The Millennium

Outline: The Millennium
Passage: Revelation 20
Discussion audio (1h11m)

The Millennium, found only in Revelation, is another one of those concepts where multiple, mutually exclusive interpretations have been given. I was surprised (because the version of premillennialism I learned was supposed to be the only right one) at the conclusion I drew, amillennialism, after examining the historical, literary, and religious contexts that John probably would have had in utilizing this symbolic reference in Revelation.

There is really no point in arguing whether or not any of the three major schools of millennial interpretation are right or wrong as each claims biblical basis and are considered orthodox positions. Each person will need to (re-)examine their own assumptions in light of what is written about the millennium (very little, in fact).

Assumptions that each person brings to their reading of Revelation provides the basic framework in which it is interpreted. We have been reading the book as a literary drama of the apocalyptic genre, common to the period, whose sole intended audience was the Christians of the seven churches to which the book is addressed. We read it in a way that we think made sense to them. We assume that the entire book made sense to them.

On the other hand if we come to Revelation with the a priori that it is primarily futuristic prophecy, how we interpret and understand the reading will necessarily be vastly different. If, on top of that, we bring to it the assumption that it is intended to be a companion book to the Old Testament book of Daniel, the interpretations will have further influences that likely was not intended.

There is more than one way for 21st century Christians to read and interpret Revelation. There are probably multiple “right ways”. Some may be better than others. I believe the Holy Spirit can bring out vital messages for us through each of the readings. God’s Word is not the text of the Bible, but how its reading together with individual experiences, brings Christ alive in the reader.

Beast from the Earth

Outline: Beast from the Earth
Passage: Revelation 13:11-18
Discussion audio (1 hour)

The second beast comes up out of the earth. As we continue into the depths of Revelation it is easy to fall into the trap of trying to fit symbols and images into predefined boxes that we have been given and/or created based upon whichever traditions we have. What happens when we attempt to listen to these passages and process them as if we were in the first century AD in the region of Ephesus?

Both the first and second beasts represent aspects of the imperial cult of the Roman empire as recognized by these first century Christians. Meanings of some of the details may have become lost to us, but the overall message is quite clear. There is nothing esoteric or mysterious in any of these passages. They were meant to be understood by the first century Christians. The message is that whatever external forces might be oppressing the church, there is nothing to fear. Even if God’s hand may be hidden from view, even if it might look like the church will be destroyed, his hands are at work to preserve and bring victory to his church, his people.

Beast from the Sea

Outline: Beast from the Sea
Passage: Revelation 13:1-10
Discussion audio (1h02m)

The drama of the conflict between the dragon and the woman (from Rev 12) continues. The dragon calls up a beast from the sea to do its bidding. Once again, rather than reading this as a future-prophecy, we seek to understand how the 1st century Christian living in the region of Ephesus might have read this message-from-God-prophecy.

The overarching message continues to be this: that although the oppressive powers against the church may appear to be prevailing, the church (saints) have already conquered because Jesus has conquered.

Woman and Dragon–Part 2

Outline: Woman and Dragon - 2
Passage: Revelation 12
Discussion audio (1h04m)

Revelation 12 can be read as part of a dramatic narrative. By departing from an allegorical reading, the entire chapter can be seen as describing a single, coherent event – victory of Jesus over Satan through Jesus’ death and resurrection – from multiple perspectives.

This chapter can be seen as setting the scene for the next several chapters in which the conflict introduced is described in more detail. It raises a number of questions that are not immediately answered.

Woman and Dragon–Part 1

Outline: Woman and Dragon - 1
Passage: Revelation 12
Discussion audio (52m)

With chapter 12, we enter what may be the beginning of the heart of the book of Revelation. At the very least this is where many consider the “interesting” aspects of Revelation to begin, what with dragons and beasts and other assorted fantastic creatures.

How should we read this next section? As allegory, as is often the case? Or as dramatic narrative, as we have been doing so far? Does how we read it make a difference to how we interpret the text? Does it make a difference to the message we take away? Those are some of the questions that we will begin to answer with this session.