Revelation: The Book:
The book of Revelation was written by John the Apostle. John was the last surviving apostle, and wrote this work about 96 AD. He was released from the Greek Island of Patmos, at the death of Dominion, and under Nerva, he lived and died in Ephesus, in the time of Trajan.
Justin Martyr in the years 139 to 161 referred to this book. Others who have referred to the book of the Revelation are, Melito, bishop of Sardis, 171 A.D., Eusebius second century, Theophilus of Antioch 180 A.D., Irenaeus who was taught by Polycarp, who was taught by John.
At first it was not believed to be inspired as Scripture, by many of the early commentators. John made personal notes in,
Revelation 1:1-4-9, and 22:8. John, as the last surviving apostle and superintendent of all the churches is entitled to use language of authority such as is addressed to these seven churches.
The accuracy of his testimony in both the beginning and end of the book is asserted by his personal walk with the Lord.
1 John 1:1, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life.”
John 1:14, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory.”
Revelation 1:1-2,”The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him. Who bare record of the word of God,”
“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy,” with, Rev.22:8, John 21:24, John implores his own undoubted claim to apostolic inspiration in,
Revelation 2:2, “Thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars.”
John is the only writer who uses certain phrases and names concerning our Lord, such as, “The Word of God”, “He that overcometh.”
The Greek term, “alethinos”, for “True,” as opposed to that which is shadowy and unreal, Rev.3:7-14, 6:10, 15:3, 16:7, 19:2-9-11, 21:5, 22:6.
The Greek word “arnion”, literally “Lamb” occurs 29 times in the Revelation and in only one other, John 21:15. Only in John’s writings is Jesus called directly, “The Lamb.” So also, the terms “Witness, or Testimony,” “Keep the word,” or commandments”. The assertion of the same thing positively and negatively, John 1:3-6-7- 20:
1 John 2:27-28, also as to a spiritual, “Anointing.” 1 John 2:20-27, Rev.3:18.
Revelation is referred to as, “The last book of grace,” and also “The seal of the whole Bible.” As the book of Genesis presents us with man and his bride in innocence and blessedness, followed by man’s fall through Satan’s deceptions and lies, then man’s misery, his exclusion from Paradise and its tree of life.
Revelation presents, in reverse order, man first liable to sin and death, but afterwards made the conqueror through the blood of the Lamb. The first Adam and Eve, represented by the second Adam, Christ, and the Church, His spotless bride, in Paradise, with free access to the tree of life and the water of life that flows from the throne of God. As Genesis foretold the bruising of the serpent’s head by the woman’s seed, so Revelation declares the final accomplishment of that prediction,
Revelation 19:20, “And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, and which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshiped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.”
Phillip Laspino www.seekfirstwisdom.com