How can I understand the Bible book of Revelation?

Can you give some helps for understanding the book of Revelation?

(1) Remember it is a revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ. Look for Him everywhere.

(2) The book is divided into "the things which thou hast seen", "the things which are" and finally "the things which shall be hereafter" (1:19). This three-fold division of the book is helpful to gain an overview. Chapter 1 is the "things which thou hast seen," chapters 2 and 3 the "things which are," chapters 4-22 the "things hereafter."

(3) Care needs to be practiced not to take all events as occurring one right after the other. The book is made up of seven seals, trumpets and bowls. The seventh seal contains the seven trumpets; the seventh trumpet contains the seven bowls. Parenthesis dot the book: 7:1-17; 10:1-11; 14:1-13; 16:13-16; 19:1-6.

(4) Four great scenes occur in heaven and four on earth.

(5) Only interpret symbols by use of other portions of Scriptures. Most symbols in the Revelation appear elsewhere in Scripture. Their interpretation is given there. Interpret literally whenever possible and reasonable.

A. Higgins

Other pages in this section

About this site

Online Bible Versions

The Searchable Bible versions online can be found here.

The Bible Versions that are Online at GospelHall.org provide a way to view one or two Bible versions in parallel. "Bible Versions" refers to Bible translations since origial books from the Bible were written in Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament). So a Bible version is really, more accurately a Bible translation.

Instructions for the the Online Bible Versions

1. Select this link Online Bible Versions.

2. Choose a Bible version in which to find your verse (ASV -American Standard Version, BBE - Bible in Basic English, DBY - Darby "New Translation", GFR - God's Word for Readers, KJV - King James Version, WEB - World English Bible, YLT - Young's Literal Translation, or the ESV - English Standard Version)

3. Click "Go".

The results of your bible search will be different with each online Bible version since the language in each Bible version is slightly different.

About the Online Bible Versions

The King James or Authorised Version of the Bible is an English translation of the Christian Bible first published in 1611. The New Testament was translated from the Textus Receptus (Received Text) edition of the Greek texts, so called because most extant texts of the time were in agreement with it. The Old Testament was translated from the Masoretic Hebrew text.

(Modern English Bibles such as the New American Standard Bible and the English Standard Version decline to use the Textus Receptus, opting instead for what many modern scholars feel are more reliable critical editions.)

The King James Version has had a profound effect on English literature. The works of famous authors such as John Milton, Herman Melville, John Dryden, and William Wordsworth are deeply inspired by it.

The Bible In Basic English (also known as BBE) is a translation of the Bible into Basic English. The BBE was translated by Professor S. H. Hooke using the standard 850 Basic English words. 100 words that were helpful to understand poetry were added along with 50 "Bible" words. The New Testament was released in 1941 and the Old Testament was released in 1949.

The American Standard Version (ASV) of the Holy Bible was first published in 1901. It has earned the reputation of being the Rock of Biblical Honesty. Although the English used in the ASV is somewhat archaic, it isn't nearly as hard to understand as some passages of the King James Version of nearly 3 centuries earlier. This translation of the Holy Bible is in the public domain, since its copyright has expired. You are encouraged to download, copy, publish, and use this translation freely.

John Nelson Darby Version

First published in 1890 by John Nelson Darby, an Anglo-Irish Bible teacher associated with the early years of the Plymouth Brethren. Darby also published translations of the Bible in French and German.

The English Standard Version (ESV) was Published in 2003 as a translation to bridge the gap between the accuracy of the NASB and the readability of the NIV.

The ESV is an “essentially literal” translation that seeks as far as possible to capture the precise wording of the original text and the personal style of each Bible writer. As such, its emphasis is on “word-for-word” correspondence, at the same time taking into account differences of grammar, syntax, and idiom between current literary English and the original languages. Thus it seeks to be transparent to the original text, letting the reader see as directly as possible the structure and meaning of the original.

In contrast to the ESV, some Bible versions have followed a “thought-for-thought” rather than “word-for-word” translation philosophy, emphasizing “dynamic equivalence” rather than the “essentially literal” meaning of the original. A “thought-for-thought” translation is of necessity more inclined to reflect the interpretive opinions of the translator and the influences of contemporary culture.

Other pages in this section

About this site

Does the Bible ever limit social contact between believers?

Does the New Testament ever advocate limiting social contact with another believer?

Romans 14:1-15" TARGET="_blank">Romans 14:1-15:6 teaches the necessity of preserving unity among believers by receiving one another to eat meals together. If verses 5, 14, 15 in chapter 16 refer to three separate churches in Rome, then social contact among believers also preserves a right relationship among assemblies in an area.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-165" TARGET="_blank">2 Thessalonians 3:6-165 in notably different. The apostle advocates limiting social contact with certain believers. The believers who were not working, using the Lords coming as their reason, were becoming busy-bodies, adversely affecting the heavier of others. If they would not obey Pauls teaching in this letter (verse 14), the believers were to withdraw from them (Verse 6) and have no company with them (Verse 14). This discipline within the assembly could be called "social discipline."

In addition, the words, "have no company," are the same as in 1 Corinthians 5:9" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 5:9 and 11. There in verse 11, "have no company: includes "with such an one, no not to eat." Both 2 Thessalonians 3" TARGET="_blank">2 Thessalonians 3 and 1 Corinthians 5" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 5 are assembly actions. Social division in the assembly is contrary to the teaching of the New Testament, but social discipline is not a decision by individuals, but by the assembly.

D. Oliver
Other pages in this section

About this site

What do angels look like? Do angels have wings?

The word “Angel” means “messenger” meaning that their job is the identity. Angels take on many forms to accomplish their specific mission.

Hebrews 1:14" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 1:14 tells us that they are spirit beings, but Hebrews 13:2" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 13:2 says that some have entertained angels unaware of their guests’ true identity. That leads us to believe that angels appear as normal human beings. Abraham met with two men for a meal in Genesis 18:1-19" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 18:1-19 who were actually angels.

However, at other times angels appeared in radiant glory and said “do not be afraid” like the case of Joseph in Matthew 1:20." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 1:20. Zacharias was struck dimb in Luke 1:12." TARGET="_blank">Luke 1:12. The shepherds were afraid of the angels who came from heaven to announce the birth of Christ in Luke 2:9." TARGET="_blank">Luke 2:9.

In Isaiah 6:1-10," TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 6:1-10, the Lord is seen in His full glory in the temple. Seriphim fly around the throne using two wings to fly, two wings to cover their feet and two wings to cover their faces.

There is a variety of appearances for angels. They have the ability to change their appearance. Even Satan himself has the capability to appear as an angel of light 2 Corinthians 11:14." TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 11:14.

Other pages in this section

About this site

Does the use of multiple loaves and cups at the Breaking of Bread indicate departure?

Does the use of multiple loaves and cups at the Breaking of Bread indicate departure?

Departure begins with a cooling of our devotion to Christ. One evidence of departure is a lack of love for and obedience to His Word. To change our practices from what His Word teaches or to be unwilling to change our ways in order to conform to His Word is departure. We are best to judge our own hearts before we look for indications of departure in others.

When we apparently take delight in finding the failings of others, we too have departed from the teachings of the Lord. If we fairly evaluate the teaching of the Bible on this subject, we can hardly conclude that pouring the wine from a common vessel and distributing it to 500 people by means of 4 cups violates the Word of God. The same can be said of taking one large entity of bread and distributing it on 4 separate plates. If this is what is meant by "multiple loaves and cups," then the answer to the question is "No." This is not departure.

To officiate at the "Communion Service" by distributing "the host" or a wafer violates the Word of God. This is multiple "loaves" and, in addition, bespeaks officialism. To have communion using individual cups fails to clearly express the significance of partaking from the "cup of blessing." If this is the meaning of "multiple loaves and cups," then the answer to the question is "Yes." This is departure.

D. Oliver
Other pages in this section

About this site

How could the Lord acknowledge an assembly when it had departed so far (Revelation 2 and 3)?

How could the Lord acknowledge an assembly when it had departed so far (Revelation 2" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 2 and 3)?

The assembly at Corinth was badly damaged by the influence of the world around it. Galatian believers had been influenced by serious doctrinal error. These and other assemblies, including those in Revelation 2" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 2 and 3, began as assemblies, through God’s work, consistent with the pattern. The Lord determines how far an assembly can depart. He reads the heart and judges righteously. We are not responsible to make that decision. He requests permission of no one and informs no one.

We are responsible, though, to preserve the integrity of the assembly of which we form a part. Whether or not a certain company is an assembly, if its practices and associations will damage young believers or lead any astray, we shouldn’t associate ourselves with that assembly.

David Oliver
Other pages in this section

About this site

Is John the Baptist the same as Elijah?

What was the Lord saying about John the Baptist in Matthew 11:14" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 11:14?

The Lord pointed to the past and present when He said, "And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come." From the past, He combined two prophecies, both in Malachi. In verse 10, He quotes His promise that He will send His messenger to prepare the way before Him (Malachi 3:1)." TARGET="_blank">Malachi 3:1). Now in verse 14, He informs us that the prophet Elijah whom the Lord of Hosts would send "before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord" (4:5) is His messenger mentioned in the previous prophecy. As to the present, the Lord states the one condition which determines if John fulfills these two prophecies: literally, "if ye will receive." The context indicates what they were to receive. The Old Testament prophecies about the coming of the Messiah reached their terminus in John (Mat 11:13)." TARGET="_blank">Mat 11:13). If they recognized who John was, they would receive His message. That is why the Lord immediately refers to their responsibility to heed what they heard ("He that hath ears to hear, let him hear" v 15). Yet they were like the children who heard the mourning, but didn’t lament (v 16). By not recognizing John’s authority, they wouldn’t and couldn’t recognize Christ’s (21:24-27).

Gabriel had told Zecharias that John would go before the Lord "in the spirit and power of Elias"; he then referred to Malachi’s prophecy about Elijah (Mal 4:5, 6)." TARGET="_blank">Mal 4:5, 6). John was not a reappearance of Elijah, but was a prophet whose might and mission was the same as Elijah’s. In Matthew 17," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 17, the disciples understood that the Lord was speaking about John (v 13) when He said two seemingly contradictory things about Elijah. The Lord said, "Elias indeed comes first and will restore all things" (v 11); that is the prescribed order of Malachi’s prophecy, but John is now dead and the restoration must await a future "Elias." "The crooked" had not been "made straight" (Luke 3:5;" TARGET="_blank">Luke 3:5; Isaiah 40:4)," TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 40:4), nor had John’s ministry restored "all things." Why? "Elias is come already, and they knew him not" (v 12). On God’s part - and John’s - John had fulfilled the prophecies. On the nation’s part, they had rejected him and his message of repentance. In the future, God will yet fulfill the prophecy of sending "My messenger," the Elijah to come. Then, "Thy people shall be willing in the day of Thy power" (Psa 110:3), and the future prophet ("in the spirit and power of Elijah," see Revelation 11:3-7)" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 11:3-7) will present a people restored to Him "before that . . . day of the Lord."

D. Oliver
Other pages in this section

About this site

Do worshippers offer animal sacrifices during the Millennial reign?

Do worshippers offer animal sacrifices during the Millennial reign?

Yes. At the end of Ezekiel 39," TARGET="_blank">Ezekiel 39, God speaks of gathering His people from the lands of their enemies and pouring out His Spirit on them (vv 25-29). The last nine chapters, from 40 to 48, picture the Millennial temple and city. Seven of those nine chapters refer to offerings and to the priests who offer them. The city and the temple are literal, for the rebuilding of the city (40:2-3) and the return of the glory of God (43:2) are linked with the literal destruction of the city (40:1) and the departure of God’s glory (43:3). Therefore we must also interpret the priests and the sacrifices literally.

D. Oliver
Which of the offerings will be offered? (Zechariah 14:21)" TARGET="_blank">Zechariah 14:21)

The last nine chapters of Ezekiel include references to all five of the major offerings. The sin offering is mentioned 14 times, the trespass offering four times. Eighteen times Ezekiel refers to the burnt offering(s), and 14 times to the meal offering(s). "The sacrifice" is mentioned three times, twice in conjunction with the burnt offering; the other time the priests are boiling it - not burning it - in preparation for eating. This would refer to the peace offering.

D. Oliver
Other pages in this section

About this site

What is the interpretation of the parable of the ten virgins?

What is the interpretation of this parable? (Matthew 25:1-13)" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 25:1-13)

The virgins all have lamps which indicate they are waiting for the return of a bridegroom during the night. This is their testimony. They are all unconscious of the time, for they are sleeping. In the middle of the night, a cry brings all of them to consciousness. The announcement is that this is the night time of the bridegroom’s coming. The virgins are not a bride or bridal candidates. They are waiting to join the wedding feast (the context defines whether the word "marriage," v 10, refers to the wedding or the wedding feast) with the bridegroom. The event announcing the coming of the bridegroom shows the difference between the two classes. The others prove incapable of meeting him, because they have no oil to sustain their professed expectation of the bridegroom.

Two types of Jewish people profess to be awaiting the return of Christ to earth. In the middle of the 7-year period, the event the Lord describes in Matthew 24" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 24:, the abomination of desolation, takes place. The Lawless One desecrates the Jewish temple in Jerusalem by taking the place of God, in all likelihood sitting on the mercy-seat of the temple. This will cause those Jews who profess to wait for the redemption of Israel (Luke 21:28; 2:38)" TARGET="_blank">Luke 21:28; 2:38) to recognize the crucial prophetic times surrounding them. Those who are not born of the Spirit (pictured by the oil in the vessels) will not be able to withstand the power of the Beast (the Lawless One) and to survive in a society governed by the mark of the Beast (Revelation 13:4-18)." TARGET="_blank">Revelation 13:4-18). When the Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2)" TARGET="_blank">Malachi 4:2) comes to end that dark night of persecution, those regenerated by the Spirit will enter the joyous wedding feast (Revelation 19:9, 11)." TARGET="_blank">Revelation 19:9, 11). The unregenerate will be eternally excluded from the kingdom and the presence of the Lord.

D. Oliver
Other pages in this section

About this site

How long was John the Baptist

How long was John the Baptist’s ministry?

The divine historian tells us John’s ministry began "in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar" (Luke 3:1)." TARGET="_blank">Luke 3:1). Secular historians date that around 29 A.D. John mentions four Passover feasts (John 2:23;" TARGET="_blank">John 2:23; John 5:1;" TARGET="_blank">John 5:1; John 6:4;" TARGET="_blank">John 6:4; John 13:1)." TARGET="_blank">John 13:1). The Lord’s ministry began before the first and He was crucified on the fourth Passover. That suggests His public ministry was slightly more than three years. If we accept that the Lord’s crucifixion was in 33 A.D., His public ministry began in the latter part of 29 A.D. when He "began to be about thirty years of age" (Luke 3:23)," TARGET="_blank">Luke 3:23), perhaps as much as 6 months after John began to preach. Matthew places the death of John the Baptist before the feeding of the 5000 (Matthew 14:1-13, 21)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 14:1-13, 21). John tells us the feeding of the 5000 took place shortly before the third Passover(John 6:4-13)," TARGET="_blank">John 6:4-13), about two and a half years into the Lord’s ministry. John had been in prison for a time before that, so his ministry - before imprisonment - may have been as short as two and a half years. Such a valuable man! Yet he fulfilled his course (Acts 13:25)" TARGET="_blank">Acts 13:25) within three years. Apparently, the Lord gave neither John nor his disciples an explanation of the divine plan, for "His ways are past finding out" (Romans 11:33)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 11:33).

D. Oliver
Other pages in this section

About this site

Main Menu

Online Bible Versions