The Book of Revelation
The Apocalypse of Jesus Christ
The final prophetic book of the Bible revealing the end times, Christ's return, final judgment, and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom
The Book of Revelation (Apokalypsis in Greek, meaning 'unveiling') is the culmination of all biblical prophecy and God's redemptive plan for humanity. Written by the Apostle John while exiled on Patmos, it unveils the glorified Christ, the final spiritual warfare between good and evil, God's judgment on sin, the vindication of His people, and the ultimate restoration of creation. Revelation connects to over 800 Old Testament passages and brings full circle the narrative begun in Genesis - from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored. It assures believers that despite present tribulation, Christ will return as King of Kings, evil will be defeated, death destroyed, and God will dwell with His people eternally in a new heaven and earth.
“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants”
— Revelation 1:1
“Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him”
— Revelation 1:7
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, says the Lord”
— Revelation 1:8
“Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One”
— Revelation 1:17-18
“To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life”
— Revelation 2:7
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and wealth and wisdom”
— Revelation 5:12
“These are they who have come out of the great tribulation”
— Revelation 7:14
“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord”
— Revelation 11:15
“Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God”
— Revelation 12:10
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on”
— Revelation 14:13
“Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words”
— Revelation 22:7
“Behold, I am making all things new”
— Revelation 21:5
Vision of the Glorified Christ
John sees Jesus in overwhelming glory - eyes like fire, face like the sun, voice like rushing waters, holding seven stars, walking among seven lampstands
Letters to Seven Churches
Christ dictates messages to the churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea - warnings, commendations, and promises to overcomers
Throne Room of Heaven
John sees God's throne surrounded by 24 elders, four living creatures, and continuous worship. The One on the throne holds a sealed scroll
The Lamb Takes the Scroll
Only Jesus, the slain Lamb with seven horns and seven eyes, is worthy to open the scroll. All heaven worships the Lamb
Opening of Seven Seals
The Lamb opens seals releasing: conquest (white horse), war (red horse), famine (black horse), death (pale horse), martyrs' cry, cosmic disturbances
144,000 Sealed from Israel
God seals 12,000 from each of Israel's twelve tribes for protection during tribulation - His preserved remnant
Great Multitude Before the Throne
Countless believers from every nation, tribe, and language stand before God's throne, having come through the great tribulation
Seventh Seal and Seven Trumpet Judgments
Silence in heaven, then seven angels with trumpets bring judgments: hail/fire, burning mountain, star Wormwood, darkness, demonic locusts, army of 200 million
The Mighty Angel and Little Scroll
A mighty angel gives John a little scroll to eat - sweet in mouth but bitter in stomach, symbolizing prophetic calling
Two Witnesses Prophesy
Two witnesses prophesy 1,260 days with power to bring plagues. Beast kills them, but God raises them and takes them to heaven
Seventh Trumpet - Kingdom Proclaimed
The seventh angel sounds: 'The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ'
The Woman and the Dragon
A woman clothed with sun (Israel) gives birth to male child (Christ). Red dragon (Satan) tries to devour child but is cast down. Pursues woman
War in Heaven - Satan Cast Down
Michael and angels fight the dragon. Satan and demons cast to earth. Woe to earth, for the devil knows his time is short
The Beast from the Sea (Antichrist)
A beast with seven heads and ten horns rises from the sea, receiving Satan's power. World worships the beast for 42 months. Makes war on saints
The Beast from the Earth (False Prophet)
Second beast causes earth to worship the first beast, performs signs, marks people with 666, controls all commerce
The 144,000 with the Lamb on Mount Zion
The Lamb stands on Mount Zion with the 144,000 who have His Father's name on foreheads, singing a new song
Three Angels and Final Warnings
Angels proclaim eternal gospel, announce Babylon's fall, and warn against taking the mark of the beast with eternal consequences
Harvest of the Earth
Son of Man on cloud with sharp sickle harvests earth. Angel gathers grapes for God's winepress of wrath - blood flows 180 miles
Seven Bowl Judgments
Final wrath: painful sores, sea to blood, rivers to blood, scorching sun, darkness on beast's throne, Euphrates dried, greatest earthquake ever
The Great Prostitute Babylon
Woman on scarlet beast represents Babylon - religious, economic, political system opposed to God. 'Mystery Babylon the Great'
Fall of Babylon
Babylon the Great falls in one hour. Merchants and kings mourn. Heaven rejoices. The economic and religious system destroyed
Heavenly Multitude Rejoices
Great multitude in heaven shouts 'Hallelujah!' God reigns. Marriage supper of the Lamb announced. Bride has made herself ready
Rider on White Horse - Christ Returns
Heaven opens. Jesus on white horse with many crowns, called Faithful and True, Word of God, KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Armies of heaven follow
Battle of Armageddon
Beast and kings gather for war against Christ. Beast and false prophet captured and thrown alive into lake of fire. Rest slain by sword from Christ's mouth
Satan Bound 1,000 Years
Angel binds Satan with chain, casts into abyss, seals it for 1,000 years so he can deceive nations no more
Millennial Reign of Christ
Martyred saints resurrected, reign with Christ 1,000 years as priests. First resurrection. Satan bound, Christ rules from Jerusalem
Satan Released and Final Rebellion
After 1,000 years Satan released, deceives nations (Gog and Magog), surrounds saints' camp. Fire from heaven devours them. Satan cast into lake of fire forever
Great White Throne Judgment
Dead stand before God's throne. Books opened including Book of Life. Judged by works. Death and Hades thrown into lake of fire. Anyone not in Book of Life cast into lake of fire
New Heaven and New Earth
First heaven and earth pass away. New heaven and earth created. No more sea. All things made new. Former things pass away
New Jerusalem Descends
Holy city New Jerusalem comes down from heaven, prepared as bride. Massive measurements, 12 gates (12 tribes), 12 foundations (12 apostles). Made of pure gold, precious stones
River of Life and Tree of Life
River of water of life flows from God's throne. Tree of life on both sides bearing 12 crops of fruit, leaves for healing of nations. No more curse
Christ's Final Promise and Warning
Jesus declares 'I am coming soon' three times. Blessed are those who wash robes. Warning not to add or remove from prophecy. 'Come, Lord Jesus!'
Seven Stars
Revelation 1:20Angels/messengers of the seven churches
Seven Lampstands
Revelation 1:20The seven churches
Twenty-Four Elders
Revelation 4:4Redeemed humanity (12 tribes + 12 apostles) or angelic council
Four Living Creatures
Revelation 4:6-8Cherubim representing all creation worshiping God
Seven Seals
Revelation 6:1-17God's judgments progressively unveiled
Four Horsemen
Revelation 6:1-8Conquest, War, Famine, and Death released on earth
144,000 Sealed
Revelation 7:4-8God's preserved remnant from all Israel's tribes
Great Multitude in White
Revelation 7:9-14All believers from every nation who endured tribulation
Seven Trumpets
Revelation 8-11Escalating divine judgments announced
Two Witnesses
Revelation 11:3-12God's prophetic testimony during tribulation (possibly Moses/Elijah figures)
Woman Clothed with Sun
Revelation 12:1-2Israel bringing forth the Messiah
Red Dragon
Revelation 12:3-4Satan with seven heads (completeness of evil) and ten horns (power)
Male Child
Revelation 12:5Jesus Christ who will rule nations with iron scepter
Michael the Archangel
Revelation 12:7God's warrior prince who defends Israel and defeats Satan
Beast from the Sea
Revelation 13:1Antichrist - final world dictator empowered by Satan
Beast from the Earth
Revelation 13:11False Prophet - religious leader promoting Antichrist worship
Mark of the Beast (666)
Revelation 13:16-18Mark of allegiance to Antichrist, number of man (falls short of 7, perfection)
Lamb on Mount Zion
Revelation 14:1Christ victorious with His redeemed people
Babylon the Great
Revelation 17:5End-times corrupt religious, economic, and political system opposed to God
Great Prostitute
Revelation 17:1Apostate religious system committing spiritual adultery
Seven Bowls
Revelation 16:1Final completion of God's wrath poured out
Marriage Supper of the Lamb
Revelation 19:7-9Union and celebration of Christ with His bride (the Church)
White Horse Rider
Revelation 19:11Jesus Christ returning as Conquering King
Lake of Fire
Revelation 20:10-15Eternal punishment for Satan, demons, and unbelievers
Book of Life
Revelation 20:12-15God's record of all who have eternal life through Christ
New Jerusalem
Revelation 21:2Eternal dwelling place of God with His people - the glorified Church
Tree of Life
Revelation 22:2Eternal life restored - what was lost in Eden now regained
River of Life
Revelation 22:1Abundant eternal life flowing from God's presence
Jesus Christ (The Lamb)
Revelation 1:1-18, 5:5-14, 19:11-16Central figure - Revealer, Judge, King, Bridegroom, Victorious Warrior, Alpha and Omega
God the Father
Revelation 4:2-11, 20:11The One on the Throne, Sovereign over all, Final Judge
Holy Spirit (Seven Spirits)
Revelation 1:4, 4:5Speaks to churches, gives revelation, present before throne
Apostle John
Revelation 1:1-4, 1:9Recipient and recorder of the revelation while exiled on Patmos
Twenty-Four Elders
Revelation 4:4, 4:10, 5:8-10Worshipers around throne, cast crowns before God
Four Living Creatures
Revelation 4:6-9, 5:14Continuous worshipers before God's throne
Michael the Archangel
Revelation 12:7-9Leader of angelic armies, defeats Satan in heavenly war
Seven Angels with Trumpets
Revelation 8:2, 8:6-21Announce and execute divine judgments
Seven Angels with Bowls
Revelation 15:1, 16:1-17Pour out final wrath of God
Two Witnesses
Revelation 11:3-12Prophesy for 1,260 days with power, martyred and resurrected
144,000 from Israel
Revelation 7:4-8, 14:1-5Sealed servants of God protected during tribulation
Great Multitude of Believers
Revelation 7:9-17Saved from every nation through great tribulation, worship before throne
Satan (Dragon, Devil, Serpent)
Revelation 12:9, 20:2, 20:10Adversary cast from heaven, empowers Antichrist, ultimately defeated and judged
The Antichrist (Beast from Sea)
Revelation 13:1-10Final world dictator, blasphemes God, persecutes saints for 42 months
The False Prophet (Beast from Earth)
Revelation 13:11-18Religious leader promoting Antichrist worship, performs signs, enforces mark
Babylon the Great Prostitute
Revelation 17:1-18, 18:1-24End-times corrupt religious-economic system, destroyed by God
The Bride of Christ
Revelation 19:7-9, 21:2, 21:9The Church purified and united with Christ at Marriage Supper
Armies of Heaven
Revelation 19:14Return with Christ at Second Coming, clothed in white linen
Nations Deceived (Gog and Magog)
Revelation 20:8-9Gathered by Satan for final rebellion after millennium, destroyed by fire
The Book of Revelation culminates in the complete and eternal victory of God over all evil. Satan, the Antichrist, the False Prophet, Death, and Hades are cast into the lake of fire forever. All who rejected Christ face eternal judgment at the Great White Throne. The first heaven and earth pass away, and God creates a New Heaven and New Earth where righteousness dwells. The New Jerusalem descends as a bride adorned for her husband - God dwelling with humanity for eternity. There is no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. The curse is removed. The Tree of Life is restored. God's servants see His face and reign with Him forever and ever. Paradise Lost in Genesis becomes Paradise Restored in Revelation - the grand narrative of Scripture complete.
Revelation is the capstone of biblical theology, demonstrating that history is moving toward God's predetermined end. It vindicates God's justice, proves Satan's defeat, validates believer's faith, assures Christ's return, confirms Scripture's reliability, reveals the cost of rejecting Christ, and declares the eternal blessedness of knowing God. Every promise of Scripture finds its ultimate 'Yes' in Christ (2 Cor 1:20), and Revelation shows the full manifestation of that reality. The book bridges the gap between Christ's first and second comings, giving believers hope, endurance, and perspective during trials. It answers the question 'How long, O Lord?' with the assurance that God will make all things right, judge all evil, restore all creation, and dwell with His people forever. The message: Jesus wins, and those who belong to Him share in His victory eternally.
Ἀποκάλυψις
Apokalypsis
Unveiling, revelation, disclosure - not hidden but revealed by God. The book's very name declares it is meant to reveal, not conceal.
Μαρτυρία
Martyria
Testimony, witness - the faithful testimony of Jesus and His followers, even unto death. Root of English 'martyr'.
Ὁ Ὤν καὶ ὁ Ἦν καὶ ὁ Ἐρχόμενος
Ho Ōn kai ho Ēn kai ho Erchomenos
The One who is and who was and who is to come - God's eternal existence and certain future arrival. Echo of YHWH.
Ἀλφα καὶ Ὦμεγα
Alpha kai Ōmega
First and last letters of Greek alphabet - Christ as beginning and end of all things, encompassing all reality.
Ἀρνίον
Arnion
Little lamb - used 28 times in Revelation for Christ. The sacrificed Lamb is now the conquering Lamb who opens seals and receives worship.
Θηρίον
Thērion
Beast, wild animal - used for Antichrist and False Prophet. Represents brutal, savage, animalistic opposition to God.
Βασιλεὺς Βασιλέων καὶ Κύριος Κυρίων
Basileus Basileōn kai Kyrios Kyriōn
King of Kings and Lord of Lords - supreme title of Christ as sovereign over all earthly and spiritual powers.
Λίμνη τοῦ Πυρός
Limnē tou Pyros
Lake of Fire - final destination of Satan, demons, Antichrist, False Prophet, Death, Hades, and all whose names are not in Book of Life. Eternal separation from God.
Νέος Οὐρανός καὶ Νέα Γῆ
Neos Ouranos kai Nea Gē
New Heaven and New Earth - not renovated but brand new (neos = new in kind). Complete recreation where righteousness dwells.
Ναός
Naos
Temple - notably absent in New Jerusalem because 'the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.' Direct access to God's presence.
Ἔρχου
Erchou
Come! - The Spirit and Bride's invitation to Christ and to the thirsty. Also John's prayer 'Come, Lord Jesus!' (Maranatha)
Ξύλον τῆς Ζωῆς
Xylon tēs Zōēs
Tree of Life - access forbidden in Genesis 3:22-24 now restored in Revelation 22:2. What was lost in the Fall is regained in Christ.
Interpretation Notes
Revelation is written in apocalyptic genre using extensive symbolism drawn from the Old Testament - over 800 allusions to OT passages. Numbers carry meaning: 7 (completion, perfection), 12 (God's people), 3.5/42 months/1,260 days (limited time of tribulation), 666 (imperfect man falling short of 7), 1,000 (complete but limited time). Colors symbolize: white (purity, victory), red (bloodshed, war), black (famine, death), pale green (death). The book uses recapitulation - events described from different angles rather than strict chronological sequence. Four main interpretive views exist: Preterist (fulfilled in 1st century), Historicist (fulfilled throughout church history), Idealist (symbolic of ongoing spiritual battle), and Futurist (chapters 4-22 yet to be fulfilled). Most conservative evangelicals hold a Futurist view with Idealist elements. The book's central message transcends interpretive debates: Jesus Christ is Lord, He is returning, and He will make all things new. Maranatha - Come, Lord Jesus!