Bible Study: Revelation Chapters 1-3

Introduction

• Session Context: Hour 22 of Learning the Bible in 24 Hours, focusing on the first three chapters of Revelation.
• Importance of Revelation: Considered high ground of the Bible; it wraps up what begins in Genesis and is beloved by those who take the Bible seriously.
• Focus: Chapters 2 and 3, which are highly relevant.

Overview of New Testament

• Discussed the Gospels (Luke as Volume 1, Acts as Volume 2), Paul's 13 epistles, and the 8 Jewish Christian epistles.

Book of Revelation

• Unity of Scripture: 66 books by 40 authors over 2000 years; Revelation ties it all together.
• Christ's Presence: Different forms of Christ's presence through the Bible:
  • Old Testament: Christ in prophecy.
  • Gospels: Christ in history.
  • Acts: Christ in the church.
  • Epistles: Christ in experience.
  • Revelation: Christ in glory.

Title and Nature of Revelation

• Singularity of Revelation: Correct title is "The Revelation of Jesus Christ" (not "Revelations").
• Meaning: Unveiling of Jesus Christ, emphasizing a blessing for reading it.
• Old Testament References: 404 verses with over 800 Old Testament allusions. Understanding the Old Testament enhances comprehension.

Opening Verses (Revelation 1:1-3)

• Purpose of Revelation: Reveal Jesus Christ to show His servants what must soon take place.
• Language of Urgency: "Shortly" implies speed (Greek: "antaktsai").
• Blessing: Blessed are those who read, hear, and keep the prophecy.

Structure and Themes of Revelation

• Division: Three-part structure as per Revelation 1:19 - "what thou hast seen, what is, and what shall be hereafter."
• Vision of Christ: Chapters 1 provides a vision that sets up the rest of the book.

Letters to the Seven Churches (Revelation 2-3)

• Overview: Letters sent to literal churches with broader applications.
• Four Levels of Meaning:
  1. Local, historical churches.
  2. Admonitory to churches in general.
  3. Personal application.
  4. Prophetic layout of church history.

Seven Letters to the Churches

• Ephesus:
  • Commendation for orthodoxy but criticized for losing first love.
  • Warning: Repent or lose the lampstand.
  • Nicolaitans: Clergy ruling over the laity.
• Smyrna:
  • Commended for enduring tribulation; no concerns.
  • Beware of those claiming to be Jews but are not.
  • Promise: Crown of life.
• Pergamos:
  • Praised for faithfulness but criticized for tolerating false teachings (Balaam's doctrine).
  • Nicolaitans' doctrine criticized.
  • Exhortation to repent.
• Thyatira:
  • Commended for deeds but criticized for tolerating Jezebel.
  • Warning of tribulation for unrepentant.
  • Promise of power over nations to overcomers.
• Sardis:
  • Critique: Dead despite appearance of being alive, needing vibrant faith.
  • Few remain unsoiled.
  • Warning: Come as a thief.
• Philadelphia:
  • Commended for faithfulness, enduring open doors.
  • Promised to be kept from the hour of trial.
  • No concerns.
• Laodicea:
  • Criticized for being lukewarm; self-reliant but spiritually poor.
  • Urged to buy refined gold, wear white garments.
  • Christ outside the church, knocking to enter.

Additional Themes and Observations

• Historical Periods: Each church letter represents a period in church history.
• Distinctive Design: First three letters have the promise to overcomers as postscripts; last four include it in the body.
• Parallels with Matthew 13 Parables and Paul's Letters: Seven letters align with seven parables and Paul's epistles.

Conclusion

• Call to Study: Encouragement to conduct verse-by-verse study of Revelation for blessings and understanding God's plan.
• Prayer for Guidance: Commitment to personal growth and dedication to God's path.

This study session of Revelation emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical and prophetic significance of the letters to the seven churches, and the unity and complexity of Biblical prophecy surrounding Jesus Christ's return and reign.