All Posts Archived Lessons New Testament Old Testament Book of Mormon Doctrine & Covenants Search “Glory, and Power, Be unto … the Lamb for Ever” CFMCorner Dec 4, 2023 45 min read CFM: December 4–10 Revelation 1–5 Videos and Podcasts Video/ Podcast ​Lesson Extension ​Additional Materials Scripture Central Revelation 1–5 Study Guide Follow Him Revelation 1–5 Part 1 , Part 2 Transcripts Line Upon Line Revelation 1–5 Teaching with Power Revelation 1–5 ​ Don't Miss This Revelation 1–5 ​ ​CFM New Testament Revelation 1–5 ​Unshaken Revelation 1–5 ( Part 1 , Part 2 ) ​ ​The Interpreter Foundation Revelation 1–5 ​Study helps by Jonn Claybaugh ​Teaching Helps with John Hilton Revelation 1–5 ​ ​Scripture Gems Revelation 1-5 ​ ​Ponderfun Revelation 1–5 ​Talking Scripture Revelation 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5-6 Show Notes ​Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class , New Testament Revelation 1–5: Notes , Slides , Handout arnt29_presentation .ppsx Download PPSX • 11.70MB This week I was invited to attend a gathering for CFM content creators at the Church Office Building. It was a fantastic experience and I had the privilege of meeting several of our favorite friends from many of the podcasts and resources that we have all become so familiar with over the last few years. I also had the opportunity to meet several new friends, and I will be incorporating some of their materials to our reference links and future lessons, so be on the lookout for those. Resources and Insights about this Week's Lesson The Name 'Revelation' in Greek: The Greek title of the Book of Revelation is Ἀποκάλυψις “Apokalypsis,” meaning “unveiling” or “revelation.” It is the very first word of the book, a compound word ἀπό “from” and καλύπτω “cover, hide, veil.” The word implies the revealing of things that are concealed כָּסָה , fitting for the book’s content of unveiling patterns and concealed spiritual truths. Historical Context The Book of Revelation was written in a time of great turmoil and distress for early Christians and Jews, against a backdrop of significant cultural and political upheaval. Listed are a few examples: 1. Destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem (70 AD): The Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship and symbol of Jewish identity, was destroyed by the Romans. This event was a catastrophic blow to Jewish society and religion, leading to a significant shift in Jewish religious life and practices. 2. Persecution of Jews and Christians: During this period, both Jews and Christians faced intense persecution. The fall of Jerusalem further marginalized the Jewish people, while Christians, seen as a sect of Judaism initially, were also subjected to severe trials. Several key figures like the Apostles Peter and Paul had been martyred. Their deaths symbolized the extreme risks faced by Christian leaders and followers alike. Persecution under Roman Emperors: Notably, Emperors like Nero were infamous for their brutal treatment of Christians. Nero's reign (54-68 AD) was marked by the Great Fire of Rome (64 AD), after which he blamed and persecuted Christians, subjecting them to cruel and unusual punishments. Circus of Nero: This refers to the brutal spectacles where Christians were often tortured and killed for public entertainment. These events were part of the broader context of hostility and violence against Christians. Before the writing of Revelation, key figures like the Apostles Peter and Paul had been martyred. Their deaths symbolized the extreme risks faced by Christian leaders and followers alike. Masada: An ancient Herodian fortress in Israel is the site of a tragic and iconic event in Jewish history, dating back to around 73-74 AD during the First Jewish-Roman War. After the destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple in 70 AD, a group of Jewish rebels, known as the Sicarii, along with their families, took refuge in the fortress of Masada, located atop a rocky plateau overlooking the Dead Sea. The Roman Empire, determined to quell this last pocket of Jewish resistance, laid siege to Masada. They built a massive rampart and breached the fortress. According to the account by Flavius Josephus, a Jewish historian of the time, when Roman troops finally entered the fortress, they discovered that the 960 occupants had chosen mass suicide over capture. The defenders had killed their families and then themselves, preferring death to enslavement or execution by the Romans. This act of mass suicide has become a symbol of bravery, freedom, and the struggle against oppression, deeply embedded in Israeli national consciousness and Jewish history. Exile of John to Patmos: John mentions being on the island of Patmos “because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 1:9). This is generally understood to mean that John was exiled to Patmos, a small, rocky island in the Aegean Sea, as a form of punishment for his Christian ministry. This setting of turmoil, oppression, and uncertainty heavily influenced the writing and themes of Revelation. The letter of Revelation was intended to offer guidance, hope, a promise of divine justice, and a vision of ultimate victory for the many believers who were enduring very challenging trials and opposition. The Jewish Nature of the Book of Revelation The Book of Revelation is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and symbolism, drawing extensively from the Old Testament and Jewish culture. Its Jewish nature is evident in its use of imagery, themes, and references that would have been familiar to a Jewish audience. 1. Old Testament Imagery and Symbolism: The Book of Revelation, with its intricate tapestry of symbols and visions, is deeply connected to the Old Testament. In fact, it's estimated that about one out of every ten words in Revelation is either a direct quotation from or an allusion to the Old Testament. This intertextual relationship is crucial for understanding the symbolic depth of Revelation. Consider the following: Examples like the “Lion of the tribe of Judah” in Revelation 5:5 directly refers back to Genesis 49:9 , INT , drawing one of many connection between Old Testament messianic prophecies and New Testament fulfillment. The imagery of the “New Jerusalem” in Revelation 21 echoes the prophecies of Ezekiel Isaiah, and Daniel, symbolizing the restoration and glorification of Israel and Old and New Jerusalem. Temple imagery abounds, with references to the Tree of Life, Cherubim, the stones in the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Ark of the Covenant, and others. These elements, rooted in Jewish temple worship, resonated deeply with the cultural and religious heritage of its Jewish-Christian audience. Historical allusions to events like the Babylonian Exile and various political figures and conflicts provide a backdrop of historical context that enriches the narrative. For example: the reference 666 is a reference to Nero, and frequently various leaders (Political, spiritual, national) were represented as animals: Rams, Sheep, Goats, etc. This was typical of most apocalyptic literature (Ezekiel, Daniel, Enoch). These were cryptic types of writings that were frequently used during periods of intense persecution to protect members (Babylonian Exile, 70 AD Diaspora, etc.) Revelation fits in with other contemporary Jewish apocalyptic writings of the time, like Ezekiel, Daniel, and the Book of 1 Enoch 1:1-2 , 1 Enoch 90:20 , 37-40 , 3 Baruch 1:1-8 , etc. Revelation follows the same structure and format as traditional Jewish Apocalyptic Texts: It speaks to readers via symbols and heavenly visions, through cultural images and codes primarily aimed at an insider audience. (Ex Rev 5:5-6 INT , the slain lamb (seven horns, eyes, & spirits). These linguistic codes would make sense to an inside audience, but they would have been enigmatic to an outsider (especially to an outside audience 2000 years in the future). Revelation expresses strong anti-Roman Sentiments: The text enters into a polemic with the paganistic beliefs and practices of the Roman empire. (Ex. Rev. 17:1-9 INT ) Revelation is a real letter: A public message to seven very real, historical assemblies of Christian followers undergoing severe persecution. Ephesus Smyrna Pergamos Thyatira Sardis Philadelphia Laodicea Revelation is a Prophetic message: Israel’s prophets always rebuked sin and proclaimed future hope. In like manner Revelation issues stern warnings to those who go astray towards paganism and offers rewards of a bright future and praise to the faithful who persevere the persecution and remain faithful to the God of Israel. Demonstrates strong prophetic themes related to Throne Theophany and Merkva Mysticism (we will cover these topic in more detail later). Revelation is about 1st-century events. The author says his vision will come to pass “shortly, in order” (Rev. 1:1, 22:5) (although not exclusively) Revelation contains prophecies relevant to both the time of its writing and future events, especially those anticipating the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. It highlights replicating and specific patterns, that applied both historically to its early Christian audience and relates to a future audience. The visions of future events are included as expected prophecies, but a core of the message is largely focused on the time in which it was written. Therefore, understanding the history and symbolism of the Book of Revelation can be greatly enhanced by examining these symbols and events in their original cultural and scriptural context. Understanding Symbolism in Scripture Tools A key tool for studying symbolism in context is a concordance. A concordance is a comprehensive index of words used in religious scriptures, listing every occurrence of each word along with the corresponding passages. The Bible Index in the Standard Works is an abbreviated type of concordance. In addition to this reference, there are many other concordances that are much more extensive, they sometimes include various translatio