Bible Basics

John's Revelation

The book of Revelation is one of the most misunderstood books in all of Scripture. Most religious people today view Revelation as a book of prophecy to be used to predict the future of man.  But is it truly a book of prophecy? Consider what the very first verse of the book says, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants – things which must shortly take place” (Rev. 1:1). Notice this Revelation is to deal with “things which must shortly take place.” Addressed to Christ’s servants of that time, Revelation is largely fulfilled in the events of that day.  Consequently, what was a book of prophecy for those Christians that lived in the first century, becomes, for the most part, for us a book of history.  Written likely about A.D. 95-96 during the reign of the Roman Caesar Domitian, the Revelation was recorded by John while in exile to prepare the saints in Asia for the enormous persecutions they would soon have to face.  It was written at a time when the faith of Christians was put to the ultimate test, as they were forced to deny their faith in the Lord and worship Caesar, or face torture and death.  It informed them that although some would die physically, the cause for which they died would ultimately emerge victorious, and the kingdom of God would indeed endure.

                                                                                                               -- Clark Dugger

Bible Basics