Drive Thru History: Bible Backroads – The Book of Revelation
Episodes
The Island of Patmos
The final book in the Bible’s New Testament is the Book of Revelation. Also known as the Revelation of Jesus Christ, it was written by the Apostle John on the Island of Patmos late in his life. Before we dive in, let’s travel to Patmos and explore that incredible place.
The Vision
According to the Book of Revelation, the Apostle John was in the Spirit one Sunday on the island of Patmos when he saw the heavenly, glorified Jesus, the righteous Judge of all the earth. Depending on the translation of Revelation, chapter 1, Jesus spoke with a voice somewhere between a blasting trumpet and a roaring river. He was dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. The hair on his head was as white as snow and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.
Letters to the Churches - Part 1
According to the first chapter of Revelation, the Apostle John saw Jesus Christ in a vision. Jesus was standing among seven golden lampstands, symbols of light throughout the scriptures. Later, we learn that the seven lampstands represented the seven churches of Asia Minor. In Chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation, John went on to deliver Christ’s letters to these seven churches.
Letters to the Churches - Part 2
The ancient city of Thyatira became part of the Roman Republic in 133 BC and was later considered one of the major cities in Asia Province. Today, most of ancient Thyatira is located under the modern city of Akhisar. Archaeology hasn’t revealed much about Thyatira during the New Testament period. Brief excavations uncovered a Roman street and part of a public building. Investigations at the site also revealed several inscriptions and coins.
The Future
The Book of Revelation isn’t just the last book of the Bible, but it’s probably the most astounding preview of the future ever recorded. According to the very first verse, Revelation was given to John “to show His servants – things which must shortly take place.” These are what we call prophecies of things to come. Here, shortly means quickly, meaning, once these events start happening, they will happen quickly over a relatively brief period.
The New Heaven and Earth
While the Book of Revelation speaks of a terrible time of wrath and woe on earth, it has a wonderful, victorious ending. Can you imagine the scene? A vision of millions of God’s children in heaven declaring praise, thanksgiving, and allegiance all at once as mighty Jesus is getting ready for his return to earth.