Beginning with the Book of Revelation

Book of Revelation

The last two posts focused on the song “Is He Worthy?” which references Scripture from the Book of Revelation. So what is Revelation and how do I read it?

If Revelation is the first book of the Bible you’ve looked at, then congratulations! I’m thrilled you jumped right in. If Revelation is a book you’ve avoided reading for any number of reasons, and yet, you opened your Bible to take a look at what’s in it, then good for you! I’m so glad you took that step.

Perspective

Now that we’ve seen some of what’s in it, how about a little perspective? I’m not going to tell you how to interpret this image-filled book of the Bible, but I will give you some information that will hopefully help you approach it with a bit of curiosity.

Gospel of John

Revelation is the last book of the Bible and was written by the same person who wrote the Gospel of John.

The New Testament begins with the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

The Gospel of John, also filled with imagery, refers to Jesus as the Bread of Life, the Good Shepherd, the Vine, and the Word, which introduces chapter one:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 NIV

In the beginning

If you’ve opened your Bible at the front before, do you recognize similar wording?

From Genesis, the first book of the Bible:

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 NIV

John’s Gospel harkens back to the beginning of the Bible, the Old Testament, with familiar words from the first chapter of Genesis.

 “In the beginning,” bridges the Old and New Testament, and weaves a beautiful connection to this gospel writer who penned the last book of the Bible.

A revelation

The Book of Revelation is exactly that, a revelation, a vision that God gave to John while he was exiled on the island of Patmos. (Revelation 1:9-10)

Read Genesis

When my Bible study read through Genesis, we had no idea how much it would help us with Revelation.

If you aren’t sure how to even start reading Revelation, then first try reading Genesis. You can find some helpful tips on how to read Genesis here.

Correlation between Genesis and Revelation

See if you can find correlation between Genesis and Revelation, landmarks where something comes up again, is connected or includes related content.

Here are some that I noticed:

Tree of Life

The Tree of Life comes up in Revelation 2:7 and Revelation 22.

Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7 NIV

Genesis 2 and 3 provide the origin of the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden.

Read Revelation chapter 22 for additional insight.

Lamb

The Lamb is mentioned throughout Revelation, including chapters 5, 6, and 7.

From John’s Gospel, we see John the Baptist proclaiming the Lamb:

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29 NIV

This post on the song “Is He Worthy?” provides additional insight.

Tribes of Israel

Tribes of Israel (Revelation 7:4-8) is a reference to the sons of Jacob (Genesis 35:23-26).

God said to him, “Your name is Jacob, but you will no longer be called Jacob; your name will be Israel.” So he named him Israel. Genesis 35:10 NIV

Revelation

Whether this is your first time opening your Bible or glancing at the Book of Revelation, may you find connection in the Scriptures to our God who is worthy.

 “You are worthy, our Lord and God,
    to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
    and by your will they were created
    and have their being.” Revelation 4:11 NIV

Amen