The brief time between Paul’s ministry there and the end of Nero’s reign was too short for such a decline to have occurred. Those churches were strong and spiritually healthy in the mid-60s, when Paul last ministered in Asia Minor. The spiritual decline of the 7 churches ( chaps. Later writers, such as Clement of Alexandria, Origen, Victorinus (who wrote one of the earliest commentaries on Revelation), Eusebius, and Jerome affirm the Domitian date. Writing in the second century, Irenaeus declared that Revelation had been written toward the end of Domitian’s reign. 54–68), their arguments are unconvincing and conflict with the view of the early church. Although some date it during Nero’s reign (A.D. 94–96), near the end of Emperor Domitian’s reign (A.D. Revelation was written in the last decade of the first century (ca. Only Revelation and the Gospel of John describe Jesus as the Lamb ( 5:6, 8 John 1:29) both describe Jesus as a witness (cf. 12:10 differently from the Septuagint, but in agreement with each other. Revelation ( 1:7) and John’s gospel ( 19:37) translate Zech. Only John’s gospel and Revelation refer to Jesus Christ as the Word ( 19:13 John 1:1). In fact, there are some striking parallels between Revelation and John’s other works. There are differences in style between Revelation and John’s other writings, but they are insignificant and do not preclude one man from writing both. Many of the book’s original readers were still alive during the lifetimes of Justin Martyr and Irenaeus-both of whom held to apostolic authorship. For example, important second century witnesses to the Apostle John’s authorship include Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, and Tertullian. Early tradition unanimously identified him as John the apostle, author of the fourth gospel and three epistles.

This revelation was given to Him by God the Father, and it was communicated to the Apostle John by an angel ( 1:1).įour times the author identifies himself as John ( 1:1, 4, 9 22:8).

Truths about Him and His final victory, that the rest of Scripture merely allude to, become clearly visible through revelation about Jesus Christ (see Historical and Theological Themes). What this book reveals or unveils is Jesus Christ in glory. In all its uses, “revelation” refers to something or someone, once hidden, becoming visible. 8:19), Christ’s incarnation ( Luke 2:32), and His glorious appearing at His second coming ( 2 Thess. 1:17 3:3), the revealing of the sons of God ( Rom. “Revelation” (Gr., apokalupsis) means “an uncovering,” “an unveiling,” or “a disclosure.” In the NT, this word describes the unveiling of spiritual truth ( Rom.

Understand Revelation as the culmination of God's great story.Unlike most books of the Bible, Revelation contains its own title: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” ( 1:1).

Move from confused to courageous, anxious to assured, and disoriented to defined as you study the book of Revelation.

Learn how to read apocalyptic writing and interpret fascinating visual imagery and biblical symbolism.

Study the book of Revelation from beginning to end.

9 weeks of personal study featuring illuminating questions to help you focus on and understand Scripture.

10 video teaching sessions unpacking truths found throughout the study and offering additional insights, available via redemption code printed in the Bible study book.

Verse-by-verse study of the book of Revelation.

Over 10 sessions of verse-by-verse Bible study, Jen Wilkin helps you discover how the last book of the Bible-the culmination of God's great story-speaks both a steadying word of assurance and a strong call to endure to the church in every age. Those who heard the letter understood it and drew encouragement from its message. Two thousand years ago, John's Revelation was circulated and read aloud among seven churches in Asia Minor. But if all Scripture is God-breathed and profitable, we should assume Revelation is as accessible and helpful as any other book of the Bible. The book of Revelation overflows with images and ideas that confound our modern ears. Perhaps no other book of the Bible feels as inaccessible and as intimidating to us as the very last one.

Revelation bible study