Ninalga, Jemyl Samea C.

Moral IV
Professor: Nestor Rilloma
March 29, 2016
Who is John the Beloved ?
The most common identification of this character is drawn from an early
tradition, which holds that the beloved disciple was an actual individual known as
John, the son of Zebedee, a disciple of Jesus. This theory also identifies the son of
Zebedee as the author of the Gospel of John. This idea remains an important view
among contemporary Christians, though there is little evidence to support it. Other
scholars have variously identified the beloved disciple as Lazarus (John 11:38-44),
Thomas (John 20:24-28), or even Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18). However, these
theories ultimately miss the point.
What is the historical background of Date, venue and setting of the book
of revelation ?
The Apocalypse, or Revelation to John, the last book of the Bible, is one of the
most difficult to understand because it abounds in unfamiliar and extravagant
symbolism, which at best appears unusual to the modern reader. Symbolic
language, however, is one of the chief characteristics of apocalyptic literature, of
which this book is an outstanding example. Such literature enjoyed wide popularity
in both Jewish and Christian circles from ca. 200 B.C. to A.D. 200.
This book contains an account of visions in symbolic and allegorical language
borrowed extensively from the Old Testament, especially Ezekiel, Zechariah, and
Daniel. Whether or not these visions were real experiences of the author or simply
literary conventions emp loyed by him is an open question.
The Book of Revelation cannot be adequately understood except against the
historical background that occasioned its writing. Like Daniel and other apocalypses,
it was composed as resistance literature to meet a crisis. The book itself suggests
that the crisis was ruthless persecution of the early church by the Roman
authorities; the harlot Babylon symbolizes pagan Rome, the city on seven hills
(17:9).
The book is, then, an exhortation and admonition to Christians of the first
century to stand firm in the faith and to avoid compromise with paganism, pagan
Rome, the city on seven hills (17:9). The book is, then, an exhortation and
admonition to Christians of the first century to stand firm in the faith and to avoid
compromise with paganism, The Book of Revelation had its origin in a time of crisis,
but it remains valid and meaningful for Christians of all time. In the face of
apparently insuperable evil, either from within or from without, all Christians are
called to trust in Jesus promise, Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the
age (Mt 28:20). Those who remain steadfast in their faith and confidence in the
risen Lord need have no fear. Suffering, persecution, even death by martyrdom,
though remaining impenetrable mysteries of evil, do not comprise an absurd dead
end. No matter what adversity or sacrifice Christians may endure, they will in the
end triumph over Satan and his forces because of their fidelity to Christ the victor.

This is the enduring message of the book; it is a message of hope and consolation
and challenge for all who dare to believe.

The Seven Beatitudes of the Revelation of Jesus Christ

to His Servant John
Revelation 1:3

Revelation 14:13

Blessed is anyone who reads the words

of this prophecy, and blessed those who
hear them, if they treasure the content,
because the Time is near.
Blessed are those who die in the Lord!
Blessed indeed, the Spirit says; now they
can rest forever after their work, since
their good deeds go with them [doctrine
of merit].

Revelation 16:15

Blessed is anyone who has kept watch,

and has kept his clothes on, so that he
does not go out naked and expose his
shame

Revelation 19:9

Blessed are those who are invited to the

wedding feast of the Lamb.

Revelation 20:6

Blessed and holy are those who share in

the first resurrection; the second death
has no power over them but they will be
priests of God and of Christ and reign
with Him for a thousand years. [the first
death is ones physical death; the
second death is the failure to win eternal
life.
I am coming soon! Blessed are those
who keep the prophetic message of this
book.
Blessed are those who will have washed
their robes clean, so that they will have
the right to feed on the tree of life and
can come through the gates into the
city. [ the Jerusalem of21:9]

Revelation 22:7
Revelation 22:14

Seven Churches of Revelation

Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7): Dont lose your love for Gods truth or His
people.
Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11): Remain faithful in the face of tribulation and
poverty.
Pergamos (Revelation 2:12-17): Resist Satans influence, even to death, if
necessary.
Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29): Resist false teaching.
Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6): Remain zealous and pure in conduct.
Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13): Persevere and walk through the doors God
opens.
Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22): Dont become lukewarm about Gods way of
life.
There have been three general interpretations given to these Churches:
The first is literal - historical. The Churches did, of course, exist.
The second is spiritual - prophetic. The Churches represent seven different
spiritual conditions that any particular congregation may be in at any specific
time.
The third is future - prophetic. The Churches represent seven consecutive
periods in the history of the Church.