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The 2nd Lesson on the Class on Revelation!
The Seven Churches of Asia Minor
Beginning with these verses, we are going to be studying the seven churches to which Jesus is writing. He calls these churches by name in Rev. 1:11. Jesus has a word for each of these congregations. As we study these seven churches, I want you to keep in mind that these churches can be seen in three different ways.
They can be viewed Personally — These letters speak to congregations, but we should also be mindful that the Lord has a word for the individual in these letters as well. He has something tó say to you and to me about our relationship with Him.
They can be viewed Prophetically — These churches seem to represent different stages of the church over the last 2,000 years. If this is true, then the church at Ephesus represents the time period between the Day of Pentecost and 100 AD. This was a time of great expansion for the early church. But, it was also a time when some began to loose their zeal and fervency.
They can be viewéd Practically — These letters were sent to literal, real congregations that were actually functioning at the close of the First Century. While they were written to real churches existing in that day, they still speak to every church in existence today. God has a word for Mount Pisgah Baptist Church in these verses!
Introduction to the Revelation of Jesus Christ
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Revelation 1:1-8
The Subject of Revelation
I. Revelation
A. revelation means- Apokalypsis in greek which means “an unveiling. It is not a new word in the New Testament, It occurs 18 times. Luke 2: 32; Gal. 1:12; 2 Thess. 1:7;
1 Pet. 1:7; ect.
I. The Scribe and Date of Revelation
Author: Apostle John
- He was the most venerated Christian leader throughout Asia Minor, particularly around Ephesus, where he had been the pastor for much of the last half of the first century. He outlived all the other Apostles, in fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy in John 21: 20-24.
- Three Johns: John the Baptist; John surname Mark; Apostle John
- Proof of Authorship: All the external evidences points to the writing of Revelation by the Apostle John when he was banished to the isle of Patmos during the reign of Roman emperor Domitian (A.D. 91-96). It is accepted by most that the book was written in A.D. 95.
- Isle of Patmos: It is a rocky and desolate island, about twenty-eight miles in circumference, with a bold and deeply indented shore; and was used by the Romans as a place of banishment for many criminals.
The Spiritual Blessing of Revelation
I. Blessing: In Scripture is similar to the word “happy”. As you know, happiness is not found in the things of this world.
Questions
Introductory Questions of Revelation of Jesus
Christ
- Most prophecy scholars believe that time is at hand, and that things are clearer to us now than ever before. (Circle True or False)
- What is the result of us reading the book of Revelation? (Rev. 1:3)
- Name two of the four interpretations of Revelation.
- What does it mean to have a futurist interpretation of Revelation?
- Did you study chapter one this week during your study time?
“Revelation – High Level Review”
THE BOOK OF REVALATIONS
MPBC IMPACT BIBLE STUDY: HIGH LEVEL REVIEW
Review by Chapter:
Overview Introduction:
Category Details
Book Revelation
Author John, traditionally understood as the apostle John
Date: Commonly dated near the end of Domitian’s reign, around A.D. 95; some
scholars argue for an earlier date
Setting John was on the island of Patmos when he received the vision
Audience The seven churches of Asia Minor
Purpose
To strengthen believers to remain faithful, endure tribulation, and trust Christ’s
final victory
Main theme Jesus Christ reigns, judges’ evil, and brings the new creation
Chapters overview:
John sees the new heaven, new earth, and New Jerusalem. The book closes with the
river of life, the tree of life, and Jesus’ promise, “I am coming soon”.
Chapter flow for teaching
- Revelation Ch: 1 through 3
John sees Jesus in glory and receives messages to seven churches. These chapters teach believers to repent, remain faithful, and overcome.
- Revelation Ch: 4 through 5
John sees the throne of God and the Lamb. Heaven worships because only Jesus is worthy to open the scroll.
- Revelation Ch 6 Through 7
The seals are opened, showing judgment and suffering, but chapter 7 gives hope through the sealing of God’s people.
- Revelation Ch 8 through 11
The trumpets warn the world and call people to repentance. God’s kingdom is moving toward completion.
- Revelation Ch 12 through 14
The spiritual battle is revealed. The dragon and beasts represent evil opposition, but God’s people are called to stay loyal to the Lamb.
- Revelation Ch 15 through 16
The bowls of wrath show the fullness of God’s righteous judgment.
- Revelation 17 through 18
Babylon falls, showing that corrupt worldly power cannot last.
- Revelation 19 through 20
Christ returns, evil is judged, and Satan is defeated.
- Revelation 21 through 22
God makes a new heaven and new earth and dwells with His people forever.
Discussion questions
What stands out most about Jesus in Revelation?
Why would the churches need this message?
- Why is the ending of Revelation such comfort?