I believe this speaks volumes to how God viewed John and his walk as a follower of Christ. That the Church is still in view past chapter three, there should be no doubt. The mention of the “washed garments” is significant, as it refers to the salvation of God’s people (white garments), and mentioned in several places in Revelation (Rev 3:4-5; 3:18; 6:11; 7:9,13,14), including in our text of Rev 4:4. Now here is the Apostle John seeing and getting ready to see what no one else in this life has ever seen before. The Slain under the Altar (Rev 6:9-11/Ez 6) 5. The “third day,” of course is significant in Christianity, because it was on the third day that Jesus rose from the dead (Matt 16:21; 17:23; 20:19). The Book of Revelation in the Bible is one of the more difficult books of the Bible to understand. 25 So Moses went down unto the people, and told them. That of course makes sense, because this is a scene in Heaven we’re talking about. b 4 Its tail … Agape Bible Study, in depth Catholic Scripture Study of both the Old and New Testaments, … 1. . In other words, that it covers the entire Church age, that this book is not simply about the final years before the return of Christ. The idea that the Church will not go through the “great tribulation” is inconsistent. This book, from chapters six thru twenty, reveals the difficult times that Christians experience throughout the Church age (gospel era, Christian era). Here are some that especially stand out: The philosophy of history, or symbolic, view holds that the symbols in Revelation describe forces which are constantly at work in the world. The philosophy of history, or symbolic, view holds that the symbols in Revelation describe forces which are constantly at work in the world. (Ex 19:12-13) – 12 And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death: 13 no hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether it be beast or man, he shall not live: when the trumpet soundeth long, they shall come up to the mount. The mention of a “trumpet” prepares us for a grand announcement of some sort. A word list at the end explains words with a *star by them. The Revelation of Jesus Christ: The Faithful Witness has been granted an imprimatur and can be purchased from our website shop.If you have a question or comment about this Bible study, click on the “ask us your … . Such a notion has God working against Himself. A lion is “mightiest among beasts” (Pr 28:1) and doesn’t back down from anything (Pr 30:30). It’s an act of recognition of who God is, the Ruler of the universe. Revelation was written for people living in the time of its author, traditionally accepted as St. John the Apostle, … Library. Father Stephen C. Doyle, O.F.M., provides a Catholic commentary in his book, Apocalypse: A Catholic Perspective on the Book of Revelation (Cincinnati: St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2005). This interpretive method robs Revelation of any meaning for those to whom it was written. “and they have no rest day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God, the Almighty”. Being “arrayed in white garments,” symbolizes the sinless purity of these angels. As a casual Catholic by upbringing, I was astonished at the depth and breadth of the argument. There is total peace and tranquility in Heaven, whereas, in the world we have trouble, misery, pain, agony, hardship, etc. (Rev 4:2) – 2 Straightway I was in the Spirit: and behold, there was a throne set in heaven, and one sitting upon the throne; I believe the meaning of this is that John was not in Heaven physically, but was there by way of a vision. They’re fearless and ferocious. In this case, a revelation. This pictures our deliverance from sin and the world through Christ. Yes, that’s right, Revelation, the book of monsters and wonders is a biblical commentary on the Mass. I highly commend this commentary.” – Fr. Jesus said, “In the world ye have. Again, both Peter and John refers to believers as “priests” (1 Pet 2:5,9; Rev 1:6; 5:10). All OT believers and all NT believers have their salvation in Christ. A door to the very dwelling place of God and His people was opened to John. The mention of “graven image,” in particular, reminds one of Rev 13:14 about “making an image to the beast.” Nowhere do we see the idea that the Church has disappeared from planet earth. As with everything else we’ve seen up to this point, it strongly suggests that the Church is in view in the book of Revelation. Revelation (Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture) - Kindle edition by Williamson, Peter S., Williamson, Peter, Healy, Mary. Here is a free audio commentary by Dr. Taylor Marshall on the Book of Revelation, line by line. (Ex 19:20) – 20 And Jehovah came down upon mount Sinai, to the top of the mount: and Jehovah called Moses to the top of the mount; and Moses went up. And Moses reported the words of the people unto Jehovah. Another part of a video series from Wordonfire.org. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading Revelation (Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture). “and behold, there was a throne set in heaven, and one sitting upon the throne”. The idea that the Church will not go through the “great tribulation” is inconsistent. The “crowns of gold” on their heads symbolizes their high ranking authority under God. With scholarly precision, Dr. Hahn examines the various ways that Protestants and Catholics understand the Book of Revelation, revealing how the prophecies of the Book of Revelation were first realized in the first-century transition from the Old Covenant to the New. The historicist approach": Views Revelation as a panoramic view of church history from apostolic times to the present, seeing in the symbolism such events as the barbarian invasions of Rome, the rise of the Roman Catholic Church (as well as various individual popes), the emergence of Islam, and the French Revolution. The episodes are arranged by chapter: Revelation Ch. Just as we see the elders of Exodus gathered together, so we see the elders gathered together in Rev 4. All Scripture quotations are from the 1901 American Standard Version unless otherwise noted. welcome to our study of the book of Revelation We invite groups and individuals doing this 23-lesson Turning to God’s Word Catholic Bible study to take advantage of our online study pages. I simply mean that for those who walk in harmony with Christ, there is always the, “Come up here so that I can show you what must happen after these things.”, Up to this point, much has already been revealed to John, and now he is about to be shown much more. While many associate the word “apocalypse” with great disaster, the book of Revelation begins and ends by saying that those who read, understand, and apply its message would be happy for doing so. When I was in the Navy, I saw what a sea of glass looks like. Although many contemporary Protestants believe that the Book of Revelation describes in detail the events that will unfold at the end of the world, this books is not to be interpreted as such. Commentary by Scott Hahn and Mark Shea - presented by Fr. 1 David Chilton argues that the Book of Revelation was intended to be read at Christian worship in tandem with the prophecy of Ezekiel. He reigns over mankind. The “full of eyes before and behind” (also vs. 8), suggests a 360 degree view and awareness. * 3 Then another sign appeared in the sky; it was a huge red dragon, * with seven heads and ten horns, and on its heads were seven diadems. Throughout the book, the author draws out the ongoing significance of Revelation for the life of the Church in every era between the time of its writing and its ultimate fulfillment. John went up into the presence of God – by way of a vision – and based on everything that’s implied here throughout, we must conclude that “the people” (the Church), does not. Their time of “victory” is in this life, and of short duration. “The children of Israel” today are the people of God in Christ — the New Israel. CHAPTER 12. David Aune’s massive commentary on the book of Revelation is another that should be consulted by every serious student of Scripture. Though these four living creatures are angels, I believe the description of them is intended to represent characteristics of Christ. Again, this is meant to bring comfort and encouragement to the members of Christ’s Church. The mention of “graven image,” in particular, reminds one of Rev 13:14 about “making an image to the beast.” Nowhere do we see the idea that the Church has disappeared from planet earth. The Roman Catholic Bible, the Douay Version, contains a special footnote on Revelation 13:18 which reads, "The numeral letters of his name shall make up this number." As Peter revealed, all believers – Jew and Gentile – are “God’s own possession,” and we are to “obey God’s voice,” and “keep His covenant.” The Church of Christ must be present on earth in order to fulfill what we’ve been called to do: (Rev 1:6) – 6 and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. Whatever persecution and suffering that is inflicted upon God’s people by unbelievers, they will give an account of it. On the “throne” we have Almighty God, who reigns over the world, and over the whole universe. Remove the chapter divisions, and chapter three goes right into chapter four. Eagles have keen eyesight, like high-powered binoculars. The similarities between Rev 4 and this chapter in Exodus continues. But John, too, makes that clear when he referred to us as “a kingdom, to be priests unto his God and Father” (Rev 1:6; 5:10). This marks a transition from what was shown to John before to what’s about to be shown to him next. Of the three Revelation passages given for funerals, this is the one chosen most often: I saw a new heaven and a new earth. These read the book only as history. Faith. The Historical … This revelation of God and of Heaven continues in chapter 5. Not that every faithful Christian will be blessed in extraordinary ways or to the same extent as some. EWTN is a global, Catholic Television, Catholic Radio, and Catholic News Network that provides catholic programming and news coverage from around the world. This is what Heaven is like, in contrast to what we have in this world. NET – “Come up here so that I can show you what must happen after these things.”. I believe the number “twenty-four” represents the twelve tribes of Israel of the OT, and the twelve Apostles of the NT as representatives of God’s people from both eras. (Ex 19:14) – 14 And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their garments. That might seem incredible until you start looking for parallels between Revelation and the Mass. For it sets the stage for the rest of the book by identifying the time period as the Church age, the gospel era. Considering all the persecution and tribulation that this book reveals, this calming scene in Heaven is very comforting, knowing what we have to look forward to as we cling to our faith in Christ. As a man, He died for our sins and rose from the dead, providing for our salvation. 2 Revelation and Ezekiel Parallels3 1. People think they’re getting away with what they do, but one day they will find out that they didn’t get away with anything. 2 Revelation and Ezekiel Parallels3 1. 1 Apparition of Fiery Christ (Catholic Apocalypse Part 1 – TM076) Revelation Chs. This scene here is similar to what we see in Revelation in several places (Rev 6:12; 8:5-8; 11:13,19; 16:18). (2) In the midst of the street of it . But for the redeemed, our victory is in Christ and will last throughout eternity in His glorious presence. A completely holy God cannot hate sin and evil on the one hand, and ordain it and orchestrate it on the other. This fact about God is beyond human comprehension. BOOK of REVELATION – A BRIEF BIBLIOGRAPHY . (Rev 4:5) – 5 And out of the throne proceed lightnings and voices and thunders. Thus, the book accurately predicts events throughout time. They have a kingly and majestic way about them. Such thorough exegetical work lies at the heart of these volumes, which contain detailed verse-by-verse commentary preceded … It’s a total calm of the ocean. Here we see that it was Moses (and Aaron) that went up to God, but the people did not go up. In the Book of Revelation, the apocalyptic hopes of the early Christian community find their clearest and most complete expression. The Four Plagues (Rev 6:1-8/Ez 5) 4. Steve would passionately quote from the Bible, from classical literature, history books, and books by the Church Fathers such as, St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, Tertullian, and others. If possible, download the file in its original format. We see in Exodus 19 and 20 a type and shadow of what we see in Revelation 4 and 5, and throughout the book. "John to the seven churches which are in Asia" (Apocalypse 1:4). A Commentary on the Book of Revelation Pastor Galen L. Doughty Southside Christian Church August 2015 INTRODUCTION: This commentary is based upon my personal notes, reflections and study of the Book of Revelation. Matthew Kauth. One Bible study guide has tallied at least 100 specific connections between the book and the liturgy. As this is a brief commentary, not every chapter will be covered. The Church is the “kingdom of priests” and the “holy nation” of the New Testament in Christ. Just as God spoke to Moses on behalf of the people, so God spoke to John on behalf of the Church. (Ex 19:19) – 19 And when the voice of the trumpet waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice. 12 I turned round to see who was speaking to me, and when I turned I saw seven golden lamp-stands. Their time of “victory” is in. Angels are the servants of God, who go about the world doing the will of God, especially among those who belong to Christ (He 1:14). He is not bound by space or time. 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