Author’s note: The following is formatted as an example of the student notes for an upcoming Daniel and Revelation seminar conducted by three facilitators who leave denominational hats at the door. The seminar will be conducted for the benefit of the individual to find reasons for a solid faith in Jesus Christ.
The zoom class is a denominational-free and safe zone for those who want to go verse by verse to understand these two great books about the prophecies that all point to Jesus and His soon return.
About the Facilitators:
The facilitators of these zoom classes, Eddie, Larry, and Charlie, are retired family men who share a love for Jesus Christ and are excited by the opportunity to open the Books of Daniel and the Revelation of Jesus Christ again (This seminar was conducted late in 2020 thru early 2021 every Tuesday night via zoom). The facilitators have backgrounds across multiple denominations, and in these studies, they check denominational hats at the door and let the Bible speak for itself. Eddie, Larry, and Charlie have decades of experience in leading in-depth scripture studies, including the companion books of Daniel and Revelation. You will not be asked to join a church. What you do with the information and material is up to you. Where you fellowship is entirely up to you. Their desire for each person is to be strengthened in the faith of Jesus Christ. We hope you will join us in this journey to see Jesus revealed, perhaps like you have never seen before!
If you want to sign up and have an opportunity to win a free iPad for 10 attendance classes, send your email address to danielrevelation2300@gmail.com
“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write,
‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, [which thing I hate. Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hiddenmanna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stonea new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”
’ Revelation 2:12-17
Keywords and phrases to understand:
Sharp two-edged sword
Answer:
Satan’s throne. Where Satan dwells (Seat of Authority). Hint: Rome Pagan and Roman Emperor Worship center. Pergamum was the capital city of the Roman province of Asia!
Answer:
Antipas-faithful martyr. Who is he? Hint: what is he known for?
Answer:
Doctrine of Ballam and Balak. Hint: read the story in Numbers 22. What was Ballam’s objective?
Answer:
Stumbling block. Eat things sacrificed to idols, sexual immorality.
Answer:
Doctrine of Nicolaitans. God hates.
Answer:
The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
They hold fast to My name and My faith. (Did not say, to your name or your faith. Why?)
Some within the congregation hold fast to a false and hateful doctrine of Balaam
This doctrine puts a stumbling block to God’s people. Who said they should not eat food sacrificed to idols? God. Who said they should not commit sexual immorality. Why just these two? Satan chips away at reversing what God has said (See garden of Eden). He chips away at what is holy (food dedicated to idols). See the early church’s council to the newly converted Gentiles. (See Jerusalem decree Acts 15: 22-29)
Some within the congregation hold to the doctrine of Nicolaitans. Also, those in the church at Ephesus had the same problem (Rev. 2: 6). But the Ephesus church hated their deeds, as did God. What are the acts and the doctrine of Nicolaitans?
God knows where they dwell. It is a dangerous place to live literally and spiritually (A religious and more climate dangerous to their faith). Do we live in a dangerous place? Why didn’t God tell them to move out away from the city?
Historical Significance
“The experience of the church in Smyrna coincided with the severe persecution of the faithful Christian church throughout the Roman Empire during the second and third centuries. Historicist interpreters have generally applied the “ten days” (2:20) to the notorious intermittent imperial persecution (A.D. 303-313) initiated by Diocletian and taken over by his successor Gallerius. This period was also characterized by further departure from the simplicity of the gospel. In such a way, the church in Smyrna could represent the period in church history from the beginning of the second century until approximately A.D. 313 when Constantine the Great issued the famous Edict of Milan granting Christians religious freedom.” Revelation of Jesus Christ-Stefanovic, p.125
Discussion questions. What is the description of Jesus, and why is it important to this church? What is the Two-Edged sword? (See Hebrews 4:12). The false doctrine can be rooted out through God’s word. What does the sword give the person holding it to do? How does the description of Jesus in each church provide the solution to the literal church, the historic church, and the church of today?
Final Thoughts
Pergamum was a divided church. It was a dangerous place to be inside and outside the church. Some remained faithful to Jesus and His word. Others gave into the false teachings that God hated. They also lived in a city known for false worship of rulers and false gods. Those who remained faithful could be martyred at any time. At any moment, the Roman emperor could have forced them to worship himself or the pagan gods. If they refused, they would be martyred.
While the Roman Emperor had a sword representing the rule of power and ending life if non-compliant, Jesus alone has control over life and death. He has a double-edged sword in his mouth. When He speaks, the dead rise to life. (See 1 Thess 4: 16-18)
Application for Us:
Are we as individuals remaining faithful to Jesus and God’s word? Where is our loyalty? Are we a witness even to those in the church that holds to the doctrines of Balaam and the Nicolaitans?
“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.’
Revelation 2: 8-11
Jesus
Four Ways to Hear
1.) Understand the church for which the message was originally intended. What was the city, culture, and condition of the church?
2.) How does that church match up with our local congregation? When you hear the issues of the Revelation church, does it ring a bell related to your congregation? For example, is it loveless, lukewarm, etc.?
3.) How does the message speak to me personally? Are you loveless, lukewarm, etc.?
4.) The contemporary significance of each church as a historical marker of the church’s journey through the ages (Historist view). the first church of Ephesus
Regarding question #1. Here is the description of Smyrna at the time of Jesus message to them:
The Church of Smyrna. Who Were They? Is This Us?
1.) A political, religious, and cultural center noted for the science and medicine that flourished there.
2.) Entertainment was king. They were proud of their largest public theater in the province. It seated twenty thousand people!
3.) The city was wealthy and beautiful, claiming the title of “the glory of Asia.”
4.) It had a special relationship with Rome (the government). The first to build a temple of home to the pagan god Roma.
5.) Christians were not popular and minimized. At the time of the book of Revelation, emperor worship became mandatory. Each citizen was required to burn incense on the altar to the godhead of Creaser, then issued a certificate. To refuse could bring death (Rev. 13?)
6.) There was a large and robust contingency of Jews hostile towards Christians. They joined the pagans against the Christians and incited the authorities to persecute them. They slandered the Christians and made false accusations of creating trouble and misery for them (purposeful misinformation?). Jesus depicts these Jews as the “synagogue of Satan.” As Christians, are we quick to minimize and criticize other Christians, not of our particular denomination? In today’s society, we may be our own worse enemy!
Consequently, there was fear among the Christians. What direction did Jesus give them? Did he tell them to become survivalists and store weapons and food to survive? Did he ask them to compromise their faithfulness to Him? No! He said this: “Stop fearing the things you are about to suffer.”
Here is the message to local congregations and individuals in the church. Stop the gloom and doom messages. Be truthful about the destruction of Christ’s return, but stop fearing and believe in God’s protection for those who love Him and His appearing. If suffering is involved, God will provide the strength to endure! The world fears for the things they see coming upon the earth, not the follower of Christ!
Stop fearing and start trusting in Him!
Jesus message to this city is the shortest of the seven .
Jesus introduces Himself as the first and the last, the one who was dead and came to life (2:8; cf. 1:17) This introduction of Jesus is well suited for a suffering church passing through dire, constant persecution.
Revelation of Jesus Christ, Ranko Stefanovic, p.123
The fact that Jesus died and rose to life after three days is the bedrock of the Christian’s hope. Our hope is not in dying and going to heaven. It is the return of Christ and raising us from the dead. Paul makes this clear in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 and the entire chapter of 1 Corinthians 15. Like Jesus, we may be persecuted, but we have this hope that even though we die, we shall live again.
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;
Jesus, John 11:25
The Crown of Life
This church was already faithful, but Jesus is telling them to endure and continue to be faithful. The Christian experience of salvation is not a one-time event, but a continued journey.
But he who endures to the end shall be saved. Matthew 24:13
The Crown is given at the return of Christ. Let those “with ears hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Paul- 2 Timothy 4:18
And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward iswith me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
There is no doubt that the candlesticks of Revelation represent the churches and their responsibility to be a light to the world. First, the seven churches represent each local church of Asia Minor made of individuals and collectively. Jesus had a message for them. But each church also describes the conditions of local churches of today. Even further, they represent the historical events of the church’s journey through time. Next, we can see ourselves in the council given each church.
So we have an individual responsibility to respond to the council.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
This phrase is made to each of the seven churches. How vital, then, is the message to individuals? The ultimate purpose of God the Father, Jesus, and The Holy Spirit is to improve and correct each church, each individual.
“The mystery (hidden truth) of the…seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.” Revelation 1:20
The oil that feeds the lamp represents the church’s dependence on the work of the Holy Spirit to provide the light of the truth as found in Jesus Christ. Each church experiences different manifestations of the Holy Spirit because each has different situations and needs. Jesus walks among them, serving each of the churches individually and meeting them where they are.
The Holy Spirit manifests the reality of Jesus’ presence among the churches. The churches must pay heed to the message and recognize the authority of the One speaking to them.
“As the various churches are weighed and discussed, the living Christ is seen in action among His own people. They do not appear to them as the terrible sovereign on the throne or the conqueror riding to battle. He walks among them as a Lord who seeks to command their virtues even more than exposing and punishing their faults. These letters are His particular warning and counsel to the church of all time as the various aspects appear under the guise of the seven historic places.” Merrill C. Tenney
The strong appeal of the book of Revelation to Christians today is to follow the Lord’s way in proclaiming the gospel message to the world. It is, therefore, the sacred duty of the church to present Jesus Christ—his character and ministry—in a way that meets the people where they are. The symbolic representation of the church as the seven-branched lampstand denotes that the church has the full support of the Holy Spirit and a full task to perform. The first duty is to be the light to the world—to proclaim Jesus in words and action.
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Matthew 5:14
Through the church today, Christ meets people with aspects of Himself which correspond to their own life circumstances and relate to their individual needs. The church is the only light that Jesus shines through. For the church to fail in her role is to lose her reason for existence; her lampstand will be removed.
“Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.” Revelation 2:5
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
A church or individual who does not let the light of Jesus flow through them is as worthless as salt that has lost its flavor. The resources of heaven are at the church’s disposal to rectify the shortcomings of all things. But it is of little consequence if we don’t repent and turn from our excuses to behold the One who walks among the candlesticks.
The two books of Daniel and Revelation are related in a unique way. Both John’s first vision (Revelation 1:12-20) and Daniel’s last vision (Daniel 10-12) are divine scenes where both describe the risen Christ’s vision.
I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. Revelation 1:18
Daniel outlines the four great monarchies that would persecute God’s people, but he goes beyond the fourth kingdom (Rome) in his last vision. This is precisely where the prophecies of Revelation begin. A resurrected Rome (deadly wound healed) and its spiritual persecution becomes the high point of the chiastic chain of last-day events in Revelations 13 and 14.
Below is an illustrative chart to compare the closing scenes of Daniel’s vision and the beginning of the vision John.
Daniel 10:5-12
Revelation 1: 12-18
A certain man
One like a son of man
Clothed in Linen
Clothe in a robe reaching to the feet
Girded with a belt of pure gold
Girded with a golden girdle
His eyes were like torches of fire
His eyes were like a flame of fire
His feet like polished bronze
His feet like burnished bronze
His voice was like a roaring multitude
His voice like the sound of many waters
No strength, face to the ground
John falls at his feet as dead
Hand touches Daniel
Hand laid on John
“Fear Not!”
“Fear Not”
Repeat and Expand
God’s merciful principle of “repeat and expand” works within each book and together to prepare them for things they are “not able to bear,” for the time is near.
“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. John 16:12
I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdomand patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, saying, I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”
Patmos-Brothers and Companions
In these opening verses, John sets the stage for the remainder of the book. First, he identifies with his audience by referring to himself as a brother and companion. In the context of the teachings of Jesus, believers and followers are a family of brothers and sisters (Matthew 12:48-50). This spiritual relationship continues to this day in the universal body of Christ. As the family of God, it is of great importance to edify each other who are “in Christ.” But this does not discount or diminish our responsibilities and love to all our blood relatives and the other human beings on this earth.
Next, John tells his audience another reason why he is a brother and companion. It is because of the trials and tribulations of the day. He further references the patience of Jesus Christ; a virtue much needed during the times he found himself. In the final days, it will not be churches, denominations, or organizations that bring unity among the brethren, but rather their testimony of Jesus and the trials and troubles which are sure to come upon the body of Christ. The word and idea of “patience” will appear five more times in the message of Revelation:
1.) As part of the message of recognition to the nature of the people in the churches of Ephesus and Thyatira and
2.) Twice to the people living at the end of time:
“Here is the patience of the saints….
Revelation 13:10
Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
Revelation 14:12
Perhaps nothing brings more unity to the body of Christ than to be persecuted for Jesus. At a time of persecution, petty differences and dogma fade quickly in the unity of the brethren.
Patmos-John’s Platform
There has been some debate about whether Patmos was a penal colony or not. Still, the fact remains there was a reason why John was on this small sixteen-square-mile island some fifty miles off the coast of Asia Minor (modern Turkey). This Alcatraz-type island was situated in the middle of the Aegean Sea because of His firm stance on the Word of God and His testimony about Jesus. Patmos (Now called Patino) was the perfect place for Roman authorities to quiet the tongue of John…or at least they thought.
John’s patience and duress for the the “Word of God” is a reference to Jesus Himself. In his gospel, John describes Jesus as “The Word of God.”
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:1, 14
So John was not on a Sabbatical at a resort island. Whether it was a penal colony or not, the fact is that He was placed there against his will to silence him. But God transcends any situation where the enemy would discourage or make of none affect our testimony. The Patmos experience of His followers turn the night into day and amplify our testimony. God often takes what was meant for evil and turns it into good (Genesis 50:20) as was the case for the trials of Joseph and others. Their testimony was written to encourage us who were to come after.
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that through patience and through comfort of the scriptures we might have hope Romans 15:4
Spiritual Setting
John has described his physical setting and his identification with those of like-faith. Next he turns to the spiritual setting. He was:
“…in the Spirit on the Lord’s day…
The phrase “in the Spirit” indicates the involvement of the third member of the Godhead. As shown in the opening verses, the vision came from God the Father through an angel to John. But, John is “in the Spirit,” which would suggest The Holy Spirit was inspiring (not dictating) him in the writing of the scroll regarding the revelation of Jesus. This is consistent with how the Holy Spirit worked with writers of Scripture in times past.
“…for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit..”
2 Peter 1:21
John put in his own words what he saw but under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Note that neither angels nor the Holy Spirit dictates; they show and reveal and move individuals to talk or write in their own words. As we read words that were written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, it should likewise inspire and move us as hearers.
Next John tells us the time and space from which He wrote. He states it was on “The Lord’s Day.” The Greek for this phrase is kyriakoshēmera. It is used nowhere else in the Bible. Why would John give us the time of the vision? What importance can it be? There are five proposals as to its meaning. We will examine only three. The last two I will briefly mention.
The Lord’s Day
1.) Most commentators say the Lord’s Day refers to Sunday (the first day of the week set aside in honor of the resurrection). They propose that early Christian writings connect these two dots: Lord’s day equals Sunday and then connects first-day meetings as a change in their habit of meeting and worshiping on the Sabbath.
The most substantial evidence for this view is found in extra-biblical works, Didache and the letter of Ignatius of Antioch to the Magnesians (The Apostolic Fathers p. 154-155). But they don’t use the Greek phrase of kyriakoshēmera (Lord’s Day) but ratherkata kuriaken (according to the Lord.) This insinuates that the term “Lord’s Day” was not intended, but rather He was in the Spirit “according to the Lord”.
But, another extra-biblical source (the apocryphal book of The Gospel of Peter) uses kyriakoshēmera (Lord’s Day). The first church father to use the Lord’s day for Sunday was Clement of Alexandria (ca. A.D. 190).
This early writing appears almost one hundred years after Revelation. This alone is not admissible as evidence for understanding this phrase. A sound exegesis of this text is to compare similar Biblical words and phrases regarding the fact that Lord has a day.
2.) Probably the least palatable with modern churches, particularly those steeped in tradition, is that the “Lord’s Day” means Sabbath, the seventh day of the week. The phrase Lord’s day states God has a day. It shows exclusive possession. It belongs to no one but Himself. At the same time, the Lord’s day is never used elsewhere; similar phrases are. Here are a few. Here is where proponents of the seventh day Lord’s Day find their basis:
“…the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God…”Exodus 20:10
The fourth commandment makes explicit reference to the beginning of time and the creation as the start of the Lord’s Day:
For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. Exodus 20: 11
Other than the seventh-day Sabbath, no other day of the week comes with a blessing for a particular reason from God.
Other passages indicate the seventh day Sabbath as belonging to God Himself.
“If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, From doing your pleasure on My holy day, And call theSabbath a delight,
Isaiah 5813
Jesus, who co-created with God the Father (See John 1), refers to Himself as in possession of the seventh day Sabbath when He and His disciples are accused of desecrating the Sabbath by walking through grain fields and eating grain. The legalistic Sabbath guardians (Pharisees) accused the disciples of some sort of weird unbiblical prohibition about thrashing and eating grain on the Sabbath.
But Jesus’ defense of their actions was very profound to His religious listeners. The Pharisees, perhaps, thought of it as blasphemous, but to His followers, it further solidified Him as the “Son of God.” It also meant, He possessed a day of the week for a good reason; He was (an is) its author:
For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” Matthew 12:8
Again, Jesus (The Lord) indicates possession of the Sabbath, and for a good reason.
Massynberde Ford, who struggles with the meaning of the expression, admits: “most probably the Christians would still be keeping the Sabbath, the Seventh-day.”
3.) A number of scholars avoid the debate of the Sunday vs. Saturday argument by placing the phrase in the context of the eschatological day of the Lord (hemera tou kuriou or hemerera kuriou). The phrase “the day of the Lord” is often used by prophets n the Greek translation of the Old Testament (Joel 2:11, 31; Amos 5:18-20; Zeph. 1:14, Mal. 4:5). Here is an example. Notice its clear reference to the end of time.
For the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; Who can endure it?…The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. Joel 2: 11, 31
Peter quoted Joel in his famous sermon of repentance to the vast crowds in Jerusalem. The entire sermon can be found in Acts 2.
But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:…The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. Acts 2: 16, 20
Despite this, John does not use the Greek for “the day of the Lord” but rather “the Lord’s day“.
4.) A few scholars think that “the Lord’s day” refers to “Easter Sunday as an annual event rather than a weekly Sunday. But again, the evidence for this is extra-Biblical and based on a tradition of a much later time (2nd century) than at the time of John’s writings. As such, it cannot be used as proof for a much earlier usage of the phrase from the book of Revelation.
5.) Some authors think that the reference is to the Emperor’s day.” Adolf Deissman shows that the word kuriakos was current in the first century, denoting what belonged to the Roman emperor who claimed the title kurious (‘lord”). Although inscriptions confirm that Egypt and Asia Minor had a day known as Sebaste, which was devoted to the Roman emperor, it is difficult to see a connection between “Lord’s day” and “Sebaste day.” First of all, the two phrases are completely different; no conclusive evidence has been discovered indicating that the phrase kuriake hemera was used for an imperial day honoring the emperor. Also, it is unlikely that John referred to the Emperor’s day in Revelation 1:10 at the time when Christians in Asia were persecuted for refusing to call the emperorkuriosand to worship the emperor.
So, when did John receive the vision? Sunday as the Lord’s day is doubtful because it cannot be supported by biblical or first-century extra-biblical evidence. Stronger biblical evidence favors the seventh-day Sabbath as the Lord’s day. Again, as mentioned before, this does not set well with most people who have traditionally designated Sunday as the Lord’s day.
On the other hand, the eschatological character of the book, as a whole, is also in favor of the eschatological day of the Lord (See Rev. 1:7). Perhaps there is a double meaning related to John’s recognition of the time and space as the Sabbath and the end time day of the Lord. A time of rest in the day belonging to the Lord, even during the stressful events that surely must come to pass at the day of the Lord.
Andwhen this comes to pass—surely it will come—then they will know that a prophet has been among them.” Ezekiel 33:33
To this writer, we mustn’t get hung up on this “gnat,” as it were, forgetting there is a whole camel to examine in the remainder of the book. Even more important is where we started in this writing. John seeks to identify with believers in their persecution for their witness and thereby unify us all in the Lord. While some will disagree with some of the conclusions regarding the “Lord’s day,” let us agree to disagree and move on to the “weightier matters of the law.” The arguments in this phrase pale when compared to the entire message of the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
Of utmost importance in reading the messages to the seven churches is grasping how they should be understood and to whom they are addressed. The book’s contents indicate a particular time and place (The Seven Churches in Asia Minor). Nevertheless, in Revelation 1:19, it states it is also prophetical
“Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now, and what will take place later.” Revelation 1:19
It can be said that the messages were for both the churches at that time but also for those who would come after, particularly those in the last days. Interestingly, the letters have an additional application for the different modern churches and individuals. As you are reading, you may see yourself in one of the churches. All of the messages end on a very personal level,
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Revelation 3:22
Notice, the plural is not used, but instead, John uses the singular. It doesn’t say “ears,” but rather “ear.” Each person should therefore read as it talks to you directly. While the message is to a congregation, it does no good if we look at the message as applying to someone else.
Layers of Application
The beautiful aspect of these seven “letters” and their audience is the layers of application. We have seen above that one layer is the literal churches of Asia Minor. Next, we must keep in mind if it is prophetical. Third, the messages can be for almost any modern church. There are examples of the kinds of things that can go wrong in any church. Finally, and the most important, is the message to the individual. After all, the body of Christ is not limited to buildings and denominations. A congregation made of solid and committed followers of Christ individuals will result in a robust and productive church for servitude.
The messages were not sent out separately but rather as a whole book. This indicates the value of each church reading and understanding the trials of each congregation. Here is where empathy (not judgment) can go a long way to “enduring to the end.”
But there is still yet another layer of application dealing with its prophetical message of “…what will take place later.”
The History of The Church
We live in a modern society where there are attempts to destroy history because of the bad things that have happened years ago. If this is the reason for killing history, little history would remain.
Memorials of the past are judged by whether they were pure or not. But individuals and organizations are more effective if they can objectively look back and appreciate the struggles and mistakes of those who went before us. One writer suggested the importance of learning from the past in these words.
“We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us and His teaching in our past history.” E. G. White
The writing of the entire Bible is based on learning from the journey of God’s people, both the good and the bad, to not only learn but to have hope.
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide, we might have hope. Rom 15:4
Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.1 Corinthians 10:6
God has laid out an underlying revelation of how the church would fare during different points of history. The book of Revelation claims to be a prophecy and must be approached as prophecy and messages to churches and individuals (1:3, 22:7, 10, 18-19). Like bookends, Revelation starts with the prophetic platform and ends with the same (1:3, 22:7, 10, 18, 19)
And he said to me, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.
Revelation 22:10
Therefore, it is appropriate to view the messages to the seven churches as prophetical for John’s perspective. Here is another layer that many Christians would like to avoid because it forces us to see the bad things done in the name of Christ throughout the aging of the church. At the time John wrote the letters, the course of the church was unknown to him. But God knew the trials yet to come for His people. Despite the trials and tribulation, it gives us hope for the future of God’s people. We must remember, these messages didn’t come from John. They came from God the Father.
As we get deeper into the study of Revelation and begin to look back at the history of the church, we will see there are seven eras in church history as symbolized by the characteristics of each of the seven churches:
Church
Era
Ephesus
1st Century of Christian Era
Smyrna
Persecution of the 2nd and 3rd centuries
Pergamum
Church of Compromised 4th and 5th centuries
Thyatira
Middle ages
Sardis
Reformation and Post-Reformation
Philadelphia
Missionary movements of the late 18th century
Laodicea
End of time church
Summary
The messages to the churches are multi-dimensional. It has layers of information and application. First to the believers for which it was originally written (inclusive of all the churches in the area not addressed in the book: [Colossae (Col 1:2) Hierapolis (Col. 4:13), Troas (Acts 20:5, 2 Cor. 2:22) And Miletus (Acts 20:17)]
Next, the message is for all churches of all ages, but particularly for those at the end of time. Most importantly it is for individuals (those who have an ear), regardless of the organized church they associate with or identify themselves. Lastly, it gives us a two-thousand-year-old history of the challenges of the church from John’s time to ours. By looking backwards, we can see clearer those things “yet to come.”
Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1: 7-8
After John’s Prologue, Greetings and Doxology, John turns the reader’s attention to what Jesus will do. He then reminds us of who Jesus is.
What Will He Do?
The principal of understanding Revelation’s message is to know when John talks in symbolic language and when he describes the literality of situations or events. There is nothing in Revelation 1:7 that would indicate symbolism. It concerns the eyes of every person who is alive (and resurrected) at the return of Christ and their reaction. He also includes another group in this spectacular event: “they who pierced Him.” This is a direct reference to those who were responsible for His crucifixion. How can this happen? Aren’t those people dead already? That will be answered later in Revelation.
Verse 7 obviously describes the literal second coming of Christ and the end of the world’s history as we know it. How do we know His coming is literal? To solidify the event as tangible, a comparison of the exact same event from other inspired writers of the Bible is critical. Here are just a few passages:
Daniel 7:13
“I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven!
Daniel sees a similar vision of the “Son of Man” (Jesus) coming with the clouds of heaven. Notice it is not the clouds of the earth but heaven. Both John and Daniel “SEE” with their eyes as does every believer throughout the ages. including this special group of persecutors.
Zechariah 12: 10-14
“…then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn. in that day there shall be a great mourning in Jerusalem,
Zechariah describes those who” pierced” Jesus and their location: Jerusalem, the place where Jesus was crucified. They will look on Me (Jesus). Again, the eyes are used to see the events of Jesus’ return.
Finally, we hear from the lips of Jesus Himself as recorded by Matthew, a description of His return that matches Daniel and Zechariah, to name a few.
Matthew 24:30
Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
There is something mentioned by Jesus that is not be the other writers. It is the “sign” of the Son of Man. It appears John is describing something just before Jesus appears. This sign, indicates that Jesus is coming and the mourning begins. Then they see Jesus coming in “the clouds” of heaven. It is a powerful and glorious thing to see.
Jesus talked directly to those who were soon to “pierce Him.”
Mark 14: 61:62
Again the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?”
Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”
Summary-What He Will Do.
So, What will Jesus do? He will return visibly. It will be an event that is powerful and glorious to see. Every eye of those who are alive (and those resurrected in the first resurrection-(See 1 Thess 4: 16-18) and those who pierced Him will see Him coming (See Mark 14: 62), Matthew 26:64). Those on earth will mourn (grieve) like someone who has lost someone very close to them. As described later in Revelation. those who mourn are under tremendous conviction of remorse and lost opportunity. They have been such great enemies of Jesus that they can’t stand to look at him. They run from Him to hide His face from their sight:
Revelation 6: 14-17
Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”
The other eyes that will see Him are those who are “in Christ” and alive at His return. The follower’s of Christ living and the those who “died in Christ” from all ages will see His return. The “dead in Christ” are resurrected to see Him coming. It is something they were promised before they fell asleep in Christ. Perhaps the clearest description of this portion of Christ’s return comes from Paul. Paul was encouraging the believers of the Thessalonian church by describing that great day of Jesus’ return. These early believers thought Jesus should have returned already. But Paul described things that had to happen first (See 2 Thessalonians 2:3). As this church watched believers die and buried, they longed for Jesus, as do many today, to come quickly and put an end to death.
1 Thessalonians 4: 16-18
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.
Our comfort is to know that Jesus is coming! The saved of all ages will rise from the dust of the ground along with those who alive to meet Jesus in the air. Here is where eternity will begin. It is after those who are asleep in death are raised and their bodies are changed (See 1 Corinthians 15: 51:55). Then we all meet Jesus in the air. He takes us back to where He is now (See John 14: 1-3)
The saved will not be mourning, rather they will be praising.
Isaiah 24:9
And it will be said in that day: “Behold, this is our God; We have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the Lord; We have waited for Him; We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”
Who is this Jesus?
This question is answered in the context of the previous verses about Jesus return. After John describes the return of Christ, He reminds us who Jesus is, especially as it relates to that glorious event of Jesus’ return.
Revelation 1:8
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
First, John describes Jesus as the “Alpha and the Omega”. These are the Greek letters we would describe as “A” to “Z” The start and the finish. The Beginning and the End. This world’s history started with its creation and it will end with the return of Christ. Peter described the world’s end as the “day of the Lord”:
2 Peter 3: 10,
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.
Again, another inspired writer and an apostle of Christ (Peter) describes the end of this world as a destructive event at the return of Christ or “the day of the Lord.”
Jesus is both the beginning and the end. He acted in the past, he is present now, and he will always be .
“The conclusion of world’s history will not be through ‘a gradual process’ of either degradation or development but through the coming of Christ in glory and majesty.” “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” Stefanovic, p.71
Finally, Jesus is referred to as “The Almighty.” The Greek word for Almighty is pantokratōr. It is used in the Old Testament as “Lord of the Sbaoth” (“Lord of Hosts” or Lord overall). It is used nine times in the book of Revelation (1:8; 4:8; 11:17; 15:3; 16:7, 14; 15: 21:22; 19:6;)
To put it plainly, John in both Revelation and His gospel, describes Jesus as God Almighty, the Creator (beginning) and Sustainer of life on earth
John 1: 1-3, 14
In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word (Jesus) was with God, and the Word (Jesus) was God. He (Jesus) was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him (Jesus), and without Him (Jesus) nothing was made that was made.
And the Word (Jesus) became flesh (incarnation) and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth
Conclusion
There can be little doubt that the theme of Revelation is centered on What Jesus will do: A very literal destructive return to planet earth . Every eye will see Him coming in heaven’s clouds. “Every eye” includes the living; those who are resurrected; and those who pierced Him. The lost living will “mourn” and try to hide their face from Him. The saved of all ages will rejoice at the fulfillment of His promise to return.
John reminds us of who Jesus is: This is important in the scope and reason for Jesus’ return. He is the one who began life on earth (The Alpha) and is the one who will end it (Omega) except for those who are “in Him.” He is everything in between. Finally, Jesus is the Lord Almighty, The Lord of Hosts. He will return and not keep silent:
Psalm 50:3
Our God shall come, and shall not keep silent; A fire shall devour before Him, And it shall be very tempestuous all around Him.
This is the theme, the foundation of the Book of Revelation. Everything revolves around the literal event of Jesus’ return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Revelation 19:16
And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
The first eight verses from the Prologue answers the basic questions of “Who?”, “What?”, ” “When?”, Where?” and “How?”. Included in these opening verses is the most critical question: The purpose of the book…the “Why?” These opening pages promises an incentive for reading and understanding the contents of its pages: A simple but yet dynamic blessing.
These first eight verses can easily be grouped into three sections: the introduction, the greetings and doxology, and the book’s main theme.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
Revelation 1: 1-3
Introduction
Who?
“The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” The book’s topic is all about the revelation of Jesus. The reader must keep this in mind so that the beasts and other symbols don’t replace or cover up Jesus. The book is a “revealing” of Jesus Christ. The Greek word for Revelation is apokalupsis (the Apocalypse). It is a compound word of apo (away from) and kalupsis (a veiling or covering). Thus, the “apocalypse” means and “unveiling” or an “uncovering.” This denotes a disclosure of something that was previously “covered up.” or “concealed.”
Included in the “who?” question is the person of John, our earthly guide through its pages. He personalizes the information and writes what he saw, heard, and felt.
What?
“…God gave Him to show His servants…” God (The Father) gives Jesus (The Son) information to show to “His servants ” information. This information is mainly for those who serve Jesus. They are active followers of Jesus down through the ages. Therefore, it does not appear to be for anyone else, such as the enemies of God or the unbelievers. However, as we will see, there is a remarkable transformation (blessing) promised for anyone “with an ear” who hears this information and follows up with action or doing.
When?
“things which must shortly take place…” (These words are repeated at the end of the book in Revelation 22: 6 like book ends) This small section of this verse has troubled some readers because 2,000 years have passed since John wrote these words. If you include Daniel’s similar words as he revealed the vision of the rise and fall of nations (Daniel 2:28), we can add several hundred years to the timeline. In our way of thinking, this is not a short period of time. But, we must keep in mind a couple of things. First, God does not view the passing of time as we do, neither should we when we understand the character of God. Peter explains to us:
“But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
2 Peter 3:8
So in comparing the whole of time, to God it has only been 2 days since John was given the visions! The context of Peter’s statement is regarding the timing of the second coming of Jesus Christ. A concern of all Christians since He first ascended into heaven. Peter goes on to explain why there is an “apparent” delay in the return of Christ:
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness,but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. v. 9
God is longsuffering (patient). Why? Because he doesn’t want any person to “perish.” But, what does “perish” have to do with the second coming? Within the context of Peter’s declaration of God’s patience is the ultimate end of those who will not repent and therefore perish. God’s longsuffering goes all the way to the end of time and beyond! The events of Revelation will reveal to us Jesus’ coming and its destructive nature, which includes the end of any more opportunities to repent and turn to Him for salvation. The events which shortly must come to pass ultimately describes the perfection that comes out of the chaos.
Secondly, as we take the Historicist view of Revelation we will understand that “those things which must shortly come to pass” was “soon” for those who lived through the early prophecies of Revelation. As we progress through the rise and fall of nations and the history of the church, the prophecies that are fulfilled during those particular times were “soon enough” for those at that time. Likewise, the remaining prophecies regarding the actual coming of Christ will be “soon enough” for us. Even though Jesus told His servants to watch and pray that we are not surprised by the thief. It will still be an a time we do not expect.
Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Matthew 24:44
Where?
When John received these visions and wrote them down, he was in prison on the Island of Patmos. He is still on earth, but like Paul is “caught up in vision”. Where he heard and saw things around the throne of God.
I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven.
2 Corinthians 12;2
Paul “heard inexpressible words” (v. 3) John heard and saw similar things as did Daniel and other prophets. This may be the reasons symbols are used to described things that are “inexpressible.”
The point is this. God meets us where we are. We are on earth in the soupy mix of sin, death, confusion and misery. But, through a vision of the future that God gives us hope and happiness. There are “things” He has prepared for us, Their description is “inexpressible.”. Paul again tells the believers what John conveys in the whole book of Revelation:
But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
1 Corinthians 2:9
How?
“… And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John.” The Greek word for signify is sēmainō which translates as “show or explain by a sign or symbol.” In other places in the Bible the signification is figurative and relates to something in the future. A good example of the word used by John describes the type of death of Jesus would die. It was yet future but was “shortly to come to pass.” in the time of the Apostles.
And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself. ” This He said, signifying (sēmainō) by what death He would die.
John 12:32-33
The use of symbols were things John was familiar with in his time, e.g., candlesticks, beasts, shields, horses, lambs, sacrifices, etc. “The setting for revelation is the ancient sanctuary, which in itself is a complex symbol. Not only the place itself but its furniture, priests and the regularly scheduled services are symbols of things that are “inexpressible.” A good understanding of the sanctuary on earth, which is a shadow of the one in heaven, would add to a deeper understanding of Revelation since this is the all-encompassing symbol of the plan of salvation
“Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavensshould be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which arecopies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;
Hebrews 9: 23-24
God’s “way” (Greek word dereḵ for the direction of the journey or pathway) is found in the sanctuary.
Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God?
Psalm 77:13
Why? (Purpose)
Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
The incentive for us to read is to “bless” us or make us happy. The Greek word for “blessed” is makarios which means (‘happy) from which the word “macarism” (happiness) is derived. It is the same word used by Jesus in the Beatitudes of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5: 3-12). Secondly, it is to prepare us and the world to be ready for those things “which shortly must come to pass.”
John will use the word “blessed” 7 times in Revelation. It therefore, demonstrates the completeness of happiness for those who reads, hears, and keeps those things written…Why? Because the time is near. The happiness for those who do these things can start today.
Summary
So the story of Revelation is about Jesus from start to finish and His mediation for us as the High Priest of the heavenly sanctuary before He comes. The great truth about Jesus and the prophecies are expressed in symbols. Many prophecies have been fulfilled, but many are yet to come. In either case, the time was and is short. It was written for those “with an ear” which is symbolically is saying it is for everyone, but especially for those who willing to to know, to learn, and respond.
God’s delivery of the message starts with God the Father who sent it to Jesus, and then to an angel (messenger) who passed it on to John and now us. If we have an ear and are willing, we will find happiness on earth before the return of Christ. That is purpose of this book…It is for you to read, understand, and keep.
This begins a multi-part series on Revelation. It is the book of the hour, but there is so much confusion over its contents. As I write this, I am preparing with two other facilitators for an interdenominational verse-by-verse study of Daniel and Revelation.
It will be a zoom class for those who want an in-depth study of end-time events from Revelation that is supported by the many other prophets, most particularly the book of Daniel.
The ideal person for this study is either unchurched but feels the Holy Spirit’s conviction or the person who is not afraid to let the scriptures speak to them personally and therefore is not denominationally dogmatic. The purpose of the study is not to convert anyone to any particular denomination. What you do with the information is up to the person. The goal is for all to come to more excellent knowledge and an increased measure of faith in Jesus. John’s book is a “Revelation” of Jesus Christ. It starts and ends with Jesus. We are promised a blessing if we read and understand this inspired book. As John tells us in the opening verses of Revelation,
Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. Revelation 1:3
Much thanks to Ranko Stefanovic and his fine commentary on Revelation of Jesus Christ for much of this material
4 Main Methods of Interpretation
Teachers often follow one of four methods in the study of Revelation. This will usually result in forcing passages to conform to their method. But many contemporary teachers have found value in combining the most vital elements of two or more.
Below we will briefly review the four methods of interpretation: Preterist, the Idealistic, the Futurist, and the Historical approaches.
1.) Preterism
The Book of Revelation is focused on the issues of the Christian church in the Roman province of Asia during the 1st century.
The primary purpose of Revelation was to encourage the churches to endure because the Lord would be coming soon and overthrow Rome and rescue His people
It contains no prophecies beyond the 1st century. And does not provide insight into the events leading to the return of Jesus and the establishment of His kingdom.
Problem with Preterism
Since it limits the writings of John the Revelator to the events taking place in the first century, it does not provide insight into the events leading to the return of Jesus and the establishment of His kingdom.
There is no extra-biblical history to support the Preterist assumption of empire-wide systematic persecution of the first-century church
Revelation itself refers to local persecution of the Christians in Asia. Example Revelation 2:10, 13, 3:10. John was a victim of this Asian persecution and was exiled to Patmos (Rev. 1:9). (Note: This is not to say severe persecution would come upon the church at many places and at later times.)
Preterismdenies the prophetic character of Revelation for ages from the first century to our time and the coming of Christ.
Even though the messages to the churches can apply to believers at any time in history, the Preterist approach limits the news about the conditions of churches, believers, and enemies of the church to John’s day. Therefore, it would have little to say about the church’s journey through the dark ages and up to our time.
Because of the elimination of the prophecies of the end-time Christians, it denies the God who knows the future of His people to the end.
For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done,”
Isaiah 46: 9-10
2.) Idealism
Argues against any historical purpose through John’s use of symbolism.
Sees Revelation as a symbolic description of the ongoing struggle between good and evil. It does not apply Revelation to any particular historical time or place.
Shares much with the Preterist’s view. They do not see a literal or historical picture of John’s vision
Assumes the purpose of Revelation is to stress ethical truth that applies to any person at any time.
Problem with Idealism
The issues with Idealism are very similar to the problems with Preterism. This approach discounts the prophetic power of the vision given to John for future generations.
3.) Futurism
It contrasts with Preterism and Idealism completely.
It pushes the prophecies in Revelation to the future (Chapter 4-22), even to those of us today. The approach sees John’s recorded signs as taking place just before and after the Second Coming.
Thus, the Book of Revelation prophecies are mostly relevant to those who are “left behind” after those who are in Christ are removed from planet Earth.
Futurism is the basis of, perhaps, the most popular view of mainline evangelical churches today.
Problem with Futurism
Encourages believers to ignore or, at the least, minimize the prophecies in the Revelation. The prophecies are considered to be relevant only to those “left behind” who weren’t saved the first time or to the lost.
Has been made popular by unreliable extra-biblical books and movies. This has made it easy for people to accept the Futurist conclusions using popular “entertaining” sources.
It disregards the end-time education that would come from the historical markers of the journey of God’s people from the beginning to our time and the practical application to prepare for enduring times of trouble that is to come upon “the whole world.” One prominent preacher promoting Futurism said,
“I don’t have to worry about the end-time events or the beast of Revelation 13 because I won’t be here.”
That statement is presumptuous, but many Christians have adopted this point of view. But it begs this question, “What if they find themselves on earth when the time of trouble comes?” Does God not ask us to prepare spiritually for those days? It might be appealing to believe that Christians will not have troubles, but that is not what Jesus tells us. Jesus tells us to watch and pray:
“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41
4.) Historicism
The Historic view understands that the visions given by God and recorded by John the Revelator provide a symbolic presentation of the prophetic outline of the course of the church from apostolic times to the time of the end and beyond. It is the history of the gospel era and God’s plan to eliminate sin for all time.
Revelation has two main sections: Historical and Eschatological. The condition of the seven churches is literal and symbolic of the church at various times during its journey, including our day. Many of the things yet future are for our generation and those alive at the soon return of Jesus Christ.
The Historicist view is all-encompassing and reinforces the prophetic powers of God as communicated to John and other Bible prophets and eventually to “all who have an ear.”
The Historicist application reveals the strong relationship of the prophecies and visions in Revelation to the signs and visions of other prophets of God in the Old Testament, particularly the book of Daniel. It provides a sequential view of the rise and fall of nations and its effects of God’s people in each generation. Many scholars have considered Daniel to be the key that unlocks Revelation.
Many of Daniel and John’s prophecies predict future events to specific generations. But as time passed, the future events became history to them. In this way, Revelation continually gives Christians in each era an inside look at “what will shortly take place.”
Generations have been able to look back through events that confirm the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation. Our generation is in the unique position to look back through reliable extra-biblical history books over most of the gospel era (some contemporary to the events predicted) and appreciate how God’s prophecies have been fulfilled. This gives us confidence in God’s power and the prophecies still yet future.
Problem with Historicism
Historists will sometimes try to force each verse into a historist’s viewpoint. However, there are often times when the strengths of the other views should be considered.
Conclusion
Preterism, Idealism have elements of truth, i.e., the overall universal message to God’s people of any age.
Futurism message has the element of truth regarding being ready for the “rapture.” But it has little value to understanding the trials of the early church and as it went through persecution during the different ages, particularly the dark and reformation ages. It places little to no relevance on the church’s history and the end-time church.
The Historical (or timeline view) view combined with the vital elements of the other ideas provide a well-rounded and biblical view of the visions of John.
The Historic view is strengthened by the solid parallels and consistency with the prophecies recorded in Daniel and other prophetic books of the Bible.
The story of the plan of salvation and the challenges put forth by the enemy is more apparent when we study the history of God’s people and their struggle with the originator of rebellion against God. It has often been said, “We learn about the future from the past.”
Seeing the prophecies confirmed throughout the church’s history increases our faith in the scripture. The Historicist approach gives us wisdom and insight into the hand the enemy will play at the end of time. This better prepares us and gives us faith and trust in God
“We have nothing to fear for the future unless we forget how God has led in the past.”
“When all this comes true—and it surely will—then they will know that a prophet has been among them.”
Ezekiel 33:33
AUTHOR NOTE: THE KEY THAT UNLOCKS REVELATION STARTS IN DANIEL. TO OPEN THE BOOK OF REVELATION WITHOUT READING DANIEL PUTS THE READER AT A DISADVANTAGE. THIS IS WHY WE START IN THE GREAT BOOK WRITTEN CENTURIES BEFORE THE BOOK OF REVELATION
PLEASE READ DANIEL 2 BEFORE PROCEDDING.
Have you ever had a dream you could not remember? Did you feel that the dream was very important, but you just could not remember it?
This is exactly what happened to an ancient king. His name was King Nebuchadnezzar. In his second year as king he “had dreams” which troubled him so much that he could not sleep. His story is found in Daniel 2.
The Fakers
He needed help in remembering his dream so he sent for the people who claimed to know about dreams and spiritual matters:
Then the king gave the command to call the magicians, the astrologers, the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans to tell the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king. And the king said to them, “I have had a dream, and my spirit is anxious to know the dream.”
Daniel 2: 2-3
These wise men tried to impress the king so they spoke in his language “Aramaic” and made a simple request,
“Tell your servants the dream, and we will give the interpretation.”
Daniel 2:4
Here is the first sign, these guys were fakes. If they were so knowledgeable of matters of the spirit, etc., why did they not know ahead of time that the king did not remember the dream? They were not even good listeners because the king was anxious to “know the dream.” This meant he couldn’t remember the dream!
They were anxious to give an interpretation and get back to whatever they were doing, but they did not realize that the true God of heaven would soon separate the true prophets from the false prophets.
These men had something new thrown at them. The king had never before asked them to tell him the dream. Usually, he would tell them a dream and they would interpret. Interpretation is easy. You can make it up so it sounds plausible. But reading the mind of someone else is something altogether different. Only God has that ability.
So these fakers were in a pickle! The king made a threat that he intended to execute. Wow! That dream must have really impressed him!
“My decision is firm: if you do not make known the dream to me, and its interpretation, you shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made an ash heap. However, if you tell the dream and its interpretation, you shall receive from me gifts, rewards, and great honor. Therefore tell me the dream and its interpretation.”
Daniel 2:5-6
They couldn’t believe what they were hearing so they requested again that the king would tell them the dream,
“Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will give its interpretation.”
Daniel 2:7
But the king was wise to their tricks and he said,
“I know for certain that you would gain time, because you see that my decision is firm: if you do not make known the dream to me, there is only one decree for you! For you have agreed to speak lying and corrupt words before me till the time has changed. Therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that you can give me its interpretation.”
Daniel 2:8-9
Yes. They were stalling. The fakers then informed the king that his request was not fair. But, unwittingly they said a couple of things that were true:
“There is not a man on earth who can tell the king’s matter; therefore no king, lord, or ruler has ever asked such things of any magician, astrologer, or Chaldean.”
Verse 10
Truth #1-There IS no man “on earth” who can help the king. Only the Omnipotent God of heaven has answers about the future.
“…there is no other who can tell it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.”
Verse 11
Truth #2 -The “gods” do not dwell with flesh. Why? Because they are not real. They are not alive. They are dumb idols, but the Creator Himself would one day become flesh and dwell among flesh. In fact, He would come in the flesh:
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14
None of this mattered to the king. He was extremely angry. He was furious and made a decree to have all the wise men killed. In the king’s mind, he knew they were all fake, they would attempt to deceive him and therefore they were useless to him.
For this reason the king was angry and very furious, and gave the command to destroy all the wise men of Babylon. So the decree went out, and they began killing the wise men;
Verse 12-13
In today’s world, there are many who claim to know more than they really do and surprisingly there are many who know the true God who are given wisdom by Him. They are confident and humble in their knowledge and wisdom. Daniel was such a man.
True Prophets
Daniel asked the king for more time, which was obviously granted even though the fakers wanted time too, but I think the king had heard of the God of Daniel and gave them extra time expecting they would deliver.
Daniel went back to his three friends and they had a prayer session and sought God.
“Then Daniel went to his house, and made the decision known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, that they might seek mercies from the God of heaven concerning this secret, so that Daniel and his companions might not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. Then the secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. So Daniel blessed the God of heaven.”
Verse 17-19
These four men, asked for mercies regarding the secret. The secret was revealed to Daniel. His first action? “Bless the God of heaven.” May we never be in such a haste that we fail to stop to thank our Creator for His mercies. There is a blessing for us when we take time to thank God.
Daniel’s prayer of blessing to the God of heaven is below. In his blessing, he describes God’s abilities.
“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with Him.
“I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, And have now made known to me what we asked of You, For You have made known to us the king’s demand.”
Verses 20-23
Notice the things Daniel confirms about God:
1.) Wisdom belongs to God
2.) He changes “times” and “seasons”
3.) He sets up kings and removes kings
4.) He gives wisdom to the wise (Notice who gets the wisdom. It is the wise! Who gets the knowledge? Those who have understanding!)
5.) He reveals secret things (This fits with our opening verse from Amos 3:17-He reveals His secrets to His servants the prophets.)
Next, Daniel intercedes for the wise men, even the fakers! He could have just saved himself and his three friends, but the character trait of the person who knows the true God of heaven is to save life, not destroy it, even if the “wise men” are fakers.
Therefore Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wisemen of Babylon. He went and said thus to him: “Do not destroy the wise men of Babylon; take me before the king, and I will tell the king the interpretation.”
Verse 24
Daniel is taken in before king Nebuchadnezzar. The king asks,
“Are you able to make known to me the dream which I have seen, and its interpretation?”
Verse 26
Before Daniel answers the king, he demonstrates, with power, the comparison between the fakers and the true God in heaven.
“The secret which the king has demanded, the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, and the soothsayers cannot declare to the king. But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days.”
Verse 27
Daniel has a mini-sermon before he starts to reveal to the king what he wants to know. The mini-sermon is this: There is a God in heaven (He is real). He reveals secrets or things that man on earth would not know. These secrets are given to man through God’s servants the prophets. It is not only for the prophets benefit, but also it is for the benefit of the ones who are hearing the message from God through His prophets.
I can image the king on the edge of his seat. He can sense through Daniel’s confidence that what he is about to hear is the truth and there is no guile (falsehood or fakery) from the mouth of this prophet of God. It is one man (Daniel) and his God (Jehovah) in comparison to the many astrologers, magicians, and soothsayers.
Truth does not come through the majority. It comes from the God of heaven and His prophets. It has always been a testimony to the power of God, that one with God is stronger than the majority.
Daniel begins to explain the dream:
Your dream, and the visions of your head upon your bed, were these: As for you, O king, thoughts came to your mind while on your bed, about what would come to pass after this; and He who reveals secrets has made known to you what will be. But as for me, this secret has not been revealed to me because I have more wisdom than anyone living, but for our sakes who make known the interpretation to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your heart.
Verse 28-30
The dream is for the benefit of both the prophet (who makes known the interpretation) and the one who is receiving the interpretation so that the thoughts of the heart may be revealed. Notice the phrase:
“for OUR sakes…”
What a wise and powerful Creator! Daniel is telling the king that God’s revealing of the dream and God’s secrets are for both the speaker and the hearer!
When I read Bible prophecy, it has a strange effect of letting me know where my heart stands with God. The effect can be fearful or it can be comforting. All people have the invitation to move from fearful (lost) to comforting (saved from the penalty of sin i.e., eternal death)
Daniel tells they king the topic of the dream. It is about
“….what will be in the latter days.”
“The term “latter days” is simple to understand in the context of the dream. Since this dream will be about the “latter days” of the kingdom of Babylon and its kings we can use it in that context. But, it is also about the end of all kingdoms as well. So the “latter days” can also refer to the end of time and this earth as we know it.
The Dream Revealed
To the amazement of the King, Daniel begins to recount the dream for him. As he talks, the king starts to remember and cold chills run throughout his body:
“You, O king, were watching; and behold, a great image! This great image, whose splendor was excellent, stood before you; and its form was awesome. This image’s head was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs[ of bronze, its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay.[ You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed together, and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; the wind carried them away so that no trace of them was found. And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.”
“This is the dream.”
Verses 31-36
An artist’s idea of the image the king saw:
The king must have been amazed as he recalled each detail. Before the king could say anything, Daniel began the interpretation. We will let Daniel interpret for us. Then we will look back at history to see if it was true. Finally, we will look into the future using the foundation of the interpretation.
Here is how Daniel interpreted the king’s dream as God showed it to him:
“Now we will tell the interpretation of it before the king. You, O king, are a king of kings. For the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power, strength, and glory; and wherever the children of men dwell, or the beasts of the field and the birds of the heaven, He has given them into your hand, and has made you ruler over them all—you are this head of gold.”
Verses 36-38
So what does the head of Gold represent? Daniel said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “you are this head of gold.”
Nebuchadnezzar and the kingdom of Babylon are represented in both time and space as the “head of gold.” Could there be any other interpretation with something so plainly spoken?
The King must have been proud as he thought, even if just for a moment, that he was the top and the most valuable metal in the image. But, he was soon to be disappointed. Daniel continues with the interpretation of the great image,
The Interpretation
But after you shall arise another kingdom inferior to yours; then another, a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over all the earth.
Verse 39
As great and wonderful as was King Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon, it would fall to another. Not just another, but an inferior kingdom. Just as silver is of less value and strength as gold, the next kingdom was to be inferior.
The Second Kingdom
Does the Bible tell us who this next kingdom was to be? Yes! The story can be found in Daniel 5. It is an interesting story about Belshazzar (The son of Nebuchadnezzar and the then current king of Babylon) The king and his subjects were having a feast with debauchery, and disrespect for things God had made holy. During the drunken sacrilegious feast, a man’s finger appears and writes a message on the wall.
This supernatural act made the king’s “countenance” change. Like his father Nebuchadnezzar, he was troubled as to what it meant so he called for the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. Remember them? They are the fakers. Just as they could not see Nebuchadnezzar’ s dream. They were unable to read the writing and make an interpretation. Sound familiar?
Fortunately for the king, the queen remembered Daniel. She told the king,
There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the Spirit of the Holy God. And in the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, were found in him; and King Nebuchadnezzar your father—your father the king—made him chief of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans,and soothsayers. Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation.”
Daniel 5:11-12
Daniel’s interpretation confirms what he had told King Nebuchadnezzar with the image of God falling to an inferior kingdom,
And this is the inscription that was written:
MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.
This is the interpretation of each word. MENE: God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it; TEKEL: You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting; PERES: Your kingdom has been divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.
Daniel 5:26-28
The king was slain and Babylon fell to the dual kingdom of the Medes and Persians led by Cyrus and Darius.
That very night Belshazzar, king of the Chaldeans, was slain. And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old.
Daniel 5: 30-31
The Medes and the Persians were represented by the arms and shoulders of silver. (Two arms-two kingdoms)
It is interesting and shows the foreknowledge of God as to how Babylon fell and the way the enemy was able to get into the walled city.
Also, before Cyrus was born, God called him by name as the conqueror of Babylon
Thus saith the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut…
Isaiah 45:1
So how were Cyrus and Darius able to get into the walled city of Babylon?
*They dried up the river Euphrates (a familiar prophetic term in Revelation! )! This diverted the river that ran under the walls and through the city. Along the river within the city was another set of walls with gates. The citizens were protected should someone swim in under the outer walls. The enemy swimmers would then need to get through the second set of gates. But on the night of Babylon’s fall, the gates had been left open due to drunken feast! So the Medes and Persians were able to walk under the walls and up the banks through the leaved gates and into the city!
God is so amazing! He knows the end from the beginning!
* See pages 265, 266 of Volume 1 of the book The Great Events by Famous Historians in the chapter on “Conquests by Cyrus The Great B.C. 538,” by George Grote. — University Edition, copyrighted 1905, by The National Alumni. See also The Golden Age, as of June 7, 1922. page 572.
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Third Kingdom
But, there was to arise yet a third kingdom represented by the belly and thigh of brass.
“And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.”
Verse 39
The deciding point in the fall of the Persians was reached on the field of Arbela, B.C. 331, in which the Grecians, were entirely victorious; and Alexander became absolute lord of the Persian empire.
More could be said on this third kingdom, but let’s move on. We will talk more about each kingdom as we study the prophecies that provide more detail.
The events really pick up when the powerful fourth kingdom comes on the scene,
And the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron, inasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything; and like iron that crushes, that kingdom will break in pieces and crush all the others.
Verse 40
History tells us that this fourth power of legs of iron is none other than the “iron monarchy” of Rome. Rome became the world power after it crushed the third kingdom of Greece.
Rome was in power during the life of Christ on earth and continued on for hundreds of years afterward.
4th Kingdom-Forever Division
But the prophecy does not stop there, there was to be a time when this iron would mix with clay (partly strong and partly weak substances)
It is interesting that Rome eventually was divided into 10 divisions by the invading nomadic tribes. These divisions became the modern day countries of Europe. Three of these 10 divisions were eventually annihilated so that there was only 7, but even those events are part of the prophecy were will study later in Daniel and Revelation. Those divisions of Rome are as follows:
10 Toes or Divisions of Rome
Heruli
Ostrogoths
Vandals
Franks
Visigoths
Burgundians
Lombards
Anglo Saxons
Alamanni
Seuvi
Daniel continues on and informs the king of something that stands to this day. These divisions of Rome would attempt to unite, but as iron does not mix with clay, they would never unite:
Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay.
Verses 41-43
This 4th kingdom would be divided and would never reunite. Throughout recent history, there have been attempts to reunite the old divisions of Europe, but it has always failed and it always will because the God of Heaven has spoken. Those who have tried were:
Charlamagne, 8th Century;
Charles V l6th Century;
Louis XIV l5th Century;
Napoleon, l9th Century;
Kaiser Wilhelm and Hitler, 20th Century.
All of these men invested enormous resources and countless lives in their efforts to unite Europe, but each one failed. Even today the leaders of Europe are trying to unite as one, but God says this will never happen!
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Our Day-The Soon Coming Eternal Kingdom
Daniel ends the interpretation of the dream with a dramatic ending!
You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed together, and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; the wind carried them away so that no trace of them was found. And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.
Verse 34, 35
Jesus is the Rock that was cut out without hands.
For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.
I Corinthians 10:4
Daniel takes the king and the reader of this chapter to a time when God would set up his kingdom that would never end:
And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.
Verse 44
My Friends, we are living in the “days of these kings.” The old divisions of Rome!
When Jesus returns the earth is melted and no trace of anything left on this earth will be found. Then He will make a new heaven and a new earth.
About 500 years before Jesus came to this earth the first time as a lamb to pay for the sins of a planet in rebellion, we see a prophecy concerning his second coming when he comes to “break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms.” It will stand forever!
And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Matthew 24:30
When Jesus returns the earth passes away.
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
Matthew 24:35
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
II Peter 3:10
And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”
Mark 4: 62
When God destroys the earth, he creates a new heaven and a new earth that will last forever:
“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind.
“The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure.”
Verse 45
After hearing Daniels recalling of the king’s forgotten dream and the interpretation, there wells up in the heart of this heathen king both fear and joy!
Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, prostrate before Daniel
Verse 46
This is what each of us should do as we see that God is in control of the history of planet earth and of our own lives. He knows the exact number of hairs on your head. He is all-powerful but most important, He loves each one of us so much as to send His son to pay for the sin we have committed.
His law, that can never be changed, shows we are sinners and deserve to die for eternity, but God makes a substitutionary sacrifice (atonement) for us so that we might live and enjoy the greatest gift he could have given us: Life to the uttermost!
The king understood that there is a God in Heaven who reveals secrets
The king answered Daniel, and said, “Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, since you could reveal this secret.”
Verse 47
I hope you have been blessed by this study. Next, we will look at a vision given to Daniel that repeats this dream but expands it. He will receive other visions that will demonstrate that God knows the end from the beginning.
