Tag Archives: Bible study

The Seven Letters: An Introduction

Posted on July 15, 2015 by Don Merritt

As is the case with most aspects of Revelation, there are plenty of views about how we should understand this section (Revelation 2-3 ). In order for us to figure this all out, we need to remind ourselves of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Jesus and John

Posted on July 15, 2015 by Don Merritt

John’s vision of Jesus in the midst of His church is a striking one, for such power, majesty and glory is almost beyond human comprehension, and John reacted to it in a way that is probably much like any one … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Bonus Post: The Significance of Numbers in Revelation

Posted on July 14, 2015 by Don Merritt

We’ve already seen that the number seven is especially significant in Revelation. You may be assured that it is not the only significant number we will come across. Thus I thought it might be helpful to run through some of … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Jesus in the Midst of His Church

Posted on July 14, 2015 by Don Merritt

Revelation 1:9-16 John begins his story by setting his location on the island of Patmos where he had been exiled for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was the Lord’s Day, the first day of the week. He was … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Revelation: The Prelude

Posted on July 14, 2015 by Don Merritt

John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne,  and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Bonus Post: The Hellenistic Letter Format of the First Century

Posted on July 13, 2015 by Don Merritt

When we write a letter, we normally follow a certain culturally accepted format; we first write the name and address of the sender and recipient, then there is a greeting such as “Dear John”, followed by the body of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Revelation: The Introduction

Posted on July 13, 2015 by Don Merritt

The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

The Structure of Revelation

Posted on July 13, 2015 by Don Merritt

As we look over the book of Revelation, one thing is quite clear; it is divided into two major sections: Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. Revelation 1:19 We know that there … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

A Note About Descriptive Language

Posted on July 11, 2015 by Don Merritt

If Revelation isn’t to be understood literally, then how is it to be understood? As I said in the last post, it is “Apocalyptic” literature; it reveals something in word pictures. This kind of descriptive language shouldn’t be all that … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Our Approach to Revelation

Posted on July 11, 2015 by Don Merritt

To begin a study of a book like Revelation, we must address some fundamental questions. In this case, the most fundamental of questions is whether or not it is intended to be understood literally. If we decide it should be … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 22 Comments