How Should We Read the Book of Revelation?
The book of Revelation has fascinated Christians for nearly two thousand years. Some approach it expecting a detailed timetable of future world events. Others avoid it because its visions seem mysterious and difficult to understand.
Before asking what Revelation means, we should first ask a simpler question:
How did God intend this book to be read?
The answer begins in the very first verse.
"The revelation of Jesus Christ...He made it known by sending His angel to His servant John."(Revelation 1:1)
The words "made it known" translate a Greek word meaning "to communicate by signs or symbols." From the opening sentence, John tells us that much of this book will be presented through symbolic visions.
That should not surprise us.
We have already seen the same kind of language in Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Zechariah, and the other prophets. Revelation continues that same style of writing.
This does not mean that Revelation is imaginary or untrue.
The visions communicate real truths.
But they often do so through pictures rather than straightforward historical description.
The book itself gives many examples.
Jesus is pictured as a Lamb.
Satan appears as a dragon.
Kingdoms are represented by beasts.
The church is described as a woman and later as a bride.
No one expects these pictures to be understood literally.
The symbols point to spiritual realities.
Another important clue appears in the opening verses.
John writes that these events
"must soon take place." (Revelation 1:1)
He closes the book by repeating,
"The time is near." (Revelation 22:10)
Those statements remind us that Revelation first addressed Christians living in John's own day. Before asking how the book speaks to us, we should first ask what encouragement it gave to those early believers who were facing suffering and persecution.
Above all, we must remember the title of the book.
It is not primarily a revelation about beasts, dragons, or the end of the world.
It is
"The Revelation of Jesus Christ."
Every vision ultimately points us back to Him.
He is the risen Lord.
The faithful witness.
The Lamb who was slain.
The reigning King.
The One who opens the scroll.
The One who judges evil.
The One who makes all things new.
When we read Revelation with those principles in mind, the book becomes much less intimidating.
Instead of trying to match every symbol with today's headlines, we begin listening to the message God gave through John.
Only then are we prepared to appreciate the timeless encouragement Revelation offers every generation of Christians.
Continue Your Study
What Does "He Made It Known by Signs" Mean?
John begins Revelation by telling us that God communicated His message through signs.
What are those signs?
How does the Bible use symbolic language?
And why is understanding that one word the key to reading the entire book?
Related Bible Studies
How Do We Recognize Different Kinds of Bible Literature?
Why Did the Prophets Use Symbolic Language?
How Does the Bible Interpret Itself?
Reading the Prophets
Companion Video
How Should We Read the Book of Revelation?
Read First. Conclude Later.