ANSWERS
TO THE QUESTIONS IN THE REVELATION STUDY
by Richard Bartholomew
The answers given below are my studied conclusions only and should not be taken as “gospel” or absolute truth.
We are each responsible for searching and understanding the scriptures and I encourage each of you to use these questions
and answers as an aid as you come to your own conclusions about the meanings and messages in this great book.
REVIEW
OF THE INTRODUCTION
The book of Revelation was written by JOHN. It is the Revelation of JESUS.
The word ‘revelation” comes from the Greek word APOKLUPIS, which means AN UNCOVERING; A LAYING BARE.
What interpretation of the book do you accept? Why?
Primarily the Historical Background Method. Like all other books in the
Bible, we have to look at who wrote the book, the intended audience, the
intended message and the circumstances during which it was written. The style of
writing is said to be symbolic and except for Revelation 20:10 thru the end of
the book, which is describing the final judgment, the end of the world and
heaven, the rest of Revelation is discussing current and “near future”
events.
Why was Revelation written?
To comfort Christians who were being persecuted for the faith and to
assure them of the imminent downfall of the Roman Empire and the ultimate defeat
of Satan. The message is to stay faithful and God will provide and protect.
By the late 1st century, why were Christians so hated by the world around them?
It was an illegal religion that was growing. Christianity lives to
reproduce, grow and become universal. It is exclusive, made up only of baptized
believers, and made behavioral/moral demands that separated its people from
others. It was, also, misunderstood by most of the world and was accused of
fanaticism. Christians refused the law of emperor worship, their membership was
largely from the lowly in society and they did not adhere to class distinctions.
List Old Testament books that hold significance to our study of Revelation.
Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Zechariah, Exodus and Psalms, among
others
Explain the symbolic nature of the numbers “7” and “10”.
7 -The perfect world number (4) is added to the perfect divine number
(3), 7 is the most prevalent
symbolic number in Revelation and was the most sacred number to the Jews and
other cultures in that part of the world at the time of the 1st
century.
10 – Represents human completeness, with ultimate completeness
symbolized in multiples of 10.
How can we determine if symbols or figurative language are being used?
Chapter 1
Whose Revelation is it, who gave it to Him and to whom is it to be shown? (1:1)
Jesus Christ’s -
God -
Christians (John
was the earthly vessel by which God did this)
What is the time frame of the events of what is being revealed? (1:1)
The time is near or at hand – shortly to take place
How is the information being given? (1:1) Why is this critical?
By signs and symbols (signified) – This lays the groundwork for the
rest of the letter
Did John expect the readers of Revelation to be able to understand it? How do you know?
Yes, of course – Blessings are promised in verse 3
How does John describe Jesus in 1: 4-6?
Faithful witness, 1st born of the dead, ruler of the kings of
earth – He loves us and released us from our sins by His blood and made us to
be a kingdom.
Who is the “us” referred to in verse 5 and what did Jesus make us, as stated in verse 6?
Christians (those whose sins are forgiven by His blood) – A kingdom,
priests to God
How does Jesus describe himself in 1:8 & 1:17-18?
Alpha & Omega, the Almighty – The 1st and last, the
Living One, holding the keys of death and Hades.
Under what conditions are John and fellow Christians in at the time Revelation was written? (1:9)
In tribulation, but also in the kingdom and persevering
What does “in the Spirit” mean in verse 10? (See Revelation 4:2 as well)
Possibly in a trancelike state – More than just in a worshipful state of mind and not dreaming. Given special ability to see and personally witness these upcoming visions from God.
How does John describe the “Son of Man” among the seven lampstands? (1:13-16)
Clothed in a long robe, golden girdle across His breast, head and hair
of white, eyes like a flame of fire, feet like burnished bronze, voice like the
sounds of many waters - Powerful
What did Jesus instruct John to write? (1:11, 19)
The things he saw, things which are and the things that will take place
next
What does the Bible say the 7 stars and 7 lampstands symbolize? (1:20)
7 churches
Chapter 2
How did Jesus describe Himself as He addressed the church at Ephesus?
One who holds the 7 stars and walks among the 7 lampstands
What does it mean to “lose your first love”?
Lose the beginning devotion or zeal that they had when first converted
– Lost fire,
No passion for the Word or their faith
What are some things that could cause a person to lose their first love?
Complacency, salvation taken for granted; or money, career, tragedy, laziness
What are the positives and
negatives of the church at Ephesus?
+ - Remained faithful, did not compromise or become worldly/immoral.
Hated the ways and teachings of the Nicolaitains (religious doctrine watered
down with society’s morals)
- - Lost zeal and perhaps lack of energy to evangelize or teach
What would happen to the people if they did not repent?
Lampstand would be removed – Loss of favored status with God –
Salvation lost
How did Jesus describe Himself as He addressed the church at Smyrna?
1st & Last who was dead and has come to life
How could the Christians at Smyrna be in poverty and yet be rich?
Materially poor, spiritually rich
How can a believer become a “synagogue of Satan”?
By harboring sin – Accepting or teaching false doctrine
What are the positives and negatives of the church at Smyrna?
+ - Spiritually rich; remained faithful in spite of tribulation &
loss of material wealth
- - No negatives, just a warning to stay faithful no matter what
How did Jesus describe Himself as He addressed the church at Pergamos?
The One who has the sharp 2-edged sword
What are the positives and negatives of the church at Pergamos?
+ - Held fast Jesus’ name; faithful group of strong Christians
- - Did not discipline the unfaithful; allowed false teaching, leading to compromised doctrine and immorality among the brethren
What will happen to those who do not repent?
Jesus will make war with them with the sword of His mouth (will be
enemies of God)
What will be given to those who overcome?
Hidden manna, a white stone and a new name – All symbolic of special status with God
How did Jesus describe Himself as He addressed the church at Thyatira?
Son of God with eyes like a flame of fire and feet like burnished bronze
What are the positives and negatives of the church at Thyatira?
+ - Good works, love, faith, service, perseverance – had matured in
their faith
- - They tolerate false teachers, leading to compromised faith – lack of discipline
How did the church at Thyatira resemble the church at Pergamos?
Lack of discipline leading to acceptance of false teaching/doctrine, which resulted in immorality within the church and a watered down or compromised faith
What kind of person was Jezebel and what did she teach?
I Kings 18:13-19 – Wife of Ahab – Selfish & corrupt, no morals – She brought false gods and seduced her husband and the nation of Israel; caused the death of Naboth because she wanted his land – She, in essence, taught humanism – If it feels good do it, if you want it, go after it
What does it mean to not know the “deep things of Satan”?
Rationalizing sin – Trade guilds became the priority. Each had their own gods and rituals, with membership mandated for workers. Indulgence in eating at idol feasts and having sex outside of marriage are things Christians were encouraged to experience and if one could do this and still be a “Christian”, it was considered a sign of strength. Satan had deluded them.
What does it mean to “overcome” and “keep my deeds until the end”?
Stay faithful to the pure teachings of Christ and His apostles by overcoming temptation and not giving in to the trends of society.
How do we know that the letters to the 7 churches are intended for the benefit of more than just the members of the specific churches to whom they are addressed?
In every admonition, “churches” is plural. Even though directed to
each specific church, the intent was for all Christians to be aware of the
dangers of the world.
Chapter 3
How did Jesus describe Himself as He addressed the church at Sardis?
He who has the 7 spirits of God and 7 stars
What are the positives and negatives of the church at Sardis?
+ - Good reputation, works and a few righteous members
- - They were a dead congregation; lethargic, lost zeal
What does it mean to “have a name that you are alive, but you are dead”? (3:2)
To have a good reputation, others thinking highly of you, but living off the past – character flawed
Can a church be corrupt and with sin, but some of the members remain faithful members of the Lord’s Body? How do you know?
Yes, because of 3:4
How can one have their name erased from the book of life?
By not remaining faithful until the body dies – Salvation IS
conditional
How does Jesus describe Himself as He addressed the church at Philadelphia?
Holy, true, Having the key of David, who opens and no one shuts, shuts and no one opens
What does Jesus, through John, say about the church at Philadelphia?
All good – They kept His word and had not denied His name; they are
working, using the open door to teach; not immoral at all – This shows
conclusively that a church and individual Christians CAN be totally pleasing to
God
Is it possible that churches and Christians can function in such a way that Jesus will have no complaint? How do you know?
Yes – Smyrna and Philadelphia are 2 of the 7 churches in which Jesus
registered no complaint. If they can do it, so can we
How does Jesus describe Himself as He addressed the church at Laodicea?
The Amen, the faithful & true witness, the beginning (origin or source) of the creation of God
Describe the problems with the church at Laodicea?
Lukewarm – merely existing, going thru the motions of religion, but
materialistic and not working; no longer recognized their need for Jesus in
their lives
How important is zeal to a church and to individual Christians?
Vital – Martin Luther said that the church is never in a more perilous state than when she has peace and quiet. Of the 7 churches, only Sardis & Laodicea were free from persecution; yet they were in the worst spiritual condition
What three tools of Satan are introduced in the letters to the seven churches?
Anti-Christian persecution – Roman Empire & Jews (Sea Beast later)
Anti-Christian religion – Paganism, emperor worship (Earth Beast
later)
Worldliness, Lust of the flesh, Lust of the eye, Pride of Life (Harlot
later)
Chapter 4
Visualize the scene around the throne in heaven as John describes it. What is the central focus?
God in all His glory – He is in total control
Realizing the admonitions that have just been delivered to the 7 churches and the suffering
Christians are told they will undergo, what is the significance of the “throne scene”?
No matter how bad things get or seem to be, we must remember that God
will cause things to work out for the good of His people in the end
What is the sea of glass?
Some say it represents the transcendence of God – I believe it represents those in Paradise, as it contains all those (past & present) who died faithful. Isaiah 48:17-19; Daniel 7:2-3; I Corinthians 3:12-15; I Peter 1:6-7, 4:12-13; Zechariah 13:9; Revelation 13:1, 15:2, 17:15, 20:13, 21:1 – Sea = mass of people/society – Sea mixed with fire – those found blameless, refined and purified by the trials of life
Read Ezekiel 1 & Ezekiel 10 and the compare what you read with the description of the 4 living creatures of Rev. 4:6-9.
Lion – Strength; Calf/Ox – Service/Endurance; Man –
Intelligence/Reason; Eagle – Vision/Swiftness
- Differences found are like
the differences in the 4 descriptions of the crucifixion. In both places they
are called the living ones, the same symbolic number (4), same faces, they are
associated with the throne, fire moves among the living ones, they are studded
with eyes all about, and there is a rainbow around the throne
Could the 4 living creatures be Cherubim, the Hebrew word meaning “Special Guardian”? How are they similar to angels? (See Ps. 103:20-21, Luke15:10; 20:36, Dan. 9:21)
Could be – they are “very high angels” with a special duty or
role. Also see Ezekiel 10:20. They guard holy things, they can have the form of
a man, gave instruction, experience joy, can’t die anymore, are strong, they
perform and obey (think) Cherubim guarded the tree of life (Gen. 3:22-24) and
were involved with the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:17-22, 26:31, 36:8) and
the temple (I Kings 8:6-7)
When faced with the presence, glory and might of God, what is the expected reaction?
Awe & Worship
What does the rainbow represent, both in this book and in Genesis?
God’s promise of grace, mercy and hope
Chapter 5
Why does John weep? How was he comforted?
No one was found qualified or found worthy to open the book (comprehend, disclose, execute the contents) - This was not just selfish curiosity, but genuine sorrow that God’s purpose/will would not be done He was told that Jesus can do it!
How can the Lion, the Root and the Lamb be the same person?
See Genesis 49:9-10; II Samuel 7:12; Psalm 89:28-36; Isaiah 11:1, 53:7; Jeremiah 23:5; Matthew 22:42-45; John 1:29; Acts 2:30; Colossians 2:14-15 – John turned to see a Lion and saw the Lamb – Jesus is the cause (root) of all things, the foundation of true faith, the pure sacrifice that paves the way for man’s salvation and will execute judgment on all the world
What is the difference between the “book” in Rev. 5 and the one described in Ezekiel 2?
The book in Ezekiel is already open and the contents revealed. This book
was for those who had rebelled against God and limited to that specific time in
history
The book in Revelation was sealed, only Jesus could open it and the message was for the faithful
What is the significance of the book in Rev. 5 and what does it represent? (See Ezekiel 1:8-10; 3:9-11; John 17:1-8; I Peter 1:10-12; Revelation 1:1; 15:1-4)
God’s mystery is about to be revealed. A complete understanding of His plan of salvation that could not be fulfilled until Jesus completed His mission, was found worthy and took his rightful place in heaven to rule at the right hand of God, the Father
Why was the Lamb worthy to take the scroll?
He had overcome sin & death
How was the new song different from the song sung in Revelation 4:8? (See Isaiah 6:1-3; Daniel 7:13-14)
God’s praises have been due since man was created; but the new song
could not be sung until Daniel’s prophecy of Jesus and the Kingdom had been
fulfilled. The new song shows that has happened.
Chapter 6
What colors are the 4 horses and what do they and their riders represent?
White – Purity, holiness, victory
Red – Danger, blood, war
Black – Grief, economic difficulties
Pale/Ashen – Death, disease
Who is the rider on the white horse?
Jesus, conquering with His gospel
What is the significance of the “bow” and the “crown”?
Bow = overcoming an enemy; Arrows pierce the heart
Crown = royalty
Who is the logical rider on the red horse?
Satan, the enemy
Why could he take peace from the earth and cause men to slay one another?
He was permitted to influence man to persecute and wage war with each
other
What is the message behind the 3rd seal, with the black horse and rider with scales in his hand?
Christians will suffer economic/financial discrimination – Money problems have always been a major cause of sin and loss of faith
How was the rider on the ashen or pale horse able to kill over ¼ of the earth with sword, famine and pestilence?
Through common afflictions on mankind – war, hunger, famine, disease, natural calamities – Christians are not exempt
To this point, what comfort have we seen so far for Christians?
None
Why is the 5th seal so significant?
Those who died physically under the 4th seal were spiritually alive. The 5th seal gives hop to suffering Christians, regardless of their worldly circumstances
What happens when the 6th seal is opened? What does this signify?
Many unnatural, symbolic events are described – Signifies the Day of Judgment from which no person can escape
Chapter 7
Why is there an interlude between the opening of the 6th seal at the end of Chapter 6 and the 7th seal, which is not opened until Chapter 8?
God is answering the question at the end of Chapter 6. He takes the time
to assure His people that they are spiritually safe
What are the two visions given in this chapter?
4 angels holding back the 4 winds – The sealing of God’s faithful
What was the purpose for putting a seal on the forehead of the 144,000?
To distinguish them from the rest of the world – Every human either has the seal of God or the mark of the beast (symbolically, of course)
What does this symbolize?
Protection, ownership, certification – They belong to God in all
respects
Who are the 144,000? (See Revelation 14:4)
Christians
Who are the multitude in white robes?
Christians
What is in the future for those who obey God?
Heaven
Does God want martyrs and those wronged for their faith avenged? Who will do the “avenging”?
Yes - God
Chapter 8
Why was there a time of silence when the 7th seal was opened? (Zechariah 2:8-13; Zephaniah. 1:7-12)
Reverence in preparation for something awesome – Hopeful anticipation
of God’s promised judgment
How important were the prayers of the saints to all that is happening? Explain
Very – It recalls the Old Testament priests at the altar
What have trumpets historically signified? (Numbers 10:1-13; Zephaniah 1:14-18)
A call to the congregation; movement of the camp; an alarm; going to war
Discuss the idea of God using 7 letters to instruct; 7 seals to reveal; 7 trumpets to warn; 7 bowls to execute judgment.
The wheels of holy justice turn slowly, but in the purest form God’s
decisions and actions are fair, consistent, true and right
Why do you think the calamities described in Rev. 8 only damaged or destroyed 1/3 of what they touched?
They are symbolic of partial judgment/destruction, intended to motivate
the survivors to repent and turn to God
What is the symbolism of the mountain and the sea in this chapter?
Mountain = great nation or power Sea
= mass of humanity or society
What is Wormwood and what does it signify?
A bitter plant used in the Old Testament to symbolize divine chastisement against idolatry. It signifies calamity and the bitterness of life
What is the eagle’s warning?
The next 3 trumpets will be even worse than the preceding 4
Chapter 9
Who is “the star”? See Isaiah 14:12 and Revelation 12:7-12
Satan
What does the smoke symbolize? (II Corinthians 4:4; Colossians 1:12-13; II Thessalonians 2:9-12)
Satan’s deceptions and the way he deludes the world by attempting to
block out the light of righteousness
Who was protected from this first “woe”?
Those sealed by God
Describe the 4 horses and their riders released by the 6th angel.
Horses, with fire, smoke and brimstone out of their mouths, heads like
lions
Riders had breastplates of fire, hyacinth and brimstone
How did the survivors of the plagues respond to what had gone on around them?
Did not repent – stayed immoral and disobedient
Chapter 10
What is the similarity between the delay between the opening of the 6th and 7th seals and the blowing of the 6th and 7th trumpet?
Just shows that God is in control and has patience beyond understanding. Plus He wants to reassure His people that they are safe in spite of how bad things become.
What does this tell us about God?
He has secrets and will execute His plan in His own time. He is longsuffering and patient, but just. He is true to His word and will destroy the wicked and reward the faithful
Describe the mighty angel and what he did.
Clothed with a cloud, a rainbow on his head, face like the sun, feet like pillars of fire, voice like a lion
What was John instructed to do at this point?
Seal up what the 7 peals of thunder spoke and do not write them – Then
take the book, eat it and prophesy again
What is the meaning of the scroll (little book) and its’ effect? (Ezekiel 2:8-3:5, Jeremiah 15:16)
Sweet = Protection for God’s people
Bitter = Destruction for the disobedient
Also, the word of God has a surface sweetness, with feel good stories of
God’ love that makes all readers initially think we’re going to heaven. But
as we read and digest the totality of the message, it becomes bitter and makes
us sick to our stomach as we are forced to confront our own sin and what God
really expects from us.
Eating the book = Mastering the message in order to tell the complete
truth about God
Chapter 11
What is the purpose for measuring the temple of God?
To separate the holy from the unholy, the saved from the unsaved
What does this “measuring” symbolize? (Ezekiel 43:1-12; 43:15-20; Zechariah 2:1-10; 4:1-14)
Separation & protection of God’s people
Who are the Two Witnesses?
The 2 olive trees and the 2 lampstands that stand before the Lord
Describe the 3 divisions in the visions of Revelation 11:4-13.
v. 4-6 describes a time when the gospel is preached with great success
v. 7-10 describes a period of great persecution
v. 11-13 predicts a revival of the gospel (after the fall of Rome)
What is the symbolic meaning of sackcloth, olive trees and candlesticks?
Sackcloth = humiliation and affliction, characteristics of Christians
Olive Trees & Candlesticks = The anointed (Christians)
What do verses 15-19, the blowing of the 7th trumpet, tell us?
God has not forgotten His people. The interlude is over, destructive forces are to follow for the enemies of God and His people. Dark days were experienced, but the victory of Christ is assured.
SUMMARY THOUGHT QUESTION: What great lesson can we learn from the first 11 chapters?
The truth will always triumph. Our duty is to remain faithful, keep God
first, trust in His promises and let Him be in control of our lives
Chapter 12
Describe the 3 scenes portrayed in this chapter.
v.
1-6 – The Radiant Woman
v.
7-12 – The war in Heaven & the victory song
v. 13-17 – The defeated Dragon attacks the woman and her offspring
How are the forces of evil and righteousness depicted in Chapter 12?
Righteousness = a radiant woman, her offspring, a man child (who became
the Lamb) and a victorious warrior
Evil = a great red dragon called the devil and Satan
Who are the woman and her child? Explain.
The Woman is the faithful remnant of God’s people (Micah 4:10, 5:2-5;
Isaiah 54:1-3, 66:7; Galatians 4:27-31)
The man child = Jesus Christ (Psalm 2:7-9; Ephesians 1:20-23)
How does Satan turn people away from God and His kingdom?
Deceptions, delusions, influence
How does one overcome the accuser?
v. 11 – The blood of Christ, the word of testimony (obedience in
belief and lifestyle), do not love life even if it means physical death (keep
priorities in order – God 1st)
Why does the dragon pursue the woman?
Satan lost his battle in heaven, Jesus defeated him via the cross. Satan no longer has direct access to God to accuse man, so in constant rage is now going after the children of God, the church (Christians). He wants to steal their souls and deprive them of heaven to spite the Father, Son & Holy Spirit
What does it mean that the serpent “poured water like a river out of his mouth….so that he might cause her to be swept away with the flood”?
In the Old Testament, flooding symbolized tribulation for ungodly, wicked people. God dried up rivers to protect His people. Satan was trying to drown the church with Rome’s persecution and the temptations of life, but divine providence intervened and the church prevailed. (Daniel 7:14)
What is the symbolism of the earth helping the woman? (I thought the world was a tool of Satan!)
God used natural disasters, localized rebellions and uprisings, plus economic troubles to take the government’s focus off Christians. Rome and her allies had to divert so much money and resources to taking care of these other problems, they could not spend the energy Satan would have liked to go after Christians. While persecutions went on, the church survived. Once again, God foiled the efforts of Satan, although many weaker brethren lost their faith.
Who are the woman’s offspring?
Individual Christians
Chapter 13
Why does Satan, the dragon, need helpers to accomplish his purpose?
Satan’s power was limited by the cross and Christ’s resurrection. His only means of attacking God’s people now is by way of influence, diversion, deception and deceit. He employs whatever means available to accomplish his goals, but now needs help.
What did the sea beast do with the authority he was given?
Blasphemed God and those who dwell in heaven
Made war with the saints and caused all on earth to worship him
What is the most likely identity of the Sea Beast? Why? (See Daniel 7 & Revelation 17)
The political power of the Roman Empire. Fulfills the prophecies of
Daniel, is consistent with other parts of Revelation and would be the most
logical answer to Christians of the 1st century to whom this book was
written.
Who worshipped the Sea Beast?
v. 8 – All of the earth whose names are not written in the book of
life of the Lamb
In addition to the authorities of the Sea Beast, what did the Earth Beast do for the dragon?
He makes the people worship the 1st beast. He deceives with
great signs and puts a symbolic mark that identifies people as belonging to the
beast (and dragon)
What are the characteristics of the Earth Beast?
2 horns like a lamb, but spoke as a dragon, exercising all the authority
of the 1st beast.
What is the purpose and meaning of 666?
The number 7 is divine perfection - #6 falls short of that, is human and
destined to fail even though it resembles and tries to replace the real thing
(7). Since the #3 represents divine completeness, three 6’s symbolize the
completeness of failure/doom of those carrying the mark. Human religions are
destined for failure and no matter how “holy” or right they appear at the
moment, unless they conform to God’s standards, they are mere imitations and
no the real thing.
What or who is the Earth Beast? (See Revelation 16:13; 19:20; 20:10)
False religion, at that time represented by paganism and then emperor or
Caesar worship
Chapter 14
Read Psalm 2 and explain its significance in light of understanding the power of verse 1.
Chapter 13 had ended negatively. Psalm 2, like Rev. 14:1, assures us
that Jesus is in control, given authority by God, and will protect His people
regardless of what is going on around them. Mount Zion is symbolically a place
of strength and refuge
Who are the 144,000?
Described in v. 4 & 5 – 12 x 12 x 1000 = 144,000 – Symbolizes
Christians, the saved
Why are the 144,000 protected by God and enjoying the benefits of Mount Zion?
Not defiled with women – No spiritual adultery of idol worship
Followed the Lamb – Obedient and loyal to Christ
No guile – Rejected the lies of the beast and false prophet; Walked in
light; Had not denied Christ in either word or deed
What are the proclamations of the 3 angels and what are their meanings?
The world, all of humanity belongs to either God or Satan. All have either the seal of God or the mark of the beast – there is no middle ground
How are the saints able to persevere?
They keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus (v. 12)
What do the cloud and sickle represent?
Judgment – Isaiah 63:1-6; Joel 3:13; Daniel 7:13-16
Who are God’s helpers, set in place to combat Satan and his helpers?
The gospel and righteous judgment – both centered around Jesus
What is the conclusion to be drawn from Chapter 14?
Satan and his helpers are powerful enemies and can and will defeat us
without the protection and security found through the blood of Christ. God is in
control of the affairs of men and regardless of the events and circumstances of
our lives, if we remain in faithful obedience, we are assured of victory in
Jesus
Chapter 15
What is the sea of glass? (See Revelation 4:6, 5:6, 20:13, 21:1; Zechariah 3:9, I Corinthians 3:12-15, I Peter 1:6-7)
Society of pure people who have survived the persecutions of life and
attained spiritual victory thru Christ
Why is the word “victorious” used in verse 2, when many people were tortured and slaughtered by the beast?
They had endured the trials and tribulations of life and escaped with
their souls intact and protected forever – Spiritual victory is the ultimate
achievement and they have good reason to celebrate
What is the theme of the song of Moses and the Lamb?
Praise to God for being just, righteous and true, delivering them to
victory
What are the similarities between the victorious saints under Roman rule and the Israelites of the Exodus? (Exodus 14:31-15:19, Deuteronomy 32 & 33, I Peter 4:12)
Both are songs of victory and praise to God for His deliverance. Both confirm that God knows all that is going on and will protect and provide for His people in His own time and manner
What does the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony in Heaven represent?
The Holy of Holies, where God dwells – This is further proof that the wrath coming upon Rom will be from the One True God
What is the significance of the smoke from the glory of God?
Signifies Divine Power – Exodus 19:18; Isaiah 6:4-5
What was the purpose of this scene?
To give reassurance to Christians that God will bring about the fall of
the great and powerful Roman Empire
Chapter 16
Describe the 7 angels (15:6) and the jobs they were given (16:1)?
Clothed in linen, clean and bright, girded around their breasts with golden girdles – Their job was to pour out the 7 bowls of the wrath of God upon the earth
How does God answer the prayers of the Christians as stated in Revelation 6:9-10?
By giving the sinful an opportunity to repent, assuring the saints that
He hears their prayers and will execute judgment when the time has come and now
in Chapter 16 He gives the orders to do it
In review, God used 7 letters to instruct, 7 seals to reveal, 7 trumpets to warn and 7 bowls to dispense or execute judgment.
Discuss similarities between
the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-11) and the 7 trumpets (Revelation 8-
11) and the 7 bowls.
The reader should read Exodus chapters 7-11 and see the similarities for themselves. There are, also, similarities between the 7 bowls and the 7 trumpets in Rev. 8-11.
What 3 sources does God, through John, say He will use to bring down the Roman Empire?
Natural Disasters – earthquakes, floods, volcanoes, fires, drought
Internal Rottenness – Moral decay of the leadership, which spread to
rampant immorality among the people
External Invasion – Over a few hundred years numerous barbarian tribes attacked and defeated cities and provinces within the vast empire and finally sacked Rome itself
What was the effect of the 7 bowls on the people and how did they react?
They cursed God for their misfortune and did not repent of their sin –
Hardened sinners
Read Joshua 12:21, Judges 5:19, Zechariah 12:11-14 & Revelation 9:11, then discuss the meaning of Armageddon.
The plain of Megiddo was the scene of many decisive battles involving
God’s people in the Old Testament. It was a literal, strategic place and
signified a battleground between good and evil. The use of the term Armageddon
is like modern man using the terms Waterloo, Gettysburg, the Alamo or Pearl
Harbor – they are symbolic of a decisive battle
How do we know there will be no literal Armageddon? (See Revelation 13:8-10, John 17:1-4;
18:33-36; 19:30, Ephesians 1:22-23; 3:21, Colossians 1:18-24, Hebrews 9:27)
If it is literal, then other references to it must be literal as well
– the leaders of the evil army will look like frogs (16:13); 200,000,000
horsemen march in formation 1 mile wide and 85 miles wide (nowhere near that
many horses on the face of the earth and the plain of Megiddo is too small for
that many men on horseback); a river of blood flows 200 miles long as deep as
horse’s bridles
A literal Armageddon is inconsistent with other teaching in the Bible.
Jesus’ kingdom is spiritual and not of this world. He has already won the
victory over Satan and His work on earth was completed at the cross. All
Christians face their own “Armageddon’s” in that clashes between good and
evil will go on continually until the Day of Judgment
The result of the battle described in Chapter 16 is given in Revelation
19:19-21.
Chapter 17
What two things did the angel say the great harlot had been doing?
Committing acts of immorality (spiritual adultery) with the kings of the
earth
Making them drunk with the wine of her immorality
Describe the woman. What was she drunk on?
v. 18 says she is the great city – she has 7 heads, 10 horns and full
of blasphemous names and is clothed in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold,
pearls and precious stones, with a gold cup of abominations and unclean things
in her hand. A name was written on her forehead (v. 5) - She is drunk with the
blood of the saints and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus
Who is the harlot? Justify your answer.
Rome – she is sitting on the beast (the Roman Empire) guiding and directing it’s decisions and lifestyle. In the Old Testament, harlot is symbolic of spiritual infidelity or a heathen nation (Nahum 3:1-7; Isaiah 1:21, 23:16-18, Isaiah 47; Jeremiah 2:19-20; Ezekiel 16:15-17, Ezekiel 23. In Revelation 14:8-10, whatever the beast does, Babylon does.
Compare Revelation 17:7-13 with Revelation 13:1-7 and discuss the common meanings.
Similar description in appearance and actions. Satan raised up the
powerful political power of the Roman Empire in hopes that it would extinguish
the church, the faithful remnant, from the face of the earth. His goal is to
destroy the souls of men. But God will not allow this to happen and although
Christians undergo many trials, temptations, sorrows and even death for their
faith, the ones who persevere will be rewarded with heaven and will join in
rejoicing at the fall of Rome and its’ negative influence.
Who were the opposing forces in the war as described in verses 14-18?
The beast of Roman political power and her allies vs. The Lamb and His people, the chosen and faithful
How did the prophecies come true in history?
The Roman Empire did fall due to a combination of natural calamities, moral corruption and decay, plus the repeated and ongoing uprisings and invasions of barbarian tribes who became stronger and more organized against Rom as time went on. The church survived.
Chapter 18
What great announcement is made by the angel?
Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, etc. (18:2-3) Pronounced before it
happened as if it has already occurred. The sureness of God’s providence
How was Babylon destroyed? (See Isaiah 13:19-22, 34:11-15; Jeremiah 50:37-39; Zephaniah
2:13-15)
God did it thru the means and methods described in their answer to the
last question of Chapter 17 above.
What warning is given to Christians in Revelation 18:4-8? (See Zechariah 2:6-9; I Thessalonians 1 & 2)
Stay faithful and don’t get caught up in the sins of the world (Rome
in this case). Keep your priorities straight, don’t follow societal trends or
get caught up in materialism, humanism and self-indulgence. Never compromise the
truth
What groups of people mourn the fall of Babylon?
All who have profited by her – kings, merchants, sailors or those of
the maritime trades
Those who fell into the trap of putting their faith in men and governments, allowing their selfishness to determine their priorities in life
How did heaven react to Babylon’s destruction?
Sheer joy – God’s people were the only ones rejoicing
What was the real reason God brought Babylon down?
v. 24, 11:7-8, 17:6 – Because they were participants with Satan in
persecuting the people of God. The lesson is that God is great patience and
wishes all to be saved. There is individual accountability for anything a person
does, but when He sees that the heart is so hardened that it will never change,
God will give up on people, churches, cities and nations. There is an end to His
tolerance and when evil is defeated, the righteous have reason to celebrate.
Chapter 19
From 19:1-2, why was Babylon destroyed as a political power?
She (the Roman Empire) was corrupting the world with immorality and had been judged by God. God is avenging the blood of His servants by bringing down the empire that was responsible for the killing, persecution and discrimination of Christians
What are the reasons given to rejoice and praise God?
Simply because He is God and rules over all
God fulfilled His promise and destroyed the Roman Empire
Who are the Lamb and His bride? Give evidence. (See Hosea 2; Isaiah 50:1; Jeremiah 2:32)
Lamb = Jesus, the Christ – prior passages throughout the Bible prove
that Jesus is the Lamb
Bride = The church – Rev. 7 & 8, 12:1-6 & 17, 22:17
Why was John chastised?
For trying to offer worship to someone other than God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) – Thus, the voice from the throne (v. 5) was NOT one of Them
Describe the rider on the white horse. Who is the rider?
Called Faithful & True, righteously judging and waging war; eyes are
a flame of fire; many diadems on His head; name written on Him that no one knows
except Himself; clothed in a robe dipped in blood – called the Word of God
Sharp sword coming from His mouth to smite the nations; will rule with an iron rod; treads the winepress of the fierce wrath of God. KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS written on His robe and thighs
Describe those who make up the armies in heaven.
Clothed in fine linen, white and clean, following Him on white horses
What is the sword in 19:15, 21? (See Ephesians 6:10-17; Hebrews 4:12)
Jesus’ words – It is what will judge all of mankind
Who are the enemies of the rider and what is their destiny?
The beast and the kings of the earth and their armies
Their destiny is Hell – the lake of fire and brimstone; their bodies will die and be eaten by the birds
How much of a battle is involved and how many casualties are suffered by the armies of heaven?
No battle at all – No casualties for the heavenly armies – Jesus did
all the work (again!)
Chapter 20
How do we know that Chapter 20 is symbolic and not literal?
It uses the same symbolic language the prior chapters use. The word “and” that begins the chapter shows that it is a continuation of the vision from Chapter 19. Also, material items (key and chain) are held in the hand of a spiritual being (angel). That can’t be literal. For consistency and from a logical viewpoint, we can’t move back and forth from symbolic to literal. The book either is or isn’t literal and to make it literal makes it bizarre and cartoonish.
How did Satan deceive the nations? (See Revelation 13:11-18) How is he bound?
By using the beast and false prophet. “Bound” in this context means
“limited”. Jesus’ death and resurrection limited Satan’s prior abilities
to possess humans with demons (Matthew 12:28-29), to accuse the redeemed of
being worthy of the second death (Hebrews 2:14-15) and to elevate world kingdoms
to deceive nations and unite them to wage war against God’s people (Revelation
19:19-21). Satan is still a powerful negative influence on the world, but is he
restricted (bound).
Who are the ones who reign with Christ for 1000 years?
Those who did not have the mark of the beast. Because of the testimony
of Jesus and the word of God, they had not worshipped the beast and had remained
true and faithful to God
Can we know for sure this is a symbolic time period? How? (Job 9:3, 33:23; Psalm 50:10, 90:4; II Peter 3:8)
As previously established, numbers in Revelation are routinely used in a
symbolic manner and 1000 is used throughout the Bible in a non-literal fashion
to represent a full, uninterrupted period of time.
The number “10” is used often to mean human completeness and when
taken to the 3rd power (10x10x10) (3 being symbolic of divine), the
number 1000 stands for a God-determined, complete time frame.
What are the two deaths?
Physical death and spiritual death. All humans are either born twice and only die once, or they are born
once and die twice. (John 3:3-5; I Peter 1:22-23; Hebrews 9:27)
Why is Satan bound by the angel from heaven and why is he released?
He is bound so that he can no longer deceive the nations and until the
time period that God has chosen until the Final Judgment is near. (See Matthew
12:22-30; Hebrews 2:14-15)
He is released at God’s bidding for one final oppression against
mankind, in which there will be another great deception to lure more souls away
from God and heaven, which is similar to what occurred just prior to the great
flood. (Luke 17:26-27)
Where does “reigning” with Christ take place? (Revelation 4:1-8, 5:6-10, 6:9-11)
In Heaven, not on earth as premillenialists teach.
What are Gog and Magog? (Ezekiel 38:1-3, Ezekiel 39)
Gog was a symbolic king who ruled over Magog, a symbolic country in the
Old Testament writings of Ezekiel. There was never a literal nation or ruler by
these names, but Ezekiel used figurative terms to describe enemies of the nation
of Israel, God’s chosen people at that time.
What are some things Gog & Magog could represent?
It would not be logical to take symbolic terms from the Old Testament and try to make them literal in Revelation and so, in being consistent with the rest of the figurative language of the book, we must take the position that Gog and Magog simply represent the enemies of God who will ally themselves with Satan just before the end of creation and the second coming of Christ. They could represent the forces of humanism, secularism, materialism, astrology, communism, socialism, capitalism, false religions, perverted lifestyles, immorality, substance abuse, etc. – All those things of this world that attack God’s kingdom, the church, His people in an attempt to destroy their souls. This is ultimately a spiritual battle, but dealing with the negative forces of this world.
Why does Satan not offer any resistance at all?
He is powerless against God and His Son.
What is the Great White Throne Judgment? Describe it.
While some theologians and respected brethren take the position that this simply represents the final defeat of Satan and his allies (the earth beast and the sea beast) in regards to the Roman Empire, it makes more sense to me to view this as the true Judgment Day for all mankind, when Satan and those who have the mark of the beast are thrown into Hell forever. I believe God wants to assure His people in the 1st Century and until the end of time that there will be a Final Judgment of every soul and He has John describe it here. What follows in Chapters 21 & 22 is a beautiful description of heaven that awaits those who have remained faithful and have the seal of God on them. (Description is in Rev. 20:11-15)
What is the difference between the “books” and “another book” as described in verse 12?
The books appear to reference the record of all souls and their deeds in the body. The book of life contains only the names of those destined for heaven (v. 15) – See Romans 2:14-16, John 12:47-48; II Corinthians 5:10)
What is the final determination between those who are thrown in the lake of fire and those who are not?
Whether or not their names are written in the book of life
Chapter 21
What is the new Jerusalem? Justify your answer. (See Isaiah 65:17, 66:22; Galatians 4:25-31; Hebrews 9:15, 12:22: II Peter 3:13-14; Ephesians 5:27; I Corinthians 15:23-24, Revelation 22:19)
Heaven – The church became the earthly sanctuary for the faithful
remnant, but after the final judgment, the church will be taken to heaven to
reign with Christ forever.
Who sits on the throne and what will he do for those who overcome? (Revelation 1:8, 7:17;
Ezekiel 36:25-27)
Jesus, the Christ, the Alpha & the Omega (v. 6) – Give them freely
of the water of life. Eternal salvation in the presence of God
How are those who don’t overcome described and what will happen to them?
The cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, immoral persons, sorcerers, idolaters and liars – will be put in the lake that burns with fire & brimstone. The 2nd death, or death (separation from God) for eternity
How do we know that the new Jerusalem in 21:9-27 is symbolic and not a literal city?
(See I Thessalonians 4:15-17, I Peter 2:5);
God is spirit and His dwelling place is in the spiritual realm. All of Revelation has used earthly terms to make symbolic, spiritual application. Jesus will not step foot on the earth again and so He must reign from heaven.
What is the significance of 12 gates, 12 angels, 12 tribes, 12 foundation stones and 12 apostles?
(21:12-14)
12 is consistently used to symbolically represent the people of God (the
earthly number 4 multiplied by the divine number 3 = 12) These verses
figuratively merge the faithful people of God from both dispensations, the Old
and New Testament.
Why would Jewish Christians have a hard time accepting that John’s vision did not include a temple? (v. 22)
In the Old Testament, the place where God would manifest Himself was at
first the tabernacle and later the temple. Even in the New Testament, the church
on earth was described as the temple of God (Ephesians 2:21; I Corinthians
3:16). But in heaven, God does not need a specific dwelling place because the
entirety of heaven is where He abides. And since the souls of the saved are
there with Him, a temple of any kind is not necessary.
Who are the only people allowed into this holy city?
Those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life – those
saved by the blood of Jesus
Chapter 22
What is the source of the water of life? (Ezekiel 47:1-12; Zechariah 14:8; John 7:38; Ephesians 5:26)
God
How does Revelation 22:2-5 relate to Genesis 2:7-17?
The original intent of God was for man to co-exist in a personal, intimate relationship with Him. Sin separated man from God and the story of the Bible is the story of Jesus, the bridge between God and man. Through the blood of Christ and His victory over Satan, sin and death, obedience, faithful people can be restored to the relationship with God that He has desired from the beginning. Only now, as described in Revelation, it will be in the spiritual realm and for eternity.
Describe the special relationship between God and His people.
Man was created with a yearning need to return to its Source and
Creator. Sin and man’s selfishness distracts us and distorts our spiritual
desires. Only those with honest hearts sincerely seeking the truth find it in
the Word of God, the gospel, the good news. When the realization hits a person
of their sinful condition and helpless state, the honest heart submits to the
commands to confess Jesus as the Son of God, get baptized for remission of sins,
repent of known wrongdoing and commit to a life of obedience. God loves such
people beyond human comprehension and has rewards planned that we cannot begin
to imagine. It is a relationship of Father to Child, Husband to wife – all the
positive spin we can put on such intimacy and much more,
What is the emphasis of Revelation 22:6-10?
A final assurance to the faithful to stay “in the book” – to
heed/keep it/teach it (do not seal it)
Who has the right to the tree of life? What is the purpose of this tree?
Those who wash their robes or they that do his commandments (depending
on the translation) – Same meaning, those who have obeyed the gospel and been
cleansed by the blood of Christ, then remained faithful unto death.
What is “the book”? Why?
In the context of this letter, it refers to the message delivered in Revelation. However, the principle is true of the entire Bible, especially considering how Revelation draws on both the Old and New Testaments for understanding. See Galatians 1:6-8; Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32)
How can one lose his place in the holy city, the new Jerusalem? (See Deuteronomy 4:2-4, 11:22-32; II John 9-11)
By adding to or taking away from the book. Revelation opens and closes
with the same admonition. (See Rev. 1:3) Of all the warnings we are given in the
Bible, it is interesting and profound that the final warning it to take it is
God had it written. We can neither add to it, nor take away from it without
endangering our eternal souls.
In
conclusion, please read Deuteronomy 11 and consider what it says in light of
what you have learned about Revelation. The simple, consistent message is that
the most Holy God, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, has provided a way
for sinful man to be reconciled to Him. That being Jesus Christ, His Son. Jesus
has won the victory and paid the price for our sins; but only
those who are obedient to the will of God, found only
in His Word, will share in that victory with Jesus and be gracefully, mercifully
granted everlasting life in heaven.