Questions & Answers

The book of Revelation IS a challenging book not only for you but for many, perhaps most, Bible readers. And there are reasons for this:

• Revelation is a good example of a genre of writing known as "apocalyptic literature." Remember that God has employed different kinds of writings to convey his message to us: historical narrative, poetry, and predictive prophecy in addition to apocalytic (revelatory) prophecy. Each genre has its own characteristics and often takes some getting used to. Apocalyptic literature employs graphic dreams or visions along with vivid descriptions of unusual scenes or events that are often rather surreal and fantastic, giving the reader a sense of wonder in addition to pertinent information about coming events. The symbolic use of numbers and cyclical patterns of repeated information conveyed in changing images is also common. But, again, it takes some getting used to.
• Revelation draws on information previously given in earlier books of the Bible and kind of assumes that the reader is familiar with that earlier information. To read this 66th book of the Bible without a firm grasp on the content of the first 65 can prove problematic. Earlier apocalyptic books in the Old Testament like Daniel and Zechariah especially should be studied in this connection.

The overall emphasis of Revelation will likely be understood even when many of the details elude our understanding. The ultimate victory of Christ and his people over all forces of Satan and evil people is unmistakable. But it should be admitted that when people seek to get a firm handle on the details of the visions or fantastic scenes, a lot of subjectivism and varied ideas often surface. This is why someone relatively new to this kind of book is usually invited to trustworthy commentaries on the book. This is where I would point you at this time.

When submitting your question you indicated that you are a member of WELS. So I suggest that you speak with your pastor and ask to borrow a book or two from his library. The commentary on Revelation by Professor Siegbert Becker (its title is A Distant Triumph Song) and another by Pastor Wayne Mueller (Part of the People's Bible series) are especially helpful. Don't forget to read the introductory material of those books. They will help you as you then proceed to work through the chapters of the book of Revelation itself. These volumes are available through our Northwestern Publishing House.