Book of Revelation
The Greek word for "revelation" is "apocalypse," so the book of Revelation is also known as "The Apocalypse."
This is one of the strangest books in the sacred scriptures. Apocalyptic writing is a special genre in the Judaeo-Christian tradition. It is a huge mistake (in my opinion) to read apocalyptic passages as if they were a roadmap to the future or a "countdown to kickoff." As Jesus said so often, "Let those who have ears to hear, hear."
In my opinion, the book of Revelation was written to comfort Christians who were suffering persecution. All of the symbols are meant to tell them that their suffering will end and that victory is assured, if they remain faithful. Although the original audience of the book was people suffering under Roman persecution in the first century of Christianity, the message of the book applies to all Christians in all ages: be at peace, fear not, keep faith, because Jesus is Lord. The Kings and Princes of the earth may be able to torture and kill Christians for a time, just as Jesus was killed by Pilate, but that time of persecution will not last forever.
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