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 John Macarthur's approach to Biblical Literature?
John MacArthur takes readers on a journey through biblical texts to discover what lies beneath the surface, focusing on meaning and context, and then reflecting on the explored passage or concept.
What is the historicist view of the Book of Revelation?
The historicist approach views Revelation as a panoramic view of church history from apostolic times to the present—seeing in the symbolism such events as the barbarian invasions of Rome, the rise of the Roman Catholic Church (as well as various individual popes), the emergence of Islam, and the French Revolution.
How do I use the Last Days section of Revelation?
A great way to use this section is to read a chapter from the Revelation and then read the corresponding chapter from the Study Guide. Be sure to read the Introduction, first, as it explains the Last Days, themselves, and how to determine the timing of the events that will take place during this period.
Is there a Book that explains the Book of Revelation?
Because the Time is Near: John MacArthur Explains the Book of Revelation: John MacArthur: 9780802407283: Books.
Why do we study Revelation?
Revelation helps us to see the spiritual realities hidden behind our material world. Paul reminded us that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Eph.
Who was Revelation written to?
Conventional understanding has been that the Book of Revelation was written to comfort beleaguered Christians as they underwent persecution at the hands of an emperor.
Did John write Revelation?
The author of the Book of Revelation identifies himself only as "John". Traditionally, this was often believed to be the same person as John the Apostle (John, son of Zebedee), one of the apostles of Jesus, to whom the Gospel of John was also attributed.
What is the focus of the Book of Revelation?
Under 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.
How does the Book of Revelation end?
The end of the Book of Revelation sees a new heaven and a new earth coming down and a new Jerusalem being established ... .
Is John of Patmos the same as John the Apostle?
Most Christian scholars believe that John of Patmos was also John the Apostle who traveled with Jesus during his ministry. Decades later as a much older man, John of Patmos took heat from the Roman government for preaching and was exiled to the island of Patmos, Greece.
What does the bear symbolize in Revelation?
Thus the beast represents the kingdoms that will bear rule over the world from Adam until the second coming of Christ. While in the spirit, this beast is seen as a personality as in Revelation 19:20, in the physical he is represented at different ages throughout the period of human existence as different kingdoms.
What are two types of Revelation?
There are two types of revelation:General (or indirect) revelation – called 'general' or 'indirect' because it is available to everyone. ... Special (or direct) revelation – called 'direct' because it is revelation directly to an individual or sometimes a group.
Are John the Baptist and John the Apostle the same person?
The LDS Church teaches that John the Apostle is the same person as John the Evangelist, John of Patmos, and the Beloved Disciple.
What is the meaning of Patmos?
Patmos. / (ˈpætmɒs) / noun. a Greek island in the Aegean, in the NW Dodecanese: St John's place of exile (about 95 ad), where he wrote the Apocalypse.
What language was the Book of Revelation written in?
GreekBook of Revelation / Original languageGreek is an independent branch of the Indo-European family of languages, native to Greece, Cyprus, southern Albania, and other regions of the Balkans, the Black Sea coast, Asia Minor, and the Eastern Mediterranean. Wikipedia
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.
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What is the purpose of John's book Revelation?
Through vivid imagery, John writes Revelation to reveal the end of human history, the return of Christ, and the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth.
What is the MacArthur study guide series?
Revised and updated, the MacArthur Study Guide Series continues to be one of the best selling study guide series on the market today. For small group or individual use, intriguing questions and new material take the participant deeper into God's Word. Twelve lessons for group or individual study.
How long is Mac Arthur's study guide?
The Mac Arthur Study Guide Series provides a twelve week, verse-by-verse examination of the books of the New Testament. This revised and updated series continues to be one of the best-selling study guides currently available for individuals or small groups.
Who wrote the book of Revelation?
The book of Revelation unveils Jesus Christ in glory. Written by the apostle John, Revelation was a letter to churches in Asia Minor who were feeling the overwhelming effects of persecution from all sides. This book was a reminder that encouraged them to remain faithful.
Where is John MacArthur?
John MacArthur has served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, since 1969. His ministry of expository preaching is unparalleled in its breadth and influence. In more than five decades of ministry from the same pulpit, he has preached verse by verse through the entire New Testament and several key sections of the Old Testament. He is Chancellor of the Master’s University and Seminary, and can be heard daily on the Grace to You radio broadcast (carried on hundreds of radio stations worldwide). He has authored numerous bestselling books, including Twelve Ordinary Men and One Perfect Life.
Why is studying the Bible important?
The Bible is the Word of life. As such, studying the Bible is crucial to the life and growth of every believer.
Where did Paul write the letters of 1 and 2 Thessalonians?
Like a tender shepherd, Paul wrote the letters of 1 & 2 Thessalonians to the church he founded in Thessalonica, a huge city in Macedonia. These were friends he knew, loved, and missed. His purpose in writing was to thank them for their work of faith, thei
How many lessons are taught in Fundamentals of the Faith?
On Sunday mornings at Grace Community Church, where John MacArthur preaches, small groups gather together in Fundamentals of the Faith classes to use this manual of thirteen lessons that blend basic biblical truths with personal obedience and service.
Who is Matthew in the New Testament?
The New Testament launches with an eyewitness account of the events of Jesus’ life from Matthew, a former despised tax collector who experienced a radical conversion and became one of Jesus’ own disciples. Matthew’s unique view interweaves his strong Jewi
Is heaven a place?
Heaven is a place more wonderful than we can ever begin to imagine. It is a place of joy and beauty, of peace and happiness that will never end.
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)