THE GOSPEL OF
CHRIST
SPREADING THE SOUL-SAVING MESSAGE OF JESUs
(Keys 1-4 to Understanding the Book)
Introduction by narrator accompanied by a cappella singing:
THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST. Spreading the soul-saving message of Jesus. And now, Timothy Sparks and Ben Bailey.
Ben Bailey:
“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”
(Rev.1:1). I’m Ben Bailey.
Timothy Sparks:
And I’m Timothy Sparks. Welcome to our study of the Book of Revelation.
These lessons are being brought to you by individual members and
congregations of the churches of Christ. The
In the Book of Revelation, we learn about an intriguing word and the concept behind it. That word is the Greek term apokalupsis, from which we get our English word “apocalypse.” The word means an “unveiling” or “revealing” (thus the name of the book—Revelation). There are eight keys that can be used to “unlock” the Book of Revelation. We would like to discuss each one in turn.
Ben Bailey:
The first key—and this is critical in understanding the Book of Revelation—is that this is a symbolic book. When a person studies Matthew through Jude, he can read those books and take them literally—just as they were intended to be read and understood. But notice carefully what John says: “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” (Rev.1:1). Notice the word “signified,” which indicates that the book was given in signs and/or symbols that Christians would naturally understand. As those Christians read the book and envisioned the symbols—many of which were taken directly from the Old Testament—they would understand what each symbol represented. So many people today have “given up on” the Book of Revelation because they do not understand the signs and symbols. As you read this book, remember that it is a “divine play” of sorts that is unfolding on the stage of history. In the book, God is using signs and symbols to provide a basic overview of things that are about to happen. As we view the signs and symbols in their appropriate contexts, we must remember not to take them literally.
Timothy Sparks:
When we approach the Book of Revelation (notice that the word is singular—Revelation—not plural, as in Revelations), we must keep in mind its symbolic nature. As you read through the first twenty-six books of the New Testament (Matthew-Jude), you generally take what is said in those books as literal (unless, of course, the specific context dictates otherwise). With the Book of Revelation, the process is reversed. We must take what is said in this book as symbolic or figurative, unless the specific context dictates that something is to be taken literally. We are going to come across all types of symbols within this book. For example, in chapter 12 we see a dragon, and in chapter 13, we come across two beasts—figures of speech that do not represent real animals. We also are going to see the use of symbolic numbers within the book. For example, in Revelation we find the number “666.”
Ben Bailey:
We also find the number “144,000” used in this book. In order to understand the signs and symbols employed in the Book of Revelation, it is necessary to understand the significance of these numbers. The number “7” is used in the book to represent perfection. [Some have suggested that the number might be derived from the three members of the Godhead (God, Christ, the Holy Spirit) combined with the four winds (east, west, north, and south)—thereby representing totality and completion.] If 7 represents perfection, then when we come to other numbers (such as 666), we know they are representative of something that has missed the mark. If you were to come across the number 3.5, since that is half of “perfect” (7), then you would know that the 3.5 represents something imperfect. Sometimes, numbers are used to represent simply “an indefinite time” (like the number 1,000—which we frequently hear mentioned in regard to an alleged premillennial “1,000-year reign of Christ”). Some have suggested that the number 144,000 represents the literal number of people who will inhabit Heaven. This is a misuse of the text. To understand the Book of Revelation properly, we must understand that these symbols and signs are images that are intended to impress upon our minds important spiritual truths. They are not numbers meant to be taken literally.
Timothy Sparks:
The question often arises, “What does the 666 of Revelation 13:18 mean?” First and foremost, we must understand that the numbers are symbolic, not literal. Sometimes, of course, things in the book are repeated merely for emphasis, such as the statement about God in Revelation 4:8, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty.” The word “holy” is repeated three times—not because of any figurative or symbolic use of the number “3,” but for the sake of emphasis on the fact that God is indeed holy. In Revelation 8:13, the statement is made, “Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth.” In this passage, the triple use of “woe” is intended to convey the idea of complete condemnation. In this particular context, the phrase “the inhabitants of the earth” is used to portray symbolically “those who are wicked.” When we come to the “666” of Revelation 13:18, we find that “it is the number of a man: his number is 666.” Whoever this man is, he is identified by the “6” (i.e., less than the perfect “7”). As “666,” he is a failure, failure, failure. Understanding the symbolic nature of the Book of Revelation provides an important key to understanding the book as a whole.
The second key to understanding the Book of Revelation also can be found in the very first verse of the book. John spoke of “things which must shortly take place.” Thus, the events described in this book were going to be of particular interest to those living in the first century, who would be viewing these matters from the perspective of people who were actually involved in the events the book describes.
Ben Bailey:
One of the “fatal errors” that people make when they study the Book of Revelation is reading the book and trying to apply its contents to a modern-day time frame. John specifically stated in Revelation 1:1 that the things with which the book deals “must shortly take place.” In Revelation 1:3, John referred to the events as being “near.” These two words—“shortly” and “near”—are used by John in the same manner in which we today would use them. They describe things that are eminent. John was not speaking about things that would happen in 2,000 or 5,000 years from his day. Rather, John was writing to Christians who were suffering under persecution. He wanted them to know that God would right the wrongs in their day and age. Thus, the Book of Revelation is not talking about things happening today. It is not uncommon today to hear various religious speakers suggest that “this beast” means such and such, and “that beast” means so and so, and that these things apply to us today, or will apply to the people in 2010, 2020, etc. This overlooks the fact that the “beasts” were symbolic—and represented something that the Christians of the first century would understand. The beasts also represented something that was “near,” and that would “shortly take place.”
Timothy Sparks:
In Revelation 1:11, we learn of the seven congregations in Asia Minor to whom the Book of Revelation was originally written—Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.” The Book of Revelation was written to these seven congregations. But it also was written for us. It was written to strengthen the Christians of the first century who were undergoing severe persecution. But it also serves to encourage Christians of any day and age. When we realize the importance of the message, we might refer to it as “the relevance of revelation.” We do ourselves a great disservice when we fail to study this particular book of the New Testament. We also do others a disservice when we are unable to assist them in their personal study of this book. One of the things we must stress is the first-century context of the book, which was written to these seven congregations. The second key to understanding the book, therefore, is understanding that the book describes things that were to “shortly take place.”
The third key to understanding the Book of Revelation lies in the fact that the book was written to be understood.
Ben Bailey:
It is sad to hear people say, “I cannot understand this book. It’s a mystery that God did not intend for us to understand.” Nothing could be farther from the truth. Re-read verse 3 of the first chapter: “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.” God does not say, “I’ve given you a great mystery. You go ahead and struggle with it, and one day you might figure it out.” He said, “Blessed is he who reads, and those who hear, the words of this prophecy.” The people of the first century who read the book knew that. They were the ones who were enduring all sorts of trials and persecution, and who needed (and received) help. Today, we, too, can take comfort in the fact that when we endure trials, tribulations, and even persecutions, we have a God just like the Christians of the first century had—a God Who loves us and cares for us. How comforting it is to us to know that God knows our difficulties, and that He cares deeply for each one of us. We must not come to this book as if it were some incomprehensible puzzle. We can understand the book, but we must have the keys to unlock its message.
Timothy Sparks:
While it is true that there may be portions of the Book of Revelation that are more difficult for us to understand than others, the fact is that we can understand the message of the book. Scripture as a whole does indeed contain some “difficult-to-understand” passages. Peter wrote, “Our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand” (2 Pet. 3:15-16). Peter did not say that “much,” or “the vast majority” of what Paul had written was “hard to understand.” Rather, he said that Paul had written “some things” that were hard to understand. We may come across some things in the Book of Revelation that are “hard to understand.” But not everything falls into that category! Look again at what John said in 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.” Why would God pronounce a blessing on those who “read” and “keep” what the Book of Revelation has to say—if what it has to say cannot be understood?! How could God pronounce a blessing on people for reading and keeping something that they cannot comprehend? We need to understand, too, that the phrase “those who hear” is important. In the first century, many people were not as literate as people today are in our society. Therefore, in many congregations, there was a “designated reader”—someone who could read what others could not. Imagine the Book of Revelation being read to the people who composed a congregation. There were no chapter or verse divisions at that time, which meant that the people could hear the entire book from the first verse to the very last. We know from such passages as Romans 10:17 that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” In the first century, “hearing” was the way that most people obtained their knowledge of God’s Word. God therefore pronounced a blessing on those who read, and those who heard, the message of the Book of Revelation and “kept the things which are written in it.” Yes, we can understand the message of the book.
Ben Bailey:
If we fail to read the Book of Revelation, aren’t we missing out on whatever blessings God has in store within the book for those read it and “keep it”? Who would ever want to miss out on any of the blessings that come from a reading of the Word of God? We are told repeatedly throughout the Bible that if we will read what God has written, we will receive great benefits. Jesus Himself said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (Jn. 8:32). As we study God’s Word, we can better know His will for our lives, and we can better know how to follow Him. The psalmist said, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You!” (Ps. 119:11). If we have God’s Word in our hearts, then when difficult times come (like those facing the saints in the first century), we will know how to deal with those. We, too, can know that God is in control, and that He will right all wrongs and defeat our foes.
So far, we have seen three keys to understand the Book of Revelation. First, it is a book that is written in symbols and signs. Second, the things described in the book were to come to pass within the time frame of the first century. And third, the book can be understood.
Timothy Sparks:
The fourth key to understanding the Book of Revelation also is found in verse 3 of chapter 1. Notice the word “blessing.” There is a blessing pronounced upon the hearer or reader of the things written in the book. Thus, the essence of the fourth key is that the book was written to comfort persecuted Christians. Throughout the book, there are a number of blessings pronounced. Probably one of the best-known of these blessings is found in Revelation 14:13, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. ‘Yes, says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them’” Here, we see a blessing pronounced upon those who die in Christ. On practically every page of the Book of Revelation, persecution of Christians is present. Does it make any sense that God would have John write a book to them about that persecution, yet not offer them any type of encouragement in the midst of that persecution? Hardly. One of the main purposes of the writing of the book was to offer strength to those who were enduring trials and tribulations, in order to help them remain faithful during those perilous times. In Revelation 14:13, the comfort is offered that even if they die, they do not die as those who have no hope. Rather, they “rest from their labors, and their works follow them.” There is a wonderful message here for us today, too. If we have to endure trials, tribulations, or even persecution, we, too, can take comfort from the fact that God will not abandon us any more than He abandoned the Christians of the first century.
Ben Bailey:
I think that sometimes it is difficult for us to comprehend the persecution that some of these Christians had to endure. Imagine being a Christian in the first century. You are living under the Roman government—which was evil and idolatrous. This was a government that condoned no worship except that of Caesar. The command went forth that only worship to Caesar would be acceptable. As a Christian, that was not an option. Suppose a knock came on your door one night. It was Roman soldiers, who had heard that you refused to bow down to Caesar because you are a Christian. You know what has happened to other Christians who found themselves in a similar situation. They forcibly remove you from your home, and take you to the Roman coliseum, where a large crowd awaits the shedding of your blood as you are thrown to the lions or dragged behind horses. Then, your dead body was set aflame to light the gardens surrounding the emperor’s palace. That is real suffering! Today, we may not face the exact type of persecution that Christians in the first century faced. But we still can face trials and tribulations that challenge our faith. Perhaps people at work make fun of you for being a Christian. Or perhaps you have health problems that make your life difficult. God knows these things. He cares. He loves you. He will help you overcome these things—if you will remain faithful to Him. Even if you lose your life, you still will receive your reward—a home in Heaven. What an encouragement that is to each one of us. God is in control. If I stay on His side, and remain faithful to Him and His Word, there is no way I can go wrong. In the end, I will be able to spend eternity with my heavenly Father.
Timothy Sparks:
The message is: Even if evil, wicked people kill you, you still win the victory! One of the vibrant messages of this book is that God’s tomorrow is always brighter that today. When the biggest dreamer among us dreams of Heaven, he still is dreaming too small. Paul put it like this: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18). The sufferings, trials, and tribulations that we endure in this life cannot compare to the incredible things that God has reserved for us in Heaven. The Book of Revelation is a book that encourages us to live the Christian life. It encourages us to renew our commitment to God, to remain faithful to our Lord, and to help as many other people as we can to do the same so that they, too, might be saved in the end. The first four keys to understanding the Book of Revelation tell us that it is written in symbols, that it is about things that applied to the first century, that it is understandable, and that it is intended to serve as encouragement to remain faithful to God.
Ben Bailey:
Take these first four keys (the remaining four will be presented in the next lesson), and begin to read the Book of Revelation. The book will take on a whole new view, as it encourages you to remain faithful to God. These keys provide background information for us, so that we can look at the text in the manner in which it was intended to be read and understood. Every single day, we face challenges in our lives. Where would we be without the Bible? The greatest battle that any of us has is our daily confrontation with Satan and sin. The people in the first century, as described in the Book of Revelation, were confronted daily with evil and ungodliness. We, too, are confronted with those same things. The message from God’s Word for us today is that if we are on the Lord’s side, we are a winner, no matter what happens to us! When we die, if we have been washed in the saving blood of Christ (Rev. 1:5), we can go home to glory.
If you are not a Christian today, you can become one if you are willing to believe in Jesus, repent of your sins, confess Him as the Son of God, and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins. We urge you to do those things today.
Today’s lesson is brought to you by loving, caring members of the church of Christ—people who are concerned about your soul, and who would like for you to stop by and visit them. We’d also like to make a copy of today’s lesson available to you. You can visit us on our website at www.thegospelofchrist.com, fill out the request form, and we will be happy to send you a CD or DVD of this lesson, or of any others. As always, we hope that you will conform your will to the Gospel of Christ.
Narrator accompanied by a cappella singing:
THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST is brought to you by loving, caring members of the church of Christ. The McLish Avenue church of Christ in Ardmore, Oklahoma, oversees this evangelistic effort. For a free CD or DVD of today’s broadcast, please write to:
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1. What is the first key to understanding the Book of Revelation?
2. What is the second key to understanding the Book of Revelation?
3. What is the third key to understanding the Book of Revelation?
4. What is the fourth key to understanding the Book of Revelation?
5. What does the Greek work apokalupsis mean? How does it apply to the Book of Revelation?
6. When were the events of the Book of Revelation going to take place?
7. What does the number “666” of Revelation 13:18 represent?
8. What is the triple “Woe, woe, woe…” of Revelation 8:13 intended to convey?
9. List the seven congregations to whom John wrote on behalf of Christ (Rev. 1:11).
10. If God pronounced a blessing on the people who heard or read the Book of Revelation (Rev. 1:3), what is the implication of such a blessing?
11. According to Peter’s comment (2 Pet. 3:15-16) about certain of the apostle Paul’s writings, what was a characteristic of those writings?
12. If Christians today fail to read and comprehend the Book of Revelation, they will undoubtedly be missing out on something. What is that “something”?
13. What is the comfort for the Christian (of the first century, or the twenty-first century) that is contained in Revelation 14:13?
14. What was the only type of worship condoned by the Roman government of the first century?
15. What is the relationship among Romans 8:18, Revelation 2:10, and Revelation 14:13?
16. What is the importance of the word “signified” in Revelation 1:1?
17. The books of Matthew through Jude should be taken literally, unless something dictates otherwise. What is that “something”?
18. Why did John use a “triple holy” (“Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty”) in Revelation 4:8?
19. Are the two beasts of Revelation 13 literal or symbolic?
THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST,