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Revelation records the visions of John of Patmos and includes a number of letters written to churches in Asia Minor (Rev 2,3). Revelation is an example of Apocalyptic writing which is based, in part, on earlier Jewish Apocalyptic writings such as Daniel and Ezekiel. Such writings describe the ongoing battle between God and the forces of evil, and they tell how God will achieve the final victory in the end. But, in the meantime, those who follow God may face suffering or even be killed by the enemies of God. Apocalyptic writings use a number of symbols and colorful images—such as the beasts in Revelation 13—to provide a message that God’s people would understand but which would be confusing to their enemies. Another example of this “secret” type of imagery is the mention of the ancient city of Babylon (Rev 17:5–18:24). Christian readers in John’s day knew that this was really a reference to Rome, which they had come to see as the great enemy of God and God’s people. Revelation has violent scenes of God’s judgment, but the primary purpose of such books is to give hope and to encourage Christians to remain faithful in the midst of difficult times. The final chapters of the book provide a hopeful picture of the new heaven and new earth God will bring at the end of time.

Revelation (Current Series)
 
John-in-Patmos1John writes to encourage the faithful to resist staunchly the demands of emperor worship. He informs his readers that the final showdown between God and Satan is imminent. Satan will increase his persecution of believers, but they must stand fast, even to death. They are sealed against any spiritual harm and will soon be vindicated when Christ returns, when the wicked are forever destroyed, and when God’s people enter an eternity of glory and blessedness.

 

“Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” (22:12-13
 
 
Revelation (Current Series)
 
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