The Book of Revelation

Catholic Bible Institute in the Diocese of Orange

April 29, 2017

Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.— Loyola Institute for Spirituality

http://catholic-resources.org

8:45 Opening Prayer & Announcements

9:00 Presentation 1 – Introduction to Apocalyptic Literature

Apocalypse: Literary Genre, Definitions, Characteristics
Symbolism and Numerology; History and Theology
Book of Revelation: Author, Date, Context, Purpose, Outline
Use of Revelation in the Lectionary for Mass
Group Discussions: How are biblical apocalyptic writings similar to and/or different from modern
fantasy (Lord of the Rings; Harry Potter) or science-fiction (Star Trek; Star Wars) books/movies?

10:15 Break

10:30 Presentation 2 – Revelation 1—5

Introduction (Rev 1)
Letters to Churches (Rev 2—3)
Initial Visions (Rev 4—5)
Group Discussions: How is Jesus as portrayed in Rev 1—5 similar/different from John’s Gospel?

12:00 Lunch Break

1:00 Presentation 3 – Revelation 6—19

Various Cycles of Visions
Group Discussions: According to Rev 19, when and how does the “rider on the white horse”
defeat all the forces of “evil”? What can this teach us about our world today?

2:15 Break

2:30 Presentation 4 – Revelation 20—22

New Heavens, New Earth, New Jerusalem
Group Discussions: How and why is the Book of Revelation still important/relevant for us
Christians today? Should we encourage more people to read Revelation? How and why?
Q&A

3:50 Announcements & Closing Prayer

 BOOK of REVELATION – A BRIEF BIBLIOGRAPHY

Fourteen Recent Commentaries:

Resseguie , James L. The Revelation of John: A Narrative Commentary. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2009.
Cory, Catherine A. The Book of Revelation. NCBC 12. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2006.
Metzger, Bruce Manning. Breaking the Code: Understanding the Book of Revelation. Nashville: Abingdon, 1993; 2006.
Weinrich, William C., ed. Revelation. Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, NT 12. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity
Press, 2005.
Koester, Craig R. Revelation and the End of All Things. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2001.
Malina, Bruce J. and John J. Pilch. Social-Science Commentary on the Book of Revelation. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2000.
Smith, Robert H. Apocalypse: A Commentary on Revelation in Words and Images. Illustrations by Albrecht Dürer.
Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2000.
Beale, G. K. The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text. NIGTC. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1999.
Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998.
Murphy, Frederick James. Fallen is Babylon: The Revelation to John. New Testament in Context. Harrisburg, PA: Trinity
Press International, 1998.
Chapman, Jr., Charles T. The Message of the Book of Revelation. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1995.
Richard, Pablo. Apocalypse: A People's Commentary on the Book of Revelation. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 1995.
Talbert, Charles H. The Apocalypse: A Reading of the Revelation of John. Louisville, KY: Westminster/John Knox, 1994.
Harrington, Wilfrid J. Revelation. Sacra Pagina 16. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1993.

Twelve Recent Studies:

Mathews, Susan Fournier. The Book of Revelation: Question by Question. New York: Paulist, 2009.
Isaac, Gordon L. Left Behind or Left Befuddled: The Subtle Dangers of Popularizing the End Times. Collegeville, MN:
Liturgical Press, 2008.
Braaten, Mark. Come, Lord Jesus: A Study of Revelation. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2007.
Doyle, Stephen C. Apocalypse: A Catholic Perspective on the Book of Revelation. St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2005.
Lewis, Scott M., S.J. What Are They Saying about New Testament Apocalyptic? New York: Paulist, 2004.
Barr, David L., ed. Reading the Book of Revelation: A Resource for Students. Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2003.
Wenig, Laurin J. The Challenge of the Apocalypse: Embracing the Book of Revelation with Hope and Faith. New York:
Paulist, 2002.
Faley, Roland J. Apocalypse Then and Now: A Companion to the Book of Revelation. New York: Paulist, 1999.
González, Justo L. For the Healing of the Nations: The Book of Revelation in an Age of Cultural Conflict. Maryknoll, NY:
Orbis, 1999.
Hahn, Scott. The Lamb's Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth. New York: Doubleday, 1999.
Bauckham, Richard. The Theology of the Book of Revelation. New Testament Theology. Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press, 1993.
Kealy, Sean P. The Apocalypse of John. Message of Biblical Spirituality, NT 15. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1987.

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Preliminary Description of “Apocalypse”:
• In popular terminology today, an “apocalypse” is a catastrophic event (e.g., nuclear holocaust).
• In biblical terminology, an “apocalypse” is not an event, but a “revelation” that is recorded in written form:
o it is a piece of crisis literature that “reveals” truths about the past, present, and/or future in highly symbolic terms;
o the revelation often comes in dreams or visions, and usually needs to be interpreted with the help of an angel;
o it is usually intended to provide hope and encouragement for people in the midst of severe trials and tribulations.
• Caution 1: “The Apocalypse” is an alternate name (used esp. by Protestants) for the “Book of Revelation” in the NT.
• Caution 2: “The Little Apocalypse” or “The Apocalyptic Discourse” are names sometimes given to Mark 13 (and
parallel texts Matt 24 and Luke 21), containing Jesus’ teachings about the future of Jerusalem and the end of the world.

Scholarly Definition of “Apocalypse” (from the SBL’s “Apocalypse Group”; in J. J. Collins, Semeia 14 [1979] 9):
“ ‘Apocalypse’ is a genre of revelatory literature with a narrative framework,
in which a revelation is mediated by an otherworldly being to a human recipient,
disclosing a transcendent reality with is
both temporal, insofar as it envisages eschatological salvation,
and spatial insofar as it involves another, supernatural world.”
Addition to the Definition, incorporating the purpose of the genre (from suggestions of Hellholm 1982 & Aune 1986):
“...intended to interpret the present, earthly circumstances in light of the supernatural world and of the future,
and to influence both the understanding and the behavior of the audience by means of divine authority.”

The Symbolism of Numbers in the Bible:

1 singularity; God in monotheism (Deut 6:4); unity for humans (John 10:16; Eph 4:4)
2 duality: contrary (light/dark, good/evil) or complimentary (material/spiritual; human/divine)
3 God’s actions: 3 “visitors” (Gen 18:2); “third day” (Exod 19:11); later “Trinity” (Matt 28:19)
3½ half of seven; thus things in process, still incomplete
4 earth, directions, winds, empires; later the four Gospels/Evangelists
6 human work/effort (Luke 13:14); incompleteness, imperfection, lack (not yet 7)
7 days in a week, sabbath rest (Gen 2:1-3); thus natural & divine completeness/perfection
[8] Jewish day of Circumcision (Exod 22:30); Christian day of Resurrection (John 20:26)
10 completion; basis of many number systems (# digits on fingers/toes!)
11 incompletion; only eleven apostles remain after Judas’ death
12 months per year, tribes of Israel, apostles of Jesus; human completion
[13] [used in later superstition; based on Judas, but not used in the Bible itself!]
24 Christian number for completion/restoration: OT tribes + NT apostles
30 days in month in ancient lunar calendars
[40] very long time: years of Israel’s Exodus, days of Jesus’ temptation
42 number of months in 3½ years (see also 1260 days)
144 = 12x12, thus perfect completion
360 number of days in a lunar year (12x30)
365 number of days in a solar year (cf. Gen 5:23)
666 number of the beast (only in Rev 13:18; variant reading is 616)
1000 = 10x10x10
1260 number of days in 3½ years (thus incompletion)
10,000 “myriad”; highest ancient number with its own name

Roman Emperors in the New Testament Era:

[Julius Caesar] - assassinated 44 BC Galba & Otho & Vitellius (AD 68-69)
Octavian/Augustus (27 BC—AD 14) Vespasian (AD 69-79)
Tiberius (AD 14-37) Titus (AD 79-81)
Gaius/Caligula (AD 37-41) DOMITIAN (AD 81-96)
Claudius (AD 41-54) Nerva (AD 96-98)
NERO (AD 54-68) Trajan (AD 98-117)

Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D. http://Catholic-Resources.org/Bible

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 The Book of Revelation: An Overview
The last book in the New Testament, often called “Revelation” or “The Revelation of John,” is more properly
entitled “The Revelation of Jesus Christ to John.” It is also called “The Apocalypse,” but should not be called
“Revelations” (not plural; it is a single unified message of God, told in a series of deepening narrative cycles).
The Greek word apokalypsis literally means “uncovering” or “revealing” some truth previously hidden. An
“Apocalypse” is not primarily an event (end of the world or another catastrophe), but is a literary genre, a style of
writing that uses highly symbolic narratives to interpret a historical crisis and provide hope for a better future.

Literary and Historical Issues:

Abbrev. (length) Rev (22 chapters, 404 verses, 9825 words in the original Greek text)
Attributed Author “John” (1:1, 4, 9), a Jewish-Christian prophet; not the brother of James, son of Zebedee,
named in the Gospels, nor the authors of the “Fourth Gospel” or the “Johannine Epistles”
Named Recipients “Seven churches” in Asia Minor, modern SW Turkey (1:4; 2:1-22)
Date of Writing Mid-90’s of the first century, near the end of the reign of Emperor Domitian (who died in 96 CE)
Location of Writing Roman Province of Asia (possibly the capital city of Ephesus itself)
Unity & Integrity A single work; possibly composed in stages, incorporating some older apocalyptic materials
Literary Genre An “apocalypse” (1:1; 4:1), with an epistolary frame (letter introduction & conclusion: 1:4; 22:21)
Language Highly symbolic Greek, including some Hebrew/Semitic influences
Purpose Encourage Christians to persevere in faith in the midst of trials & tribulations (cf. 13:10b; 14:12)

Use of the Book of Revelation in the Lectionary for Mass: Sundays & Weekdays
L# Sunday Second Reading
45 2nd Sunday of Easter – Year C Rev 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19 – Vision of the Risen Lord Jesus
48 3rd Sunday of Easter – Year C Rev 5:11-14 – Worthy Is the Lamb That Was Slain
51 4th Sunday of Easter – Year C Rev 7:9, 14b-17 – Uncountable Multitude of the Elect in Triumph
54 5th Sunday of Easter – Year C Rev 21:1-5a – New Heaven and New Earth
57 6th Sunday of Easter – Year C Rev 21:10-14, 22-23 – Vision of the New Jerusalem
61 7th Sunday of Easter – Year C Rev 22:12-14, 16-17, 20 – Epilogue: Come, Lord Jesus!
161 Christ the King – Year B Rev 1:5-18 – Jesus Christ, King of Kings, is Coming in Glory
260 Chrism Mass (in Holy Week) Rev 1:5-18 – Jesus Christ, King of Kings, is Coming in Glory
L# Weekday First Reading
497 Year II – Week 33 – Monday Rev 1:1-4; 2:1-5 – Introduction; Letter to the Church in Ephesus
498 Year II – Week 33 – Tuesday Rev 3:1-6, 14-22 – Letters to the Churches in Sardis & Laodicea
499 Year II – Week 33 – Wednesday Rev 4:1-11 – Vision of God’s Throne; “Holy, holy, holy”
500 Year II – Week 33 – Thursday Rev 5:1-10 – Scroll with 7 Seals; Lion of Judah; Lamb that was slain
501 Year II – Week 33 – Friday Rev 10:8-11 – Take & eat the scroll; prophesy to many peoples
502 Year II – Week 33 – Saturday Rev 11:4-12 – The Two Witnesses
503 Year II – Week 34 – Monday Rev 14:1-3, 4b-5 – Mount Zion; the Lamb with the 144,000 Redeemed
504 Year II – Week 34 – Tuesday Rev 14:14-19 – The Son of Man & the Angels Reaping
505 Year II – Week 34 – Wednesday Rev 15:1-4 – The Sea of Glass; the Song of Moses
506 Year II – Week 34 – Thursday Rev 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9a – Fallen is Babylon; Rejoicing in Heaven
507 Year II – Week 34 – Friday Rev 20:1-4, 11—21:2 – Satan Bound for 1000 years; the Book of Life
508 Year II – Week 34 – Saturday Rev 22:1-7 – River of Water of Life; Tree of Life; Final Blessing
622 Aug. 15: Assumption of the BVM Rev 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab – Vision of the Woman & Dragon
667 November 1: All Saints Rev 7:2-4, 9-14 – The 144,000 & Uncountable Multitude of the Elect

Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D. http://Catholic-Resources.org/Bible

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 The Purpose of the Book of Revelation:
To encourage Christians to persevere in faith in the midst of tribulations

“patient endurance” (Gk hypomonē) & “to hold fast” (Gk kratein) & “to keep” (Gk tērein) – NRSV texts
1:9 – I, John, your brother who share with you in Jesus the persecution and the kingdom and the patient endurance, was on the island
called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
2:1-3 – “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks
among the seven golden lampstands: / “I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance. I know that you cannot tolerate
evildoers; you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them to be false. / I also know that you are
enduring patiently and bearing up for the sake of my name, and that you have not grown weary.”
2:13-16 – “I know where you are living, where Satan's throne is. Yet you are holding fast to my name, and you did not deny your faith in
me even in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan lives. / But I have a few things
against you: you have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the people of
Israel, so that they would eat food sacrificed to idols and practice fornication. / So you also have some who hold to the teaching of the
Nicolaitans.”
2:19 – “I know your works--your love, faith, service, and patient endurance. I know that your last works are greater than the first.”
2:25 – “…only hold fast to what you have until I come.”
3:10-11 – “Because you have kept my word of patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole
world to test the inhabitants of the earth. / I am coming soon; hold fast to what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.”
13:10 – If you are to be taken captive, into captivity you go; if you kill with the sword, with the sword you must be killed. Here is a call for
the endurance and faith of the saints.
14:12 – Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and hold fast to the faith of Jesus.
22:7 – “See, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

“those who conquer” (Gk nikan) – NRSV texts

2:7 – Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. To everyone who conquers, I will give permission to
eat from the tree of life that is in the paradise of God.
2:11 – Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Whoever conquers will not be harmed by the
second death.
2:17 – Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. To everyone who conquers I will give some of the
hidden manna, and I will give a white stone, and on the white stone is written a new name that no one knows except the one who
receives it.
2:26 – To everyone who conquers and continues to do my works to the end, I will give authority over the nations;
3:5 – If you conquer, you will be clothed like them in white robes, and I will not blot your name out of the book of life; I will confess your
name before my Father and before his angels.
3:12 – If you conquer, I will make you a pillar in the temple of my God; you will never go out of it. I will write on you the name of my God,
and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem that comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.
3:21 – To the one who conquers I will give a place with me on my throne, just as I myself conquered and sat down with my Father on
his throne.
5:5 – Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he
can open the scroll and its seven seals.”
6:2 – I looked, and there was a white horse! Its rider had a bow; a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering and to conquer.
11:7 – When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the bottomless pit will make war on them and conquer them and kill them,
12:11 – But they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they did not cling to life even in
the face of death.
13:7 – Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. It was given authority over every tribe and people and language and nation,
15:2 – And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who had conquered the beast and its image and the
number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands.
17:14 – they will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him
are called and chosen and faithful.”
21:7 – Those who conquer will inherit these things, and I will be their God and they will be my children.

Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D. http://Catholic-Resources.org/Bible

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 An Outline of the Book of Revelation
adapted from various sources

PROLOGUE (1:1-8)
The Introduction of the Book (1:1-3)
An Epistolary Prescript (1:4-6)
Two Prophetic Sayings (1:7-8)
VISIONARY REPORT (1:9 – 22:5)
John’s Inaugural Vision & Commission (1:9 – 3:22)
An Audition and Vision of the Risen Christ (1:9-20)
Seven Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia (2:1 – 3:22)
Ephesus (2:1-7); Smyrna (2:8-11); Pergamum (2:12-17);
Thyatira (2:18-29); Sardis (3:1-6); Philadelphia (3:7-13); Laodicea (3:14-22)
John’s First Cycle of Visions in the Spirit (4:1 – 11:19)
Worship in the Heavenly Court (4:1-11)
The Scroll, the Lion of Judah, and the Lamb (5:1-14)
Seven Seals (6:1 – 8:5)
The first four seals (6:1-8)
The fifth and sixth seals (6:9-17)
Two interrupting visions:
144,000 Israelites sealed by God (7:1-8)
Countless Gentiles robed in white (7:9-17)
The seventh seal and the angel with a golden censer (8:1-5)
Seven Angels with Seven Trumpets (8:2 – 11:19)
The first four trumpets (8:2-12)
The fifth and sixth trumpets (8:13; 9:1-21)
Two interrupting visions:
An angel with a small scroll (10:1-11)
The temple and two witnesses (11:1-14)
The seventh trumpet (11:15-19)
John’s Second Cycle of Visions in the Spirit (12:1 – 22:5)
Seven Symbolic Visions of the Past, Present & Future (12:1 – 15:4)
The Woman, the Child, and the Dragon (12:1-17)
The First Beast, from the Sea (13:1-10)
The Second Beast, from the Earth (13:11-18)
The Lamb and the 144,000 (14:1-5)
The Three Angels with Messages (14:6-13)
The Final Harvest and Vintage (14:14-20)
The Victory Song of Moses and of the Lamb (15:1-4)
Seven Angels with Seven Plagues (15:1 – 19:10)
The Seven Angels (15:1-8)
The Seven Bowls (16:1-21)
Elaboration on the Destruction of Babylon (17:1 – 19:10)
The whore on the scarlet beast: Rome (17:1-18)
The fall of Babylon: Rome’s destruction (18:1-24)
The Rejoicing in Heaven (19:1-10)
Seven Visions of the Last Things (19:11 – 22:5)
The Coming of Christ, the Word of God (19:11-16)
The Invitation to a Great Banquet (19:17-18)
The Final Battle (19:19-21)
The Binding of Satan (20:1-3)
The Millennial Reign (20:4-10)
The Final Judgment (20:11-15)
The New Heaven, New Earth, New Jerusalem (21:1-8)
An Elaborate Description of the New Jerusalem (21:9 – 22:5)
CONCLUSION (22:6-21)
A Collection of Short Prophetic Sayings (22:6-20)
An Epistolary Benediction (22:21)

Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D. http://Catholic-Resources.org/Bible

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 Blocks of Seven in the Book of Revelation
Seven churches (1:4, 11, 20; 2:1--3:22), seven spirits of God (1:4; 3:1; 4:5; 5:6), seven lampstands (1:12, 20; 2:1), seven stars
(1:16, 20; 2:1; 3:1), seven angels (1:20; 8:2, 6; 15:1, 6-8; 16:1; 17:1; 21:9), seven torches (4:5), seven seals (5:1, 5), seven horns
& seven eyes on lamb (5:6), seven trumpets (8:2, 6), seven thunders (10:3-4), seven heads & seven diadems on dragon (12:3),
seven heads on sea beast (13:1; 17:3, 7), seven plagues (15:1, 6-8; 21:9), seven bowls (15:7-8; 16:1; 17:1; 21:9), seven
mountains & seven kings (17:9).
• The seven churches are explicitly named near the beginning: "Write in a book what you see and send it to the seven
churches, to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamum, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea." (1:11).
• The lamb receives seven-fold praise from myriads of angels: "Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power
and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" (5:12; similar seven-fold praise in 7:12).
• As the sixth seal is opened, seven groups of people flee: "Then the kings of the earth and the magnates and the generals
and the rich and the powerful, and all slaves and free people, hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains..." (6:15)
• Seven beatitudes are scattered throughout the book (1:3; 14:13a; 16:15; 19:9a; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14).
Letters to the Seven Churches:
City in Asia Minor: Ephesus Smyrna Pergamum Thyatira Sardis Philadelphia Laodicea
Ref. 2:1-7 2:8-11 2:12-17 2:18-29 3:1-6 3:7-13 3:14-22
Description 7 stars; first & last; with 2-edged eyes of fire; seven spirits; holy & true; amen; archē
of Christ: 7 lampstands died & lived sword feet of bronze seven stars key of David of Creation
The Church: vv. 2-3 v. 9 v. 13 v. 19 ? v. 8 ?
Good things
The Church: v. 4 ? vv. 14-15 vv. 20-21 v. 1b ? vv. 15-17
Bad things
Admonitions & vv. 5-6 v. 10 v. 16 vv. 22-25 vv. 2-4 vv. 9-11 vv. 18-20
Encouragements:
Promises to the v. 7 v. 11 v. 17 vv. 26-29 vv. 5-6 vv. 12-13 vv. 21-22
victors who hear:

Cycles of Seven Visions:

# 7 Seals 7 Trumpets 7 Signs 7 Bowls/Plagues 7 Stages 7 Final Visions
Intro 5:1-14 8:2-6 11:16-19 15:1 – 16:1 17:1-2 19:9-10
1 6:1-2 8:7 12:1-2 16:2 17:3-6 19:11-16
white horse: earth set on fire woman with child on the earth description of rider on a white horse
conqueror Babylon
2 6:3-4 8:8-9 12:3-6 16:3 17:7-18 19:17-18
red horse: sea turned to blood dragon on the sea explanation of supper of God
war Babylon
3 6:5-6 8:10-11 12:7-17 16:4-7 18:1-3 19:19-21
black horse: rivers & springs war in heaven on the waters fall of Babylon capture of two beasts
famine become bitter
4 6:7-8 8:12-13 13:1-10 16:8-9 18:4-8 20:1-3
pale-green horse: heavenly bodies are beast from the sea on the sun rescue of God’s angel of the abyss
death dimmed people
5 6:9-11 9:1-12 13:11-18 16:10-11 18:9-20 20:4-10
souls of martyrs 1st woe: locusts beast from the earth on the beast’s mourning for first resurrection
under the altar throne Babylon & millennial reign
6 6:12-17 9:13–21 14:1-5 16:12 18:21-24 20:11-15
earthquake and 2nd woe: horses Lamb & virgins on the Euphrates Babylon’s final final judgment scene
sky signs ruin foretold
Pause 7:1-17 – people 10:1 – 11:14 14:6-20 16:13-16 x x
sealed & saved scrolls & witnesses
3 angels; son of 3 frogs / fouls
man; 3 more angels spirits
7 8:1 – silence for 11:15 – loud voices: 15:2-4 – sea of glass 16:17 19:1-8 21:1 – 22:5
about a half-hour kingdom of God into the air songs of praise New Heavens/Earth;
at Babylon’s fall New Jerusalem
Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D. http://Catholic-Resources.org/Bible
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 666: Who or What Is the Beast?
The answer to this nearly 2000-year-old question depends on how you choose to interpret the Book of
Revelation. Near the middle of this highly symbolic book are descriptions of several strange creatures:
• First, “a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads”; it is described further
after being defeated by Michael and his angels in a battle in heaven: “The great dragon was thrown down, that ancient
serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world--he was thrown down to the earth, and his
angels were thrown down with him” (Rev 12:3-18).
• Second, “a beast rising out of the sea having ten horns and seven heads; and on its horns were ten diadems, and on its
heads were blasphemous names... [it] was like a leopard, its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s
mouth. And the dragon gave it his power and his throne and great authority...” (Rev 13:1-10).
• Third, “another beast that rose out of the earth; it had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon. It exercises
all the authority of the first beast on its behalf, and it makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast...” (Rev
13:11-18).
At the end of the paragraph about this third beast, the author challenges the reader with an intriguing puzzle:
“This calls for wisdom: let anyone with understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the
number of a person. Its number is six hundred sixty-six.” (13:18).
• To understand this text, one must know that ancient Hebrew (like Greek and other ancient languages) did not have a
separate set of characters to indicate numbers, but simply used the letters of its alphabet to represent numbers. This fact
provides the basis for the ancient practice of “gematria,” in which numerical equivalents of words and names are
calculated (still a popular game today!).
• There are several different ways of assigning numbers to the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet, but the system
most commonly used is this:
alef = 1; bet = 2; gimel = 3; dalet = 4; hey = 5; waw = 6; zayin = 7; chet = 8; tet = 9; yod = 10; kaf = 20; lamed = 30;
mem = 40; nun = 50; samek = 60; ayin = 70; pey = 80; tsadeh = 90; qof = 100; resh = 200; shin = 300; taw = 400.
• The basic idea is that every word (and every name) has a number associated with it, obtained by adding up the
numerical equivalent of each letter in the word. So, every person has a number, the numerical value of his or her name.
For example, “David” has a value of 14 in Hebrew (it is written dalet-waw-dalet, which is 4+6+4); see Matt 1:17.
• The same game can be played in any language by assigning numerical values to each letter of the alphabet: for
example, a = 1, b = 2, c = 3, etc. However, the results you want to get may determine which numerical system you
choose; for example, you can get HITLER = 666 if you choose a system in which a=100, b=101, c=102, etc.
So, who is the person whose number is 666?
Throughout history, attempts have been made to identify 666 with many famous people (usually one’s enemies)!
• Since the Reformation (and still today!), some Protestants have tried to connect 666 with the Pope, either with the
“Roman Pontiff” in general or with a specific Pope in particular. On the other hand, some Catholics used to see a link
between the apocalyptic beast and Martin Luther.
• Some Democrats have tried to associate the beast with Ronald Reagan or George W. Bush, while some Republicans
might argue it was John F. Kennedy or Bill Clinton.
Most biblical historians agree that the Book of Revelation is simply referring to the Roman Emperor NERO,
the most “beastly” ruler of the first Christian Century:
• The Hebrew equivalent of “Emperor Nero” could be written NRWN QSR (nun-resh-waw-nun qof-samek-resh);
thus, the first word is 50+200+6+50, the second word is 100+60+200, and the total is no surprise!
• For more extensive discussion of the first-century Roman Empire and the historical references behind the dragon, the
sea beast, and the land beast in Rev 12–13, see any good biblical commentary on the Book of Revelation.
Does Rev 13:18 really contain the number 666, or was it originally 616?
• Most ancient Greek manuscripts of the NT read “six hundred sixty-six” in Rev 13:18; but some ancient manuscripts
contain the alternate reading “six hundred sixteen” (616), which might well be the older or original reading of this text.
o A branch of biblical scholarship called “textual” criticism deals with such issues, trying to determine which variant
was more likely the original reading. If the text originally said 666, how and why was it changed to 616 in later
manuscripts? Or vice-versa, if the original text was 616, how and why was it later changed to 666?
• The proposal that 616 is the older and better reading of Rev 13:18 was recently bolstered by some newly published
Oxyrhynchus Papyri. Moreover, the change from “616” to “666” can easily be explained, especially if the historical
reference was originally to Emperor Nero.
o The final letter “nun” is optional in the Hebrew spelling of Nero. So NRW QSR = 50+200+6+100+60+200 = 616.
o If 616 was the original reading, it is easy to see how the text of Rev 13:8 would later have been changed to 666,
due to its more highly symbolic value (since 6 represents incompleteness, in contrast to 7 representing completion,
the triple 666 represents evil even more obviously than 616.)
Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D. http://Catholic-Resources.org/Bible
Page 8
The New Jerusalem (Rev 21—22)
Renewal of Creation:
• New Heaven & New Earth, but no new sea (21:1)
• New Jerusalem, descending from heaven (21:2; cf. 3:12)
• Proclamations of renewal of all things by God (21:3-7)
• Warnings about the fate of evil people (21:8)
Detailed Description of the New Jerusalem (cf. Garden of Eden / Paradise)
• Descent from Heaven
o Angel’s invitation to come see “the bride of the Lamb” (21:9)
o City’s descent from heaven, like a bride adorned (21:10)
o Radiance like God’s splendor & precious gemstones (21:11)
• Wall, Gates, & Foundations Stones
o Massive high wall, with 12 Gates (4x3) = 12 tribes of Israel (21:12-13)
o Wall has 12 courses of foundation stones = 12 apostles of the Lamb (21:14)
o Dimensions of city: 1500 miles cubed (~½ E-W of USA; and just as high!) (21:15-16)
o Dimensions of walls: 144 cubits thick (21:17)
o Descriptions of wall & city (jasper, gold, glass), foundations (12 gemstones), gates (huge single pearls),
streets (pure gold, transparent as glass) – (21:18-21)
• Temple & Light Sources
o No temple building; its temple = Lord God & Lamb (21:22)
o No sun or moon; light = God’s glory; lamp = the Lamb (21:23)
o Treasure of the nations, but nothing unclean (21:24-27)
• River of Water & Tree of Life
o River flows from throne of God & Lamb (22:1)
o Tree of Life: monthly fruits, medicinal leaves (22:2)
o Recap: nothing foul; God’s throne; God’s presence * light (22:3-5)
Epilogue (22:6-21)
6 And he said to me, "These words are trustworthy and true,
and the Lord, the God of prophetic spirits, sent his angel to show his servants what must happen soon."
7 "Behold, I am coming soon." Blessed is the one who keeps the prophetic message of this book.

8 It is I, John, who heard and saw these things, and when I heard and saw them

I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me. 9 But he said to me, "Don't!
I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brothers the prophets and of those who keep the message of this book.
Worship God."
10 Then he said to me, "Do not seal up the prophetic words of this book, for the appointed time is near.
11 Let the wicked still act wickedly, and the filthy still be filthy. The righteous must still do right, and the holy still be holy."

12 "Behold, I am coming soon. I bring with me the recompense I will give to each according to his deeds.
13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end."
14 Blessed are they who wash their robes so as to have the right to the tree of life and enter the city through its gates.

15 Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the unchaste, the murderers, the idol-worshipers, and all who love and practice deceit.

16 "I, Jesus, sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches.

I am the root and offspring of David, the bright morning star."

17 The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." Let the hearer say, "Come."

Let the one who thirsts come forward, and the one who wants it receive the gift of life-giving water.
18 I warn everyone who hears the prophetic words in this book:

if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book,
19 and if anyone takes away from the words in this prophetic book,

God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city described in this book.
20 The one who gives this testimony says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.

 Unveiled Hope - by Michael Card
A Contemporary Christian Music Album
based on the Book of Revelation (1997)

. SONG Length Scriptural Basis

1 Prelude 2:55 --
2 The Unveiling 3:44 Rev 1
3 To the Overcomers 3:54 Rev 2—3
4 Holy, Holy, Holy 2:00 Rev 4:8
5 You Are Worthy 3:54 Rev 4:11; 5:9-10, 12-13
6 Salvation 2:51 Rev 7:10, 12, 15-17
7 Interlude 0:30 --
8 The Dragon 4:06 Rev 12—13
9 The Song of the Lamb 3:01 Rev 15:3-4
10 The City of Doom 4:34 Rev 18
11 Hallelujah 3:35 Rev 19
12 New Jerusalem 4:46 Rev 21
13 Reprise 1:20 --

The Doré Bible Gallery

Woodcuts by Gustave Doré (1832-1883)

Rev 1:9 - John on Patmos Rev 6:8 - Fourth Horseman Rev 12:1 - Woman & Dragon

Rev 18:5 - Fall of Babylon Rev 20:12 - Final Judgment Rev 21:2 - New Jerusalem