This is the last book of the Bible. It is full of colourful symbolism which is hard to equate with anything known to man, beast or historian. Revelation is not a count-down to the End of the World, but a series of visions of the world as it is. And, hovering over this world as it is, the sovereign God who is shining his torch into darkness and moving history towards completion. Revelation is a book of hope.
John, who has met the incarnate Christ, has now a vision of the glorified Christ. God also reveals to him what would take place in the future. The events are ordered according to literary patterns, rather than strictly chronological patterns.
The seven churches of Asia to whom this book is addressed are:
Ephesus - the church has lost its first love for Jesus; things are sincere but are becoming routine. Smyrna - they will suffer but will receive the reward. They are faithful. Pergamum - though most are faithful, some are listening to false teachers. Thyatira - some tolerate a devious spiritual influence by the figure of Jezebel. Sardis - they are urged to stay faithful like a few of them who are truly faithful. Philadelphia - they will overcome opposition if they remain faithful. Laodicea - they are ‘lukewarm’ and need to repent.
To reveal the full identity of Christ and to give warning and hope to believers.
The apostle John.
The seven churches in Asia, and all believers everywhere.
The date is believed to have been around AD 95, from Patmos.
Most scholars believe that the seven churches in Asia to whom John writes were experiencing the persecution that took place under Emperor Domitian.
“Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” (1:3)
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (21:4)
Where is God in our world today?