Bishop Caractor’s Synopsis of the book of Revelation.
This week, we are studying the book of Revelation. The book that most Pastors, ministers, missionaries, and lay
persons are afraid of. Yes, it is filled with signs, symbols, and wonders, and is centered on the return of Jesus
Christ to set up His dominion.
Just as Genesis is the book of beginnings, Revelation is the book of consummation. In it, the divine program of
redemption is brought to fruition, and the holy name of God is vindicated before all creation. Although there are
numerous prophecies in the Gospels and Epistles, Revelation is the only New Testament book that focuses
primarily on prophetic events. It's title means "unveiling" or "disclosure". Thus, the book is and unveiling of the
character and program of God. Penned by John during his exile on the island of Patmos, Revelation centers
around visions and symbols of the resurrected Christ, who alone has authority to judge the earth, to remake it, and
to rule it in righteousness.
The title of this book in the Greek text is Apokalypsis Ioannou, "Revelation of John." It is also known as the
Apocalypse, a transliteration of the word apokalypsis, meaning "unveiling," "disclosure," or "revelation." Thus the
book is an unveiling of that which otherwise could not be known. A better title comes the first verse: Apokalypsis
Iesou Christou, "Revelation of Jesus Christ,"which came from Christ, or a revelation which is about Christ-both are
appropriate. Because of the unified contents of this book, it should not be called Revelations.
Revelation chapter 1
In chapter 1:2 says " Who bear record of the word of God and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that
he saw. John writes to the seven churches, which are in Asia, and he hails them by saying "Grace be unto you and
peace from Him, which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from the seven Spirits which are before his
throne; by saying this, Jesus is saying "I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending, which is and which
was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
As you know, the Apostle John, who because of his beliefs, was exiled from society, that he may receive the
revelation of God' s son. It is a strange event to be persecuted for the love of God and the knowledge of His word,
and to be hated by man because of God's divine message to your soul.
In chapter 2, Jesus addresses the angels of the churches in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Philadelphia,
and in the 3rd chapter, he addresses the angels of the churches in Sardis, and Laodicea.
Jesus begins his revelation back on earth through his churches by saying "I know thy works, and in all the
churches, he makes this statement whether the church is dead, evil, saying that they are Jews and are not, that
Satan is in them, filled with charity, has little strength, and luke warm.
Yes, Christ knows us, and the work that we present to Him must be pure in spirit and in truth. We may fool our
neighbors, friends, co-workers, politicians, and others, but God knows our heart, which is the church.
Revelation has much to say about all three persons of the Godhead, but it is especially clear in its presentation of
the awesome resurrected Christ who has received all authority to judge the earth. He is called Jesus Christ (1:1),
the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead the prince of the kings of the earth (1:5), the first and the last (1:
17), he that liveth (1:18), the Son of God (2:18), holy and true (3:7), the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the
beginning of the creation of God (3:14), the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David (5:5), a Lamb (5:6),
Faithful and True (19:11), The Word of God (19:13), KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS (19:16), Alpa and
Omega (22:13), the bright and morning star (22:16), and the Lord Jesus Christ (22:21).
This book is indeed "The Revelation of Jesus Christ" (1:1) since it comes from Him and centers on Him. It begins
with a vision of His glory, wisdom, and power (1), and portrays His authority over the entire church (2,3). He is the
Lamb who was slain and declared worthy to open the book of judgment (5). His righteous wrath is poured out upon
the whole earth (6-18), and He returns in power to judge His enemies and to reign as the Lord over all (19:20). He
will rule forever over the heavenly city in the presence of all who know Him (21;22). The Scriptures close with His
great promise: "Behold, I come quickly" (22:7, 12). "surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus"(22:
20).
Advocates of all four interpretive approaches to Revelation agree that it was written to assure the recipients of the
ultimate triumph of Christ over all who rise up against Him and His saints. The readers were facing dark times of
persecution, and even worse times would follow. Therefore they needed to be encouraged to persevere by
standing firm in Christ in view of God's plan for the righteous and the wicked. This plane is especially clear in the
stirring words of the epilogue (22:6-21). The book was also written to challenge complacent Christians to stop
compromising with the world. According to futurists, Revelation serves the additional purpose of providing a
perspective on end-time events that would have meaning and relevance to the spiritual lives, of all succeeding
generations of Christians.
Key Verses: Revelation 1:19 and 19:11-15
"Write the things which thou has seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter" (1:19).
"And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon hi was called Faithful and True, and in
righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns;
and he had a name written, that no mane knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood:
and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses,
clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the
nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of
Almighty God" (19-11-15).
Key Chapters: Revelation 19-22
When the end of history is fully understood, its impact radically affects the present. In Revelation 19-22 the plans of
God for the last days and for all of eternity are recorded in explicit terms. Careful study of and obedience to them
will bring the blessings that are promised (1:3). Uppermost in the mind and deep in the heart should be guarded the
words of Jesus, "Behold, I come quickly,"
We began by looking into chapters 1 through 3. We stated that Christ addressed the seven churches in Asia. He
pointed out the social injustices, the unfaithfulness, lack of love, false doctrine, dead works and the hypocrisy within
the ranks of the churches. He also praised those that were pure and simple and relied on his leadership to become
more like himself. But today, we take a look at chapter 4 and 5 were John was shown a door and heard a voice that
said come up hither I must show you the things that must be hereafter. John was taken up in the spirit where he
beheld the thrown of God. He that sat was to look upon like a jasper and sardine stone. And there was a rainbow
(covenant) round about the throne, insight like unto an emerald. He saw the 24 seats around the throne and upon
the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
He heard voices; and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
God showed the apostle John four beasts. One like a lion, one like a calf, one like a man and the fourth was a flying
eagle. These symbols represents governments.
Chapter 5 shows all Christians who has the final authority as to who's name is in the lamb's book of life. When the
book should be opened and who has the authority to cast souls into hell.
The Outline on the Book of Revelation
Beginning with Person of the Judge
I. Person of the Judge ..............4:1-5:14
A. The Throne of God...........4:1-11
B. The Sealed Book.............5:1-14
II.Prophecies of Tribulation.........6:1-19:6
A.Seven Seals of Judgment.....6:1-8:5
1. First Seal...................... 6:1,2
2. Second Seal..................6:3,4
3. Third Seal......................6:5,6
4. Fourth Seal....................6:7,8
5. Fifth Seal.......................6:9-11
6. Sixth Seal......................6:12-17
7. 144,000 Jews.................7:1-8
8. Great Multitude of Gentiles..7:9-17
9. Seventh Seal..................8:1-5
B. Seven Trumpets of Judgment....8:6-11:19
1. First Trumpet...................... 8:6,7
2. Second Trumpet..................8:8,9
3. Third Trumpet......................8:10,11
4. Fourth Trumpet....................8:12,13
5. Fifth Trumpet.......................9:1-12
6. Sixth Trumpet......................9:13-21
7. Little Book...........................10:1-11
8. Two Witnesses....................11:1-14
9. Seventh Trumpet..................11:15-19
C. Explanatory Prophecies.............12:1-14:20
1. The Woman........................12:1-6
2. The War in Heaven..............12:7-12
3. The War on Earth................12:13-17
4. The Beast Out of the Sea.....13:1-10
5. The Beast Out of the Earth...13:11-18
6. The 144,000 .......................14:1-5
7. The Three Angels' Announcements..14:6-13
8. The Harvest Judgment....................14:14-20
D. Seven Vials of Judgment............15:1-19:6
1. Preparation for the Vial Judgments...15:1-8
2. First Vial.............................16:1,2
3. Second Vial........................16:3
4. Third Vial............................16:4-7
5. Fourth Vial..........................16:8,9
6. Fifth Vial.............................16:10,11
7. Sixth Vial............................16:12-16
8. Seventh Vial........................16:17-21
9. Overthrow of the Great Harlot.....17:1-18
a. Great Harlot Is Described.......17:1-6
b. Great Harlot Is Destroyed.......17:7-18
10. Overthrow of Babylon the Great ...18:1-19:6
a. Babylon the Great Is Destroyed..18:1-8
b. Earth Bewails Babylon's Destruction ..18:9-19
c. Heaven Rejoices Babylon's Destruction..18:20-19:6
Revelation (The Seals)
The first seal initiates the world wide conquest by the false messiah, The second seal brings war and the lack of
peace on earth. The third seal represents inflation and famine. The fourth seal brings death to one fourth of the
world population. The fifth seal presents martyrdom of tribulation saints throughout the world. The sixth seal brings
natural disasters of various kinds. Because of the previous six seals the unbelievers will want to die and hide from
God and will not be able to do so The great day of his wrath is the day of the Lord. is come means God's day of
judgment is here.
Revelation (The Trumpets)
The first trumpet brings literal fire and hail, and cause the destruction of most of the vegetation on earth. Famine
and the lack of oxygen production will result. The second trumpet turns a third of the sea into blood, and a third of
the sea creatures and ships are destroyed. The third trumpet makes a third of all fresh water bitter, resulting in
widespread thirst and death. Wormwood was a bitter herb. The fourth trumpet takes away a third of light the
heaven during both day and night. The light arriving from the sun, stars, and moon is reduced, leading to fear, lack
of crop production and a much lower quality of life. The last three trumpets will be especially severe, as announced
by the threefold repetition of woe, woe, woe. They are directed toward the inhabiters of the earth . The fifth trumpet
brings a five month period of torment on the unbelievers of the earth. The star is either an angel of God or satan,
who has authority over the pit. The bottomless pit is the abyss, the abode of evil spirits or demons. Smoke from the
pit indicates fires below. Locust-like creatures come out of the smoke. Locust represent demons. Scorpions can
hurt people. They do not hurt the vegetation, as ordinary locust would but are instructed to hurt men who do not
belong to God. They are not allowed to kill, but to torment unbelivers. The torment will be so grat that men will want
to die. The sixth trumpet results in the death of a third of the surviving unbelievers on earth.
The description of the locusts indicates that the are demons who are given special physical forms in order to
manifest their destruction and torment. Horses show their warlike character. Their crowns depict them as conquers.
Human faces show intelligence Their feminine hair perhaps makes them seductive and attractive. The teeth of lions
shows them to be destructive and hurtful. Breastplates of iron makes them indestructible. Wings symbolize
swiftness. The stings in their tails give them the power to hurt. Fortunately for mankind, their period of torment is
limited to five months. But the next judgment is worse.
The king of these demons is satan, who is given temporary authority over the abyss. The name Abaddon is Hebrew
for destruction, its Greek equivalent is Apollyon meaning destroyer. Two more woes are coming, as the end
approaches, the intensity and severity of the trumpet judgment increase dramatically.
The sixth trumpet results in the death of a third of the surviving unbelievers on the earth. The four bound angels
are fallen angels or demons who have have been temporally bound by God. They are loosed for the purpose of
killing one third of the population of the world. They appear to be in charge of the horde of demonic horsemen who
will actually accomplish the massacre. The river Euphrates was the northeastern boundary of both Roman Empire
and the promised kingdom of Israel.
Revelation (The Horsemen)
John heard the number of horsemen 200,000,000 literally. John had no time to count such a large army. The riders
wore breastplates. An armored calvary was always a most formidable opponent. Brimstone is yellow sulphur. The
heads of lions and brimstone are three separate plagues, which together kill a third of mankind. In light of their
description, and in the fact that they are ruled by four fallen angels, these horses and riders are probably demons
as well. The fifth trumpet do not kill, but these demons riders do kill,. The power to kill is in their mouth, from which
come the fire, smoke, and brimstone. Their tails have heads like serpents, with power to hurt people. This sixth
trumpet combined with the fourth seal reduces the population of earth to one-half its pre-tribulation level.
By this point in the tribulation period, most surviving unbelievers will have permanently made up their minds
concerning Christ. They will refuse to repent, even under this terrible judgment. Their religious activities will involve
worship of idols and demons, and sorceries or witchcraft, with magic potions.
Revelation Chapter 2
2:1-3:22. The seven letters of chapters 2 and 3 may be interpreted in various ways: (1) historical-the letters should
be understood historically, with no prophetic significance; (2) historico-prophetic- the letters are addressed to
seven historical churches, but each church also represents a success phase or period in the history of professing
Christendom; (3) representative- each church contains characteristics that can be found to some degree in most
churches throughout church history. These letters represent the "things which are" of 1:19. Thus, they are
historical and representative, rather than prophetic. Most of the letters follow a fivefold outline: (1) address, (2)
commendation, (3) condemnation, (4) counsel or warning, and (5) promise. Each address makes some reference
to the vision of chapter 1.
2:1. The city of Ephesus was one of the most important commercial and religious cities in Asia Minor. The most
famous temple of the goddess Artemis (Diana) was located there. It was also John's headquarters before his exile.
Ephesus served as the "mother" church to the others, all of which were connected by the same Roman road.
2:2-4. The church is commended because of its soundness of faith and its perseverance through persecution.
However, it people have come under Christ's discipline for having left (not lost) their first love or former devotion to
Christ.
2:5. The solution to this condition is threefold: (1) remember your former devotion to Christ; (2) repent of the
present lack of love and devotion; and (3) return-that is, do the things that were characteristic of the devotion of the
church in its earlier years. Christ threatens to discipline the church removing its light (candlestick ). Today, Ephesus
is in ruins, and its church is gone.
2:6, 7. The Nicolaitans were probably a libertine, antinomian sect who attempted to use Christian liberty as an
excuse for self-indulgence and immortality (cf. vv. 14, 15). The promise to him that overcometh probably applies to
all Christians will genuine faith (cf. 1 John 5:4, 5), and will be fulfilled as believers enjoy the blessings of the New
Jerusalem (22:2, 14), the paradise of God.
2:8. Smyrna was located about 40 miles north of Ephesus. Its name meant "Myrrh," which was often used as a
fragrant spice for the anointing of dead bodies (cf. John 19:39). This church represents the church under
persecution.
2:9-11. The believers of Smyrna were undergoing persecution and had been reduced to poverty. They were being
reviled by unbelieving Jews. They received no condemnation from Christ, but were encouraged to endure suffering
faithfully. Their persecution would be a short duration (ten days). Some relate this to 10 edicts of anti-Christian
persecution from the time of Nero (A.D. 64) until Diocletian (A.D. 312). Faithful perseverance through trials will
bring a crown of life (cf. James 1:12). The second death is eternal destruction in the lake of fire (20: 14, 15),
reserved for all unbelievers.
2:12. Pergamos, or Pergamum, was located about 50 miles north of Smyrna. The name may mean "Thoroughly
Married," and represent the state church which is "married" to a political system. The reference to the sharp sword
shows that Christ will judge the false teachers at Pergamos.
2:13. Satan' seat or throne may be a reference to the religious paganism centered in Pergamos. The city had a
throne-like altar to the god Zeus, a temple to Asklepois (symbolized by a serpent), and various temples dedicated
to the worship of the Roman emperor. Christ here commends the church at Pergamos for remaining faithful in the
midst of such satanic influence.
2:14-16. The doctrine of Balaam was a compromise of Christianity with paganism, resulting in idolatry and
immortality. Balaam had once succeeded in leading many Israelites into these sins (cf. Num. 31:16; 2 Pet. 2:15;
Jude 11). The entire church is urged to repent of the toleration and sins of these false teachers, before Christ has
to judge them Himself. The church should discipline itself and not tolerate false teaching and immortality within.
2:17. Manna in the Old Testament represents sustenance and life (cf. John 6:48-51). Christ is sufficient for all the
believer's needs. The white stone with its new name symbolizes acceptance and approval by God.
2:18. Thyatira was located about 20 miles southeast of Pergamos, and was the hometown of Lydia, Paul's first
convert in Macedonia (Acts 16:14). The name may mean "Continual Sacrifice." The fire and brass in the description
of Christ emphasize Christ's promise to judge the false teachers of this church. Since the city was controlled by a
female- dominated dye and cloth industry, it is possible that the church here suffered from female false teachers.
2:19-23. There was a self-proclaimed prophetess ay Thyatira whom Christ calls Jezebel. She was leading the
church into false doctrine, idolatry, and immortality just as the Old Testament Jezebel had done to Israel (cf. 1 Kin.
16; 2 Kin. 9). She refused to repent, and therefore would be judged along with her followers and her children (or
disciples).
2:24, 25. There was a godly remnant of believers at Thyatira who had not accepted these "deep teachings" or
depths of Satan. The exhortation is to hold fast what is good, and to reject evil.
2:26-29. The obedient believer will be given a reward of power or authority in the millennial kingdom as he reigns
with Christ (12:5; 19:15; 20:4). The morning star is probably a reference to the eternal presence of Christ Himself.
Revelation chapter 3
3:1. Sardis, the ancient capital of the rich and powerful kingdom of Lydia, was located about 30 miles south of
Thyatira. The name may mean "Escaping." As the glory of the city of Sardis was mostly in the past. so the church
there was now virtually dead in spirit and works, and is representative of dead orthodoxy.
3:2-4. The exhortation is both positive and negative. The godly, believing remnant who are worthy should
strengthen the things which remain. The rest should remember the sound teaching that had been received from the
apostles. hold it fast, and repent of their deadness and faithlessness. Christ's coming in judgment may occur at any
time, just as one never knows when a thief may come to steal. White garments represent righteousness, which the
faithless ones have defiled.
3:5, 6. The one who had genuine faith in Christ has the righteousness of Christ accounted to him through the
redeeming blood of the Lamb. This is the white raiment (cf. 7:14). The book of life is a list of the saved of all ages
(cf. Phil. 4:3; Rev. 20:12, 15). The promise is not to blot out his name out of the book of life is an emphatic
assurance of the eternal security of the true believer. The statement in Greek contains a double negative, which
may be translated "I will by no means blot out his name." Christ will confess the name only of genuine believers (cf.
Matt. 10:32, 33).
3:7. Philadelphia was located about 30 miles southeast of Sardis. Its name means "Brotherly Love," and represents
the faithful church in all ages. Founded in A.D. 17, it was the newest of the seven cities. The reference to the key of
David is taken from Isaiah 22:22, where it relates to messianic authority.
3:8, 9. The open door, which no man can shut, refers to an opportunity for testimony and service. The city sat on a
mountain pass which severed as a doorway to the Anatolian hill country. Those who are of the synagogue of Satan
are probably unbelieving Jews or Judaizers.
3:10. This verse presents a promise that Christ will rapture genuine believers out of the world before the Tribulation
period begins. The hour of temptation is the period of worldwide testing (Gr. peirasmos) which has not yet occurred
(cf. Dan. 12:1; Matt. 24:21, 29). Christ promises to keep them from (Gr. ek, "out of") the period of the Tribulation.
That is, they will not even enter into this period of history. The Tribulation is for the purpose of trying or judging
them that dwell upon the earth, those who are connected to the earth and its system. Believers are not even
included is this term (cf. Phil. 3:18-20; 1 Pet. 2:11; Rev. 6:10; 11:10; 13:8, 12, 14; 17:8).
3:11-13. I come quickly: The time of the deliverance mentioned in verse 10 is here identified with the return of
Christ for His church (the Rapture). The temple may relate either to the millennial kingdom or to the New Jerusalem.
The genuine believer will be given a place of service and honor before God. The threefold reference to the name
gives a guarantee of eternal security in Christ. The name of my God shows ownership. The name of the city shows
heavenly citizenship. And my new name indicates co-heirship with Christ.
3:14. Laodicea was located about 50 miles southeast of Philadelphia, in the Lycus River valley near Colossae and
Hierapolis (cf. Col. 4:13-16). Its name means "People Ruling," and represents the unbelieving, and materialistic
church of all ages. Christ is the beginning of the creation of God in the sense that He is the origin and source of
God's creation (cf Col. 1:15-18) and the head of the new creation (cf. 2 Cor. 5:17).
3:15, 16. The church is likened to lukewarm water, or as being virtually worthless. Christ says He will "spew the out,"
or eject them from His company. The hot waters of nearby Hierapolis were known for their medicinal qualities,
whereas Colossae was known for its cold, pure water. But Laodicea was forced to receive water by aqueduct from
other areas. By the time it arrived at Laodicea it was lukewarm and provoked nausea. The works of the Lacodicean
church were as worthless as the city's lukewarm water. The description does not refer to a backslidden condition,
but rather to their lack of genuine faith.
3:17-19. Laodicea was famous for its wealth, it bankers, its medical, its popular eyesalve, and its textile industry.
Christ says that spiritually the people of the church are poor, blind, and naked. True wealth is found only on God's
grace. This church had no spiritual value (gold), virtue (white raiment), or vision (eyesalve). He urges the
Laodiceans to repent of their lack of genuine faith and of spiritual understanding.
3:20-22. In light of the spiritual condition of the Laodiceans described in verses 17, 18, the invitation of verse 20
seems to be evangelistically addressed to individual members of an apostate church, so they might receive Christ
genuinely as Savior and Lord (cf. John 1:12; 10:27). To sup (dine) means to have fellowship (cf. Luke 22:30; John
14:23) and to enjoy Christ's blessings. The promise to sit with Christ is His throne refers ti reigning with Christ in His
kingdom (cf. Matt. 19:28; Rev. 20:4; 22:1). Verse 22 contains the last reference to the church before chapter 22,
implying that the Rapture will occur before the events of chapters 4-19 and thus that the church will not be present
on earth during the Great Tribulation.
Revelation Chapter 4
4:1-5:14. The third major section of Revelation begins here: "the things which shall be hereafter" (1:19). Chapters 4
and 5 establish Christ's right and authority to act as the Judge of the earth. God on His throne invests the Lion of
the tribe of Judah with the authority to establish His dominion and kingdom on earth because of His redeeming work
as the Lamb.
4:1. The phrases after this and things which must be hereafter move to the future beyond the age of the church.
The door signifies entrance by way of revelation into heaven. Chapters 4 and 5 picture a heavenly scene. The
command Come up hither probably does not refer specifically to the Rapture, but rather to the change in scene for
John. The trumpet signifies an authoritative voice.
4:2-5. In the spirit John sees God the Father sitting on His throne in heaven (cf. v. 8). The gems and the rainbow
show the glory of God (cf. Ezek. 1:22-28). The 24 elders probably represent the raptured church in heaven. Their
seats or thrones show a reward of authority in the millennial kingdom (cf. 20:4), and their crowns (Gr. stephanos)
are crowns of reward from the judgement seat of Christ (cf. Rom. 14:10; 1 Cor. 3:12-15; 2 Cor. 5:10). The white
raiment shows their righteousness, which has now been judged and purified. The number four and twenty
represents the church as priests before God. David divided the Levitical priesthood into 24 sections (1 Chr. 24:7-
19). Believers are seen here as a kingdom of priests (cf. 1:16). Old Testament saints are not yet included, since
they will not be resurrected and rewarded until after the Tribulation period (cf. Dan. 12:1-3). The seven lamps or
seven Spirits again symbolize the Holy Spirit of God. (cf. 1:4).
4:6-8. The four beasts or living creatures (lit., "living ones") are probably angels (cf. Ezek. 10:15-22) who guard the
throne of God. The eyes symbolize wisdom, and the wings depict movement. They worship God as did the
seraphim in Isaiah's vision (cf. Is. 6:1-3). The lion represents strength (cf. Ps. 103:20), the calf service (cf. Heb. 1:
14), the face of a man intelligence (cf. Luke 2:52), and the eagle swiftness (cf. Dan. 9:210. The angelic vision had a
strong allusion to Ezekiel 1:4-14.
4:9-11. All of heaven worship the Father. The angels extol His character, and the elders (church) extol His creative
powers. God has the right to rule and the sovereign authority to judge the earth, because He is both holy and the
Creator of all.
Revelation Chapter 5
5:1. Chapter 5 continues the vision of chapter 4. The book is a scroll with seven messages, each of which has been
sealed with the authority of God. The breaking of the seals would reveal the message inside each part of the scroll.
Scrolls normally had writing on only one side. This scroll contains the Tribulation judgements of God (cf. ch. 6;
Ezek. 2; 9, 10; Dan. 8:26; 12:4).
5:2-4. Only one with the proper authority could open the book by loosing or removing its seals (cf. Is. 29:11). The
question is, "Who has the right to judge the world?"-that is, to reveal what is hidden in the scroll and to execute
what is written. No man, literally, "No one," could be found among mankind or angels who had the authority to
remove the "seals" and read the scroll.
5:5-7. Christ is presented both as a Lion (Ruler) from the tribe of Judah (cf. Gen. 49:10) and as a Lamb
(Redeemer; cf. Is. 53:7; John 1:29). The Root of David shows a messianic connection with the Davidic covenant (cf.
2 Sam. 7:16; Is. 11:1) and Christ's right to the throne of Israel. The vision of Christ here brings together the twofold
aspect of His first and second comings-His work as a Savior and as Sovereign. Christ has the right to judge,
possess, and rule the earth because of His submission to the death of the Cross (cf. Phil. 2:8-11).
5:8-14. Three outbursts of praise and worship are directed toward Christ and the Father (1) the beasts and the
elders praise the Lamb for having redeemed them through His blood (vv. 8, 9) and for giving them authority (in the
future) to reign on the earth (v. 10); (2) myriads of angels also praise the Lamb for His glory and wisdom (vv. 11,
12); (3) every area of creation worships both the Father and the Lamb (vv. 13, 14). The prayers of saints (v. 8)
may be prayers for the fulfillment of the messianic kingdom (cf. 6:9, 10; 8:3).
Revelation Chapter 6
6:1. The seals represent the beginning of Christ's judgement of unbelievers on the earth during the Tribulation
period. There is a close similarity between these judgements and the events predicted by Christ in Matthew 24:4-
31. The purpose of the Tribulation period is to punish unbelievers for their sin and rejection of Christ and to bring
the remnant to faith in Christ. For the chronology of the seal, trumpet, and bowl judgements, see the Introduction.
6:2. The first seal initiates the worldwide conquest by the false messiah. the Antichrist (cf. Matt. 24:5). He will be the
final Gentile world ruler (see 13:1-7). This horseman is not the same as the one described in 19:11, which is Christ
at His second coming.
6:3, 4. The second seal brings war and a lack of peace (cf.Matt. 24:6, 7). The sword represents armed conflict.
Perhaps the attacks on Israel mentioned in Ezekiel 38 and 39 and Daniel 11:40-44 are also in view.
6:5, 6. The third seal represents inflation and famine (cf. Matt. 24:7). The balances or scales are related to
commerce and trade. The word penny, better transliterated "denarius," represented about one day's wages. Wheat
and barley were considered necessities of life. A measure (Gr. choinix) was about one quart. The price given is
about 10 times what was normal. The command hurt not the oil and the wine may indicate a restriction on the
effects of the famine in this early part of the Tribulation.
6:7, 8. The fourth seal brings death to a fourth of the population of the earth, through, war, famine, and pestilence
(cf. Matt. 24:7; Luke 21:11). Death takes lives, and Hell (Hades) holds them for judgement.
6:9-11. The fifth seal presents the martyrdom of Tribulation saints throughout the world. They will come to faith in
Christ following the Rapture (cf. 7:9-17), and many will be killed by satanic opposition to their testimony of Christ.
They plead for God's judgement on their unbelieving oppressors (Antichrist and his followers). The white robes
depict their righteous standing before God. More saints will be martyred, since there is much more of the
Tribulation to come.
6:12-14. The sixth seal brings natural disasters of various kinds (cf. Matt 24:7, 29). The earth and the heavenly
bodies will go into convulsions. Joel 2;30, 31 predicts many if these judgments in nature as signs of the day of the
Lord.
6:15-17. As a result of these first six seal judgements, many unbelievers will want to die and to hide from God, but
will be unable to. The great day of his wrath is the day of the Lord, the predicted time of God's of the earth and its
inhabitants (cf. Joel 1:15; 2:1, 11, 31). The day of wrath is contrasted to the present "day of grace." Is come means
God's day of judgement "is here"-it has finally arrived, having begun with the first six seals.
Revelation Chapter 7
7:1-3. Chapter 7 is a parenthesis in the chronology of Revelation, showing God's program of grace and salvation
during the period of judgement. The winds depict God's judgement of the earth, and the four angels are restraining
agents who hold back to the judgement until God's special servants can be sealed. The parenthesis probably looks
back to the same time period as that covered by the six seals, so that the 144,000 must be "sealed" before the
Tribulation judgements begin.
7:4-8. The seal shows ownership and security, as a king's signet ring was used to authenticate and protect official
documents. The 144,000 are all Israelites from the 12 tribes (12 times 12, 000). This number may be taken literally,
or figuratively of a national conversion. All 12 tribes returned from exile, and there was always a remnant from the
entire nation in Israel (cf. 2 Chr. 30:1-10, 25, 26; Matt. 10:5, 6; Acts 26:7). The promise of future restoration is
given to all 12 tribes (cf. Is. 11:11-13; Ezek. 37:15-28). There are no "lost tribes." In the list of tribes, Joseph stands
for Ephraim, and Dan is missing, possibly because it was the first tribe to go into idolatry and apostasy (cf. Judg.
18). The 144,000 will apparently be converted and commissioned to be a light to a Gentiles during the Tribulation.
7:9-12. Many Gentiles will be saved during the Tribulation, apparently through the evangelic ministry of the sealed
Jews. The white robes portray a standing of righteousness, and the multitude praises God especially for their
salvation. Note the sevenfold praise of verse 12.
7:13-17. The redeemed Gentiles of the vision are either saints who will be martyred during the tribulation, or
believers who will survive the Tribulation and enter the Millennium in their natural bodies, or both. The temple may
be either earthly, millennial temple, or the throne and presence of God in heaven. Earthly sorrows will be over (cf.
21:3, 4). Christ will give them spiritual sustenance. There will be absolutely no crying or sorrow in the presence of
God, for He will have wiped away all the tears from their eyes. The principal activity of the redeemed for eternity will
be to serve God (v. 15).
Revelation Chapter 8
8:1, 2. Chapter 8 begins where chapter 6 ended. The seventh seal probably contains the seven trumpets. The
silence indicates the beginning of a further series of judgments.
8:3-6. Incense is often an illustration of prayer (cf. 5:8). The trumpet judgements may be God's response to the
prayers of saints in 6:10- a cry for revenge against the enemies of Christ (cf. Ps. 94:1; Rom. 12:19). The throwing
of the censer to the earth represents the coming judgement of the earth. Christ will use angels to administer the
trumpets. The blast of each "trumpet" symbolizes the execution of God's judgement.
8:7. The first trumpet brings literal fire and hail, and causes the destruction of most of the vegetation on the earth.
Famine and a lack of oxygen production will result.
8:8, 9. The second trumpet turns a third of the sea into blood, and a third of the sea creatures and ships are
destroyed. This will produce a reduction of evaporation and thus a shortage of rain and fresh water on land.
International commerce and distribution of food and resources will be severely hampered.
8:10, 11. The third trumpet makes a third of all fresh water bitter, resulting in widespread thirst and death.
Wormwood (Gr. apsinthos, lit., "undrinkable") was a bitter herb (cf. Deut. 29:18; Prov. 5:4) that would make the
water of the earth unfit for human consumption.
8:12. The fourth trumpet takes away a third of the light from the heavens during both day and night. The light
arriving from the sun, stars, and moon is reduced, leading probably to fear, lack of crop production, and a much
lower quality of life (cf. Matt. 24:29; Luke 21:25).
8:13. The last three trumpets will be especially severe, as announced by the threefold repetition of Woe, woe, woe.
They will be directed toward the inhabiters of the earth, that is, the unbelievers still alive on earth. Both the oldest
and the majority of Greek manuscripts read "eagle" instead of angel in the first part of the verse.
Revelation Chapter 9
9:1-3. Chapter 9 describes the first two woes- trumpets five and six. The fifth trumpet brings a five-month period of
torment on the unbelievers of the earth. The star is either an angel of God (cf. 1:20; 20:1) or Satan, the one who
has authority over the pit (cf. v. 11; Is. 14:12; Luke 10:18). The bottomless pit is the Abyss, the abode of evil spirits
or demons (cf. Luke. 8:31). The key represents authority. Smoke from the "pit" indicates fires below. Locust-like
creatures come out of the smoke. That they are not literal locusts is indicated by their description which follows. In
the Old Testament, locusts are symbols of destruction (cf. Ex. 10:1-20; Deut. 28:42; 1 Kin. 8:37; Ps. 78:46; Joel 1:2-
2:11). Considering the identity of their king (v. 11) and the Abyss from which they come, these locusts probably
represent demons. Like scorpions, they can hurt people.
9:4-6. They do not harm the vegetation, as ordinary locusts would, but only men who do not belong to God. They
are not allowed to kill anyone at this point. They only torment unbelievers for five months. The pain will be like that
of a scorpion. The "torment" will be so great that they will desire to die. But part of the judgement will be that men
cannot die to escape it.
9:7-10. The description of the locusts indicates that they are demons who are given physical forms in order to
manifest their destruction and torment. Horses show their warlike character. Their crowns depict them as
conquerors. Human faces show intelligence. Their feminine hair perhaps makes them seductive and attractive. The
teeth. . . of lions shows them to be destructive and hurtful. Breastplates of iron make them indestructible. Wings
symbolize swiftness. The stings in their tails give them the power to hurt. Fortunately for mankind, their period of
torment is limited to five months. But the next judgement is even worse.
9:11, 12. The king over these demons is apparently Satan, who is given temporary authority over the Abyss. The
name Abaddon is Hebrew for "Destruction" (cf. Job 28:22; Prov. 15:11; 27:20). Its Greek equivalent is Apollyon,
meaning "Destroyer." Since the Roman emperor Domitian called himself Apollo incarnate, the mention of Satan as
"Apollyon" (from the same root as Apollo) may be an intentional play on words. Two more woes are still coming. As
the end approaches, the intensity and severity of the trumpet judgements increase dramatically.
9:13-15. The sixth trumpet results in the death of a third of the surviving unbelievers on the earth. The four bound
angels are fallen angels or demons who have been temporarily bound by God. They are loosed for the purpose of
killing a "third" of the population of the world. They appear to be in charge of the horde of demonic horsemen who
will actually accomplish the massacre (vv. 16-19). The river Euphrates was the northeastern boundary of both the
Roman Empire and the promised kingdom of Israel (cf. Gen. 15:18; Deut. 11:24; Josh. 1:4; Is. 8:5-8).
9:16-19. John heard the number of the horsemen: 200,000,000- literally, "two myriads of myriads"- although the
majority of manuscripts reads "a myriad of myriads," or 100,000,000 (cf. 5:11; Ps. 68:17; Dan. 7:10). John had no
time to count such a large army. The riders (and perhaps the horses) wore breastplates. An armored cavalry was
always a most formidable opponent. Brimstone is yellow sulphur. The heads of lions symbolize cruelty and
destruction. The fire, smoke, and brimstone are three separate plagues, which together kill a third of mankind. In
light of their description, and the fact that they are ruled by four fallen angels, these horses and riders are probably
demons as well. The demons of the fifth trumpet do not kill, but these demon riders do kill. Their power to kill is in
their mouth, from which come the "fire," "smoke," and "brimstone." Their tails have heads like serpents, with the
power to hurt people. This sixth trumpet, combined with the fourth seal (6:8), reduces the population of the earth to
one-half its pre-Tribulation.
9:20, 21. By this point in the Tribulation period, most surviving unbelievers will have permanently made up their
minds concerning Christ. They will refuse to repent, even under thus terrible judgement. Their religious activities will
involve worship of idols and demons (devils), and sorceries or witchcraft, with the use of magic potions (Gr.
pharmakon, from which English pharmacy derives). Idolatry is in the fact the worship of demons(cf. 1 Cor. 10:20).
Three of the four sins in verse 21 are specifically prohibited in the Ten Commandments (cf. Ex. 20:3-17). For
"sorceries," compare 18:23; 21:8; 22:15; and Galatians 5:20.
Revelation chapter 10
The mighty angel may be a strong angel, or even Christ Himself (the Angel of the Lord). The description is similar
to that of Christ. The cloud, the rainbow, the sun, and the pillars of fire may refer to Deity, but a parallel may also
be drawn with the angel of Gabriel.
The little book is probably a title deed to the Earth. It symbolizes Christ's right to possess and rule the Earth. The
planting of the feet on the sea and earth (dry land) shows Christ's authority over the earth in it's entirety, and the
appropriation of His promised inheritance as Messiah. The loud voice shows authority as well. The little book may
also contain more judgments. The seven thunders or peals of thunder may be further messages of judgment, such
as the seven bowl judgments still to come. He is here told to seal them up, since they will be described in detail later.
Lifting the hand signifies taking an oath. The announcement of the angel is that there will be no more delay in the
establishment of the millennial kingdom of Christ. This presumes a present delay or postponement of the promised
kingdom (between Christ's two advents). With the sounding of the seventh trumpet, the present mystery form of the
kingdom will be over and what God promised the prophets will finally be completed.
John is told to eat the little book, and when he does, it becomes sweet in his mouth but bitter in his belly. The act of
eating represents the understanding and appropriation of prophetic revelation. The message is sweet because at
last the kingdom promises are about to be fulfilled. It is bitter because it can only be accomplished through more
judgment and more tribulation.