The Apocalypse
The Apocalypse
When we hear the word apocalypse, many of us think of the violent dissolution of society and government. It is a word that carries profound overtones for many.
It’s no wonder. For years we have heard in our churches, read in books, and seen depicted in movies exactly that image. Let me suggest that a more careful look is warranted.
These are the first three words of the last book of the Bible, which we call “Revelation.”
Ἀποκάλυψις Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ
Apocalupsis Iesou Xristou
[The] Apocalypse [of] Jesus Christ
The literal rendering of the first word, “apocalypse” is loaded with overtones in English.
Oxford Languages defines “the apocalypse” as the complete final destruction of the world, as described in the biblical book of Revelation. See also Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. A usage example would be "the bell's ringing is supposed to usher in the Apocalypse."
A second, but related definition, especially in the [Latin] Vulgate Bible, is the book of Revelation or an event involving destruction or damage on an awesome or catastrophic scale: "a stock market apocalypse" · "an era of ecological apocalypse"
The word originated in Old English “apocalipsin,” via Old French and ecclesiastical Latin from Greek apokalupsis, [this is the word we are examining] from apokaluptein ‘uncover, reveal’, from apo- ‘un-’ + kaluptein ‘to cover’.
The meaning of the word then, is “revelation.” It means to uncover, reveal, make fully known, to disclose. Consequently, the title of this book in English is “Revelation”, or sometimes (also correctly) “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” or occasionally “The Revelation of (or according to) John.”
When we read this book then, these introductory words “the apocalypse of Jesus Christ” guide us to look for Him.
The book of Revelation is cryptic. It is filled with strange and startling imagery. Over the years, many of us have been taught to understand the book of Revelation primarily as a frightening prophecy about the destruction of the earth and the coming judgement.
To be sure, these topics are present. Nevertheless, in the Apocalypse of Jesus Christ we find the awe inspiring, glorious, and majestic story of our Lovely Lord Jesus, the Lamb that was slain, His victory, and the stunning truth about His tremendous love for us.
Let me provide some guidance about what to expect as this study progresses.
This journey will be long, and posts will come ad-hoc as I have time and the needed mental acuity.
Our study will begin with a discussion about how to approach and study this enigmatic book.
I intend to include a high-level overview of the most prevalent ways Revelation has traditionally understood—we’ll get there, so please try to remain patient while your preferred viewpoint remains unaddressed.
This will be a high-level study and will not break down and explain every single image and detail.
In studying Revelation humility and grace are of primary importance. I make no claim to understand it all, or even to understand it correctly. All I can do is present you with my current view and understanding and explain the reasons I currently hold the views I do. Where my view differs from yours, I will appreciate your grace and gentle spirit in expressing your dissention. Thankfully, no one’s eternal salvation hinges upon the correctness of their understanding of Revelation.
Many good comments and discussions are likely to spawn as we traverse this territory. Unfortunately, there are also likely to be vehement, even vitriolic, disagreements. I will moderate these if I feel they are causing division or have the potential to hurt other readers, including me.
As I mentioned earlier, this study will progress at the speed it progresses. I realize that will be difficult for you who are trying to read it, but I must be mindful of my limitations. I will endeavor to keep each segment posted on my website in a timely manner so that you can find them. You’ll be able to find them by searching for “revelation” or “apocalypse.”
