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REVELATION An Introduction The word “Revelation” means “to take the cover off,” (Greek: apokalupsis), from the preposition (apo), “from” and (kalupto), to cover. Therefore, it is an uncovering, especially of the glory of and of what the future holds because of him. This book is full of symbolism and prophecies. What the was to the Old Testament, Revelation is to the New Testament. Both books were written in an apocalyptic form. There are similar passages in the Gospels (Matt. 24–25; Mark 13 ; Luke 21). The author is John (Rev. 1:1,2,4,9; 22:8), the same John who wrote the Gospel and the three epistles of John (which see). This book was written at a time when the ekklesia was undergoing persecution and great difficulty. The two most important such periods were during the reigns of Nero in A.D. 37-68 and Domitian in A.D. 81-96. A spirited debate continues about whether Revelation was written before fell in A.D. 70 or was penned later (about A.D. 95). Some who believe the former theory allege that “” was the code word for “Jerusalem.” Others who accept the later date, traditionally believe that “Babylon” was “Rome,” the capital of the Roman Empire. Revelation was addressed to the seven congregations of Asia Minor which are mentioned in Rev. 2–3. Almost everyone believes that this section was historical—that these were seven literal congregations in existence at the time that John copied down what he witnessed. There are essentially four ways of interpreting Revelation. The first, or preterist view, places the events and visions described as belonging to the past, particularly to the Roman Empire of the First Century A.D. The advocates of this position explain the highly symbolic character of the book as an endeavor by John to hide the real meaning of what he was saying to the general populace but which would become apparent to the insiders who lived at the time. People holding this view believe that the main purpose of Revelation was to encourage the early believers that God would ultimately intervene in the affairs of mankind. The second view, or the historicist view, says that what we have in Revelation is a panoramic view of history from the First Century until the Second Coming of Christ. This was the view of most of the Protestant Reformers. This is an untenable position because historians have not been able to identify precise events in history which would correspond to the visions symbolized in the . The third view is the symbolic view which states that the Book of Revelation portrays the continuing conflict between the forces of good and evil throughout the entire span of human history. According to this view, the Book of Revelation was mainly designed to give encouragement, since at the end, good will triumph over evil. The fourth view is the futuristic view which asserts that Rev. 4–22 deals with events of the end time. According to this view, the Book of Revelation was not concerned with events of John’s own day as much as with later historical events, and particularly those happenings that will take place in connection with the Second Coming of the Lord in the future. This view takes seriously the predictive element in the book (Rev. 1:19; 4:1). Very definitely, the final chapters of Revelation deal with the last days and a definitive change in the things as they are today. deals with the past; Rev. 2–3 tells us about things that were current at that particular time and which would soon follow; and, Rev. 4–22 informs us about the things which were to follow their time period.

1 revelation 1 1This book is what Christ “Every eye will see him; even revealed. God gave this revelation those who wounded him.” to1 Jesus to show to his servants the (Zechariah 12:10,12,14) things which must happen soon. Because of him, all people on Jesus revealed it to John, his servant, earth will cry. sending it through his angel. 2John told the truth about the things he Yes, amen! 8 b saw—the testimony of Jesus Christ “I am the A and the Z” says the and the message of God. 3Happy Lord God. He is the One who is, is the person who reads the words who was, and who will be. He is all- of this prophecy, listens to them, powerful. and obeys the things written here, John on because the right time is near. 9I am John, your brother. In Jesus Seven Congregations I share with you the trouble, the 4From John. endurance, and the kingdom. I was To the seven groups in the land of on an island called Patmos. They put Asia a who have answered God’s call. me there, because I proclaimed the The One who is, who was, and who message of God and the evidence 10 will be sends gracious love and peace about Jesus. During the Lord’s to you. So do the seven spirits who day, I was in the Spirit. I heard are in the presence of God’s throne. a loud voice speaking behind me. It 5-6Gracious love and peace from Jesus was like the sound from a trumpet. 11 Christ, too. He is the Faithful Witness, It said, “Write what you see the first oneto rise from death, and in a scroll. Send it to these seven the Ruler of the kings of the earth. groups of God’s people: in , May glory and power be his forever , Pergamum, , , and ever. Amen! Jesus loves us. He Philadelphia, and in Laodicea.” 12 bled, setting us free from our sins. He I turned around to look at the formed us into a kingdom. We are voice which was talking to me. After priests to God, his Father. I turned around, I saw seven golden lampstands. 13There was one like the 7“Look! He is coming with the Son of Manc among them. He was clouds.” (Daniel 7:13) b 1:8 literally, “the Alpha and the Omega” (the first and the last letters of the Greek alphabet.) Here it means the beginning and the end. c 1:13 See Dan. 7:13-14. This refers to Jesus, the a 1:4 modern Turkey Messiah. 2 revelation 1, 2 dressed with a very long robe. He one who is holding the seven stars in wore a golden belt around his waist. his right hand, the one who is walking 14His head and his hair were white, among the seven golden lampstands, white like wool or like snow. His eyes says this: 2‘I know what you have were like the flame of a fire. 15His done, how hard you have worked, feet were like shining brass, when and how patient you have been. glowing in an oven. His voice was I know that you cannot tolerate evil loud, like the rushing sound of much people. You have tested those men water. 16He had seven stars in his who call themselves “apostles.” They right hand. A sword, sharp on both are not apostles. You found out that edges, was coming out of his mouth. they are liars! 3You have endurance. His face looked like the sun, when it You have carried on because of my shines its brightest. name; you’ve not become tired. 4But 17When I saw him, I fell down at his I have something against you—you feet as if I were dead. Then he put his no longer love me as you once did at right hand on me and said, “Don’t be the beginning. 5Therefore, remember afraid! I am the First and the Last. 18I from where you have fallen. Change am the one who is alive. I was dead, your heart! Do the things you did at but, look, I am alive forever and ever! the beginning. If you won’t change I have the keys to death and Hades.a your heart, then I will come to you 19So write the things which you and take your lampstand out of its saw, the things that are now and the place. 6However, you do have this— things that are about to happen after you hate what the Nicolaitan peopleb the present time. 20This is the secret are doing. I hate those things, too. of the seven stars, which you saw on 7The person who has an ear should my right side, and the seven golden listen to what the Spirit is saying to lampstands: The seven stars are the the groups of believers. To the person messengers of the seven groups who conquers I will give something to of God’s people. And, the seven eat. It will come from the Tree of Life, lampstands are the seven groups.” which is in the Paradisec of God.’ ” Ephesus Smyrna 1“Write this to the messenger of 8“Write this to the messenger of 2 God’s people in Ephesus: The God’s people in Smyrna: The one b 2:6 the followers of Nicolas. It may be the same a 1:18 the Greek word for the unseen world of the person in Acts 6:5. dead c 2:7 See Gen. 2:8-17. 3 who is the First and the Last, who was was teaching Balak to put dead and came back to life, says this: a temptation in front of the sons of 9‘I know your troubles and how poor Israel to cause them to sin, to eat food you are (but you are actually rich), offered to false gods, and to cause and I know about the slander of those them to commit sexual sin. 15In the who call themselves “Jews.” (They same way, you have some people are not Jews; they are a synagogue of there who are also holding onto the Satan!) 10Don’t be afraid of anything teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16So, you are about to suffer. Look, the change your hearts! If you don’t, then Devil is about to throw some of you I will come to you soon. I will make into prison. He wants to test you. war against them with the sword You will have trouble for ten days. Be which comes from my mouth. 17The faithful, even if you must die. I will person who has an ear should listen give you the crowna of life. 11The to what the Spirit is saying to the person who has an ear should listen groups of believers. I will give some to what the Spirit is saying to the of the hidden mannac to the person groups of believers. The person who who conquers. I will also give him conquers will never be hurt by the a little white stone. A new named will second death.’ ” have been written on the stone. The only person who knows that name is Pergamum the one who gets it.’ ” 12“Write this to the messenger of God’s people in Pergamum: The one Thyatira who has the sword which is sharp 18“Write this to the messenger on both edges says: 13‘I know where of God’s people in Thyatira: The you live (It is Satan’s throne.), but you Son of God, whose eyes are like the are holding onto my name. You did flame of a fire and whose feet are not leave my faith, even during the like shining brass, says, 19‘I know time of Antipas, my faithful witness. your deeds, your love, your faith, He was taken from you and killed. your service, and your endurance. Satan lives where you are. 14But You are doing more now than you I have a few things against you: You did at the beginning. 20However, have some people there who are I have something against you: You holding onto Balaam’s teaching.b are tolerating that woman, .e c 2:17 Perhaps this is explained by John 6:31-36. a 2:10 = reward d 2:17 Compare Exo. 28:36-38; 1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 14:1. b 2:14 See Num. 22–24; Deut. 23:3-4. e 2:20 a vengeful, merciless, pagan queen. 4 revelation 2, 3 She calls herself a prophetess. She should listen to what the Spirit is fools my servants and teaches them saying to the groups of believers.’ ” to commit sexual sin and to eat food offered to false gods.21 I gave her time Sardis 1 to change her heart, but she didn’t “Write this to the messenger of want to stop committing sexual sin. 3 God’s people in Sardis: The one 22Look! If she and the men who are who has the seven spirits of God and committing adultery with her are not the seven stars says this: ‘I know what sorry for what they have done, then you have done. People may think you 2 I will throw them into a bed of great are alive, but you are dead! Wake up! trouble. 23I will strike her childrena Strengthen the things which remain dead. Then all of the groups of God’s and are about to die. I have not found people will know that I am the one your actions complete before my 3 who searches the deepest human God. So, remember what you have thoughts and feelings. The way you received and heard. Then obey it. live is the way I will reward each one Change your heart! If you don’t wake of you. 24Some of you in Thyatira do up, then I will come like a robber. not hold to this teaching. You don’t You will never know precisely when 4 know their so-called “deep things” I will come upon you. However, of Satan. I am not putting another you have a few individuals in Sardis d burden upon you. 25Nevertheless, who have not polluted their clothes. hold onto what you have until They will walk withme dressed in e I come. 26I will give authority white; they are worthy people. 5 over the people of the world to the In the same way, the person who person who conquers and always conquers will wear white clothes. obeys me. 27I have also received His name will never be erased from this authority from beside my Father. the . I will speak for him He will take care of His enemies in front of my Father and in front of like a shepherd does—with an iron His angels. 6The person who has an rod, shattering them like clay pots.b ear should listen to what the Spirit 28I will also give him the Morning is saying to the groups of believers.’ ” Star.c 29The person who has an ear

See 1 Kings 16:31–21:23; 2 Kings 9:7,30-37. a 2:23 This probably refers to her followers. b 2:27 Clay pots are very brittle; they cannot stand against iron which is very hard and strong. d 3:4 They have lived good lives. See 1 Cor. 6:11. c 2:28 Jesus. See Rev. 22:16. e 3:4 White symbolizes purity. 5 Philadelphia ear should listen to what the Spirit is 7“Write this to the messenger of saying to the groups of believers.’ ” God’s people in Philadelphia: The Laodicea one who is holy and true says this: ‘He 14 this has ’s key. He opens and no one “Write to the messenger closes; he closes and no one opens. of God’s people in Laodicea: The 8I know what you have done. Look! Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Source of God’s creation says I have put a door in front of you. It 15 is open. No one can close it. Though this: ‘I know what you have done. you don’t have much strength, you You are not cold; you are not hot. I wish you were either cold or hot! have obeyed my teaching and have 16 not denied my name. 9Look, I will Instead, you are lukewarm — handle those from the synagogue not hot, not cold. So, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth! 17You of Satan. They call themselvestrue You think that “Jews,” but they are not. They are say, “I am rich.” you lying. Listen! I will make them come have been rich and you don’t need and bow down at your feet. Then anything. Don’t you realize that you are miserable, pitiful, poor, blind, they will know that I have loved you. 18 10You obeyed the teaching about my and naked!? I advise you to buy refined gold from , so that you endurance. Now, I will keep you from me truly the time of testing which is about may be rich. Buy white clothes from me to come upon the whole world. All , so that you will be dressed people living on earth will be tested. and you won’t see the shame of your from 11I am coming soon. Hold onto nakedness. Buy eye medicine me what you have, so that no one can to rub into your eyes, so that you may see. 19I correct and punish all take away your crown.a 12I will make those whom I love. So, be serious! the victorious person a pillar in the 20 temple sanctuary of my God. He will Change your heart! Listen, I stand never leave there. On him I will write at the door. I am knocking. If anyone my new name, my God’s Name, and hears my voice and opens the door, I will come inside with him. We will the name of the city of my God. That have dinner together. 21I will give the city is the , which is right coming down from heaven from my to sit with me at my throne to the God. 13The person who has an person who conquers as I conquered and as I sat down beside my Father 22 a 3:11 reward at His throne. The person who has 6 revelation 3, 4, 5 an ear should listen to what the Spirit was like an eagle flying.8 Each of is saying to the groups of believers.’ ” the four beings had six wings, and each one was covered with eyes— The Throne inside and outside. Day and night 1 Later, I looked and there was they never stopped saying this: 4 an open door in heaven. The voice which I had heard before was “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, talking to me. It sounded loud, like the all-powerful One; the One a trumpet: “Come up here! I will who was, who is, and who will be.” show you things which must happen later.” 2Immediately, I was in the 9The four beings give glory, honor, Spirit. Look, a throne was put there and thanks to the One who is sitting in heaven. One was sitting on it.3 He on the main throne and who lives looked like jasper and carnelian, forever and ever. 10Then the 24 elders precious jewels. There was a rainbow fall down in front of the One who is around the throne. It looked like an sitting on the throne. They worship emerald. 4There were 24 thrones the One who lives forever and ever. around the main throne, and 24 They lay their crowns before the main elders were sitting on those thrones. throne, saying: a They were dressed in white clothes. 11 They had golden crowns on their “O Lord, our God, You are heads, too. 5Lightning, thunder, worthy to receive the glory, the and rumblings came from the main honor, and the power, because throne. Seven lamps were burning You created everything. All things in front of the throne. (They are the were created and they continue seven Spirits of God.) 6In front of to exist because of Your will.” the throne, there was something like Who Is Worthy? a glass lake; it looked like crystal. 1I saw a scrollb on the right There were four beings next to the side of the One who was sitting main throne and all around it. They on5 the main throne. The scroll had had eyes everywhere—in front and writing on both sides of it. It was behind. 7The first being was like sealed with . 2And I saw a a lion. The second being was like strong angel. He was announcing this a bull. The third being had a face like loudly: “Who is worthy to open the a man’s face. And, the fourth being b 5:1 a long roll of leather or papyrus used for a 4:4 White symbolizes purity. writing a book 7 , 6 scroll, to break its seals?” 3But there people for God from every tribe, was no one in heaven, on earth, or language, people, and nation. under the earth who could open the 10You changed them into scroll. No one could look inside it. 4I a kingdom and priests for our was in tears, because no one could be God. They will rule over the earth.” found. No one was worthy to open 11 the scroll. No one could look inside it. I looked, and I heard the sound 5One of the 24 elders said to me, of many angels, the four beings, and “Don’t cry! Look, the Lion from the the 24 elders around the main throne. tribe of has been victorious. He The number of them was thousands is the Descendant of David.a He will of thousands and ten thousands of 12 open the scroll and its seven seals.” ten thousands. They shouted: 6Then I saw a Lamb standingthere . “The Lamb who was killed is It looked as though it had been killed. worthy to receive power, wealth, It was very close to the main throne wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and the four beings, surrounded by and praise!” the elders. It had seven horns and seven eyes. (These are the seven 13And I heard every creature in Spirits of God sent to the whole 7 heaven, on earth, under the earth, earth.) It came and took the scroll and in the ocean, and everything that from the right hand of the One who is in them. They said this: was sitting on the throne.8 When it did this, the four beings and the “The praise, the honor, the glory, 24 elders fell down in front of the and the power belong to the Lamb. Each of them had harps and One who is sitting on the main golden bowls full of incense.b (These throne and to the Lamb forever are the prayers of the holy people.) and ever!” 9They sang a new song: 14 The four beings said again and “You are worthy to take the again, “Amen!” And the 24 elders fell scroll and to open its seals, down and worshiped. because you were killed. You use The Seven Seals your blood to buy back some 1 a 5:5 Jesus I watched as the Lamb opened b 5:8 A special powder used in Jewish worship one of the seven seals. Then (Luke 1:9). It smelled good when it was burned. 6 Compare Num. 16:46-47; Ps. 141:2. I heard one of the four beings say with 8 a voice as loud as thunder, “Come!” 2I of the earth. They could kill with the looked, and, behold, there was a white sword, with famine, with disease, or horse. The person who was riding it use wild animals from the earth. had a bow. He was given a crown. As 9And when the Lamb opened the a conqueror, he rode out to conquer. fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar 3And when the Lamb opened the the souls of those who had been second seal, I heard the second being killed because they had proclaimed say, “Come!” 4And another horse the message of God and because of came out. It was red like fire. The the testimony that they had given. person who was riding it was told to 10They pleaded loudly, “How long, take peace away from the people of holy and true Master!? Will you ever the earth, so that they would kill one judge the people on earth and pay another. He was given a great sword. them back for killing us!?” 5And when the Lamb opened 11Each of them was given a white the third seal, I heard the third robe. They were told to rest a little being say, “Come!” I looked and, while longer, until everything was behold, there was a black horse. The complete. (Their fellow-servants and person who was riding it had in his their brothers were also about to be hand scales for weighing.a 6I heard killed, as they had been killed.) something like a voice come from 12And when the Lamb had opened among the four beings. It said, “A the sixth seal, I observed a great quart of wheat for a silver coin,b three earthquake. The sun became black quarts of barley for a silver coin, but like sackcloth made of goat hair. The don’t hurt the olive oil or the wine.” whole moon became red like blood. 7And when the Lamb opened the 13The stars of the sky fell to earth, fourth seal, I heard the voice of the as a fig tree drops its figs when it fourth being say, “Come!” 8I looked is shaken by a strong wind. 14The and, behold, there was a pale-colored sky pulled back like a scroll which is horse. The rider was named Death. rolled up. Every mountain and island Hadesc was following him. They was moved from its place. 15The were given authority over one-fourth kings of the earth, the important a 6:5 Bread was sold by weight. This shows how men, the commanders, the rich men, precious even a little food was. the strong men, all the slaves, and the b 6:6 Normally, a silver coin would buy eight to twelve times more. Inflation hurts poor people free men hid themselves in caves and much more than the rich. c 6:8 the Greek word for the unseen world of the among the rocks of the mountains. dead 9 revelation 6, 7 16And they said to the mountains sealed from the tribe of ; 12,000 and to the rocks, “Fall on us! Hide sealed from the tribe of ; us from the face of the One who is 812,000 sealed from the tribe of sitting on the throne! Hide us from ; 12,000 sealed from the the Lamb’s punishment!” 17The great tribe of ; 12,000 sealed from Day of their punishment has come. the tribe of . Who will be able to stand!? No one. A Large Crowd of People The 144,000 9Later, I looked and, behold, there 1Later, I saw four angels was such a large crowd of people that standing at the four corners no one could count them. They came of7 the earth. They were holding back from every nation, tribe, people, the four winds of the earth, so that and language. They were standing in no wind could blow upon the earth, front of the throne and in front of the upon the ocean, or upon any tree. 2I Lamb. They were dressed in white saw another angel coming up from robes. Palm branches were in their the east. He had the seal of the living hands. 10They shouted, “Salvation God. He shouted to the four angels belongs to our God, the One who who were told to hurt the earth and is sitting on the throne!Salvation the ocean, 3saying: “Don’t hurt the belongs to the Lamb, too!” earth, the ocean, or the trees until 11All the angels stood around the we put a seal on the foreheads of throne, around the 24 elders and the servants of our God.” 4I heard the four beings. They fell down on the number of those who had been their faces in front of the throne and sealed. It was 144,000 from every worshiped God. 12They said, “Amen! tribe of the sons of Israel:a 512,000 The praise, the glory, the wisdom, the sealed from the tribe of Judah; 12,000 thanks, the honor, the power, and the sealed from the tribe of ; strength belong to our God forever 12,000 sealed from the tribe of ; and ever! Amen!” 612,000 sealed from the tribe of 13One of the elders asked me, “Who ; 12,000 sealed from the tribe are those people dressed in white of ; 12,000 sealed from the robes? Where did they come from?” tribe of Manasseh; 712,000 sealed 14I answered him, “Sir, you know!” from the tribe of ; 12,000 He said to me, “They are the ones who came through the great trouble a 7:4 Twelve was a complete number to the Jews. 12,000 X 12 symbolized all of God’s people. safely. Using the Lamb’s blood, they 10 , 8 washed their robes to make them Thunder, rumblings, lightning, and white. 15That is why they are in an earthquake took place. the presence of God’s throne. They worship God day and night in His The 6 temple sanctuary. The One who is The seven angels who had the seven sitting on the throne will spread His trumpets prepared to sound them. 7 tent over them. 16They will never be The first angel sounded his hungry or thirsty. No heat or sun will trumpet. There was hail and fire, burn them. 17The Lamb in the center mixed with blood. This was thrown of the throne will be a shepherd a to on the earth. One-third of the earth them. He will lead them to springs was burned up. One-third of the trees of freshb water. God will wipe away were burned up. And, all of the green every tear from their eyes.” c grass was burned up. 8The second angel sounded his Silence in Heaven trumpet. Something like a great 1And when the Lamb opened volcano was thrown into the ocean. the seventh seal, there was One-third of the ocean was changed silence8 in heaven for about half an into blood. 9One-third of the living hour. 2I saw seven angels, who stand creatures in the ocean died. One- in the presence of God. They were third of the ships were destroyed. given seven trumpets. 10The third angel sounded his 3Another angel came and stood trumpet. A great star fell from the at the golden altar. He had a golden sky. It was burning like a torch. It fell censer.d He was given much incense, on one-third of the rivers and on the so that he could offerit with all the springs of water. 11The name of that holy people’s prayers on the altar star is Bitterness.e It changed one- before the throne. 4The smoke third of the water into bitterwater . from the incense went up from Many people died because of the the angel’s hand in the presence of water; it was poison. God, along with the prayers of the 12The fourth angel sounded his holy people. 5The angel took the trumpet. He struck one-third of the censer and filled it with fire from the sun, one-third of the moon, and altar. Then he threw it on the earth. one-third of the stars. One-third a 7:17 See Ps. 23:1; Ezek. 34:23; John 10:11,14. of them became dark. The day was b 7:17 literally, “living” only one-third as bright as usual. c 7:17 See Isa. 25:8; Rev. 21:4. d 8:3 a container in which incense was burned e 8:11 literally, “Wormwood” 11 , 9 And the night was two-thirds darker. crowns like gold on their heads. 13I looked, and I heard an eagle Their faceslooked like the faces of flying in the middle of the air. It people. 8They had hair like the hair was shouting, “How horrible! How of women. Their teeth were like lion’s horrible! How horrible it will be for teeth. 9They had chests like iron people who live on earth! There will breastplates. The sound of their wings be three more such blasts of trumpets was like the roar of many horses and in the future by three more angels!” chariots running into battle.10 Their 1The fifth angel sounded his tails were like the tails of scorpions. trumpet. I saw a star which had They had stingers in them, with the fallen9 to the ground from the sky. The power to hurt human beings for five star was given the key to the shaft of months. 11They had a king over the bottomlesspit . 2The star opened them. He was an angel from the the shaft of the bottomlesspit . Smoke bottomless pit. In Hebrew, his name came up from the shaft like the is .a In Greek, he has the smoke from a great oven. The smoke name of Apollyon.b from the shaft made the sun and the 12One horror has gone. But, listen, air dark. 3Grasshoppers came out of there are still two more to come! the smoke and went into the world. 13The sixth angel sounded his They were given power, like that of trumpet. I heard a voice coming from scorpions on earth. 4They were told the corners of the golden altar,c which not to hurt the grass of the earth, any is in the presence of God. 14It said to green plant, or any tree. They could the sixth angel with the trumpet, “You only hurt those who did not have must release the four angels! They God’s seal on their foreheads. 5They have been bound at the great river were not allowed to kill them—only Euphrates.” 15So, the four angels were to torture them for five months. The released. They had been prepared for pain they suffered was like that of this exact hour of this exact day of a scorpion when it stings someone. this exact month of this exact year 6During that time, people will look to kill one-third of mankind. 16The for death, but they won’t find it. They number of soldiers on horses was 200 will want to die, but death will run million (I overheard that number.). away from them. a 9:11 a Hebrew name meaning “destruction” 7The grasshoppers looked like b 9:11 a Greek name meaning “destruction” c 9:13 Blood was often placed on the corners horses prepared for war. They had (horns) of the incense altar (Lev. 4:7). Compare Rev. 8:3-5. 12 , 10 17In the same way, in my vision, in the ocean and his left foot on land. I saw the horses and their riders. Their 3He shouted very loudly, like when chest-plates were fiery red, yellow a lion roars. After he shouted, the seven like sulfur, and dark blue. The heads thunders answered with rumblings. of the horses were like the heads of 4After the seven thunders spoke, lions. Fire, smoke, and sulfur came I was just about to write this down. out of their mouths. 18One-third of But I heard a voice from heaven say: mankind was killed by these three “Seal up what the seven thunders plagues—the fire, the smoke, and the said. Don’t write those things!” sulfur that came out of their mouths. 5The angel that I saw standing in 19The power of the horses was in the ocean and on land raised his their mouths and in their tails. Their right hand to heaven. 6He vowed tails had heads on them like snakes. by the One who lives forever and They could use them to hurtpeople . ever, by God who made heaven 20Some people were not killed by and everything in it, the earth and these plagues. They did not change everything on it, and the ocean and their hearts about the things they everything in it. He said, “There will had made with their hands—false be no more time!” gods made of gold, silver, brass, stone, 7But, during the time when the and wood—things which cannot seventh angel is about to sound his see, hear, or walk. These people did trumpet, God’s secret plan will be not stop worshiping demons, either. finished, just as He announced to His 21They were not sorry about their servants, the prophets. murders, their black magic, the sexual 8The voice that I had heard from sins that they had committed, or their heaven was speaking to me again. robberies. It said: “Go, take the scroll which is unrolled in the angel’s hand. He is A Strong Angel standing in the ocean and on land.” 1 Then I saw another strong 9I went to the angel and asked him 10 angel coming down from to give me the little scroll. He said heaven. He was dressed with a cloud. to me, “Take it and eat it! It will be A rainbow was above his head. His sweet as honey in your mouth, but it face was shining like the sun, and his will be sour in your stomach.” 10So, 2 legs were like columns of fire. He I took the little scroll from the angel’s had a little scroll in his hand; it was hand and ate it. And it tasted as sweet not rolled up. He put his right foot 13 , 11 as honey in my mouth, but when the earth with any plague as often as I ate it, it made my stomach sour. they wish. 7When they finish giving 11Then, this is what I was told: “You their evidence, the wild animal that must prophesy again to the peoples, comes up from the bottomless pit nations, languages, and to many will fight them, and he will defeat kings.” them. He will kill them. 8Their dead bodies will lie exposed in the Two Prophets of God streets of the great city. (Spiritually, 1I was given a long meas- it is named Sodom and Egypt, where 11 uring stick. It was like a rod. their Lord was nailed to the cross.) The angel said, “Get up! Measure 9They won’t allow their bodies to be God’s temple sanctuary and the buried. People from every nation, altar, and count the people who are tribe, language, and race will look at 2 worshiping there. But don’t measure the bodies for three and a half days. the courtyard outside the temple 10The people who live on earth will sanctuary—exclude it—because it is be very happy about this. They will a for non-Jews. They will trample the have a party. They will exchange gifts, 3 holy city for 42 months. I will give because the two prophets died. They my two witnesses power. They will had made the people who live on prophesy for 1,260 days, while they earth suffer.11 But, after the three and b 4 are dressed in sackcloth. (These a half days, the breath of lifec from men are the two olive trees and the God will comed into them. They two lampstands that stand in the will stand up. The people who will 5 presence of the Lord of the earth.) If be watching them will become very any enemy wants to hurt them, a fire afraid. 12Then the two prophets will comes out of their mouth and burns hear a loud voice speaking to them them up. Any person who tries to hurt from heaven: “Come up here!” They 6 them will die like this. They have the will go up into heaven in a cloud. authority to shut the sky. It won’t rain Their enemies will watch them. while they are prophesying. They 13At that moment, there will be also have the authority to change a great earthquake. Ten percent of the all water into blood. They can strike city will fall. Seven thousand people a 11:2 or, “the nations” will be killed in the earthquake. The b 11:3 This was a very rough kind of cloth. It was other people will be frightened. They worn by people who mourned a death or who felt very sorry or sad about some other serious trouble. c 11:11 or, “the Spirit of life” Compare Matt. 11:21. d 11:11 or, “enter” 14 , 12 will give glory to the God of heaven. A Woman Gives Birth to a Son 1 God will Rule Forever A great sign appeared in 14 heaven. It was of a woman The second horror is gone. Listen! dressed12 with the sun. The moon The third horror is coming soon! was underneath her feet. A crown of 15 his The seventh angel sounded twelve stars was on her head. 2She trumpet. There were loud voices in was pregnant. Because she was about heaven. They said, “The kingdom of to give birth and suffer, she cried out the world has become the kingdom in pain. God of our Lord and of His Christ. 3Then another sign appeared in He will rule forever and ever!” 16The heaven. Look! It was a large, red 24 elders were sitting on their thrones dragon. It had seven heads and ten in the presence of God. They fell horns. Seven crowns were on its seven down on their faces and worshiped 4 17 heads. Its tail dragged one-third of God. They said, “We thank you, the stars from the sky and threw them Lord God, the all-powerful One, the toward earth. The dragon stood in One who is and the One who was. front of the woman who was about You have used Your great power and 18 to give birth. He wanted to eat up her have begun to rule. The people of child as soon as it was born. 5She had the time for the world were angry, but a baby boy who would rule all of the them You to punish has come. The people of the world with an iron rod. right time has come to judge people But her child was taken away to God, who have died, to give rewards to to His throne. 6The woman ran away Your servants, to the prophets, to the into the desert. She had a place there holy people, and to those who respect which God had prepared for her. She Your Name — the unimportant could be cared for in that place for people and the important people— 1,260 days. and to destroy those people who 7 19 There was a war in heaven. destroy the earth.” God’s temple and his angels fought against the sanctuary was opened in heaven. dragon. The dragon and his angels The holy chest which holds God’s fought back. 8But the dragon was covenant appeared in His temple not strong enough. There was no sanctuary. There were flashes of place left for the dragon and his lightning, rumblings, thunder, an angels in heaven anymore. 9The earthquake, and large hailstones. large dragon was thrown out. (This

15 , 13 is the old snake who is the same as vomited up a lot of water, like a river. the one called the Devil, Satan. He is He wanted to sweep her away with the one who fools the whole world.) the flood.16 But the earth helped He was thrown down to the earth. the woman. The earth opened up its He and his angels were thrown out. mouth and swallowed the river of 10I heard a loud voice in heaven water which the snake had vomited. say: “Now the salvation, the power, 17The dragon was very angry at the the kingdom of our God, and the woman. The dragon left to make authority of His Christ have come, war against the rest of her children. because the accuser of our brothers They obey the commands of God has been thrown out. He always and they hold to the testimony of accuses them in front of our God day Jesus. The dragon stood on the beach. and night. 11But they have defeated him because of the Lamb’s blood The Wild Animal 1 and because of the message of their I saw a wild animal coming testimony. Even when they were 13 up out of the ocean. It had about to die, they did not love their ten horns and seven heads. There lives more than God. 12This is why were ten crowns on its ten horns. you should celebrate, O heavens and And, there was a filthy name on each 2 those of you who live there. How head. The wild animal that I saw horrible it will be for the earth and the looked like a leopard. Its feet were ocean, because the Devil has come like the feet of a bear, and its mouth down to where you are. He is very was like a lion’s mouth. The dragon angry. He knows that he has only a gave his power, his throne, and his short while.” great authority to the wild animal. 13When the dragon saw that he 3One of its heads seemed as though was thrown down to the earth, he it had been seriously wounded, but hunted for the woman who had its death-wound had been healed. given birth to the boy. 14Two wings The people of the whole world were from a large eagle were given to the so amazed that they followed the wild 4 woman, so that she could fly to her animal. They worshiped the dragon, place in the desert. There, away from because he gave the wild animal the presence of the snake, she would authority. They also worshiped the be taken care of for a time, times, and wild animal, saying, “Who is like the half a time. 15Behind her the snake wild animal!? Who could fight it!?” 5It was given a mouth to talk big 16 , 14 and say evil things against God. It performed great proofs. It made could use its authority to act for 42 fire come down to earth from the months. 6It opened its mouth to say sky right in front of human beings. evil things against God, against God’s 14It used their miracles to fool the Name, against God’s tent, and against people who were living on the earth. those who live in heaven. 7It was These powers had been given to it to allowed to start a war against the holy perform in the presence of the first people and to defeat them. It received wild animal. It told the people living authority over every tribe, people, on earth to make an idol for the first language, and nation, 8but not over wild animal. (This was the one that the people who have their names had been killed with a sword, but written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. it had come back to life.) 15It was Before the world was created, God allowed to give the breath of life to planned for the Lamb to be killed. All the first wild animal’s idol. It talked of the other people who are living on and forced everyone to worship earth will worship the wild animal. the idol or to be killed. 16It forced 9If someone has an ear, he should everyone to receive a mark on his listen: right hand or upon his forehead— unimportant people and important 10 “If anyone is supposed to be people, rich and poor, free men and captured, then he will surely be slaves. 17No one was allowed to buy captured. If anyone is supposed or sell if he didn’t have the mark (the to be killed with a sword, then he wild animal’s name or the number of will surely be killed with a sword.” its name). 18This is true wisdom: The person This means that holy people must who has understanding should figure endure and be faithful. out the number of the wild animal. 11I saw another wild animal coming (It is the same way that a human up out of the earth. It had two horns being counts.) Its number is 666. like a lamb’s horns. It was talking like a dragon. 12On his behalf, it used the Jesus and His People complete authority of the wild animal 1I looked, and there was the that had already come. It forced Lamb. He was standing on the earth and the people there to Mount14 Zion.a There were 144,000 worship the first wild animal whose a 14:1 Zion was symbolic of the holiest place on death-wound had been healed. 13It earth to the Jews—God’s temple in Jerusalem. The temple was built on this mountain. See Micah 4; Isa. 17 people with him. They had his name said, “It has fallen! The great city and his Father’s Name written on of Babylon has fallen!” She had their foreheads. 2I heard a sound forced all of the nations to drink the coming from the sky. It sounded like passionate wine of her sexual sin. the roar of much water and like the 9A third angel followed the first two sound of thunder. The sound I heard angels. With a loud voice, he said: was also like the music coming from “If anyone worships the wild animal harps. 3They were singing a new and its idol and receives a mark on song in the presence of the throne, his forehead or on his hand, 10then the four beings, and the elders. No he must drink from God’s punishing one could learn that song—only wine. It has been poured full strength the 144,000 people. They had been into God’s cup of punishment. That redeemed from the earth. 4They are person will be tortured with fire and male virgins.a Evil women have not sulfur in front of the holy angels and made them spiritually unclean. They in the presence of the Lamb. 11The follow the Lamb wherever he goes. smoke will rise forever and ever from They were purchased from among the torture of those who worship the human beings. They are the first wild animal and its idol or anyone ones to be offered to God and to the who receives the mark of its name. Lamb. 5They never tell a lie. They are Day or night, they will have no rest spotless. from their suffering.” 12This means that holy people The Time for Judgment must endure. They must obey God’s 6 I saw another angel flying in the commands and hold onto the faith of middle of the air. He had the eternal Jesus. Good News to tell those who are 13Then I heard a voice coming from living on the earth—every nation, heaven. It said, “Write this: ‘From 7 tribe, language, and people. With now on, the people who die in the a loud voice, he said: “Respect God Lord are happy. Yes, the Spirit says and give Him glory! The time has that they will enjoy rest after they come for God to judge. Worship the have worked so hard. Theirgood One who made the sky, the earth, the deeds follow them.’ ” ocean, and the springs of water!” 8A second angel followed. He Harvest! 40; Heb 12:22-23. 14I looked, and there was a white a 14:4 They were spiritual virgins. They kept themselves pure, faithful to God. cloud. There was one sitting on the 18 revelation 14, 15 cloud. He looked like the Son of There were seven angels with the Man.a He had a golden crown on his last seven plagues. With them God’s head and a sharp sickle in his hand. punishment will be finished. 15Another angel came out of the 2I saw something which looked like temple sanctuary. This angel shouted a glass lake mixed with fire. Some very loudly to the one who was sitting people had defeated the wild animal, on the cloud, “Send out your sickle! its idol, and the number of its name. Harvest! The time for the harvesting They were standing on this glass lake. has come! The earth harvest is They had harps given by God. 3They ready!” 16So, the one who was sitting were singing the song of Moses, God’s on the cloud swung his sickle across servant, and the song of the Lamb: the earth and harvested the earth. 17Another angel came out of the “Your actions are great and temple sanctuary in heaven. He had a amazing, Lord God Almighty. sharp sickle, too. 18And another angel Your ways are fair and true, 4 came from the altar. He had power O King of the nations. Lord, over fire. He called loudly to the angel who would not respect You and with the sharp sickle, “Send out your give glory to Your Name!? Only sharp sickle! Gather the bunches of You are holy. All of the nations grapes in the vineyard of the earth. will come and worship before Its grapes are ripe!” 19So, the angel You. Your righteous deeds have swung his sickle into the earth, and he become clear.” gathered the grapes from the vineyard 5Later, I saw this: The special tent of of the earth. Then he threwthem into the temple sanctuary in heaven was the great winepress of God’s anger. opened. 6The seven angels with the 20Outside the city, the grapes were seven plagues came out of the temple crushed down in this tank for wine. sanctuary. They were dressed in clean, All around — for 180 miles — the bright linen, and they wore golden blood flowed out of that tank. It came belts around their waists. 7Then one up as high as the mouth of a horse! of the four beings gave the seven The Seven Plagues angels seven golden bowls filled with 1 God’s punishment. He lives forever I saw another great and 8 amazing sign in heaven: and ever. The temple sanctuary was 15 filled with smoke, which came from a 14:14 See Dan. 7:13-14. This refers to Jesus, the the glory and power of God. No one Messiah. 19 , 16 could go into the temple sanctuary “Yes, Lord God Almighty, Your until the seven plagues of the seven decisions a are true and fair!” angels were finished. 8The fourthangel poured out his Sin Is Punished bowl upon the sun. It was allowed to 1I heard a loud voice coming use fire to burn people.9 They were from the temple sanctuary. burned by the intense heat. They said It16 was saying this to the seven angels: evil things against the Name of God, “Go and pour out the of who had the control of these plagues, God’s punishment onto the earth!” but they wouldn’t change their hearts 2The first angel left and poured out to give glory to God. his bowl onto the earth. This caused 10The fifth angel poured out his terrible, ugly sores on the people bowl upon the throne of the wild who had the wild animal’s mark animal. The wild animal’s kingdom and those who worshiped its idol. became dark. Because of the pain, 3The secondangel poured out people chewed on their own tongues. his bowl onto the ocean. The11 They said evil things against the ocean changed into something like God of heaven, because they had the blood of a dead man. Every sores and they were in pain. But they living thing in the ocean died. wouldn’t change their hearts about 4The thirdangel poured out his the evil things which they were doing. bowl onto the rivers and springs 12The sixth angel poured out his of water. They changed into blood. bowl upon the great river, Euphrates. 5I heard this angel of the waters say Its water was dried up to prepare the this: road for the kings of the east. 13Then I saw three evil spirits that looked like “You are fair, O Holy One, who frogs. They came out of the mouths is and who was, because You of the dragon, the wild animal, and have decided to do these things. the false prophet. 14They are spirits 6 They made Your holy people of demons; they perform so-called and prophets bleed. So, You “miracles.” They go out to the kings gave them blood to drink. They of the whole world, to bring them deserve this.” together for Almighty God’s great day of battle. 7I heard someone at the altar say this: 15Listen! I am coming suddenly,

a 16:7 literally, “judgments” 20 , 17 like a robber. The person who is condemnation of the famous whore.a awake and holds onto his clothes will She sits on much water. 2The kings be happy. He will not walk around of the earth have committed sexual naked and be ashamed in front of sin with her. The people who live on people. 16He gathered them to the earth have gotten drunk from the a place called Harmageddon (in the wine of her sexual sin.” Hebrew language). 3In the Spirit, the angel carried 17The seventh angel poured out his me away to a desert. I saw a woman bowl into the air. A loud voice came sitting on a wild animal. It was scarlet from the throne out of the temple red. It had ungodly names written all sanctuary: “It is done!” 18There over it. It had seven heads and ten were flashes of lightning, rumblings, horns. 4The woman was dressed in thunder, and a great earthquake. purple and scarlet red clothes. She was There has never been such an covered with gold, precious jewels, earthquake since mankind has been and pearls. She had a golden cup in on earth. It was tremendous! 19The her hand. It was full of disgusting, great city broke into three parts. The filthy things which came from her cities of the people of the world fell sexual sin. 5This name, which has down. God did not forget about the a secret meaning, was written on her great city of Babylon; He gave her the forehead: wine cup filled with His punishment. 20 “BABYLON THE GREAT, Every island disappeared. Even THE MOTHER OF WHORES mountains could not be found. AND 21Giant hailstones rained down THE OBSCENE THINGS OF THE from the sky upon the people. Each WORLD.” of the hailstones weighed about 100 6I could see that the woman was pounds! Because of the hailstone drunk from the blood of holy people plague, the people said evil things and the blood of Jesus’ witnesses. against God. This plague was I was amazed when I saw this great horrible! sight. 7The angel asked me, “Why are The Great Whore you amazed? I will tell you the secret 1One of the seven angels about this woman and the wild animal who had the seven that she is riding. It has seven heads 8 bowls17 came to me. He spoke with and ten horns: The wild animal that a 17:1 prostitute—a bad woman. She sold her me, “Come, I will show you the body to men to use for sex. 21 , 18 you saw existed at one time, but does 15Then the angel saidthis to me: not exist now. It is about to come up “The waters that you saw, where out of the bottomless pit and go to the whore sits, are peoples, crowds, destruction.a There will be people nations, and languages. 16The ten who live on earth whose names have horns and the wild animal that you not been written in the Book of Life saw will hate the whore. They will since the beginning of the world. abandon her, leaving her naked and They will be amazed when they see ruined. They will eat her flesh and that wild animal, because he existed destroy her by fire. 17God has put one time. He does not exist now, but this desire into their hearts — to he will come back. accomplish His purpose by agreeing 9“The person who has wisdom will to give their kingdom to the wild understand this: The seven heads are animal, until the words of God come seven hills. The woman is sitting on true. 18The woman whom you saw them. 10They are also seven kings. is the great city which has a kingdom Five kings have fallen, one king is ruling over kings of the world.” now ruling, and another king has not yet come. When he does come, he Babylon Has Fallen 1 must last for a little while. 11The wild Later, I saw another angel animal that existed at one time, but 18 coming down from heaven. does not exist now, is an eighth king. He had great authority. His glory lit 2 He belongs with the seven kings. He up the earth. He shouted this with is going off to destruction. 12The ten a strong voice: horns that you saw are ten kings. They “It has fallen! The great city of have not yet received their kingdoms. Babylon has fallen! She has now But, along with the wild animal, they become a home for demons, will get the power of kings for one and a place for every evil spirit, hour. 13They have one goal—they and a place for every spiritually must give their power and authority unclean, hated bird. 3She has to the wild animal. 14They will fight forced all of the nations to against the Lamb. But the Lamb will drink from the raging wine defeat them, because he is Lord of of her sexual sin. The kings of lords and King of kings. The people the earth committed sexual with the Lamb are the called ones, the sin with her. The businessmen chosen ones, and the faithful ones.” a 17:8 hell 22 of the earth became rich from from her, saying, “How horrible her lust for power.” this is! How horrible this is for you, O great, strong city of Babylon! Your 4 I heard another voice coming from condemnation came in one hour!” heaven. It said: 11The businessmen of the earth will cry out loud over her and feel “Come out of her, my people! so sad. No one will buy their goods You must not share in her sins! anymore: 12cargoes of gold and Get away from the plagues which of silver; of precious jewels and of come upon her! Don’t get caught pearls; of fine cotton, of purple dye, with her! 5Her sins are piled of silk, and of scarlet cloth; of all up all the way to heaven. God kinds of citron wood, of many ivory has not forgotten her crimes. articles, and of very expensive woods; 6Treat her as she treated others! of brass, of iron, and of marble; 13of Pay her back double for the evil cinnamon, of spice, of incense, of things she did. She mixed a cup perfume, and of precious spices; of of suffering for others; mix it wine and of olive oil; of fine flour double for her! 7She gave herself and of wheat; of cattle, sheep, horses, glory and luxury. Pay her back and wagons; and of the bodies and with torture and pain. In her the souls of human beings. 14All the heart she boasts: ‘I am a queen things that you wanted are gone. All sitting here. I am not a widow. of your wealth and glamour have I will never feel pain.’ 8This is disappeared. No one will ever be able why her plagues will come on to find them. her in one day. There will be 15The men who traded in these death, sorrow, and no food. goods stood far away. They had gotten Fire will burn her up. The Lord rich because of Babylon, but now God is strong; He judges her.” they were afraid. The city was being 9 punished. They were crying out loud When the kings of the earth see 16 the smoke from her burning, they and feeling so sad. They said: will cry out loud and bawl over her. “How horrible this is! How They had committed sexual sin with horrible this is for you, O great her and lived in luxury with her. city! You were dressed with fine 10She is being punished. They will cotton, purple, and scarlet cloth. be afraid. So they will stand far away You wore gold, precious jewels, 23 revelation 18, 19 and pearls. 17Such great wealth there again. Not one of the skills was destroyed in only one hour!” of any kind of craftsman will ever be found there again. The sound Every ship captain, sea traveler, of a grinding stone will not be sailor, and sea merchant stood far heard there again. 23The light 18 away. They saw her going up in from a lamp will never shine smoke. They were shouting, “What there again. The sound of a bride 19 city was ever like this city!?” They and groom will never be heard a began to throw dust on their heads. there again. Your businessmen They were yelling, crying out were very important on earth. loud, and feeling so sad. They said: All the nations were fooled by your tricks of black magic. 24The “How horrible this is! How blood of prophets, holy people, horrible this is for the great and everyone else on earth who city! All those who owned was murdered was found in that ships in the ocean had become city.” rich because of her. But, in only one hour, it was all destroyed! Praise God! 1Later, I heard something 20O heaven, celebrate over her! in heaven. It sounded like You, too, holy people, apostles, the19 roar of a large crowd. The people and prophets, because God were saying: condemned her for the way she treated you.” “Hallelujah!b The salvation, the glory, and the power belong 21Then a strong angel lifted up to our God, 2because His a large stone and threw it into the decisionsc are true and fair. God ocean. (It was about the size of has condemned the famous a grinding stone.) He said: whore who used her sexual sin “The great city of Babylon will to spoil the world. She killed be thrown down with this kind the servants of God, but He has of force. It will never be found avenged their blood.” again. 22The sound of musicians 3Again they said: who play the harp, the flute, and the trumpet will never be heard b 19:1 A Hebrew expression meaning “Praise Yah(weh),” i.e. “Praise the Lord.” a 18:19 This was a way of showing extreme anger. c 19:2 literally, “judgments” 24 revelation 19 “Hallelujah! She is burning and 10I fell down at the angel’s feet her smoke will go up forever and to worship him, but he said to me, ever.” “Don’t do that! Worship God! I am only a servant, like you and your 4 The 24 elders and the four beings brothers who have the truth that fell down and worshiped God who Jesus gave. The truth that Jesus gave is was sitting on the throne. They said, what inspires prophets.” “Amen! Hallelujah!” Jesus They Worship 11I saw heaven opened. Look! There 5 A voice came out from the throne: was a white horse! The person who was riding on it was called Faithful “Let all of God’s servants, and True. He judges fairly. He makes those who respect Him— war. 12His eyes are like the flame of unimportant and important a fire. There are many crowns on his people—praise our God.” head. He has a name writtenon him. He is the only one who knows it. 6Then I heard something like the 13He is dressed with a robe dipped sound of a large crowd. It was like the in blood. His name is The Message roar of lots of water and loud thunder: of God. 14The armies in heaven are “Hallelujah! The Lord our God following him on white horses. They 7 are dressed in pure, white, fine linen. rules. He is all-powerful. Let 15 us rejoice and be glad. And, let A sharp sword comes out of his us give God the glory, because mouth. He uses it to hit the nations. the wedding of the Lamb has He will shepherd them with an iron come. His bride has prepared rod. He will crush down the grapes 8 of Almighty God’s angry punishment herself for him. She was given 16 clean, bright, fine linen to wear.” in the winepress. He has this name written on his robe and on his thigh: (The fine linen means the good things which holy people did.) “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” 9Then the angel said to me, “Write this down: ‘The people who have 17I saw one angel standing in the been invited to the Lamb’s wedding sun. He shouted very loudly to all the are happy.’ These are the true words birds flying around in the middle of of God.” 25 revelation 19, 20 the air, “Come, gather at God’s great shut the door and sealed it over the dinner! 18You will eat the flesh of dragon, so that the dragon could not kings, of commanders, of strong men, fool the nations anymore, until the of horses and their riders, of all free 1,000 years were finished. After these men, of slaves, and of unimportant things, the dragon must be released and important people.” for a short time. 4 19Then I saw the wild animal, the I saw some thrones, too. Some kings of the earth, and their armies people sat on them. These were the gathered to fight against the one souls of the people who had had who was riding the white horse and their heads chopped off, because against his army. 20The false prophet they had told the truth about Jesus had performed so-called “miracles” in and because they had proclaimed the presence of the wild animal. The the message of God. They had not false prophet had used these miracles worshiped the wild animal or its idol. to fool the people who received the They had not received the mark upon mark of the wild animal and those their foreheads or on their hands. who worshiped the wild animal’s They were given the power to judge. idol. But, both the wild animal and They came back to life and ruled with 5 the false prophet were captured and Christ for 1,000 years. (The other thrown alive into the fiery lake which dead people did not come back to life burns with sulfur. 21The one who until the 1,000 years were finished.) rode the white horse used the sword This is the first rising from death. 6 that came from his mouth to kill the The person who has a share in this other soldiers. All the birds ate up first resurrection is happy and holy. their flesh. The second death does not have any power over these people. Instead, The Thousand Years they will be priests of God and of 1I saw an angel coming Christ. They will rule with Christ for down from heaven. He the 1,000 years. had20 the key to the bottomless pit, and 7When the 1,000 years are finished, he had a big chain in his hand. 2He Satan will be released from his prison. grabbed the dragon (that old snake, 8He will go out in all four directions the Devil, Satan) and tied him up for of the earth to fool the nations—Gog 1,000 years. 3Then the angel threw and Magoga—to gather them for war. pit him into the bottomless . Then he a 20:8 The location is not certain. It may have the spiritual meaning of “all people who are against 26 , 21 There will be many, many soldiers. It second death is the same thing as the will be like the number of the grains of lake of fire.)15 If someone’s name was sand on the beaches. 9They will come not found written in the Book of Life, across the surface of the earth and then he was thrown into the lake of surround the camp of the holy people fire. and the city which God loves, but fire will come down from heaven and The New Jerusalem 1 burn up those soldiers. 10The Devil Then I saw a new sky and who fooled them will be thrown into 21 a new earth. The first the lake which burns with sulfur. That sky and the first earth were gone. is where the wild animal and the false The ocean didn’t exist anymore, 2 prophet are. They will be tormented either. And, I saw the holy city, day and night, forever and ever. the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. It was like The Judgment Day a bride prepared for her husband-to- 11And, I saw a great, white throne be; she was beautiful. 3And, I heard and the One who was sitting on it. a loud voice coming from the throne. The earth and the sky ran away from It said: “Look! God’s sanctuaryb is His face, but they could not find any among human beings. God will live place to hide. 12I saw dead people— with them. They will be His people. important and unimportant. They God Himself will be with them and were standing in front of the throne. He will be their God. 4And God Books were opened. And, another will wipe away every tear from their book — the Book of Life — was eyes. None of these things will exist opened. The dead people were judged anymore: death; sorrow; crying; from the things which had been pain. (Previous things have passed written in the books, according to away.)” the way they had lived. 13The ocean 5The One who was sitting on the yielded the dead people who were throne said, “Listen, I am making in it. Death and Hadesa yielded the everything new. Write this down, dead people who were in them. Each because these words are dependable person was judged by the way he had and true.” 6God said to me, “It is lived. 14Then Death and Hades were done! I am the A and the Z,c the thrown into the lake of fire. (The Beginning and the End. From the God.” Compare Rev. 11:8; Ezek. 38:2. b 21:3 literally, “tent” a 20:13 the Greek word for the unseen world of c 21:6 literally, “the Alpha and the Omega” (the the dead first and last letters of the Greek alphabet). 27 Spring of Life I will freely give water foundation had the name of one of to the thirsty person. 7The person the Lamb’s apostles. who is victorious will receive all these 15The angel who was speaking to things. I will be his God. And, he will me had a golden measuring stick for be My son. 8However, people who measuring the city, its gates, and its are cowards, unbelievers, perverts, wall. 16The city was square-shaped; murderers, sexual sinners, those its width was the same as its length. who follow occult practices, idol- The angel measured the city with the worshipers, and all liars will be in the stick. The city was 12,000 stadiaa long. lake which burns with fire and sulfur. It was 12,000 stadia high and 12,000 This is the second death.” stadia wide. 17The angel measured the wall of the city. It was 144 cubitsb The City Walls thick. (The angel was using the same 9 One of the seven angels came. measurement that a man would use.) (These angels were the ones who had 18The wall was made of jasper. The the seven bowls which had been full city was made of pure gold. (It was of the last seven plagues.) He spoke like pure glass!) 19Precious jewels with me, “Come, I will show you the were used to make the foundations 10 bride of the Lamb.” In the Spirit, he of the city walls look more beautiful: carried me to a very tall mountain. He The first foundation jewel was showed me the holy city, Jerusalem. It jasper. The secondfoundation jewel was coming down out of heaven from was sapphire. The thirdfoundation 11 God. It had God’s glory. It was jewel was chalcedony. The fourth shining like a very valuable jewel— foundation jewel was emerald. 20The 12 like a crystal-clear jasper stone. The fifth foundation jewel was onyx. The city had a very high wall, with twelve sixth foundation jewel was carnelian. gates and twelve angels at the gates. The seventh foundation jewel was Each gate had the name of one tribe yellow quartz. The eighth foundation of the sons of Israel written on it. jewel was beryl. The ninth foundation 13 There were three gates on the east jewel was topaz. The tenth foundation side. There were three gates on the jewel was chrysoprase. The eleventh north side. There were three gates on the south side. And, there were three a 21:16 About the distance from Rome to 14 Jerusalem. The number is probably a symbol of gates on the west side. The wall of perfection. the city had twelve foundations. Each b 21:17 About 70 yards. A cubit was about the length of a man’s forearm (measuring from the point of the elbow to the tip of the longest finger). 28 revelation 21, 22 foundation jewel was turquoise. their fruit once each month. The The twelfth foundation jewel was leaves of this kind of tree were for amethyst. 3 21 healing the nations. Nothing that The twelve gates were twelve God has condemned will be found pearls. Each gate was made of one there. God’s throne and the Lamb’s pearl. The city’s streetwas made of throne will be in the city. pure gold, but you could see through God’s servants will worship Him it—like pure glass! 4 22 with service. They willsee God’s I didn’t see a temple sanctuary face! His Name will be written on in the city, because the Lord God their foreheads. 5There will be no Almighty and the Lamb are its 23 night anymore. They will not need temple sanctuary! The city had no the light from a lamp or the light from need for the sun or moon to shine the sun, because the Lord God will on it—God’s glory gives it light, and shine on them. They will rule as kings the Lamb is the lamp of the city. forever and ever. 24The nations use its light to guide them. The kings of the earth add I’m Coming Soon 25 their splendor to it. There will be 6The angel said to me, “These words no day that its gates will ever be shut, are dependable and true: The Lord, 26 because there is no night there. The the God of the spirits of the prophets, glory and honor of the nations will be has sent His angel to show His 27 brought into it. Not a single unholy servants what must happen soon.” thing will enter the city. No person 7Jesus says, “Listen! I am coming who is perverted will go in. Liars will soon. Happy is the person who obeys not get in. The only people who will the words of the prophecy of this enter are the ones whose names are book.” written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. 8I, John, was the one who was 1 The angel showed me hearing and seeing these things. a 22 a river of fresh water. It When I heard them and saw them, sparkled like crystal. It flowed from I fell down at the feet of the angel God’s throne and from the Lamb’s who was showing me these things. 2 throne. The Trees of Life were in I wanted to worship him, 9but he said the middle of the city’s street and on to me, “Don’t do that! Worship God! both sides of the river. They yielded I am only a fellow-servant like you, like fruit twelve times per year, producing your brothers the prophets, and like a 22:1 or, “of living water”; “of (the) Water of Life” 29 the people who obey the words of this groups of God’s people the truth book. 10Don’t seal up the words of about these things. I am the the prophecy of this book. The right Descendant from the family of David, time is near. 11Let the person who the bright Morning Star.” b does wrong continue to do wrong. 17The Spirit and the bride are Let the person with a dirty mind saying, “Come!” Let the person who is continue to think in a filthy way. Let listening say, “Come!” Let the person the person who does right continue who is thirsty come. Let him take as to do good things. Let the person much of the living water as he wants. who is holy continue to be holy.” 12Jesus says, “Listen! I am coming Don’t Change a Word 18 soon. The reward I have is withme . I am telling the truth to every I will pay back each person according person who is listening to the words to the way he lived. 13I am the A and of the prophecy of this book. If the Z,a the First and the Last, the anyone adds more words to these Beginning and the End.” words, God will add to him the 14The people who wash their robes plagues that are written in this book. are happy. They will have the right 19And, if anyone takes away from the to eat from the Tree of Life and the words of this prophetic book, God right to enter the city through the will take away that person’s share of gates. 15But, outside the city, there the Tree of Life and of the holy city, are wild dogs, occult people, sexual which are described in this book. 20 sinners, murderers, idol-worshipers, Jesus, the Witness, says these and every person who always likes to things: “Yes, I am coming soon!” tell a lie. Amen! Lord Jesus, come! 21 16Jesus says, “I, Jesus, sent my May the gracious love of the Lord angel for you to tell the seven Jesus be with everyone. Amen. a 22:13 literally, “the Alpha and the Omega” (the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet). b 22:16 Jesus. He brings on a new day.

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