Revelation

por The Navigators

Editorial:

NavPress

, 2011

Overview

Gain insight into one of the Bible’s most confusing, and controversial, books. See how John’s first readers would have understood his apocalyptic visions as well as how others have interpreted these throughout church history. Trace Revelation’s expansive allusions throughout the Old and New Testaments so you can decide what you believe about the letter’s “end times” signs and symbols. In the end, walk away with a clearer understanding of how John’s images bolstered the faith of the churches he loved and how they can fortify your own faith today.

Contents

Top Highlights

“Jesus’ resurrection was about sixty-five years ago. Most of the people who knew Him personally are dead, and a second generation of Christians has grown up. The gospel asserts that Jesus is King of the world and is coming back soon to claim His domain. But the years pass, and still He does not come. Now a madman has become emperor of Rome who actually believes the poets’ praises that he is a god incarnate. He likes to be addressed as ‘Our Lord and God.’¹ He has decreed that anyone who holds public office, anyone who testifies in court—practically everyone—must offer a pinch of incense to the emperor’s guardian spirit and declare ‘Caesar is Lord.’ If a person refuses to worship the emperor, he may lose his job, his home, even his life.” (Page 9)

“Our focus will always be on how you should respond to what the book says: ‘Blessed is the one who keeps [acts on] the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.’ (22:7). We will be less concerned with the precise meaning of each symbol than with the timeless truths you learn and how they are relevant to your life. In most cases, the present applications of the book are the same whatever you conclude about predictions of the future.” (Page 10)

“John writes Revelation under his own name, as though he has Christ’s authority to declare what will be.” (Page 12)

“Some people believe the seven letters not only describe seven first-century churches but also prophesy the history of the church from John’s time onward.28 This analysis does reflect a partisan view of history, but we offer it for you to evaluate.” (Page 49)