Teaching from the book of Revelation can be intimidating, no doubt about it. Here are a few suggestions that might help teachers to decide to accept the challenge.

First, as you read a passage from Revelation, ask yourself what it teaches about the three major themes. One is the authority of God. What is the passage saying about the authority, sovereignty, and dominion of God? This is found in his roles as creator, his reign over history, and his end-time judgments. Jesus’ resurrection and second coming ultimately defeat Satan. Ultimately, Revelation is all about God’s sovereignty. Another theme is consistent perseverance. What does the passage say concerning the perseverance and patient endurance of believers? What are we to do? The emphatic call to stand strong and remain faithful in the midst of persecution is a recurring theme. Finally, there is the theme of being on mission. Closely connected to perseverance is the theme of witnessing for Christ. Believers are to be witnesses until we die or Jesus returns. What does the passage challenge the believer to do concerning witnessing?

Second, stress the meaning of the symbols. We must recognize that this type of literature is filled with symbolism. Finding out what a symbol means presents the biggest challenge to teachers. Most readers tend to take the images too literally and try to match them with modern people or events. This practice has been attempted for two thousand years with zero success. It was not John’s (nor the Holy Spirit’s) intention for readers to match the beast with the pope, Napoleon, Kaiser Wilhelm, Benito Mussolini, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, George Bush, Barack Obama, or Donald Trump––just a few examples of utter fails.

In many cases the meaning of the symbol is clear—Jesus is the lamb, the lion, the male child, the bridegroom. The bride and the great multitude are believers. The dragon and the ancient serpent are Satan. The liars, idolaters, and inhabitants of the earth are unbelievers. John or an angel interprets many symbols (1:20; 4:5; 5:6; 12:9; 17:9-15), and in other places, the meaning of the symbol is only slightly veiled (1:13-19; 4:2). The rest of the symbols—over three hundred—need more help for teachers. Study Bibles are a starting point. My book, Lions, Locusts, and the Lamb: Interpreting Key Images in the Book of Revelation (Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2019), categorizes and explains what most of the symbols mean.

Thus, teachers must come to the text with symbolic readiness. A bear is not a bear; a sickle is not a sickle; a mountain is not a mountain; a star is not a star. We should reverse a common but misguided assumption. Instead of assuming literal, conventional language and then resorting to symbolism when it is impossible to sustain it, the cautious interpreter of Revelation rather assumes symbolical meaning first.

Start here with stressing the themes and unlocking the symbols. John encourages us to accept the challenge and teach Revelation. “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near” (Rev. 1:3 NIV).


Read More

Excerpt — Towards a Clearer Understanding of Jonathan Edwards’s Biblical Typology: A Case Study in the ‘Blank Bible’

Dr. Cameron Schweitzer provides new insights into Jonathan Edwards’s often mischaracterized typology.

Cameron Schweitzer
Director, San Francisco Campus | Associate Professor of Historical Theology
Dr. Schweitzer serves as the Director of Gateway Seminary’s San Francisco Campus and an Associate Professor of Historical Theology. His desire is to help Christians find all of their joy in all of the manifold excellencies of Jesus Christ.

Excerpt — The Complete Works of Andrew Fuller Volume 10: Apologetic Works

In Dr. Chris Chun’s newest publication, he provides commentary for The Complete Works of Andrew Fuller Volume 10: Apologetic Works.

Chris Chun
Professor of Church History | Director, Jonathan Edwards Center
Dr. Chris Chun is the professor of Church History and the director of Jonathan Edwards Center at Gateway Seminary. Chris’ doctoral research at St. Andrews University was focused on the eighteenth-century Edwardsean Baptists in Britain. He also has served as president of The Evangelical Theological Society (Far West Region).

Listen

The Study Podcast
June 3, 2025

Historical Books | Nehemiah

Nehemiah is the right man at the right time. While Ezra rebuilds the temple, Nehemiah works on the city and the community. Rebuilding and reforming a city in ruin.

From Here to Eternity
June 2, 2025

Sharing the Gospel in Urban Settings

Dr. Hopkins converses with missionary Paul Salem about raising children overseas verses in western contexts and where to start in reaching a city of millions.


Get updates on new content!