revelation 1-3 notes

8/14/2019 Revelation 1-3 Notes

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Ask: Who has heard a sermon on Revelation? Of those who heard a sermon, who has heard one on something but the 7 churches? Who has read the whole of Revelation?

Of those, who can give a one word impression of Revelation from that reading?

Qualifications: Only that I love Gods Word and want to know it better

Assumptions:

1. We will not speculate on meanings based on modern-day equivalency metaphors2. We will not speculate on dates or times (see Acts 1:7, Matt. 24:36)3. Revelation was understood and relevant to its first readers as evidenced by the

books rapid growth. This precludes modern day interpretations and means that wecan understand itwithout having to wait for something to happen.

4. Revelation is not a chronological breakdown of future events. Rather, it is a series ofvisions.

a. Prophetic perspective - O.T. prophets blended the near and distant prospectsto create a single canvas. The prophets concern was not to give a program orchart to the future, but to bring to light the heavenly perspective on our lives.Ex. Isaiah 52:13-14, 53:1-4; Isaiah 13 (Babylon & End of days); Luke 21:20-28

b. Revelation is filled with powerful illustrations that have greater meaning that isinherent to the object of the illustration.

Ex. Mark 14:22 passover/eucharist Also think about what these mean: shield, rock, fortress, builder, shepherd, door, vine

Three Basic Principles of Interpretation:

1. How would the original hearers understand it?2. What is the historical context?3. What does this mean in light of other scripture? Scripture interprets scripture.

How would the original hearers understand it?

- Revelation was a letter, similar to an epistle- Someone would read it, it would be copied, then passed on to the next church

- The seven churches in Asia Minor were on a mail route; as such allof the bookof Revelation was meant for understanding (see Rev. 1:11)

- Revelation was a prophecy- Revelation was an apocalyptic-style book, like Daniel

Revelation 1-3: What Is Revelation?


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Historical Context:

Parthians:- Feared enemy of Rome; defeated Roman armies on several occasions- Nero crafted a peace treaty with Romans in A.D. 63 and thus became popular with theParthians and the Eastern provinces

Fire of Rome:- Unknown who started it (though it was rumored to be Nero himself)- Christians blamed for fire, local persecution in Rome begins- Traditionally, Paul and Peter died at this time at the hands of Nero

Nero Dies:- Nero was the first Caesar to proclaim himself a deity before he died (usually a task ofthe Senate)

- On coins he minted was inscribed Savior of the World- By the time he died, hed grown out of favor with the Senate and the Army- Committed suicide by stabbing his neck with a dagger

- His body was cremated, so there was no proof of his death- Nero Recitivus myths of Neros return and revenge as leader of the Parthians werecommon; three documented impostors showed up within years of his death

Roman Civil War:- Power struggle between 4 powerful generals; the Roman Empire is on the verge ofcollapse

- Vespasian becomes Caesar



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- Because of Romes return from the brink of collapse, many begin to wonder if it can bedefeated (see Rev. 3:9)

Destruction of Jerusalem:- The Jews are the only people group who werent compelled to convert to Roman state

religion- This carried over to Christians, who were considered a Judaic cult- After the fall of Jerusalem, Jews became less friendly to Christians, began to outthem as not belonging to Judaism (see Rev. 3:9)

Domitian Becomes Caesar:- Eventually declares himself Dominus et deus: Lord and God- Encouraged Emperor worship- In Asia Minor, there was an attempt to cull favor by intense Emperor worship, hugestatue was erected in Ephesus for Domitian

- Some trade guilds required members to participate in emperor worship in order to buy

or sell

Scripture interprets Scripture:

- Revelation: apokalypsis or, what is revealed, reveal, disclose- Revelation of Jesus as God (see Luke 10:22, Matt. 16:17)- Revelation of Gods love to us (1 Cor. 2:9-10)- Revelation of knowledge of Jesus (Eph. 1:17)- Revelation of Jesus at end times (2 Thess 1:7, 1 Pet 1:7

Revelation 1:8-20

Isaiah 41:4 - The first and the last Exodus 25:37, Zech 4:1-2 - the 7 lampstands

Ezekiel 1:26, Daniel 7:13 - one like a son of man

Daniel 7:9 - Ancient of Days has hair like wool

Ezekiel 43:2, Daniel 10:5-6 - voice like the sound of many waters

Daniel 10:5-6 - burnished bronze

Isaiah 49:2, 11:4, Hebrews 4:12 - the sword in Jesus mouth

Daniel 8:17-18 - falling at the feet like a dead man

Exodus 34:29-35 - shining face like the sun (Moses)

Exodus 19:16 - loud trumpet blast at foot of Sinai

Daniel 10:5-6 - Golden sash (sign of authority, counterpart to Zeus who wore one)

Exodus 28:4, (Extrabiblical sources) - long robes priestly Daniel 10-5-6 - Eyes like fire

Luke 24:5 - The Living One

Isaiah 22:22 - the key of the house of David (also, counterpart to Hades, the Greekgod)



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Elements of messages to the churches:

The pattern:

Element of who Jesus is

The condition of the church

Commendation of the church Possible rebukes the church

An exhortation

A promise for overcoming

An exhortation for all to hear His message

Points:He wants us to know who he isGod is intimately acquainted with our situationsHe encourages us where were atHe doesnt tolerate stagnation

He wants us to growThere is a reward!We can learn from others


revelation 1-3 notes

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