The Book of the Revelation (Apocalypse of John the Apostle), as one might expect, has had a powerful and “varied’ effect upon the history of the world. Its contents have been used and abused throughout the centuries. Many people have taken its content and claimed fulfillment in their own lifetime and work: The Early Church saw Nero as the Antichrist (for a short time). The Early Church also saw the fall of the Roman Empire and the rise of the barbarians therein. Augustine saw the year 1000 A.D (or thereabouts) as the time of Christ’s Second Coming prophesied in the book.

What is the purpose of the Book?

• What principles MUST guide the interpretation of this Book… to avoid confusion?
• Why was it written in the first place?
• What goal is it designed to achieve?

Why is the Book of Revelation so difficult to understand?

• What MUST you know to understand the Book?
• What “historical markers” are repeatedly provider so as to “clue in” the reader of the Book.
• Does the Book announce a “solution” to the Mystery, announced elsewhere throughout the Bible?

What episodes in history may illustrate the impact of this Book upon man and society?

• How did the Early Church use the Apocalypse?
• Is the Book foretelling a Comprehensive History or a narrow slice of time?
• How has this Book been misused in ways that shaped historical events and societies?
• Where are we in Revelation TODAY?

It is known that Islam’s early leadership (Abu Bekr for certain and possibly Mohammed) cited the book as referencing their movement. Joan of Arc and her French supporters alleged authority in Revelation. William of Orange (III), king of England, asked his counselors (1692) about his arch-enemy, France. He was shown in Revelation that France would face cataclysm 100 years later (1792-3). What happened and was it a proper interpretative rendering of Revelation?

Luther saw the Papacy of Rome as the Babylon and harlot of Revelation.	Romans battling Barbarians 2nd Century Roman Depiction	Crusader castle in Syria today. The infamous Crusades were launched on a misuse of Revelation

Even Attila the Hun delighted in his nickname “The Scourge of God”, a name associated with his alleged “presence” in Revelation. Numerous generations have claimed the book’s prophesies as a basis for believing Christ’s SOON Second Return.

SURVEY

Please take a moment to help us … and the churches … with a simple survey on the Book of Revelation.

Are you interested in our Training program for seminarians, elders, and deacons? There is no obligation. The program is underwritten by A and D Enterprises, Reformation Hope Church with help from the Institute for Christian Heritage Research.