Polyvalent symbolism, in which symbols have more than one meaning, also is part of revelation s imagery. This name indicates the meaning of revelation it uncovers matters that had been hidden and discloses events that would happen long after it was written. Who are the woman, child and dragon in revelation 12. The book of revelation often called the book of revelations, revelation to john, apocalypse of john, the revelation from jesus christ from its opening words, the apocalypse, the revelation, or simply revelation is the final book of the new testament, and consequently is also the final book. The horns are a symbol of power and the crowns are a representation of authority. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. After i wrote my first book on revelation, i literally threw it in the trash.
This term has also been given to other ancient writings that are written in a form like that of revelation. The book of revelation asv american standard version. No book of the bible is more puzzling to the average bible reader than revelation. Please also see our other web site which is a versebyverse study of the book of daniel. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. Introduction some general comments about the book of revelation and its uniqueness. I know thy tribulation and thy poverty but thou art rich, and the blasphemy of those, who say they are jews and are not, but are of the school of satan. Daniel 12 time of trouble and matthew 24 tribulation begins. She is israel because she is associated with the sun, the moon, and twelve stars. The devil is cast to the earth having great wrath revelation 12. Revelation united states conference of catholic bishops. The importance of understanding, interpreting, applying, and then communicating the contents of the book of revelation. It can perhaps be best understood in distinction from the other major interpretations of revelation.
The book of revelation is a vision from jesus christ, given to him by god the. The book is traditionally attributed to john the apostle, 1 2 but the precise identity of the author remains a point of academic debate. Revelation 12 niv the woman and the dragon a great sign. Wallaces commentary on the book of revelation the smoke of the pit. The interpreters of revelation are divided into three main schools. Revelation is the thirteenth chapter of the book of revelation or the apocalypse of john in the new testament of the christian bible. The woman in revelation 12 is part of the fusion imagerypolyvalent symbolism that is found in the book.
Study the bible online using commentary on revelation 12 and more. In revelation chapter 12, john sees a vision of a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars revelation 12. These are the words of him who is the first and the last, who died and came to life again. Remember that the book we have before us is one of two bookends of scripture, and that many of the themes from the beginning of creation gen. Revelation was originally addressed to christians who were suffering for their faith. Examples include daniel 7 12 and the book known as 2. Interpreting this book correctly has been a struggle for me. The seven heads and ten horns picture a terrifying image of great power, authority, knowledge, and strength. In all its uses, revelation refers to something or someone, once hidden, becoming visible. Babylon is the great foe of israel, and the euphrates was the great river or. Remember that the book we have before us is one of two bookends of scripture, and that many of the. The idealist interpretation could also be called the symbolic or spiritual interpretation. The following events are only known because we have the book of revelation.
It is a book filled with symbols, figures, and strange imagery. Book of revelation explained scripture by scripture. Chapter 12 john sees the imminent apostasy of the churchhe also sees the war in heaven in the beginning when satan was cast outhe sees the continuation of that war on earth. In this web site we will explain indepth, versebyverse, the second of these two great prophetic books the book of revelation. The two witnesses begin their prophecy that will last 1260 days revelation 11. Hes just a mildmannered christian guy living in exile whenpow. Note the similarity between this description and the description that joseph gave of his father jacob israel and his mother and their children genesis 37. Enduring word bible commentary revelation chapter 12. Study the bible online using commentary on revelation 12. Revelation, new king james version nkjv the bible app. I know about the slander of those who say they are jews and are not, but are a synagogue of satan. But, whatever else is literal in this book, the case of this woman is not.
So now prepare to be amazed as we take a fascinating journey through the book of revelation. Revelation 12, new king james version nkjv the bible app. This is being aired by permission of the holder litchfield associates, all rights. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant john. The book of revelation starts with this is a revelation from jesus christ, which god gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place. But there are several places in revelation where codex a shows that it is an older text, with older readings, prior to editing and standardization. The interpretation of revelation has always been a subject of debate among bible interpreters. And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.
Hoskier points out that hort broke one of his own rules with this one, as he went with the easiest reading. The book of revelation, a prophecy of warning and hope. Revelation 2 new international version niv biblica. The greek word apokalypsis or apocalypse appears in revelation 1. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer. Truths about him and his final victory, that the rest of scripture merely allude to, become clearly visible through revelation about jesus christ see historical and theological themes. Writhing in his death throes in the aftermath of the cross, the dragon escalates his assault against the saints until christ returns to consummate history. So, the divine author of revelation is jesus christ and the human author is the apostle john. Revelation 12 is the twelfth chapter of the book of revelation or the apocalypse of john in the. The greek name of the bible book of revelation, apoka. Chapter 10 understanding revelation and the timeline of. Revelation 12 commentary commentary critical and explanatory. What this book reveals or unveils is jesus christ in glory. David guzik commentary on revelation 12 explains the woman, the child, and the.
The basis of interpretation, as with jerusalem and babylon, must be sought in the history of judah and israel. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant john, a 2 who gives witness to the word of god and to the testimony of jesus christ by reporting what he saw. I the book of revelation the capstone of the bible if it werent for the book of revelation, there would be much of the entire bible that would be incomplete. Revelation chapter 12 contains a description of a woman, who is clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars atop her head.
If you want to better understand the book of revelation. For that reason, many wouldbe students have become discouraged in their attempt to discern its message. Revelation 12 new international version niv biblica. The book of revelation explained takes you on a easy to understand and eyeopening journey through the book of revelation. They experienced poverty, slander, prison, and even death 2. For example, the seven heads of the beast are said to be both seven mountains rev.