July 1, 2003, Vol.3, No.13.
Two new articles every two weeks.
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THIS ISSUE: "Introduction
to Revelation, part 2" (see below)
and "Introduction to Revelation,
part 1"
Introduction to Revelation,
part 2
by Keith Sharp
For part one of this article, go here.
 Historical Background
John wrote to Christians who were persecuted by unbelieving
Jews for their faith and were either enduring or would soon endure
tribulation from Roman authorities as an illegal religion because
they refused to worship Caesar. For an excellent discussion of
the Jewish background, see The Avenging of the Apostles and
Prophets by Arthur M. Ogden (pages 75-91). Homer Hailey has
an outstanding study of the Roman background (Revelation,
pages 59-90).
How to Study Revelation
Robert Harkrider, in Revelation "Victory in Christ"
(page 7), gives the following important "Rules for Study
and Interpretation."
1. Remember that Revelation was written by John primarily
for the encouragement and edification of the Christians of his
own time.
2. Remember that Revelation is written largely in symbolic
language, thus it cannot be taken literally. One can ill afford
to be dogmatic in interpreting the symbols which are not so easily
understood.
3. Remember that Revelation uses Old Testament terminology
with New Testament meanings. John has used much of the terminology
of Ezekiel and Daniel, but has adapted them to suit his own message.
An understanding of the O.T. prophets and their use of symbols
would be helpful, for over 400 allusions are to the O.T.
4. For the true meaning of Revelation, one must seek to
grasp the visions or series of visions as a whole without pressing
the details of the symbolism.
5. Understand difficult passages in the light of clearer
passages. Make all interpretations consistent with the teaching
of the whole Bible.
Symbolic Meanings of Numbers
Brother Harkrider also offers the following important observations
about the use of numbers in Revelation (page 5).
Understanding the symbolic meanings usually attached to
numbers in this style of literature is necessary; numbers do
not have real numerical value. We must discard our mathematical
ideas and seek to discover their symbolic significance. A large
part of the unscriptural dispensationalism of the day is based
upon a false view of the value of numbers employed in Revelation.
1
1. One - suggests unity, or that which is unique and alone.
2. Twice - twice one, this came to symbolize strength,
redoubled courage and energy.
3. Three - Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,, thus three, carried
thought of the divine.
4. Four - four boundaries of the earth: north, south, east,
west. This number suggested the world in which men lived, worked,
and died.
5. Seven - By combining numbers other symbols resulted.
The world number 4' is added to the divine number 3' expressing
perfection or completeness. This came to be the most sacred number
among the Hebrews.
6. Ten - five fingers on each hand and five toes on each
foot was a complete or full number, thus 10' came to mean completeness
or fulness.
7. One thousand - the complete number 10' is reduplicated
as though showing completeness upon completeness....
8. Six-as 7' was the sacred perfect number, 6' fell short
and represented failure. It met defeat with success just in its
grasp.
9. Three and a half years; 42 months; 1260 days (equivalents)
- Cut the number 7' in half and 3 results. The perfect number
divided thus expressed an indefinite period of time, but far
less than the perfect or full period.
Theme
The theme of Revelation is conflict, with Christ and His saints
arrayed against Satan and the world (17:14).
Message
The message of Revelation is victory. Christ and the church
will triumph over Satan and the world (12:10 - 11).
Purpose
John wrote Revelation to encourage the saints to steadfastness
in the face of all opposition and persecution (2:10; 14:12-13).
Use
We also must endure persecution for Christ (2 Timothy 3:12).
The encouragement to steadfastness by the assurance of victory
with Christ in our conflict with the world is as important and
real for use as it was for the Christians in first century Asia.
What discouraged Christian can fail to be thrilled and to be
encouraged by the beautiful promises to the faithful contained
within this marvelous book of wonders?
Do not fear any of those things which you are about to
suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into
prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation
ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown
of life.(2:10)
Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now salvation,
and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His
Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused
them before our God day and night, has been cast down.
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the
word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to
the death. (12:10-11)
Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep
the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, Write: "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.,(14:12-13)
These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome
them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who
are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful. (17:14)
He who testifies to these things says, Surely I am coming
quickly.,Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! (22:20)
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