communicate the behavior that goes with sound teaching (Titus 2:1 NET)
Bible Study | Revelation 20:1-6
In our first lesson, we surveyed the structure that we would use for the Bible studies along with some features on the website. Today, we will learn a couple of more features as we continue to review the format. Today, let’s have some fun with another passage of Scripture written by the Apostle John. But first let’s learn how to use a feature of the program.
“One of the features we will be using is the ability for you to see what others have written. One way we will do that is with an embedded document. Press the link under the submit form to see the answers from others. (Today’s link is not active.)”
During my years at seminary, there were a handful of individuals who had a powerful impact on my life. One of those men was Tom Friskney. Mr. Friskney shaped my theology and planted inside me a love for the Greek language. More importantly, he modeled what it means to be a Christian teacher.
One year our Greek class translated excerpts from the Gospel of John, one of John’s epistles, and the book of Revelation. Our discoveries were startling.
We know that God is a promise-keeper for the faithful. Relationship with Him assures them of victory. However, He is Judge for those who do not respond with faith. How fitting now that, as the scenes of victory have built for the people of God, the dragon is seen as he really is – defeated!
Thomas Friskney Cincinnati Bible Seminary
The Pointe of this lesson is to help the student:
Understand the structure of the KBS Bible study lessons.
Have an opportunity to practice answering questions within the five steps of this study.
Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven with the key to the abyss and a great chain in his hand. 2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the Devil and Satan,[a] and bound him for 1,000 years. 3 He threw him into the abyss, closed it, and put a seal on it so that he would no longer deceive the nations until the 1,000 years were completed. After that, he must be released for a short time.
Then I saw thrones, and people seated on them who were given authority to judge. I also saw the people who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of God’s word, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and who had not accepted the mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with the Messiah for 1,000 years. 5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the 1,000 years were completed. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of the Messiah, and they will reign with Him for 1,000 years.
Revelation 20:1-6
Holman Christian Standard Bible
STEP TWO: CONNECT IT
The “Revelation of Jesus Christ” is given as the title of the last book in the Bible. The word “apocalypse” is simply a transliteration of the Greek word meaning an “uncovering.” If the reader anticipates a “revelation” or “disclosure” rather than a mystery, the attitude and vision will aid in understanding the message of the book.
The author of the book is the Apostle John, who also wrote the fourth gospel and three epistles that bear his name. John outlived all of the other apostles. This book was written late in his life as he was exiled on the island of Patmos because of his faithful witness. Patmos was in the Aegean Sea, about 60 miles southwest of Ephesus. John’s island life was no paradise. Prisoners of the island were destined to work in the salt mines there. In this setting of suffering, John was made aware of a comforting message of victory for those who persevere.
Revelation is a unique book. It was written to people and by a person who enjoyed figurative language and the powerful and vivid symbolism it could contain. Numbers, colors, time, places, events, and objects all contribute to the whole picture the author is trying to convey.
The suffering of early Christians by the intense persecution of the Roman government is well documented. Here are two website articles which give you an overview of the degree of hatred demonstrated against early believers.
STEP THREE: WRANGLE IT
One of the most frequently asked questions about Bible study is how to tell whether a passage should be understood literally or figuratively.
E. W. Bullinger produced a comprehensive work in 1899 called “Figures of Speech Used in the Bible.” His 1,100 page effort determined there were more than 500 different varieties of figures of speech in the Bible. How can we identify figurative language?
Unfortunately, there is a great deal of subjectivity in understanding figures of speech. In addition, hundreds of years and hundreds of miles separate us from the culture that used the symbols. It can be difficult to recognize a figure of speech used a generation ago.
Closely connected to figurative language is the broader category of literary form. For example, we read, “It is written, Jacob I loved, Esau I hated” (Romans 9:13). This is a common Hebrew way of making a comparison: Jacob was loved in preference to Esau. A more Anglicized way of stating this would be, “I loved Jacob more than I loved Esau.”
A good principle to use seeks to interpret literally unless the sense implies and absurdity or a contradiction of other biblical principles.
STEP FOUR: BUILD IT
The New Testament is filled with figurative language – metaphors, similes, metonymies, and many other expressions that are not literal. There is an interesting interchange between Jesus and His disciples recorded in the gospel of John.
“I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. A time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures, but I will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in My name. I am not telling you that I will make requests to the Father on your behalf. 27 For the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came from God.[e]28 I came from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”
29 “Ah!” His disciples said. “Now You’re speaking plainly and not using any figurative language” (John 16:25-29 HCSB).
If our Scripture in Revelation should be taken figuratively, we would expect to find other examples of figures of speech used by John.
STEP FIVE: SHARE IT
If there is a passage of Scripture that is either difficult or controversial, do you think that Christians have a tendency to avoid talking about it?
The book of Revelation and talk about the last days usually prompts one of two extremes. Either people craft an elaborate scheme of how the last days will unfold or they avoid talking about it completely.
Re-read the passage of Scripture. What truths about the end of time do you find in these verses? What would be important to share with a curious friend?
And so our second practice lesson comes to a close. Next week, we will be looking at another passage from the New Testament and we will practice using a live discussion as a part of our study.
Thank you so much for leading us through these trial runs! I don’t know if my thoughts are correct or even in the ballpark, but I like being able to write it down and look back and ponder it. It will be interesting to see what others say as well. I hope I’m not thinking too simplistically here.
Thank you Tom. These sample studies have been interesting. Can’t wait for the “real thing” to begin
Thanks John. This project has become very important to me on several levels. I am really glad you are enjoying it.
Thank you so much for leading us through these trial runs! I don’t know if my thoughts are correct or even in the ballpark, but I like being able to write it down and look back and ponder it. It will be interesting to see what others say as well. I hope I’m not thinking too simplistically here.