“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein for the time is at hand.”
The book of Revelation, incomprehensible to the average reader, continues to confound many of the hardiest Bible students. For most of us the elaborate symbolism of the book tends to discourage study, and we find ourselves concentrating on other portions of the Word. And yet detailed study of the Revelation has been a prominent feature within the Christadelphian movement from the beginning. Besides the work that he did in bringing to light the “first principles” of gospel truth, Bro. John Thomas contributed a major effort with his exposition of the Apocalypse. It would be a tragedy of our day if the Revelation became neglected, misunderstood or in effect discarded.
The Basis of Understanding
The comprehension of any book must be significantly enhanced by a knowledge of and feeling for the time and circumstance in which the work was written. It is generally accepted by scholars of the New Testament that the Apocalypse was written late in the apostolic era. The Spirit, revealing through the apostle John this last, urgent message, would be cognizant of the two great crises which faced the ecclesias at that time. They were first, from within, a rapid deterioration — a growing apostasy — and second, from outside the Body, intense persecution by the pagan authorities under which the ecclesias existed. The apostle John was himself suffering under this persecution as he revealed his visions —banished to the lonely isle of Patmos.
Both of these factors — apostasy and persecution — had profound effects upon the church as the apostolic age dimmed into the past. When each had run its course the character of the Christian body and the nature of its witness had been transformed. The persecuted became in fact the persecutor.
The Aims of Prophecy
It was the work of the Old Testament prophets generally to exhort and warn those to whom their prophecies were addressed. Those who came under the scope of their ministry had it in their power to respond and thus avert the judgments pronounced. This fact is key to a correct comprehension of the Apocalypse. The Revelation is addressed to Christian churches, not to the nation of Israel or even for that matter, to the ecclesia at Jerusalem. The warning is to Christians, and upon the Christian community, its leadership in particular, would fall the judgments revealed.
The Apocalypse thus mirrors the Old Testament prophecies. They were given directly to Israel; the Revelation was sent to Christians with similar intent. It would serve in post-apostolic times as a special beacon of warning and hope. It must be realized that when the visions of John were seen the nation of Israel had been “put on hold,” as it were — set aside until their latter day restoration. Their time of visitation had passed, and to them the Spirit would have no further admonition to deliver. But the lamp of God’s truth was now in the hands of the living, if threatened group of men and women who made up the Body of Christ. Keeping the faith had become their responsibility, and of that fact the apostle would have been keenly aware.
The Christian Diaspora
The apostle Paul had revealed that there would be a falling away—a departure from the true Faith — before the return of the Lord. This, as we are all aware, did in fact occur. Living as he did to the end of the first century, the apostle John would have seen many signs of the defection that was to characterize the next 200 years. His warnings to seven of the ecclesias in Asia reflect the urgency of that message.
It would be gratifying to be able to say that the churches gave heed to the warnings of the aged apostle who had faithfully served in their midst. As a matter of fact we know that within a remarkably short time after John’s death, the gospel message had all but faded away. The Apocalypse itself was for a time in danger of being excised from the New Testament canon. Its now strange symbolism, and no less its millennial teaching were no longer compatible with Christian thought. The apostate system that developed from the very bosom of the first century church was so monstrous, such a perversion of the original, that it would be remarkable indeed if the Spirit had not foretold its coming. But it was the purpose of the book of Revelation to very effectively elaborate that which was to be.
Daniel and John
The Revelation, as its name implies, is intended to enlighten the faithful, not to confuse them As a substantial part of the New Testament and the final message of the Lord to his people, the Bible’s last book cannot be considered unimportant. Why then, we may ask, is the book so difficult, so filled with obscure symbols? Since it is a divinely inspired work there must be good reasons for this; one has to do with the circumstances. The apostle would be making references to the iron fisted Roman system, statements which if put in plain terms could be considered treasonable. It was therefore necessary for him to write in a code that would have little meaning to those for whom the message was not intended.
Some of his symbolic allusions were thinly veiled and would be recognized by any of his contemporaries — for instance his reference to the city on seven hills. Others would only be understandable to Christians or Jews familiar with the prophets — Daniel in particular. The Revelation must in fact be seen as an extension of the prophecy of Daniel. There are obvious connections between the symbols of the two apocalyptic books —leading us to an intended conclusion. Any in-depth study of the Apocalypse must depend upon a clear understanding of that Old Testament prophecy.
The Mystery of Iniquity
There is much to be gained by the disciple from the study of the Revelation. It offers vital exhortation and provides assurances of the coming reign of Christ on earth. But its most striking feature identifies the greatest opponent to the Truth, the most menacing enemy of the ecclesia, with which there would be spiritual warfare until the return of the Lord. The foe is revealed in several ways, the most dramatic in the vision of a garish, immoral woman. She is the antithesis of the true church, the originator of base and false ideas. “This mystery of iniquity is seen in all the great religions of the world. All alike substitute another god for the God of the Bible—a god made either with hands or with the imagination, but equally made — a religion consisting of human merit and endeavor” (Apocalypse, Bilton).
Lessons for Today
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit said unto the churches.” The warning examples of our first century brethren are obvious, and the message of the Revelation is as much for us as for them. “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” The blessings of the book are inscribed for those who hold fast and repent, who overcome. Our times do not make us immune to the same dangers which faced the Apocalyptic ecclesias, nor does the great enemy of the Truth require to be re-identified. The “mystery of iniquity” still works its pernicious ways and must at all times be contended against, its teachings resisted. A thorough study of the last of God’s revelations will help each of us to better understand and appreciate the precious Way that is our heritage in Jesus.
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