Revelation (1-3)

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{CHAPTERS 1 - 3}

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{BACKGROUND AND STRUCTURE}
  1. Introduction to Revelation - {PDF Copy} - (An introduction to and overview of the book)
  2. Isle of Patmos - {PDF Copy} - (John was exiled to Patmos for his testimony – A fellow participant in the Tribulation and Perseverance in Jesus)
  3. Fourfold Structure - {PDF Copy} - (The major literary divisions of the book are each marked by John finding himself "in the spirit")
  4. Revelation's Recipients - {PDF Copy} - (The book is addressed to seven real churches that existed in the province of Asia in the first century A.D.)

{INTERPRETATION}
  1. Common Errors Interpreting Revelation - {PDF Copy} - (The real-life relevance of Revelation is easily lost if we approach the book with incorrect presuppositions)
  2. Provided Interpretations - {PDF Copy} - (Revelation communicates symbolically, and it provides the reader with many key interpretations of its images)
  3. Literal and Nonliteral Language - {PDF Copy} - (Revelation informs the reader from the very first verse of the book that it communicates symbolically)
  4. Linear Chronological Sequence? - {PDF Copy} - (Are Revelation’s visions presented in chronological sequence? If so, how do we explain the many parallel descriptions that link them?)

{SEVEN CHURCHES}
  1. Prologue to Revelation - {PDF Copy} - (Revelation 1:1-3 - The opening paragraph presents the key themes of the book and introduces its intended audience)
  2. Greetings from the Throne - {PDF Copy} - (The salutations from the throne highlight key themes of the book, especially the victory and present reign of Jesus)
  3. Lord of Kings - {PDF Copy} - (The faithful witness, Jesus, now reigns supreme over the kings of the earth and even his enemies)
  4. First Vision - Son of Man - {PDF Copy} - (Revelation 1:9-20 - John sees the risen Son of Man walking among the churches)
  5. Seven Churches - Overview - {PDF Copy} - (The visitation of Jesus to the churches of Asia prepares the reader for the visions that follow the seven letters)
  6. Tree of Life - Ephesus - {PDF Copy} - (The messenger at Ephesus is commended for rejecting false apostles, chastised for leaving his first love, and summoned to return to his first works)
  7. Faithful Until Death - Smyrna - {PDF Copy} - (After persevering through persecution, the ever-faithful church at Smyrna was promised even more tribulation but also great rewards)
  8. Hold Fast My Name - Pergamos - {PDF Copy} - (Pergamos receives praise for remaining faithful to his name, but correction for tolerating the teachings of “Balaam”)
  9. The Nicolaitans - {PDF Copy} - (Deceivers within the seven congregations are encouraging disciples of Jesus to compromise with the idolatrous rites of pagan society)
  10. Thyatira - {PDF Copy} - (Revelation 2:18-29 - The prophetess, Jezebel, deceived many saints at Thyatira into accommodating idolatrous practices)
  11. Sardis - {PDF Copy} - (The church in the city of Sardis receives no commendation, only warnings, and a summons to repent)
  12. Pillar in the Temple - Philadelphia - {PDF Copy} - (Philadelphia receives no correction since she has remained faithful, and therefore, she will be kept from the hour of trial)
  13. Kept from the Hour - {PDF Copy} - (Revelation 3:10 - Did Jesus promise to remove the church at Philadelphia from the earth?)
  14. Laodicea - {PDF Copy} - (Laodicea receives no commendation, only corrections, and warnings. Its hope lies in becoming “gold refined by fire”)
  15. Beginning of the Creation - (Revelation looks forward to the reign of Jesus in the New Creation, a reality inaugurated by his Death and Resurrection) - {PDF Copy}

{RELATED TOPICS}
  1. People of the Last Days - (The church is the battlefield where the final war is being waged between the Lamb and the Ancient Serpent, Satan) - {PDF Copy}
  2. The Shepherd King - {PDF Copy} - (The Lamb’s reign commenced with his death and resurrection, and since then, he has been shepherding the nations)
  3. Tribulation of the Church - {PDF Copy} - (In Revelation, faithful saints experience tribulation, whereas, the unrepentant undergo wrath)
  4. Time of Tribulation - (The “tribulation” is coming upon the saints such as the people of God had never experienced - Daniel 12:1-13) - {PDF Copy}

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