Apocalyptic · New Testament
Revelation
c. AD 95
- Section
- Apocalyptic · New Testament
- Events span
- c. AD 95
- Written
- c. AD 95 critical view: c. AD 95 (some propose c. AD 68)
- Author
- John the Apostle critical view: John of Patmos (his exact identity is debated)
Revelation is the unveiling of Jesus Christ given to John on the island of Patmos. Through vivid visions it comforts persecuted churches with the assurance that Christ reigns and will triumph — climaxing in the defeat of evil, the last judgment, and a new heaven and new earth where God dwells with his people.
Key themes
- The victory of Christ
- Judgment on evil
- Perseverance under persecution
- Worship of the Lamb
- New heaven and new earth
Key events
Letters to the Seven Churches (Revelation 1–3)
- John sees the glorified Christ among seven golden lampstands and is told to write
- Christ sends tailored messages to seven churches, commending and correcting each
Visions of Judgment (Revelation 4–20)
- John sees God's throne in heaven, worshiped by the living creatures and elders
- The Lamb opens seven seals, unleashing conquest, war, famine, and death
- Seven trumpets sound, bringing waves of plagues upon the earth
- The woman, the dragon, and two beasts wage war on the saints
- Seven bowls of God's wrath are poured out on the earth
- Babylon the great falls, and Christ returns as King of kings on a white horse
- Satan is bound and finally defeated, and the dead are judged at the great white throne
The New Creation (Revelation 21–22)
- A new heaven and new earth appear, and the New Jerusalem descends from God
- The river and tree of life flow through the city; "Behold, I come quickly"
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”