Introductory Note to 12:1 – 19:10 and Search The Scriptures —Study 15 — Revelation 12

Introductory Note to 12:1 – 19:10

At this point a new division of the book begins, and a new series of prophecies (cf. 10:11). The earlier part of the book has been occupied mainly with outward events and acts of divine judgment, together with visions of the church and her sufferings; and it has been shown that behind all is God’s throne, and that all that is happening is under His control, and in the hand of Christ. The present section of the book reveals another and graver aspect in the situation, namely, the enmity of powerful spiritual foes, of Satan and the world. This has so far only been hinted at (2:9, 13, 24; 3:9; 9:11; 11:7),  but is now brought into full view, and it is shown that the sufferings of the church have their origin in the conflict between Satan and Christ.

Study 15 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 12

The chapter gives a symbolic picture of the birth of Christ, and of His return to the throne of God, but its main purpose is to show the power and malignity of Satan as the enemy of Christ and His people.

1-     Gather out what is said about Christ. Cf. Ps. 2:6-9; Lk. 10:18; Jn. 12:31; Eph. 1:19-21. What is the significance of verse 10? Cf. Rom. 8:33, 34.

2-     Why, according to this chapter, is the lot of the church on earth one of constant conflict? Cf. Eph. 6:10-13; 1 Pet. 5:8. How is the fearful power of Satan depicted? How do or may we share in Christ’s victory over him?

Notes

1-     Verses 1, 2, 4-6, 13-17. The woman represents the true Israel, which, after Christ’s ascension, forms the Christian church. For the imagery, see Gn.37:9; Ct. 6:4, 10; Is. 66:7-10.

2-     Verses 3, 4a. ‘Red’: the colour of blood. Cf. Jn. 8:44. The seven heads and diadems indicate far-reaching dominion, the ten horns, great power, and the tail, his vast size and strength. Note verse 9; and cf. Gn. 3:15.

3-     Verses 6, 14-16.  The exact meaning of the symbolism is obscure, but the general sense is clear, that the church is under God’s protection, and although Satan will seek to destroy her, his plans will be thwarted.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 14 — Revelation 11

Study 14 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 11

1-     The question, ‘Who are the two witnesses?’ in 11:3-12 has received many answers.  Assuming that they represent the witness of the church throughout the present age, what lessons may we learn from this passage concerning true witness for Christ, the authority of His witnesses, their preservation, their suffering to death, and their final triumph? Cf. Lk. 10:19; Jn. 16:2; Acts 7:54-60.

2-     When God’s purposes are completely fulfilled by the sounding of the seventh trumpet (see 10:7), who is seen to be triumphant at the last?  What attributes and activities of God make certain His triumph over all opposition?  What ought this prospect to make us do?

Notes

1-     Verses 1, 2. The purpose of the measuring is to mark out what is to be preserved. If the Temple represents Christ’s people (1 Cor. 3:16), the outer court may represent the Jews in their unbelief (Lk. 21:24).

2-     Verses 2, 3. ‘Forty-two months’ is the same length of time as ‘one thousand two hundred and sixty days’ and as ‘a times, and half a time’ (31/2 years) of 12:14. Cf. 12:6. It appears here to be a conventional description of the duration of the present age. Note the contrast in verse 11—only ‘three and a half days’.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 13 — Revelation 10

Study 13 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 10

Rev. 10:1 – 11:13 is an interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpets. Corresponding to chapter 7. The seer first tells of his new commission (10:1-11) and then describes the church as God’s sanctuary (11:1, 2), and as bearing witness in the world (11:3-13).

1-     In what two ways does chapter 10 show that the revelation thus far given to John, though it extends to the end of the age (verses 6, 7), is by no means a complete disclosure of the hidden counsel of God? Cf. Dt. 29:29; Jb. 26:14. Of what was John now solemnly assured concerning truths which had been revealed?

2-     What made God’s Word sweet to taste, but bitter to digest? What responsibility did the reception of such revelation place upon John? Cf. Ezk. 2:8-3:4; 1 Sa. 3:15-18; 1 Cor. 9:16, 17. Have you any comparable privilege and responsibility?

Note. Verses 6, 7. The mysterious purpose of God, as revealed through the prophets and worked out in earthly history, is thus to be completed or finished.

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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