Is John MacArthur's Study of revelations reasonable?
But John Macarthur makes studying Revelations very reasonable and sensible, like the mind of God who wrote Revelations. I recommend this study guide for anyone interested in the "end times."
What is the significance of Thyatira in Revelation 2?
Thyatira: This was the smallest and least important of the seven cities Jesus addresses in Revelation 2 and 3. In history, we have no record that the Christians of Thyatira suffered any significant political or religious persecution.
What is it about MacArthur Bible studies books?
What is truly great about MacArthur Bible studies books are that they give you the background on the book, which includes the author (if any), the lifestyle at the time it was written and the book's significance. MacArthur's books always go into great depth on explaining passages covered, sometimes word by word.
What does revelation mean in the New Testament?
In the NT, this word describes the unveiling of spiritual truth ( Rom. 16:25; Gal. 1:12; Eph. 1:17; 3:3 ), the revealing of the sons of God ( Rom. 8:19 ), Christ’s incarnation ( Luke 2:32 ), and His glorious appearing at His second coming ( 2 Thess. 1:7; 1 Pet. 1:7 ).
What is the main point of Revelation Chapter 2?
Chapter 2 begins the messages to the seven churches. Chapters 2 and 3 are the "things that are" division of Revelation. God sees and addresses the conditions that existed within the seven churches at that time.
Who is Revelation 2 written to?
This chapter contains messages to churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum and Thyatira, four of the seven churches of Asia located in modern-day Turkey, with messages for the other three churches appearing in chapter 3.
Who is the Church of Sardis?
Sardis (modern Sart in the Manisa Province of Turkey) gained reputation and fame as one of the Seven Churches of Asia (or Seven Churches of the Apocalypse) when it was addressed by John in the Book of Revelation.
What is the Church of Pergamum?
Today we will be looking at the church of Pergamum. At the time, Pergamum was a center of Roman emperor worship, and those in power demanded allegiance to worshiping a god-like emperor. There was a large throne-like altar built on a cliff that overlooked the city. It was for the Greek god Zeus.
What is the crown of life in Revelation 2?
The Crown of Life, also called the Martyr's Crown, is referred to in James 1:12 and Revelation 2:10; it is bestowed upon "those who persevere under trials." Jesus references this crown when he tells the Church in Smyrna to "not be afraid of what you are about to suffer...
Where in the Bible does it talk about the Second Coming?
Such believers find evidence for the Second Coming in the Gospels (Matthew 24–25; Mark 13; Luke 21:5–26; John 14:25–29), in the Book of Revelation, and in other biblical and traditional sources.
What was wrong with church of Sardis?
The church of Sardis had been on a downward spiral spiritually for a while. The influence of the world had taken root. The tolerance of sin had taken its toll. A deadly spiritual cancer known as complacency had unknowingly made its way into the church and sucked the spiritual life out of it, without even a fight.
What is Sardis called today?
SartmustafaDefinition. Sardis was an important ancient city and capital of the kingdom of Lydia, located in western Anatolia, present-day Sartmustafa, Manisa province in western Turkey.
Who is the angel of the 7 churches?
Revelation 1:20 states that "The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches." The comparison of a teacher to a star is scriptural.
Who is the nicolaitans in Revelation?
Nicolaism (also Nicholaism, Nicolaitism, Nicolationism, or Nicolaitanism) was an early Christian sect mentioned twice in the Book of Revelation of the New Testament. The adherents were called Nicolaitans, Nicolaitanes, or Nicolaites. They were considered heretical by the mainstream early Christian church.
Does Pergamum exist today?
Pergamum, Greek Pergamon, ancient Greek city in Mysia, situated 16 miles from the Aegean Sea on a lofty isolated hill on the northern side of the broad valley of the Caicus (modern Bakır) River. The site is occupied by the modern town of Bergama, in the il (province) of İzmir, Turkey.
What was pergamos famous for?
During the first and second centuries CE, Pergamon was also famous for its extensive hospital and healing sanctuary dedicated to the god Asclepius. It stood over half a mile from the acropolis and the main portions of the city, to which it was attached by a paved and colonnaded processional way.
Who was revelations written to?
the seven churchesUnder these conditions, a Christian named John wrote Revelation, addressing it to the seven churches that were in Asia Minor. The purpose of the book was to strengthen the faith of the members of these churches by giving to them the assurance that deliverance from the evil powers arrayed against them was close at hand.
Who are the nicolaitans in Revelation 2?
The Nicolaitanes are the followers of that Nicolas who was one of the seven first ordained to the diaconate by the apostles. They lead lives of unrestrained indulgence.
What is the doctrine of Balaam?
According to the Book of Revelation (Revelation 2:14), Balaam told King Balak how to get the Israelites to commit sin by enticing them with sexual immorality and food sacrificed to idols. The Israelites fell into transgression due to these traps and God sent a deadly plague to them as a result (Numbers 31:16).
Who was Jezebel in the Bible and what did she do?
Jezebel was the daughter of the priest-king Ethbaal, ruler of the Phoenician cities of Tyre and Sidon. When Jezebel married King Ahab of Israel (ruled c. 874–853 BCE), she persuaded him to introduce the worship of the Tyrian god Baal-Melkart, a nature god. Most of the prophets of Yahweh were killed at her command.
What is the historical interpretation of Revelation?
The idealist approach interprets Revelation as a timeless depiction of the cosmic struggle between the forces of good and evil.
What is the primary theological contribution of Revelation?
In few other books of the Bible is the ministry of angels so prominent. Revelation’s primary theological contribution is to eschatology, i.e., the doctrine of last things.
What does Revelation mean in the Bible?
Unlike most books of the Bible, Revelation contains its own title: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” ( 1:1 ). “Revelation” (Gr., apokalupsis) means “an uncovering,” “an unveiling,” or “a disclosure.”.
What is the preterist view of Revelation?
The preterist approach interprets Revelation as a description of first century events in the Roman Empire (see Author and Date ). This view conflicts with the book’s own often repeated claim to be prophecy ( 1:3; 22:7, 10, 18, 19 ). It is impossible to see all the events in Revelation as already fulfilled. The second coming of Christ, for example, obviously did not take place in the first century.
What is the spiritual decline of the 7 churches?
The spiritual decline of the 7 churches ( chaps. 2, 3) also argues for the later date. Those churches were strong and spiritually healthy in the mid-60s, when Paul last ministered in Asia Minor. The brief time between Paul’s ministry there and the end of Nero’s reign was too short for such a decline to have occurred. The longer time gap also explains the rise of the heretical sect known as the Nicolaitans ( 2:6, 15 ), who are not mentioned in Paul’s letters, not even to one or more of these same churches (Ephesians). Finally, dating Revelation during Nero’s reign does not allow time for John’s ministry in Asia Minor to reach the point at which the authorities would have felt the need to exile him.
Why were the 7 churches singled out in Revelation?
The 7 churches to whom the letter was addressed were existing churches in Asia Minor (modern Turkey). Apparently, they were singled out because John had ministered in them.
Why was John banished to Ephesus?
The Roman authorities had banished him there because of his faithful preaching of the gospel ( 1:9 ). While on Patmos, John received a series of visions that laid out the future history of the world. When he was arrested, John was in Ephesus, ministering to the church there and in the surrounding cities.
Why did Jesus name the church in Revelation?
Jesus chose this title from His initial appearance to John (Revelation 1:18) to remind the Christians in Smyrna that they serve the risen Lord, victorious over death. Death could not hold Jesus, and it cannot hold His people. Verse 9: Jesus assures the believers in Smyrna that He knows their tribulation and poverty.
Who commended the Church for its loyalty to the truth?
Steve Gregg notes that at least their faithfulness to doctrinal truth continued for some time: “In the second century, Ignatius, bishop of Antioch, commended this church for its loyalty to the truth that had effectively prevented any false sect from gaining a hearing among its members” (p. 64). David Guzik notes how the removal of a congregation’s lampstand can apply today: “When their lampstand is removed, they may continue as an organization, but no longer as a true church of Jesus Christ. It will be the church of Ichabod, where the glory has departed (1 Samuel 4:21).”
What does Jesus say about Ephesus?
Verse 5: Jesus’ command to the believers in Ephesus is three-fold: [1] Remember [2] Repent [2] Do (“the works you did at first”). David Guzik remarks, “When the Prodigal Son was in the pigpen, the first step in restoration was remembering what life was like back in his father’s home (Luke 16:17-19). This is always the first step in getting back to where we should be with the Lord.” Jesus then tells them in no uncertain terms what will take place if they fail to respond: “If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.” Steve Gregg remarks (p. 65),
Why did Jesus praise the believers in Ephesus?
Jesus commended the believers in Ephesus for testing and exposing false apostles. Unfortunately, those who test in this way today are often accused of “touching the Lord’s anointed” (as if some are anointed, and others are not), having a critical/religious spirit, being negative, etc. Guzik adds, “The Ephesian church also pursued doctrinal purity.” In Acts chapter 20:29-31 Paul warned them about those who would try to draw them away from the faith. The Ephesians took this warning seriously. Guzik quotes from Charles Spurgeon:
What is the name of the city where Paul ministered?
Ephesus was a famous city in the ancient world, with an equally famous church. Ephesus was the city where Paul ministered for three years (Acts 19:1, Acts 10, Acts 20:31). It was the city where Aquilla and Priscilla, with Apollos ministered (Acts 18:24-28). It was the city where Paul’s close associate Timothy (1 Timothy 1:3) ministered. And according to strong and consistent church historical traditions, the Apostle John himself ministered there.
What is David Guzik's commentary on the Bible?
David Guzik’s Commentaries on the Bible: Revelation 2. [Notes from Adam are in blue font, and represent the preterist position.] Introduction: According to David Guzik, the letters to the 7 churches share a similar structure, and these two are no exception: [1] An address to a particular congregation.
Who said "They have left not lost their first love"?
Verse 4: David Guzik remarks, “Despite all the good in the Ephesian church, there is something seriously wrong. They have left- not lost – their first love. They once had a love that they don’t have anymore.” Again Guzik quotes from Spurgeon, who says,
Who was Paul's close associate in the Bible?
Paul ministered in Ephesus for three years ( Acts 19:1, Acts 19:10, Acts 20:31 ). Aquilla and Priscilla, with Apollos served there ( Acts 18:24-28 ). Paul’s close associate Timothy ( 1 Timothy 1:3) worked in Ephesus.
What does the Bible say about adultery?
I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works. Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. But hold fast what you have till I come.
What does "holds" mean in the Bible?
b. Holds: This is the ancient Greek word kratein, and is an emphatic and complete word. Jesus has these churches, and holds them securely. The churches belong to Jesus, not to the leaders of the churches or to the people of the churches. Heholds them.
Where in the Bible does it say Jesus has a sharp sword?
a. He who has the sharp two-edged sword: In Revelation 1:16, John observed of Jesus out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword. Now, Jesus “showed” this two-edged sword to the Christians in Pergamos.
Did Jesus know the works of the church?
I know your works: Jesus knew the works of the church in Ephesus also ( Revelation 2:2 ). In Smyrna, Jesus also knew their works, tribulation, and poverty. He knows these hardships both in the sense that He saw what happened to them, and in the sense that He knew their hardships by His personal experience. i.
Who saw the judgment in Revelation 18?
Now before we look at Revelation 18, just to give you a larger context in which to understand this, go with me back to the Old Testament, back to the prophet Zechariah; that’s the second to last book in the Old Testament, right before Malachi. Zechariah the prophet saw this judgment. He saw it long before John saw it.
What is the chapter 18 of Revelation?
Revelation chapter 18 is our study for tonight, Revelation chapter 18. In this chapter the apostle John describes the final world’s system and the city which apparently is its capital, Babylon. What is described here in chapter 18 is a commercial system overseen and managed and operated in the power of Satan by the Antichrist.
How many gallons of water is in an ephah?
An ephah is basically a container. In fact, it would be about one bushel or one point zero five bushels, about eight gallons, or about thirty-nine quarts. This big basket, or this big container, was used to carry barley or flour and, in fact, was large enough for a small person to fit into.
Title
- Unlike most books of the Bible, Revelation contains its own title: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” (1:1). “Revelation” (Gr., apokalupsis) means “an uncovering,” “an unveiling,” or “a disclosure.” In the NT, this word describes the unveiling of spiritual truth (Rom. 16:25; Gal. 1:12; Eph. 1:17; 3:3), the revealing of the sons of God (Rom. 8:19), Christ’s incarnation (Luke 2:32), and His glorious appe…
Author and Date
- Four times the author identifies himself as John (1:1, 4, 9; 22:8). Early tradition unanimously identified him as John the apostle, author of the fourth gospel and three epistles. For example, important second century witnesses to the Apostle John’s authorship include Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, and Tertullian. Many of the book’s original readers were still aliv…
Background and Setting
- Revelation begins with John, the last surviving apostle and an old man, in exile on the small, barren island of Patmos, located in the Aegean Sea southwest of Ephesus. The Roman authorities had banished him there because of his faithful preaching of the gospel (1:9). While on Patmos, John received a series of visions that laid out the future histor...
Historical and Theological Themes
- Since it is primarily prophetic, Revelation contains little historical material, other than that in chaps. 1–3. The 7 churches to whom the letter was addressed were existing churches in Asia Minor (modern Turkey). Apparently, they were singled out because John had ministered in them. Revelation is first and foremost a revelation about Jesus Christ (1:1). The book depicts Him as t…
Interpretive Challenges
- No other NT book poses more serious and difficult interpretive challenges than Revelation. The book’s vivid imagery and striking symbolism have produced 4 main interpretive approaches: The preterist approach interprets Revelation as a description of first century events in the Roman Empire (see Author and Date). This view conflicts with the book’s own often repeated claim to b…
Outline
- The Things which You Have Seen (1:1–20)
- The Things which Are (2:1–3:22)
- The Things which Will Take Place after This (4:1–22:21)