The Bible OverBrew - Bible in a YearSample

Week 52. Day 1. Revelation 1-3.

Introduction to Revelation

The book of Revelation is an unveiling. The apostle John is shown heavenly and future realities (1:1). Although some of the language and symbolism may seen strange, some key points will help us:

The language and imagery is drawn from the Old Testament. The better we know the Old Testament, the better we will be able to understand Revelation rightly.

The book is to encourage faithful Christians who are suffering (1:9). It won’t answer every question we have about the future, but it should encourage us with a picture of spiritual realities.

Christ is at the centre! Perhaps the key verse is a central one:

The kingdom of the world has become
the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah,
and he will reign for ever and ever. (Rev 11:15)

Rev 21-22 beautifully match Gen 1-2. God’s creation plans have been fulfilled. The Bible began with Adam in a garden with his bride, it ends with the New Adam (Jesus) in a garden-city with his bride, the church.

Rev 1-3

Rev 1-3 The Son of Man and the Churches

How does ch1:1-3 set up the book?

How is Jesus portrayed in chapter 1?

Rev 2-3 Jesus’ letters to the churches. Notice how Jesus is described, and also see if you can spot any Old Testament allusions as you read. These seven churches probably represent all churches. What is Jesus's overall message here?

NOTE: Days 1-5 of each week contain the scripture reading for that week. Day 6 has just the 'key chapters'. If you want a briefer version of this plan that still takes you through the whole Bible, you could just read the key chapters featured on day 6. Day 7 has the podcast video where we discuss the week's reading.