washed their robes (7:14, 22:14), as having come out of the great tribulation (7:14), as standing upon their feet and not dead (11:11), as victorious over the beast (15:2), as reigning on earth and with Christ (1:6, 5:10, 20:4). The book, therefore, was given to bring comfort for the church and to encourage the saints in time of great tribulation--for example, God sees their tears (7:17); their prayers shall rule (8:3-4); suffering on earth is surpassed by glory (14:13, 20:4); their blood will be avenged (6:9-11, 19:2); victory is assured (15:2).
We are convinced that the book met a need at the time of its writing and that it dealt with an historical situation in which spiritual forces were at work. We are even more persuaded that its message will apply to all generations. In the book we see the conflict between God and Satan. God's forces are Christ and the church, while Satan's forces are evil government and false religion. God and His righteousness will triumph. Satan is destined to destruction; he and all his helpers will be defeated. Christ is victorious and His saints can be victorious through Him. This idea is set forth gloriously and completely in 17:14: "These make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful." This is the main theme of the book.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR THE INTRODUCTION
1. Who is the author of the book of Revelation and to whom is it written?
2. Under what atmosphere is the book of Revelation written?
3. What are two good questions that we should keep before us as we try to find the meaning of the book?
4. What is the purpose of the book with reference to the saints and their persecutions?
5. Why do you think you need to study the book of Revelation?