Over the past several sessions, we have been involved in “preparing the ground” for our study of the book of Revelation. We will continue to do that this evening. The pages that are being passed out contain “Principles of Interpretation for the Book of Revelation” (ten ideas or concepts for interpretation of the book of Revelation) AND an “Outline of the Book of Revelation.”
NOTE: “Principles of Interpretation for the Book of Revelation” appears in Section 1 below, after the next two paragraphs. “Outline of the Book of Revelation” appears in Section 3 near the end of this typed lesson.
One of the things that we have talked about already is the challenge we have in understanding the book of Revelation—which should not scare us away or keep us from reading it, studying it, and doing our best to understand it. It certainly is able to be understood! If God had given us something we could not understand, then He, indeed, would be a capricious God for going that. Our God is not capricious!
But part of our challenge is to understand the language that the book is written in, and how to understand, or interpret, that language. I ran across these ten items on “Principles of Interpretation for the Book of Revelation” and the “Outline of the Book of Revelation,” which I thought were excellent. The Outline, which is going to be essentially the Outline that we’ll follow in our study, is from a book that was written several years ago by Dr. Frank Pack, “The Message of the New Testament”. I thought they were good enough to share, and the ten “Principles of Interpretation” are certainly understandable. We won’t take the time to go through those [but you can read them below]. I would urge you to hold on to those, as well as hold on to the Outline [which you can read near the end of this typed lesson]. I think these things will be of assistance to you as we go through our study.
Section 1: Principles of
Interpretation for the Book of Revelation
From: “The Message of the
New Testament” by Dr. Frank Pack
The student will be helped greatly in understanding this book if certain basic principles of interpretation are kept in mind. These are:
Section 2: More Ground Work on the Book of Revelation
What we want to do this evening, as I have said, is still prepare the ground a little bit here to get us ready to go into the study. I think this will be our last session of preparation. We’ve already looked at the author, the date of the writing, and some other things. In our last lesson, we spent time in sort of a “chapter-by-chapter” summary.
Tonight I’d like to share with you some things having to do with the nature of the book of Revelation, and some things having to do with the symbolism that we find in the book as well. This will be a little bit of a “potpourri,” I guess, of some things that I’d like to share with you as we prepare to go into our study.
Some of this information may be a little bit repetitious, but I don’t think too much is, particularly when we talk about the nature of the literature, or the “writing,” that is used here. The book of Revelation is actually three types of writing. It is, first of all, apocalyptic, and we have talked some about that already, chapter 1, verse 1 [“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,…”]. It is also a book of prophecy, chapter 1, verse 3 [“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.”]. And, it is also an epistle [a letter]. The Holy Spirit has put together these three types of literature, or writing, into this book, which is another thing that makes it somewhat unique in the Scriptures.
As we have already discussed, this apocalyptic literature is similar in type to some books in the Old Testament: Daniel, Ezekiel, and parts of Zechariah. The Greek word, “apocalypsis,” is translated “revelation.” And so there in Revelation, chapter 1, verse 1, depending on your translation, it will say, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” Well, that word there is “apocalypsis.” It literally means an “unveiling,” or a “revealing” of something that has not been known before. Sometimes this book is simply referred to as the “Apocalypsis.” Apocalyptic literature also refers to a type of literature represented by a group of writing that is not found either in the Old Testament or the New Testament. Now, I’m not going to go into this, except only to mention that there are some other writings. These writings were not part of the “canon,” and they were not incorporated into the Bible for various reasons. They are not “inspired” writings, but nevertheless, there are a number of other writings, such as—and some of you may have heard of some of these—the “Book of Enoch,” the “Ascension of Isaiah,” the “Assumption of Moses,” and the “Psalms of Solomon.” So this “type” of writing was common in its day.
Well, all apocalyptic literature deals with the coming of the judgment and the end of all things. The point of view in this type of writing is “future.” However, the predictions that it makes are not in plain language, but, rather, they are in visions, visions that are highly symbolic, drawing upon the nature of mankind, on the nature of the world itself, and so on. These symbolic words then convey in a symbolic way the lesson of the vision. Angels are guides and interpreters, and through these visions we see the foreshadowing of the struggle between good and evil. We also see the triumph of God and His people.
The book of Revelation shows not only that God is in control of history, but that right and Truth will triumph and that God is at work in the affairs of history to bring about that triumph. God will finally bring all evil under judgment and confront all men with His absolute righteous judgment. By means of the symbols used to represent this great struggle, the struggle between good and evil, the church there in the 1st Century, who was experiencing that struggle in a way that we could never understand, could be cheered and encouraged by what they read. The outcome that we read about in Revelation in this apocalyptic language, this highly symbolic language, is guaranteed through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
So the book is apocalyptic, but it’s also prophetic. The author claims to be the “prophet” of God, chapter 22, verse 9 [“Then he said to me, ‘See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the Words of this book. Worship God.’”]. A prophet is one who speaks on behalf of God, and, therefore, among other powers of his prophetic office, is able to predict the future and the outcome of all things. That’s what we read—that’s what it says here—that’s the claim that is made in Revelation, chapter 10, verse 11 [“And he said to me, ‘You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.’”], and chapter 19, verse 10 [“And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, ‘See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’”].
In fact, this book is called “prophecy” in several locations: Chapter 1, verse 3 [“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.”], chapter 22, verses 7, 10, 18 and 19 [verse 7: “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the Words of the prophecy of this book.” verse 10: “And he said to me, ‘Do not seal the Words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.’” verse 18-19: “For I testify to everyone who hears the Words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the Words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”]. As “prophecy,” Revelation sees all men and nations subject to God’s righteous purposes and calls them to repentance and obedience.
So, the book is apocalyptic, prophetic, and it is also written in the form of an epistle. It actually contains seven letters, each one addressed to one of the seven churches of Asia. Now there is no evidence and no indication that these were ever seven “separate” letters; but, rather, that the letter would have been sent to each one of the seven churches. Following the blessing for its being read aloud, chapter 1, verse 3 [see above], it begins with the conventional salutation of a letter. You see there in chapter 1, verse 4, “John, to the seven churches [which are] in Asia.” Well, that was the typical fashion for the way a letter—an epistle—was written. It also closes in a characteristic way, as well. The very last verse, chapter 22, verse 21, says, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”
So Revelation is a remarkable book, combining the pictures and imagery of apocalypsis, with enough prophecies to make it truly prophetic, written in the form of an epistle.
Let’s talk a little bit about symbolism. We know that this letter, this book of Revelation abounds in rich imagery and that imagery is drawn from all over—from nature, from human life, the world around us, and so on. Some of the images, the symbols, that we will see as we go through the book will include the horse, the lion, the leopard, the bear, the lamb, the calf, the locust, the scorpion, the eagle, the vulture, fish, frogs, trees, and the harvest. There will also be depictions of various aspects of human life, particularly the life and the trade of great cities, and so on. While there is no direct quotation from the Old Testament, there are many allusions to imagery that are contained in the Old Testament. As a matter of fact, one scholarly commentator went through and estimated that out of the 404 verses in the book of Revelation, 278 of those verses contain references to Old Testament Scriptures. I haven’t verified that—we’ll just have to take his word! H. B. Swete was his name—that’s “S-W-E-T-E.”
In addition, there are many figures that occur only in this book, such visions, for example, as the woman and the “man child” in chapter 12 [verse 5: “And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to His throne.” King James’ Version]. In no other place does this image—this symbol—appear.
In many places the writer interprets the meaning of the symbols. In other places, the reader is left to make his or her own interpretation, thus, the ten “Principles of Interpretation” on that handout [which appear in Section 1 above] that I gave you.
One of the most frequently used types of symbols, or imagery, we see in the book of Revelation is the frequent use of numbers. Listen to the list of numbers that are used in the book. These are not just incidental uses—there is some purpose for using these numbers. Included in the numbers we will see as we go through the book are the numbers: “2,” “3,” “3 ½,” “4,” “5,” “6,” “7,” “10,” “12,” “24,” “42,” “144,” “666,” “1,000,” “1,260,” “1,600,” “7,000,” “144,000,” “100,000,000” [one hundred million] and “200,000,000” [two hundred million].
There is a prominent number in the book of Revelation, and that number is “7.” The number “7” occurs fifty-four times. In the Jewish mind, the number “7” was a very special number. It was a number which represented “perfection.” We’ll talk a little bit more about that in just a moment.
The number “12” is the next most-often-used number in Revelation. It has a number of multiples of 12, such as “24,” “144,” “1,260,” and “144,000.” All those numbers are multiples of the number “12.”
The number “4” occurs often. The number “3” is less prominent. “4” added to “3” makes “7.” And “4” times “3” makes “12”—the two most often used numbers in the book: “7” and “12.”
Here’s some significance associated with these numbers:
The number “3” is associated with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—that is, the “God-head.”
The number “4” is connected with “earthly things,” the “major points of the compass,” the “force of the universe.” It also symbolizes “completeness” and the “four sides of a square.”
The number “6” is associated with man and man’s endeavors. The rationale there is that it was because man was created on the “sixth day” by God, Genesis 1, verse 27 [“So God created man in His Own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” verse 31: “Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.”].
As we go through the book, we will look at these numbers that we run across, and we will see what significance the symbol has in that particular place.
Lastly, let me review with you a little bit about the purpose and the message of the book. The purpose has been differently stated by different writers according to their approach. It seems, though, that a number of respected writers agree that the purpose has to do with showing to the seven churches of Asia, and to other churches there in the 1st Century and beyond, the things that must come to pass hereafter. The message was meant to be an encouragement and an assurance to them while they were struggling amid their persecutions. It pointed them to the victory that they had waiting for them—the victory that was made possible because of what Christ had done for them—the victory made possible because they were His children. Though they were few in number, though they were poor, though they were distressed, the mighty forces of evil that surrounded them would not overwhelm them. Christ had conquered and He guarantees their ultimate triumph.
We’ve talked a little bit about, and will have occasion as we go along through the study to talk some more about, the nature of the persecution that these ones would have experienced in that day and beyond as well. There is a contrast here and we must not overlook the contrast. While they are encouraged, while they are uplifted, while they are assured of victory, there is, realistically, suffering to be done. More persecutions await them. But regardless, the Lord demands faithfulness—faithfulness to His Will—in spite of the pressures, and in spite of the persecutions that come their way.
In a succinct way, I think that points us to the purpose of the book. But the purpose—not just of depicting this purpose for those early Christians—also has the effect of pointing out the very same things to Christians of all ages. It focuses attention on the last days when God’s justice will be evidenced and the cause of His people will be fully vindicated as well. One cannot escape the view where a number of times in the book, one is taken to the end time and allowed to see under various symbols, various figures and so on, the conclusion of the world and the promises that await the faithful.
We had mentioned this in our Introductory studies, pointing out that, as we are reading and studying this book, we are seeing what John saw and witnessed almost 2,000 years ago. And furthermore, we’re also seeing the end of history. I think that is an important perspective for us to keep in mind. What we’re seeing and what we’re reading about is the end of time, and though it is couched in symbols, which sometimes may be strange to us, its message is still very relevant to our time. It calls for us, like them in the 1st Century, to stand firmly and courageously with the Lamb of God and His struggle with the great beast, the great dragon, Satan. It inspires courageous deeds and strength of faith so that we might patiently endure in hope. It assures the church of its place in the purposes of God and of the victory of its people. It reminds us once more that the ultimate triumph of righteousness will not be brought about through some gradual evolution, if you will, toward some perfect society; but, rather, it will be brought about by the return of Jesus, the Christ.
In no other book in the New Testament is there such encouragement for us as Christians. As I have said before, we will never understand, nor fully appreciate, the struggles and the persecution that these people endured. In our day, we do not face the same struggles and persecutions. BUT, in principle and in character, we do face many of the same things that they did. We don’t worry about the civil government forbidding us to meet. We don’t worry about being challenged to bow down and worship a government figure or an idol of some sort and given the choice of “either you do this or you will be killed.” No, we don’t face those kinds of things, but I submit to you that many of the things that we do face today are equally as challenging and equally as difficult for us to deal with, because Satan is still alive and well. With the depictions that we see in the book of Revelation—those characterizations of the great dragon, of the beast, and so on, and all of the things that Satan was doing, and in all of the ways that he is characterized—we know that he is still alive and well today. The struggle between good and evil is just as real and just as ongoing today as it was then.
So, while difficult to understand, and while, perhaps, not being able to fully relate to some of the things that we will see in the book, the message for us is the same. It is a message of encouragement, a message of assurance, a message of hope, and a message to “keep on keeping on.”Even though we’re now 2,000 years closer to the end, just as they got a glimpse then of the end of history, so do we now. And we get a glimpse into Heaven, and of the assurance that that is what waits for us as well!
Our study of this book, I trust, will be all of those things for us. As we get to know the book of Revelation better, as we understand more about it, we can be just as encouraged and just as uplifted as those dear saints in the long ago.
Section 3: Outline of the
Book of Revelation
From “The Message of the New
Testament” by Dr. Frank Pack