What is the book of Revelation?
The book of Revelation is a letter. It’s apocalyptic writing and includes prophecy. The writer called himself John. It’s thought that this was the apostle John.
It’s thought that Revelation was written around the year AD 95. This was when Domitian was emperor of Rome.
Who was Revelation written to?
To seven churches in the Roman territory called Asia Minor. This is the country now known as Turkey.
They were the churches in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.
Followers of Jesus recognise that Revelation shares the truth about Jesus. It’s for all people everywhere.
Why was Revelation written?
To encourage believers who were being treated badly for following Jesus.
To encourage them to refuse to believe false teaching about Jesus.
To give believers hope about God’s kingdom now and in the future.
Main ideas
Only God is worthy of worship.
God will stop all evil spiritual powers and the human beings who serve them.
Jesus will return and will judge all people and all evil spiritual beings.
Jesus will bring the new heaven and the new earth.
Outline
Greetings (1:1–8).
John’s first vision. Jesus in the middle of the seven lampstands (1:9 – 3:22).
John’s second vision (4 – 16).
John’s third vision (17:1 – 21:8).
John’s fourth vision. The Holy City (21:9 – 22:5).
Final words (22:6–21).