Revelation Revealed through John the Exiled Apostle

By Jennifer B. Workman

The book of Revelation is an enigmatic and mysterious book that has captivated the hearts and minds of countless seekers throughout history. Its words resonate with an otherworldly power, and its imagery is both haunting and awe-inspiring. It is the final chapter of the Bible and the culmination of divine revelation. It's the only book of the Bible that has a promise of a blessing from God just from reading it.

In Revelation Revealed, we embark on a journey of discovery, shedding light on the transformative power of this enigmatic text. We delve into the historical context in which it was written, unravel its intricate symbolism, and explore the timeless wisdom it holds for today's world. We invite readers to venture beyond the surface-level interpretations and embrace a deeper understanding of this often-misunderstood book.

This book is not a mere academic study or a theological treatise. It is an invitation to engage with the book of Revelation as a personal encounter. Revelation Revealed equips readers with the tools to navigate the book's labyrinthine passages and unearth the treasures hidden within.

As we embark on this exploration together, let us cast aside preconceived notions and embrace the transformative power of the book of Revelation. Within its pages lie answers to age-old questions, inspiration for troubled times, and a glimpse into the eternal nature of our souls. Revelation Revealed is an invitation to embark on a journey of faith, wisdom, and profound revelation. Are you ready to embark on this sacred quest?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Dec 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798891302402

Book preview

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Revelation Revealed through John the Exiled Apostle

Jennifer B. Workman

ISBN 979-8-89130-239-6 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-89130-240-2 (digital)

Copyright © 2023 by Jennifer B. Workman

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Scripture quotations in this book are taken from the King James Version only, www.biblegateway.com, Bible Gateway, a division of the Zondervan corporation, 3900 Sparks Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 USA. All Rights Reserved.

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Preface

Introduction

Who Wrote the Book of Revelation

Book of Revelation

Who Is John—Family

John's Role as an Apostle

Written Contributions of John

John's Education and Language

Walking in John's Sandals

Political Environment during John's Lifetime

Christian Persecution

Dedication to Live as a Christian Despite Persecution

John's Exile for the Crime of Being a Christian

John's Location during Visions and the Writing of Revelation

Delivery of the Revelation

What Were the Conditions of John Receiving the Revelation?

Who Gave John the Visions?

Why the Messenger Is Important

Key to Interpreting the Visions

Method of Delivery

John Wrote What He Saw

Seeing in Greek

God's Call to Listen to Prophecy

The Eleventh Commandment

Revelation of Jesus Christ

Revealing or Disclosing

Biblical Message in the Old Testament

Biblical Message in the New Testament

Application of the Revelation Theme

Semantics

Difficulty in Translation

Biblical Languages

Cryptology

God's Secret Codes

Biblical Cryptography

Specific Bible Codes

The Flood Judgment Hidden Code

Extra-Biblical References

Grammar

Figurative Language

Similes

Metaphors

Hypocatastasis

Symbolism

Synecdoche

Audience for the Revelation

The -ist Approaches

The preterist approach

The historicist approach

The idealist approach

The futurist approach

Millennial Reign

Amillennialism

Dispensational premillennialism

Historical premillennialists

Differences in millennial reign beliefs

A thousand versus one thousand

Back to the Approach

Servants

Shortly

Time is at hand

Timing

Seven churches

Divine Structure

Nature of the Visions

Heptadic Structure

Chiastic Structure

Outlining the Book

Introduction (1:1–8)

Seven Letters (1:9–3:22)

Seven Seals (4:1–8:1)

Seven Trumpets (8:2–11:19)

Seven Signs (12:1–14:20)

Seven Bowls (15:1–16:21)

The Whore of Babylon, the First City (17:1–19:10)

Seven Sights (19:11–21:8)

The Bride of Christ (21:9–22:11)

Conclusion (22:12–21)

Eightfold Outline of Sevens

The Two Commissions

Split Patterns

Seven Beatitudes Split

Summarizing the Structure

Reason for the Revelation

Don't Discredit God's Word

Revelation is the Completion and Closing

Patterns of the Seven Churches Throughout Time

Church Attendance

Light in the World

Prophecies Fulfilled and Prophecies Yet to Be Fulfilled

Three passages of proof?

Futurist with a Twist

Young Will See Visions, Old Will Dream Dreams

Five Reasons to Study Prophecy

Prophecy and a leading role in the New Testament

Prophecy proves the integrity of Scripture

Prophecy protects us from false teaching

Prophecy prepares us for the last days

Prophecy provides practical guidance for everyday living

Prophecy promises spiritual blessing

Sharing Is Caring

Central Figure of Jesus

Old Testament Prophets and Their Influence on Revelation

Daniel

Daniel: understanding the person

Daniel's five important visions

Ezekiel

Ezekiel: understanding the person

Ezekiel's visions

Zechariah

Zechariah: understanding the person

Zechariah's visions

Isaiah

Isaiah: understanding the person

Isaiah's visions

Jeremiah

Jeremiah: understanding the person

Jeremiah's visions

Scripture Interprets Scripture

Knowledge Is Power

Reflect on Your Insights

Discuss with Others

Obligation to Help Post-Rapture Survivors Prepare

Seek Guidance

Apply the Teachings

Branch into Other Prophetic Books

Stay Grounded

In Summary

About the Author

To my beloved parents, Karl and Rose Turner, who now reside in Heaven. It is because of their unwavering dedication, inspiration, and encouragement to question everything while remaining steadfast in our faith that this book and my pursuit of this topic have become a reality. They instilled in me the belief that God is my guiding Northern Star, leading me through life's journey as I explore the truths of the world and utilize science to affirm His omnipotence.

To my husband, whose patience was a beacon of light during the moments when I refused to move beyond chapter two in our Bible study until I grasped the profound depths of those verses. Thank you for your love and support (and first round editing).

To my family, who have consistently tolerated me despite my unending quest for a deeper understanding and meaning in all aspects of life. Your enduring love has been my source of strength and encouragement throughout this endeavor.

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

—Revelation 22:18–19

Preface

I was raised in a Christian home with Christian parents, and we regularly were members of and attended church. Although our family predominantly attended Baptist-style worship services, my parents emphasized the importance of exploring different religions and beliefs, encouraging us to seek truth and guidance through prayer.

Both of my parents had scientific backgrounds and approached their professions and lives with a scientific mindset. Consequently, they often drew comparisons between biblical texts and scientific discoveries, with my mother instilling in me from an early age that science consistently affirms the existence of God.

I'll be honest and admit that I haven't always been unwaveringly dedicated or devout in my faith. After all, I'm only human, and I've made my fair share of mistakes, occasionally disappointing both God and my family. However, around 2004, I experienced a profound awakening prompted by the Holy Spirit.

For the past few decades, my life has been devoted to deepening my knowledge of God and gaining a better understanding of His word. This book is a mission of passion. Not only do I aspire to win hearts and souls for God, but I also want His children to awaken to the great calling that Jesus has entrusted to us.

Above all, my sincerest hope is that this book will inspire everyone to read the book of Revelation and share its crucial message before it's too late. The final book of the Bible holds profound significance, and it is my desire to convey Jesus's direct command to watch to as many people as possible.

Introduction

The book of Revelation is an enigmatic and mysterious book that has captivated the hearts and minds of countless seekers throughout history. Its words resonate with an otherworldly power, its imagery both haunting and awe-inspiring. It is the final chapter of the Bible, the culmination of divine revelation. It's the only book of the Bible that has a promise of a blessing from God just from reading it.

Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. (Revelation 1:3)

Revelation Revealed through John the Exiled Apostle is an exploration into the profound importance of reading and comprehending this extraordinary book. As the curtains of time are drawn back, its pages reveal a tapestry of apocalyptic visions, celestial battles, and profound spiritual truths. Beyond its symbolic language lies a message of hope, warning, and ultimate triumph.

While the book of Revelation has often been shrouded in controversy, its significance cannot be overstated. Its prophecies and warnings have fueled endless debates, sparked vivid imaginations, and instilled a sense of urgency in believers and skeptics alike. Yet its true essence remains elusive to many who approach it with trepidation or confusion.

In Revelation Revealed, we embark on a journey of discovery, shedding light on the transformative power of this enigmatic text. We delve into the historical context in which it was written, unravel its intricate symbolism, and explore the timeless wisdom it holds for today's world. We invite readers to venture beyond the surface-level interpretations and embrace a deeper understanding of this often misunderstood book.

This book is not a mere academic study or a theological treatise. It is an invitation to engage with the book of Revelation as a personal and spiritual encounter. Drawing from the insights of scholars, theologians, and seekers who have grappled with its mysteries, Revelation Revealed equips readers with the tools to navigate the book's labyrinthine passages and unearth the treasures hidden within.

More than a collection of prophecies and cataclysmic events, the book of Revelation offers a vision of cosmic redemption, divine justice, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. It beckons us to contemplate our place in the grand tapestry of existence, to question our purpose, and to seek a deeper connection with the divine.

Our exploration of the book of Revelation unfolds through a systematic journey of understanding. We will explore the authorship, seeking to unravel the identity of the one who penned this extraordinary work. We will consider the circumstances surrounding the author, delving into the historical and cultural backdrop that shaped the text. Furthermore, we will investigate the divine source of the message, exploring how it was revealed and the significance of its delivery.

Key aspects such as the most important subject matter, the reasons behind the choice of symbolic language, the intended audiences, and the divine structure that allowed for the creation of this profound text will all be examined. We will also uncover the purpose behind the Revelation and its connection to the prophecies of the Old Testament.

Equipped with this knowledge, we will learn how to apply the insights gained from these pivotal points of understanding. Together, we will cast aside preconceived notions and embrace the transformative power that lies within the book of Revelation. Within its sacred pages, we will discover answers to age-old questions, find inspiration to navigate troubled times, and catch a glimpse into the eternal nature of our souls.

As we embark on this exploration together, let us cast aside preconceived notions and embrace the transformative power of the book of Revelation. Within its pages lie answers to age-old questions, inspiration for troubled times, and a glimpse into the eternal nature of our souls. Revelation Revealed is an invitation to embark on a journey of faith, wisdom, and profound revelation. Are you ready to embark on this sacred quest?

Who Wrote the Book of Revelation

Book of Revelation

The book of Revelation is the final book of the Bible and, though most intriguing, it's the most avoided and misunderstood. The title is derived from the first word of the Koine Greek text: Ἀποκάλυψις (Apokálypsis), meaning unveiling or revelation. This word stems from the Greek word apokalyptein, meaning to uncover, disclose, or reveal. Apo means off or away from. Kalyptein means to cover or conceal.¹

When translating from the original Greek to Latin, the word revelatio was used, which is the past-participle stem of the word revelare, meaning to unveil or reveal. When translated further into English, the word revelation was chosen. This also builds from the Old French word revelacion, meaning disclosure of information or knowledge to man by a divine or supernatural agency, circa AD 1300.²

The book of Revelation is an incredibly unique book in the New Testament of the Bible. It is quite distinct from all other books in the Bible. It's the only apocalyptic book in the New Testament. There are also several other main differences. Some of those are genre, historical context, focus on future events, symbolism, content, and interpretation.

This book is a work of apocalyptic literature, which is a genre that was popular in Jewish and early Christian writings. This genre uses symbolic language to convey visions of the end of the world, whereas other books of the Bible are historical, near prophetic, instructional, or a mixture.

The book of Revelation was written in the late first century AD, during a time of intense persecution of Christians by the Roman Empire. This context informs the book's apocalyptic themes of suffering, perseverance, and ultimate triumph. Other books of the Bible were written in different historical contexts, such as the Israelite exile (e.g., Jeremiah) or the early years of the Christian church (e.g., Acts).

The book of Revelation is primarily concerned with the end of the world and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over the forces of evil. It features numerous visions of heavenly beings, the Antichrist, the great tribulation, and the second coming of Christ. While other books of the Bible touch on these themes, none are as focused so heavily on eschatology (the study of the end times) as the book of Revelation.

The book of Revelation uses a great deal of symbolic language to convey its message, including numbers, colors, animals, and imagery from the natural world. Many of these symbols are drawn from other parts of the Bible, such as the Old Testament prophets or the visions of Daniel. While symbolism is used throughout the Bible, the book of Revelation takes it to an extreme level and can be difficult to interpret. This book is full of vivid descriptions of fantastic creatures, cosmic battles, and supernatural events. Other books of the Bible use a more straightforward narrative or instructional style.

It contains a series of visions and prophecies that describe the end times, the return of Christ, and the final judgment. It includes many symbols and metaphors, such as the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, the beast, and the whore of Babylon. In contrast, other books of the Bible generally focus on historical events, moral teachings, or theological doctrines.

The book of Revelation has been subject to a wide range of interpretations throughout history, with various groups and individuals interpreting its symbols and prophecies in different ways. Other books of the Bible may be subject to interpretation, but the book of Revelation is particularly complex and has been the subject of intense debate and controversy over the centuries. We're going to dive deeper into the interpretation and how to approach it so that there is less fear and confusion on this topic.

Before we get into the subject matter of the book of Revelation, we must understand who wrote the text. The author of the book of Revelation is traditionally identified as the apostle John, although there is debate among scholars about whether he actually wrote it. In contrast, most other books of the Bible have a known author, such as Moses (the first five books of the Old Testament) or Paul (many of the Epistles). Understanding the authorship of the book can help shed light on its historical context, literary style, and theological themes.

Some of the alternative views on who else could have authored the book are the following:

John the Elder. Some scholars have suggested that the author of the book of Revelation was a different figure named John, who was known as John the Elder. This view is based on a passage in the Second Letter of John, which mentions a presbyter named John.

Another disciple or follower of Jesus. Some scholars have proposed that the author of the book of Revelation may have been a disciple or follower of Jesus who was not named John. This view is based on the fact that the author of the book of Revelation never explicitly identifies himself as John the Apostle, despite naming himself John.

A prophet or visionary. Some scholars have suggested that the author of the book of Revelation may have been a prophet or visionary who claimed to have received the revelations described in the book directly from God. This theory suggests that the author was not necessarily a member of the Twelve Apostles but may have been a follower of Jesus who was active in the early Christian Community.

While these alternative views are interesting to consider, the authorship of the book of Revelation remains a matter of debate and speculation. For the purpose of this writing, we are going to assume that it was John the Apostle who authored the book of Revelation and believe that there is ample evidence to claim him as the author.

Justin Martyr, in the early second century, was the first to suggest that the author of the book of Revelation was the apostle John. He said in his Dialogue with Trypho, John, one of the apostles of Christ, who prophesied, by a revelation.³

It also makes sense considering the zeal with which he followed and supported Jesus during his life and ministry and continued to preach the Gospel after Jesus's death and resurrection. We can understand through the historical socioeconomic environment of that time and region, with Domitian in power, that John would most definitely have been arrested for not worshipping Domitian and the deities of that time and place.

There are many resources with great information on the argument for John the Apostle being the author of the book of Revelation. We are going to operate under the assumption that this theory is true and continue from there.

Who Is John—Family

John the Apostle is also known by many other names, including John of Patmos, John the Elder, the Beloved Disciple, and John the Evangelist. He was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ to spread his teachings throughout the world. John was born in Bethsaida, a fishing village near the Sea of Galilee, in the early part of the first century AD. His father was a fisherman named Zebedee, and his mother's name was Salome.

It would seem that Zebedee was a man of at least modest means. In Matthew 1:19–20, we see that when Jesus called James and John to follow him, their father, Zebedee, was left to finish the daily work with hired servants. "And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants and went after him" (Matthew 1:19–20).

We can see that they were in the middle of finishing the required work necessary at the end of the day. This is some of the most tedious work for a fisherman. We have no indication if Zebedee knew the significance of Jesus and His request for James and John to leave him for a period of time away from the family business. However, it seems he willingly let them go. This means they had sufficient hired men to assist, or it could simply mean Zebedee's objection wasn't documented.

Most people assume that fishermen were poor or part of a lower class of working men in those days. However, through other historical documentation, we know that this isn't necessarily the case. We see that Andrew (another disciple of Jesus) and Simon Peter were part of a fishing cooperative called the Yonah-Zebedee cooperative. Each family either owned the boats and fishing equipment and worked together for production, or the boats and equipment were leased from a broker.⁴

It's not vitally important to know the financial status of John's upbringing, but it is noteworthy. More well-off children are more likely to have the type of attitude and boldness we know John had through the stories told about him. This helps us to understand how he was able to travel with Jesus and continue traveling and spreading the Gospel with such passion and boldness after the crucifixion. His financial status also helps us to understand his level of education, which is how we can make assumptions regarding his command of several languages of