Revelation 1:4 "John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne,..."
The seven churches that John is writing to are in Asia. There are certainly more churches in Asia at that time and it is a quandary as to why John chose these seven, which are listed in verse II as: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.
Four possible reasons:
1. Postal districts. It is possible that these churches are in an area where the letters can be circulated easily and reach the greatest number of persons.
2. John has a preference for the number seven as it is listed 54 times in the book of Revelation. In addition, the number seven stands for completeness. It is evident that with these letters, John is speaking to all the churches even though they are written to these seven.
3. John may carry a special authority in these churches.
4. It is considered by many that these churches stood for the seven stages of Church history.
We then continue on to a blessing of grace (which is an undeserved gift of the love of God) and peace (which is being in harmony with God and all of God's creation,the realization that everything is as it should be) from The Trinity -the Father ("him who is, and who was, and who is to come"), the Holy Spirit ("the seven spirits"), and the Son (Jesus Christ)
Why the Holy Spirit is refereed to as"the seven spirits"?
One possible explanation comes from the passage in Isaiah 11:2 here the spirit of the Lord, the spirits of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and piety: "by this spirit he shall be filled with the fear of God." This passage is considered the basis of the concept for the sevenfold gifts of the spirit.
I believe this one verse is plenty to stand on for this blog and deserves to stand alone so as not to get into "information overload" to early.
Until the next time,
Blessings to all,
- Calabash
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Revelation 1:1-3
The word revelation in Gr.-apokalupsis meaning to "reveal" that which is hidden. In this case, it is to show "what must soon take place." (Rev 1:1)KJV. Who is it to be revealed to? His servants,us. The word servants appears twice in the first 3 verses of Revelation. The word servant is, in Greek, doulos and in Hebrew, ebedh. Both are difficult to translate but normal translation of doulos is slave. Yes,slave, not a servant or someone who is in service to. A servant can leave when serving is over, there are stated hours of work necessary, and there is monies or wage we are working for. In addition, servants can negotiate deals with the one he is providing service to and what the service will be. Doulos and ebedh are words expressing how we are not our own, we have Him as our Father and have his Holy Spirit in us. As children of God we must completely devote ourselves to Him.....with no conditions and we get the blessings of being Gods. That type of servant, slave with a wonderful master.
Consider these persons; Moses, Abraham, Daniel, Jacob, Caleb and Joshua, David, Ezekiel, the prophets and the apostles of God are all listed as doulos servants as are all Christians.
...."he sent and signified it by his angel...."(Rev. 1:1)KJV. Signified here means the message was from Him and He signified this by the presence of the announcing angel. This was for John to see and to write down.
Blessings are mentioned In verse 3. Three ways to be blessed: reading the book, hearing the words and keeping that which is written.
1. Reading here means the person who actually reads the words of the book of Revelation out loud to the congregation. This stems from the Jewish services where they have a reading of the scripture. Christian church took on many of the Jewish synagogue practices, this being one and a blessing goes with the reading.
2. Hearing the words and understanding them is a privilege that many people gave, and continue to give their lives for many to be able to do. Many parts of the world today are still striving to get the written Word and to get it in their language. Hearing the words have a blessing attached to them.
3. Keeping the words we read, or hear from the Book will be a blessing. To keep the words means to obey what God has called us to do. We need to read, listen and keep Gods word because of the following statement: "for the time is at hand." (Rev 1:3) KJV. Meaning, that the time is near for the Last Judgment and the establishment of God's kingdom. We need to be ready, willing servants of God.
Blessings to all!
-Calabash
Consider these persons; Moses, Abraham, Daniel, Jacob, Caleb and Joshua, David, Ezekiel, the prophets and the apostles of God are all listed as doulos servants as are all Christians.
...."he sent and signified it by his angel...."(Rev. 1:1)KJV. Signified here means the message was from Him and He signified this by the presence of the announcing angel. This was for John to see and to write down.
Blessings are mentioned In verse 3. Three ways to be blessed: reading the book, hearing the words and keeping that which is written.
1. Reading here means the person who actually reads the words of the book of Revelation out loud to the congregation. This stems from the Jewish services where they have a reading of the scripture. Christian church took on many of the Jewish synagogue practices, this being one and a blessing goes with the reading.
2. Hearing the words and understanding them is a privilege that many people gave, and continue to give their lives for many to be able to do. Many parts of the world today are still striving to get the written Word and to get it in their language. Hearing the words have a blessing attached to them.
3. Keeping the words we read, or hear from the Book will be a blessing. To keep the words means to obey what God has called us to do. We need to read, listen and keep Gods word because of the following statement: "for the time is at hand." (Rev 1:3) KJV. Meaning, that the time is near for the Last Judgment and the establishment of God's kingdom. We need to be ready, willing servants of God.
Blessings to all!
-Calabash
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Pre-Revelation #4
One more thing before we get into the book of Revelation. John, the author had a true "dislike" for Rome. In Revelation, we find a hatred for Rome (Rev. 17: 5&6) . Lets see why:
Rome covered a huge territory, it had many languages, religions, races and traditions. In addition, Rome was now safe, the great roads could be traveled without robbery, there was no more tyrannical or capricious oppression, and the pirates of the seas had been cleared away. Rome was now the pax Romana, the Roman peace. People could now work, provide for family, journey in safety, and send letters all thanks to the Romans. Unfortunately, this all led to Caesar worship, with its persecution.
Due to the many different types, religions, and traditions of Rome, there was a need for unity. The unity came about with the new "Caesar worship". All one had to do was to make an appearance yearly before the magistrate, burn a pinch of incense to the god-head that was Caesar and say, "Caesar is LORD!" Once this was completed, you were free to go as you wish and worship any god or goddess you wanted to. I guess you can see the problem this brought about. However, if you refused to do this, there was consequences, and they were severe. Refusal meant political disloyalty, not an act of religious rebellion.
Caesar worship was not imposed on the people from above, it came from man out of gratitude for what Rome was doing for society! It was actually the deification of Rome, not the Emperor in the beginning. Furthermore, the Jews were exempt from it. So, what happened was the worship began with Julius Caesar after his death granted by Augustus in 29 B.C. Humans have a tendency to worship a god who can be seen, as opposed to a Spirit. Can you see something like that today?
So, Agustus allowed Julius worship until 14 A.D. the he died.
Tiberius (A.D. 14-37): Tried but didn't get Caesar worship stopped.
Caligula (A.D. 37-41) : Was full blown crazy and a megalomaniac, with epilepsy. He tried to force the Jews to worship Caesar as well. He even tried to get his figure placed on the Temple of Jerusalem! But died before it could be done.
Claudius (A.D. 41-54): He reversed all Caligula's insane policies. Granted the Jews back their liberty, did not want to be a god-head and did not wish to offend any contemporaries.
Then came Nero(A.D.54-68) Surprisingly, he did not look at himself as divine. He just slaughtered Christians because he wanted to, utilized them as scapegoats.
Then there was Galbia, Otto and Vitellius All three within 18 months. So much going on Caesar worship didn't even arise.
Vespasian (A.D 69-79) and Titus (A.D. 79-81): Good, wise rulers, no Caesar worship.
Finally, Domitian (A.D. 81-96): The time the Book of Revelation was written and John was exiled to the island of Patmos. Domitian was true evil, and took his divinity very seriously with blood persecution for refusal to worship him. In addition, he persecuted all who didn't worship the ancient gods ("the atheists" is what he refereed to them as). He had a keen hatred for all Jews and Christians.
So, here we have it, call the Caesar "Lord" or suffer the consequences, which were awful. They had to chose Caesar or Christ as Lord. Not calling Caesar lord meant dreadful terrors, but the glory held for those who did not fold was the love of Christ.
Next we will start with Revelations 1: 1-8.
Until then, Blessings to all.
-Calabash
Rome covered a huge territory, it had many languages, religions, races and traditions. In addition, Rome was now safe, the great roads could be traveled without robbery, there was no more tyrannical or capricious oppression, and the pirates of the seas had been cleared away. Rome was now the pax Romana, the Roman peace. People could now work, provide for family, journey in safety, and send letters all thanks to the Romans. Unfortunately, this all led to Caesar worship, with its persecution.
Due to the many different types, religions, and traditions of Rome, there was a need for unity. The unity came about with the new "Caesar worship". All one had to do was to make an appearance yearly before the magistrate, burn a pinch of incense to the god-head that was Caesar and say, "Caesar is LORD!" Once this was completed, you were free to go as you wish and worship any god or goddess you wanted to. I guess you can see the problem this brought about. However, if you refused to do this, there was consequences, and they were severe. Refusal meant political disloyalty, not an act of religious rebellion.
Caesar worship was not imposed on the people from above, it came from man out of gratitude for what Rome was doing for society! It was actually the deification of Rome, not the Emperor in the beginning. Furthermore, the Jews were exempt from it. So, what happened was the worship began with Julius Caesar after his death granted by Augustus in 29 B.C. Humans have a tendency to worship a god who can be seen, as opposed to a Spirit. Can you see something like that today?
So, Agustus allowed Julius worship until 14 A.D. the he died.
Tiberius (A.D. 14-37): Tried but didn't get Caesar worship stopped.
Caligula (A.D. 37-41) : Was full blown crazy and a megalomaniac, with epilepsy. He tried to force the Jews to worship Caesar as well. He even tried to get his figure placed on the Temple of Jerusalem! But died before it could be done.
Claudius (A.D. 41-54): He reversed all Caligula's insane policies. Granted the Jews back their liberty, did not want to be a god-head and did not wish to offend any contemporaries.
Then came Nero(A.D.54-68) Surprisingly, he did not look at himself as divine. He just slaughtered Christians because he wanted to, utilized them as scapegoats.
Then there was Galbia, Otto and Vitellius All three within 18 months. So much going on Caesar worship didn't even arise.
Vespasian (A.D 69-79) and Titus (A.D. 79-81): Good, wise rulers, no Caesar worship.
Finally, Domitian (A.D. 81-96): The time the Book of Revelation was written and John was exiled to the island of Patmos. Domitian was true evil, and took his divinity very seriously with blood persecution for refusal to worship him. In addition, he persecuted all who didn't worship the ancient gods ("the atheists" is what he refereed to them as). He had a keen hatred for all Jews and Christians.
So, here we have it, call the Caesar "Lord" or suffer the consequences, which were awful. They had to chose Caesar or Christ as Lord. Not calling Caesar lord meant dreadful terrors, but the glory held for those who did not fold was the love of Christ.
Next we will start with Revelations 1: 1-8.
Until then, Blessings to all.
-Calabash
Monday, January 17, 2011
Pre Revelation Part 3
I do apologize for all the "pre-work" that I feel is necessary before we jump right into the actual verses of the book and chapter. I do feel that some things need to be written so we can go into the book with a better understanding.
This next reading is from "The Revelation of John" by W. Barclay. He asserts that ," There are any number of Jewish Apocalypse-Enoch, The Sibylline Oracles, The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs, The Ascension of Isaiah, The Assumption of Moses, The Apocalypse of Baruch, Fourth Ezra. Our Revelation is a Christian Apocalypse. It is the only one in the New Testament, although there were many others which did not gain admission. It is written exactly on the Jewish pattern and follows the basic conception of the two ages." He goes on to say that there is one difference, it substitutes the day of the Lore for the coming in power of Jesus Christ.
The Book of Revelation itself is full of prophecy as well as apocalyptic literature.
So, what is the difference between apocalyptic and prophecy?
I.
Prophets deal in terms with the present world, a cry out for the people to conform and obey God. It is said, by W. Barclay, that a prophet is an optimist. The thought being that even with the condemnation of the way things were today, if men would just accept God and His will, things could be fixed.
For the Apocalyptic view, the world is in terrible dis-repair and cannot be fixed. Therefore, requiring a new created world. There fore a pessimistic view point is connected to this view.
II.
A second difference between the two is that a prophet will speak his message, where the apoclyptic message is written down. Most apoclyptic messages are criptic and need to be studied and read over for greater understanding. Pondering was needed to fully understand the message.
I hope this will aid us in our travel into the Book.
Until next time, Blessings to all!
-Calabash
This next reading is from "The Revelation of John" by W. Barclay. He asserts that ," There are any number of Jewish Apocalypse-Enoch, The Sibylline Oracles, The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs, The Ascension of Isaiah, The Assumption of Moses, The Apocalypse of Baruch, Fourth Ezra. Our Revelation is a Christian Apocalypse. It is the only one in the New Testament, although there were many others which did not gain admission. It is written exactly on the Jewish pattern and follows the basic conception of the two ages." He goes on to say that there is one difference, it substitutes the day of the Lore for the coming in power of Jesus Christ.
The Book of Revelation itself is full of prophecy as well as apocalyptic literature.
So, what is the difference between apocalyptic and prophecy?
I.
Prophets deal in terms with the present world, a cry out for the people to conform and obey God. It is said, by W. Barclay, that a prophet is an optimist. The thought being that even with the condemnation of the way things were today, if men would just accept God and His will, things could be fixed.
For the Apocalyptic view, the world is in terrible dis-repair and cannot be fixed. Therefore, requiring a new created world. There fore a pessimistic view point is connected to this view.
II.
A second difference between the two is that a prophet will speak his message, where the apoclyptic message is written down. Most apoclyptic messages are criptic and need to be studied and read over for greater understanding. Pondering was needed to fully understand the message.
I hope this will aid us in our travel into the Book.
Until next time, Blessings to all!
-Calabash
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Pre-Revelation 2
This next post was inspired by the book Lectures on the Revelation by Ironside. First edition of this book was in 1920, interesting how truth will stand the test of time! Mr. Ironside makes a comparison between the events of Genesis and the book of Revelation. Which makes the Word of God a perfect circle. Lets see:
Genesis
1. The creation. Heaven and Earth
2. An Earthly paradise.
a. River of blessing, tree of life etc.
b. All of it lost through sin of man.
3. First man and his wife
4. Animal sacrifice. Typical was the perfect lamb.
5. Introduction of the serpent to fool Adam and Eve. The beginning of sin.
6. Many firsts:
a. multi-marriages, rebel, drunkard.....etc.
7. We read of Babel
8. Man's city
9. Much death, pain, gnashing of teeth, tears, blood and sorrow.
Revelation
1. The New Creation. New Heaven and Earth.
2. Paradise of God.
a. Tree of Life
b. Water of life coming out of the throne of God
c. Regained through Christ's atonement
3. Second Man and His Bride
4. Lamb slain and risen is in the midst of the throne.
5. Serpent called the devil or Satan is thrown into the lake of fire.
6. In Revelation, all those who refuse to accept God's grace are removed from Him.---Forever!
7. Warning and need to think about it's doom. (the behavior of those in Babel and it's demise)
8. God's city
9. God returning to wipe away all the tears. God ushering in all those redeemed into His kingdom where there is no death, pain, gnashing of teeth, tears, blood and sorrow!
These are only a few comparisons made, there are many more. I believe it is important to get right with God, accept his grace today! Do not wait until all prophecy is fulfilled, He is our heavenly Father and will provide for us.
I will leave you today with Romans 4:16&17
Blessings to you all.
Genesis
1. The creation. Heaven and Earth
2. An Earthly paradise.
a. River of blessing, tree of life etc.
b. All of it lost through sin of man.
3. First man and his wife
4. Animal sacrifice. Typical was the perfect lamb.
5. Introduction of the serpent to fool Adam and Eve. The beginning of sin.
6. Many firsts:
a. multi-marriages, rebel, drunkard.....etc.
7. We read of Babel
8. Man's city
9. Much death, pain, gnashing of teeth, tears, blood and sorrow.
Revelation
1. The New Creation. New Heaven and Earth.
2. Paradise of God.
a. Tree of Life
b. Water of life coming out of the throne of God
c. Regained through Christ's atonement
3. Second Man and His Bride
4. Lamb slain and risen is in the midst of the throne.
5. Serpent called the devil or Satan is thrown into the lake of fire.
6. In Revelation, all those who refuse to accept God's grace are removed from Him.---Forever!
7. Warning and need to think about it's doom. (the behavior of those in Babel and it's demise)
8. God's city
9. God returning to wipe away all the tears. God ushering in all those redeemed into His kingdom where there is no death, pain, gnashing of teeth, tears, blood and sorrow!
These are only a few comparisons made, there are many more. I believe it is important to get right with God, accept his grace today! Do not wait until all prophecy is fulfilled, He is our heavenly Father and will provide for us.
I will leave you today with Romans 4:16&17
Blessings to you all.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Background Pre Chapter One #1 Context is king
The final book of the Bible is Revelation, not Revelation"s". The meaning of the word revelation means "unveiling" or manifestation. Which means the book is the unveiling of our Lord Jesus Christ. The book was meant to be read as evidenced by Rev 1:3 "Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near." (NIV). It is given for our instruction and edification, plus, notice there is a blessing with the reading of the book.
Context: Written about 95 A.D. by the apostle John. John was given the information through Jesus. The purpose of the book is to reveal the full identity of Christ and to serve as a warning as well as provide hope to believers.
John was exiled to a small island called Patmos by the Roman authorities for continuing to preach the gospels and of Jesus risen.
My goal is to read, and study the book and to blog what I have discovered in hope of being a blessing to someone. Please read, study along, and comment I am open to what you think!
Many Blessings
Context: Written about 95 A.D. by the apostle John. John was given the information through Jesus. The purpose of the book is to reveal the full identity of Christ and to serve as a warning as well as provide hope to believers.
John was exiled to a small island called Patmos by the Roman authorities for continuing to preach the gospels and of Jesus risen.
My goal is to read, and study the book and to blog what I have discovered in hope of being a blessing to someone. Please read, study along, and comment I am open to what you think!
Many Blessings
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