©1997 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

©1997 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

5. Reject authority (v. 8) 14. Showing favoritism (v. 16) 6. Blaspheme holy angels (v. 8) 15. Scoffers (v. 18) 7. Dreamers (v. 8) 16. Cause division (v. 19) 8. Ignorant (v. 10) 17. Worldly minded (v. 19) 9. Self-destructive (v. 10) 18. Devoid of the Spirit (v. 19) ©1997 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

JUDE—NOTE ON 19 cause divisions. They fractured the church rather than united it (cf. Eph. 4:4–6; Phil. 2:2). worldly people. Apostate teachers advertise themselves as having the highest spiritual knowledge, but are actually attracted to the most debased levels of life. They are "soulish" not "spiritual." Cf. James 3:15. devoid of the Spirit. To not have the Spirit is to not have spiritual life at all (see notes on Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 6:19–20) or, in other words, to be an unbeliever.

JUDE—NOTE ON 20 building. True believers have a sure foundation (1 Cor. 3:11) and cornerstone (Eph. 2:20) in Jesus Christ. The truths of the Christian faith (cf. Jude 3) have been provided in the teaching of the apostles and prophets (Eph. 2:20), so that Christians can build themselves up by the word of God (Acts 20:32). praying in the Holy Spirit. See note on Eph. 6:18. This is not a call to some ecstatic form of prayer, but simply a call to pray consistently in the will and power of the Spirit, as one would pray in the name of Jesus Christ (cf. Rom. 8:26–27).

JUDE—NOTE ON 21 keep. Cf. Acts 13:43. This imperative establishes the believer's responsibility to be obedient and faithful by living out his salvation (cf. Phil. 2:12), while God works out his will (cf. Phil. 2:13). It means to remain in the place of obedience where God's love is poured out on his children, as opposed to being disobedient and incurring his chastening (cf. 1 Cor. 11:27–31; Heb. 12:5–11). This refers to the perseverance of the saints, the counterbalance to God's sovereign preservation of believers in Christ (cf. Jude 1). This is accomplished by: 1) building one's self up in the word of God (v. 20); 2) praying in the Holy Spirit (v. 20); and 3) looking for the finalization of eternal life (v. 21). For a related discussion of the perseverance of the saints, see note on Matt. 24:13. waiting. An eager anticipation of Christ's second coming to provide eternal life in its ultimate, resurrection form (cf. Titus 2:13; 1 John 3:1–2), which is the supreme expression of God's mercy on one to whom Christ's righteousness has undeservedly been imputed (cf. Jude 2). Paul called this "lov[ing] his appearing" (2 Tim. 4:8) and John wrote that such a steady

anticipation was purifying (1 John 3:3).

JUDE—NOTE ON 22–23 others. There are several textual variants here that could result in either two or three groups being indicated. They are: 1) sincere doubters who deserve compassion (v. 22); 2) those who are deeper in unbelief and urgently need to be pulled from the fire (v. 23); and 3) those declared disciples of apostasy who still deserve mercy, but are to be handled with much fear (v. 23), lest the would-be rescuer also be spiritually sullied. Given the manuscripts evidence and Jude's pattern of writing in triads, three groups is the more likely scenario.

JUDE—NOTE ON 22 mercy. These victims of the apostate teachers need mercy and patience because they have not yet reached a firm conclusion about Christ and eternal life, and so remain doubters who could possibly be swayed to the truth.

JUDE—NOTE ON 23 save others. Others, who are committed to the errors taught by the apostates, need immediate and forthright attention before they are further entrenched on the road to the fire of hell (cf. v. 7) as a result of embracing deceptive lies. with fear. This third group also needs mercy, even though they are thoroughly polluted by apostate teaching. These people are to be given the true gospel, but with great fear, lest the deliverer be contaminated also. The defiled garment pictures the apostate's debauched life, which can spread its contagion to the well-meaning evangel.

JUDE—NOTE ON 24–25 Jude's lovely benediction/doxology stands as one of the most splendid in the NT (cf. Rom. 11:33–36; 16:25–27; 2 Cor. 13:14; Heb. 13:20–21). It returned to the theme of salvation that Jude had hoped to develop at the beginning (cf. Jude 3) and bolstered the courage of believers to know that Christ would protect them from the present apostasy.

JUDE—NOTE ON 24 him who is able. This speaks of omnipotent God. Cf. Gen. 18:14; Deut. 7:21; 1 Sam. 14:6; Matt. 19:26. keep you from stumbling. See notes on Jude 1; 1 Pet. 1:3–3. The power of Christ would sustain the sincere believer from falling to the temptation of apostasy (cf. Job 42:2; Ps. 37:23–24; 121:3; Jer. 32:17; Matt. 19:26; Luke 1:37; John 6:39, 40, 44; 10:27–30; Eph. 3:20). present you blameless. Cf. 2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 5:27. Christians possess Christ's imputed righteousness through justification by faith and have been made worthy of eternal life in heaven (see notes on Rom. 8:31–39). with great joy. This refers primarily to the joy of the Savior (cf. Heb. 12:2) but also includes the

joy of believers (cf. 1 Pet. 1:8). Joy is the dominant expression of heaven (see Matt. 25:23).

JUDE—NOTE ON 25 God, our Savior. God is by nature a saving God, unlike the reluctant and indifferent false deities of human and demon invention (see notes on 1 Tim. 2:2; 4:10; 2 Tim. 1:10; Titus 1:3; 2:10; 3:4; 2 Pet. 1:1). glory . . . authority. Both Jude on earth and the angels and saints in heaven (Rev. 4:10–11; 5:12–14) ascribed these kinds of qualities to our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Revelation

Revelation 1 • Revelation 2 • Revelation 3 • Revelation 4 • Revelation 5 •

Revelation 6 • Revelation 7 • Revelation 8 • Revelation 9 • Revelation 10 • Revelation 11 • Revelation 12 • Revelation 13 • Revelation 14 • Revelation 15 • Revelation 16 • Revelation 17 • Revelation 18 • Revelation 19 • Revelation 20 • Revelation 21 • Revelation 22 Introduction to Revelation

Title Author and Date Background and Setting Historical and Theological Themes Interpretive Challenges Outline Footnotes Study Notes

Introduction to Revelation

Title

Unlike most books of the Bible, Revelation contains its own title: "The revelation of Jesus Christ" (1:1). "Revelation" (Greek, apokalupsis) means "an uncovering," "an unveiling," or "a disclosure." In the NT, this word describes the unveiling of spiritual truth (Rom. 16:25; Gal. 1:12; Eph. 1:17; 3:3), the revealing of the sons of God (Rom. 8:19), Christ's incarnation (Luke 2:32), and his glorious appearing at his second coming (2 Thess. 1:7; 1 Pet. 1:7). In all its uses, "revelation" refers to something or someone, once hidden, becoming visible. What this book reveals or unveils is Jesus Christ in glory. Truths about him and his final victory, that the rest of Scripture merely alludes to, become clearly visible through revelation about Jesus Christ (see Historical and Theological Themes). This revelation was given to him by God the Father, and it was communicated to the apostle John by an angel (Rev. 1:1).

Author and Date

Four times the author identifies himself as John (1:1, 4, 9; 22:8). Early tradition unanimously identified him as John the apostle, author of the fourth Gospel and three epistles. For example, important second century witnesses to the apostle John's authorship include Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, and Tertullian. Many of the book's original readers were still alive during the lifetimes of Justin Martyr and Irenaeus—both of whom held to apostolic authorship.

There are differences in style between Revelation and John's other writings, but they are insignificant and do not preclude one man from writing both. In fact, there are some striking parallels between Revelation and John's other works. Only John's Gospel and Revelation refer to Jesus Christ as the Word (Rev. 19:13; John 1:1). Revelation (Rev. 1:7) and John's Gospel (John 19:37) translate Zech. 12:10 differently from the Septuagint, but in agreement with each other. Only Revelation and the Gospel of John describe Jesus as the Lamb (Rev. 5:6, 8; John 1:29); both describe Jesus as a witness (cf. Rev. 1:5; John 5:31–32).

Revelation was written in the last decade of the first century (c. A.D. 94–96), near

the end of Emperor Domitian's reign (A.D. 81–96). Although some date it during Nero's reign (A.D. 54–68), their arguments are unconvincing and conflict with the view of the early church. Writing in the second century, Irenaeus declared that Revelation had been written toward the end of Domitian's reign. Later writers, such as Clement of Alexandria, Origen, Victorinus (who wrote one of the earliest commentaries on Revelation), Eusebius, and Jerome affirm the Domitian date.

The spiritual decline of the seven churches (chs. 2–3) also argues for the later date. Those churches were strong and spiritually healthy in the mid-60s, when Paul last ministered in Asia Minor. The brief time between Paul's ministry there and the end of Nero's reign was too short for such a decline to have occurred. The longer time gap also explains the rise of the heretical sect known as the Nicolaitans (2:6, 15), who are not mentioned in Paul's letters, not even to one or more of these same churches (Ephesians). Finally, dating Revelation during Nero's reign does not allow time for John's ministry in Asia Minor to reach the point at which the authorities would have felt the need to exile him.

Background and Setting

Revelation begins with John, the last surviving apostle and an old man, in exile on the small, barren island of Patmos, located in the Aegean Sea southwest of Ephesus. The Roman authorities had banished him there because of his faithful preaching of the gospel (1:9). While on Patmos, John received a series of visions that laid out the future history of the world.

When he was arrested, John was in Ephesus, ministering to the church there and in the surrounding cities. Seeking to strengthen those congregations, he could no longer minister to them in person and, following the divine command (1:11), John addressed Revelation to them (1:4). The churches had begun to feel the effects of persecution; at least one man—probably a pastor—had already been martyred (2:13), and John himself had been exiled. But the storm of persecution was about to break in full fury upon the seven churches so dear to the apostle's heart (2:10). To those churches, Revelation provided a message of hope: God is in sovereign control of all the events of human history, and though evil often seems pervasive and wicked men all powerful, their ultimate doom is certain. Christ will come in glory to judge and rule.

Historical and Theological Themes

Since it is primarily prophetic, Revelation contains little historical material, other than that in chs. 1–3. The seven churches to whom the letters were addressed were existing churches in Asia Minor (modern Turkey). Apparently, they were singled out because John had ministered in them.

Revelation is first and foremost a revelation about Jesus Christ (1:1). The book depicts him as the risen, glorified Son of God ministering among the churches (1:10ff.), as "the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth" (1:5), as "the Alpha and the Omega" (1:8), as the one "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty" (1:8), as a son of man (1:13), as the one who was dead, but now is alive forevermore (1:18), as the Son of God (2:18), as the one who is holy and true (3:7), as "the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation" (3:14), as the Lion of the tribe of Judah (5:5), as the Lamb in heaven, with authority to open the title deed to the earth (6:1ff.), as the Lamb on the throne (7:17), as the Messiah who will reign forever (11:15), as the majestic King of kings and Lord of lords, returning in glorious splendor to conquer his foes (19:11ff.), as the Word of God (19:13), and as "the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star" (22:16).

Many other rich theological themes find expression in Revelation. The church is warned about sin and exhorted to holiness. John's vivid pictures of worship in heaven both exhort and instruct believers. In few other books of the Bible is the ministry of angels so prominent. Revelation's primary theological contribution is to eschatology, i.e., the doctrine of last things. In it we learn about: the final political setup of the world; the last battle of human history; the career and ultimate defeat of Antichrist; Christ's 1,000-year earthly kingdom; the glories of heaven and the eternal state; and the final state of the wicked and the righteous. Finally, only Daniel rivals this book in declaring that God providentially rules over the kingdoms of men and will accomplish his sovereign purposes regardless of human or demonic opposition.

Interpretive Challenges

No other NT book poses more serious and difficult interpretive challenges than Revelation. The book's vivid imagery and striking symbolism have produced four main interpretive approaches:

The preterist approach interprets Revelation as a description of first-century events in the Roman Empire (see Author and Date). This view conflicts with the

book's own often repeated claim to be prophecy (1:3; 22:7, 10, 18–19). It is impossible to see all the events in Revelation as already fulfilled. The second coming of Christ, for example, obviously did not take place in the first century.

The historicist approach views Revelation as a panoramic view of church history from apostolic times to the present—seeing in the symbolism such events as the barbarian invasions of Rome, the rise of the Roman Catholic Church (as well as various individual popes), the emergence of Islam, and the French Revolution. This interpretive method robs Revelation of any meaning for those to whom it was written. It also ignores the time limitations the book itself places on the unfolding events (cf. 11:2; 12:6, 14; 13:5). Historicism has produced many different—and often conflicting—interpretations of the actual historical events contained in Revelation.

The idealist approach interprets Revelation as a timeless depiction of the cosmic struggle between the forces of good and evil. In this view, the book contains neither historical allusions nor predictive prophecy. This view also ignores Revelation's prophetic character and, if carried to its logical conclusion, severs the book from any connection with actual historical events. Revelation then becomes merely a collection of stories designed to teach spiritual truth.

The futurist approach insists that the events of chs. 6–22 are yet future, and that those chapters literally and symbolically depict actual people and events yet to appear on the world scene. It describes the events surrounding the second coming of Jesus Christ (chs. 6–19), the Millennium and final judgment (ch. 20), and the eternal state (chs. 21–22). Only this view does justice to Revelation's claim to be prophecy and interprets the book by the same grammatical-historical method as chs. 1–3 and the rest of Scripture.

Outline

I. The Things which You Have Seen (1:1–20)

A. The Prologue (1:1–8)

B. The Vision of the Glorified Christ (1:9–18) C. The Apostle's Commission to Write (1:19–20) II. The Things which Are (2:1–3:22)

A. The Letter to the Church at Ephesus (2:1–7)

B. The Letter to the Church at Smyrna (2:8–11)

C. The Letter to the Church at Pergamum (2:12–17) D. The Letter to the Church at Thyatira (2:18–29)

E. The Letter to the Church at Sardis (3:1–6)

F. The Letter to the Church at Philadelphia (3:7–13) G. The Letter to the Church at Laodicea (3:14–22) III. The Things which Will Take Place after These Things (4:1–22:21)

A. Worship in Heaven (4:1–5:14)

B. The Great Tribulation (6:1–18:24) C. The Return of the King (19:1–21) D. The Millennium (20:1–10)

E. The Great White Throne Judgment (20:11–15)

F. The Eternal State (21:1–22:21)

THE

Revelation

TO JOHN

Prologue

REVELATION 1 †The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants [1] the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant [2] John, 2who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 3†Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.

Greeting to the Seven Churches

4†John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5†and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6†and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7†Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail [3] on account of him. Even so. Amen.

8†"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."

Vision of the Son of Man

9‡†I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10†I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11†saying, "Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to

Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea."

12†Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13†and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. 14†The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, 15†his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16†In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.

17†When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, "Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18†and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. 19†Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. 20†As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

To the Church in Ephesus

REVELATION 2 ‡†"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: 'The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.

2†"'I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3†I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. 4†But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5†Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. 6†Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7†He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.'

To the Church in Smyrna

8†"And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: 'The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.

9†"'I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander [1] of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10†Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11†He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.'

To the Church in Pergamum

12†"And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: 'The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword.

13†"'I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith [2] even in the days of Antipas my faithful

witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14†But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. 15†So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16†Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. 17†He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.'

To the Church in Thyatira

18†"And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: 'The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.

19"'I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first. 20†But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants [3] to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. 21I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. 22†Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, 23†and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works. 24†But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden. 25Only hold fast what you have until I come. 26†The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, 27†and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. 28†And I will give him the morning star. 29He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'

To the Church in Sardis

REVELATION 3 †"And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: 'The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.

"'I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. 3†Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. 4†Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5†The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. 6He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'

To the Church in Philadelphia

7†"And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: 'The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.

8†"'I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9†Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet and they will learn that I have loved you. 10†Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. 11†I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. 12†The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. 13He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'

To the Church in Laodicea

14†"And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: 'The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation.

15"'I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16†So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18†I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19†Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20†Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. 21†The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'"

The Throne in Heaven

REVELATION 4 †After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this." 2†At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne. 3†And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. 4†Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. 5†From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings [1] and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God, 6†and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal.

And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: 7†the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like an eagle in flight. 8†And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say,

"Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty,

who was and is and is to come!"

9And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10†the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

11†"Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things,

and by your will they existed and were created."

The Scroll and the Lamb

REVELATION 5 †Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. 2†And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?" 3†And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, 4and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. 5†And one of the elders said to me, "Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals."

6†And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. 8†And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9†And they sang a new song, saying,

"Worthy are you to take the scroll

and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God

from every tribe and language and people and nation, 10†and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth."

11†Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12†saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" 13†And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" 14†And the four living creatures said, "Amen!" and the elders fell down and worshiped.

The Seven Seals

REVELATION 6 ‡†Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, "Come!" 2†And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.

3When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, "Come!" 4†And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword.

5†When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come!" And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. 6†And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, "A quart [1] of wheat for a denarius, [2] and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!"

7When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, "Come!" 8†And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider's name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth.

9†When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. 10They cried out with a loud voice, "O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" 11†Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants [3] and their brothers [4] should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.

12†When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, 13†and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. 14†The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. 15Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave [5] and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the

rocks of the mountains, 16†calling to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, 17†for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?"

The 144,000 of Israel Sealed

REVELATION 7 ‡†After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, that no wind might blow on earth or sea or against any tree. 2†Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea, 3saying, "Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants [1] of our God on their foreheads." 4†And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel: 512,000 from the tribe of Judah were sealed, 12,000 from the tribe of Reuben,

12,000 from the tribe of Gad, 612,000 from the tribe of Asher, 12,000 from the tribe of Naphtali, 12,000 from the tribe of Manasseh, 712,000 from the tribe of Simeon, 12,000 from the tribe of Levi, 12,000 from the tribe of Issachar, 812,000 from the tribe of Zebulun, 12,000 from the tribe of Joseph, 12,000 from the tribe of Benjamin were sealed.

A Great Multitude from Every Nation

9†After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10†and crying out with a loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" 11†And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12†saying, "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen."

13†Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, "Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?" 14†I said to him, "Sir, you know." And he said to me, "These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

15†"Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter

them with his presence. 16They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. 17†For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

The Seventh Seal and the Golden Censer

REVELATION 8 †When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2†Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. 3†And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, 4and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel. 5†Then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth, and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, [1] flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.

The Seven Trumpets

6Now the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to blow them.

7†The first angel blew his trumpet, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, and these were thrown upon the earth. And a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.

8†The second angel blew his trumpet, and something like a great mountain, burning with fire, was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. 9A third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.

10†The third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star fell from heaven, blazing like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. 11†The name of the star is Wormwood. [2] A third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the water, because it had been made bitter.

12†The fourth angel blew his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, and a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of their light might be darkened, and a third of the day might be kept from shining, and likewise a third of the night.

13†Then I looked, and I heard an eagle crying with a loud voice as it flew directly overhead, "Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, at the blasts of the other trumpets that the three angels are about to blow!"

REVELATION 9 †And the fifth angel blew his trumpet, and I saw a star fallen from heaven to earth, and he was given the key to the shaft of the bottomless pit. [1] 2He opened the shaft of the bottomless pit, and from the shaft rose smoke like the smoke of a great furnace, and the sun and the air were darkened with the smoke from the shaft. 3†Then from the smoke came locusts on the earth, and they were given power like the power of scorpions of the earth. 4†They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any green plant or any tree, but only those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 5†They were allowed to torment them for five months, but not to kill them, and their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it stings someone. 6†And in those days people will seek death and will not find it. They will long to die, but death will flee from them.

7†In appearance the locusts were like horses prepared for battle: on their heads were what looked like crowns of gold; their faces were like human faces, 8†their hair like women's hair, and their teeth like lions' teeth; 9†they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the noise of their wings was like the noise of many chariots with horses rushing into battle. 10†They have tails and stings like scorpions, and their power to hurt people for five months is in their tails. 11†They have as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek he is called Apollyon. [2]

12†The first woe has passed; behold, two woes are still to come.

13†Then the sixth angel blew his trumpet, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar before God, 14†saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, "Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates." 15†So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour, the day, the month, and the year, were released to kill a third of mankind. 16†The number of mounted troops was twice ten thousand times ten thousand; I heard their number. 17†And this is how I saw the horses in my vision and those who rode them: they wore breastplates the color of fire and of sapphire [3] and of sulfur, and the heads of the horses were like lions' heads, and fire and smoke and sulfur came out of their mouths. 18By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed, by the fire and smoke and sulfur coming out of their mouths. 19†For the power of the horses is in their mouths and in their tails, for their tails are like serpents with heads, and by means of them they wound.

20‡†The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk, 21†nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.

The Angel and the Little Scroll

REVELATION 10 ‡†Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow over his head, and his face was like the sun, and his legs like pillars of fire. 2†He had a little scroll open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea, and his left foot on the land, 3†and called out with a loud voice, like a lion roaring. When he called out, the seven thunders sounded. 4†And when the seven thunders had sounded, I was about to write, but I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down." 5†And the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven 6†and swore by him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and what is in it, the earth and what is in it, and the sea and what is in it, that there would be no more delay, 7†but that in the days of the trumpet call to be sounded by the seventh angel, the mystery of God would be fulfilled, just as he announced to his servants [1] the prophets.

8Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me again, saying, "Go, take the scroll that is open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land." 9†So I went to the angel and told him to give me the little scroll. And he said to me, "Take and eat it; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey." 10And I took the little scroll from the hand of the angel and ate it. It was sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it my stomach was made bitter. 11†And I was told, "You must again prophesy about many peoples and nations and languages and kings."

The Two Witnesses

REVELATION 11 †Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, "Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there, 2†but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months. 3†And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth."

4†These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. 5‡†And if anyone would harm them, fire pours from their mouth and consumes their foes. If anyone would harm them, this is how he is doomed to be killed. 6†They have the power to shut the sky, that no rain may fall during the days of their prophesying, and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague, as often as they desire. 7†And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that rises from the bottomless pit [1] will make war on them and conquer them and kill them, 8†and their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city that symbolically [2] is called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified. 9†For three and a half days some from the peoples and tribes and languages and nations will gaze at their dead bodies and refuse to let them be placed in a tomb, 10†and those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and make merry and exchange presents, because these two prophets had been a torment to those who dwell on the earth. 11†But after the three and a half days a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood up on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. 12†Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, "Come up here!" And they went up to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies watched them. 13†And at that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.

14†The second woe has passed; behold, the third woe is soon to come.

The Seventh Trumpet

15†Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever." 16†And the twenty-four

elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17†saying, "We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign.

18†The nations raged, but your wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged, and for rewarding your servants, [3] the prophets and saints, and those who fear your name, both small and great, and for destroying the destroyers of the earth."

19†Then God's temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple. There were flashes of lightning, rumblings, [4] peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail.

The Woman and the Dragon

REVELATION 12 †And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. 2†She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pains and the agony of giving birth. 3†And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems. 4†His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it. 5†She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne, 6†and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for 1,260 days.

Satan Thrown Down to Earth

7†Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, 8but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. 9†And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. 10†And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, "Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers [1] has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. 11†And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. 12†Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!"

13And when the dragon saw that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. 14†But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle so that she might fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to the place where she is to be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. 15The serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, to sweep her away with a flood. 16†But the earth came to the help of the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed the river that the dragon had poured from his mouth. 17†Then the dragon became furious with

the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood [2] on the sand of the sea.

The First Beast

REVELATION 13 †And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. 2†And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear's, and its mouth was like a lion's mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority. 3†One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast. 4And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?"

5†And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. 6†It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, [1] that is, those who dwell in heaven. 7†Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. [2] And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, 8†and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. 9†If anyone has an ear, let him hear: 10†If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain.

Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.

The Second Beast

11†Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon. 12†It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, [3] and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed. 13†It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people, 14†and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of [4] the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived. 15†And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain. 16†Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, [5] to be marked on

the right hand or the forehead, 17†so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. 18†This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666. [6]

The Lamb and the 144,000

REVELATION 14 †Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. 2†And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, 3†and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. 4†It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb, 5†and in their mouth no lie was found, for they are blameless.

The Messages of the Three Angels

6†Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. 7†And he said with a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water."

8†Another angel, a second, followed, saying, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion [1] of her sexual immorality."

9†And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10†he also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11†And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name."

12†Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. [2]

13†And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Blessed indeed," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!"

The Harvest of the Earth

14†Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and seated on the cloud one like a son of man, with a golden crown on his head, and a sharp sickle in his hand. 15†And another angel came out of the temple, calling with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, "Put in your sickle, and reap, for the hour to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is fully ripe." 16So he who sat on the cloud swung his sickle across the earth, and the earth was reaped.

17†Then another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle. 18†And another angel came out from the altar, the angel who has authority over the fire, and he called with a loud voice to the one who had the sharp sickle, "Put in your sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, for its grapes are ripe." 19†So the angel swung his sickle across the earth and gathered the grape harvest of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20†And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood flowed from the winepress, as high as a horse's bridle, for 1,600 stadia. [3]

The Seven Angels with Seven Plagues

REVELATION 15 ‡†Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing, seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished.

2†And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire—and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands. 3†And they sing the song of Moses, the servant [1] of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty!

Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! [2] 4†Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy.

All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed."

5†After this I looked, and the sanctuary of the tent [3] of witness in heaven was opened, 6†and out of the sanctuary came the seven angels with the seven plagues, clothed in pure, bright linen, with golden sashes around their chests. 7†And one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever, 8†and the sanctuary was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the sanctuary until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished.

The Seven Bowls of God's Wrath

REVELATION 16 Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, "Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God."

2†So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and harmful and painful sores came upon the people who bore the mark of the beast and worshiped its image.

3†The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became like the blood of a corpse, and every living thing died that was in the sea.

4†The third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of water, and they became blood. 5†And I heard the angel in charge of the waters [1] say, "Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was, for you brought these judgments.

6†For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!"

7†And I heard the altar saying, "Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments!"

8†The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was allowed to scorch people with fire. 9†They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed [2] the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory.

10†The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in anguish 11†and cursed the God of heaven for their pain and sores. They did not repent of their deeds.

12†The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings from the east. 13†And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. 14†For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole

world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. 15†("Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!") 16†And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.

The Seventh Bowl

17†The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, "It is done!" 18And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, [3] peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake. 19†The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell, and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath. 20†And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found. 21†And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds [4] each, fell from heaven on people; and they cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe.

The Great Prostitute and the Beast

REVELATION 17 †Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, "Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters, 2†with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk." 3†And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns. 4†The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. 5†And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: "Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth's abominations." 6†And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. [1]

When I saw her, I marveled greatly. 7†But the angel said to me, "Why do you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns that carries her. 8†The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit [2] and go to destruction. And the dwellers on earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel to see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come. 9†This calls for a mind with wisdom: the seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman is seated; 10†they are also seven kings, five of whom have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come, and when he does come he must remain only a little while. 11†As for the beast that was and is not, it is an eighth but it belongs to the seven, and it goes to destruction. 12†And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received royal power, but they are to receive authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast. 13These are of one mind, and they hand over their power and authority to the beast. 14†They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful."

15†And the angel [3] said to me, "The waters that you saw, where the prostitute is seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and languages. 16†And the ten horns that you saw, they and the beast will hate the prostitute. They will make her desolate and naked, and devour her flesh and burn her up with fire, 17for God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and

handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. 18†And the woman that you saw is the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth."

The Fall of Babylon

REVELATION 18 †After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was made bright with his glory. 2†And he called out with a mighty voice, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!

She has become a dwelling place for demons, a haunt for every

unclean spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast. 3†For all nations have drunk [1] the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality, and the kings of the

earth have committed immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living."

4†Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins,

lest you share in her plagues; 5†for her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. 6‡†Pay her back as she herself has paid back others, and repay her double for her deeds; mix a double portion for her in the cup she mixed. 7†As she glorified herself and lived in luxury, so give her a like measure of torment and mourning, since in her heart she says, 'I sit as a queen, I am no widow,

and mourning I shall never see.' 8†For this reason her plagues will come in a single day, death and mourning and famine, and she will be burned up with fire;

for mighty is the Lord God who has judged her."

9‡†And the kings of the earth, who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her, will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning. 10†They will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say, "Alas! Alas! You great city, you mighty city, Babylon!

For in a single hour your judgment has come."

11And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her, since no one buys their cargo anymore, 12‡†cargo of gold, silver, jewels, pearls, fine linen, purple cloth, silk, scarlet cloth, all kinds of scented wood, all kinds of articles of ivory, all kinds of articles of costly wood, bronze, iron and marble, 13†cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and slaves, that is, human souls. [2]

14"The fruit for which your soul longed has gone from you, and all your delicacies and your splendors are lost to you,

never to be found again!"

15The merchants of these wares, who gained wealth from her, will stand far off, in fear of her torment, weeping and mourning aloud, 16"Alas, alas, for the great city that was clothed in fine linen,

in purple and scarlet,

adorned with gold, with jewels, and with pearls! 17†For in a single hour all this wealth has been laid waste."

And all shipmasters and seafaring men, sailors and all whose trade is on the sea, stood far off 18and cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning, "What city was like the great city?"

19†And they threw dust on their heads as they wept and mourned, crying out, "Alas, alas, for the great city where all who had ships at sea

grew rich by her wealth! For in a single hour she has been laid waste. 20†Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has given judgment for you against her!"

21†Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, "So will Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence, and will be found no more;

22‡and the sound of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters, will be heard in you no more, and a craftsman of any craft

will be found in you no more,

and the sound of the mill

will be heard in you no more, 23and the light of a lamp will shine in you no more, and the voice of bridegroom and bride

will be heard in you no more, for your merchants were the great ones of the earth, and all nations were

deceived by your sorcery. 24†And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all who have been slain on earth."

Rejoicing in Heaven

REVELATION 19 ‡†After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, "Hallelujah!

Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, 2†for his judgments are

true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants." [1]

3†Once more they cried out, "Hallelujah!

The smoke from her goes up forever and ever."

4†And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, "Amen. Hallelujah!" 5†And from the throne came a voice saying, "Praise our God,

all you his servants, you who fear him,

small and great."

The Marriage Supper of the Lamb

6†Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, "Hallelujah!

For the Lord our God

the Almighty reigns. 7†Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself

ready; 8†it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure"— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

9†And the angel said [2] to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." And he said to me, "These are the true words of God." 10†Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, "You must not do that! I am a fellow servant [3] with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God." For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit

of prophecy.

The Rider on a White Horse

11†Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12†His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13†He is clothed in a robe dipped in [4] blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14†And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15†From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16†On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

17‡‡Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, "Come, gather for the great supper of God, 18to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, [5] both small and great." 19†And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army. 20†And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence [6] had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. 21†And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh.

The Thousand Years

REVELATION 20 ‡†Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit [1] and a great chain. 2†And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, 3†and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while.

4†Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5†The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. 6†Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.

The Defeat of Satan

7†And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison 8†and will come out to deceive the nations that are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea. 9†And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven [2] and consumed them, 10†and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

Judgment Before the Great White Throne

11‡†Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12†And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 13†And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the

dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14†Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15†And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

The New Heaven and the New Earth

REVELATION 21 †Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2‡†And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3†And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place [1] of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, [2] and God himself will be with them as their God. [3] 4†He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

5†And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." 6†And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 7†The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8†But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."

The New Jerusalem

9‡†Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, "Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb." 10†And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, 11†having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. 12‡It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed— 13on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. 14And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

15†And the one who spoke with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls. 16†The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its

width. And he measured the city with his rod, 12,000 stadia. [4] Its length and width and height are equal. 17†He also measured its wall, 144 cubits [5] by human measurement, which is also an angel's measurement. 18†The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, clear as glass. 19‡†The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20†the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. 21†And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, transparent as glass.

22†And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 23And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24†By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, 25and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. 26They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. 27†But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.

The River of Life

REVELATION 22 †Then the angel [1] showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2†through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life [2] with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3†No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants [3] will worship him. 4†They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5†And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

Jesus Is Coming

6†And he said to me, "These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place."

7†"And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book."

8†I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, 9but he said to me, "You must not do that! I am a fellow servant [4] with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God."

10†And he said to me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. 11†Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy."

12†"Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done. 13†I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end."

14†Blessed are those who wash their robes, [5] so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. 15†Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

16†"I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star."

17†The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

18‡I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

20†He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

21The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. [6] Amen.

Footnotes

Footnotes for Revelation, Chapter 1

[1] 1:1 Greek bondservants

[2] 1:1 Greek bondservant

[3] 1:7 Or mourn

Footnotes for Revelation, Chapter 2

[1] 2:9 Greek blasphemy

[2] 2:13 Or your faith in me

[3] 2:20 Greek bondservants

Footnotes for Revelation, Chapter 4

[1] 4:5 Or voices, or sounds

Footnotes for Revelation, Chapter 6

[1] 6:6 Greek choinix, a dry measure equal to about a quart [2] 6:6 A denarius

was a day's wage for a laborer [3] 6:11 Greek fellow bondservants

[4] 6:11 Or brothers and sisters. The plural Greek word adelphoi (translated

"brothers") refers to siblings in a family. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, adelphoi may refer either to men or to both men and women who are siblings (brothers and sisters) in God's family, the church [5] 6:15 Or servant; Greek bondservant

Footnotes for Revelation, Chapter 7

[1] 7:3 Greek bondservants

Footnotes for Revelation, Chapter 8

[1] 8:5 Or voices, or sounds

[2] 8:11 Wormwood is the name of a plant and of the bitter-tasting extract

derived from it

Footnotes for Revelation, Chapter 9

[1] 9:1 Greek the abyss; also verses 2, 11

[2] 9:11 Abaddon means destruction; Apollyon means destroyer

[3] 9:17 Greek hyacinth

Footnotes for Revelation, Chapter 10

[1] 10:7 Greek bondservants

Footnotes for Revelation, Chapter 11

[1] 11:7 Or the abyss

[2] 11:8 Greek spiritually

[3] 11:18 Greek bondservants

[4] 11:19 Or voices, or sounds

Footnotes for Revelation, Chapter 12

[1] 12:10 Or brothers and sisters

[2] 12:17 Some manuscripts And I stood, connecting the sentence with 13:1

Footnotes for Revelation, Chapter 13

[1] 13:6 Or tabernacle

[2] 13:7 Some manuscripts omit this sentence [3] 13:12 Or on its behalf

[4] 13:14 Or on behalf of

[5] 13:16 Greek bondservant

[6] 13:18 Some manuscripts 616

Footnotes for Revelation, Chapter 14

[1] 14:8 Or wrath

[2] 14:12 Greek and the faith of Jesus

[3] 14:20 About 184 miles; a stadion was about 607 feet or 185 meters

Footnotes for Revelation, Chapter 15

[1] 15:3 Greek bondservant

[2] 15:3 Some manuscripts the ages

[3] 15:5 Or tabernacle

Footnotes for Revelation, Chapter 16

[1] 16:5 Greek angel of the waters

[2] 16:9 Greek blasphemed; also verses 11, 21

[3] 16:18 Or voices, or sounds

[4] 16:21 Greek a talent in weight

Footnotes for Revelation, Chapter 17

[1] 17:6 Greek the witnesses to Jesus

[2] 17:8 Greek the abyss

[3] 17:15 Greek he

Footnotes for Revelation, Chapter 18

[1] 18:3 Some manuscripts fallen by

[2] 18:13 Or and slaves, and human lives

Footnotes for Revelation, Chapter 19

[1] 19:2 Greek bondservants; also verse 5

[2] 19:9 Greek he said

[3] 19:10 Greek fellow bondservant

[4] 19:13 Some manuscripts sprinkled with

[5] 19:18 Greek bondservant

[6] 19:20 Or on its behalf

Footnotes for Revelation, Chapter 20

[1] 20:1 Greek the abyss; also verse 3

[2] 20:9 Some manuscripts from God, out of heaven, or out of heaven from God

Footnotes for Revelation, Chapter 21

[1] 21:3 Or tabernacle

[2] 21:3 Some manuscripts peoples

[3] 21:3 Some manuscripts omit as their God

[4] 21:16 About 1,380 miles; a stadion was about 607 feet or 185 meters [5]

21:17 A cubit was about 18 inches or 45 centimeters

Footnotes for Revelation, Chapter 22

[1] 22:1 Greek he

[2] 22:2 Or the Lamb. In the midst of the street of the city, and on either side of

the river, was the tree of life

[3] 22:3 Greek bondservants; also verse 6

[4] 22:9 Greek fellow bondservant

[5] 22:14 Some manuscripts do his commandments

[6] 22:21 Some manuscripts all the saints

Study Notes

REVELATION—NOTE ON 1:1 The revelation. The Greek word from which the English word "apocalypse" comes lit. means "to uncover, or to reveal." When it refers to a person, it means that person becomes clearly visible (see Introduction: Title; cf. Luke 2:30–32; Rom. 8:19; 1 Cor. 1:7; 1 Pet. 1:7). Jesus Christ. The Gospels unveil Christ at his first coming in humiliation; Revelation reveals him in his exaltation: 1) in blazing glory (Rev. 1:7–20); 2) over his church, as its Lord (chs. 2–3); 3) in his second coming, as he takes back the earth from the usurper, Satan, and establishes his kingdom (chs. 4–20); and 4) as he lights up the eternal state (chs. 21–22). The NT writers eagerly anticipate this unveiling (1 Cor. 1:7; 2 Thess. 1:7; 1 Pet. 1:7). God gave him. As a reward for Christ's perfect submission and atonement, the Father now presented to him the great record of his future glory (cf. Phil. 2:5–11). Readers eavesdrop on the gift of this book, from the Father to his Son. soon. This word (cf. Rev. 2:5, 16; 3:11; 11:14; 22:12; 2 Tim. 4:9) underscores the imminence of Christ's return.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 1:3 Blessed. This is the only biblical book that comes with a blessing for the one who listens to it being read and explained and then responds in obedience. This is the first of seven beatitudes in the book (v. 3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7, 14). time is near. "Time" refers to epochs, eras, or seasons. The next great epoch of God's redemptive history is imminent. But although Christ's coming is the next event, it may be delayed so long that people begin to question whether he will ever come (cf. Matt. 24:36–39; 2 Pet. 3:3–4).

REVELATION—NOTE ON 1:4 seven churches that are in Asia. Asia Minor, equivalent to modern Turkey, was composed of seven postal districts. At the center of those districts were seven key cities that served as central points for the dissemination of information. It is to the churches in those cities that John writes. who is and who was and who is to come. God's eternal presence is not limited by time. He has always been present and will come in the future. the seven spirits. There are two possible meanings: 1) a reference to Isaiah's prophecy concerning the sevenfold ministry of the Holy Spirit (Isa. 11:2); or 2) more likely, it is a reference to the lampstand with seven lamps (a menorah) in Zechariah—also a description of the Holy Spirit (see notes on Rev. 4:5; 5:6; Zech. 4:1–10). In either case, seven is the number of completeness, so John is identifying the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 1:5 firstborn. Of all who have been or will be raised from the dead, he is the preeminent one, the only one who is the rightful heir (cf. 3:14; Ps. 89:27; Col. 1:15).

REVELATION—NOTE ON 1:6 a kingdom, priests. All who believe live in the sphere of God's rule, a kingdom entered by faith in Jesus Christ. And as priests, believers have the right to enter God's presence.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 1:7 coming with the clouds. This echoes the promise of Daniel: the Son of Man will come with the clouds of heaven (Dan. 7:13)—not ordinary clouds but clouds of glory. In the OT, God often manifested himself in an energized, blazing light, called the Shekinah or glory cloud. No one could see it fully and live (Ex. 33:20), so it had to be veiled. But when Christ returns, the glory will be completely visible. Cf. Matt. 24:29–30; 25:31; see notes on Rev. 6:12–17. those who pierced. Not a reference to the four Roman soldiers usually involved in crucifixion, but to the Jews who were actually responsible for Christ's death (Acts 2:22–23; 3:14–15). Zechariah identified the ones who pierced him as "the house of David" and "the inhabitants of Jerusalem" and prophesied that they will weep tears of genuine repentance because of what they did to their Messiah (Zech. 12:10). all tribes . . . will wail. The mourning of the rest of the earth's inhabitants is not that which accompanies genuine repentance (cf. Rev. 9:21). It is the result of guilt for sin and fear of punishment (6:16; cf. Gen. 3:8–10).

REVELATION—NOTE ON 1:8 the Alpha and the Omega. These are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. An alphabet is an ingenious way to store and communicate knowledge. The 26 letters in the English alphabet, arranged in almost endless combinations, can hold and convey all knowledge. Christ is the supreme, sovereign alphabet; there is nothing outside his knowledge, so as there are no unknown factors that can sabotage his second coming. (cf. Col. 2:3). the Almighty. "Almighty God" or "the Almighty" occurs eight other times in Revelation, underscoring that God's power is supreme over all the cataclysmic events it records (see also Rev. 4:8; 11:17; 15:3; 16:7, 14; 19:6, 15; 21:22). He exercises sovereign control over every person, object, and event, and not one molecule in the universe is outside that dominion.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 1:9–18 This vision of Christ is equaled in grandeur only by the vision of his final return as King of kings and Lord of lords (19:11–16).

REVELATION—NOTE ON 1:9 tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance. Four characteristics that John and his believing readers share: 1) persecution for their faith; 2) membership in the redeemed community over which Christ serves as Lord and King; 3) eager anticipation of the glory of his coming millennial reign on earth; and 4) endurance and perseverance in spite of difficult times. island called Patmos. Located in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Asia Minor (modern Turkey) and part of a group of about 50 islands, Patmos was a barren, rocky, crescent-shaped island in John's day that was about 10 miles long and less than 6 miles at its widest point. It served as a Roman penal colony. According to early Christian historian Eusebius, the emperor Nerva (A.D. 96–98) released John from Patmos.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 1:10 in the Spirit. This was not a dream. John was supernaturally transported out of the material world awake—not sleeping—to an experience beyond the normal senses. The Holy Spirit empowered his senses to perceive revelation from God (cf. Acts 10:11). Lord's day. This phrase appears in many early Christian writings and refers to Sunday, the day of the Lord's resurrection. Some have suggested this phrase refers to "the day of the Lord," but the context doesn't support that interpretation. loud voice. Throughout Revelation, a loud sound or voice indicates the solemnity of what God is about to reveal.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 1:11 book. The Greek word refers to a scroll made of parchment formed from papyrus, a reed that grows plentifully along the Nile.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 1:12 lampstands. These were portable gold lampstands that held small oil lamps. Each lampstand represented a church (v. 20), from which the light of life shone. Throughout Scripture, seven is the number of completeness, so these seven lampstands are representative of all the churches.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 1:13 son of man. According to the Gospels, this is the title Christ used most often for himself during his earthly ministry (81 times in the Gospels). Taken from the heavenly vision in Dan. 7:13, it is an implied claim to deity. robe. Most occurrences of this word in the Septuagint, the Greek OT, refer to the garment of the high priest. The golden sash across his chest completes the picture of Christ serving in his priestly role (cf. Lev. 16:1–4; Heb. 2:17).

REVELATION—NOTE ON 1:14 like white wool. "White" does not refer to a flat

white color but a blazing, glowing, white light (cf. Dan. 7:9). Like the glory cloud (or Shekinah), it is a picture of his holiness. eyes . . . flame of fire. Like two lasers, the eyes of the exalted Lord look with penetrating gaze into the depths of his church (Rev. 2:18; 19:12; Heb. 4:13).

REVELATION—NOTE ON 1:15 feet . . . burnished bronze. The altar of burnt offering was covered with brass and its utensils were made of the same material (cf. Ex. 38:1–7). Glowing hot, brass feet are a clear reference to divine judgment. Jesus Christ with feet of judgment is moving through his church to exercise his chastening authority upon sin. voice . . . roar of many waters. No longer was his voice like the crystal clear note of a trumpet (Rev. 1:10), but John likened it to the crashing of the surf against the rocks of the island (cf. Ezek. 43:2). It was the voice of authority.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 1:16 seven stars. These are the messengers who represent the seven churches (see note on v. 20). Christ holds them in his hand, which means that he controls the church and its leaders. a sharp two-edged sword. A large, two-edged broad sword. It signifies judgment (cf. 2:16; 19:15) on those who attack his people and destroy his church.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 1:17 fell at his feet. A common response to seeing the awesome glory of the Lord (Gen. 17:3; Num. 16:22; Isa. 6:1–8; Ezek. 1:28; Acts 9:4). first and the last. Jesus Christ applies this OT name for Yahweh (Rev. 22:13; Isa. 41:4; 44:6; 48:12) to himself, clearly claiming to be God. Idols will come and go. He was before them, and he will remain after them.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 1:18 keys of Death and Hades. See note on Luke 16:23. Death and Hades are essentially synonyms, but death is the condition and Hades, equivalent to the OT Sheol, the place of the dead (see note on Rev. 20:13). Christ decides who lives, who dies, and when.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 1:19 This verse provides a simple outline for the entire book: "the things that you have seen" refers to the vision John has just seen (ch. 1); "those that are" denotes the letters to the churches (chs. 2–3); and "those that are to take place after this" refers to the revelation of future history (chs. 4–22).

REVELATION—NOTE ON 1:20 the angels. The word lit. means "messenger." Although it can mean angel—and does throughout the book—it cannot refer to angels here because angels are never leaders in the church. Most likely, these

messengers are the seven key elders representing each of those churches (see note on v. 16).

REVELATION—NOTE ON 2:1–3:22 Although these seven churches were actual, historical churches in Asia Minor, they represent the types of churches that perennially exist throughout the church age. What Christ says to these churches is relevant in all times.

The Setting of Revelation

c. A.D. 95

John addressed the book of Revelation "to the seven churches that are in Asia," namely Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, although there were undoubtedly other churches elsewhere in the province of Asia (e.g., Miletus and Colossae, see Acts 20:17; Col. 1:2). John had apparently been exiled from Ephesus to the island of Patmos, southwest of Ephesus, and it was there that he recorded his visions.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 2:1 angel. The elder or pastor from the church (see note on 1:20). Ephesus. It was an inland city 3 miles from the sea, but the broad mouth of the Cayster River allowed access and provided the greatest harbor in Asia Minor. Four great trade roads went through Ephesus; therefore, it became known as the gateway to Asia. It was the center of the worship of Artemis (Greek), or Diana (Roman), whose temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Paul ministered there for three years (Acts 20:31), and later met

with the Ephesian elders on his way to Jerusalem (Acts 20). Timothy, Tychicus, and the apostle John all served this church. John was in Ephesus when he was arrested by Domitian and exiled 50 miles southwest to Patmos. seven stars. See note on Rev. 1:16. seven golden lampstands. See note on 1:12.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 2:2 those who call themselves apostles. The Ephesian church exercised spiritual discernment. It knew how to evaluate men who claimed spiritual leadership by their doctrine and behavior (cf. 1 Thess. 5:20– 21).

REVELATION—NOTE ON 2:3 not grown weary. For over 40 years, since its founding, this church had remained faithful to the word and the Lord. Through difficulty and persecution, the members had endured, always driven by the right motive, i.e., for Christ's name and reputation.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 2:4 abandoned the love you had at first. To be a Christian is to love the Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:21, 23; 1 Cor. 16:22). But the Ephesians' passion and fervor for Christ had become cold, mechanical orthodoxy. Their doctrinal and moral purity, their undiminished zeal for the truth, and their disciplined service were no substitute for the love for Christ they had forsaken.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 2:5 remove your lampstand. God's judgment would bring an end to the Ephesian church.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 2:6 the works of the Nicolaitans. A problem in Pergamum also (vv. 12–15), this heresy was similar to the teaching of Balaam (vv. 14–15). Nicolas means "one who conquers the people." Irenaeus writes that Nicolas, who was made a deacon in Acts 6, was a false believer who later became apostate; but because of his credentials he was able to lead the church astray. And, like Balaam, he led the people into immorality and wickedness. The Nicolaitans, followers of Nicolas, were involved in immorality and assaulted the church with sensual temptations. Clement of Alexander says, "They abandoned themselves to pleasure like goats, leading a life of self-indulgence." Their teaching perverted grace and replaced liberty with license.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 2:7 one who conquers. According to John's own definition, to be an overcomer is to be a Christian (see note on 1 John 5:4; cf. Rev. 2:11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). tree of life. True believers enjoy the promise of

heaven (see notes on 22:2; Gen. 2:9).

REVELATION—NOTE ON 2:8 angel. See note on v. 1. Smyrna. Smyrna means "myrrh," the substance used for perfume and often for anointing a dead body for aromatic purposes. Called the crown of Asia, this ancient city (modern Izmir, Turkey) was the most beautiful in Asia Minor and a center of science and medicine. Always on the winner's side in the Roman wars, Smyrna's intense loyalty to Rome resulted in a strong emperor-worship cult. Fifty years after John's death, Polycarp, the pastor of the church in Smyrna, was burned alive at the age of 86 for refusing to worship Caesar. A large Jewish community in the city also proved hostile to the early church. the first and the last. See note on 1:17.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 2:9 who say that they are Jews. Although they were Jews physically, they were not true Jews but spiritual pagans (cf. Rom. 2:28). They allied with other pagans in putting Christians to death as they attempted to stamp out the Christian faith. synagogue of Satan. With the rejection of its Messiah, Judaism becomes as much a tool of Satan as emperor worship.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 2:10 devil. The Greek name for God's archenemy means "accuser." For discussion of Satan, see notes on Eph. 6:10–17. for ten days . . . tribulation. Their imprisonment will be brief. crown of life. It is the crown which is life, or the reward which is life, not an actual crown to adorn the head. "Crown" here does not refer to the kind royalty wears, but to the wreath awarded winning athletes.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 2:11 who conquers. This identifies every Christian (see note on v. 7). the second death. The first death is only physical; the second is spiritual and eternal (cf. 20:14).

REVELATION—NOTE ON 2:12 angel. See note on 1:20. Pergamum. Pergamum lit., means "citadel" and is the word from which we get parchment—a writing material developed from animal skin, which apparently was first developed in that area. Pergamum (modern Bergama) was built on a 1,000-foot hill in a broad, fertile plain about 20 miles inland from the Aegean Sea. It had served as the capital of the Roman province of Asia Minor for over 250 years. It was an important religious center for the pagan cults of Athena, Asklepios, Dionysius (or Bacchus, the god of drunkenness), and Zeus. It was the first city in Asia to build a temple to Caesar (29 B.C.) and became the capital of the cult of Caesar

worship. two-edged sword. See note on 1:16.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 2:13 where Satan's throne is. The headquarters of satanic opposition and a Gentile base for false religions. On the acropolis in Pergamum was a huge, throne-shaped altar to Zeus. In addition, Asklepios, the god of healing, was the god most associated with Pergamum. His snake-like form is still the medical symbol today. The famous medical school connected to his temple mingled medicine with superstition. One prescription called for the worshiper to sleep on the temple floor, allowing snakes to crawl over his body and infuse him with their healing power. Antipas. Probably the pastor of the church. Tradition says Antipas was burned inside a brass bull.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 2:14 teaching of Balaam. Balaam tried unsuccessfully to prostitute his prophetic gift and curse Israel for money offered him by Balak, king of Moab. So he devised a plot to have Moabite women seduce Israelite men into intermarriage. The result was the blasphemous union of Israel with fornication and idolatrous feasts (for the story of Balaam, see Num. 22–25). food sacrificed to idols. See Acts 15:19–29.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 2:15 So also you. The teaching of the Nicolaitans led to the same behavior as Balaam's schemes. teaching of the Nicolaitans. See note on v. 6.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 2:16 sword of my mouth. See note on 1:16.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 2:17 conquers. See note on v. 7. hidden manna. Just as Israel received manna, God promises to give the true believer the spiritual bread the unbelieving world cannot see: Jesus Christ (cf. John 6:51). white stone. When an athlete won in the games, he was often given, as part of his prize, a white stone, which was an admission pass to the winner's celebration afterwards. This may picture the moment when the overcomer will receive his ticket to the eternal victory celebration in heaven. new name. A personal message from Christ to the ones he loves, which serves as their admission pass into eternal glory. It is so personal that only the person who receives it will know what it is.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 2:18 angel. See note on 1:20. Thyatira. Located halfway between Pergamum and Sardis, this city had been under Roman rule for nearly three centuries (c. 190 B.C.). Since the city was situated in a long valley that swept 40 miles to Pergamum, it had no natural defenses and had a long history

of being destroyed and rebuilt. Originally populated by soldiers of Alexander the Great, it was little more than a military outpost to guard Pergamum. Lydia came from this city on business and was converted under Paul's ministry (Acts 16:14– 15). eyes like a flame of fire. See note on Rev. 1:14. feet are like burnished bronze. Cf. 19:15; see note on 1:15.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 2:20 Jezebel. Probably a pseudonym for a woman who influenced the church in the way Jezebel influenced the OT Jews into idolatry and immorality (cf. 1 Kings 21:25–26). immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. Cf. Acts 15:19–29; see note on Rev. 2:14.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 2:22 sickbed. Lit., "bed." Having given this woman time to repent, God was to judge her upon a bed. Since she used a luxurious bed to commit her immorality, and the reclining couch at the idol feast to eat things offered to false gods, he was to give her a bed in hell where she would lie forever.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 2:23 her children. The church was about 40 years old as John wrote, and her teaching had produced a second generation advocating the same debauchery. who searches mind and heart. God has perfect, intimate knowledge of every human heart; no evil can be hidden from him (Ps. 7:9; Prov. 24:12; Jer. 11:20; 17:10; 20:12). according to your works. Always the basis for future judgment (Rev. 20:12–13; Matt. 16:27; Rom. 2:6). Deeds or works do not save (Eph. 2:8–9), but they do evidence salvation (James 2:14–26).

REVELATION—NOTE ON 2:24 the deep things of Satan. This unbelievable libertinism and license was the fruit of pre-Gnostic teaching that one was free to engage and explore the sphere of Satan and participate in evil with the body without harming the spirit (see Introduction to 1 John: Background and Setting).

REVELATION—NOTE ON 2:26 conquers. See note on v. 7.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 2:27 rule them with a rod of iron. Lit., "shepherd them with an iron rod." During the millennial kingdom, Christ will enforce his will and protect his sheep with his iron scepter from any who would seek to harm them (cf. Ps. 2:9).

REVELATION—NOTE ON 2:28 the morning star. John later reveals Christ to be "the bright morning star" (22:16). Although the morning star has already dawned in our hearts (2 Pet. 1:19), someday we will have him in his fullness.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 3:1 angel. Messenger or pastor (see note on 1:20). Sardis. Situated on a natural acropolis rising 1,500 feet above the valley floor, the city (modern Sart) was nearly impregnable. Around 1200 B.C. it gained prominence as the capital of the Lydian kingdom. Its primary industry was harvesting wool, dying it, and making garments from it. The famous author Aesop came from Sardis, and tradition says that Melito, a member of the church in Sardis, wrote the first-ever commentary on certain passages in the book of Revelation. The church in Sardis was dead; that is, basically populated by unredeemed, unregenerate people. seven spirits. See note on 1:4. seven stars. The pastors of these seven churches (see notes on 1:16, 20).

REVELATION—NOTE ON 3:3 come like a thief. Here the reference is not to Christ's second coming (cf. 16:15; 1 Thess. 5:2; 2 Pet. 3:10), but to his sudden and unexpected coming to his unrepentant, dead church to inflict harm and destruction.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 3:4 who have not soiled their garments. Soiled means "to smear," "to pollute," or "to stain," and garments refer to character. There were a few whose character was still godly (cf. Jude 23). in white. The white garments of all the redeemed (cf. Rev. 6:11; 7:9, 13; 19:8, 14) speak of holiness and purity. Such white robes are reserved for Christ (Matt. 17:2; Mark 9:3), holy angels (Matt. 28:3; Mark 16:5), and the glorified church (Rev. 19:8, 14). In the ancient world, white robes were commonly worn at festivals and celebrations.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 3:5 conquers. All true Christians (see note on 2:7). book of life. A divine journal records the names of all those whom God has chosen to save and who, therefore, are to possess eternal life (13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27; 22:19; cf. Dan. 12:1; Luke 10:20). Under no circumstances will he erase those names (see note on Phil. 4:3), as city officials often did of undesirable people on their rolls.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 3:7 angel. See note on 1:20. Philadelphia. Located on a hillside about 30 miles southeast of Sardis, the city (modern Alashehir) was founded around 190 B.C. by Attalus II, king of Pergamum. His unusual devotion to his brother earned the city its name, "brotherly love." The city was an important commercial stop on a major trade route called the Imperial Post Road, a first-century mail route. Although Scripture does not mention this church elsewhere, it was probably the fruit of Paul's extended ministry in Ephesus (cf. Acts 19:10). holy . . . true. A common description in this book (Rev. 4:8; 6:10;

15:3; 16:7; 19:2, 11). Christ shares the holy, sinless, pure nature of his Father (Ps. 16:10; Isa. 6:3; 40:25; 43:15; Hab. 3:3; Mark 1:11, 24; John 6:69; Acts 3:14); that is, he is absolutely pure and separate from sin. "True" can refer both to one who speaks truth, and who is genuine or authentic as opposed to fake. the key of David. Christ has the sovereign authority to control entrance into the kingdom (Isa. 22:22; cf. Matt. 16:19; John 14:6). In Rev. 1:18 he is pictured holding the keys to death and hell—here, the keys to salvation and blessing.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 3:8 open door. This is either admission into the kingdom (see v. 7), or an opportunity for service (cf. 1 Cor. 16:9; 2 Cor. 2:12; Col. 4:3).

REVELATION—NOTE ON 3:9 synagogue of Satan. See note on 2:9. who say that they are Jews. See note on 2:9.

REVELATION—NOTE ON 3:10 keep you from the hour of trial. Christ's description—an event still future that for a short time severely tests the whole world—must refer to the time of tribulation, the seven-year period before Christ's earthly kingdom is consummated, featuring the unleashing of divine wrath in judgments expressed as seals, trumpets, and bowls. This period is described in detail throughout chs. 6–19. The latter half is called "the great tribulation" (7:14; Matt. 24:21) and is identified as to time in Rev. 11:2–3; 12:6, 14; 13:5. The verb "keep" is followed by a preposition whose normal meaning is "from" or "out of "—this phrase, "keep . . . from" supports the pretribulational rapture of the church (see notes on John 14:1–3; 1 Cor. 15:51–52; 1 Thess. 4:13–17). This period is the same as Daniel's seventieth week (see notes on Dan. 9:24–27) and "a time of distress for Jacob" (see notes on Jer. 30:7).

REVELATION—NOTE ON 3:11 I am coming soon. This isn't the threatening temporal judgment described in v. 3; 2:5, 16, nor the final judgment of ch. 19; it is a hopeful event. Christ will return to take his church out of the hour of trial (see note on 2 Thess. 2:1).

REVELATION—NOTE ON 3:12 one who conquers. All Christians (see note on 2:7). a pillar. Believers will enjoy an unshakable, eternal, secure place in the presence of God. temple. See note on 7:15. write . . . name of my God. In biblical times, one's name spoke of his character. Writing his name on us speaks of imprinting his character on us and identifying us as belonging to him. new Jerusalem. The capital city of heaven (see notes on 21:1–27). The overcomer will enjoy eternal citizenship. my own new name. At the moment we see Christ, whatever we may

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