When Will The World End Come?

¹ As I (John) watched, the Lamb (Jesus) broke the first of the seven seals on the scroll. Then I heard one of the four living beings say with a voice like thunder, “Come!” Revelation 6:1 (NLT)

The heavenly praise and worship described in Revelation chapters 4 and 5 are preparation for God’s coming wrath described in Revelation chapters 6 through 19. God is VERY patient, gracious, and loving, but God is also holy (see e.g., Exodus 34:6-7; Joshua 24:19-20; Nahum 1:3). God must judge sin!

Both Jews and Christians believe history has a definite beginning point at God’s creation and end at consummation when the Messiah comes. However, Christians believe the Messiah has already come with the arrival of Jesus, the Lamb of God (see Matthew 1:16; Mark 1:1; John 1:1-5, 14, 18, 29-36; John 4:25-26; John 20:31). At the end of our age, Christians believe Jesus the Messiah will return. Thus, Christians confess two comings of Jesus the Messiah. However, most Jews believe the Messiah has not yet come, but the Messiah will come at the end of the age (consummation).

Both Jews and Christians believe prior to the Messiah’s coming there will be a period identified in Jewish sources and the New Testament as the “Messianic woes,” the “Great Tribulation,” or the “birth pains of the Messianic age” (see Daniel 11:36-12:13; Matthew 24:1-22; Mark 13:1-20; Luke 21:5-24). Wars, earthquakes, disobedience, famine, anarchy, lawlessness, and social disorder will characterize this troubling period (see e.g., 1 Timothy 4:1-5; 2 Timothy 3:1-9; 2 Peter 3:3). Also during this troubling period, God’s people – Jews and Christians – will suffer persecution, mistreatment, and even death because of the Word of God and their faithful testimony. However, the Old Testament and New Testament encourage God’s people to remain faithful and steadfast because God will vindicate the world for their unjust suffering and mistreatment (see e.g., Revelation 6:9-11; Revelation 16:6; Revelation 18:20; Revelation 19:2).

In Revelation chapters 6 through 19, John gives a vision of three sets of judgments: seven seals (Revelation 6:1-8:2), seven trumpets (Revelation 8:3-11:19), and seven bowls (Revelation 15:1-18:24). Many biblical scholars call these three sets of judgments from John’s vision as “Messianic woes,” the “Great Tribulation,” or the “birth pains of the Messianic age” identified in Jewish sources and the New Testament. These troubling events are necessary for the Messiah coming. Revelation does not give a specific date when these troubling events will occur or the Messiah coming. In fact, Jesus warns against speculating and calculating His second coming as the Messiah because God the Father alone will determine the Messiah coming (see e.g., Matthew 24:36; Mark 13:32-37; Acts 1:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2). Since God’s people never know when the Messiah will come, each generation must live in expectancy of His soon return (see Revelation 16:15; Revelation 22:7, 18-20). 

Throughout out generations, some people have argued that John’s timing and vision of the Messiah’s coming were inaccurate or fabricated because John warned the Messiah’s coming will happen “soon” (see e.g., Revelation 22:7, 12, 20). However, we must never forget to the Lord “a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day” (see Psalm 90:4; 2 Peter 3:8). The true and living God is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness (see Hebrews 10:35-37; 2 Peter 3:9). Instead, God is patient because He does not want anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). God’s promises are always sure (see e.g., Deuteronomy 7:9; 2 Samuel 22:31; Habakkuk 2:3; 1 Corinthians 1:9), and His promises find complete fulfillment in Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:20)! Even more, God does love the world, and He wants no one to perish (see John 3:16; Luke 15).

Many suggestions have been offered to explain the relationship between the three major series of judgments (seals, trumpets, and bowls) found in Revelation chapters 6 through 19. Some biblical commentators characterize these three major judgments as a chronological sequence of future events. However, some biblical commentators see these three major judgments as a recapitulation or repetition of one another with increasing intensity. In other words, these three major judgments are one set of judgment with three versions. Each set of seven judgments adds additional intensity. Most biblical commentators find that these three major judgments cover the same period of human history that leads the Messiah coming. The major point is that the intensity of these judgments increases with each series. The seal judgments affect “a fourth of the earth” (Revelation 6:8), the trumpet judgments affects “a third of the earth” (Revelation 8:7, 8, 11, 12), and the bowls judgment complete the wrath of God (Revelation 16:17).

Moreover, most biblical scholars see a parallel of the three major series of judgments (seals, trumpets, and bowls)  to Jesus’ teaching of His future return found in the Synoptic Gospels (see Matthew 24:1-22; Mark 13:1-20; Luke 21:5-24). Jesus’ teaching of His return at Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 are parallel but not identical because each Gospel provides different but some similar details on the Messiah coming. Prior to the Messiah’s coming (Parousia), Jesus said there will be wars and rumors of wars, famines, and earthquakes in various places, persecution, many false prophets, lawlessness, and love of many will grow cold, but the Gospel (Good News) will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Even more, biblical scholars see a parallel of the three major series of judgments from Revelation chapters 6 through 19 with the plagues of Egypt from the Old Testament (see Exodus chapters 7 through 11). The three sets of judgment echo the plagues of Egypt.

The trumpet judgments are an expansion of the seventh seal and the bowls judgments are an expansion of the seventh trumpet. However, three interludes separate the three judgments: Revelation 7:1-17; Revelation 10:1-11:14; and Revelation 14:6-20). The interludes are the pastoral portions of Revelation to give a break in God’s wrath and to give God’s people hope and comfort. In the interludes, John encourages God’s people to be faithful. John’s recurring themes to God’s people in the three major judgments is continuing faithfulness and dedication in God because our fate is secure in the Messiah!

References

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Senior Professor of New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary –New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

Scroll of Destiny

¹ Then I (John) saw a scroll (book) in the right hand of the One (God) who was sitting on the throne. There was writing on the inside and the outside of the scroll (book), and it was sealed with seven seals. ² And I saw a strong angel, who shouted (proclaimed) with a loud voice: “Who is worthy to break the seals on this scroll (book) and open it?” ³ But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll (book) and read it. ⁴ Then I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll (book) and read it. ⁵ But one of the twenty-four elders said to me (John), “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Heir (Root) to David’s throne, has won (overcome or conquer) the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll (book) and its seven seals.” ⁶ Then I saw a Lamb (Jesus) that looked as if it had been slaughtered, but it was now standing between the throne and the four living beings and among the twenty-four elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the sevenfold Spirit of God (the sevenfold Holy Spirit) that is sent out into every part of the earth. ⁷ He stepped forward and took the scroll (book) from the right hand of the One sitting on the throne. ⁸ And when He took the scroll (book), the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. ⁹ And they sang a new song with these words: “You (Jesus) are worthy to take the scroll (book) and break its seals and open it. For You were slaughtered (slain or sacrificed), and Your blood has ransomed (purchased) people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. ¹⁰ And You have caused them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God. And they will reign on the earth.” ¹¹ Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders. ¹² And they sang in a mighty chorus: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered (slain or sacrificed), — to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.” ¹³ And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang: “Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the One sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.” ¹⁴ And the four living beings said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb. Revelation 5:1-14 (NLT)

Revelation chapter 5 continues John’s throne room vision of heaven. Chapters 4 and 5 of Revelation are the central and most important vision from the book of Revelation. These two chapters are one vision with two parts and contain the glorious and most magnificent picture of the true and living God and His Son Jesus Christ in all the Scriptures.

In chapter 5, the focus moves from the eternal God of Creation to Jesus as the Lamb of God who alone is worthy to open the scroll of destiny. Revelation chapter 5 begins with John seeing a book or scroll in the right hand of God sitting on the throne (Revelation 5:1). The scroll had writing on the inside and the outside and sealed with seven seals (Revelation 5:1). Significantly, the scroll contained the full destiny and future course of the world history. Beginning with chapter 6, various dramatic events take place and the start of God’s wrath.

Before chapter 6, John saw a mighty angel with a loud voice shouting or proclaiming throughout the whole creation this question: “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” (Revelation 5:2, NIV). In other words, who is worthy to unloose the next phase of history? No one in all heaven or earth or from among the dead was worthy to open and read the sealed scroll (Revelation 5:3). The angel did a complete search, and no one was WORTHY to open this book. No one in all creation could take the book from the hand of the One seated on the throne and read the scroll.

Then, John began to weep with sadness and disappointment because no one anywhere was worthy to open and read the scroll (Revelation 5:4). Nevertheless, one of the twenty-four elders said to John, “Stop crying, for look! The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered or won the battle, and proved Himself worthy to open the scroll and to break its seven seals” (Revelation 5:5, TLB). The Lion of the tribe of Judah and the Root of David are the Messianic titles ascribed to Jesus taken from the Old Testament (see e.g., Genesis 49:8-12; Isaiah 11:1, 10). In the Old Testament, the Messiah is a military conqueror and ideal king like David who will judge with righteousness and usher in an era of peace (see also Romans 15:12; Hebrews 7:14; Revelation 22:16).

Amazingly, when John turned looking for the Lion, he did not see a Lion but a Lamb standing before the twenty-four elders, in front of the throne and the living creatures (Revelation 5:6; see also Isaiah 52:13-53:12). The Lamb was alive with the marks of slaughter yet standing in readiness for action (Revelation 5:6; see also Revelation 1:18). On the Lamb, John saw wounds that caused His redemptive and sacrificial death that took away the sins of the world (Revelation 5:6, 9; see also Isaiah 53:5; Mark 10:45).

Moreover, the Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which represented the Seven Spirit of God, sent out into every part of the world (Revelation 5:6). The Seven Spirits of God was coming from God’s throne (Revelation 4:5) and now the Seven Spirits of God is on the Lamb (Revelation 5:6). The Lamb stepped forward and took the scroll from the right hand of God sitting upon the throne (Revelation 5:7). Only the Lamb was found “worthy” to take the book from God seating on the throne by virtue of His moral excellence. As the Lamb, Jesus was the only One that triumphed over sin and death and therefore worthy to open the scroll of destiny.

Images of Jesus abound in Revelation. After His glorious appearance in Revelation chapter 1, Revelation presents as a Lion, an Heir to David’s throne, a Child, a Warrior on a horse, the Lord of the whole world, King of kings, and the Husband of a bride. Of all the images of Jesus, none is as amazing as John’s second vision of Jesus in chapter 5 as a Lamb! Jesus’ depiction as a Lamb repeatedly appears throughout the book of Revelation – over 29 times. Jesus Christ the King is also the Lamb, the One who died for our sins (see e.g., John 1:29, 35-36; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Peter 1:19). Jesus’ sacrificial death appears to be a great defeat, actually ushered in a decisive victory as the Lamb to open the scroll. Jesus accomplished the conclusive victory over all evil and death by His self-sacrifice on the Cross!

With the handing of the scroll of destiny to the Lamb, we enter into one of the greatest scenes of universal adoration and praise anywhere records (Revelation 5:9-14). The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell before Lamb in worship (Revelation 5:8). Notice, these same living creatures and twenty-four elders that worshipped before God on the throne (Revelation 4:8-11) now falls down in worship before the Lamb (Revelation 5:8-14). The Lamb is separate from God the Father, but the Lamb is God (John 1:1-5)! The Lamb receives the same worship given to the true and living God.

The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders each held a harp, and they were holding golden bowls (vials) full of incense, which were the prayers of the saints – God’s people (Revelation 5:8; see also Psalm 141:2; Revelation 8:3-4). Then, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders began singing a new song to the Lamb for His redemptive work of salvation. Through His death, Jesus fulfilled the promise to the Israelites at Mount Sinai (“You will be for Me a Kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6). Jesus established the church through His sacrificial death, and corporately all true believers are a Kingdom, and individually they are priests of God (see Revelation 1:6; Revelation 5:10; Revelation 20:6). Therefore, all true believers can join with the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders to sing a new song:  

“You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For You were slaughtered (slain or sacrificed), and Your blood has ransomed (purchased or bought) people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. And You have caused (made) them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God. And they will reign on the earth.” Revelation 5:9-10 (NLT)

Then, John looked again, and he heard the singing of countless millions of angels surrounding the throne and of the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders (Revelation 5:11). These majestic angels sang in a mighty chorus:

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered— to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.” Revelation 5:12 (NLT)

Even more amazing, John heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea exclaiming and singing:

“Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the One sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.” Revelation 5:13 (NLT)

Then, the four living beings kept saying, “Amen!” and the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb (Revelation 5:14).

Revelation chapters 4 and 5 are a heavenly worship scene. Nowhere in all the Holy Scriptures will one find scenes of such unrestrained praise and adoration. All of heaven breaks out in jubilant praise from an immeasurable multitude of people. The multitudes are singing with a loud voice to God and the Lamb, Jesus Christ. All of heaven’s praise came because the Lamb took the scroll from God’s the Father's hand and Jesus’ redemptive work of salvation to save humanity.

The book of Revelation is filled with songs of praise and worship (see Revelation 4:8, 11; Revelation 5:9-13; Revelation 7:12-17; Revelation 11:15-18; Revelation 12:10-12; Revelation 15:3-4; Revelation 16:5-7; Revelation 18:2-8; Revelation 19:2-6). A study of Revelation chapters 4 and 5 will help believers understand how to worship God and His Son Jesus. To worship means “to ascribe worth” and to use all that we are and have to praise God and His Son, the Lamb of God (see Revelation 4:11; 5:12).

The closing hymn of Revelation 5:13 direct praise and worship to both God the Father and the Lamb, Jesus. Every part of creation worships! One day, “at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11, NLT).

References

New Student Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992).

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Senior Professor of New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary –New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

Throne Room of Heaven

¹ Then as I (John) looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a (war) trumpet blast. The voice (Jesus) said, Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this (in the future).” ² And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and Someone sitting on it. ³ The One sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled His throne like a rainbow. ⁴ Twenty-four thrones surrounded Him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads. ⁵ From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit of God (the sevenfold Holy Spirit). ⁶ In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal. In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. ⁷ The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. ⁸ Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty— the One who always was, who is, and who is still to come.” ⁹ Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the One sitting on the throne (the One who lives forever and ever), ¹⁰ the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the One sitting on the throne (the One who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say, ¹¹ “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because You created what You pleased.” Revelation 4:1-11 (NLT)

Revelation chapters 4 and 5 are the central and most important vision of the entire book of Revelation. The key to understanding Revelation comes from these two chapters. These two chapters are one vision with two parts. Significantly, Revelation chapters 4 and 5 provide the grandest and most magnificent picture of God in all the Scriptures. Isaiah 6 and Ezekiel 1 from the Old Testament comes close to Revelation chapters 4 and 5; however, Revelation chapters 4 and 5 give the most majestic vision of God from the Holy Scriptures.

The book of Revelation moves from earth with chapters 1 through 3 to heaven starting with chapter 4. Jesus’ letters to the seven churches on earth are now complete. In the letters, Jesus encouraged His churches to remain faithful to God and not accommodate to the world’s evil culture (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 27; Revelation 3:5, 12, 21). Now, John as the human author of Revelation is swept away in the Holy Spirit’s power to the open door of heaven (Revelation 4:1). The same voice John heard in Revelation 1, which sounded like a mighty trumpet blast, spoke to him and that voice was the living and glorified Jesus (Revelation 4:1; see also Revelation 1:10-11). Jesus said to John, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen in the future!” (Revelation 4:1, TLB). When John goes to heaven, John first sees a throne! The throne is a dominant image of Revelation, and John refers to the throne over forty times. On the throne, John sees the Lord God Almighty seated (Revelation 4:2, 8). With John’s vision of the throne room, John uses many Old Testament references, including Ezekiel 1, Daniel 7, and Daniel 10. Many Old Testament prophets witnessed a similar vision of the true and living God.

In his second vision, John describes the transcendental glory and grandeur of the living God who reigns on the throne with dazzling brilliance and light (Revelation 4:5; see also Psalm 104:2; Ezekiel 1:26-28; 1 Timothy 6:16). John avoids any descriptive form of God in accord with Jewish tradition (see e.g., Exodus 20:4; Deuteronomy 4:12, 15-18). Instead, John says that the One who seats on the throne looks like precious stones of “jasper and carnelian” (Revelation 4:3). In addition, John saw around the throne “a rainbow that looks like an emerald” as a symbol of God’s covenant mercy (Revelation 4:3; see also Genesis 9:11-17). Then, twenty-four smaller thrones surrounded God’s glorious throne, and twenty-four elders were sitting on these smaller thrones. The twenty-four elders all were clothed in white, with golden crowns upon their heads (Revelation 4:4).

For centuries, biblical scholars have debated the symbolic significance of the twenty-four elders. Some scholars argue that the twenty-four elders are the twenty-four courses of Aaronic priesthood from the Old Testament who provide priestly worship (see 1 Chronicles 24:4-19). However, a vast majority of scholars see the twenty-four elders as the combination of the twelve patriarchs (tribes) of Israel and the twelve apostles that form the church. Thus, the twenty-four elders is a symbolic representation of God’s people - Israel in the Old Testament (old covenant) and the church in the New Testament (new covenant). Revelation and the New Testament teach that the church is the new Israel of God and there is continuity with the church and the old Israel. However, the church does not replace Israel as seen by Romans chapters 9, 10, and 11. In these chapters, God promised Abraham that He would bless his descendants. The apostle Paul never denounces Israel because the promise of Abraham was without conditions. The church has not replaced Israel!

Then, John saw “flashing of lightning, and rumbling and peals of thunder” issued from God’s throne (Revelation 4:5). This scene is similar to God’s divine revelation with the giving of His Law to Moses at Mount Sinai (see Exodus 19:16-19). In the Holy Scriptures, God’s appearance was often accompanied by an impressive display of meteorological sights and sounds (see e.g., 1 Samuel 7:10-12; 1 Samuel 12:18; Job 38:1; Job 40:6; Psalm 18:13-14). Directly in front of God’s throne were seven lighted lamps representing the seven-fold Spirit of God (Revelation 4:5). Seven is the number of completion and fulfillment. The Seven Spirit of God means the fullness, completion, and majesty of the living God. Spread out before God’s throne was a shiny crystal sea (Revelation 4:6; see also Exodus 24:10).

Surrounding God’s throne on each side were four living creatures. (Revelation 4:6). These living creatures are similar to the four living creatures the prophet Ezekiel witnessed, but the creatures are not an exact duplication (see Ezekiel 1:4-14). The first of these creatures was in the form of a lion; the second looked like an ox; the third had the face of a man; and the fourth, the form of an eagle, with wings spread out as though in flight (Revelation 4:7). Also, these four living creatures had six wings similar to the prophet Isaiah’s vision, full of eyes all around, even underneath their wings, suggesting unsleeping watchfulness (Revelation 4:8; see also Isaiah 6:2). The four living creatures have no symbolic meaning except they sang praises to the true and living God seated on the throne, like choirmasters leading public worship. These living creatures praised God day and night in ceaseless worship for His holiness, eternity, and mighty power (omnipotence) (Revelation 4:8; see also Isaiah 6:1-3). Day after day and night after night, the four living creatures continual kept saying:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” Revelation 4:8 (NIV)

When the four living creatures gave glory, honor, and thanks to God sitting on the throne, who lives forever and ever (through the eternities of the eternities), the twenty-four elders fell down prostrate before eternal living God and worshiped Him and casted their crowns before His throne (Revelation 4:9-10). The twenty-four elders sang to God:

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being.” Revelation 4:11 (NIV)

The vision of heaven reminded John and his readers that God alone is the holiest, most powerful, and everlasting One of the universe. Even more, John’s vision reveals the true and living God as Creator, and He controls all the world and not political powers (Revelation 4:11). Most important, the great throne-room vision of chapters 4 and 5 remind everyone that the true and living God and His Son are “our Lord and God” and only God and His Son are worthy to receive glory, honor, and power (Revelation 4:11; Revelation 5:12-13).

No matter what may happen on earth, the eternal and living God is fully and completely in control of the world. God is our all-powerful (omnipotent) and all-knowing (omniscient) Lord and King. That same power of God is available to everyone through wholehearted faith in Him!

References

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Senior Professor of New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Metzger, Bruce. Breaking the Code: Understanding the Book of Revelation (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1993).

Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998).

The Seven Churches

¹ “Write this letter to the angel (messenger) of the church in Ephesus. This is the message from the One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven gold lampstands (churches). . . . ⁸ Write this letter to the angel (messenger) of the church in Smyrna. This is the message from the One who is the First and the Last, who was dead but is now alive . . . . ¹² Write this letter to the angel (messenger) of the church in Pergamum. This is the message from the One with the sharp two-edged sword . . . . ¹⁸ Write this letter to the angel (messenger) of the church in Thyatira. This is the message from the Son of God, whose eyes are like flames of fire, whose feet are like polished bronze . . . .” Revelation 2:1, 8, 12, 18 (NLT)

¹ “Write this letter to the angel (messenger) of the church in Sardis. This is the message from the One who has the sevenfold Spirit of God and the seven stars. . . .  ⁷ Write this letter to the angel (messenger) of the church in Philadelphia. This is the message from the One who is Holy and True, the One who has the key of David. What He opens, no one can close; and what He closes, no one can open . . . . ¹⁴ Write this letter to the angel (messenger) of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the One who is the Amen—the Faithful and True Witness, the beginning of God’s new creation. . . .” Revelation 3:1, 7, 14 (NLT)

Revelation chapters 2 and 3 are the most popular section of the book because the teaching of these sections continues to apply to all churches today (Revelation 2:1-3:22). The seven letters deal with the same challenges of today’s church culture. The seven churches are symbolic of all churches because seven means complete, all-inclusive, and whole.

Revelation chapters 1 through 3 revealed the exalted and resurrected Jesus Christ (Messiah) ruling, ministering, and caring for His churches. Jesus is the Head of the church, and He is living and reigning (Revelation 1:18; see also John 14:19; Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18). As the Head of the church, Revelation chapters 2 and 3 reveal that only Jesus “knows” every church’s true internal condition, motivation, and deeds as He continually examines and shepherds each church (Revelation 2:2, 9, 13, 19, 23; Revelation 3:1, 8, 15, see also 1 Samuel 16:7; Psalm 7:9; Psalm 26:2; Proverbs 24:12; Jeremiah 20:12; Romans 8:27). 

The true Author of the letters is Jesus and Jesus instructs the human author John to write these letters. Jesus intended all churches to read these letters and benefit from His instructions and encouragement (note the plural “churches” in Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; Revelation 3:6, 13, 22). Some scholars see in these seven churches various stages of church history from apostolic times (Ephesus) to the lukewarmness of the twenty-first century (Laodicea). Most biblical scholars believe these letters remind us that the exalted Head of the church (Jesus) “knows” what is going on in each assembly, and that our fellowship with Him and His Word determines the life and ministry of each local church.

There are several common features in these seven letters.

First, each of the seven letters begins with a personal description or designation of heavenly Jesus taken from John’s vision of Him in Revelation chapter 1 (see Revelation 1:12-16, 20). These glorious descriptions of Jesus unify the seven letters.

Second, Jesus tells the churches of their victory as “overcomers” against evil if they “hear” the letter’s instruction and remain continually faithful and obedient (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26-29; Revelation 3:5, 12-13, 21-22; see also Revelation 12:11). If they overcome evil, the church will enjoy continual and eternal blessedness, life, and fellowship with God and His Son Jesus (Revelation 21:1-22:5).

Third, Jesus warned the churches to stay away from false teaching, false teachers, and false prophets such as the Nicolaitans, Balaam, and Jezebel (see also Matthew 7:15-20). These evil workers were inducing members of the church to compromise and engage in idol worship and sexual immorality (e.g., fornication, adultery, and other lustful offenses) (Revelation 2:6, 14-15, 20-21; also see Numbers 31:16; 1 Kings 16:30-33; 1 Kings 19:1-2; 1 Kings 21:25-26). Jesus provided a simple and practical method to recognize false teachers and prophets, “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:16, 20; Luke 6:43-44). True teachers and prophets of God will always have deeds, behavior, and actions of the Lord Jesus Christ (e.g., “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23, NLT).

Fourth, these churches were suffering persecution from the Romans and Jews because of their allegiance to God and His Son Jesus (Revelation 2:9-10, 13, 24; Revelation 3:9-10). Jews and Roman emperors such as Nero and Domitian directed bloody persecution against the Christian churches. Antipas was the first of many Christians who died because of their faithfulness to Jesus (Revelation 2:13).

Fifth, Jesus addressed each letter “to the angel of the church” and not to the church itself. Angels are very prominent in Revelation. The word “angel” means “messenger.” Scholars have long speculated the identity of the church’s angel. Some argue the angel was the church’s protective or guardian angel. Other scholars argue the angel represents church leadership, such as the bishop or the pastor.

Sixth, the Speaker and Author of the letters is the resurrected Jesus!

Seventh, Jesus acknowledges each churches’ strengths and weaknesses, and He makes a repeated call for repentance, faithfulness, and endurance (see e.g., Revelation 2:5, 16, 22; Revelation 3:3, 19). In Greek, endurance refers to athletics or training. Endurance requires activity and not passivity. Revelation consistently calls for endurance, allegiance, and faithfulness to God and His Son Jesus throughout the book. Jesus calls the church for active living and not passively accommodating, secular, and compromising with the world’s evil culture and immorality (see also Romans 12:1-2).

Revelation chapters 2 and 3 remind everyone that the messages of the seven churches are the same message to all churches today:  never stop loving (Ephesus), do not fear suffering (Smyrna), stay away from false teaching (Pergamum), moral compromise (Thyatira), spiritual deadness (Sardis), call for faithfulness and perseverance (Philadelphia), and lukewarmness (Laodicea).  

References

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Senior Professor of New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary –New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

How Will Jesus Return

⁷ Look, Jesus is coming with the clouds, and everyone will see Him, even those who stabbed (pierced) Him. And all peoples of the earth will cry loudly because of Him. Yes, this will happen! Amen. Revelation 1:7 (NCV)

The overriding theme of Revelation is the return of Jesus to defeat all evil and to establish God’s glorious Kingdom on earth (Revelation 1:7; see also Revelation 2:16; Revelation 3:11; Revelation 22:7, 12, 20). Revelation declares that Jesus will come “with the clouds of heaven” (Revelation 1:7). The event described in Revelation 1:7 will be witnessed by the whole world when all the peoples of the earth will see Jesus (the Son of Man) coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (Matthew 24:30-31; Matthew 26:63-64; see also Daniel 7:13-14).

However, Jesus’ coming at Revelation 1:7 is not the same as His return in the air to catch away His faithful people – the Rapture (see 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-54). When Jesus comes to catch away (Rapture) His church, He will come “as a thief” or unexpectedly (Revelation 3:3; Revelation 16:15), and only those who are born again will see Him (1 John 3:1-3).

Bible scholars have not always agreed as to the order of events leading up to the return of Jesus and the establishment of God's eternal Kingdom on earth (Revelation 21-22). NO ONE KNOWS when Jesus will return (Acts 1:6-7; see also Mark 13:32-37; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2). God sent Jesus at the right time for His first coming (Galatians 4:4), and GOD ALONE will decide Jesus’ second coming to earth (Matthew 24:36). The Holy Scriptures warned against an excessive fixation on the future (see e.g., 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2).

Until Jesus' second coming, God’s people must continue to live by faith and do good in the world (see e.g., Micah 6:6-8; Matthew 25:31-40; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:1, 10; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, 16-24; Titus 2:14). REPENT of your sins, turn away from wickedness, and turn wholeheartedly to the living God (see e.g., Ezekiel 18:30-31; Matthew 3:2; Matthew 4:17; Revelation 2:5, 16, 22; Revelation 3:3, 19). All Biblical scholars agree Jesus will return and the sure promise of Jesus’ return should lead everyone to repentance, obedience, and faithfulness to God (Revelation 1:3, 7; Revelation 2:5, 25; Revelation 3:3, 11; Revelation 22:7, 12, 20; see also 1 John 1:1-3).

²⁰ Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:20 (NLT)

References

New Student Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992).

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Senior Professor of New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary –New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

Vision of Jesus

⁹ I, John, am your brother and your partner (companion) in suffering and in God’s Kingdom and in the patient endurance to which Jesus calls us. I was exiled (banished) to the island of Patmos for preaching the word of God and for my testimony about Jesus. ¹⁰ It was the Lord’s Day, and I was worshipping in the Spirit. Suddenly, I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet blast. ¹¹ It said, “Write in a book (scroll) everything you see (your vision), and send it to the seven churches in the cities of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.” ¹² When I turned to see who was speaking to me, I saw seven gold lampstands. ¹³ And standing in the middle of the lampstands was someone like the Son of Man. He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash across His chest. ¹⁴ His head and His hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And His eyes were like flames of fire. ¹⁵ His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and His voice thundered like mighty ocean waves. ¹⁶ He held seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came from His mouth. And His face was like the sun in all its brilliance. ¹⁷ When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as if I were dead. But He laid His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid! I am the First and the Last. ¹⁸ I am the Living One. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave. ¹⁹ Write down what you have seen—both the things that are now happening and the things that will happen. ²⁰ This is the meaning of the mystery of the seven stars you saw in My right hand and the seven gold lampstands: The seven stars are the angels (messengers) of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.” Revelation 1:9-20 (NLT)

John wrote the book of Revelation to seven churches in Asia Minor, which is modern day Turkey. John identified himself as “your brother and your partner in suffering” (Revelation 1:9, NLT). Sadly, John and the churches were fellow sufferers of severe persecution from harsh Roman emperors such as Nero and Domitian because of their belief in “the word of God and the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 1:9, NIV). For John, the “word of God” and “the testimony of Jesus” are synonyms or the same. John encouraged the churches patiently to endure all suffering and persecution for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake because they too will share His Kingdom (Revelation 1:9).

Most likely, John was exiled or banished to the island of Patmos because he refused to stop preaching the word of God and for telling what he knew about Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:9). Early church traditions say that Roman Emperor Domitian banished John to the island of Patmos, a Roman penal colony off the coast of Asia Minor. If this John were one of the Twelve Apostles, John would have been the last living eyewitness of Jesus. Placing John in exile would have been appropriate for a Roman ruler like Domitian to stop the spread of the Gospel (Good News) about Jesus Christ. To prevent any movement, authorities always separate the leaders from the group.

At Revelation 1:10, John said he was worshipping “in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day” when suddenly he heard a great or mighty voice behind him, a voice that sounded like a trumpet blast (Revelation 1:10). Jesus Christ was speaking! The voice told John, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea” (Revelation 1:11, NIV). These seven churches received the seven letters from John in Revelation chapters two and three. These seven churches represented prominent cities in Asia Minor. The book of Revelation was born out of John’s profound spiritual experience while exiled on Patmos.

John says he was “in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day” on the day of his revelation (Revelation 1:10). The phrase “in the Spirit” was common among writings of the Old Testament prophets and apocalyptic literature. “In the Spirit” means the prophet or the apocalyptist experienced an ecstatic experience or revelation from God (see also e.g., Actos 10:10; Acts 22:17). Both Isaiah and Ezekiel began their ministry also with a great vision of the glory of God (see Isaiah 6; Ezekiel 1). Now, John tells readers of his calling or commission to pass on to the churches this revelation of Jesus.

Moreover, John’s uses the phrase “the Lord's Day” at Revelation 1:10. In the early church, the “Lord's Day” was Sunday or the first day of the week. The Lord's Day is not the Sabbath. The early Christians moved the worship day from Saturday (the Sabbath) to Sunday (the Lord’s Day) to accommodate Jewish Christians so they could participate in both communities of faiths on Saturday with Jewish activities at the synagogue and Sunday for Christians. More likely, scholars believe the Lord’s Day became a celebration and reenactment of Easter to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. Sadly, the Roman government also considered Sunday the “lord’s day” to worship their Roman emperors. Rome sometimes called their emperors “our lord and our god.” John wanted to emphasize in Revelation that the true “Lord and God” that deserve our wholehearted worship and allegiance was God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ (e.g., see Revelation 1:6; Revelation 4:11; Revelation 5:12; Revelation 11:15-17).

In the opening chapter of Revelation, John saw a glorious vision of the reigning and ruling Jesus! The entire Holy Bible speaks of Jesus, the living Word of God (Revelation 19:13; see also John 1:1-5); but the book of Revelation especially magnifies the greatness and glory of Jesus. Revelation, after all, is a revealing or unveiling of Jesus Christ and not simply the revelation of future events.

Images of the living Jesus abound in Revelation. John reveals Jesus as a King (Revelation 17:14), a special Child (Revelation 12:1-6), a Warrior on a horse (Revelation 19:11-16), the Lion of Judah and Root of David (Revelation 5:5) and the Judge (Revelation 19:11). Revelation 1:13-16 gives the first glorious appearance of Jesus. Then, the second greatest image of Jesus comes in Revelation chapter 5. In Revelation 5, John sees a “Lamb, looking at if it had been slain” (Revelation 5:6-13). This powerful image of Jesus as Lamb often resurfaces in Revelation (see e.g., Revelation 6:1; Revelation 7:9-10). Jesus the King is also the sacrificial Lamb who died and redeemed us to take away our sins (Revelation 5:9-14). Jesus’ sacrificial death, seemingly a great defeat, actually ushered in a decisive victory, for Him and all faithful believers. Jesus’ sacrificial death destroyed and triumphed over evil. Definitely, Revelation is a book of victory and faithful believers are seen as “overcomers” (see e.g., Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; Revelation 3:5, 12, 21; Revelation 11:7; Revelation 12:11; Revelation 15:2; Revelation 21:7). Although through the eyes of unbelief, Jesus and His church are defeated in this world. However, through eyes of faith, Jesus and His faithful people are the true victors and overcomers (see also 1 Corinthians 15:42-57).

When describing Jesus in Revelation, John often takes attributes from the Old Testament book of Daniel attributed to God and applies these same attributes to the ruling and reigning Jesus. In John’s vision, the ruling and resurrected Jesus is God. Throughout the book of Revelation, John refers to God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit interchangeable. To hear God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit speak is to hear God.

In the first vision, John saw the living Jesus standing among the seven golden lampstands (Revelation 1:12-13). The Lord Jesus Christ was dressed in a robe reaching down to His feet and with a golden sash around His chest (Revelation 1:13; see also Daniel 7:13; Daniel 10:5). John also noticed that Jesus’ hair was white as wool or snow, and His eyes flashed like flames of fire (Revelation 1:14; see also Daniel 7:9). Moreover, Jesus’ feet gleamed like burnished bronze, and His voice thundered like the waves against the shore (Revelation 1:15; see also Daniel 10:6). In His right hand, Jesus held seven stars (Revelation 1:16, 20). From Jesus’ mouth, there came a sharp, double-bladed sword. Most importantly, Jesus’ face shone like the power of the sun in unclouded brilliance (Revelation 1:16). Jesus’ shining face reminds us of His transfiguration (Matthew 17:2; see also Matthew 28:3; John 1:4-5) and the prophecy of Malachi 4:2 (“the Sun of righteousness [shall] arise”).

When John saw Jesus, he fell at Jesus’ feet as dead (Revelation 1:17). However, Jesus laid His right hand on John and said, “Do not be afraid!” (Revelation 1:17, TLB). Jesus announced to John, “I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave” (Revelation 1:17-18, NLT). As faithful believers in Jesus, we need not fear life or death, because Jesus is “The Living One” and He is always with us (Matthew 28:20; see also Romans 8:35-39).

Perhaps, the most important part of John’s vision is the ever-living and exalted Jesus in the midst of the seven lampstands (Revelation 1:12-13; 20). The seven lampstands represent the seven churches in Asia Minor (Revelation 1:11, 20) and the seven stars in Jesus’ hand represent the angels (messengers or perhaps pastors) of the seven churches (Revelation 1:16, 20). John wanted to encourage the churches that the glorified Jesus stands in the midst of their suffering and persecution. John sees a vision of Jesus not as a lowly Lamb but as the ruling, reigning, and resurrected Jesus present with His people to provide and protect them with His all-encompassing love and reassuring power. Through His Spirit, Jesus Christ is still among the churches today. When any faithful believer faces persecution, Jesus is in the midst with God the Father and His deep love and compassion through the Holy Spirit (see 1John 4:4).

References

Life Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005).

New Student Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992).

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Senior Professor of New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary –New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

Jesus Is Coming!

⁴ This letter is from John to the seven churches in the province of Asia. Grace and peace to you from the One who is, who always was, and who is still to come; from the sevenfold Spirit before His throne; ⁵ and from Jesus Christ. He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the Ruler of all the kings of the world. All glory to Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding His blood for us. ⁶ He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God, His Father. All glory and power to Him forever and ever! Amen. ⁷ Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see Him— even those who pierced Him. And all the nations of the world will mourn for Him. Yes! Amen! ⁸ “I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the One who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.” Revelation 1:4-8 (NLT)

The book of Revelation unveils some of the future events that will occur in the life of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:1). God the Father permitted His Son Jesus Christ to reveal these future events through to His servant John in a vision; and then an angel was sent from heaven to explain the vision’s meaning (Revelation 1:1). In turn, John was to make this unveiling of truth known to the Church for moral and spiritual formation. To understand what is involved in a visionary experience, one may consider the Prophet Ezekiel’s vision of a valley full of dry bones from the Old Testament (see Ezekiel 37:1-4). Also, the Acts of the Apostles from the New Testament reports various instances of visionary experiences (see Acts 9:10; Acts 10:11; Acts 16:9; Acts 18:9; Acts 22:17; Acts 27:23).

John wrote the vision down—the words of God and Jesus Christ and everything he heard and saw (Revelation 1:2). The source of the Revelation is God, who speaks this truth through His Son Jesus Christ and He shows to God’s people things that are about to happen. Revelation is apocalyptic literature. Christian apocalyptic literature is mainly Jewish apocalyptic literature as they discuss God’s coming Kingdom. Both Christian and Jewish apocalyptic literature comfort God’s people, encourage them to remain faithful to God and assure that God is fully in control of the world and all world events. History is not a random sequence of unrelated events but a divinely decreed ordering by the true and living God.

Scholars note that apocalyptic literature is constantly “telescoping time.” Apocalyptic literature looks into the future through a telescope and sees the nearness of God’s coming Kingdom. Telescoping time does not invalidate John’s visionary work. John sees God’s Kingdom with clarity, but he merely misjudges the distance because of telescoping. One day, Jesus will return when the prophecy will all come true (Revelation 1:3).

The immediate recipients of John’s prophecy were to the seven churches in Asia Minor, which is modern day western Turkey (Revelation 1:4). Seven is a number symbolizing completeness; therefore, these seven churches are representative of the Church. In his letter, John greeted the churches with the source of grace and peace. All grace and peace come from the Godhead (Trinity) – the eternal God who is, and was, and is to come; from the sevenfold Spirit before His throne; and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness who reveals all truth to God’s faithful people (Revelation 1:4-5; see also John 3:32-33; John 18:37). John writes to assure God’s faithful people that the Godhead – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – is ever-present with them.

Moreover, John reminds the churches that Jesus Christ was the first to rise from death to die no more and the Ruler of all the kings of the world (Revelation 1:5; see also Colossians 1:18; Revelation 19:16). The churches must give all glory and praise to Jesus Christ because He loves us and graciously freed us from our sins by shedding His sacrificial blood for us (Revelation 1:5; Revelation 5:9-14; see also Philippians 2:10-11). Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the sacrificial Lamb, Jesus Christ (Revelation 7:10; see also John 3:16). Furthermore, Jesus Christ has made all faithful believers in Him a Kingdom of priests for God, His Father (Revelation 1:6; see also Revelation 5:10). At Mount Sinai, God promised that if the emerging Jewish nation would obey His voice and keep His commandments, He would make them a “kingdom of priest and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6; see also Isaiah 61:6). The early church understood itself to be in a genuine succession of Israel and thus the inheritors of all the blessings promised to Israel (see 1 Peter 2:5, 9-10). Corporately, the church is a Kingdom with Jesus Christ as Ruler and individually as priests. Therefore, all glory and power belong to Jesus Christ forever and ever (Revelation 1:6). Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God, the Son of Man, Lion of Judah, the Revealer, and Word of God.

The focus and theme of Revelation is the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and the definitive establishment of God’s Kingdom at the end times. The book of Revelation promises that Jesus Christ will come again surrounded by clouds; and every eye shall see Him, even those who pierced Him (Revelation 1:7; see also Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 16:27; Matthew 24:30; Matthew 26:69; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). John said that the nations would weep in sorrow and terror when Jesus comes! In reporting his visionary experiences, John uses various symbols, visions, and metaphorical language to describe Jesus Christ’s return and God’s Kingdom. Ultimately, John sees believers’ hopes fulfilled with Jesus Christ’s glorious return, God’s establishment of His Kingdom, and the final judgment of all sin. 

Based on Jesus Christ’s coming, the structure of Revelation involves a series of three seven-part judgments (see Revelation chapters 6 through 7; Revelation chapters 8 through 9, and Revelation chapter 16). Each judgment is parallel, yet ever progressing. Chapters 6 through 19 of Revelation are the most complicated, confusing, and the largest sections of the book. Most people avoid chapters 6 through 19 because of the sections' bloody, violent, and bizarre scenes of three judgments.

However, this middle section of Revelation repeatedly brings before the reader, but in climatic form, the struggle of God’s people but their victory over evil through the sovereign power and judgment of Almighty God and Jesus Christ (Revelation 6:15-17). Starting with chapter 6, Jesus as the Lamb breaks seven seals and judgment breakout on the earth. The judgments of Revelation are similar to the plagues sent to Egypt from the Old Testament book of Exodus. Even more, this middle section includes three interludes separating the judgment scenes – Revelation 7:1-17, Revelation 10:1-11:14, and then Revelation 14:6-20. In the interludes, John addresses faithful believers and brings comfort to God’s people during the time of judgment. Some scholars interpret these three sets of judgments from chapters 6 through 19 in a sequential fashion. However, most biblical scholars view these judgments as a recapitulation of the same judgment in three different vantage points. Essentially, each judgment retells the same story again but with a different emphasis or detail. Thus, most scholars believe John retells the same story with these three set of judgments in chapters 6 through 19 not as three sets of chronological judgments but the same judgment with three different vantage points.

Then in Revelation 1:8, the Lord God spoke to John and said, “I am the Alpha and the Omega . . . who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8, NIV). The true and living God is eternally existent, without beginning or end; and He is the sovereign Lord over the universe. We must love the Lord God with all our hearts, with all our soul, with all our mind, and all our strength (Matthew 22:37; see also Deuteronomy 6:5-6). In the book of Revelation, God speaks at the very beginning (Revelation 1:8) and the end of the book (see Revelation 21:5-6). Interestingly, John speaks about God the Father, the Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit interchangeably and without distinction throughout Revelation (see e.g., Revelation 1:17; Revelation 2:8; Revelation 22:13).

References

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Senior Professor of New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Metzger, Bruce. Breaking the Code: Understanding the Book of Revelation (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1993).

Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998).