Journey Word 10: Spreading the Gospel
Pentecost and the Beginning of Ministry
Book of Acts
Acts was a book written by Luke around 63 A.D., addressed to a man named Theophilus. Acts appears to cover a lot of the history of the first church. Much of it is about the spread of the gospel throughout Jerusalem over to Rome. Luke also notes a lot about the Holy Spirit’s involvement and role in the early church. That is where Luke starts to note on in the beginning of Acts, that through the Holy Ghost, Jesus gave commandments to the chosen apostles. The believers, especially those addressed by Jesus in 1:8 are promised to receive power after the Holy Ghost comes upon them. The Holy Ghost shall come upon believers by baptism in the Holy Ghost, as stated in 1:5.
Soon, Luke writes about the disciples going into the upper room, in when the day of Pentecost comes, they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance (2:4). They were all amazed (as in shocked) when this happened and thought each other was drunk with new wine. However, Peter corrected them and then noted a prophecy that God will pour out His Spirit upon man in the last days, bringing gifts of the Spirit.
Next, Peter begins the first sermon for the church. Peter proclaimed in his sermon that Jesus is the Messiah, attributed to His resurrection from the cross. Peter brought a message of repentance (as he does with most of his teachings we see) to three-thousand people who were saved on the day of Pentecost. He blamed the people for crucifying Christ. When they questioned him about this, Peter answered them telling them to repent and be baptized. This could be so their sins are remitted, and then he fills them with the Holy Ghost. What was amazing is that the Lord added people to the church daily, the church had regular attendees, and the people gave regularly to support the church. The church’s mission was being actively fulfilled.
Soon (in chapter 3), Luke notes Peter healing a crippled man, who was apparently incurable. Jewish leaders were then outraged and started opposing the ministerial work they had done. Those that witnessed the healing were in awe and gathered around Peter. Peter then administered his second sermon, by telling them too that they crucified Christ and need to repent and be baptized. Jesus was the long-promised Messiah, which Peter claimed frequently. At about five-thousand total now preached to, John and Peter were arrested for their preaching about Jesus.
After Peter and John were released from their arrest, they came and spoke to the people. Soon, everyone there was filled with the Holy Ghost. They had many signs and wonders among the people, from healing the sick, casting out unclean spirits, etc. Soon, the apostles were arrested and put in the common prison. The angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and instructed them to speak in the temple. So, they did. Someone reported they were in the temple, so they were bound again. They claim to obey God, not men. The apostles were then beaten and warned. However, they did not cease to teach/preach.
Soon, they recruited seven men (of honest report). Stephen and Philip were appointed as the first two deacons. Over time, Stephen was arrested and then stoned, and then the disciples were witnessing in Judaea and Samaria – baptizing and filling people with the Holy Ghost. Philip converted an Ethiopian man and baptized him. After that, Paul (aka Saul) was found to be quite a persecutor toward the disciples. The Lord blinded Paul and questioned him. He told Paul to go meet Ananias, who would then restore his sight, after filling him with the Holy Ghost. Soon, Paul would begin preaching at Damascus before heading to Jerusalem. The Jews wanted him killed.
Peter did a few other miracles, such as healing Aeneas and raising Tabitha from the dead. Later, foreign missions would begin for Paul and Barnabas, who departed from Antioch to first Seleucia and then to Cyprus. Soon, they moved to preach in other areas, such as Perga and back to Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and once again back to Antioch. Paul was stoned, but not killed.
Next, Judas (aka Barsabas) and Silas were sent to help Paul and Barnabas. Barnabas soon requested that John (aka Mark) would come along, but Paul thought otherwise. Therefore, Paul and Barnabas separated. John went with Barnabas to Cyrpus, while Silas went with Paul to Cyprus. Then, eventually, Paul selected Timotheus for work. Later, Paul and Silas were imprisoned, where they converted a fearful, suicidal guard. Soon, the magistrates let the two of them go.
Now, Paul and Silas went on another missionary journey to Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth, and back to Antioch. A Jew named Apollos began preaching at Ephesus and then to Corinth, before John’s disciples were filled with the Holy Ghost. Miracles were done in Ephesus by Paul, before an uproar broke out. This caused Paul to have to break up this uproar, before he went to Caesarea and then to Jerusalem. Once he went there, he was arrested again. The Jews plotted to kill Paul, and he was tried before a few rulers before it was decided he done nothing wrong.
Paul would then sail for Rome. While on his journey, he came upon stormy seas and a shipwreck before he was finally able to reach Rome. Once there, he continued to preach, heal, and rebuke unclean spirits as he had always done. This ends the book of Acts by Luke, where Luke ends it without conclusion.
Timeline of events in the Book of Acts
Jesus ascended into Heaven (Acts 1:1-11).
Matthias was chosen to be an apostle in place of Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:12-26). Peter cited Psalms 69:25 and 109:8 as the reasons for selecting this apostle.
Pentecost: The Holy Spirit filled disciples and 3,000 were saved (Acts 2). Jesus promised the Comforter would come and be with His People forever, in that the Disciples would be baptized with the Holy Spirit (John 14:16; Acts 1:5). This also fulfilled Joel’s prophecy that God would pour out His Spirit on all people (Joel 2:28-32).
Peter and John performed miracles and faced persecution (Acts 3-5).
32 AD – First Christian Martyr: Stephen is killed in Jerusalem (Acts 6-7).
Persecution caused believers to disperse (Acts 8:1-4). The disciples become witnesses in Judea and Samaria just as Jesus said (Acts 1:8).
Philip preaches in Samaria and baptized an Ethiopian man (Acts 8:5-40).
37 AD – Conversion of Saul (Paul)(Acts 9:1-19).
Saul’s early travels (Acts 9:20-31; Galatians 1:15-18).
Peter took the Gospel to Cornelius; Gentiles are filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 10-11). Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be a light for the Gentiles (Isaiah 42:6; Luke 2:32).
Herod Agrippa had James put to death and imprisoned Peter (Acts 12:1-19).
44 AD – Herod Agrippa died (Acts 12:20-24).
47-49 AD – First Missionary Journey: Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13-14).
James wrote his epistle.
Jerusalem council: Gentiles are not required to obey Jewish religious laws (Acts 15). During the Council, James cited Amos 9:11-12 about the Gentiles being included in God’s Plan. Paul wrote Galatians.
49-51 AD – Second Missionary Journey: Paul, Silas, and a few others (Acts 16-18). Paul wrote 1 and 2 Thessalonians.
52-57 AD – Third Missionary Journey: Paul, Timothy, and a few others (Acts 19-21). Paul wrote 1 and 2 Corinthians, and Romans.
Paul is arrested and appeared before Felix. He was sentenced to two years in prison for preaching the Gospel (Acts 21-24).
59-60 AD – Journey to Rome: Paul was sent to Rome to stand trial (Acts 27-28). While imprisoned, Paul received Word from the Lord that Paul would testify about Christ Jesus in Rome (Acts 23:11).
60-62 AD – Paul spent two years under house arrest in Rome and shared the Gospel (Acts 28:30-31). Luke wrote the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. Paul wrote Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.
1 & 2 Timothy
1st Timothy
Paul begins the letter by addressing Timothy, his own son in the faith (meaning Paul was his spiritual father and leader). Right away, Paul warns against false doctrine, telling Timothy to “teach no other doctrine.” We find out that the O.T. Law is for the lawless and unrighteous people (unsaved, probably), rather than the righteous man (saved, probably). Too many times, Jewish leaders, false teachers, Pharisees – for example – tried to push the Old Testament Law onto believers, causing them to be led astray. Paul then instructs that prayer, thanksgiving, etc. be made for all men, including kings and those in authority, and for ourselves to lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
Next, Paul talks about how women should conduct themselves in the church. Women should have modesty, especially in apparel, and sober. Women should also not have braided hair with gold or pearls, or other costly things in it. Additionally, women should not interrupt in the church while the teacher is talking, and should let the church leader be a leader over her. She should not take authority over the church (unless she is appointed to do so).
Now, Paul beings in chapter three by talking about the qualifications for overseers in the church. A bishop, Paul states, should be blameless, married to one wife, vigilant, sober, well behaved, hospitable, and able to teach. They should also not be given to wine, nor greedy, but rather patient, not a brawler or covetous. Bishops should rule well their own home, with children in subjection. The bishop should not be a novice and have a good report among men of being righteous. A deacon, as Paul writes, should be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy, be able to hold revelations of faith or God in their mind, blameless, have grave wives, not slanderous, sober, and faithful in all things. Additionally, deacons should be married to one wife, rule their children and house well, and be bold in the faith of Jesus Christ. Overall, the standards listed for both bishops and deacons ensure they live good moral and spiritual lives.
Next, Paul gives more warnings about false teachers and those that will depart from the faith. Many teachers are liars and fakes, he warns. Timothy is instructed to teach the Word of God. After that, Paul gives advice about widows, and how they should be treated. Elders should be treated with double-honor, especially if they work hard in the Word. He also notes on respect to be given to servants. Soon, Paul writes about false teachers again, talking about their personality before warning about the love of money. Paul then encourages Timothy to fight the good fight of faith, following after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness. In addition, those that are rich should not be high-minded or trustful in uncertain riches, but that they give freely. Paul finishes the letter with final words to Timothy.
2nd Timothy
Paul begins the letter with the usual greeting before telling about desiring to see Timothy. Paul begs Timothy to stay faithful and continue the good work, encouraging him to have no fear, but power, love, and a sound mind. He then instructs Timothy to guard the gospel, holding fast to the original writings and teachings of it. Timothy must keep faithful to legitimate doctrine, and stay away from false teachers. Timothy should stay close to faithful men, endure hardness, and remember that Jesus is the seed of David – raised from the dead, so he shall endure all things for Christ’s sake.
Next, Timothy is instructed to study to show himself approved unto God, as a worker who rightly divides the Word of Truth without shame. Then, Paul warns him of the coming departing of the faith by men, and that men will take part in many unrighteous acts as a result. Paul then instructs Timothy that all Scripture is God-breathed, and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. This is given so that the man of God may be perfect and throughly furnished unto all good works.
Then, Paul commands Timothy again to preach the Word of God. He writes to let Timothy know that men will not endure sound doctrine, so the word needs preached in season, out of season, to reprove, rebuke, and exhort. Finally, Paul claims he has fought the good fight of faith and finished his course. He knows of his crown of righteousness that the Lord shall give himself and to all them that love his appearing. After his final greetings, Paul states that the Lord shall deliver him from every evil work, so that he will be preserved unto His Heavenly kingdom. He then does his farewell to end the letter.
Paul had many thoughts overall in prison, and this letter was no different. Paul knew that in his own suffering, he would benefit one day no matter what in the kingdom of God. However, Paul was very intent on the destruction of false teachers and their fake doctrines. This letter serves as just one of them that warn strictly against false teachings. Seems like Paul wanted to encourage his spiritual son Timothy to persevere in the faith, to stay true to God’s Word, to have good diligence in his work, and to avoid confusing doctrines. Paul’s sufferings made his own will stronger to tell Timothy to be strong in the faith and guard against false teachings. Paul was getting ready for execution soon, it seems, so he was intent on letting his companion Timothy know his last feelings and instructions.
Jesus spoke that Scripture is the inspired Word of God, which means that it should be taught with all accuracy and detail to the text. When someone perverts the text and causes confusion, they are insulting the wisdom and knowledge of God. We must (as Christians) safeguard the good and true Word of God to full accuracy.
Titus
Starting the letter, Paul greets Titus, before talking about the qualifications of elders. Therefore, Titus was to appoint elders in every city. The elders needed to be blameless, married to one wife, and have faithful children who are not unruly. For bishops, they had to be blameless, not self-willed, meek, not given to wine, not a brawler (or striker like other texts), and not given to lucre (money). In addition, bishops should be hospitable, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate, steadfast in the faithful Word, and a teacher.
Next, Paul instructs how to deal with false teachers. Paul wants their mouths to be stopped, and that they should be sharply rebuked. After that, Paul teaches that Titus should speak sound doctrine. Also, that the aged men and women (elders probably), should be sober, grave, temperate, and sound in faith and love and patience. Aged women should especially behave in holiness, not accuse falsely, not given to much wine, and teach good things. They should also teach young women to be sober, to love their husbands and children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, and obedient to their own husbands. Young men should be like the young women in the same way. All should have a pattern of good works, as well as other things. Paul also instructs concerning servants, which usually centers on the topic of respect.
Next, Paul teaches Titus to make the people obedient to higher authority, to be good overall, and without sin and unrighteous acts. Paul finishes the letter emphasizing good works that the members of the church should learn to maintain good works for necessary uses. After that, Paul does his quick farewell to end the letter to Titus.
The pastoral letters to Titus and Timothy emphasize good, sound doctrine, without false teaching. Both pastors were very much warned against false teachers and Paul made it very clear to watch out for them. Titus was left in Crete to set elders in order, so Paul wanted things to be done right. With an emphasis commonly in Paul’s letters of faith, hope, and love – we see the same type of teachings here. Seemed like a lot of Paul’s ministry work centered on faith, hope, and love. This brought a good, solid foundation for the church – that sadly, has rarely been adopted. Even with the foundation in place, people still planted churches in future generations centered on legalism and Old Testament Law, rather than God’s grace and love through Jesus Christ and the beautiful blessings that each of His people acquire. God plants His grace on people, because He loves them.
1, 2, & 3 John
1 John
John begins the letter by talking about the Word of Life being made to manifest eternal life into God’s people. He also explains, “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” He first addresses an issue in verse 8, where he says, “if we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” He goes on to say, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Next, John declares that Jesus Christ is our advocate, and that we should keep His commandments. That is, we should love one another, but not the world. We should not love the world, because the spirit of the antichrist dwells in the world. John warns the audience of those who deny the Son, Jesus Christ, and for His people to not be ashamed before Him at His coming.
Now, in chapter three, John puts out a couple ways Christians can classify themselves as children. To be children of God, it is important to be saved, as His people are under the “Spirit of adoption,” according to Romans 8:15. Also, in Romans 8:16, it says “the spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” After this, John identifies the children of Satan as those who disobey or transgress the law. It says in verse 8 that those who commit sin are of the devil, since the devil sinned from the beginning. The Father sent the Son to destroy the works of the devil. Now, John speaks again of the children of God and who they are. They are ones who practice righteousness, do not commit sin, and that they love one another.
Next, we learn several valuable things from John. One of them is that if you hate your brother, you’re a murderer – and no murderer has eternal life. In addition, whatever we ask, we shall receive from Him, because of keeping His commandments. We learn in the next chapter that “greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” Next, John instructs that love be of God, because God is love. If we love on another, God dwells in us. We learn several other things about love. “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out fear” (4:18a). We learn throughout 1 John that God loved us before we loved Him. Also, that it’s because God loved us that we love Him.
In chapter five, John instructs about faith being so important, that the victory we have being born of God, we use to overcome the world by faith. It is because of our faith in Jesus Christ that we overcome the world. John acknowledges the trinity in verse 7 and 8, before stating that we have life through God’s Son. John then declares why he wrote this letter in verse 13, “that ye may know that ye have eternal life.” He then gives his audience assurance that “if we ask anything according to His Will, He heareth us.” John then gives his final testimonies and instructions. We can be sure that we are of God, and we know the Son of God is come and given us understanding that we are in Him. He testifies in 5:20b, “this is the true God, and eternal life.” His final warning is to “keep yourselves from idols.” A lot of what John was hitting at is that the world is a slave to evil and wickedness, and that we must remain in Him, if we have hopes of surviving spiritually and being children of God.
2 John
John once again warns against false teaching as he did in 1 John. We learn also in this letter that truth and love are inseparable. We should walk in truth, not just admire it. We should also love one another, a genuine love. Therefore, John starts the letter with his greeting before talking about walking in truth, and that we had a commandment from the beginning to love one another. The love we have, we should walk in it. Next, John talks about the deceivers who have entered the world who do not confess Jesus as Christ. These deceivers are an antichrist. John warns next that those who transgress and abide not in the doctrine of Christ do not have God. However, those that do abide in His doctrine do have both the Father and the Son. The warning right after that is if these deceivers come to your house with this kind of (false) doctrine, do not receive him or help him out. That is how this second letter ended.
False teaching is a major problem in the body of Christ today, because people are focused on their own will, instead of humbling to God’s Will. John points out that even in his day, false teaching is prevalent. He also speaks to keep an eye out for those that practice unrighteousness and do not hold true to the apostolic truth. This can be reflected to a contemporary principle of watching out for false teachers (and prophets), especially in the last days before the Lord’s coming. John seemed to have some kind of apostolic love toward the “elect lady,” as he spoke that he loved in truth. John seemed to end the letter early, because he expected to see the “elect lady” soon. So, John’s letter, in a quick summary, went like this: He encourages the people to persevere in love and belief in God, to have nothing to do with false teachers – not even to support or give them hospitality, and then a hope to see them soon.
It also seems that John has a strong will against those who deny Christ, as in verse 9, we also see this in 1 John 2:23. This is to be expected by someone who loves Christ so much. John was a very faithful disciple, so seeing his love manifest into feelings of discontentment against those who do evil, speak falsely, and deny Christ. John is a good example of a disciple who was well trained in the beautiful teachings of Jesus Christ. John teaches this audience these things, because he is setting the example that the Lord crafted in him to make other people more like disciples of Jesus.
3 John
John starts the letter addressing Gaius and wishing him prosperity. He praises Gaius’ faithfulness and charity unto the church. This is because he helps missionaries faithfully. This sets a good example of other Christians, which is why John praises it. It also allows other audiences to realize the importance of helping missionaries. Now, missionaries are not beggars, they are simple people doing God’s work by carrying the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world. Therefore, it is important to support their endeavors. Next, John comments on another leader, Diotrephes, who is like an opposite of Gaius. Diotrephes was someone who did not receive John well, thus firing malicious words, and not being content with himself enough to help people in the church. Lastly, he comments on Demetrius, another leader, who had good reports from all men. People loved Demetrius. John claimed that Demetrius does well. John ends the letter letting Gaius know he would see him face-to-face soon (which is probably why the letter was short).
When it comes to walking in the truth, as John wrote in verse 3, this literally means to be good in your faith so much that people observe and testify of you. Gaius was a man that John thought mentionable as walking in the truth. Of course, Diotrephes was rebuked, mainly for undermining an office in the church and preventing people from being hospitable. Moreover, it is only right to not imitate evil (but rather to do good of God). Demetrius was another good example just like Gaius, which is why he was also mentioned.
It is important in the body of Christ, that God’s people do not mock the example of Diotrephes, but rather take on a better approach like Gaius and Demetrius. Therefore, we, as Christians, should support missionaries and help those who are in need. While doing this, we heed John’s warning in 2 John, where he warns about false teachers. If we heed those warnings, and give faithfully – then we will also walk in the truth, prosper, and be in good health. By supporting the Great Commission, we are doing the Will of God for all His people. We can expect to be blessed in this degree as stated, if we do God’s Will.
As such, we can put labels on these three men. Then, we can know what people would follow as an example. Gaius was a dependable leader in the church, who helped people. Diotrephes was the dominating or controlling official. Last, Demetrius is the kind messenger, who seems to have a good heart like Gaius. These are great examples.
Revelation
Jesus speaks unto John initially telling him that He is the Alpha and Omega, beginning and the ending. The Lord directs John to a vision and tells him to write down all he sees and then to send it to the seven churches in Asia: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. When John saw the glory of the Lord Jesus before him so magnificent, he fell at His feet. The Lord told him not to fear. The Lord had seven stars and seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars represent angels who were assigned to each church, while the seven golden candlesticks are the actual churches. Next, Jesus addresses each church, telling of what good or bad things they have done, how they can improve, and the rewards and consequences of their further action. This seems to be in hopes to improve the churches and strengthen believers to prepare them for the end times.
Soon, John sees a door open in Heaven, to which a voice calling him in. He saw God on His throne, with a rainbow surrounding it. Twenty-four elders were sitting around the throne with white robes and crowns of gold worshiping the Lord. There were also four beasts surrounding the throne as well, worshiping the Lord God at all times. Next, God is seen holding the book with the seven seals and asks who is worthy to open it. The only one found to be able to open it was the lamb that was slain. The Lamb (Jesus presumably), came and took the book. The Lamb was then worshiped.
Then, the Lamb began opening the seals, the first six actually. The first revealed a white horse ready to conquer, the second a red horse that was to rake peace from the earth (and was armed with a sword), the third a black horse that had scales in his hand, the fourth a pale horse that was Death sent to kill the fourth part of the earth, the fifth were martyrs crying out for vengeance to the killers of themselves; which they were given rest and told to wait, and the sixth revealed a great earthquake, black sun, blood red moon, starts falling from the sky, and mountains moved. High-ranking men, such as kings and wealthy people hid themselves. These men requested that mountains and rocks fall on them so they did not have to see the face of God or partake in the wrath of the Lamb.
Before the seventh seal was opened, 144,000 people were sealed on their foreheads declaring ownership from God, which was done by four angels at the four corners of the earth. Then, a great multitude of people came to salvation in Christ. Soon, an event begins called the great tribulation. Next, the Lamb opens the seventh seal, and silence was in Heaven for half an hour. Seven angels with seven trumpets lined before God. Each began blowing their trumpet. After the first trumpet blew, hail, fire, and blood rained on the earth. After the second blew, the sea turned to blood. After the third blew, the waters were polluted by a great star from Heaven (star was called Wormwood). Then, the fourth blew, the sun, moon, and stars were darkened. Now, after the fifth trumpet was blown, a bottomless pit of locusts was opened in the earth, and swarms of locusts came out to torment non-believers. The locusts were instructed to not bother believers in the faith.
After the sixth trumpet blew, four angels were released to kill one-third of the population of earth. In addition, 200 million horsemen were released to kill one-third of the earth as well. Still people would not repent and come to believe in the Lord. An angel then came giving John a scroll to eat, so that he may prophesy before people. People were still in unbelief and unrepentant. Two witnesses were sent to preach, which were two candlesticks. A beast that came up from the bottomless pit destroyed them. The two candlesticks arose a few days later and flew up to the heavens, and an earthquake was released upon the earth killing 7,000 men. The seventh trumpet finally sounded that the world has become the kingdom of Christ to which he reigns forever.
Next, a story began about the woman (people of Israel) and the dragon, who was Satan. This tells of Satan’s fall from Heaven probably, which included taking a third of the angels with him, after warring with Michael and his angels. The dragon was cast out of Heaven, and then became an accuser of the believers. Soon, the dragon begins war on earth, persecuting Israel (for the woman brought forth the child, who was Jesus). A beast then rose up out of the sea, which was wounded eventually then brought back to life, thus mocking the power of Christ (probably the beast is the antichrist). He seeks, after regenerating, to make war with the saints. The beast then commands worship. Another beast soon appeared which would direct people to worship the first beast. They would then mark those of worshipers with the number 666 on their right hand or forehead.
Now, the next two chapters, 14-15, introduce judgments that will occur in chapters 16-18. In chapter 14, 144,000 outstanding believers in Heaven are shown next to the Lamb. The last half of the tribulation, an angel proclaims the gospel of Jesus, to call people to fear God. Those are warned if they worship the beast, they will meet their doom, which was permanent. The angel also warns the saints to stay faithful, as they will probably die. Next, in chapter 15, seven angels had the seven last plagues. These were final judgments. Many believers were noticed to have had victor over the beast, and so they worshiped.
In chapter 16, the seven vials of the wrath of God were set to be unleashed. The first one poured out was sores upon men, the second was that the sea became blood, the third poured out blood becoming of rivers and fountains, the fourth activated fierce hear from the sun that would scorch men, the fifth poured out darkness upon the seat of the beast, the sixth poured out over the river Euphrates would dry the waters to prepare for kings to come. This prepare for them to come to Armageddon, before the seventh poured out a great earthquake – to which also hail and stones the weight of talents fell upon them.
Next, a great whore appears, which represents Babylon (a kingdom of false religions). The whore was then explained, before it was to be destroyed. This brought the doom of Babylon, and those who loved Babylon mourned over its death, while heaven rejoices. Praise was brought before God for His judgment, before a marriage supper was held for the Lamb. Soon, Heaven opened to bring forth Christ, Faithful and True He was called, to which He came to make war. The war will end swiftly as the beast and the ungodly are destroyed.
An angel then came from Heaven with the key to the bottomless pit. He took the dragon, and bound him for a thousand years. He was to be there, without deceiving the nations, for one-thousand years before being released for a while. Meanwhile, those who stayed faithful to Christ will reign with Christ for a thousand years. When the thousand years finish, Satan is loosed, and goes and deceives the nations – Gog and Magog – to gather them for battle. Fire came down from Heaven and devoured them. Satan, along with the beast and the false prophet, are cast into the lake for fire to be tormented night and day forever.
Next came the great white throne judgment, where people were judged according to their works. Death and hell were cast into the lake of fire, which was second death. Those not found in the book of life were cast into the lake of fire, as well. In chapter 21, John notes the new Heaven and new earth, as the first heaven and earth are passed away. There is no sea. Soon, a New Jerusalem descended out of Heaven, which was magnificent in every way. The Lord and the Lamb was the temple of the New Jerusalem, and there was no need for the sun or the moon, because God’s glory was so bright to have lit up the city completely. There were more glorious things about it, as well.
The Lord declares that He shall come quickly. John then fell down in worship before the feet of the angel that showed him these things. The Lord spoke more declaring who He is, what He will do, etc. An invite to come to the Lord was after this, which mentions that the Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Then, a warning is given for those who modify anything in the book. The book then concludes with the assurance that the Lord Jesus will surely come quickly.
Timeline from the Pastoral Epistles to Revelation
62 AD – James the brother of Jesus was martyred. Paul was released from house arrest in Rome. Paul then travels through the Mediterranean visiting churches. Paul wrote 1 Timothy and Titus, and Peter wrote 1 and 2 Peter.
64 AD – Emperor Nero began persecuting Christians. Paul and Peter are soon imprisoned in Rome. Paul wrote his last epistle, 2 Timothy.
66 AD – Jewish uprising began in Jerusalem against the Romans.
66-68 AD – Paul and Peter were martyred in Rome. The books of Hebrews and Jude were written.
70 AD – Romans plundered and fired the Temple in Jerusalem causing great destruction.
80 AD – Domitian was made emperor and carried on persecuting Christians.
John wrote the Gospel of John, and 1, 2, and 3 John.
92-94 AD – John is exiled to the Island of Patmos. John also wrote the Book of Revelation.
100 AD – John died in Ephesus.
