BOOK REVIEW
The Book of
REVELATION
یسوع مسیح کا مکاشفہ
Background
The Book of
Revelation, often known simply as Revelation (مکاشفہ) or the Apocalypse, is
the final book of the New Testament and occupies a central place in Christian
eschatology. Written in Koine Greek, its title is derived from the first word
of the text, apokalypsis, meaning "unveiling" or
"revelation." The book spans three literary genres: epistolary,
apocalyptic, and prophetic. It begins with an epistolary address to the reader
followed by an apocalyptic description of a complex series of events derived
from prophetic visions which the author has seen. These include the appearance
of a number of figures and images which have become important in Christian
eschatology, such as the Whore of Babylon and the Beast, and culminate in the
Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
The imagery has
led to a wide variety of interpretations: historicist interpretations see in
Revelation a broad view of history; preterits interpretations treat Revelation
as mostly referring to the events of the apostolic era (1st century), or—at the
latest—the fall of the Roman Empire; futurists believe that Revelation
describes future events; and idealist or symbolic interpretations consider that
Revelation does not refer to actual people or events, but is an allegory of the
spiritual path and the ongoing struggle between good and evil.
The Book of
Revelation is the only apocalyptic document in the New Testament canon,
although there are short apocalyptic passages in various places in the Gospels
and the Epistles. The author of the work provided no title for it. However, a
title came into usage from the first word of the book in Koine Greek:
apokalypsis, meaning "unveiling" or "revelation". The word
"apocalypse" is also used for other works of a similar nature in the
literary genre of apocalyptic literature. Such literature is "marked by
distinctive literary features, particularly prediction of future events and
accounts of visionary experiences or journeys to heaven, often involving vivid
symbolism.
Authorship
The author of
the Book identifies himself in the text as "John" and says that he
was on Patmos, an island in the Aegean, when
he was instructed by a heavenly figure to write down the contents of a vision.
This John is traditionally supposed to be John the Apostle, although some
historical-critical scholarships reject this view. Recent scholarship has
suggested other possibilities including a putative figure given the name John
of Patmos. Most modern scholars believe it was written around AD 95, with some
believing it dates from around AD 70. My personal view after about the author
is, John the Apostle. There is a strong reference regarding this:
I John... was in
the isle that is called Patmos for the word of
God and the testimony of Jesus. ...And I heard behind me a great voice, as of a
trumpet saying: What thou seest, write in a book... (Rev. 1:9-11).
مَیں
یُوحنّا جو تُمہارا بھائی اور یِسُوع کی مُصِیبت اور بادشاہی اور صبر میں تُمہارا
شرِیک ہُوں خُدا کے کلام اور یِسُوع کی نِسبت گواہی دینے کے باعِث اُس ٹاپُو میں
تھا جوپتمُس کہلاتا ہے۔کہ خُداوند کے دِن رُوح میں آگیا اور اپنے پِیچھے نرسِنگے
کی سی یہ ایک بڑی آواز سُنی۔کہ جو کُچھ تُو دیکھتا ہے اُس کو کِتاب میں لِکھ . . .
) مکاشفہ ۱: ۹۔۱۱)
The traditional
theory holds that John the Apostle—considered to have written the Gospel and
the epistles of John—was exiled on Patmos in
the Aegean archipelago during the reign of Domitian, and there wrote
Revelation. According to early tradition this book was composed near the end of
Domitian's reign, around the year AD 95. Others contend for an earlier date, AD
68 or 69, in the reign of Nero or shortly thereafter. The majority of modern
scholars accept one of these two dates, with most accepting the Domitianic one.
CONTENTS
Revelation spans
three literary genres: epistolary, apocalyptic, and prophetic. The epistolary
aspect is characteristic of the beginning part of the book, from 1:4 to the end
of chapter 3. In 1:4–9, John addresses the reader directly, whereas in chapters
2–3, John addresses each of the seven Anatolian churches as if he were their
bishop.
There is no
clear evidence that the author drew from non-canonical Jewish apocalyptic
literature, even though Revelation has been compared with other non-biblical
Jewish writings from 200 BC to AD 200. Revelation makes use of symbolism and
visions, mentions angelic mediators, has bizarre imagery, declares divine
judgment, emphasizes the Kingdom
of God, prophesies a new
heaven and a new earth, and consists of a dualism of ages, in other words a
present world and a World to Come.
In terms of
being prophetic, the author of Revelation uses the words: prophecy, prophesy,
prophesying, prophet, and prophets twenty-one times in these various forms
throughout the text. It is clear that no other New Testament book uses these terms
to this extent.
Using the Greek
Septuagint, John makes 348 allusions, or indirect quotes, from 24 of the
canonized books of the Hebrew Bible, predominantly from Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel
and Psalms. The narrative of the terrifying and boastful beast that rises out
of the ocean, has many horns which represent kings, and which is thrown into
the fire, derives from Daniel 7. The beast from the Book of Revelation combines
body traits from all four beasts mentioned in Daniel 7. The description of the
angel who gives the revelation derives from Daniel 10:5–6; the four horsemen
derive from Zechariah (Zechariah 6:1–8); the lamp stands and the two olive
trees that represent two men derive from Zechariah 4:1–14; the four living
beings derive from Ezekiel 1 and Ezekiel 10; the edible scroll that tastes as
sweet as honey derives from Ezekiel 2:8–3:2; the marking of people on the
forehead to determine who will be harmed and who will be spared derives from
Ezekiel 9:3–6; and the locusts that look like horses and have teeth like those
of lions derive from the book of Joel.
Literary Structure
John appears to
have created a Book in seven sections, where each section is made up of an
introductory piece followed by seven revelations, and where the seven sections
are themselves arranged in the following chiasm:
Prologue 1.1–8;
Section 1:
1.9–3.22 Messages to the Seven Churches;
Section 2:
4.1–8.1 The Seven Seals;
Section 3:
8.2–11.18 The Seven Trumpets;
Section 4:
11.19–15.4 Seven Visions;
Section 5:
15.5–16.21 The Seven Bowls/Plagues;
Section 6:
17.1–19.10 Seven Words on the Fall of Babylon;
Section 7:
19.11–22.15 Seven Final Visions;
Epilogue
22.16–21.
In terms of
literary structure, Revelation consists of four visions, each involving John
"seeing" the plan of God unveiled,[1:9, 4:1, 17:1, 21:9] with an
epilogue that concludes the book.[22:6–21]. In terms of content, the structure
of Revelation is built around four successive groups of seven: the messages to
the seven churches; the seven seals; the seven trumpets; and the seven bowl
judgments. The repeated occurrence of the number seven contributes to the
overall unity of Revelation. While several numbers stand out—3, 4, 7, 10, 12,
24, 144, and 1000— the number seven appears to have a special significance. In
fact, there are twenty-four distinct occurrences of the use of
"seven." Seven is considered the number of perfection in
Christianity.
One half of
seven, 3½, is also a conspicuous number in Revelation: two witnesses are given
power to prophesy 1,260 days, or exactly 3½ years, according to the Hebrew year
of 360 days;[11:3] the witnesses are then killed, and their dead bodies lie in
the streets of Jerusalem for 3½ days;[11:9] the "woman clothed with the
sun" is protected in the wilderness for 1,260 days, or 3½ years;[12:6]
Gentiles tread the holy city underfoot for 42 months, or 3½ years;[11:2] and
the beast is given authority to continue for 42 months, or 3½ years.[13:5]
Details
surrounding the narrator of Revelation lead the reader to view him as a Jewish
Christian. Thus, the story must be related to the point of view of the
author-in-text. The main plot of Revelation is the battle between good and
evil, God and Satan. The story starts with the introduction of the main
character, John of Patmos, followed by a series of events that lead to the
resolution of the main problem, which is the defeat of evil and the
establishment of a New Jerusalem. The hero, or protagonist, is Jesus. Satan is
the antagonist, the ultimate adversary.
Events of Revelation
The Revelation
of Jesus Christ is communicated to John of Patmos through prophetic visions.
(1:1–9). John is instructed by the "one like a son of man" to write that
entire he hears and sees, from the prophetic visions, to Seven churches of Asia. (1:10–13). The appearance of the "one like a
son of man" is given, and he reveals what the seven stars and seven lamp
stands represent. (1:14–20). Following is the chapter wise review summary:
Chapter 1: Blessed
is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the
things which are written in it; for the time is near. John is in the spirit on
the Lord's Day and he hears a voice commanding him to write down what he sees
and send it to the churches. He sees seven golden candlesticks and the Son of
Man. His hair was white as snow, eyes like flames. In hand, seven stars. Out of
his mouth came a two-edged sword. He explains that the seven stars are the
angels of the seven churches and the candlesticks are the seven churches.
Chapters 2 &
3: John writes to the churches and implores them to be faithful, frugal and
cast out the wicked. He knows their hearts and failings and speaks to each ones
strengths and weaknesses.
Chapter 4: John
is taken before the throne of God, twenty-four chosen ones, and four Creatures
covered with eyes, front and back. One looked like a lion, the second an ox,
the third a face of a man and the last an eagle in flight. They give glory to
God.
Chapter 5: At
right hand of One on the throne is a scroll with seven seals. The lamb is found
worthy to break the seals and open the scroll.
Chapter 6: The
lamb opens the seals: 1st Seal: Creature cries out; "Come foreword" A
white Horse, its rider had a bow and was given a crown. He rode forth
victorious, ready to conquer again. 2nd Seal:
Second creature cries out. A red
horse, with rider given power to rob the world of peace: Given a sword; 3rd
Seal: Third creature cries out. A black horse. Rider with pair of scales in
hand. Expensive Food. 4th Seal: Fourth creature cries out. A sickly green
horse. Rider is Death. These are given authority over one quarter of the Earth
to kill with sword and famine and plague and the wild beasts of the earth. 5th
Seal: The martyrs cry out for justice. They are told to be patient a little
longer until the quota of them is filled. 6th Seal: Violent earthquake: Sun
turns black: Moon turns red. Stars fall from the sky. Sky disappears. Mountains
and islands ripped from their base. Rich and poor hide in the mountains and
caves. They cry out to mountains to fall on them and hide them. The great day
of vengeance has come. Who can withstand it?
Chapter 7: Four
angels hold in check the four winds so no wind blew. They are told not to
release the winds until the seal is imprinted on foreheads of the servants of
God. 144,000 to be marked, 12 thousand from each of the 12 tribes of Israel.
He is suddenly surrounded by a huge crowd which no one could count from every
nation, race and tongue. He is told these are the ones who have survived the
period of great trial.
Chapter 8: 7th
Seal: Silence in Heaven for about half an hour.
Seven angels are given seven trumpets, 1st Trumpet: Hail and fire mixed with blood. One third of
the land and plants are scorched. 2nd Trumpet: A flaming mountain is cast into
the sea. One third of the sea turns to blood, one third of the sea creatures
are killed, one third of the ships are destroyed. 3rd Trumpet: A huge burning
star crashes down. One third of the rivers and springs are polluted. Many
people die from drinking this bad water. "Wormwood" is the star's
name. 4th Trumpet: One third of the sun, moon and stars were hit hard enough to
be plunged into darkness. The day lost a third of it's light, as did the night.
An eagle flying in midheaven cries out woe to the Earth.
Chapter 9: 5th
Trumpet: A star falls from the sky to earth. It is given the key and opens the
abyss. Smoke pours out. Out of smoke comes locusts as powerful as scorpions in
their stings. They are commanded not to harm plants or any living things except
those who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. Tortures them for
five months. They wish for death but will not find it. Description of locusts:
In appearance the locusts were like horses equipped for battle. On their heads
they wore something like gold crowns; their faces were like men's faces but
they had hair like women's hair. Their teeth were like the teeth of lions.
Their chests like iron breastplates. Their wings make a sound like the roar of
many chariots and horses charging into battle. They had tails with stingers
like scorpions; in their tails was enough venom to harm men for five months.
Acting as their king was the angel in charge of the abyss, whose name in Hebrew
is Abaddon and in Greek Apollyon. 6th
Trumpet: The first woe is passed, but two more to come. A great voice says,
"Release the four angels who are tied up on the banks of the great river Euphrates: " The Angels are released. It is
precisely the hour, day, month, year for which they had been prepared to kill a
third of mankind. Their cavalry troops numbered two hundred million.
Description of horses and riders: The breastplates they wore were fiery red,
deep blue and pale yellow. The horses' heads were like heads of lions and out of
their mouths came fire and sulphur and smoke. One third of mankind is killed.
Those who survive do not repent.
Chapter 10:
Another mighty angel comes down from heaven. He holds a little scroll which has
been opened. His right foot is on the sea, left foot on the land. Angel and
seven thunders cry out. John is told not to write down what seven thunders
said. He is told there will be no more delay. When the seventh angel blows
trumpet, God's plan will be accomplished in full. John is told to take the scroll
and eat it. It tastes sweet in the mouth but sour in the stomach.
Chapter 11: Told
to measure God's temple and alter and count those who worship there. Exclude
the outer court for it has been handed over to the Gentiles who will crush the
holy city for forty two months. Commission two witnesses to prophesy for those
twelve hundred and sixty days, dressed in sackcloth. Fire comes out of the
mouth of the witnesses to any one who tries to harm them. They have the power
to close up the sky and not allow any rain to fall during that time. Also can turn water into blood and afflict
earth with any kind of plague. When finished a wild beast comes up from abyss
and wages war against them. Their corpses will lie in the street of the city
where their lord was crucified for three days. People all over the world will
celebrate and stare at their corpses for three days and refuse to bury them.
After three and a half days witnesses rise. It terrifies all who see them. God
assumes them into heaven on cloud. Suddenly, there is a violent earthquake. One
tenth of the city is destroyed. Seven thousand people are killed, the rest
repent. Second woe is passed. Third to come. 7th Trumpet: Loud voices call out
that the kingdom of the world now belongs to the Lord. God opens the temple in
heaven and can be seen the Arc of the Covenant. Lightning flashes, thunder,
earthquake, hailstorm.
Chapter 12: A
great sign appears in sky, a women clothed with the sun, with the moon under
her feet and on her head a crown of seven stars. She is with child. Gives
birth. Another sign, a great dragon, flaming red, with seven heads and ten
horns. On his head, seven diadems. His tail swept a third of the stars from the
sky and hurled them down on the earth. He waits for child to be born so he can
devour it. The child is born. It is a son, destined to shepherd all nations
with an iron rod. The Child is taken up to God and the throne. The woman flees
to the desert to special place prepared for her for twelve hundred and sixty
days. War breaks out in heaven. Michael and his angels battle with the Dragon.
The Dragon is hurled down to Earth with his minions with him. The Dragon
pursues woman in the desert. She is given wings of a giant eagle where she can
fly to her place in the desert for three and a half years. The Dragon spews a
torrent of water to search out the woman, but the earth opens and swallows the
water. Enraged by her escape, the dragon goes out to make war on the rest of
God's people. He took up his position by the shores of the sea.
Chapter 13: A
Beast comes out of the sea. It has ten horns, seven heads containing diadems
and blasphemous names. Like a leopard, but paws like a bear and mouth like a
lion. It is given power, throne and authority by the Dragon. One head was
mortally wounded and healed. In wonderment, the whole world followed after the
Beast. People worshipped Beast and Dragon. Their authority to last only forty
two months. Granted authority over all people, nation and race. Worshipped by
all those who do not have their names in book of life.
Let him who has
ears heed these words: If one is destined for captivity, into captivity he
goes! If one is destined to be slain by the sword, by the sword he will be
slain! Such is the faithful endurance that distinguishes God's holy people. A
Second Beast comes up out of the Earth. It used the authority of the first
Beast to promote its interests by making the world worship the first beast
whose mortal wound had been healed. Performs great miracles, leads astray
Earth's inhabitants by telling them to make an idol of first Beast. Life is
given to the image of the Beast, and the power of speech and the ability to put
to death anyone who refuses to worship it. Forces all men, rich and poor to
accept a stamped image on right hand or forehead. No one allowed to buy or
sell anything unless first marked with
the name of the beast or the number that stood for it's name. A certain wisdom
is needed here; with a little ingenuity anyone can calculate the number of the
beast, for it is a number that stands for a certain man. The man's number is
six hundred sixty six.
Chapter 14: The
Lamb appears with the 144.000
faithful. Angels warn against accepting
the mark of the beast. The Son of Man appears with sickle and harvests the
Earth. He harvests the grapes of God's wrath. They are taken to a wine press
outside of the city. So much blood pours out that for two hundred miles, it is
as deep as a horse's bridle.
Chapter 15:
Seven angels holding seven final plagues that would bring God's wrath to a
climax. Given seven bowls containing God's wrath.
Chapter 16: The
Angels are told to go pour out bowls of God's wrath on the Earth. 1st Bowl:
Boils on men who accepted the mark of the beast. 2nd Bowl: The sea turned to
blood like a corpse. All sea creatures die. 3rd Bowl: Rivers and springs turn
to blood. 4th Bowl: Burned men with fire. They do not repent. 5th Bowl: Plunged
into darkness. 6th Bowl: Poured out on the great river Euphrates.
It's water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings of the East. Three unclean
spirits come from the mouth of Dragon, Beast and False Prophet. They perform
miracles, and assemble the kings of the Earth for battle. Be on your guard! I
come like a thief. Happy is the man who stays wide awake and prepared. Devils
assemble the kings in a place in Hebrew called Armageddon. 7th Bowl: Loud voice
says, "It is finished."
Suddenly, the worst earthquake ever. The Great City
is split into three parts. Other Gentile cities also fall. God remembers Babylon the great, giving
her cup of His blazing wrath. Islands, mountains disappear. Giant hailstones
fall.
Chapter 17: Babylon as harlot on a
scarlet beast. I will explain to you the
symbolism of the woman and of the seven headed and ten horned beast carrying
her. The beast you saw existed once but now exists no longer. It will come up
from the abyss once more before going to final ruin. The seven heads are seven
hills on which the woman sits enthroned. They are also seven kings. Five have
already fallen, one lives now and the last has not yet come, but when he does
come he will remain only a short while. The beast which existed once but now
exists no longer even though it is an eighth king, is really one of the seven
and on his way to ruin. Ten horns represent ten kings which have not yet been
crowned. They will bestow their power on the beast and fight against the lamb.
The ten kings will turn against her and destroy her.
Chapter 18:
Another angel comes to Earth, Calls out: "Fallen is Babylon the great." Kings lament.
Merchants lament. Sailors lament. Saints, apostles, prophets rejoice.
Chapter 19:
There is loud singing of victory from Heaven. John falls at feet of a great
angel. He is told to get up, worship God alone. Heaven opened up, a rider on a
white horse emerged, his name was "The Faithful And True" Justice is
his standard. His eyes are like fire. The armies of Heaven are behind him. The
armies do battle with the Beast. The Beast is captured, along with the False
Prophet. They are hurled down into the fiery pool.
Chapter 20: An
Angel comes down with a huge chain. It seizes dragon and chains him up for a
thousand years. He is thrown down into abyss and held for a thousand years,
after which he is to be released for a short time. John saw the spirits of
those who had been martyred for Jesus or had not received the mark of the
beast. They reign with God for a thousand years. This is the First
Resurrection. After one thousand years, Satan will be released. He will seduce
all nations of the earth for battle and muster troops of Gog and Magog. He
invaded the country and surrounded the holy city where God's people were
encamped. Fire comes down from Heaven and devours them. The Devil is thrown
into a pool of burning sulphur. All living and dead are judged.
Chapter 21: New
Heaven and Earth. Jerusalem
as the bride of the Lamb. No more tears, pain or mourning.
Chapter 22: City
of God. Trees
bear fruit 12 times a year. God shall give them light and they shall reign
forever.
The Book of
revelation is a complete mystery and in my personal opinion, it is hard to give
any final interpretation of the scenes portrayed.
Jamshed Gill
Ref: The Angel Appears to John. The book of
Revelation. 13th-century manuscript. British Library, London.
The Holy Bible,
King James Version and New American Standard Version.
