Bible Commentary on Revelations at Secureforever.org
Northland Bible Baptist Church
To watch the entire series, please visit the YouTube Playlist. The videos are not embedded here because each video’s title on YouTube lists the verses it covers.
Introduction to Revelation
IMPORTANT PRE INTRODUCTION – The book of Revelation is meant to be read and understood. Revelation 22:10 says, “And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.” Having said that, there are between 300-500 references to the Old Testament in Revelation. Further, verses in Revelation have been misused and misapplied to a greater extent than probably any other book of the Bible. Reading verses in Revelation in the proper context is critical to understanding the passages. It is highly recommended that you listen to the sermons AND read the Bible Commentary as you read these scriptures. These pastors can provide the context that makes for sound interpretation of the scripture, and help you understand how they tie into the Old Testament references.
Introduction to Revelation
The Book of Revelation is the final and climactic book of the New Testament, written by the Apostle John. This remarkable work was composed while John was exiled on the island of Patmos, a small rocky island in the Aegean Sea, as a result of his faithful testimony to Jesus Christ. Most scholars who hold to a literal and historical understanding of Scripture date the writing of Revelation to around 95 A.D., during the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian. John, the last surviving apostle, writes as a seasoned shepherd to the churches, conveying a message of hope, warning, and ultimate victory.
At its heart, Revelation is the revelation of Jesus Christ, unveiling Him in His glory, authority, and future reign. The opening words make this clear: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass” (Revelation 1:1, KJV). This book is not merely a collection of mysterious prophecies, but a divinely given unveiling of Christ’s person and work—past, present, and future. John is given a vision that spans from his own day to the end of the age, revealing God’s sovereign plan for the world and the ultimate triumph of His Son.
Revelation is addressed to seven churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), each facing unique circumstances and spiritual challenges. In chapters 2 and 3, John records specific messages from Christ to these churches, offering encouragement, correction, and urgent calls to faithfulness. These letters reveal Christ’s intimate knowledge of His people and His desire for them to overcome trials and remain steadfast in the truth.
The structure of Revelation is both orderly and dramatic. After the introduction and the letters to the churches, John is taken up in a vision to the throne room of heaven (chapters 4–5), where he witnesses the worship of God and the presentation of a sealed scroll. The breaking of the seals (chapters 6–8), the sounding of the trumpets (chapters 8–11), and the pouring out of the bowls of wrath (chapters 15–16) unfold a series of judgments upon the earth, each increasing in intensity and leading up to the climax of human history.
A central theme throughout Revelation is the sovereignty of God and the ultimate victory of Jesus Christ over all evil. The book describes the rise of a final world ruler, the Antichrist, and a period of great tribulation that will come upon the earth. Yet, it also proclaims the certain triumph of Christ, the defeat of Satan, and the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel and the nations. Vivid imagery—beasts, angels, plagues, and cosmic disturbances—serves to emphasize the reality of spiritual conflict and the certainty of God’s intervention in history.
Revelation is filled with memorable and powerful verses that have encouraged and challenged believers throughout the centuries. Among them are:
- “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” (Revelation 1:7, KJV)
- “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10, KJV)
- “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.” (Revelation 5:12, KJV)
- “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.” (Revelation 21:1, KJV)
- “And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” (Revelation 21:6, KJV)
The Book of Revelation is not intended to frighten believers, but to give hope and assurance that God is in control of history and will keep His promises. John’s vision assures Christians that, despite present suffering and opposition, Jesus Christ will return in glory, defeat all evil, and establish His righteous kingdom. The book repeatedly calls on readers to remain faithful, to “overcome,” and to look forward to the coming of the Lord: “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown” (Revelation 3:11, KJV).
At the same time, Revelation issues solemn warnings to those who reject Christ and follow the ways of the world. It describes the final judgment of the wicked, the casting of Satan into the lake of fire, and the eternal separation of those who refuse God’s salvation. These warnings underscore the urgency of responding to God’s invitation and living in readiness for Christ’s return.
The closing chapters of Revelation present a breathtaking vision of the new heaven, the new earth, and the New Jerusalem, where God will dwell with His people forever. There will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain, for “the former things are passed away” (Revelation 21:4, KJV). The book ends with a promise and an invitation: “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” (Revelation 22:20–21, KJV)
The Book of Revelation stands as a fitting conclusion to the Bible, drawing together the promises, prophecies, and purposes of God revealed throughout Scripture. It calls believers to faithfulness, endurance, and hope, assuring them that Jesus Christ is the victorious King who will soon return. Its message is as relevant today as it was for the early church, offering comfort, challenge, and the sure hope of God’s eternal kingdom for all who trust in Him.