Of all the books of the Bible, none has been the centre of such controversy as the Book of Revelation. As the historian Gibbon observes, “A mysterious prophecy which still forms part of the sacred canon, but which was thought to favour the exploded sentiment, has very narrowly escaped the proscription of the church”.
The “exploded sentiment” is a reference to the belief in Christ’s future reign of a thousand years, or as we term it, the millenium.
Such a belief is certainly favoured by this book; in fact it is specifically enjoined upon us to believe in Christ’s return in order that He shall reign over all mankind.
The Name of the Book
The Greek word “Apokalupsis” means to reveal, particularly to reveal or disclose to the mind a truth or truths not previously known. (Note the Latin “Revelation” has the same meaning: Westminster Dictionary of the Bible.) As Dr. Thomas points out in the opening words of “Eureka”, “Apokalupsis Jesou Christou” means The Revelation of Jesus Christ.
The book before us is a message which God the Father gave to His Son, the Christ, who in turn conveyed the matter to the beloved Apostle John per medium of an angel. Furthermore the message was “signified” or conveyed by signs or symbols; hence the visions recorded by John were symbolic or had a hidden meaning. The things revealed were shortly to begin to come to pass.
While we read the words (chap. 1. 1), “which must shortly come to pass”, it is obvious that many of the things mentioned lay in the far distant future. We therefore understand that the things mentioned were to begin to happen in John’s day.
The time of writing
It is generally conceded that John wrote the book about A.D. 96. The fall of Jerusalem is not mentioned (A.D. 70), but imminent persecution is (chap. 2. 10).
For whom the Book was written
Chapter 1. 1 reads, “to skew unto His (Christ’s) servants”. The message was not intended for the world generally. Indeed only the true servants of Christ could understand the book. Much of what was written in the Prophets is contained in this book. Those unacquainted with the true gospel cannot possibly understand Christ’s message.
A Blessing Promised
Christendom generally speaking does not place any value upon this last book of the Bible. The reason of course is not far to seek. Christ’s simple gospel is distorted and misunderstood. Let a person believe in Christ’s physical return to the earth and His intention to rule over all mankind and the Apocalypse becomes a message of compelling interest.
“Blessed is he that readeth.” The servant of Christ who does not avail himself of the opportunity to read his Master’s last message can never know the great privilege he denies himself.
“And they that hear the words of this prophecy.” Herein is indicated the willingness of the reader to give heed to the information and instruction offered.
“And keep those things which are written.” These words do not simply mean to retain in our memory what we read, although of course that is necessary. Rather we are exhorted to do the things mentioned by Christ, and not to turn back from the practises and faith He enjoins upon us.
With such strong thoughts for exhortation the foundation is laid for the wonderful messages which follow.
In this article we have considered what may be termed the introduction to the book. Our next article will deal with the opening vision of the first chapter.
Daniel The Prophet – (Part 3)