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Essay An
Introduction to: A Book that John Wrote - The Apocalypse “Write
in a book what
you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to
Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea”
(Revelation 1:11, NASV unless otherwise indicated, highlighted for
emphasis). This book that John wrote (The Apocalypse) is of special interest for many reasons: First,
because it is a book within a book, i.e., “the
Revelation of Jesus Christ which God
gave to him [Jesus] to show to his bond servants [in tribulation 1:9]; things
which must shortly come to pass.” Second, the content of the apocalypse i.e., the unveiling
recorded in chapter 4:1 – 22:5 is said to be communicated symbolically
(“signified,” 1:1, NKJV). Third, it was written at a special time in
history, i.e., the imperial powers of Rome were then persecuting the churches;
thus giving these bond servants hope in the midst of their trails and
tribulation (chapter 1:7). In preparation for this study, any student
of the Word must first take into consideration two fundamental facts pertaining
to this book i.e., the introduction (1:1-11), and the conclusion (22:5-21)
wherein the perimeters for sound exegesis are laid, and without which all manner
of doctrinal error may develop, and that’s the purpose of this article. [Keep in mind that this article is not an exegesis of the apocalyptic vision that John saw, but is a reminder of the “things” pertaining to it as they are recorded in the introduction and conclusion of the book of Revelation. In other words, the introduction and the conclusion lay the foundation for such a study]. What is the “Revelation” that John saw? “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, i.e.,
[the apocalypse] which God gave Him, [i.e., Jesus] to show to His bond-servants,
things which must soon take place; and
He sent and communicated it [i.e., the apocalyptic message]
by His angel to His bond-servant John, who testified to the word of God and to
the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.”(See c. 22:6)
Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and
heed the things which are written in it; for
the time is near” (Revelation 1:1-3). Of
special interest is the urgency of this letter
to be sent to these churches. Jesus
said to John, “Write in a book what you see, and send it to the seven
churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to
Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea. Therefore write the things which you
have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after
these things” (Revelation 1:11,19). When the
Apostle has finished writing this book, the
apocalypse, this is what he writes: “And he said to me, ‘These words are
faithful and true; and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent
His angel to show to His bond-servants the
things which must soon take place.’
And behold, I am coming quickly” “ ...Blessed is he who heeds the words of the
prophecy of this book. I, John,
am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down
to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things.
...And he *said to me,
‘Do not seal up the words of
the prophecy of this book, for the time is near’”
(22:6-8,10). The Time
factor as references in the introduction and the conclusion has, no doubt, been
debated since John passed from the scene around the end of the first century A.
D. It should also be remembered, however, that in Matthew’s gospel, chapter
24, Jesus give many warnings about false teaching concerning His coming. It is
in this passage that we have two references that are often associated with the time
factor as given in the book of the Revelation, i.e.,
“for then there will be a great
tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until
now, nor ever will.” Then Jesus says, “Truly
I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take
place” (Matthew 24:21,34). Regardless of ones views of the time factor in the eschatological schools of thought, the determinative factor is this: Is the references given in Matthew 24:21,34, and Revelation 1:1,3; 22:6,10, literal or symbolic in content? Does the context of either passage confirm either view? Is these references speaking of some distant future since two thousand years have passed, are, did all of these prophecies actually “come to pass” in the tribulations of the early church as referenced by John in chapter 1:9? (see c.7:12-17) These time factors are the determining factor for a correct interpretation of the Apocalyptic portion of the book of the Revelation. I believe that the difference in these interpretations (literal, or symbolic) is essential for the correct interpretation of this “book.” For example, there is every indication contextually that the introduction (chapter 1:1-11, and the conclusion of the book of the revelation (chapter 22:6-21) are both to be taken literally in the exegete of these passages because only the apocalyptic portion of the book of the Revelation is said to be symbolic [signified] (c.1:1b). As a point of interest, I have copied an article sent to my by one of my son-in laws (Rev. Terrell Suggs, DOM, Durant OK.) This particular view as referenced by Dr. Gentry may shed light upon the day in which John lived: “It is surely no accident that Nero was
the sixth emperor of Rome:” Julious Caesar was the first, followed by
Augustus, Tiberius, Caius, Claudius, and the sixth was Nero Caesar. The text of
Revelation speaking of the seven kings:“five
are fallen,” “one is” “the other is not yet come, and when he comes, he
must continue for a short space.” “Thus, the seventh: Galba, who reigned
for only six months. John wrote of the sixth emperor ruling on a
Seven-Hilled-City; Nero
ruled in Rome.” “The mystery of chapter 17: 7 is the fact that the
seven heads had a double meaning: Geographical and Political. The purpose was
not to confuse, but to clarify.” “Now, as to the Beast? The Hebrew name for
Nero Caesar was “Nrwn Qsr” = “The
number of a man,” = “666.” “The atrocities of this man called,
‘the Beast,’ and the suffering that he afflicted upon Christians in recorded
history, is unequalled...,” wrote Dr. Gentry: HE
SHALL HAVE DEMINION” Dr.
Kenneth R. Gentry, Jr., Institute for
Christian Economics, Tyler, Texas. Whether or not Dr. Gentry is correct in his
reference to chapter 17:7 is not my point of reference, the fact that John was
commanded to “write in a book,” and send it unto these churches, is
important. The time taken for John to write the book, we are not told, but what
we are told is that he had a personal commission from Jesus to send it to these
churches before he wrote it, and after he had completed it John affirms this
truth (chapters 22:16). Most interestingly, after John had delivered the book, this Old World was still wicked; the churches were still evangelizing, and the believers were still looking for the Second Coming of Christ (chapter 22:6-21). And so we wait, knowing that Jesus is
coming, morning, noon or night, i.e., “On that DAY” (2 Thessalonians
1:9,10). |