Search The Scriptures —Study 12 — Revelation 8 and 9

Study 12 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 8 and 9

We are brought back, after the interlude of chapter 7, to the opening of the seventh seal. Will it user in the final end? All heaven is silent, as if in suspense and expectancy cf. Mk. 13:32), but there follows a new series of judgments (cf. Mk. 13:7, 8).

1-     In 8:3-5 we see, in the heavenly sanctuary, what happens to the prayers of Christ’s people. What are we taught as to the efficacy of prayer when mingled with the incense of Christ’s intercession and fire from the altar of His sacrifice? In this case what kind of answer is granted? Cf. 6:9, 10; Rom 8:26; and see Note 5 below.

2-     Contrast the first four trumpet judgments with the fifth and sixth, (a) in the objects affected, and (b) in the severity of their character and result. What was the purpose of these trumpet Judgments?  See 8:13; 920, 21. Cf. Lk. 13:1-5

3-     What do we learn from these chapters concerning God’s control over all that happens? See especially 8:2; 9:1, 4, 13-15.

Notes

1-     8:3, 5. Two altars are to be distinguished, the ‘golden altar’ of incense, and the altar of sacrifice. See Ex. 37:25-38:7.

2-     8:6. ‘Trumpets’: indicating that these judgments were sent in warning. Cf. Am. 3:6; Ezk. 33:1-5. The destruction wrought is therefore only partial—‘a third’.

3-     9:1. ‘The bottomless pit’: better, ‘the abyss’ (rv), the abode of the powers of evil. Cf. 11:7; 17:8.

4-     9:11. ‘Abaddon’ and ‘Apollyon’: both means ‘destruction’.

5-     9:13. ‘The golden altar’: indicating that the prayers of the saints were being answered

LINKTO THE VERSES LISTED

Search The Scriptures —Study 11 — Revelation 7

Study 11 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 7

Before the revelation of further judgments, tow visions are interposed for the comfort of believers. In all that has been shown so far, nothing has been said of the church, except with regard to those who have been martyred. This passage shows the church first in this life, on earth, and so always limited in numbers (verses 1-8), and then, numberless in heaven, having life for evermore.

      1-     What assurance is given in verses 1-8 concerning God’s watchful care over His people? Cf. Ezk. 9:3-6; Jn. 6:27; 10:27-29; Rev. 9:4.

2-     In verses 9-17, who compose the great multitude, and where are they standing? How came they to be there, and what is now their occupation? Make a list of the blessings that they enjoy, translating

Notes

1-     Verse 1.  It is a task given to angels to control forces of nature. Cf. 14:18; 16:5; Heb. 1:7.

2-     Verses 4-8. Some have thought that those who are ‘sealed’ represent believers from among the Jews, but in the light of 14:1-4 it is better to regard the vision as including the whole ‘Israel of God’ (Gal. 6:16).

3-     Verse 14. ‘The great tribulation’: cf. 3:10. Here both vision show that all who are the Lord’s will be brought safely through this earthly trial

LINKTO THE VERSES LISTED

Search The Scriptures —Study 10 — Revelation 6

Study 10 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 6

1-     As the book of future events is opened seal by seal, what points of correspondence do you find with Mt. 24:4-14? Cf.., e.g, verses 4, 6, and 9 with Mt. 24:6, 7, and 9. (For the meaning of the white horse, see Note 1 below.) What does this teach about the present course of world history?

2-     To what climax of Judgment do all these things mount up? See verses 12-17 and Note 3 below. Cf. Mt, 24:29, 30. What is more to be dreaded than death? Cf. Is. 2:19-21

3-     For what were the martyrs willing to lay down their lives? Are those right who think that God takes no action either for their reward or their vindication?  May similar sacrifice still be called for?

Notes

1-     Verse 2. Two principal interpretations have been given of the white horse and his rider. Many take it to be a picture of Christ going forth in the conquests of the gospel. Cf. Mt. 24:14; Ps. 45:3-5. Others regards it as a picture of invasion and lust of conquests, leading to the miseries of war, famine, pestilence and death. The letter seems more likely. The four horses, as in Zc. 6, form a series whose mission is to execute judgment.

2-     Verse 6. Such was the scarcity that a day’s wage (Mt. 20:2) would suffice to buy only a small measure of wheat.

3-     Verses 12-14. The imagery of these verses is such as is frequently used in Is. 13:9-11, 13; Ezk. 32:7-9; Na. 1:5.

LINKTO THE VERSES LISTED

Search The Scriptures —Study 9 — Revelation 5

Study 9 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 5

1-     Of what does this vision assure us concerning the purpose and the results of Christ’s earthly sacrifice—as ‘the Lamb who was slain’?

2-     What is it that here prompts ‘a new song’ (verse 9)? How many ultimately join in the singing? What difference is there in qualification to sing on the part of those who do sing? See 14:3. Have you discovered why you should sing?

Notes

1-     Verse 1. ‘A scroll’: this is the book of destiny. It declares God’s purposes of judgment and blessing for this world. Some regard it as the title-deed to the inheritance with Christ has procured for Himself and for His fellow-men by His redeeming work.

2-     Verses 5, 6. Note the tense, ‘has conquered’. The victory is already won. Cf. 3:21. See also Jn. 12:31, 32. The occasion here seen in vision is that of Christ return from the cross of the throne of God as the Lamb that ‘had been slain’. He is at once invested into His universal dominion. Cf. Mt. 28:18; Heb. 2:9; 10:12, 13.

LINKTO THE VERSES LISTED

INTRODUCTORY NOTE TO CHAPTERS 4 to 11 and Search The Scriptures —Study 8 — Revelation 4

INTRODUCTORY NOTE TO CHAPTERS 4-11

We are now entering upon the main revelation of the book (see 1:1 and 4:1). We have seen the conditions of the churches. Persecution had begun, and times of greater trial loomed ahead (see 2:10, 13; 3:10). The question, ‘What of the future?’ must have troubled every thoughtful Christian and is now about to be answered. But, first in chapters 4 and 5 God shows John a vision of the heavenly realities which abide unshaken behind and above the changes and uncertainties of earth.

Study 8 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 4

1-     When John looked into heaven, what is the chief and outstanding sight which met his eyes? What may we also learn from this vision about the origin, the control and the purpose of the created universe? What kind of response ought this awareness to call forth from us?

2-     What is here indicated or symbolized concerning the nature and character of God, and concerning the way in which He ought to be worshipped?

Notes

1-     Verse 3. ‘Like Jasper’: i.e., radiant; cf. 21:11. ‘Like…carnelian’: i.e., red like fire or blood. The ‘rainbow’ suggests God’s faithfulness. Cf. Gn. 9:12-17.

2-     Verse 4. These elders are normally taken to represent the church of Old and New Testaments

3-     Verses 6-8. ‘Four living creatures’: similar to those of Ezekiel’s vision. See Ezk. 1:5ff.; 10:12. Their appearance suggests the characteristics of strength, service, intelligence and swiftness. For their song, cf. Is. 6:3

LINKTO THE VERSES LISTED

Search The Scriptures —Study 7 — Revelation 3:14-22

Study 7 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 3:14-22

1-     How do you think the church in Laodicea had become so blind to its true spiritual condition? Cf. Mt. 23:25, 26; 2 Cor. 4:18. Who undertakes to deal with them, and how?

2-     What three qualities of Christian character are symbolized by gold refined by fire’, white garments’ and eye salve respectively?  See for the first, 1Pet. 1:7; for the second, verses 4, and 19:8; Ps. 51:7; and for the third, Ps. 119:18; 2 Pet. 1:9; Eph. 1:18, 19. How may these things be obtained?

3-     How in its context is verse 20 to be understood?  If a church as a whole is ‘Lukewarm’, may individuals within it enjoy a close relationship with the Lord? What does the Lord promise to such? What are the conditions to be fulfilled in order to obtain what is promised? Cf. Jn.14:22, 23.

Note. Verse 17 Laodicea was prosperous and wealthy. After its overthrow by an earthquake in AD 61 it was rebuilt by its own citizens without imperial subsidy. ‘We need nothing’ was virtually what its inhabitants said.

LINKTO THE VERSES LISTED

Search The Scriptures —Study 6 — Revelation 3:1-13

Study 6 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 3:1-13

1-     Verses 1-6. What was wrong with the Christians, in Sardis, and what was needed to remedy the situation?  Upon whose action did change and better living depend? Is our condition at all similar?

2-     In verses 7-13 what Christian quality is shown to be essential? For how long ought it to be exhibited? To what rewards will it practice lead?

Note. Verse 8. ‘An open door’ : i.e., a missionary opportunity. Cf. 1 Cor. 16: 9; 2.

LINKTO THE VERSES LISTED

Search The Scriptures —Study 5 — Revelation 2:18-29

Study 5 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 2:18-29  

1-     In what ways is the description of Christ in verse 18 relevant to what follows? In what character is He here revealed? How should awareness of these truths affect our own behaviour?

2-     The religious compromise and moral laxity that were creeping into the churches seem to have proceeded further in the case of Thyatira, and to have become a doctrine and almost a sect.  What responsibility had the church as a whole towards the presence of such evil in its midst? What advice is given to the individual members who do not hold this teaching?

Note.  Verse 20. ‘The woman Jezebel’: so called because of her moral likeness so Jezebel of old. Cf. 1. Ki. 21:25, 26; 2 Ki. 9:22, 30.

LINK TO THE VERSESLISTED

Search The Scriptures —Study 4 — Revelation 2:8-17

Study 4 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 2:8-17

1-     Reconstruct from verses 8-11 the situation with which the believers in Smyrna were confronted. What does Christ declare concerning (a)a their immediate, and (b) their final future?  In What ways were they already rich? How were they to conquer? To what result would such conquest lead?

2-     Satan could not break the rocklike steadfastness of the Church in Pergamum by frontal attack (verse 13), so he employed another method, tempting believers to ask, ‘Is it necessary to be so uncompromising in our attitude toward idolatrous practices and pagan morals? What is Christ’s answer to this sort of question?

Notes

1-     Verse 10. ‘Ten days’: i.e., for a short period

2-     Verse 11.  ‘The second death’: cf. 20:14, 15; 21:8.

3-     Verse 13. ‘Where Satan’s throne is’: Pergamum was the official residence of the Roman proconsul of the province, and the chief centre of the worship of the emperor.

4-     Verse 17. ‘The hidden manna’: the Rabbis taught that the Messiah when He came would give the people manna to eat, now hidden in heaven. What is said here is that Christ is the true manna, the bread of life. Cf. Jn. 6:-48-51.  ‘A white stone’:  stones engraved with names supposed to posses’ magical qualities were highly valued in heathen circles. Christ gives privileges, personal to catch recipient, which exceed all that can be found outside of Him.

LINKTO THE VERSES LISTED

Search The Scriptures —Study 3 — Revelation 2:1-7

Study 3 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 2:1-7

The seven letters of chapters 2 and 3 are all similar in structure, beginning with titles descriptive of Christ, which have already occurred in the vision in 1:9-20; then giving Christ’s message to the church, and closing with a summons to hear and a promise to ‘him who conquers’. In the last four letters the promise precedes the summons.

1-     State in your own words what Christ found to commend in the Church at Ephesus (Verses 2, 3, 6).

2-     What was the poof that their love had declined? How could this condition be remedied? What further danger otherwise beset them? How should we take such a warning to heart?

3-     Verse 7a. Note the present tense ‘says’,  and the combination of individual appeal and universal application. How does Christ still speak through these scriptures, and to whom? Cf. Mk. 4:9, 23; 8:18. How may the hearing ear be obtained?

Notes

1-     Verse 6. Nicholaitans’. See also verses 14, 15. Nicholaos’ may be meant as a Greek equivalent of ‘Balaam’, intended to describe a person who lays waste the people of God, as Balaam did through the introduction of idolatrous and immoral practices. Cf. 2 Pet. 2:15, 16.

2-     Verse 7. ‘The tree of life’:  in contrast to the corrupt fruit of idolatrous and sensual self-indulgence. Cf. 22:2.

LINK TO THEVERSES LISTED