LITERARY STRUCTURE

Introduction to Revelation – (A Brief introduction to and outline of the Book of Revelation)

The Fourfold Division of the Book of Revelation – (The visions of John divide into four main sections marked off by his four experiences “in the spirit”)

A Call to Action – The Seven Beatitudes of Revelation – (Through a series of seven “beatitudes,” the book of Revelation summons believers to faithfulness despite hostility and persecution)

Introduction to the Churches of Asia – (The visitation of Jesus to each of the Seven Churches prepares the reader to understand the visions that follow the letters to the churches of Asia)

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

The Isle of Patmos – (Revelation 1:9 – John is exiled on the Isle of Patmos for his testimony and is a “fellow participant” with the churches in the Tribulation)

The First Recipients of the Book of Revelation – (The book of Revelation is addressed to seven actual churches in the province of Asia in the first century A.D.)

INTERPRETING REVELATION

Literal versus Non-Literal Interpretation of Revelation – (Revelation informs the reader from the get-go, and by direct statement and example, that it communicates symbolically)

Linear Chronological Sequencing in Revelation? – (Are Revelation’s visions presented in chronological sequence? If so, how do we explain the many parallel descriptions that link them?)

Provided Interpretations in the Book of Revelation – (The book of Revelation communicates symbolically and provides many of the necessary interpretations of its images)

Revelation – A Fully Open-ed Book – (The purpose of the book of Revelation is to unveil, not to conceal or mystify)

Common Errors in Interpreting the Book of Revelation – (The real-life relevance of the book of Revelation is easily lost if we approach the book with incorrect presuppositions)

The Death and Exaltation of Jesus in the Book of Revelation – (The book of Revelation links the present reign of Jesus to his past Death and Resurrection, the immovable foundation of his kingdom)

The People of God in the Book of Revelation – (From start to finish, the people of God are identified and defined by their relationship to Jesus, not ethnicity or membership in the nation of Israel)

Unsealing the Sealed Scroll of Daniel – (The “scroll” that Daniel was commanded to “seal shut” is unsealed and its contents unveiled in the book of Revelation)

The Season of Fulfillment – (According to Revelation, the “last days,” the “season of the end” began with the Death and Resurrection of Jesus)

The Church and the Tribulation – (In the book of Revelation, faithful saints experience “tribulation,” whereas, the unrepentant undergo “wrath”)