Welcome listeners to the 11th talk of our New Testament Survey. We have arrived at the last book of the New Testament - the book of Revelation. Let’s first look at its authorship.

Traditionally, the church recognises the Apostle John as the author of this book. In the course of scholarly research, some dispute this as the writer calls himself John and elder, not Apostle. The book is then supposed to be written after the death of John the Apostle. However, these objections are neither strong or conclusive, there is no reason why an Apostle cannot call himself an elder as he also functions in that capacity. Paul and Peter in their epistles do not exclusively call themselves as Apostles, they sometimes call themselves servants or stewards, for example. There is no definitive evidence to determine the date of writing. The best assessment still uphold that it was written in the lifetime of John and may therefore indeed be written by him. Overall, therefore the traditional position that the Apostle John is the author stands. It is dated to be written at about AD 90-95 as the last New Testament book.

Let’s consider how this book is interpreted. The content of this book is written in the apocalyptic style. It is a category by itself in the New Testament. This style of writing makes use of visions, symbols and numbers to convey its message. The subject matter of this style is always a contest between God and good, and the devil and evil, where God ultimately wins. This makes the interpretation of his message a very great challenge, generating much debate. There are 4 main approaches to interpreting the book. First is the preterite position, where everything is set in the first century. Most, if not all, have already taken place. The second is the historicist position, where it covers a chain of events stretching from when it was received to the end of history. Third is the futurist position that most, if not all, of the events will take place just before Christ returns. And fourth is the idealist position where the account is understood in a symbolic way and it is account of timeless truths that God will triumph over Satan and evil. Each of these positions have its own strengths and weaknesses. Most scholars and theologians do not stick to one single approach but mix them in each, their particular way. This adds to the complexity of the matter. There is also debate as to whether the millennial rule of Christ in chapter 20 is a literal or figurative number and whether it is in the past, present or future. Pre-millennialism sets it in the future, post-millennialism sets it in the past, amillennialism sets it as figurative. No one, however, disputes that the message of the book is conveyed by numerous visions, symbols and numbers, but how these are to be understood is strongly debated. It is best to read each vision for what is means before assuming or imposing on them some theory or pattern. Symbols and numbers are best understood as extensions of using words to identify and describe some specific matter. From beginning to end, the entire book is presented by visions received. A multitude of symbols are used to convey its message, such as stars, lampstands, heads, horns, heels, trumpets and bows. In terms of numbers, 7 and 12 and 1000 are the most prominent. 7 means completeness or perfection. It is the most prevalent number. 12 means the tribes of Israel or the Apostles of Christ. 12 and its multiples - 24, 144, 1260 multiplied by 1000, such as 12000, 144000, are used extensively.

Let us then look at the structure. The book has a unique internal structure that many missed because they are overlaid by the pre-suppositions of the interpreter or reader. Chapter 1 to 3 introduces John as the recipient of the visions from God and the message to the 7 churches. Chapter 4 brings us into the throne room of God. And chapter 5 reveals a scroll with 7 seals that only the lamb of God can open. Thereafter, the book is uniquely structured by the unfolding of the scroll with 7 seals by the lamb. Chapter 6 verses 1 and 2 is the first seal. Chapter 6 verses 3 and 4, the second seal. Chapter 6 verses 5 and 6, the third seal. Chapter 6 verses 7 and 8, the fourth seal. Chapter 6 verses 9 to 11, the fifth seal and chapter 6: 12 to chapter 7: 17, the sixth seal. But then, chapter 8 all the way to chapter 22 verse 6 is the seventh seal. And then, chapter 22 verses 7 to 21 concludes with Christ’s return. Therefore, the vast proportion of the revelation is found within the seventh seal that is from chapter 8 to chapter 22 verse 14, about 14 chapters of the entire book. Within the chapters on the 7 seals are the 7 trumpets. Within the seventh trumpet, are the 7 angels with the 7 bows of wrath. This is 7 times 3 of trumpets, angels, and bows.

Let’s now consider the purpose of the book. There is no doubt that this book is meant to guide the church to live faithfully to welcome Christ when He returns. I would suggest that its message, properly understood, is an interpretive key to the signs of the times in every age for the church to guide our walk with God until Christ returns. Having covered all the books of the New Testament, we shall conclude our series in the next talk with an overview.

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