Read the book of revelation, even if it seems nonsensical

Started by melcharaz

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#31 •••
@Stephen

The statement "Matthew does not explain Revelation" 

reflects a common theological viewpoint that the Gospel of Matthew (especially Matthew 24, the Olivet Discourse) and the Book of Revelation are distinct, though related, prophetic/apocalyptic writings, with Matthew focusing more on Jesus's direct teachings about the end times from His perspective, while Revelation offers a grander, symbolic vision from God's perspective, building on Matthew's foundation and detailing the Church's journey and Christ's ultimate triumph, requiring believers to discern and apply lessons, not necessarily find a simple one-to-one explanation between the texts. 

Key Differences & Connections

  1. Perspective: Matthew presents Jesus's words about the future from His earthly viewpoint, while Revelation provides a broader, divine perspective of cosmic events.
  2. Focus: Matthew details signs (wars, famines, false prophets) leading to His return, while Revelation elaborates on the tribulation, the Antichrist, and Christ's final victory, linking back to Matthew's prophecies.
  3. Literary Style: Matthew uses familiar apocalyptic/wisdom elements for disclosure, while Revelation uses intense symbolism to reveal God's plan.
  4. Purpose: Matthew teaches followers to be watchful and ready, emphasizing the unexpected timing of His return (Matthew 24:36-44), while Revelation encourages endurance and faithfulness through trials, culminating in salvation. 

Understanding the Relationship

  1. Building Blocks: Many believe Revelation expandson Jesus's teachings in Matthew 24, providing the cosmic fulfillment of those earthly warnings.
  2. Complementary, Not Identical: They aren't meant to be a coded explanation of each other but offer different lenses on the same ultimate reality of Christ's return and God's kingdom.
  3. Application: Christians are encouraged to see the events in Matthew as part of the larger story in Revelation, applying lessons about vigilance and obedience rather than expecting a direct, simple decoding, according to posts on Stack Exchangeand Christianity.com


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#32 •••

The statement "Matthew does not explain Revelation"


And I have explained a few times now that it isn't difficult to understand. Jesus explained what was to come without the imagery and symbolism in Matthews gospel.

He knew this simply because it had happened before - twice before - in fact . He'd been taught that at certain points in the history of mankind that there comes a transfer of power, and a transfer of power was happening in his own time he knew this simply because he understood the time and signs of the Age. The one he was experiencing and living in.

You really aught to read and pay attention to your bible a little closer.




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#33 •••
@Stephen

Matthews is simple and easy to understand. But not the book of revelations.


In Revelation, Jesus is depicted as a glorious, divine figure, simultaneously the suffering Lamb and the conquering King, revealed through powerful visions as the "Son of Man" with fiery eyes, bronze feet, and a sharp sword from his mouth, symbolizing judgment and divine authority, holding the seven churches (stars) in His hand, and ultimately returning as "King of Kings" to judge the world and establish His eternal reign. He is the "Faithful Witness," "Firstborn from the Dead," and "Ruler of the Kings of the Earth," who redeems believers with His blood and promises His swift return.  


Key Depictions of Jesus in Revelation

  1. The Son of Man (Revelation 1:12-16): 
  2. John sees a majestic figure walking among golden lampstands (representing churches). 

  3. Appearance: White hair (like ancient wisdom), fiery eyes (divine scrutiny), face like the sun (glory), bronze feet (strength/judgment), voice like roaring waters (power). 

  4. Authority: Holds seven stars (angels/leaders of churches) in His right hand, a sharp two-edged sword comes from His mouth (judgment/word of God). 

  5. The Lamb (Revelation 5): 
  6. He appears as a Lamb that was slain but is worthy to open the seals, signifying His sacrificial death and resurrection as the path to redemption. 

  7. The King (Revelation 19): 
  8. He returns on a white horse as "King of Kings and Lord of Lords," clothed in a blood-stained robe, leading heavenly armies to conquer His enemies with a sword from His mouth. 

Jesus's Roles & Titles

  1. The Faithful Witness: He testifies truthfully about God. 

  2. The Firstborn from the Dead: Conquered death and offers resurrection to believers. 

  3. Ruler of the Kings of the Earth: Ultimate authority over all earthly rulers. 

  4. Alpha and Omega: The beginning and the end, asserting His eternal deity. 

Symbolism

  1. Sword from Mouth: God's word, judgment, and truth.
  2. Seven Stars: Angels or messengers of the seven churches.
  3. White Robe & Sash: Purity, priesthood, and divine royalty. 

Message

Revelation portrays Jesus as the powerful, glorious, and merciful Savior who judges evil but offers grace, forgiveness, and eternal life to those who believe, constantly inviting people to \"Come\". 


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#34 •••

You lost. again. Accept it.

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#35 •••
@Stephen


if you were a practicing Christian you would understand why the book of revelations is difficult to read. Your lack of education compounds your problem.


The Book of Revelation is hard to read because it's written in a symbolic, vision-based "apocalyptic" style with imagery unfamiliar to modern readers, requiring knowledge of Old Testament context and ancient cultures to decipher what beasts, numbers, and symbols (like the Four Horsemen) represent, rather than being a literal, straightforward narrative. Its complex, fragmented visions, cultural allusions, and specific literary genre (apocalypticism) make literal interpretation difficult and lead to diverse interpretations, but its core message is to encourage persecuted Christians to stay faithful. 

Key Reasons for Difficulty:

  1. Symbolism & Imagery: It's packed with vivid, often bizarre images (beasts, dragons, multiple heads, specific colors) that aren't literal but metaphors for spiritual realities or historical figures/powers.
  2. Literary Genre (Apocalyptic): It belongs to apocalyptic literature, which uses symbolic language, dreams, and visions to reveal divine truths, often in times of crisis, which differs from typical historical or narrative writing.
  3. Cultural Context: Many symbols had clear meanings for 1st-century Christians (e.g., Rome as Babylon), but those meanings are lost without historical knowledge.
  4. Allusions to the Old Testament: The author, John, expected readers to know the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), as he heavily drew from its imagery, prophecies, and stories (like Daniel or Ezekiel).
  5. Not a Literal History: It's not a simple "how-to" guide for the future but a prophetic encouragement to endure suffering and remain faithful, often misinterpreted as a coded predictor of current events. 

How to Approach It:

  1. Understand the Genre: Recognize it's symbolic, not literal.
  2. Know the Context: Study its 1st-century setting and the persecution of early Christians.
  3. Research Symbols: Look up the meaning of symbols in their original cultural and biblical context.
  4. Read the Whole Bible: Familiarity with the Old Testament unlocks many of Revelation's references.
  5. Focus on the Main Point: Its goal is to offer hope, not just predict dates. 


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