Revelation is the last book of the Bible.  It is the only prophetic book in the New Testament. Prophecy is history written in advance. The divine program of the redemption of mankind started in Genesis is brought to completion in this book. The title Revelation, means unveiling or disclosure of things going to take place. This book is the unveiling of the character and the glory of Jesus Christ. This is the revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave to Apostle John to show the events that are going to take place suddenly. Jesus is the subject and the source of the book of  revelation. Apostle John identifies himself as the author of the book of Revelation (Revelation 1:4). This book was written to Christians who were suffering persecution for their faith under Roman Emperor Domitian (A.D. 81-96). God sent an angel to communicate this to John when he was exiled to the Island of Patmos by Emperor Domitian. Following the death of Domitian, John returned to Ephesus. Scholars suggest that John wrote the book of Revelation from Ephesus to encourage the suffering Christians. This book centers on the glorified Christ. He alone has authority to judge the world. The holy name and sovereignty of God are vindicated in this book.

The book of Revelation contains many visions and symbols. This is the revelation of glorified Christ.  John indicates the seven blessings on those who read, hear and obey the things written in the book of Revelation (1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7,14).  Chapter 1:19  gives the division of the book. "Write the things that you have seen(Chapter 1); the things that are now happening (Chapter 2 & 3); and the things that will happen (Chapter 4-22)". John saw Jesus dressed in his priestly garments and his eyes as the flaming fire. The second division is recorded in chapter 2 and 3, explaining what is going to take place during the entire church age. Chapters 4-22, describe the events which will take place after the church age. The book of Revelation is a difficult book to interpret. Some view this book as a record of conflicts the early church faced from other religions.  Others hold the idealistic interpretation of this book.  They think that this book points out mostly spiritual lessons to encourage the believers. The third group holds the view that Revelation covers the seven successive church histories starting with the early church to the coming of Christ. The first three views fail to fit the facts of this book.  Many scholars hold the view that Christ will return for His church before the futuristic events recorded in this book from chapter 4 to 22.  The risen and glorified Christ the King and the kingdoms of this world will become his Kingdom and he will reign forever (Rev 11:15). He is the faithful Savior.  May the study of the book of Revelation bring insight and excitement to readers. Jesus is coming soon.