I believe there are three essentials to understanding the Bible. The various books of the Bible were written by a particular person, to a particular people and at particular place in time. Discover as much as you can about these three and you will solid ground to interpret the meaning of scripture.
There are, of course, other methods to interpreting scripture. One of the most common is to begin with a conclusion in mind. For instance, you could begin reading the Book of Revelation with the idea that the purpose of the Book is to forecast the end of time. That is a method that began approximately 160 years ago and has gained in popularity. I do not agree with this method of interpretation.
The meditations I offer as we read the Book of Revelation over the next three weeks will flow from my belief a person named John wrote these words to a particular group of people (seven churches) at a particular point in time; approximately 95 AD under the intense persecution of the Roman Emperor Domitian. My plan is to let the story unfold and see where John was taking the seven churches. As we follow this path I believe we will be blessed as much as those who first received these words.
From the first chapter I see a theme unfolding. John’s focus was the persecution the church was experiencing and in response he gave a call for endurance. John was making a call for faithfulness, in the face of persecution, for the cause of Christ in evil times.
The Book of Revelation is apocalyptic literature where symbols are used to express deeper theological meanings. In this first chapter the number seven designated a form of completeness, thus the seven spirits are the complete Holy Spirit of God. Seven churches refer to all churches, and the seven specific churches are representative of all churches. (Beasts, numbers and colors have consistent meanings in apocalyptic literature and I will comment on those as we go along.)
My take away from chapter one: Jesus is in the midst of His churches. We are not alone. Jesus who was also persecuted was victorious over his crucifixion and is alive and well in our midst. I do not need to fear the forces of evil because Jesus has already won victory over sin and death. Jesus, the One to whom I have committed my life and allegiance is with me in these difficult times, and for all eternity.
“All glory and power to him forever and ever. Amen”
What does today’s reading
reveal to you about God?
What does it reveal to you about yourself?
Think about what God wants you to do
or remember about this passage.
Does God want you to change
anything in your life?
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