Basic structure of the book of RevelationReading the book of Revelation can be challenging — the storyline twists and turns and isn’t strictly chronological. The author of the book of Revelation, Saint John the Divine, offers a transcription of seven letters and later describes strange beasts, visions of judgments, governments, demonic battles, heaven, and a new world order — a prophetic vision for the end of the world. Even through all of this there is a clear structure; take a look at the layout of the book of Revelation: Show
Interpreting the book of RevelationThe real meaning of the Bible’s book of Revelation is a popular, ongoing debate. You’ll find four major interpretive approaches to the book of Revelation that can help you read, understand, and figure out the apocalyptic letter of John. Key to understanding commentaries on Revelations is knowing the position of the commentator. Here are brief definitions of the four major interpretive approaches:
Perspectives on the millennial kingdomThe exact meaning of the millenium, the 1,000 year reign that John speaks of in Revelation 20, is a centuries-old debate in Christian circles. One problem comes from the different interpretations concerning the meaning of the millenium. The following chart can help you sort out these respective viewpoints:
Events surrounding the Apostle John's writingsJohn, who wrote the Bible’s Book of Revelation, was the longest living apostle; as such, he witnessed extraordinary changes in the political, social, religious, and economic world. The following historical events were significant to John the Apostle and his audience:
About This ArticleAbout the book authors:Dr. Larry R. Helyer: Larry is Professor of Biblical Studies at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. He received his doctorate in New Testament from Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California. He pastored Baptist
churches in Portland, Oregon, and Sun Valley, California, before moving to the Midwest and teaching biblical studies at Taylor University for 28 years. He has taught a wide range of Bible courses covering both the Old and New Testaments and Jewish literature of the Second Temple. Larry has traveled extensively in the land of the Bible and lived in Israel for a year during his student days at Jerusalem University College. Richard Wagner: Rich is
author of The Expeditionary Man, The Myth of Happiness, The Gospel Unplugged, and several For Dummies books, including C. S. Lewis & Narnia For Dummies, Christianity For Dummies, and Christian Prayer For Dummies. He has been a guest on Christian radio programs across the country discussing Christian discipleship issues as well as C.S. Lewis. This article can be found in the category:
What is the main message of the book of Revelations?Writing to the people of his own day about events that would happen while they were still living, he states that Christ will return while those who put him to death on the cross are still living. The permanent significance of Revelation lies in the author's conviction that right will ultimately triumph over evil.
What are the major events in the Book of Revelation?A fire comes down from God out of heaven and devours them and Satan is finally destroyed forever (Revelation 20:7–10). The wicked dead and all of those who died during the thousand-year reign of Christ are resurrected and judged (Revelation 20:11–14).
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