Understanding Revelation ~ Context is King
Last but not least, we finish our look at the acronym LEGACY to provide a set of tools for understanding the Book of Revelation. The last two letters of this acronym represent the questions of Context and Years. Understanding the date of authorship and the context can be the most illuminating to our study. This is where things get interesting and perhaps controversial. Depending on your answer to the date of authorship, your interpretation can be drastically impacted. For example, imagine trying to understand a story about equal rights and equal opportunity written during the Civil War. What particulars to that time period effect your understanding of the issues? What if the date was just a hundred years later? How might this change the perspective of what might be taking place. The year of authorship can provide tremendous insight to the perspective and meaning for a authors point of view and intended purpose.
If you look at any study bible or commentary, you will find the answer to the question of when the Book of Revelation was written. Although there are differing opinions for many of the books of the Bible, there tends to be scholarly consensus and differences are usually inconsequential to factors of interpretation. However, this is not the case with the Book of Revelation. Differences of opinion by as little as a few decades can have a giant impact on your interpretation and understanding of the passages. There tends to be two predominant scholarly opinions on the dating of the Book of Revelation. The first dates the book of Revelation to be approximately 65-66 A.D. The second dates the Book to be approximately 95-96 A.D. These dates are only a few decades apart but it is those decades which can make all the difference.
The destruction of the Jewish Temple in 70 A.D. was a cataclysmic event. History forever changed at that moment and Christianity began the greatest growth and expansion the world had ever seen. So why is this important? The Book of Revelation was written to seven churches of that time period with dire news of coming judgement and the promised return of Jesus. If Revelation was written prior to the destruction of the Temple, then many of the apocalyptic images depicted were of that soon coming event. On the other hand, if the temple had already been destroyed before John’s writing then to which soon event was John referring or is his language merely symbolic?
This question of timing sets the wheels in motion for several end-time views for Christian believers. This is too big of an issue to tackle in a simple blog post but my intention is to offer tools to better understand and interpret Scripture. The year of authorship can dramatically influence ones understanding for a particular book. Taking the time to examine the evidence for this important Book’s dating can make a huge difference in your understanding. This truth leads directly to the last tool we will use; context.
The date of a book can directly impact the context for the passages being read. Assuming that the Book of Revelation was written approximately 65-66 A.D., then the historical context informs us of many major events happening at this time in history. Nero was the emperor of Rome and considered to be among the most heinous and sadistic rulers to ever live. The persecution of Christians were great and the desire to encourage and equip fellow believers to keep the faith and share the good news was pressing. John’s letter to the seven churches encouraging, warning and admonishing them was a critical reminder to what was soon to come. The visions that John shared would undoubtedly be remembered when in only a few years, the Jewish Temple would be destroyed and fulfilling Jesus’ prediction in Matthew chapter 24. This letter to the Churches was an important reminder and help that would be needed when this pressing persecution would ensue.
The words of John begin to jump off the page when we couple them with an understanding of the 1st century context from which they originate. Imagining the destruction of the Temple and the sadistic rants of a madman in Nero would have seemed like the worst time in human history to those living through it. I can imagine some Christians beginning to doubt their faith because of the terrible persecution they and their loved one endured but this is not what we see in history. Christianity flourished in spite of heavy persecution. Many alive at that time had been eyewitnesses to the miracles of Jesus. They also saw the fulfillment of prophecies in their lifetimes. Revelation was the beginning of this future kingdom that would come in the person of Jesus. Revelation was to serve as a witness to what was soon to be fulfilled and to stand as a pillar of faith for the future coming of Jesus as promised within its pages.
We have the benefit today to see many of the fulfilled promises of God in the events of human history. We also have the encouragement in Scripture for the future coming of Jesus. Applying ourselves to the task of properly understanding and applying God’s Word is a responsibility for us all. We have tools available to help us in cooperation with the Holy Spirit to receive all that God desires to show us. Its just the will to act on all that God has given us. Imagine a Church committed to learning, understanding and applying God’s Word in every area of our lives. This is the type of change I can believe in!
Great Resouces:
How to Read the Bible For All It’s Worth
Understanding Revelation: What’s Genre Have To Do With It?
Revelation is perhaps the most difficult book of the Bible to read and walk away with a clear understanding. Other factors can directly help the average reader to understand the purpose, intent and meaning of this mysterious book. This is why sharing the acronym LEGACY is a great tool to prepare any reader for tackling the Book of Revelation. Answering the LEGACY questions can have a profound impact on the fruitfulness of anyones Bible study.
LEGACY: Location, Essence, Genre, Author, Context and Years
In this post I will look at Author and Genre to help lay a proper foundation for tacking the Book of Revelation.
The author of Revelation is given to us in chapter 1 verse 4. He is the apostle John, son of Zebedee and brother of James. John was one of the original disciples and said to be the one Jesus loved (John 21:20). John’s message in Revelation would be highly respected and revered as instruction coming from the Lord. He was not a distant or removed messenger but instead a father figure who’s words would be highly valued among all the early churches receiving his epistle.
Genre is perhaps the question people consider least when studying the Bible. Understanding which genre the author uses for communicating his message can have a profound impact on a readers apprehending and understanding the text. The genre for the Book of Revelation can be considered primarily Apocalyptic and Prophetic literature. Although this is the predominate genre we also recognize Revelation begins as a letter to seven churches of that time period (Revelation 1:4).
Apocalyptic imagery is rich with symbolism and metaphors to communicate the message of Judgment and future hope. It is the very nature of the imagery found in prophetic literature that can cause confusion with the reader. If we read passages of Scripture which are prophetic images that use metaphor and symbolism to communicate a truth but we evaluate the passage like we would a narrative which tells a story of historical fact, confusion, misunderstanding and misapplication are likely to be the result. Understanding the correct genre can help us to properly understand and apply the passages we read in Scripture.
Revelation begins as a letter written to the Seven Churches of that time. This is the way in which the Book begins but then it switches in chapter 4 to the the visions and images John witnessed. This switch of genre must be interpreted differently than the first three chapters which were primarily a narrative communicated to the local churches of the time with very real and tangible issues which needed to be addressed. Recognition and application of both types of literature help us to understand the need to apply our understanding of both sections in the context of the entire book. The symbolism and imagery used by John to communicate his vision were very familiar to his first century audience. Similar visions and prophecy would have jumped to forefront of their minds as they recalled the Old Testament Books of the Bible. The Book of Daniel and Ezekiel are perfect examples.
Many will throw up their hands with the prospect of trying to understand the tools necessary to interpret the Bible but this is a privilege and responsibility we have as modern, educated Christians of the 21st Century. No time in history have there been more access and opportunity to dig into God’s Word and explore the Truth He gives to us. I recommend looking at Gordon D. Fee & Douglas Stuart’s book “How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth” if you would like to explore these issues further.
Next post: Understanding Revelation: Context & Years
Understanding Revelation – Location & Essence
The Book of Revelation is the big mystery book at the end of the Bible that most people struggle to understand. This is understandable because it has strange and unusual characteristics. After all it starts out straightforward enough but then the story takes off with amazing and incredible imagery. What are we supposed to make of it all?
The truth is that the book of Revelation was far more accessible to the 1 century Christians to which it was written. The language and images that John uses to communicate his message were very familiar to the Jewish believers. Most Jews understood and even memorized most of the Old Testament. This familiarity was Scripture was a opportunity for John to share a message that could be received by his Jewish believers yet remain a mystery for any others who may stumble upon his letter. Since none of us are 1st century believers, should we throw up our hands and give up? Of course not. We just need to apply some tools to our study so we can understand what is being communicated by John.
My previous post suggested the acronym LEGACY as a tool for getting into God’s Word and allowing God’s Word to get into us. I will take the first two letters of Legacy and apply it to our study of the book of Revelation.
L – Location. Where was this mysterious book written and what clues does its location give us to better understanding this Book from God? The book of Revelation was written on the island of Patmos. Patmos is Mediterranean island in what is part of present day Greece. This island was in the middle of the Roman controlled world and John was in exile for his beliefs. This is the setting for his writing of the book of Revelation. Understanding his geography and the circumstances of his captivity can help us better grasps the conditions for which he was writing. Christian living in the Roman empire during this period were experiencing persecution which was not likely experienced at any time before.
E – Essence. ”Revelation is the unveiling of a bride – a wedding covenant from beginning to end. It begins with seven love letters to a persecuted bride – true Israel. It continues with the noxious vision of a prostituted bride – apostate Israel. In graph Old Testament pictures we see the judgment of God written on a seven-sealed scroll, announced by seven angels with a beast. It concludes with the unveiling of a purified bride – true Israel. She is carried by the bridegroom over the threshold of Jordan into a New Jerusalem (21:10).” (1)
Revelation is steeped with imagery and history significant to the Jewish people. Exposure and familiarity with the Old Testament is a necessary pre-requisite to grasping the significance and meaning communicated in this book. Familiarizing yourself with the “Location” and “Essence” of the book will also provide a great foundation for which to dig in and truly begin to understand the meaning and significance of the great book.
Next Post – We will take a look at Genre & Author for the book of Revelation.
1. Legacy Study Bible, 2007
Meaning of Revelation?
This past Sunday our church (Summit Church – Castle Rock) had the opportunity to submit questions to our Pastor. Anything you may have wondered about Life, God or the Bible was available to ask and no question was off limits. All you had to do was email, text or send a message via Facebook with whatever question was on your mind. Needless to say, there were quite a few questions and Pastor Wayne Hanson jumped in and answered many of them all in the limited time he had. The very first question asked was: What is the meaning of the Book of Revelation? Wow….way to start off with the easy ones first!
As I listened to pastor Wayne share an overview of the Book of Revelation and break down the main theme and message, I thought this would be a great topic to post a blog on the Subject. Instead of trying to offer my own explanation in a brief blog post, I thought how much better it would be to share some tools and practical resources for digging in and tackling the subject on our own.
One of the biggest reasons the Book of Revelation causes so much difficulty with many Christians is because of how the book is written. traditional narrative, apocalyptic imagery, prophecy and Jewish history make it a very difficult book to understand and study without a foundation of Jewish history, culture and thought. Although Revelation is difficult, it is not inaccessible. There are tools we can use to give us a better perspective by which to learn and understand what has been given to us by God.
One of the best tools available to us can be described by using acronym called LEGACY. Each letter in the acronym LEGACY represents a question you must ask and answer before beginning your reading. By taking the time to apply this tool you can begin your study with a proper foundation and perspective to understand and receive all that God desires to teach you through His Word.
LEGACY
L – Location – Where was the book written? Understanding the location of the books creation can give us insight into the region of the world where this text was authored. Imagine reading a history book about World War II. How different might your understanding be if the book was written in Berlin just after the war? Or what if the book was written in Japan or the United States? Location can give us insights to better understand the perspective of the author as well as the history that shapes the story communicated.
E – Essence – What is the Book generally about? Pastor Wayne did a great job of giving a quick overview of the essence of the Book of Revelation. When we have a general idea of its purpose and general intent, we can better understand the words from the page as we begin reading and trying to understand the author’s intended message.
G – Genre – What type of literature does this book use to communicate its message? This is a often overlooked question in Bible study. We jump in and read the words but often miss the type of literature we are reading and therefore misunderstand the meaning of the text. For example, the Book of Genesis uses a genre called narrative. Narratives tell stories about events that took place. Proverbs on the other hand, are wisdom literature. If we try to read wisdom literature as a narrative (story), we will immediately find ourselves frustrated or confused. Proverbs 22:6 says “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” This wisdom literature is a general truth when practiced. It is not a promise from God that will automatically determine the outcome of a child’s behavior. The same mistake can be made from reading a narrative and interpreting it as if it were wisdom literature. Deuteronomy chapter 21 discusses the practice of stoning a rebellious child. We cannot and do not take this passage as a principled truth for raising our own children. Narratives, Wisdom literature, Poetry, Prophecy and Apocalyptic imagery all operate with different purpose and intention to give us a complete picture of God and His plan and purpose for man. Understanding the genre of a book is critical to our understanding and proper application of God’s Word.
A – Author – Who wrote the book? Knowing who the author is can give us a great deal of insight to the book perspective. The book of James for example was written by the half brother of Jesus. Knowing this before beginning the book of James can provide insights and perspectives not otherwise typically gained. James did not believe his brother was the Messiah but after Jesus’ resurrection, James changed completely. In fact, he went from doubter to leader of the church in Jerusalem. How much more does the Book of James communicated when we know who it is that wrote this Book
C – Context – Where does this book fit in the big picture? Knowing what is happening in the period of history when this book was written can give us great insight that isn’t necessarily communicated from the words on the page. Books written during the Great Depression have a different feel and perspective due to the context of the author’s life and times from which they lived. Books of the Bible written during Jewish captivity provide a much different understanding than those books written during the days in the Promised Land. Context gives us perspective to the story being communicated.
Y – Years – When was this book written? Knowing the time of writing can help dispel many misconceptions and arguments over biblical interpretation. For example many letters or gospels written in the fourth century A.D. about the life of Jesus were disqualified from being considered biblical texts. Their dates were too far away from the events of Jesus’ life to be deemed reliable and trustworthy. Understanding the years in which a particular book of the Bible was written can help our understanding and strengthen our faith. Isaiah was written approximately 700 years before Jesus. This fact coupled with the prophecies about Jesus give us a confidence and perspective which helps us appreciate and recognize God’s power and provision in greater ways.
In my next post, I will apply the LEGACY acronym to the Book of Revelation and see how understanding a few initial questions can really enhance our ability to understand and receive what God wants to teach us through His Word.
1. LEGACY reading plan – http://equip.org
Dr. Jones & Apologetic Ministry
I just read a great post from Dr. Jones. No… not Dr. Indiana Jones but Dr. Clay Jones from Biola university. The question asked was whether or not every pastor should be an Apologist. I believe he gives an excellent response to the question and provides a solution every church can consider. I encourage you to check out the article before reading further. Here is the link to his blog post: Should Every Pastor Be an Apologist? Yes and No.Who in your church is ready to answer the call and minister to the community with answers to their questions? This would be a terrific way to broaden our approach and reach out beyond the walls of our congregations.
Spiritual Conversations Through Facebook Groups?
We often share insights and ideas about leveraging technology to reach people for Christ. Using the latest and greatest tools available to us can become powerful resources to share thoughts, ideas and the truth of the Gospel. One such environment which seems to be gaining momentum are Facebook Groups.
Sure, just about everyone knows about Facebook but far fewer have leveraged the influence of Facebook Groups to create Spiritual conversations and engage people with the truth of the Gospel. Facebook Groups allow any Facebook user to create a group for any specific purpose. You can check it out at: http://www.facebook.com/groups/. There are groups that share the arts focusing on painting, music, drama and community events. There are other groups sharing interests like cars, coffee drinkers, golf, football or just about any specialized thing you can think of. Groups are created for just about anything anyone might have an interest for and they can be localized groups or international.
What about creating groups for the specific purpose of having Spiritual conversations? I can’t think of a less invasive way to begin a dialogue with those seriously interested in seeking answers and discussion. Imagine groups established for growing Christians as well as for those seeking answers about faith and God.
A couple of ideas come to mind. How about creating groups discussing one of Lee Strobel’s books like “The Case For Faith”? This would a great resource to address common questions about belief in God. Another idea might be to take the current “Awakening” book and 21 day challenge to create discussions on prayer, fasting and personal devotion. A third idea may be to read and discuss a Missions book like “Through God’s Eyes” to create a dialogue about what God says about His world and the people He calls us to reach and minister with.
The possibilities are truly limitless. What ideas come to mind for you? Let’s use this medium to share ideas and leverage technology to reach people for Christ. Just about anyone can use the tools available through Facebook to connect with people anywhere!
One of my favorite books is C.S. Lewis’ short sermon called “The Weight of Glory”. I would love to read it again and discuss it with others….care to join the discussion?
Seeing The Light Through Facebook
An interesting truth became painfully obvious for a man in Eagle Colorado today. It seems this 30-year-old man was suspected of breaking into several homes and robbing them of their jewelry and electronics. He was identified but the police couldn’t find him. So they did what any good and decent modern police force would do. They turned to Facebook for help. By soliciting help from this man’s Facebook friends they were able to zero in on him rather quickly and bring him to justice. Jesus’ message … “everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open and every secret will be brought to light” (Mark 4:22) was illustrated through the tool of Facebook and this man’s deception was brought to light.
This hard lesson experienced by this thief had me thinking about it from the other perspective. The verse right before Mark 4:22 says “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine” (Mark 4:23). The work we do in the Kingdom is to be seen by all and we have a unique opportunity through the power of technology to let our light shine for all men.
What if we looked at the access to the world we have today and used that access to pour into the lives of people the reality of Jesus Christ? Have you thought about the influence and possibilities present today that were not possible even a few years ago due to the adoption of popular Social Media environments like Facebook?
Christians are the light of the World and by sharing the life change of Jesus in our lives and the truth of His Word though the most popular Social Media environments affords us unique opportunities to reach people in ways never possible before. There is exponential effect when people post and repost the things that matter most. Make it a point to use Social Media to let your light shine!
