Book of Revelation

Vespasian 69-79 AD

Titus 79-81 AD

Domitian 81-96 AD

to bring unity proclaimed himself god

It is part of civic duty to burn incense before the statue of Domitian

Penalty for disobedience was great!

John Patmos-Aramaic-speaking-Jewish Christian-had good command of Old Testament-poorest Greek language (& grammar) in entire New Testament

Revelation is meant to be an unveiling of the Lord’s visions to

the prophet about what is going to take place in the

future… the ultimate

victory of God!

What is the point?

• To encourage to remain faithful during times of persecution• To encourage to remain hopeful

– that Christ is going to vanquish the powers of the world that are persecuting Christians

Apocalyptic Writing200BC-200AD

vision

symbolism

pessimism

optimism

Basic Message inApocalyptic Writing

• God controls history• God will usher in a golden

New Age as a gift• In the meantime we should

patiently endure sufferings of Christian life

-original audience knew meanings-prophet could disguise messages about enemies without worry

• Wholeness

• Perfection

• Meaning

• Completeness

• 1 short of 7

• Imperfection

Ultimate imperfectionIncompletenessMeaninglessnessThe symbol of the beast

= evil emperor

Symbolic Math

NRWN QSR (Nero (N) Caesar)In Hebrew letter = numbers

50+200+6+50 +100+60+200

Nero = 666

12Tribes of Israel Apostles

Symbolic Math

12 x 12 x 1000 (incalculable eternity)

= 144,000

= new Israel that embraces every nation, race, people,

language

Suffering

War, violence, killing, blood of martyrs

Victory

Death & Decay

(Pallor)

Royalty

Harlot & Adulterer

Babylon / Rome

Anyone who worships the emperor

Beasts

Nero,Domition…

Dragon

= Satan= master

of the beasts