Introduction

The Book of Revelation (introduction)

Characteristics of the book of Revelation
The book of Revelation is an EPISTLE like much of the New Testament
The book of Revelation was SENT to particular people
The book of Revelation is UNIQUE from all other New Testament writings
The book of Revelation IS a prophecy (1:3, 22:7, 10, 18, 19)
The book of Revelation is written in the apocalyptic GENRE

Characteristics of Apocalyptic Literature
Apocalyptic literature uses ANGELS as tour guides/interpreters
Apocalyptic literature is written DURING intense persecution
Apocalyptic literature uses SYMBOLIC imagery
Apocalyptic literature uses numbers to convey CONCEPTS
Apocalyptic literature seems to IGNORE chronological order

The Dating Game

Theory #1
The Book of Revelation was written during Nero’s reign (54-68)
The TEMPLE seems to exist at the time of the writing (11:1-2)
The SIXTH Emperor of Rome was Nero (17:10)
The number 666 has been identified with Nero (13:18)
The PRETERIST interpretation assumes the early date

Theory #2
The Book of Revelation was written during Domitian’s reign (81-96)
The churches were ALREADY failing (Ephesus, Sardis, Laodicea)
There may be allusion to NERO in chapter 13
Many believe persecution under Nero was NARROW
Several Church Fathers indicate Domitian was emperor at the TIME of writing

The Sharing Game
Revelation draws from the OLD Testament imagery and concepts
Isaiah 79
Daniel 53
Ezekiel 48
Psalms 43
Exodus 27
Jeremiah 22
Zechariah 15
Amos 9
Joel 8
Total 304
It appears that 278 of the 444 verses in Revelation are taken from the O.T.

Revelation draws from 3 KEY historical events
1. The EXODUS
2. The EXILE
3. The life of JESUS

The Interpretation of Revelation
Preterist Most prophecies WERE fulfilled in 1st Century
Historicist Prophecies have been fulfilled THROUGHOUT history
Futurist Most prophecies are YET to be fulfilled
Spiritualist Prophecies are PRINCIPLES with multiple fulfillments