Overview
The revelation of Yeshua the Messiah received by John in exile on Patmos. It begins with messages to the seven ekklesiai (churches) of Asia, proceeds through the vision of the heavenly throne and the judgements of the seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls, and concludes with the fall of Babylon, the return of the Messiah, the new heavens and new earth, and the New Jerusalem.
Theme The final victory of God on the throne and of the Lamb, and the renewal of all things
Historical background
Set against the imperial cult and persecution of the Roman Empire, the book was sent to seven communities in Asia Minor: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. It is apocalyptic literature that draws extensively on the prophecies and symbols of the Hebrew Scriptures, including Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah. It speaks of the saints who keep the commandments of God and hold the testimony of Yeshua (Revelation 12:17; 14:12).