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Gorman does not attempt a verse-by-verse interpretation of the next several chapters of the Revelation. Rather, he works his way through the text to demonstrate the meaning of key symbolic “actors” in the vision seen by John. He first outlines … Continue reading →

To me, this is one the most significant passages in the entire book. It’s a turning point — a “revelation” of a deep truth. (Rev. 5:1-5 ESV) Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on … Continue reading →

We turn next to chapter 4 — (Rev. 4:1-11 ESV)  After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, … Continue reading →

I’m not going to attempt a verse-by-verse exposition of the introduction or seven letters that begin the Revelation. The territory is familiar, and there are many helpful resources, including Tim Archer’s and Steve Ridgell’s Letters from the Lamb. (Tim often comments … Continue reading →

So what is the over-arching theme of the Revelation? According to Gorman, In other words, the purpose of the book of Revelation is to persuade its hearers and readers, both ancient and contemporary, to remain faithful to God in spite … Continue reading →

Gorman suggests that we read the Revelation through a combination of three schools of thought. This pastoral-prophetic approach is bound to be closely related to the [poetic and political]. If we read Revelation poetically, concluding that Babylon is not merely … Continue reading →

[From February 2009, with some editing] We have members of my congregation who are firmly persuaded that contemporary Christian music is a sign of the Apocalypse — rather like sword, famine, plague, and wild beasts. It’s just one more way … Continue reading →

Gorman writes, As a prophetic summons to first-commandment faithfulness, Revelation is both a call to worship the true God and a call to forsake all false deities. These two aspects are connected, and both appear in sharp relief at the … Continue reading →

Gorman cites three prominent elements of the Roman empire/religion from Warren Carter — The gods have chosen Rome. Rome and its emperor are agents of the gods’ rule, will, salvation, and presence among human beings. Rome manifests the gods’ blessings—security, … Continue reading →

Gorman explains the ethical background that is likely behind much of the Revelation– As Christian individuals and communities in Asia Minor interacted with family members, friends, business associates, and public officials who did not share their conviction that “Jesus is … Continue reading →