In our current Bible Study series, we are studying the book of Revelation. The Book of Revelation was written by John (Rev. 1:4). John was most likely either the apostle John or an elder of the church. Revelation was written as a single work most likely during the reign of emperor Domitian, around 95 A.D.
During this time, persecution of Christians was increasing, though not systematic in all regions of the Roman Empire (and therefore not necessarily by policy). The intensity of the persecution may have varied based on city and region, something that would not have been unheard of (see the book of Acts).
The main idea of Revelation is the sovereignty of God over all events. His glory is continually enhanced because he has accomplished and will accomplish full salvation and final judgment. It has been shown that the LORD gives victory to Jesus Christ his son through the suffering of the cross and resurrection. Therefore, believers are exhorted to endure in the faith to the very end of all things.
Commentaries used for this Bible study series include:
Aune, David E. Revelation 1–5. Vol. 52A of Word Biblical Commentary. Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 1997.
Aune, David E. Revelation 6–16. Vol. 52B of Word Biblical Commentary. Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 1998.
Aune, David E. Revelation 17–22. Vol. 52C of Word Biblical Commentary. Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 1998.
Beale, G.K. The Book of Revelation. NIGTC. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1999.
Heiser, Michael S. The Old Testament in Revelation. Naked Bible Press, 2021.
Yeatts, John R. Revelation. Believers Church Bible Commentary. Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 2003.
Other Resources utilized include but are not limited to:
Balz, Horst Robert, and Gerhard Schneider. Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1990-.
Bass, Justin W. The Battle for the Keys: Revelation 1:18 and Christ’s Descent into the Underworld. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock/Paternoster, 2014.
Beale, G. K., and Sean M McDonough. “Revelation.” Pages 1081–1158 in Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, MI; Nottingham, UK: Baker Academic; Apollos, 2007.
Freedman, David Noel, Gary A. Heiron, David F. Graf, John David Pleins, and Astrid B. Beck, eds. The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary. New York: Doubleday, 1992.
Kittel, Gerhard, Gerhard Friedrich, & Geoffrey William Bromiley. Theological Dictionary of the New Testament Abridged in One Volume. Grand Rapids, MI: Eedrmans, 1985.
Martin, Ralph P. and Peter H. Davids, eds. Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments. Downers Grove: Intervarsity Press, 1997.
Silva, Moises, ed. New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2014.
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