Think on These
Things
by Tom McLemore
Question: Preacher, What is the most helpful advice you can give for
understanding the book of Revelation?
Answer: At the top of the list is to read the book itself and
look for interpretative clues that the author gives (e.g., Revelation 1:1, 20,
etc.) before reading modern comments on it.
Revelation 1:1 suggests that we must read it as much as possible as a
first century Christian would read it, i.e., in light of the historical
background of the first century church:
“The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants
what must soon take place...” (emphasis supplied). The basic message that the book expresses is
the need for faithfulness to Christ under severe trial, because God, Christ,
their servants, and good have triumphed (and will ultimately triumph) over
Satan, his servants, and evil. Whatever
the book says about modern times and the end of history it says by means of this
basic message. The specific historical events
which its symbols represent have long since passed. As with all ancient Biblical texts the only
sure way to know what it means is to know what it meant to its first
readers.
Address questions to tommclemore@juno.com
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