The teachings of Philip G. Roets & Lois Roets
Commentary by Philip G. Roets STL, SSL
The Apocalypse (Revelation) has St. John the apostle as its origin. Whether he wrote it in its final form is questioned by some. However, the basic book is Joannine in origin. It is the first of the 5 writings of John in the New Testament. In 85 A.D. John wrote this work to teach the faithful Christians and hide his words from the Romans.
Revelation was always accepted as an authentic part of the New Testament. In the beginning it would have been easily understood by the Christians for whom John intended it.
Revelation was written in the apocalyptic style — a mysterious style developed in the closing centuries before the coming of Jesus. Its purpose was to stir up the followers to a more fervent life and at the same time to confuse their enemies. Apocalyptic writing never dealt with the future. Rather, the writers were concerned about a very real, present problem that threatens the whole people.
The apocalyptic style of writing took its origin in the Bible in the time of Ezechiel. He was working and writing in exile at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem in 597–587 B.C. Ezechiel used the mysterious style and actions to try to get the exiles to realize they were in captivity through their own failure and to live according to the Law of Yahweh. They were blaming everyone else and hence were in no way converting to the kind of life Yahweh wanted.
Daniel used this same apocalyptic style a few centuries later in the period of Antiochus the Terrible, 167–164 B.C. Daniel's purpose was to speak to the true followers of Yahweh and to hide his ideas from the enemies of the Jewish faith. The Temple had been desecrated by the Abominable Idol in the Holy of Holies. Daniel wanted to encourage the faithful to believe that Yahweh would help them but they had to cooperate.
Apocalyptic style uses symbols which would have been understood at the time of writing. An example is from Revelation 1:13–16: robe = priesthood; white hair = eternity; bronze feet = permanence; two-edged sword = judge; golden sash = royalty; burning eyes = knowledge; voice = majesty.
In New Testament times, the heavy Roman persecution of the Christians began in the early 60's A.D. and continued until the conversion of Constantine in 313 A.D. The persecutions were intermittent during all these years and varied in severity. John wanted to encourage the followers of Jesus to persist in their bravery and at the same time to hide his ideas from the Roman officials.
Over the centuries, Revelation has been applied to many different events. This is not necessarily bad but it must be remembered that the writing is not a prophecy. It is a commentary on the history of the times the book was written. Some general conclusions can be drawn and applied to other times and events, but they were not foreseen in the mind of the writer.
It is true that the book of Revelation tells about the end in the sense of slaughter, fear and terror. But remember, also, the Book of Revelation is first and foremost the account of the persecution of the Christians by the Romans in the late first century. It was a warning of worse terror to come and the kind of courage the followers of Christ had to have. Again, because of extended and unintended interpretations, many applications have been made to our lives that were never intended. The works of Scripture were never meant to be sensational literature.
A good description of this writing is an Epic of Christian Hope at a time when suffering, persecution, and death threatened this hope. It is also called The Victory Song of the Persecuted Church. Both titles describe something of the contents and the purpose of the book.
The basic divisions of Revelation are: Chapters 1–3: The Church Incarnate. Chapters 4–20: The Church in the Midst of Battle. Chapters 21–22: The Church Fully Identified.
The followers of Jesus were in daily danger of being captured and then tortured to death in the Coliseum. To say the least they were afraid and often discouraged. Yet they encouraged each other and only God knows how many of them died for their faith.
In the conclusion of the writing, the Church was referred to as the bride of Jesus Christ. She was dressed in her bridal dress which was beautiful beyond all imagination. The dress was all the good deeds of all the saints. Every good deed was recorded and recognizable in that dress as an individual thread. Not a single thread was lost or overlooked. The wedding banquet goes on for all eternity.
The favorite saying of the follower of Jesus in these days was: "Amen! Maranatha!" These words mean: "Come, Lord Jesus! I truly believe!" The full significance of faith is contained in the Amen: I understand, I am convinced, I am committed, and I live my convictions.
The Book of Revelation has caused many a headache through the centuries because people have tried to read more into it than was intended. They have tried to apply it to new situations as years went by. They tried to see it as a foretelling of things to happen, and to give an actual date for the end of the world. They have tried to prove, from this writing, that the world will end in an act of universal violence.
The only thing that is said about the end of the world in Revelation is that it will be a "Telos." This Greek word means "end" in the sense of "Completion." When the world is brought to the fulness which God planned for it, then a new and final phase of creation will begin. This fulness has to be brought about by the work of the human race. God will be with us until this "telos," or until all things are complete.
Rather than give you more commentary on Revelation, I ask you to read it with first century Rome's glories and limitations in mind. It will make a lot of sense and the imagery will be self-explanatory.
Revelation, with its encouragement and its ideals, is needed in all ages.
Stage One: God is Father: Old Testament.
Stage Two: Son's Response to the Father: New Testament: Gospels.
Stage Three: Followers of the Son; Brotherhood of Man: New Testament: Acts, Letters, Revelation. Brotherhood of Man is the Holy Spirit as seen and exercised through "koinonia" — Greek word for "sharing."
Stage One Revelation: God is Father: Old Testament.
Genesis: (PROVIDER) Provides all basic equipment.
Exodus: (LAWGIVER) Establishes the basic law that must be followed.
Leviticus: (DAILY GUIDE) Works out the rules of daily life to enforce the Law.
Numbers: (PROBLEM SOLVER) Helps in all problems if there is cooperation.
Deuteronomy: (RESTORER) Picks up the pieces after almost total failure and establishes the law anew: Jeremiah. Destruction of Jerusalem. 597–587 B.C.
Joshua: (HELPING HAND) Helps in taking the first steps in becoming an adult.
Judges: (NEW LEADERS) Calls leaders to lead people back after major fall.
Ruth: (READY ADMIRER) Is interested in the smallest member of the people and appreciates their loyalty.
I & II Samuel: (KING-MAKER) Inspires and guides a great leader and adviser in the midst of stubborn rebellion.
I & II Kings: (1 & 2 Chronicles) (HONEST GUIDE) Offers true adult independence and helps to overcome failures on the part of leaders.
Ezra & Nehemiah: (ENCOURAGER) Provides holy and wise leaders for a small group of faithful but timid followers, who can easily go astray.
Tobit: (WISE TEACHER) Appreciates a truly great follower and tests his strength to impress those around him.
Judith: (INSPIRES THE WEAK) Shows that a truly beautiful woman can use her beauty to save and lead the people when the so-called elders are scared to death.
Esther: (SAVIOR THROUGH LEADERS) Shows that a talented woman is called to a position of extreme importance and saves the whole people.
1 & 2 Maccabees: (INSPIRES COURAGE) Raises up strong and courageous people who are willing to face suffering — and even death — to establish what is right.
Isaiah: (HOLY, HOLY, HOLY!) Is HOLY and expects his holiness to be seen in the lives of his family.
Jeremiah: (NEW START!) Sees that the wayward family must be allowed to be swallowed up in its own destruction. Then he saves a seed and re-establishes his family anew.
Lamentations: (EMPATHY) Shows that failure is sad.
Ezechiel: (RESPONSIBLE FOLLOWERS) Shows that this family can blame another for his/her failure.
Daniel: (INVINCIBLE) Shows that no matter how great the oppression or hardship, he is faithful in his help. No matter how strong the enemy seems, the handwriting is on the wall and the tyrant will fall.
Hosea: (LOVING HUSBAND) Is a husband filled with tender love for his wife.
Joel: (FAMILY GUARDIAN) Shows that the serious failure of his children will be properly punished but the family will be restored with good behavior.
Amos: (LIMITED PATIENCE) Reaches a limit in his patience. When the family does not listen, he finally stops speaking.
Obadiah: (PROTECTOR) Protects his family by punishing the enemy who is outside the family.
Jonah: (USES THE UNEXPECTED) Expects obedience from his children and sometimes uses drastic measures to get it.
Micah: (LEADERSHIP IDEAL) Will not tolerate failures or misconduct on the part of the leaders.
Nahum: (POWERFUL LEADER) Will remove the outside enemy no matter how powerful they seem to be.
Habakkuk: (JUST REWARDER) Will punish the sinner but the upright person will live because of his/her faithfulness.
Zephaniah: (CLEAN SLATE) Gives them cause for true joy after punishment for faithlessness and the conversion of the family.
Haggai: (INDEFATIGABLE) Insists that no matter how big the task seems to be, it can be done with the help he will give.
Zechariah: (WORK HAS TO BE FINISHED) Insists that the work of reconstruction has to be completed even though the obstacles are great. He will help and encourage.
Malachi: (HOLINESS DEMANDED) Points out that priests are no exception to the law of holiness. They shall be punished even more severely because of the power of their bad example.
Job: (TEST THE STRONG) Shows that very holy people are challenged at times to make them holier and stronger and to lead others by the power of their example.
Psalms: (SING A SONG) Wants a song for every occasion. If you are happy, sing about it! If you are sad, put your feelings in song! If you have a problem to solve, express it in words and music and the solution will come! Put your morning and evening prayers in song! In short, there is a song for every occasion. The effort to express the feelings and thoughts in word and song, will clarify, strengthen, and solve.
Proverbs: (WISDOM FROM THE PAST) Shows Wisdom is to be gained from every action and event. The people who preceded us left their wisdom in words and sayings. Read, learn and meditate on this wisdom.
Qoheleth: (SILVER LINING) Tells us that troubles can go very deep so that hope almost flickers out. Hang in there! A light will shine and show you the way out.
Song of Songs: (TRUE LOVE) Shows that love is the secret of mutual give and take and makes all life livable.
Sirach: (POWER OF WISDOM) Shows that Wisdom equips a person to sit in the court of the Father and take part in his plans and actions.
Wisdom: (SON OF YAHWEH) Says explicitly that the true Son of the Father is the man/woman of wisdom. Wisdom puts godliness in the life of each person.
New Testament: The Son's Response to the Father as recorded in the gospels according to Mark, Luke, Matthew and John. These are presented here in chronological order.
MARK: (MESSIAH) The Son of Man is the Messiah promised by the Father.
LUKE: (SAVIOR) The Son of Man establishes the salvation offered by the Father to all who would be saved.
MATTHEW: (KING) The Son of Man explains and establishes the Kingdom of the Father.
JOHN: (SERVANT) The Son of Man shows the love that is necessary to be a true child of the Father.
The Son (Jesus) who said:
"I have come to do the will of him who sent me and how anxious I am to carry it out!" (John 6:38) [OBEDIENT]
"Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass me by. Yet, not my will but yours be done!" (Matt. 26:39) [AFRAID]
"My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" (Matt. 27:46) [HOPEFUL]
"Father, forgive them for they do not really know what they are doing!" (Luke 23:34) [GENEROUS]
"Amen, I say to you: This day, you will be with me in Paradise!" (Luke 23:43) [VICTORIOUS]
"Woman, behold, your son! Son, behold, your mother!" (John 19:26) [FILIAL LOVE]
"I thirst!" (John 19:28) [EAGER]
"Father, into your hands, I put back my spirit [breath]!" (Luke 23:46) [SIGNED]
"Now, it is complete!" (John 19:30) [ARRIVED]
In his death, Jesus gave back the breath of the first Adam.
In his resurrection, he received the new breath of the second Adam.
In his ascension (final leaving), he gave this breath of the New Adam to all who would accept it.
Continuing forward to the never-ending present day.
New Testament: The Brotherhood of Man.
The Brotherhood of Man that says:
"Are you hungry?" Eat with me!
"Are you thirsty?" Share my cup!
"Are you a stranger?" Share my home!
"Don't you have enough clothes?" Take my sweater!
"Are you sick?" Let's go to the doctor!
"Are you in prison?" Let's see the judge!
Acts of Apostles: The joint sharing of the followers of Jesus is the full manifestation of the Holy Spirit (Breath) that bonds the Father and the Son.
Letters or notes written by Paul to individuals or communities where he had worked or where he had a special interest. Luke edited much of Paul's letters.
ROMANS: The true follower of Jesus lives by FAITH. [AMEN]
FIRST CORINTHIANS: The qualities of true Christian love. [LOVE]
SECOND CORINTHIANS: Paul defends himself against the vicious attacks of his enemies. [SELF-DEFENSE]
GALATIANS: The Old Law is fulfilled and is not to be imposed unless the same point was renewed by Jesus. [NEW LAW]
EPHESIANS: The Church is the overall society of all the followers of Jesus. Marriage and the home are its foundation. [LOVE IN THE HOME]
PHILIPPIANS: The love of the Son for the Father was a total self-giving. [LOVE TO THE LAST HEARTBEAT]
COLOSSIANS: The Son is the "first-born" of the Father and the eldest of all creation. [FIRST-BORN]
I & II THESSALONIANS: The Parousia or the Second Coming of the Son will take place in due time and the full Brotherhood of Mankind because of the Fatherhood of God will be seen by all. [FULLY ARRIVED]
I & II TIMOTHY: Notes of advice and encouragement to a protege in the Apostolate. [LEAD WITH AUTHORITY]
TITUS: Another set of notes to advise and encourage a young follower who is in a position of authority. [SET GUIDELINES]
PHILEMON: Short note about Onesimus, the escaped slave who is now a Christian. [YOUR BROTHER RETURNS]
HEBREWS*: A letter addressed to a group of converts from Judaism. It stresses the fulfillment of all their expectations in Jesus. [ETERNAL PRIEST]
* Editor's Note: Author believes John wrote "Letter to Hebrews" because of its content and literary style.
JAMES: A letter to all Christians, answering some questions, and encouraging all to live bravely in their following of Jesus. [BRAVERY]
I & II PETER: Short notes from Peter stressing the priesthood of every Christian, the need for hope and perseverance, and a special warning against false teachers who will try to lead them astray. [UNDERSTANDING HOPE]
I, II, & III JOHN: Short notes from John permeated with the themes of faith and love. [TRUE LOVE]
JUDE: A short note to warn against false teachers and other current problems. [ENEMIES WILL RISE]
REVELATION: Difficulties arise. Be wise and be careful. Give encouragement to others. Use symbols and allegories when necessary. Look to the past for guidance, shape the present, and reveal the future — for yourself and others.
REVELATION 21:1. "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth..." completes and continues the circle and the cycle of GENESIS 1:1. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
The people who understand and follow the messages of the Father as told through the Old Testament (stage one), who understand and follow the messages of Jesus as described in the four gospels (stage two), will find purpose to their lives, and reveal insights and courage to others (stage three). Biblical revelation is a living on-going process.