PRECIS OF REVELATION IN CONTEXT
The first three verses of the Book of Revelation tell us that something was about to happen.
WHAT HAPPENED?
In 70 AD the nation of Israel was destroyed along with its capitol city, Jerusalem. The survivors of this destruction were sold into slavery and assimilated racially. Jesus Christ was left as the only legitimate Heir to the Promises, the Covenants, the Kingdom, and the Throne.
His Bride, His Body, the Church, flourished in the absence of their arch persecutors. They went forth with the presence and power of God and conquered the Roman world in the first few centuries.
The surviving Rabbis of the Pharisees joined together to preserve their religion. They appropriated to themselves the name “Jews” and “Israel.” They worked for the next few centuries to try to gather up their “Oral Law” and put it into writing. The result of their work is still extant in the Babylonian Talmud and the Jerusalem Talmud, which they claim to be their authoritative scriptures, supplanting the Biblical Scriptures. These are now available in English translation.
WHEN did it happen? ON CUE AS FORETOLD
The events of the Book of Revelation happened “Shortly,” “Quickly,” “Soon,” after the Book was written in the first century AD. It is about events that are now past in time. Its interpretation therefore requires a knowledge of the historical context.
WHERE did it happen?
Primarily in Judea and from there to the Jewish colonies throughout the Roman world.
HOW did the Book happen?
By revelation from God to Jesus Christ, to the Angel, to John, then to “His Servants.” This revelation came through visions, through voices, and through the writing by John to the Churches.
WHO was the message to?
It was to “His Servants.” “His Servants” were the Jews who had accepted Christ as their Savior and their earliest Gentile converts.
WHY did it happen?
Because these things had been promised in the Covenant and prophesied by the Prophets and confirmed by their fulfillment in Christ. It was morally imperative that they happen when they did.
This blog, Revelation in Context, will describe, discuss and document these events in their Biblical, historical, linguistic, and cultural context. We invite you to go with us through this study of this most interesting, inspiring and informative Book.