Week 50: 1, Peter 3-5, 2 Peter, 1,2,3, John, Jude, Revelation 1-3; Seven Letters to Seven Churches

The book of Revelation is probably the most difficult book in the Bible to understand. It is also been interpreted in many ways over the years. Some suggest that the events described were fulfilled at the time it was written or shortly thereafter. Others see it as an allegory – a type pf parable meant to teach a moral message but not describing actual events. Persons that take the Bible literally – it says what it means and means what it say – believe it is describing future events leading up to the second coming of Jesus.

The Apostle John claims the book is prophecy and its message is wrapped up in symbols. To understand the symbols, we must have a thorough knowledge of the Old Testament. By some estimations, there are over 600 references to the Old Testament. Having read through the Bible this year you are well positioned to understand the message of this book as it brings to a close God’s plan for this current heaven and earth and ushers in the new heaven and new earth. John also tells us that God will bless those who read and act on what they read.

The book opens with a vision of Jesus in heaven and He instructs John to write to seven churches. These letters share common elements – an encouragement, indictment, commendation, rebuke, admonition, ultimatum and a promise. Each also contains the sentence, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” These were real churches at the time this was written, but they also represent different types of churches that are going to be present in every age. Further, within any given church, there may be individual members whose personal relationship with God has the characteristics attributed to a church.

Smyrna (representing the persecuted church) and Philadelphia (representing the missionary church) receive no indictments, rebukes or ultimatums. This is because they are fully committed to Jesus as reflected in their willingness to suffer for Him and to actively promote the gospel.

Many commentators also believe the order in which the churches are addressed is a reflection of church history throughout the ages. If this is the case, we would be living in the age of the Laodicean church. The church is “rich” in the eyes of the world but God sees them as “poor, blind, and naked.” Jesus gives them no commendation but instead says that they are “neither hot nor cold” but only “lukewarm.” He threatens to vomit them out of His mouth but He also stands and knocks at the door of the church. He is actively attempting to come in and revive the church if only they will answer His call.

The remainder of the book explains God’s plan to fulfill His promises to Israel, to bring to a close the calling of people from all nations and to judge those that “dwell on the earth” — that is their hope and focus is on their present life on earth.

Note: These articles are going to vary slightly from the weekly readings. They will address all the content but the chapters discussed will be grouped in a different manner.For Daily Readings go to: thebibleproject.com. Listen Sunday Mornings: KJLP 88.9 FM at 8 a.m. or KATB 89.3 FM at 9:30 a.m.