Why is there so much interest in Revelation? And as our book authors point out, interest with so little exegesis?
This chapter was the final chapter of the book, and an excellent overview of the entire 8-week study. We discussed:
- How Revelation is a form of literature called apocalyptic, common back in first century writing
- How Revelation is also prophecy and epistle (reminds us of Week 1 and 2!)
- The importance of understanding Old Testament imagery and prophecy, since it is reformed in Revelation
- The main theme is patience during suffering for God’s people under Rome
- The literary construction is orderly and focuses on suffering for God’s people, but the eventual wrath of God on those who do evil, and the final glorious world for those who follow Him
We found it very interesting that focusing on the historical setting of Revelation, and its original meaning to its audience, meant that:
- There was little focus on determining pre-trib or post-trib philosophy
- There was little focus on who the 144,000 would be
- There is little prophecy between the fall of Rome and the coming of Jesus
Once again, it seems as if the take home message is “it’s not all about us” if the “us” is America during current events. But it is “us” in that we can expect suffering while awaiting the final healing of Christ.
I still am feeling a little guilty about Revelations. I just hope when it is my time and I get to see my mom again that she does not hit me over the head with her cane. If she does I will point her your way.
Catarino, since your mom knows you are now able to treat Revelation with the proper respect and will not make wild predictions about Hollywood being the seven-headed beast, I think she will be okay with you opening that part of your Bible.
I’ll be sure to wear a hard hat in Heaven, though, just in case.