Introduction to the Book of Revelation
Dr. Chris Montgomery · February 5, 2025
1. Three guiding principles of interpretation:
a. A text can never mean what it never meant.
b. The Revelation meant something to, and was understood by, the first readers.
c. Therefore, our task is to discover the original meaning of the first readers and hearers.
2. Purpose
3. Theme
4. Author
5. Date
6. Structure
a. Section 1: Christ in the Midst of the Lampstands (Revelation 1:1-3:22)
b. Section 2: The Vision of Heaven and the Seals (Revelation 4:1-7:17)
c. Section 3: The Seven Trumpets (Revelation 8:1-11:19)
d. Section 4: The Persecuting Dragon (Revelation 12:1-14:20)
e. Section 5: The Seven Bowls (Revelation 15:1-16:21)
f. Section 6: The Fall of Babylon (Revelation 17:1-19:21)
g. Section 7: The New Heavens and New Earth (Revelation 20:1-22:21)
7. Parallels and Divisions
Bonus Point: I have homework every week! Read and reread the next section.
Revelation 1:1-20
1. The Formal Introduction (V1-3)
2. A Salutation to the Churches Emphasizing Christ Finished Earthly Work (V4-6)
3. The Announcement of Christ’s Second Coming (V7)
4. Christ’s Self Designation (V8)
5. John’s Commission to Write the Revelation and Apocalypse (V9-11)
6. The Vision of the Son of Man (V12-16)
7. The Effect of the Vision on John (V17-20)