To read the word of god in this apocalyptic book without letting our imagination give us misguided interpretations, we need to understand the symbolism the same way the first readers did. The christ of the apocalypse above all affirms that st. Revelations word for victory is the greek verb nikan, the same word used in the roman imperial theology of nike a word that can be translated in english as. The book of revelation may be the last place you expect to find the face of jesus. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant john, a 2 who gives witness to the word of god and to the testimony of jesus christ by reporting what he saw. Peaceable revelationa series of blog posts that explores themes related to peace and justice in the book of revelation. The world over, the ewtnews magazine show has interviews with catholic newsmakers. Notes on the book of revelation the grace of god in. Reflecting on the book of revelation church of our lady of. Bible reflections life, through the lens of the scriptures. God hits him with a doozy of a revelation hey, thats not a bad idea for a title. Book of revelation 1 of 9 book of revelation 1 of 9.
Reflections on revelation spiritual books by ray ruppert. Book of revelation explained scripture by scripture. It gives the impression as if john is revealing his own ideas and theological. John wrote the book of revelation in symbols so the roman persecutors wouldnt understand what he was talking about. The culmination is from the book of revelations, where everything is shown to us in st johns description of his visions of jesus christ in the company of his father. The only limit to its copious wisdom is our own limit of understanding and purview. The apocalypse, or revelation to john, the last book of the bible, is one of the most difficult to understand because it abounds in. August, 2019 the healing of the nations in revelation our true enemy is not. A reflection on the book of revelation house of st. Robert nusca shows in the christ of the apocalypse, the face of jesus is everywhere in johns prophetic vision of heaven. Book of revelation bible study index christian feminism today.
The star was given the key to the shaft of the abyss. The book of revelation is a key book to help gods children know how gods plan for our world is going to end. The book of revelation is seen from within the human being. The key to understanding revelationjuly 22, 2019 are we living in the great tribulation. In the apocalyptic books, not least in the book of revelation, we have a mingling of the natural and the supernatural which is surely a reflection of the incarnation itself. Learn more about cfts retas reflections bible study blog reta halteman finger began her bible study blog, retas reflections, with a study of 1 corinthians. Do not allow anyone to make the book of revelation into a thing of scary fear, of partisan choice, of believing rightly lest you end in fire. One bread, one body reflection for november 19, 2018 the book of revelation this is the revelation god gave.
Ewtn news has latest catholic news from all over, search by topic. The book of revelation in the bible is one of the more difficult books of the bible to understand. In the face of apparently insuperable evil, either from within or from without, all christians are called to trust in jesus promise, behold, i am with you always, until the end of the age mt 28. This book is not exactly what i thought it would beit is better. Core christianity 6 tips for reading the book of revelation. Perhaps one of the reasons that the last book of the bible is so mysterious, so confusing, or so fearsome, is that we dont look at it as a loving, personal message from god. Grasp the book of revelation s practical teachings for daily living. From the outset the book claims, straightforwardly enough, to be about the revelation of jesus christ. As the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth 1. Some reflections on interpreting the book of revelation in. Book of revelation explained a testimony of jesus christ. Using the church calendar as a framework, through the bible through the year explores in 365 days the whole biblical story from creation to the end times. Reflections on revelation three parts part i jesus and the churches if you have ever been afraid to study the book of revelation because the prophecies and the symbolism are too confusing, then this series of studies is for you.
All that transpires in the course of johns book is paralleled in the evolution of the human i am and its impact upon the human soul and body. John is told to write down everything god shows him, and boy is god going to show him some strange things. I remember in high school i did one of those read through the bible in a year projects, and for the new testament section, i just stopped after jude, because revelation seemed too daunting. Bishop robert barron on the book of revelation youtube. I was expecting a bible reading plan that began on the first day of january with genesis 1. Without that balance, things like the holocaust, slavery, and the annihilation of first nations peoples have been justified on the basis of poorly interpreted scripture. The book of revelation, a prophecy of warning and hope. The book of revelation may be one of the most fascinating, and intimidating, books of the bible. It has captured the imagination of readers throughout the centuries. The grand archetypal images that are presented to us can be deciphered from many different angles and levels. Its meaning is positive, not fearful or terrifying to those who serve god. Revelation of john is one of the most difficult books of the bible. Since this column has for some four years now been called opening the old testament, you are probably wondering.
Reflections on the book of revelation kindle edition by godfrey, michael j. There are so many ways to approach the book of revelation which only attests to the greatness of the book itself. Then the angel showed me the river of lifegiving water, sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of god and of the. May 25, 2019 some reflections on interpreting the book of revelation in the 21st century part 1 may 25, 2019 may 28, 2019 acpublications since the second world war, biblical prophecy has driven christian book sales, especially in the united states. One of the first things that help us understand the book is. Book of revelation bible study index christian feminism. The contemporary relevance of the book of revelation for. Apr 28, 2015 the book of revelation is similar to other literature of the time thats called apocalyptic, which typically includes visions, global clashes, endoftheworld warnings, and many, many symbols. However, johnsons book also serves as an excellent commentary and devotional book in its own right. The greek name of the bible book of revelation, apoka. And as a revelation it involves the reveiling or removal of a veil, the uncovering of veiled or hidden things.
This is the word of god and the testimony of jesus christ. John mentions his name four times in the book revelation 1. The esoteric connection reflections on the book of revelation. Here is every essential christian teaching in a single volume. The book of revelation often called the revelation to john, apocalypse of john, the revelation from jesus christ from its opening words, the apocalypse, the revelation, or simply revelation is the final book of the new testament, and consequently is also the final book of the christian bible. It makes it appear as though the book of revelation is more than less a series of predictions. A friend of mine led a tour last year to the seven churches of the book of revelation. It rained cats and dogs or the giants slaughtered the braves or that kid is a real pig all of these would cause the reader. Imagine that a person of the 25th century will read something from todays books. Oct 21, 2016 the book of revelation niv audio holy bible high quality and best speed book 66 duration.
Related resources unorthodox and the modern myth of origins. To properly understand johns vision, we must first understand the name he gave it. Eschatology early christian, in david noel freedman, ed, the anchor bible dictionary, vol. I want to first tackle this question of apocalyptic violence and politics in revelation by tracing the theme of victory or conquering that runs through the book. The revelation of jesus christ, which god gave him to show to his servants what must soon take place. Revelation is first and foremost a revelation about jesus christ 1. You take a much different approach to this great work of john by examining it from an inner perspective. Rather than making eschatological predictions, it offers wonderful insights that will help you personally to. Conflict and crisis in asia minor revelation 2 and 3. Its title is derived from the first word of the koine greek text. This name indicates the meaning of revelation it uncovers matters that had been hidden and discloses events that would happen long after it was written. Revelation s word for victory is the greek verb nikan, the same word used in the roman imperial theology of. My reading of the torahs account of what happened at mount sinai in exodus 1920 and 24 forms the generative core of the book under discussion.
Revelation for postchristiansjune 27, 2019 war of words. Jun 12, 20 then within the book of revelation, i will examine our covenant relationship with god introduced in the old testament, the biblical significance of the number seven, and how celebrating the eucharistic liturgy in its relationship to the book of revelation is an earthly experience in anticipation of our vision of paradise. The contemporary relevance of the book of revelation for the. It is, of course, the cryptic symbolism of revelation that makes it challenging to understand. A testimony of jesus christ is a commentary that explains some of the mysteries of revelation. Even if you understand nothing else in the whole book, its worth reading revelation for this emphasis alone. Hes just a mildmannered christian guy living in exile whenpow. The next step is to choose a monthly or yearly subscription, and then enter your payment information.
Like egypt rome will not pay attention so the full wrath of god is outpoured the image is of bowls full of plague being emptied on the empire. Reflections on the book of revelation word on fire. Franciscan father stephen doyle provides a catholic commentary on the book of revelation and explains that. Sep 30, 2015 this book is written as an aid for pastors who want to preach through the book of revelation it might make a good gift for your pastor or your church library. Dec 01, 2006 the lion and the lambis not a typical book on end times events. I remember in high school i did one of those read through the bible in a year projects, and.
He made it known by sending his angel to his servant john, 2 who testifies to everything he saw. The bible is the greatest revelation the lord has given through his church. In the book of revelation, the apocalyptic hopes of the early christian community find their clearest and most complete expression. Thus, it is appropriate for the bible to end with the book of revelation. Oct 19, 2019 4 we could understand the entire book of revelation as a correcting balance to the usual though false interpretation given to romans. Barron and word on fire commenting on subjects from modern day culture.
The book brings comfort as we learn that god is in control and he is moving toward the return of jesus to this earth and the working out his plan. The book is in letter format and is intended to be read aloud in the christian liturgy cf. Justin the martyr around 100 to 165 ac, irenaeus around 140 to 220 ac and the muratori canon end of 2 nd century confirm that the apostle john is the author. Reflections on revelation, faith, and rationality tspace. Then the angel showed me the river of lifegiving water, sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of god and of the lamb 2 down the middle of its street. The author was probably a christian from ephesus known as john the elder. Johns god and christcentered, symbolic universe offers our contemporary world a spiritual place to stand amid the shifting sands of postmodernity. While providing reflections and devotions for each day of the year, this book provides a refreshing seasonal reading plan. Oct 04, 2012 the book of revelation opens, the revelation of jesus christ. The book depicts him as the risen, glorified son of god ministering among the churches 1.
Studies in the book of revelation bible study series index. Reflections on revelations 9780983756118 by peter chin. This last book of the bible is meant to thrill and exhilarate us like none other. The readings are broken up into weekly themes, and accord with the seasons of the church year. Listen to podcasts of the current series on the revelation to john. Starting your free trial of bible gateway plus is easy. She challenges every other commentator i have read by sharpening the conflict between john and the synagogues of satan. The revelation is the only book in the nt mentioning john as author. As serious and profound as these reflections may be, remember that with the persecution, struggle, and suffering, the book of revelation is filled with glorious praise, promises of radiance, triumph, and eternal joy. Nusca offers an exegetical reading of selected verses of the book of revelation, incorporating rich spiritual and pastoral reflections. First and foremost, revelation was written to reveal or unveil jesus christ.
While many associate the word apocalypse with great disaster, the book of revelation begins and ends by saying that those who read, understand, and apply its message would be happy for doing so. It removes the veil and calls us to enter into something hidden, something beyond whats readily. The book of revelation had its origin in a time of crisis, but it remains valid and meaningful for christians of all time. Youre already logged in with your bible gateway account. With guidance, reading the book of revelation reveals something more than just earthquakes and falling stars. Apocalypticism was not a new phenomenon among christians. Nov 19, 2019 as serious and profound as these reflections may be, remember that with the persecution, struggle, and suffering, the book of revelation is filled with glorious praise, promises of radiance, triumph, and eternal joy. Revelation with book summary versebyverse bible commentary. In this book i will propose some answers and will attempt to bring the reader along with me by a process of the ological reasoning. Nov 24, 2019 the book of revelation is a powerful book about the past, the end times, so here are the 17 best bible verses from the book of revelation for you to read. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading babylons cap. Learn more about cfts retas reflections bible study blog reta halteman finger began her bible study blog, retas reflections. The book of revelation was written sometime around 96 ce in asia minor.