Revelation to John, The

The last book of the NT, also called the Apocalypse. The author is a Christian prophet named John who recounts a vision he has had of the end times. Numerous events and images in this vision seem to offer symbolic portrayals of aspects of imperial rule; in some the arrogance of the Roman Empire is contrasted with the eternal reign of God. The vision, however, is sufficiently ambiguous that it can be interpreted in many ways.

Outline of Contents

Revelation

I. Prologue (Rev 1:1-8)

A. Preface (Rev 1:1-3)

B. Opening of a letter (Rev 1:4-6)

C. Prophetic sayings (Rev 1:7-8)

II. Vision of Christ with seven messages (Rev 1:9-3:22)

A. Vision of Christ (Rev 1:9-20)

B. Seven messages (Rev 2:1-3:22)

III. Visions of heaven and seven seals (Rev 4:1-8:1)

A. Vision of God (Rev 4:1-11)

B. Vision of the Lamb (Rev 5:1-14)

C. Seven seals (Rev 6:1-8:1)

IV. The seven trumpets (Rev 8:2-11:19)

V. Seven unnumbered visions (Rev 12:1-15:4)

VI. The seven bowls and Babylon (Rev 15:5-19:10)

A. Seven bowls (Rev 15:5-16:20)

B. Babylon (Rev 17:1-19:10)

VII. Seven unnumbered visions and Jerusalem (Rev 19:11-22:5)

A. Seven unnumbered visions (Rev 19:11-21:8)

B. Jerusalem (Rev 21:9-22:5)

VIII. Epilogue (Rev 22:6-21)

A. Sayings (Rev 22:6-20)

B. Benediction (Rev 22:21)