The Book of Revelation is a complex, symbolic book of apocalyptic prophecy that unveils Jesus Christ’s ultimate victory over evil and the establishment of a new heaven and new earth. Written by John of Patmos around 95 A.D., it was intended to encourage and equip first-century Christians facing persecution under the Roman Empire.
Primary meanings and purpose
- A message of comfort and victory. The central message of Revelation is that God wins and Jesus is the victor over evil, not a terrifying or confusing prophecy of doom. It assures persecuted believers that despite the chaos around them, God’s kingdom will ultimately prevail.
- An “unveiling” of divine mysteries. The Greek title apokálypsis means “unveiling” or “revelation,” and the book discloses things previously hidden, such as the full extent of God’s authority and purpose for creation.
- A handbook for faithfulness. For the original audience in seven churches in Asia Minor, Revelation was a warning against assimilating into the corrupt and idolatrous Roman imperial culture. It offers guidance on how to remain faithful to Christ amid trials and temptations.
- The culmination of history. Revelation brings together major themes from the Old Testament, such as the destruction of evil and the promise of a new creation, providing a capstone to the biblical story. It contrasts the beginning of sin and suffering in Genesis with their end in Revelation.
Key themes and symbols
The book’s prophetic and symbolic visions are not meant to be taken literally, but to communicate deep theological truths.
- Christ the conquering lamb: A central image is of Christ as a lamb “who was slain” but is also glorified, worshiped, and triumphant. The Lamb is the only one worthy to open the seven seals, initiating God’s judgments against evil.
- Spiritual warfare: The book portrays an intense spiritual conflict between Satan (the Dragon) and God’s people, which culminates in Satan’s eternal defeat.
- The fall of Babylon: The city of Babylon is a symbol for all worldly powers that oppose God. Its destruction represents the inevitable downfall of empires and societies that have persecuted God’s followers.
- The New Jerusalem: This symbol represents the eternal salvation promised to believers. It is an image of a new earth where God dwells with humanity and there is no more suffering or death.
- Numerical symbolism: Significant numbers are used symbolically, not literally, often with meaning derived from the Old Testament.
- Seven: Represents perfection and completeness.
- Twelve: Refers to the people of God, representing the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles.
- 666: The number of the Beast, symbolizing human imperfection and opposition to God.
Major interpretative approaches
For centuries, scholars and theologians have used several interpretive lenses to understand Revelation’s meaning.
- Historicist: Sees Revelation as a broad, panoramic view of history, with its prophecies unfolding over the course of the Christian era.
- Preterits: Interprets Revelation as a historical account of events that occurred in the first century A.D.. In this view, many of the prophecies concern the persecution of the church by the Roman Empire and the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D..
- Futurist: Believes that the majority of Revelation’s prophecies describe events that will happen in the future, particularly those related to the end times and Christ’s second coming.
- Idealist/Allegorical: Views the book as a symbolic allegory of the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil, rather than a literal prophecy of specific historical or future events.
- Liturgical: Interprets John’s visions as a portrayal of heavenly worship, with earthly liturgy being an imitation of this divine reality.