Revelation - Westminster Bookstore · 8/ Revelation 14:1—15:4 ChrisT sTanding On MOunT ZiOn-----39 9/ Revelation 15:5—19:10 ... on part four of John Stott’s book The Incomparable

J O H N S T O T T B I B L E S T U D I E S12 Studies with Commentary for Individuals or Groups

John S T O T Twith Dale and Sandy Larsen

RevelationThe Triumph of Christ

JSBS Revelation.indd 1 2/11/11 11:07:15 AM

Copyrighted Material - www.ivpress.com/permissions

InterVarsity Press, USA

P.O. Box 1400, Downers Grove, IL 60515-1426, USA

World Wide Web: www.ivpress.com

Email: [email protected]

Inter-Varsity Press, England

Norton Street, Nottingham NG7 3HR, England

Website: www.ivpbooks.com

Email: [email protected]

©2008 by John R. W. Stott

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or

transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,

without the prior permission of InterVarsity Press.

InterVarsity Press®, USA, is the book-publishing division of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA®, a

movement of students and faculty active on campus at hundreds of universities, colleges and schools

of nursing in the United States of America, and a member movement of the International Fellowship of

Evangelical Students. For information about local and regional activities, write Public Relations Dept.,

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA, 6400 Schroeder Rd., P.O. Box 7895, Madison, WI 53707-7895, or

visit the IVCF website at <www.intervarsity.org>.

Inter-Varsity Press, England, is closely linked with the Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship, a

student movement connecting Christian Unions in universities and colleges throughout Great Britain, and

a member movement of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students. Website: www.uccf.org.uk.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International

Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of

Zondervan Publishing House. Distributed in the U.K. by permission of Hodder and Stoughton Ltd. All

rights reserved. “NIV” is a registered trademark of International Bible Society. UK trademark number

1448790.

This study guide is based on and includes excerpts adapted from The Incomparable Christ ©2001 by

John R. W. Stott.

Design: Cindy Kiple

Image: throne: Michael Drager/iStockphoto

crown: Dan Van Oss/iStockphoto

USA ISBN 978-0-8308-2023-8

UK ISBN 978-1-84474-324-7

Printed in the United States of America ∞

InterVarsity Press is committed to protecting the environment and to the responsible use of natural resources. As a member of Green Press Initiative we use recycled paper whenever possible. To learn more about the Green Press Initiative, visit <www.greenpressinitiative.org>.

P 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3

Y 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11

JSBS Revelation.indd 2 2/11/11 11:07:15 AM


Introducing Revelation ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5

1/ Revelation 1The FirsT and The LasT and The Living One --------- 10

2/ Revelation 2—3The seven Marks OF an ideaL ChurCh --------------------- 14

3/ Revelation 4—5sharing gOd’s ThrOne ------------------------------------------------------------ 18

4/ Revelation 6—7The COurse OF hisTOry -------------------------------------------------------------- 22

5/ Revelation 8—9CaLLing The WOrLd TO repenTanCe------------------------------ 26

6/ Revelation 10—11reveaLing ChrisT’s gOspeL TO The WOrLd ------------ 30

7/ Revelation 12—13ChrisT OverCOMing The deviL and his aLLies --- 34

8/ Revelation 14:1—15:4ChrisT sTanding On MOunT ZiOn --------------------------------- 39

9/ Revelation 15:5—19:10Like a ThieF in The nighT ----------------------------------------------------------- 43

JSBS Revelation.indd 3 4/25/08 3:27:56 PM


10/ Revelation 19:11—20:15 ChrisT riding in TriuMph -------------------------------------------------- 48

11/ Revelation 21:1—22:5 The BridegrOOM CLaiMs his Bride ----------------------------- 53

12/ Revelation 22:6-21 ChrisT prOMising TO reTurn ------------------------------------------- 58

Guidelines for Leaders ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 62



Introducing Revelation

Readers’ reactions to the book of Revelation are remarkably varied. Some Christians are obsessed with it. They suppose that, together with the apocalyptic chapters of the book of Daniel in the Old Testament, it contains a secret history of the world—especially of contemporary events and people—and that they have the key to decipher it.

Other Christians, far from becoming obsessed with Revelation, go to the opposite extreme of neglect. They know that the book contains much bizarre imagery. Readers are understandably mystified and even intimidated by these unfamiliar phenomena. So they shy away from the book, or if they begin, they quickly give up in despair.

A third and positive reaction is exemplified by Richard Bauckham, who is a scholar on the book of Revelation. He begins his study, titled The Climax of Prophecy, with these words: “The Apocalypse of John is a work of immense learning, astonishingly meticulous literary art-istry, remarkable creative imagination, radical political critique, and profound theology.”* This expert’s evaluation should encourage us to persevere—as should the special blessing that is promised in Revelation 1:3 to both the lector who reads the book in the public assembly and to those who hear the reading and take to heart what they hear (see Revelation 22:18-19).

How Do We Read Revelation?As we begin studying this exciting and challenging book, let’s consider four principles of interpretation.

First, Revelation is full of symbolism. There are probably two expla-nations. To begin with, John is handling transcendent truths that cannot



6 Revelation

be expressed in straightforward prose, and it would be not only impos-sible but imprudent of him to do so. John is writing about the refusal of Christians to worship the emperor and about the overthrow of the Roman Empire, which would have been regarded by the authorities as seditious. Further, the symbols in Revelation are to be understood, not visualized. If we were to attempt to visualize them, the result would often be grotesque.

Second, Revelation addresses the past, the present and the future. Indeed these are the three classic theories of interpretation. The “preter-ist” view regards almost all the book as alluding to the past. The “his-toricist” view reads the book as telling the story of the church stage by stage during the whole period between the first and second comings of Christ, including our own generation. The third or “futurist” view ex-pects most of the book to be fulfilled immediately before the parousia.

It is unnecessary to be forced to choose between these three, for God’s Word is intended to speak to the church in every age. It seems better, therefore, to adopt a “parallelist” view, which sees every sec-tion of the book as recapitulating the whole “interadventual” period between the two comings of Christ, each concluding with a scene of judgment and salvation.

Third, Revelation celebrates the victory of God. It depicts conflict between God and Satan, the lamb and the dragon, the church and the world, the bride and the harlot, the holy city Jerusalem and the great city Babylon, those marked on their foreheads with the name of Christ and those marked with the name of the beast. The book’s perspective is that Christ has conquered already and that his people are meant to share in his victory.

Fourth, Revelation focuses on Jesus Christ. The first three words of the book’s Greek text are apokalupsis Iesou Christou, that is, an apoca-lypse or revelation of Jesus Christ. The book is above all else an unveil-ing of the greatness and glory of Christ. For this is what a beleaguered and persecuted church needed more than anything else—not a series of prophecies about the past or the future, nor even a coded panorama of church history, but a disclosure of the incomparable Christ, once cru-



Introducing Revelation 7

cified, now resurrected and reigning, and one day returning in power and great glory.

Suggestions for Individual Study1. As you begin each study, pray that God will speak to you through

his Word.2. Read the introduction to the study and respond to the questions

that follow it. This is designed to help you get into the theme of the study.

3. The studies are written in an inductive format designed to help you discover for yourself what Scripture is saying. Each study deals with a particular passage so that you can really delve into the author’s mean-ing in that context. Read and reread the passage to be studied. The questions are written using the language of the New International Ver-sion, so you may wish to use that version of the Bible. The New Revised Standard Version is also recommended.

4. Each study includes three types of questions. Observation ques-tions ask about the basic facts: who, what, when, where and how. In-terpretation questions delve into the meaning of the passage. Applica-tion questions (also found in the “Apply” section) help you discover the implications of the text for growing in Christ. These three keys unlock the treasures of Scripture.

Write your answers to the study questions in the spaces provided or in a personal journal. Writing can bring clarity and deeper understand-ing of yourself and of God’s Word.

5. In the studies you will find some commentary notes designed to give help with complex verses by giving further biblical and cultural background and contextual information. The notes in the studies are not designed to answer the questions for you. They are to help you along as you learn to study the Bible for yourself. This guide is based on part four of John Stott’s book The Incomparable Christ. You will find further background and commentary on the book of Revelation there.

6. Move to the “Apply” section. These questions will help you con-nect the key biblical themes to your own life. Putting the application



8 Revelation

into practice is one of the keys to growing in Christ.7. Use the guidelines in the “Pray” section to focus on God, thanking

him for what you have learned and praying about the applications that have come to mind.

Suggestions for Members of a Group Study1. Come to the study prepared. Follow the suggestions for individ-

ual study mentioned above. You will find that careful preparation will greatly enrich your time spent in group discussion.

2. Be willing to participate in the discussion. The leader of your group will not be lecturing. Instead, she or he will be encouraging the mem-bers of the group to discuss what they have learned. The leader will be asking the questions that are found in this guide.

3. Stick to the topic being discussed. Your answers should be based on the verses which are the focus of the discussion and not on outside authorities such as commentaries or speakers. These studies focus on a particular passage of Scripture. Only rarely should you refer to other portions of the Bible. This allows for everyone to participate on equal ground and for in-depth study.

4. Be sensitive to the other members of the group. Listen attentively when they describe what they have learned. You may be surprised by their insights! Each question assumes a variety of answers. Many ques-tions do not have “right” answers, particularly questions that aim at meaning or application. Instead the questions push us to explore the passage more thoroughly.

When possible, link what you say to the comments of others. Also, be affirming whenever you can. This will encourage some of the more hesitant members of the group to participate.

5. Be careful not to dominate the discussion. We are sometimes so eager to express our thoughts that we leave too little opportunity for others to respond. By all means participate! But allow others to also.

6. Expect God to teach you through the passage being discussed and through the other members of the group. Pray that you will have an enjoyable and profitable time together, but also that as a result of



Introducing Revelation 9

the study you will find ways that you can take action individually and/or as a group.

7. It will be helpful for groups to follow a few basic guidelines. These guidelines, which you may wish to adapt to your situation, should be read at the beginning of the first session.

Anything said in the group is considered confidential and will not �be discussed outside the group unless specific permission is given to do so.

We will provide time for each person present to talk if he or she feels �comfortable doing so.

We will talk about ourselves and our own situations, avoiding con- �versation about other people.

We will listen attentively to each other. �We will be very cautious about giving advice. �8. If you are the group leader, you will find additional suggestions at

the back of the guide.

*Richard Bauckham, The Climax of Prophecy: Studies on the Book of Revelation (Edin-burgh: T & T Clark, 1993), p. ix.



1The FirsT and The LasT

and The Living OneRevelation 1

It was a Sunday. John was in exile on the island of Patmos. And he was “in the Spirit,” as the revealing and inspiring Spirit took hold of him. Then, before he saw the vision, he heard a voice. Loud and peremptory, like the blast of a trumpet, and evidently the voice of Christ himself, it commanded John to write down on a scroll what he was about to see and send it to the seven churches of the Roman province of Asia.

Open –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––What is the most awe-inspiring sight you have ever seen?��

Study –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Read Revelation 1:1-8.�� What is remarkable about these opening eight

verses is that, in them John unself-consciously and unsystematically al-ludes to every event in the saving career of Jesus, and so to the essence of the apostolic gospel.

1. Think of this opening passage as a sort of cover letter for John’s message to his readers. What is the prevailing mood established by the opening?



The First and the Last and the Living One 11

2. Where is the central focus of these verses?

3. What promises are stated or implied (vv. 1, 3, 7)?

Even in the opening salutation, which in most letters is merely a con-ventional formula, John manages to include a greeting from the Trin-ity. After this greeting comes a personal doxology to Christ, celebrating what he has done for us. Then this doxology is immediately followed by an acclamation, declaring that Christ is coming back. The introduction ends with a divine statement in which God repeats that he is the One “who is, and who was, and who is to come”—one who is both “the Alpha and the Omega” and “the Almighty.”

4. Read Revelation 1:9-20. How does John explain his presence on the island of Patmos (v. 9)?

5. John’s senses are suddenly overwhelmed by what he sees and hears. What aspects of the figure seem human?

What aspects of the figure seem beyond human?

6. What clues do you find to the identity of the figure?



12 Revelation

7. What influences have formed your mental pictures of Christ?

John found his attention first caught by seven golden lampstands (v. 12). They are only the framework, however. Much more important is the person standing among them, in their midst. He is called someone “like a son of man,” that is, resembling a human figure (an expression bor-rowed from Daniel 7 and 10, which supplies much of the description in verses 13-16).

8. Focus on verses 17-20. How does John react to the Person he sees?

9. How does the Person reassure him?

Summary: It was not only the vision that caused John to fear but the whole situation in which he found himself. He was in exile. What did the future hold for him and for the Christian communities in Asia for which he was responsible? To a church enduring persecution and fac-ing the possibility of martyrdom, Christ’s message is more than the com-mand “Do not be afraid.” It is also the basis of Christian fearlessness. First, Christ shares the eternity of God. The title he claims, “I am the First and the Last” (Revelation 1:17), is virtually identical with God’s claim “I am the Alpha and the Omega” (Revelation 1:8). Second, he calls himself “the Living One,” not in the sense that he survived death but that his dead body was resurrected and simultaneously transformed. So because Christ is both the Eternal One and the Resurrected One, death has lost its terror, and we have every reason to rejoice and not be afraid.



The First and the Last and the Living One 13

10. How does Christ express his victory over death (vv. 17-18)?

11. How does Christ explain the significance of the seven lampstands (v. 20)?

Summary: The first “revelation of Jesus Christ” is of the risen and eternal Christ. His resurrection is foundational. He is presented throughout, in spite of the onslaughts of the devil, as victorious, having won a decisive victory over evil by his death and resurrection.

Apply ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––How does John’s vision challenge your ideas of the risen Christ?��

How can John’s vision affect your worship?

What difference has it made for you to know that Christ is living and reigning now?

Pray ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––What aspects of your life would change if you had full assurance that ��

Christ is “the First and the Last” and “the Living One”? Pray about those areas of your life. Ask the Lord to bring to mind other people who need that same assurance, and pray for them.



Documents

Revelation - Westminster Bookstore · 8/ Revelation 14:1—15:4 ChrisT sTanding On MOunT ZiOn-----39 9/ Revelation 15:5—19:10 ... on part four of John Stott’s book The Incomparable