Session 10 Division V. Prophecy
Written between 70-90. The Book of the Revelation / Apocalypse

For a shorter outline and chart of Revelation you must aquire that from Pastor Brian.

For another outline of the Book of Revelation click here Revelation

To view the New Testament chapter by chapter click here NT

For a verse by verse word study click here Word Study

To study other biblical resources click here:

Commentaries Concordances Dictionaries

Encyclopedia Encyclopedia Lexicon

All of the above resources

The “Four Views”

1. Historicist– believe that the book of Revelation surveys the whole of church history combining it with 7 periods of secular history. The final period is yet to be fulfilled. Most Historicists see the Catholic Church as the whore of Babylon and the Pope as the false Prophet which will be done away with upon the return of Jesus. They believe in a literal interpretation of prophecy. Many early Protestant leaders taught this. Today's Seventh Day Adventists have popularized this position.

2. Preterist– see many of the Bible’s prophecy’s as already having been fulfilled with the birth of Jesus to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70ad, the focal point being the destruction of Jerusalem as being the end of the age. They interpret time indicator words such as; “at hand, quickly, this generation and near” as meaning that it occurred within the generation of those hearing the prophecy. They believe that the kingdom of God will be established as a result of God working through the church in human history, eventually culminating with the return of Jesus. Extreme Preterism is called Pantelism.

3. Futurist– also called Dispensationalism or millenarians, see the book of Revelation and the prophecies of Jesus as still needing to be fulfilled. Most futurists see the Catholic Church as the whore of Babylon and the Pope as the false Prophet. They see society as getting worse and culminating with the Rapture or "Secret catching away" of the Church, introduced by John Nelson Darby from the Brethren Church and William Miller, prior to the final earthly Battle of Armageddon and ushering in the return of Jesus to Israel in order to usher in a literal 1000 year reign of Jesus on this earth in Israel. After 1000 years Satan will be loosed and thus a final angelic battle leading up to a new earth, heaven and Jerusalem. Today's "Left Behind" authors have made this position contemporary.

4. Spiritual / Allegorical – interpret the book of Revelation as having no single historical fulfillment, only transcendent principles and recurrent themes. Much of scripture is symbolic. They do not take certain apocalyptic events as being literal. The Church is Christ on this earth. They do believe in a final return of Jesus to the earth.

The Book of Revelation Chapter Highlights

Chapter 1
Apocalypse, Greek for Revelation, of what will vs. 1“shortly come to pass,” vs. 3 “time is at hand.”
Vs. 7 “behold he comes with the clouds” (Isa.19:1, Jer.4:13, Dan.7:13).
“every eye shall see him, and those who pierced him shall mourn” (John 19:37, Zech.12:10).
Vs. 10 John’s on Patmos in the spirit and saw the “day of the Lord.”

Chapter 2
Seven churches represented by a 7 branched menorah.
In Ephesus, the Nicolaitans was a cult that emphasized sensual pleasure.
Smyrna had a large Jewish community that was obviously hostile to Christians.
Pergamos had a large temple dedicated to the serpent-god Asclepius, “where Satan dwells.”
A white stone represented acquittal and a black stone condemnation in Greek courts and games.
Jezebel was a type or symbol of immorality and idolatry that had crept into the Thyatira Church.

For locations of the 7 churches click here 7 Churches

For pictures of the 7 churches click here Pictures Pictures

Chapter 3
“Coming as a thief” vs.3 was a term of judgment (Mat.24:37-44).
Sardis was known for its immorality.
“Key of David” (Isa.22:22). Represents authority.
Vs. 10 “keep you from the hour of temptation,” or in reference to judgment.
Vs. 11 “behold I come quickly.”
“make you a pillar in my temple” Philadelphia had many earthquakes that shook foundations.
3 names written on them vs. 12.
Laodicea was a city known for its riches, eye salve and 2 streams that by the time they reached the city was lukewarm. “hot or cold” hot = good for medicinal purposes, cold = good for refreshment, lukewarm = good for nothing.

Chapter 4
The scene from heaven. 24 elders representing the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 Apostles.
4 creatures first spoken of in (Isa.6:2, 3, Ezek. 1:5-10, 10:14).

Chapter 5
A scroll with 7 seals only able to be opened by the “Lion from the tribe of Judah.” The symbol of the tribe of Judah is a lion (Gen.49:9). Jesus’ lineage is from Judah (Mat.1:2).

Chapter 6
4 horseman originally spoken of in (Zech.1:8, 6:2). They were sent as a part of God’s judgment upon Israel. Represented the 4 corners of the earth.

Chapter 7
The 144,000 represents 12,000 taken from the 12 tribes of Israel. 12 is symbolic of the 12 tribes and 12 apostles. This is speaking of messianic Jews who came out of tribulation vs. 13, 14. Also mentioned again in 14:1-4. They were “first-fruit” 1st century believers, who were not stained from the whore of Babylon.
“Sealed in their foreheads” vs.3. The word “sealed” also is referred to as the Holy Spirit in (Jh.2:7, II Cor.1:22, Eph.1:13, 4:30). A mark is also mentioned in (Ezekiel 9:4, 6) in order to distinguish from those who will be judged and those who will not be judged. This is seen again in chapt.13:16, 17, 14:9, 11, 15:2, 16:2, 19:20, 20:4).

Chapter 8
The 7th seal is followed by prayers. It took 30 min. for the high priest to offer incense.
7th seal, releases 7 angels w-7 trumpets, 3 sets of 7, perfection and completion of judgment.
7 Trumpets being blown and a city being destroyed reminds us of Joshua and Jericho chapt.6.
The plagues are reminders of the plagues God sent on Egypt and Sodom (11:8). 1/3 is symbolic (Ezek.5:12).
A mountain can represent a nation, like Mt. Zion being Israel. Rome did destroy most of the tress and slaughtered men in the Sea of Galilee.
Wormwood vs. 11 = bitterness, (Deut.29:18, 28:59, Jer.9:15, 23:15, Amos 5:7).
Stars can represent angels, religious authorities, or a government power.
The falling or darkening of the sun, moon and stars represent leaders and nations changing.
The word Woe has been used many times to indicate judgment in prophetic literature.

Chapter 9
The Star here represented an angel or messenger and the key its authority.
Locusts represent demonic influence, chaos, destruction and deception. They were unable to deceive the elect. The description of the locusts, had faces like men, dressed like women and were dressed for war. Josephus does record that at the time of 70ad there were transvestite men who dressed as women who were murderers. The leader over them was called the (vs.11) “destroyer,” really Satan himself the father of murderers, lust and deceit. This sounds like (Isa.16:4, 21:2, Jer.6:26, 15:8, 48:8, 18, 32, 51:56). The symbol for the Greek god Apollo was the Locust, the god of plagues. The period of 5 months may be literal. Josephus records a period of 5 months in 66 when a Roman procurator attempted to bring Jewish rebellion and chaos, or it may mean a short period of time.
The angels bound in the River Euphrates, may be an allusion to when Babylon which was around the Euphrates came to destroy Israel the first time (Jer.51:53-64). Killing a third of mankind is symbolic and restricted to a certain part of the world, those near the Euphrates River (Rev.16:12). Many of Israel’s enemies came from that area as well as through the region of Megiddo.
A 200 million man army is a physical impossibility. Even today, all the armies of the world combined only amount to about 10 million soldiers. This gross exaggeration may be meant for effect, or even symbolize the legions of demons. Their weapons are plagues (vs.20). The result is not total annihilation, but to bring people to repentance. Who is to repent? Israel from their ungodliness (vs.21).

Chapter 10
The appearance of an angel and eating of the little scroll is just like what Ezekiel experienced (Ezek.1:26-2:8, 3:1-3, 14). It was in preparation to prophesy to Israel about their judgment. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel prophesied about the destruction of the 1st Temple by the Babylonians in 586bc. Daniel and John prophesied about the destruction of the 2nd temple.

Chapter 11
The measuring of the temple also took place in (Ezek.40:3, Zech.2:2). It is a prelude to rebuilding or destruction. The act of measuring is a way of dividing between the holy and the profane. There is no other mention of the temple being made desolate in Revelation. This is the first mention of the Temple. The destruction of the Temple is spoken of by Jesus in (Mat.24:15, Luke 21:24). Which is echoed in (Daniel 9:27, 11:31, 12:11). Time=1, times=2 dividing of time ½ or 3 ½ years.
Verse 2, first time in Revelation that 3 ½ years in mentioned. First mentioned in (Dan.7:25).
The book of Zechariah speaks of the rebuilding of the 1st temple period and the return of Israel to its land.
2 witnesses show up Verses 3-12. Zechariah also speaks of the 2 witnesses (Zech.4:3-14). They prophecy for 42 months (3 ½ years). Jesus was compared to being like Moses and John the Baptizer was compared to being like Elijah. Others say it represented James and Peter, and others say they represented prophets up to the time of John and Jesus. These prophets are killed in Jerusalem and are then resurrected after 3 ½ days.
In Revelation 11, days represent years. Jesus’ ministry was 3 ½ years. People did rejoice over the death of Jesus and John. After the death of Jesus there was an earthquake. Israel has a history of earthquakes. The cities of Bethsaida, Capernaum and Corazan were compared to Sodom and destroyed by earthquakes, to this day they are uninhabited according to Jesus’ prophecy (Mat.11:20-24).
Verse 8, Israel’s ungodliness and plagues are being compared to Egypt and Sodom.
Verse 15 After the resurrection and ascension of these witnesses, the Kingdoms of this world have become the kingdom of our God and of His Christ (Dan.7:13). Verse 18 the dead who are judged are those who have come out of great persecution, this is not the final judgment spoken of in chapter 20. The nations at that time were judged. It was a time of avenging the death of the martyrs of Chapter 6.
The heavenly tabernacle is mentioned for the first time. It will be mentioned again in chapter 14, 15, 16.

Chapter 12
Chapter 12 is transitional. From chapter 13 on, the Beast is going to be spoken of in detail.
Chapter 12 is a history of Israel and its persecution and it’s awaiting the arrival of the Messiah.
Chapter 12 of Revelation is similar to (Daniel chapter 10:13, 12:1). The Angel Michael is seen representing
Israel and a struggle or battle in heaven for Israel’s future over the years (Dan.10:13, 12:1, Rev.12:7).
Verse 3 is a symbol of the Beast that will be spoken of in Chapter 13 and Daniel 7.
Verse 4 1/3 of the stars are cast down, Verse 7-9 Satan and his angels are cast down also.
Verse 6 1,290 days (42 mo./ 3.5 yrs) is spoken of in (Dan.7:25, 12:11 and Rev.11:2, 12:6,14, 13:5).
The allusion of the woman is clearly Israel, 12 stars the 12 tribes of Israel, the man-child is messiah and his catching away the ascension of Jesus. The woman Israel is then persecuted including those who are the remnant or believers in Jesus vs.17. The term remnant and elect always refers to believers.
The serpent or dragon has always been a symbol of Satan. Eve was told that her offspring would bruise the head of the serpent (Gen.3:15). Vs 10 gives him the title of “accuser of the brethren.” We see this in the book of Job. Later in Rev. 20 the dragon is bound, but for now he is allowed to roam the earth and persecute the elect and use the nations of the world. He is called the “prince of the power of the air” (Eph.2:2). In Daniel he is alluded to as the “prince of Persia” (Dan.10:13, Zech.3).
When is/was Satan cast out? Read (John12:31, Col.2:14,15). After the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. How long will he persecute? Verse 12, he has but a “short / fixed time.” From the Summer of 66-70ad (3 ½ years) Israel was persecuted and destroyed. The term “flood” is also used by Jesus in (Mat.24:37-39). The elect were warned by Jesus to leave Jerusalem before its destruction (Mat.24). After the remnant / elect leave, judgment then begins by the beast on the land of Israel (Rev.13-20).

Chapter 13 – “like” Daniel chapter 7, but no mention of 7 heads, just 10 horns in Daniel.
Verse 1 it arises out of the Sea (gentile nations) rather than the Land (Israel). Sea seen as Satan’s place.
This chapter follows along with Daniel chapter 7. The 4 beasts are comprised of 7 heads, 10 horns and looked like a leopard, bear and lion. In Daniel 7 it is in reverse order, Lion, bear and leopard, a fourth beast is mentioned in verse (Dan.7:7, 19, 23). It seems to be mentioned in reverse order because John is seeing it from his day backward and Daniel is seeing it from his day forward. The Sea also represented a place of evil and the domain of the devil. The question is, who do these beasts represent?
The interpretation in (Daniel 2, 7, 8:17-25 and Chapter 11). In Daniels day, the Lion represented Babylon, the Bear Medo-Persia and the Leopard Greece. The 4th unknown beast in (Dan.7:7, 19, 23) was Antiochus Epiphanes. Horns represent individual kings or rulers. John’s Beast is like Daniels, but not exactly.
Daniel saw in his day Medo-Persia replace Babylon, but not Greece replacing Persia or Rome replacing Greece. Daniel prophesied from 605-536bc. These beasts were seen as “successive” kingdoms which did not stand together, but opposed each other. If these are to be interpreted with today’s nations, Britain the lion would be replaced by Russia the bear and so on, which is not the case.
Verse 3 said that one of the heads or kingdoms was wounded, but recovered. Many Roman kings were murdered and some recovered. Murder was the way a Roman emperor came into power. Many believe that the beast can also be a person Emperor Caesar Nero. After his death the Roman government was thrown into civil unrest, but then recovered. Within one year there was 3 successive emperors. Vespasian took over after the turmoil. It was under his and Titus’ leadership that destroyed Jerusalem.
Verse 8 said that beast received worship. The Roman government forced emperor worship and the Caesars were called the sons of the gods. Temples were built in their honor. Allegiance and obedience was considered worship.
Verse 11 this beast looks “like” the one in (Daniel 7, 8). It arises out of the “land (Israel),” not the sea and looks like a lamb. Jesus said, “beware of false prophets dressed in sheep’s clothing, but are ravenous wolves” (Mat.7:15). In 16:13, 19:20 he is identified as the “false prophet.” Has limited power of Rome, but his power is religious. The power of the false lamb was deception (vs.14). Jewish religious leaders of the time did work with Rome to try to destroy Christians. The high priests of the time were political Roman appointees. In Daniel 8, this ram is destroyed by a goat. When the temple was destroyed, the religious authority of the priesthood ended and emperor worship replaced it.
Verse 15 talks about the image of the beast being given life and to speak. The Jewish priesthood spoke on behalf of Rome. The apostate Priesthood encouraged emperor worship, “We have no King but Caesar” (Jh.19:15). Verse 16 The Mark of the beast is a number equivalence for a person’s name (Gamatria) vs.18.
There is good reason to believe that it was Caesar Nero. He was not only called the beast in the first century, but his name actually calculates in Hebrew to 666. Receiving the mark symbolized allegiance to Rome.
As far as the mark being literal, (Ezek.9:4, 6) spoke of a symbolic mark that separated the holy from the unholy prior to destruction of the first temple.
The false lamb is part of the religious / political force that enforces Rome’s bidding. Christians in the 1st century were not allowed to buy or sell after being excommunicated from Judaism. The book of acts records them having to sell their property and pool their resources. Part of being a part of the religious system meant being a part of its economic system. Refusal to be a part of that system resulted in prison and death (Stephen).
The mark on, or in, the forehead is the counterpart to God’s mark in believer’s foreheads in (Rev.7:3, 9:4, 14:1, 22:4).
What’s ironic about the beast is that in the 4th century the very beast that persecutes the saints, chooses Christianity as its religion and Christ as their King. There was victory over the beast (17:14).

Chapter 14
Verses 1-5 talk again about the 144,000 mentioned in chapter 7. Except here they are before the throne as martyrs. These were those who refused the mark (refused to be a part of the religious / economic system) and had God’s name in their forehead. Mount Zion (Heb.12:22, 23) is also called the heavenly Jerusalem, the church of the “first-born.” Read Psalm 2:1-7. It is a prophecy of messiah on Mount Zion.
Verse 4 said they were “first-fruits,” 1st century Christians. They also were “spiritual virgins,” undefiled from the “whore of Babylon”. A person was said to have committed fornication against God if they worshipped other gods. This is not speaking of literal virgins, or of marriage, for marriage is “undefiled” (Heb.13:4). The Church is considered to be a virgin (II Cor.11:2).
Verse 8 First time Babylon is mentioned and it is mentioned in the feminine as a whore.
The phrase “Babylon has Fallen” is first mentioned in (Isa.21:9). Babylon is also mentioned again in (Rev.17:5, 18:2, 10, 21). The question is, “who is Babylon?” Is it Rome, or Israel? This will be discussed in chapter 17, 18. The Babylon of the Old T. was destroyed and did not exist in the 1st century as it did, today it is near Iraq. Rome controlled the whole area. Babylon has always symbolized idolatry and as an enemy of God. Israel has already been referred to symbolically as Sodom and Egypt (Rev.11:8).
Verse 14-20 Pictures the Son of Man sitting on the clouds in judgment, not returning.

Chapter 15
This is the introduction of the final judgment with 7 angels & 7 last bowls of plagues symbolizing God’s wrath.
Verse 2, 3 The martyrs sing the Song of Moses recorded in (Ex.15), symbolizing that after the last plagues God sent on Egypt, Pharoah let God’s people go.
Verse 3-8 A view from Heaven of the true Tabernacle. The angels were dressed like priests as if they were performing a ceremony. This is similar to (Rev.4, 8:1-5). It is in preparation for what is to happen next.

Chapter 16
The list of the kinds of plagues that are dealt is similar to the 10 plagues of Egypt and (Deut.28).
Various plagues are a result of famine, death and disease.
Israel was compared to Egypt (Rev.11:8) boils, sea (lakes) turning to blood, darkness, earthquake, hail.
Verse 6 “they killed the prophets,”(Mat.23:31-36).
Verses 9, 11 said they “repented not,” similar to Pharaoh’s response.
Verse 12 the 6th vial dried up the River Euphrates. This has happened in the past with Israel’s enemies, it is also ironically similar to the Red Sea and Jordan dried up for Israel to cross.
Verse 15 “come as a thief” is a negative term, not the return of Jesus (Mat.24:43, II Pet.3:10, Rev.3:3).
Verse 16 is the first mention of Armageddon, which means city of Megiddo. The plains and city of Megiddo was considered strategic because you could see any approaching army coming from the north near the Sea of Galilee. Megiddo is mentioned 11 times in the Old T and many wars were fought there. The city is uninhabited today, but the valley is farm land. The Sea of Galilee was filled with dead bodies
Verse 19 dividing the city in thirds, refers to (Ezek.5:2, 5) predicting the fall of Jerusalem in 586bc.
Verse 21 100 pound hailstones may in fact be boulders that were hurled against Jerusalem.

Chapter 17
Who is the great whore of Babylon? Mentioned in 14:8, 16:19 and will be further described in chapter 18.
Vs 3, 4 she “sits upon the scarlet beast,” she is not the beast. 7 heads and 10 horns refers beast of 13:1.
Wears “scarlet” (18:12, 16) part of the religious system. She is a city (18:16).
Vs 5 “mystery Babylon, the mother of harlots.” In (Isa.1:21, Ezek.16) Israel is referred to as a harlot.
Vs 6 “drunk with the blood of the saints and prophets.” Israel killed the saints and the prophets 16:6.
Vs 8-17 Who is the beast? 7 heads represent 7 mountains and 7 kings, 5 fallen, one is and one is not yet. Rome sat upon 7 hills. The 7th king will only reign a short time and then is destroyed (perdition). Nero reigned for a short time and then was killed.
Vs 10 5 are fallen (Julius, Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius) one is Nero, and Galba only reigned
7 months. Others have said that under Claudius and Nero that there were 5 Judean procurators.
Vs 11 talks about the 8th king who goes into perdition. Under Vespasian and Titus (the 8th) Jerusalem was destroyed.
Vs 12-16 10 horns represent 10 kings or governors who reign for a short period of time give their power to the scarlet beast to make war against the Lamb.
Vs 14 the scarlet beast makes war with Christ, but the Lamb “will” overcome them (19:19).
Vs 15 the waters represent various nations and people.
Vs 16 the 10 kings will turn on the whore and make her “desolate.” The emperors and governors of Rome did turn on Israel and caused the abomination that caused desolation in 70ad and burned Jerusalem down.
Vs 18 the “woman” is the “great city” mentioned 10 times in Revelation as Jerusalem, also (Jer.22:8). In the 1st century was one of the great centers of wealth and power for Rome. Acts 4:26, 27 the Roman leaders did rule from Israel.

Chapter 18
This chapter deals strictly with the judgment of Israel. Some believe it has to do with Rome. Rome was never called the bride by God, vs. 23.
Vs 2 “Babylon the great has fallen” is repeated again from 14:8, 16:19.
In verse 23, Babylon is referred to as the “bride.” This can only refer to Jerusalem (Jer.7:34, 16:9, 25:10, 33:11,
Vs 3 “the rulers of the Land have committed fornication with her.” This is said of Israel (Ezek.16, 23).
Vs 4 “come out of her my people” Jesus told them to leave Jerusalem when they saw destruction about to occur. It is also used of referring to Babylon and not participating with her idolatry (Jer.51).
Vs 6 “repay her double” is a term used of Israel (Isa.40:2, Jer.16:18, 17:18).
Vs 10, 17, 19 her destruction was swift, “one hour.” “behold I come quickly” used 7 times in Revelation to mean surety and swiftness.
Vs 16 refers to 17:4. She is that city.
Vs 24 repeats again about the “blood of the prophets and saints being found in her.”
Does this description sound like today’s Rome, or even today’s Israel?

Chapter 19
Verse 1 “after these things,” meaning after the judgment of the whore of Babylon with the destruction of Jerusalem, here comes the finale.
Verse 2 Again the emphasis of the judgment is her fornication and killing of the prophets.
Verses 7-9 The true Bride of God and Christ is revealed in heaven.
Verses 11-16 clearly refer to Jesus. He is sitting, not returning. He is presently ruling over the nations.
There is a distinction between 2 different suppers; verses 7-9 true marriage supper, vs. 17 supper of destruction. Read (Ezek.39:17-20) speaks of the fowls of the air.
Verses 17-21 speaks of the aftermath of destruction of the beast of (Rev.13:11, 17:3, 8, 11), false prophet and all those who took the mark of the beast.
Vs 19, 20 the beast of the rulers of the “land” not sea. The “beast,” “woman,” “false prophet” of (13:11, 17:3, 14) battles against Christ , not Jerusalem. A battle against the enemies of the Gospel, apostate Jews, not Rome (20:10).
Vs 21 “remnant” does not refer to the elect, but those remaining in Jerusalem.

Outline of Chapters 20-22 of Revelation

There are basically 3 views concerning the conclusion of the Book of Revelation;
Pre-millennial view, Post-millennial view and A-millennial view. All dealing with the idea that what occurs in chapters 20-22 is still yet to occur or not. Each view deals with the concept of the “Millennium,” or the 1,000 year reign of Christ on the Earth that occurs upon His return, or not. Is it literally to occur either before or after certain events, or is it symbolic?

Chapter 20
(Vs 1-10)
Is the binding and loosing of Satan past or future?
What is the “first resurrection?”
What is the “second death?”
Is there a literal camp of resurrected saints on Earth? What is Gog and Magog?
Is the final demise of Satan past or future?

(Vs 11-15)
What and when is the “Great White Throne-room judgment?”
What is the “Book of Life?”
How are people to be judged from those books?
Is this the “second resurrection?”

Chapter 21
(Vs 1-7)
Is there an actual “New Heaven and New Earth / Land?”
What is the “New Jerusalem?”
How, what and when are things made new?

(Vs 9-21)
Is the New Jerusalem a literal city that descends down from a new heaven to a new earth?
A description of the New Jerusalem. 12 gates with the names of the 12 tribes of Israel on them,
12 walls and foundations with the names of the 12 Apostles on them.
Streets of God and Pearly gates.

(Vs 22-27)
There is no temple, no sun, or moon. The Glory of the Lord is the light.
Only saved nations and kings will be able to enter in and out of this city.

Chapter 22
(Vs 1-5)
The return to / of the Garden of Eden and the Tree of Life.

(Vs 6-12)
An exhortation to be prepared;
Vs. 6 - shortly be done.
Vs. 7 - I come quickly.
Vs. 10 - seal not the book, time is at hand.
Vs 12 - I come quickly.

(Vs 13-21)
I am the Alpha and the Omega.
The Spirit and the Bride say come.
Do not add to or take away from this book.
Vs. 20 – I come quickly.

Other Terms and Outlines of Revelation on page 10

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