Verse by Verse

Through

The Revelation

of Jesus Christ

Dr. Randy White Copyright 2015

How To Use This Resource

This verse-by-verse study has one goal in mind: to guide you in personal study of the Word of God so that you can fulfill your Biblical obligation to study to show thyself approved (2 Timothy 3:16). I believe that those who complete this study will be well-equipped to make Biblical conclusions about the doctrine of the book of Revelation. In addition to this, taking part in this study will help you to study any portion of God’s Word. Since real Bible study is rare in today’s world, this study needs a little explanation. First, let’s talk about what this study is not--

● This is not a Bible study that is designed to spoon feed you. ● This is not a study of what someone else says about the Bible. ● This is not a life-application exercise. ● This is not a quick overview of the book of Revelation.

What is this study?

● It is a word-by-word analysis of the God-breathed words of Scripture ● It is a guide to help you dig deep into the book of Revelation.. ● It is a tool to help you develop good Bible-study skills.

Each verse of the book of Revelation will be given unique and individual treatment, except when the sentence structure requires more than one verse to complete a thought. Some sections will move very quickly because of the unmistakable meaning of the words. Others will take much longer due to the need to search the Scripture for the meaning of the words of the verse at hand. Organization of the Study Each passage will contain three parts of study.

1. Comprehend - Developing an understanding of the words, the grammar, and the context.

2. Compare - Developing an understanding of the Biblical usage of important words and concepts, and comparison of various English translations in order to have full comprehension of the meaning of the text.

3. Conclude - Developing Biblical theological / doctrinal conclusions that cause you to think Biblically.

This study uses the King James Version of the English Bible. The KJV is used because it remains the most accurately literal rendering of the Greek text available. Often comparison will be made with other translations and within the KJV itself as it translates particular words in other verses. Your study will enable you to discover poor translations and the theological implications that may come from those translations.

What You Will Need

● A King James Bible - while each verse is printed within the text, you will want to look up various other passages during each study.

● A Strong’s Lexicon - widely available online for free usage. ● A Greek interlinear is helpful, but not required. ● Patience - Don’t rush to complete. Rather, strive to be transformed by the renewing of

your mind.

REVELATION 1:1

“THE Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:” Comprehend:

● The book is, according to Scripture, the revelation of __________ ___________.

● Is there a difference between a revelation and the revelation?

● Using Strong’s Concordance, the word revelation is apokalypsis. Which of the possible translations from Strong’s might also make sense as a substitute fore revelation in Revelation 1:1? ________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

● To whom is the revelation of Jesus Christ given, according to the text? (Circle one)

a. To Jesus b. To His servants c. To an angel d. To John

● The purpose of giving of the Revelation in John’s day was “to ___________ unto his

servants the things which will ______________ come to pass.”

● “Shortly” is the Greek word tachos (Strong’s Greek #5034), from which we get the English word tachometer. The word is an adverb, and can imply the timing of the arrival or the manner of the arrival. As noted in Strong’s, when the word is prefixed with the Greek Word (Strong’s 1722) en, it means “in haste.” Revelation 1:1 says, “en tachos.”

602 ἀποκάλυψις apokálypsis, ap-ok-al'-oop-sis; from G601; disclosure:—appearing, coming, lighten, manifestation, be revealed,

5036 τάχος táchos, takh'-os; from the same as G5036; a brief space (of time), i.e. (with G1722 prefixed) in haste:—+ quickly, + shortly, + speedily.

a. In the English language, which does the word shortly normally give indication to? (Circle one)

■ The timing of the arrival ■ The manner of the arrival

b. What word from Strong’s would you use that would imply the manner of arrival,

and would be a possible interpretation of tachos when used with en? _________________________________________________________

● Substituting one of the possible words for apokalypsis and en tachos, from above, what

possible translation could you give for Revelation 1:1-- The _________________________________ of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him to show his servants what must _____________________________________ come to pass.

● The revelation was signified (Strong’s #4591). Look at the pictures of signals (above). What implications are indicated by the use of this word signified over other words that

could have been used? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

● The revelation was signified by Christ, through the mediation of an ___________ to John, the Apostle. (Notice the same angel is presented in Revelation 22:6 and 16).

4591 σηµαίνω [semaino /say·mah·ee·no/] v. From sema (a mark, of uncertain derivation); Six occurrences; AV translates as “signify” six times. 1 to give a sign, to signify, indicate. 2 to make known.

Compare

● There are 18 uses of the word apokalypsis in the King James Version. Discern the full meaning of the word by studying its usage in these verses (using the KJV)--

Verse Translation of apokalypsis

Luke 2:32

Romans 8:19

1 Corinthians 1:7

1 Peter 1:13

● The phrase “the revelation of Jesus Christ,” or something very similar, is used in 6

verses in addition to Revelation 1:1. Study these scriptures and search for the meaning of the phrase.

Verse Translation of apokalypsis Question for thought

1 Corinthians 1:7 (used above)

The coming of the Lord is mentioned in v. 7, the timing is in v. 8, “in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Galatians 1:12 How did Paul encounter Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, in spirit or in physical manifestation?

2 Thessalonians 1:7 What event is being referred to in this verse?

1 Peter 1:7 What event is being referred to in this verse?

1 Peter 1:13 (used above)

What event is being referred to in this verse?

1 Peter 4:13 What event is being referred to in this verse?

● From the study of the verses above, note that “the revelation of Jesus Christ” is the appearing, manifestation, or coming of Jesus Christ. In all but one of the verses (Galatians 1:12), the phrase is a reference to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

● Do you find anything wrong with the following translations of the first words of Revelation 1:1, as compared to the King James Version?

Version Translation Objections?

KJV The Revelation of Jesus Christ

NIV The Revelation from Jesus Christ

TEV This book is the record of the events that Jesus Christ revealed.

NLT This is a revelation from Jesus Christ

● The apocalypse of Jesus Christ was given to Jesus Christ. It seems so problematic that

The revelation of Jesus Christ was given to Jesus Christ that some of the translations, as seen above, change the clear Greek meaning so that the revelation is not given to Jesus but is from Jesus. Since we have already seen that the revelation of Jesus Christ is a phrase that is used five times in Scripture to refer to His Second Coming, we need to “search the Scriptures” and see if the Second Coming is a gift to Jesus Christ. Use the passages below to investigate this matter—

● Psalm 2:6-9 ○ Who has set His King on Zion? (v. 6)? _________________________ ○ Who is this King? David | Messiah | Unknown ○ What is the King told to do in order to receive “the uttermost parts of the

earth for thy possession (v. 8)? _______________________________ ○ Is this passage historical (a past event) or future (a prophetic statement)?

_________________________________________________________ ○ If this passage is prophetic, when does the King rule the nations “with a

rod of iron?” (See Revelation 12:5) _____________________________ ● Philippians 2:8-11

○ Who is the “Him” that God hat “highly exalted?” ___________________ ○ Does “every tongue confess” and “every knee bow” in our current world?

_______________________________________________ ○ If not, when will this happen? __________________________________ ○ According to verse 9, does God give Jesus this experience? _________ ○ According to verse 8, what has Jesus done to receive this gift?

_________________________________________________________ ● Hebrews 2:8-9

○ Who is the one to whom all things are to be put “in subjection under his feet?” (v. 8) ______________________________________________

○ Since verse 8 says, “we see not yet all things put under him,” at what point will all things be in subjection? ___________________________

○ Who will “put all tings in subjection” under the feet of Jesus? ________________________________________________________

● Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?

The revelation of Jesus Christ is a gift to Christ given by God in exchange for

His saving work on the cross.

● The King James version states that the revelation was signified. ○ Compare the following translations.

■ NIV: made it known ■ NLT: He sent an angel to present this revelation ■ The Message: He published and delivered it by Angel ■ NASB: He communicated it by His angel

○ Do the other translations give the full meaning that is seen in signified? Why or why not?

_____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Conclude

● Any conclusion that does not give insight into the Revelation of Jesus Christ would be either false or secondary. As you study the book of Revelation remember that the book is not about the Antichrist, his mark or his reign, nor is it about the 144,000 or their protection. The book is not about the resurrection of the dead or the defeat of the devil. From verse 1 through the end, the book is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, signified by Christ’s angel unto John for the use of Christ’s servants.

● The book of Revelation is about the unveiling of Jesus Christ, which shall occur at the end of days. Consider the following definitions, and then make some conclusions below.

Preterist Millenium Postmillenial Amillenial Premillenial

A view that interprets most of Revelation as past, historical events.

The 1,000-year reign of Christ, during which time Satan is unable to deceive.

A belief that Jesus returns to earth after 1,000 years of peace on earth, and takes His people to eternity in heaven.

A belief that the 1,000 years of the reign of Christ is spiritual in span and scope.

A belief that Jesus returns to earth and establishes a literal 1,000 year reign on earth over the nations of the earth.

● Since the book is about the revelation / appearing of Jesus Christ... ○ Does this allow for a preterist view of the book of Revelation?

○ Since the millenium is presented at the end of the book, does this allow for a

postmillenial or amillenial view of the book of Revelation?

● Something signified is seen in symbols. The Angel did not communicate the revelation just in words, but in visions, so the word signified is precise. John is going to faithfully communicate to us the signs given to him, using the limitations of language.

● Summary truths from Revelation 1:1

○ The future unveiling of Jesus Christ is the subject of the book. ○ The future unveiling of Jesus Christ is a gift given to Jesus by God the Father. ○ The future unveiling of Jesus Christ has been given in advance by being signified

to John through a mediating angel. ○ The future unveiling of Jesus Christ is preserved for us in the words of human

language.

Revelation 1:2

“Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.” Comprehend

● To whom is the word Who is a reference? _________________________.

● Two words in Revelation 1:2 are built on the root word martus. Which two English words (or phrases) are used to speak of the martus?

● _____________________________ ● _____________________________

● What did he bare record of? ○ The _________________________________________. ○ The _________________________________________. ○ And of _______________________________________.

● Two words help determine whether John

bare record of two or three things. These two words are hosos and te. ○ Hosos is simply a “double os,” which is

the equivalent of our comparative word as. Therefore, hosos is “as as,” or “as many as.”

○ Te is a particle, most often translated “and” or “both.”

○ How would you translate the words “hosos te” followed by the English words “he saw?” _______________________________________________________________

3144 µάρτυς, πρωτόµαρτυς [martus /mar·toos/] 1 a witness. 1A in a legal sense. 1B an historical sense. 1B1 one who is a spectator of anything, e.g. of a contest. 1C in an ethical sense.

3745 ὅσος [hosos /hos·os/] pron. AV translates as “as many as” 24 times, “whatsoever” nine times, “that” nine times, “whatsoever things” eight times… 1 as great as, as far as, how much, how many, whoever.

Compare

● Verse 2 says that John bare record of three things. Using the translations below, note the number of things that John bare witness to

Version Revelation 1:2 How many things did John bare witness?

KJV “Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.”

3

NIV “who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

TEV “and John has told all that he has seen. This is his report concerning the message from God and the truth revealed by Jesus Christ.”

NLT “who faithfully reported everything he saw. This is his report of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

The Message

“And John told everything he saw: God’s Word—the witness of Jesus Christ!”

ESV “who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.”

NASB “who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.”

Conclude

● Do you think there is three, two, or one distinct categories of things that John bare witness of?

● According to the text, is it possible that John did not bare an accurate witness in the Book of Revelation?

Revelation 1:3

“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Comprehend

● The word blessed is deeper than emotional joy from circumstances. The word is an adjective describing the one who fulfills the obligations of the verse, and is not related to their emotional state.

● The verse promises a blessing on three activities. These activities are the verbs of verse 3.

○ Blessed is he that ____________________________.

KJV Tip: any verb ending in -eth is in the third person singular (he/she/it). Plural verbs do not have any suffix (he that readeth -vs- they that read). From this, it is easy to see that an individual is promised blessing by reading the book. The masculine is used by the standard of the English language, not necessarily implying that this blessing is only upon males. Every masculine should be carefully observed for the possibility that it refers to “males only” or, even more importantly, to the Messiah Himself (as in Psalm 1:1-3). Gender-neutral versions should be avoided because they have done the interpretive work on behalf of the student, something that goes beyond the scope of a translation’s purpose.

○ Blessed are they that _________________________. ○ Blessed are those who _____________________________________________.

Bible Study Tip: as you study the Word, look for verbs. These words of are a call to action.

● The Greek word for readeth is anagnosis (Strong’s Greek #314).

○ Ana is a prefix that means among or within.

○ Gnosis is the Greek word for knowledge.

○ Consider the following English words that contain the Greek prefix ana, in order to discover the full meaning of anagnosis.

English Word Greek Word used after Ana-

English Definition of Greek root

How does using “among” used with the Greek root give

insight to the definition of the English word?

Anabaptist Baptizo To baptize Among baptism: the anabaptists are

known for their belief about adult baptism.

Anabiotic Bios Life Among life: an anabiotic works to

renew life

Analog Logos Words / symbols / meaning

Among words or symbols. An analog clock describes time “among symbols.”

Greek: anagnosis Gnosis Knowledge Among knowledge, therefore, reading is

to come “among knowledge.”

○ Note: While ana most accurately means among, it also carries the idea of again,

by virtue of the fact that if you are among an item or action, you see or do it repeatedly.

314 ἀναγινώσκω [anaginosko /an·ag·in·oce·ko/] v. From 303 and 1097; 33 occurrences; AV translates as “read” 33 times. 1 to distinguish between, to recognise, to know accurately, to acknowledge. 2 to read.

○ What insight does the word study of anagnosis give to you about the action that

is called for in v. 3 in the word readeth?

● The Greek Word for hear (Strong’s Greek #

191) is akouo, from which we get the English word acoustic. A room with good acoustics is a room which enables good ___________________.

● The instruction is to hear the words of this __________________________________.

● A prophecy is something about the future,

which must be fulfilled in complete accuracy. What implication does this give to the entire message of the book of Revelation?

● There is a promised blessing to he that readeth and they that hear and keep those

things written. This promise is timely because the time is ______________________. ● There are two Greek words for time.

○ Chronos: (Strong's Greek #5550) the time of day, a calendar, clock, or chronological time, or a period of time such as “winter time.”

○ Kairos: (Strong’s Greek # 2540) the suitability of a matter. Often taught to be season but only in the sense of suitability, such as seasonal clothing.

○ Revelation 1:3 uses the word kairos. What significance is there in using this word over the other?

191 ἀκουστός, ἀκούω [akouo /ak·oo·o/] v. A root; 437 occurrences; AV translates as “hear” 418 times, “hearken” six times, “give audience” three times, “hearer” twice, and translated miscellaneously eight times. 1 to be endowed with the faculty of hearing, not deaf. 2 to hear. 2B to attend to, consider what is or has been said. 2C to understand, perceive the sense of what is said…

Compare

● The book of Revelation promises blessing here and in six other verses. In the chart below, consider the promised blessings.

Verse Promised Blessing

Revelation 1:3

Revelation 14:13

Revelation 16:15

Revelation 19:9

Revelation 20:6

Revelation 22:7

Revelation 22:14

● Compare he that readeth in the King James with other translations. Which translations

use a gender-neutral interpretation? What does the use of gender-neutral tell you about the translating philosophy of that particular translation?

● The Douay-Rheims version of the Bible (often used by Catholics) had changed the

person of the instruction (from 2nd person to 3rd). Using your knowledge of Old English suffixes and comparing to the King James, underline the two instances where this change has been made.

“Blessed is he that readeth and heareth the words of this prophecy: and keepeth those things which are written in it. For the time is at hand.” (Revelation 1:3, D-R)

● What concerns, if any, would this give you about using the Douay-Rheims?

Conclude ● In verse 1, the Lord signified His revelation, through an angel, to John. However, in

verse 3, John has written that which was signified to him. The duty of the student is to discern the meaning of the words, not the symbols. Beware of creating or adopting any interpretation that ignores the plain use of words.

● Since these are prophetic words about what is still future, is there any blessing in reading, hearing, and keeping them today? If so, what might that blessing be?

● What instructions, if any, about the future could be kept today?

● Is there a danger of applying future prophetic passages to today? Can you think of any examples from the book of Revelation that should not be literally applied today?

● Revelation 1:3 says that the kairos (season) is near. Using the Greek Interlinear from Acts 1:7, is it the chronos or the kairos that we are not to know?

● 7 Ειπεν δε προς αυτους Ουχ υμων εστιν γνωναι χρονους η καιρους

And he said ·

to

them,

Not 3

yours 4

it 1 is 2

to know

times or

seasons

ους ο Πατηρ εθετο εν τη ιδια εξουσια which

the

Father

placed

in

the

his own

authority;

Revelation 1:4

“John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;” Comprehend

● No serious objections are given to the almost exclusively held claim that John the Apostle is the author.

● This is the first of many occurrences of the number seven, a number seen in connection with spiritual perfection.

● The word church is ekklesia. Looking at Strong’s Lexicon, is this word inherently a Christian church? _____________________________.

● Using the grammar coded Greek interlinear

below (also available for Logos Bible Software and Randy White Ministries), notice the shading on the Greek pronoun (a single letter) translated who. While English would not indicate whether the who in reference is male or female, Greek provides such designation.

1577 ἐκκλησία [ekklesia /ek·klay·see·ah/] n f. 118 occurrences; AV translates as “church” 115 times, and “assembly” three times. 1 a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place, an assembly. 1A an assembly of the people convened at the public place of the council for the purpose of deliberating. 1B the assembly of the Israelites. 1C any gathering or throng of men assembled by chance, tumultuously. 1D in a Christian sense. 1D1 an assembly of Christians gathered for worship in a religious meeting…

1 ● Using the blue and pink shading above, indicate whether the following are grammatically

masculine (M) or feminine (F) ○ John ___________ ○ The assemblies ___________ ○ The One who is/was/is to come ___________

● Because the Greek gives indication that the who is masculine, who do you consider this

who to be? __________________________________.

● What other indication in the verse helps you determine the identity of the who?

Compare

● If you said that the who is Jesus Christ, how does the Revelation 11:13 cause a problem with this conclusion?

○ In Revelation 11:13, the One on the throne is ___________________________. ○ The one beside the throne is ________________________________________. ○ Since Jesus cannot be both on the throne and beside the throne, Who is the One

on the throne? ___________________________________________________. ○ Note: Verse 5 clearly indicates that the One on the throne is not Jesus. The

purpose of this exercise was to show how easy it is to make a wrong conclusion when you do not consider the larger context and check your answer with the whole of Scripture.

Theological point to remember: Jesus the Messiah is only seen on His throne in the future. In this current age, Jesus is always seen at the right hand of the throne. The throne of Jesus is the throne of David, which will be re-established at the Second Coming.

● How does Exodus 3:14 relate to God as the One “who is, who was, and who is to

come?”

1 Color-coded parts of speech in the Greek interlinear are available for those who have Logos Bible Software. For information on this software, go to www.logos.com/randywhite. Contact us for information installing the color-coded filter.

● Do you see any similarities with the seven Spirits and Zechariah 4:2?

Conclude

● Revelation 1:1 says that the book is about the apocalypse of Jesus Christ. Revelation 1:3 says that the book is a prophecy. This is indication (but not solid proof sufficient for doctrine) that the message to the seven assemblies in Revelation 2-3 is prophetic, not just descriptive of that which is true in John’s day.

● Grace and peace is a prayer by many of the New Testament believers, and both of these blessings should be experienced by believers who are baptized into Christ.

Revelation 1:5

“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,” (Revelation 1:5, KJV 1900) Comprehend

● Just as God the Father was described in three ways in verse 4 (who is, who was, and who is to come), Jesus Christ is described using three terms:

○ The ___________________________________________________. ○ The ___________________________________________________. ○ The ___________________________________________________.

● John celebrates the fact that Jesus washed us from our ________________ with his own _________________________. The motivation of this washing from sins was His ___________________________.

● Since Jesus was not the first one to be raised from the dead, how is He the first begotten of the dead? (See 1 Corinthians 15:20-23).

● Note that our verse ends in a comma. To get the complete understanding we will have to complete verse 6.

Compare ● In Revelation 17:14, is Jesus the “prince of the kings of the earth” today, or will his

defeat of the other kings of the earth be in the future? __________________________________________________________________.

● Jesus is “the first begotten of the dead.” The Greek uses the word ek “out of” the dead. It is the root of our English word exit. The word ek always implies that there was a presence with, but now a removal from. The word is used 132 times in the book of Revelation, usually translated out of, from, or of. To understand the meaning of the word, complete the chart below.

Verse Ek translated as There was a presence with...

But now...

Revelation 1:5 of the dead Jesus is alive

Revelation 1:16 out of his mouth the sword is out of his mouth

Revelation 2:7 of the tree of life the fruit is out of the tree and now into the recipient

Revelation 2:10 of the group (you-plural) they are out of the group and into prison

Revelation 2:21 of fornication there was an opportunity to repent out of that fornication

Revelation 3:5 out of the book of life

Revelation 4:7 out of the right hand

● The word prince is archon, which is a “ruler, commander, chief, leader.” Compare the

translations of the word in the following passages--

Verse Translation of archon

Matthew 9:18 ruler

Luke 11:15

Luke 12:58

Romans 13:3

Conclude

● Notice the similarity in the three-fold description of the Father and the Son.

Verse 4 - the Father Time Verse 5 - the Son

The One who is Present The faithful witness

The one who was Past The first begotten of the dead

The One who is to come Future The prince of the kings of the earth

● Jesus was once dead, but now he is out of the dead. ● Prince is not so much a title of royalty as it is of authority.