Revelation
The Bible's grand finale: Christ unveiled in glory, history brought to judgment, and all things made new
Revelation at a glance
The Bible's grand finale: Christ unveiled in glory, history brought to judgment, and all things made new
Revelation -- 'The Revelation of Jesus Christ' -- is the last book of the Bible, written by John while exiled on the isle of Patmos 'for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.' Traditionally identified with the apostle John, he records what he saw 'in the Spirit on the Lord's day' and sends it to seven churches in Asia. It is the New Testament's one great book of prophecy and apocalyptic vision, and the only Bible book that opens with a blessing on those who read, hear, and keep its words.
The book moves from Christ among the golden candlesticks, dictating letters to the seven churches, to the throne room of heaven, where only the Lamb that was slain is worthy to open the sealed book. Then judgment unfolds in great cycles -- seven seals, seven trumpets, seven vials -- alongside unforgettable figures: the four horsemen, the two witnesses, the dragon, the beast and his number 666, Babylon the great. Christ returns as King of kings and Lord of lords, Satan is cast into the lake of fire, and the dead stand before the great white throne.
Revelation matters because it ends the story the Bible began: a new heaven and a new earth, the holy city New Jerusalem, God dwelling with his people, and no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain. Whatever readers make of its symbols, its message is plain -- the Lamb wins, and 'Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.'
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Revelation 1:8 King James Version
Explore Revelation
How Revelation unfolds
8 sections- 1The vision of Christ (ch. 1)On Patmos, John sees the glorified Son of man among seven golden candlesticks -- eyes as a flame of fire, holding seven stars -- who declares, 'I am Alpha and Omega... I am he that liveth, and was dead.'
- 2Letters to the seven churches (ch. 2-3)Christ addresses Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea with commendation, rebuke, and promises to 'him that overcometh.'
- 3The throne and the Lamb; seven seals (ch. 4-7)John is caught up to heaven's throne room; the Lamb that was slain takes the sealed book and opens its seals, loosing the four horsemen, while 144,000 are sealed and a countless multitude worships.
- 4Seven trumpets and the two witnesses (ch. 8-11)Trumpet judgments strike earth, sea, and sky; John eats the little book, and the two witnesses prophesy, are slain, and rise, until the seventh trumpet proclaims the kingdoms of this world become our Lord's.
- 5The dragon, the beasts, and the vials (ch. 12-16)War in heaven casts out the dragon; the beast rises with his mark and number 666; then seven angels pour out the seven vials of God's wrath, gathering the kings to Armageddon.
- 6Babylon falls and the King returns (ch. 17-19)Babylon the great, the mother of harlots, is judged and falls in one hour; heaven sings Alleluia, and Christ rides forth on a white horse as King of kings and Lord of lords.
- 7The millennium and the great white throne (ch. 20)Satan is bound a thousand years while the saints reign with Christ, then is loosed, defeated, and cast into the lake of fire; the dead are judged out of the books before the great white throne.
- 8All things new (ch. 21-22)A new heaven and new earth appear with the holy city New Jerusalem; God wipes away all tears, the river of life flows from the throne, and Jesus promises, 'Surely I come quickly.'
People to know
6 figures- JohnThe exiled seer on Patmos who records the visions and sends them to the seven churches of Asia.
- Jesus Christ (the Lamb)Alpha and Omega, the Lamb that was slain and the returning King of kings -- the book is his revelation from first verse to last.
- The dragon (Satan)That old serpent, cast out of heaven, warring against the saints until he is bound and finally thrown into the lake of fire.
- The beastThe blasphemous power rising from the sea, whose mark and number, 666, define allegiance against the Lamb.
- Babylon the greatThe harlot city drunk with the blood of the saints, whose sudden fall heaven celebrates.
- The bride, New JerusalemThe holy city descending from God, the Lamb's wife, where God dwells with his people forever.
Words worth carrying with you
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Revelation 1:8 · KJV
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Revelation 3:20 · KJV
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Revelation 21:4 · KJV
Think you know Revelation?
90 questions from the King James Version, all ages welcome. Keep score, then challenge a friend or your whole group.
Leading a group? Download the free printable Revelation quiz pack (PDF) - questions, answer key with verses, and a score sheet.
The whole book, on video
The full narrated quiz - timed, illustrated, and made for playing together.
Revelation Bible Quiz: The Seven Churches | 30 Questions
Revelation Bible Quiz: Trumpets and Beasts | 30 Questions
Hard Revelation Bible Quiz: New Jerusalem | Can You Score 30/30?