Catholic Bible Institute Diocese of Orange April 29

Catholic Bible Institute - Diocese of Orange April 29, 2017 – Book of Revelation WELCOME TO CBI 2016 -17 Catholic Bible Institute in the Diocese of Orange April 29, 2017 Book of Revelation

Catholic Bible Institute - Diocese of Orange Opening Prayer: • Opening Song (vv. 1 -2) • Rev 5: 11 -14 • Ps 2: 1 -8 • Intercessions • Prayer • Closing Song (vv. 3 -4) April 29, 2017 – Book of Revelation

Catholic Bible Institute - Diocese of Orange Year 1 Syllabus April 29, 2017 – Book of Revelation (Salmon HO from Aug. ) Reflection Paper, e-mailed to your reader by April 1: • Choose Heb 12, or James 5, or 1 Peter 4, or 3 John, or Jude • Follow Guidelines from Lilac Handout from last August Readings for Today, April 29: Book of Revelation • BIBLE: Revelation (all 22 chaps. )

Catholic Bible Institute - Diocese of Orange April 29, 2017 – Book of Revelation Show and Tell ! • Apocalyptic Books • On table (front right of auditorium) • Please only touch with CLEAN HANDS! • Apocalyptic ART • On Fr. Just’s Website

Catholic Bible Institute - Diocese of Orange April 29, 2017 – Book of Revelation Readings for JUNE 3 • “Overview of Non-Canonical Jewish and Early Christian Literature” • 10 -page stapled handout packet • Bibliography on bottom of pg. 1 • See also online: • http: //www. earlychristianwritings. com/ • http: //www. iclnet. org/pub/resources/christianhistory. html • http: //wesley. nnu. edu/sermons-essays-

Catholic Bible Institute - Diocese of Orange April 29, 2017 – Book of Revelation Session 1: Intro to Apocalyptic • Apocalypse: • Literary Genre, Definitions, Characteristics • Symbolism and Numerology • History and Theology • Book of Revelation: • Author, Date, Context, Purpose, Outline • Use of Revelation in Lectionary

Eschatology p p The study of, or teachings about… n The “end”; “end times”; “last days”; “end of the world”; etc. n And what, if anything, is after/beyond the end? Types of Eschatology: n n n p Personal: death / afterlife of individuals National/Ethnic: end of a nation/empire or group of people Cosmic: ultimate end of the world / universe Christian Eschatology: n n variety of biblical teachings: Second Coming of Jesus, End of the World Kingdom of God, Messianic Age Resurrection of the Dead, Final Judgment Heaven (Eternal Life) vs. Hell (punishment? or void/nothing? )

Apocalypse p Popular Def: Catastrophic Event n p Major disaster, atom bomb, plague, … Biblical Def: Literary Genre n n n n Written mostly in narrative form A “revealing/uncovering” of hidden truth Reveals God’s view of world history: past, present, future Uses highly symbolic terms and vivid images Often revealed in dreams or visions Meaning interpreted with help of an intermediary (angel) Purpose: Provides encouragement for people in the midst of trials and tribulations

Other Terminology p Prophecy – p Parousia – p Revelation – p Tribulation – p Millennium – p Rapture – “speaking on behalf of” God; conveys God’s messages to people, in direct words or symbolic actions the coming or arrival of an important person (esp. the “Second Coming” of Jesus) the “uncovering” or “revealing” of some truth previously hidden or unknown to people a 7 -year period of suffering and turmoil before (or after? ) the Second Coming of Christ a thousand-year period (of peace), esp. as mentioned in Revelation 20 belief of many fundamentalist Protestants based on literalist reading of 1 Thess 4: 17

New Testament Eschatology p p p Early Stages: Jesus is coming! Soon! n Paul’s Early Letters, esp. n 1 Thessalonians 4 Middle Stages: Life/death go on! Stay awake! n Paul’s Later Letters, esp. n 2 Thessalonians 3 n Mark 13 (par. Matt 24; Luke 21) Later Stages: Millennia ahead! Beware! n Revelation 20 n 2 Peter 3

1 Thessalonians 4: 13 -18 p Paul’s first letter (ca. 50 CE) n n p [Woodcut by Gustav Dore’] Answers people’s concerns about those who have died n n n p Wants Christians to keep faith and await Jesus’ return (soon) Don’t grieve or be afraid: ALL will see the Parousia. When Jesus returns, the dead will be raised first; And we who are still alive will be together with them. Note: n Belief in “Rapture” based on overly literalistic reading of 4: 17

Later Pauline Eschatology p Paul realizes that he himself may die before Jesus returns n p Philippians, Romans, etc. 2 Thessalonians 3 n n Corrects misinterpretations of 1 Thess 4 Don’t be alarmed by those who say, “The End is here!” The “lawless one” will come first, trying to deceive many Don’t quit your jobs; continue to work! Whoever is unwilling to work, should not eat!

Mark 13: Eschatological Discourse p Apocalyptic Discourse / Little Apocalypse n p p Matthew 24 -25 and Luke 21 expand on Mark 13 Content: Jesus’ teachings on… n The Destruction of the Jerusalem Temple n The Great Tribulation n The Coming of the Son of Man WHEN? n Certainly after 70 AD! n "But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come. ” (Mark 13: 32 -33) (destruction of Jerusalem)

2 Peter 3 p The Problem: “Delay” of the Parousia n n p Early Christians preached: “Jesus is coming soon!” After decades, doubts arise: “When? ” “Is Jesus coming at all? ” “Is our faith in vain? ” (3: 1 -4) One Explanation: 2 Peter 3 n Time is irrelevant for God; God is outside of time: p n “But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day. ” (3: 8) God is being patient, to allow more people to repent: p “The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard ‘delay, ’ but he is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. ” (3: 9)

The Book of Revelation a. k. a. The Apocalypse p Revelation to John n n p Purpose: n p Entire book is apocalyptic genre [Other Xn “apocalypses” not in NT] Encourage Xns to preserve in faith in time of crisis (13: 10; 14: 12) Content: n n Initial vision – The Son of Man Letters to 7 Churches of Asia Main visions – Many Tribulations Final visions – The End p p Destruction of Satan, Evil, Death New Heavens, New Earth, New Jerusalem, Reign of God

John’s Visions p Heavenly Throne p God & Lamb p 7 Seals p 7 Angels/Trumpets p 7 Misc. Visions p 7 Bowls/Plagues

Revelation 17— 22 p John’s Visions of the End n n 17— 18: Fall of Babylon (Rome) 19: Coming of the King of kings, Word of God (Jesus) Final Battle (Armageddon = Valley of Megiddo; 16: 16) n 20: Satan is tied up for 1000 years (Millennium); 1000 -year reign of God; Satan freed & destroyed; Resurrection of the Dead; Final Judgment n 21— 22: New Heaven New Earth New Jerusalem

Wide Variety of Interpretations p Highly Symbolic Language n n p Symbols open to vastly different understandings Presuppositions about Biblical Eschatology: p Literal: Predicts the future, the coming End of the World p Historical: Reflects persecutions faced by Early Christians p Theological: Describes timeless conflict: Good vs. Evil Ex: When is Millennium vis-à-vis Parousia? n Pre-millennialism / “Catastrophic” - great tribulation and the n Post-millennialism / “Progressive” - Jesus will return only n A-millennialism – 1000 -year reign of Rev 20 is not literal, return of Jesus come before the 1000 -year reign of peace; so believers must be prepared to endure difficult trials after the 1000 -year reign of peace is established on earth by human beings and societies but purely symbolic; when Jesus returns cannot be predicted

The End Is Coming! p When? n Is it near? Or far away? n How can we define “time”? n Is “time” relevant for God? n “Last/Final Judgment”? p How? n What will happen at “The End”? n End of what? My life? The USA? The world? n Are the events depicted in the Book of Revelation meant to be interpreted literally or symbolically?

Def. : Revelation = Apocalypse • Greek apocalypsis = "uncovering, revealing" – Not something brand new, which didn’t exist before – But something made known, which was previously hidden • Apocalypse – Not primarily an event (catastrophe, end of world, etc. ) – But a literary genre, a specific style of literature: – It uses highly symbolic narratives to interpret a historical crisis 23

More Scholarly Definition (HO) • Definition of the SBL "Apocalypse Group" (1979): – " ‘Apocalypse’ is a genre of revelatory literature with a narrative framework, – in which a revelation is mediated by an otherworldly being to a human recipient, – disclosing a transcendent reality which is both temporal, insofar as it envisages eschatological salvation, and spatial insofar as it involves another, supernatural world. " • Addition, incorporating the genre’s purpose: – ". . . intended to interpret the present, earthly circumstances in light of the supernatural world and of the future, 24

Prophecy vs. Apocalypse • Prophecy – God’s message revealed in words spoken to a prophet – Genre: "Oracles" – "Thus says the Lord…" – Prophet understands and conveys God’s message to the people – Short mediation: -God speaks to Prophet -Prophet speaks to People • Apocalypse – God’s message revealed in visions & dreams to a seer – Genre: "Narratives" – "Write down what you see…" – Seer usually does not understand the visions; needs help to understand – Longer mediation: -God reveals to Seer -Angels explains to Seer Neither one "predicts" the future, as fundamentalists -Angels explains to Seer

Symbolism of Numbers 1 singularity; God in monotheism (Deut 6: 4); unity for humans 3½ half of seven; thus things in process, still incomplete 4 earth, directions, winds, empires; later the four Gospels/Evangelists 6 human work/effort; incompleteness, imperfection (not yet 7) 7 days in a week, sabbath rest; natural & divine completeness 12 months per year, tribes of Israel, apostles of Jesus; human completion 24 Christian number for completion/restoration: OT tribes + NT apostles 42 number of months in 3½ years (see also 1260 days) 144 = 12 x 12, thus perfect completion 666 number of the beast (only in Rev 13: 18; variant reading is 616) 1260 number of days in 3½ years (thus incompletion) 10, 000 "myriad"; highest ancient number with its own name 26

Symbolism of Animals • Good vs. Evil? • Lamb – First mentioned 5: 6; appears 30 times! • Four Living Creatures – Lion, Ox, Human, Eagle (4: 6 -8; 13 x total) • Horses – Four Horsemen (ch. 6); Rider on White Horse (ch. 19) • Two Beasts & Dragon – Beast from Land; Beast from Sea; Dragon (Ch. 13) 27

Symbolism of Animals • • • LAMB (30 x) Two BEASTS (29 x) Four Living Creatures (21 x) Horses (16 x) Dragon (14 x) Lion (6 x) Eagle (3 x); Birds (3 x); Locusts (2 x) Once: Ox, Leopard, Sea Creature, Frogs, Cattle, Sheep, Dogs None: Fish, Flies, Snake, etc. 28

REV: Literary / Historical Issues Abbr. (Length) Rev (22 chapters, only 404 verses, 9825 words in Greek) Attrib. Author "John" (1: 1, 4, 9), Jewish-Christian prophet; but prob. NOT the apostle, brother of James, son of Zebedee, NOR authors of "Fourth Gospel" or "Johannine Epistles" Recipients "Seven churches" in Asia Minor (1: 4; 2: 1 – 3: 22) When Written Mid-90's of the first century, near the end of Emperor Domitian’s reign (died 96 CE) Where From Roman Province of Asia (possibly Ephesus itself) Unity/Integrity Single work, possibly composed in stages, incl. some apocalyptic materials Literary Genre "Apocalypse" (1: 1; 4: 1), with an epistolary frame (letter intro & concl. : 1: 4; 22: 21) Language Highly symbolic Greek, incl. Semitic influences 29

Churches of Revelation: Red Dots with Yellow Lettering 30

Violent history of Early Roman Era A. 63 BC: Roman armies occupy Judea and Jerusalem B. Emperor Augustus: Pax Romana (less war or piracy) C. Periodic revolts against Roman rule, in Palestine & elsewhere D. ca. 31 -33 AD: Crucifixion and Death of Jesus E. ca. 35: Stoning of Stephen, first Christian martyr (Acts 7) F. ca. 40: Martyrdom of apostle James, son of Zebedee (Acts 12) G. 64: Nero burns Rome, blames Christians; local persecutions H. 66 -70: Jews rebel vs. Rome; Jerusalem & Temple 31

Book of Revelation: Purpose • Rev 13: 10 b – “Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints” (i. e. , of all Christian believers). • Rev 14: 12 – “Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and hold fast to the faith of Jesus. ” • Rev 21: 7 – “Those who conquer will inherit these things, and I will be their God and they will be my children. ” 32

Revelation in Lectionary: Sundays Sunday: Second Reading: 2 nd Sun of Easter – Rev 1: 9 -11 a, 12 -13, 17 -19 – Vision of the Risen Lord C Jesus 3 rd Sun of Easter – Rev 5: 11 -14 – Worthy Is the Lamb That Was Slain C 4 th Sun of Easter – Rev 7: 9, 14 b-17 – Uncountable Crowd of Elect in C Triumph 5 th Sun of Easter – Rev 21: 1 -5 a – New Heaven and New Earth C 6 th Sun of Easter – Rev 21: 10 -14, 22 -23 – Vision of the New Jerusalem C 7 th Sun of Easter – Rev 22: 12 -14, 16 -17, 20 – Epilogue: Come, Lord C Jesus! 33

Revelation in Lectionary: Weekdays Weekday: First Reading: Year II, Week 33: Mon. to Sat. Rev 1 – 11 (excerpts) Year II, Week 34: Mon. to Sat. August 15: Assumption of BVM Rev 14 – 22 (excerpts) November 1: All Saints Rev 7: 2 -4, 9 -14 – The 144, 000 & Uncountable Multitude of the Rev 11: 19 a; 12: 1 -6 a, 10 ab – Vision of Woman & Dragon

2 nd Sunday of Easter (C) Rev 1: 9 -11 a, 12 -13, 1719 – Vision of the Risen Lord – John on Patmos – Voice like a trumpet – "Write on scroll what you see" – Seven gold lampstands – Son of Man – Long robe; gold sash – "Don’t be afraid" – "I am the first & the last" Albrecht Dürer, 1496 35

3 rd Sunday of Easter (C) Rev 5: 11 -14 – Throne Vision – Angels, Living Creatures, Elders – "Worthy the Lamb that was slain" – All creatures cry out – "To the on the throne (God) and to the Lamb (Jesus) be blessing and honor, glory and might, forever. " – Four living creatures: Albrecht Dürer, 1496 36

4 th Sunday of Easter (C) Rev 7: 9, 14 b-17 – Vision of Multitude of Elect in Triumph – After 144, 000 from Israel; uncountable crowds from every nation, race… – Before throne/Lamb, white robes, palm branches (symbols of victory) 37

5 th Sunday of Easter (C) Rev 21: 1 -5 a – New Heaven & New Earth – – Former heaven, earth, sea pass away; New Jerusalem descends from heaven, "prepared as a bride adorned" – "Behold, God’s dwelling is with people… Behold, I make all things new" John Martin, 1851 -53 38

6 th Sunday of Easter (C) Rev 21: 10 -14, 22 -23 – Vision of New Jerusalem – Radiant like precious stones – Wall with 12 gates: Names of 12 tribes of Israel – Foundations with 12 stones: Names of Lamb’s 12 apostles – No temple, no sun, no Gustave Doré, 1832 -1883 39

[ 7 th Sunday of Easter – C ] [ Not used in Western USA, since Ascension has been moved to this Sunday. ] Rev 22: 12 -14, 16 -17, 20 – Epilogue: John’s Final Visions – "I am the Alpha & Omega, the first & last, the beginning & end" – "Behold, I am coming soon"; "Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!" 40

Catholic Bible Institute - Diocese of Orange April 29, 2017 – Book of Revelation Table-Group Discussions: • How are biblical apocalyptic writings similar and/or different from modern fantasy (Lord of the Rings; Harry Potter) or science-fiction (Star Trek; Star Wars) books/movies?

Catholic Bible Institute - Diocese of Orange April 29, 2017 – Book of Revelation Session 2: Revelation 1— 5 • Introduction (Rev 1) • Letters to Churches (Rev 2— 3) • Initial Visions (Rev 4— 5)

Catholic Bible Institute - Diocese of Orange April 29, 2017 – Book of Revelation Initial Sharing in Pairs: • Turn to ONE neighbor (or at most two), and briefly share: • What were your overall impressions as you read ALL of REVELATION? • What stood out for you or surprised you? • How did reading this Book affect you?

The Book of Revelation: The Biblical "Grande Finale" Fr. Felix Just, S. J. , Ph. D. http: //catholic-resources. org

The Book of Revelation • Last book of the NT – A. k. a. "The Revelation of John"; more properly called: • "The Revelation of Jesus Christ… to John" – See Rev 1: 1 -2 • Should NOT be plural, "Revelations" – It’s actually ONE unified message • Literary Genre: Apocalypse – Similar to the Book of Daniel in the OT – Many other Jewish and Christian "Apocalypses" not in Bible 46

Catholic Bible Institute - Diocese of Orange April 29, 2017 – Book of Revelation With Thanks to Melinda Caballero!

The Book of Revelation • Have you ever read the whole thing? – Or just read excerpts? or just heard people talk about it? • Does it confuse you? or scare you? – Or could it encourage us? strengthen our faith? • Does it predict the end of the world? – Or what is it really all about? • What do Catholics believe about “the End”? – Branch of Theology called “Eschatology” 48

Book of Revelation: Outline (HO) • Prologue / Introduction (1: 1 -8) • Visionary Report (1: 9 – 22: 5) – John’s Inaugural Vision & Commission (1: 9 – 3: 22) • An Audition and Vision of the Risen Christ (1: 9 -20) • Seven Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia (2: 1 – 3: 22) – John’s 1 st Cycle of Visions in the Spirit (4: 1 – 11: 19) • Worship in the Heavenly Court (4: 1 -11) • The Scroll, the Lion of Judah, and the Lamb (5: 1 -14) • The Seven Seals (6: 1 – 8: 5) • The Seven Angels with Seven Trumpets (8: 2 – 11: 19) – John’s 2 nd Cycle of Visions in the Spirit (12: 1 – 22: 5) • Seven Symbolic Visions of the Past, Present, Future (12: 1 – 15: 4) • Seven Angels with Seven Plagues (15: 1 – 19: 10) • Seven Visions of the Last Things (19: 11 – 22: 5) • Conclusion (22: 6 -21) 49

Woodcuts on Revelation by Gustave Doré (1832 -1883) • • Rev 1: 9 - John on Patmos Rev 6: 8 - The Fourth Horseman Rev 12: 1 - The Woman & Dragon Rev 18: 5 - The Fall of Babylon Rev 20: 12 - The Final Judgment Rev 21: 2 - The New Jerusalem See http: //catholic-resources. org/Art/Dore. Rev. htm 50

The Cloisters Apocalypse: Early 14 th-Cent. Illustrated Manuscript • New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art • Definitions: – “Manuscript” = written by hand; "Folio" = single manuscript leaf – "Recto" = the front side of a folio; "Verso" = the back side of a folio • Folios 1 & 2 are not of the Book of Revelation – contain 8 scenes from the Infancy Narratives of the Gospels • Folios 3 to 38 contain scenes from Revelation – But the illustrations on tops of folios 4 and 6 have been cut out 51

Title & Introduction (Rev 1: 1 -11) 1 The revelation OF Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place; he made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of the prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and who keep what is written in it; for the time is near. 4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 52

Intro (Rev 1: 1 -11, cont. ) Look! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail. So it is to be. Amen. 7 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, ” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. 8 I, John, your brother who share with you in Jesus the persecution and the kingdom and the patient endurance, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write in a book what you see and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamum, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea. ” 9 53

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 3 r: John on the Island of Patmos (Rev 1: 911) 54

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 3 v: Vision of the Son of Man (Rev 1: 12 -20) 55

"One Like a Son of Man" (1: 12 -18) Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands I saw one like the Son of Man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash across his chest. 12 His head and his hair were white as white wool, white as snow; his eyes were like a flame of fire, 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined as in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and from his mouth came a sharp, two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining with full force. 14 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he placed his right hand on me, saying, "Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I was dead, and see, I am alive forever and ever; and I have the keys of Death and of Hades. 56 17

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 4 r & 4 v [missing]: Addresses to the Churches • Rev 1: 11 – “Write in a book what you see and send it to the seven churches: – to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamum, to Thyatira, – to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea. ” – All are cities of Asia Minor (today’s SE Turkey). • Rev 1: 20 – “As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. ” 57

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 5 r: 7 Churches and 7 Angels (Rev 1: 4, 11, 20) 58

Churches of Revelation: Red Dots with Yellow Lettering 59

Letters to the Seven Churches Items in each Letter Example: Second Letter, to the church in Smyrna (2: 8 -11) Command to write: And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: (2: 8 a) Titles or description of the speaker (Christ): "These are the words of the first and the last, who was dead and came to life: " (2: 8 b) Status of the church: "I know your affliction and your poverty, even though you are GOOD things rich. I know the slander on the part of those who say that they mentioned by the are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. " (2: 9) speaker: Status of the church: x BAD things the speaker has against them: Admonitions and encouragements: "Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Beware, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison so that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have affliction. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. " (2: 10)

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 5 v: The Court of Heaven (Rev 4: 1 -8) 61

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 6 r & 6 v: [missing] • The Vision of God’s Throne – One Seated on the Main Throne, appearance like Jewels – 24 Thrones of the 24 Elders (white robes, golden crowns) – Main Throne: lightning, thunder, 7 torches = 7 spirits of God • In front: something like a sea of glass, like crystal. – Four living creatures (full of eyes, with wings): • the first like a lion • the second like an ox • the third with a face like a human face 62

Paris MS p. 5 The Unopened Book (Rev 4: 9 -11; 5: 1 -5) 63

Paris MS p. 6 – Who Can Open the Scroll? The Lion of Judah = The Lamb (Rev 5: 6) 64

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 7 r: The Opening of the Book (Rev 5: 714) 65

GROUP DISCUSSIONS: 1. How is JESUS portrayed in Rev 1— 5 similar or different from John’s Gospel? 2. What does Rev 1— 5 say about GOD’s activity still now? 66

Catholic Bible Institute - Diocese of Orange April 29, 2017 – Book of Revelation Table-Group Discussions: 1. How is JESUS as portrayed in Rev 1— 5 similar or different from John’s Gospel? 2. What does Rev 1— 5 say about GOD’s activity still now?

Catholic Bible Institute - Diocese of Orange LUNCH Break • Friendship • Fellowship • F O O D ! April 29, 2017 – Book of Revelation

Catholic Bible Institute - Diocese of Orange April 29, 2017 – Book of Revelation Session 3: Rev 6— 19 • Various Cycles of Visions • See today’s HO, pg. 7

Seven Seals (opened by the Lamb) 1. White horse: conqueror (6: 1 -2) 2. Red horse: war (6: 3 -4) 3. Black horse: famine (6: 5 -6) 4. Pale horse: death (6: 7 -8) 5. Martyrs reassured (6: 9 -11) 6. Day of wrath: earthquake, heavenly signs (6: 12 -17) • Two Interrupting Visions (7: 1 -17) 7. Half-hour of silence: Intro of 7 trumpets (8: 1 -5) 71

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 7 v: Opening of the First Seal: War (Rev 6: 1 -2) 72

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 8 r: Opening of the Second Seal: Strife (Rev 6: 3 -4) 73

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 8 v: Opening of the Third Seal: Famine (Rev 6: 56) 74

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 9 r: Opening of the Fourth Seal: Pestilence (Rev 6: 7 -8) 75

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 9 v: Opening of the Fifth Seal: The Martyrs (Rev 6: 9 -11) 76

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 10 r: The 6 th Seal: Signs on Earth & in Heaven (Rev 6: 12 -17) 77

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 10 v: The Control of the Four Winds (Rev 7: 1 -3) 78

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 11 r: Blessedness of those Sealed (Rev 7: 4 -17) 79

Number of Those Sealed (Saved) • 144, 000? – 12, 000 from each of the 12 Tribes of Israel – Rev 7: 1 -8 (see also 14: 1 -4) • Only? Is the population of heaven limited? • Don’t stop reading! Continue with 7: 9 -17 – "After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands…" 80

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 11 v: Opening the 7 th Seal: Angels Given Trumpets (Rev 8: 1 -4) 81

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 12 r: The Emptying of the Censer (Rev 8: 5) 82

Seven Trumpets (Blown by 7 angels) 1. Hail & fire, with blood: 1/3 of vegetation burnt 2. Mountain of fire: 1/3 of sea creatures destroyed 3. Star "wormwood" falls: 1/3 of fresh water poisoned 4. Partial darkness: 1/3 of sun, moon, and stars 5. First Woe: Angel releases locusts from abyss 6. Second Woe: Four angels loosed at Euphrates river; they slay 1/3 of earth's population • Two interrupting visions (10: 1 -11; 11: 1 -14) 7. Announcement of the Lord's victory (11: 15 -19) 83

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 12 v: The 1 st Trumpet: Hail & Fire Mingled with Blood Fall upon the Earth (Rev 8: 6 -7) 84

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 13 r: The 2 nd Trumpet: Burning Mountain Cast into the Sea (Rev 8: 8 -9) 85

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 13 v: The 3 rd Trumpet: Waters Become Wormwood (Rev 8: 10 -11) 86

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 14 r: The 4 th Trumpet: Earth’s Light Is Extinguished (Rev 8: 12 -13) 87

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 14 v: The 5 th Trumpet: The First Woe (Rev 9: 1 -12) 88

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 15 r: The 6 Trumpet: The Angels Bound in the Euphrates Are Released (Rev 9: 1315) 89

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 15 v: The Army of Horsemen (Rev 9: 1621) 90

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 16 r: The Angel with the Book (Rev 10: 19 a) 91

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 16 v: John Eats the Book and Is Told to Prophesy (Rev 10: 9 b-11) 92

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 17 r: The Measuring of the Temple (Rev 11: 1 -2) 93

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 17 v: The Two Witnesses (Rev 11: 3 -6) 94

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 18 r: The Locusts Wage War (Rev 11: 7) 95

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 18 v: The Breath of Life Enters the Witnesses (Rev 11: 8 -12 a) 96

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 19 r: The Witnesses Ascend; The Second Woe (Rev 11: 12 b-14) 97

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 19 v: The 7 th Trumpet: The Elders Give Thanks (Rev 11: 15 -18) 98

Seven Symbolic Visions (Ch. 12– 15) 1. Woman, Child, and Dragon (12: 1 -17) 2. First Beast, from the Sea (13: 1 -10) 3. Second Beast, from the Earth (13: 11 -18) 4. Lamb & 144, 000 (14: 1 -5) 5. Three Angels with Messages (14: 6 -13) 6. Final Harvest & Vintage (14: 14 -20) 7. Victory Song of Moses & the Lamb (15: 1 -4) 99

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 20 r: A Storm; The Woman & Dragon (Rev 11: 19; 12: 1 -6) 100

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 20 v: War in Heaven (Rev 12: 7 -12) 101

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 21 r: The Dragon & the Woman (Rev 12: 13 -14) 102

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 21 v: The Woman Escapes (Rev 12: 1516) 103

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 22 r: The Dragon Wages War (Rev 12: 17) 104

Dragon & Two Beasts • Great red dragon: 7 heads & 10 horns "The great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. " (12: 9) • Beast from the Sea: 10 horns & 7 heads "One of its heads seemed to have received a deathblow, but its mortal wound had been healed. In amazement the whole earth followed the beast. They worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority 105

Roman Empire & Emperors • • • [Julius Caesar] - assassinated 44 BC Octavian/Augustus (27 BC—AD 14; Jesus’ birth) Tiberius (AD 14 -37; Jesus’ death) Gaius/Caligula (AD 37 -41) Claudius (AD 41 -54) NERO (AD 54 -68; fire of Rome; Peter & Paul martyred) Galba & Otho & Vitellius (AD 68 -69) Vespasian (AD 69 -79; destruction of Jerusalem) Titus (AD 79 -81; eruption of Mt. Vesuvius) DOMITIAN (AD 81 -96; emperor worship expands) • Nerva (AD 96 -98); Trajan (AD 98 -117) 106

Beast from the Earth (Rev 13, cont. ) "Then I saw another beast that rose out of the earth; it had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon. 12 It exercises all the authority of the first beast on its behalf, and it makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound had been healed. 13 It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in the sight of all; 14 and by the signs that it is allowed to perform on behalf of the beast, it deceives the inhabitants of earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that had been wounded by the sword and yet lived; 15 and it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast so that the image of the beast could even speak and cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. 11 Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, 17 so that no one can buy or sell who does not have the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. 18 This calls for wisdom: let anyone with understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a person. Its number is six hundred sixty-six. " (13: 11 -18) 16 107

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 22 v: The Beast of the Sea (Rev 13: 1 -3 a) 108

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 23 r: The Sea Beast & the Dragon Are Worshiped (Rev 13: 3 b-6) 109

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 23 v: The Beast Wages War against the Saints (Rev 13: 7 -10) 110

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 24 r: The Beast of the Earth (Rev 13: 1113) 111

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 24 v: An Image of the Sea Beast Is Fashioned (Rev 13: 14 -15) 112

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 25 r: Worshippers of the Beast Receive His Mark (Rev 13: 16 -18) 113

The Mark of the Beast: 666 • Gematria = calculating numerical value of words • Hebrew Alef-bet: – alef = 1; bet = 2; gimel = 3; dalet = 4; hey = 5; waw = 6; etc. – Example: David = DVD = 4+6+4 = 14 • "Emperor Nero" = NRW QSR (nun-resh-waw qof-samek-resh) = 50+200+6 + 100+60+200 = 616 ! • Or "Emperor Neron" = NRWN QSR (nun-resh-waw-nun qof-samek-resh) = 50+200+6+50 + 100+60+200 = 666 ! 114

WHO IS the Beast? • The Pope (any Pope!) • Martin Luther • Charlemagne • Napoleon • Aleister Crowley • Franklin Delano Roosevelt • Benito Mussolini • Adolf Hitler • Joseph Stalin • Francisco Franco • John F. Kennedy • Henry Kissinger • King Juan Carlos of Spain • Ayatollah Khomeini • Maitreya • Ronald Wilson Reagan • Mikhail Gorbachev • Sun Myung Moon • Yassir Arafat • Louis Farrakhan • Karl Hapsburg • William Jefferson Clinton • Barney the Dinosaur • Bill Gates • Prince Charles of Wales • Jacques Chirac • George W. Bush • Barack Obama • Fr. Felix Just, SJ ? • YOURSELF? ? ?

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 25 v: The Lamb and the Virgins (Rev 14: 1 -5) 116

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 26 r: The First Angel (Rev 14: 6 -7) 117

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 26 v: The Second Angel (Rev 14: 8) 118

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 27 r: The Third Angel (Rev 14: 9 -12) 119

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 27 v: The Blessed Dead (Rev 14: 13) 120

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 28 r: The Harvest of the Earth Is Reaped (Rev 14: 14 -16) 121

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 28 v: The Vine of the Earth (Rev 14: 1718) 122

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 29 r: The Angel Gathers the Earth’s Vintage (Rev 14: 19 -20) 123

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 29 v: Seven Angels & Plagues: The Sea of Glass (Rev 15: 1 -4) 124

Seven Angels & Seven Bowls 1. Sores (16: 1 -2) 2. Sea becomes blood; all marine life dies (16: 3) 3. Fresh water turned to blood (16: 4 -7) 4. Scorching sun burns people (16: 8 -9) 5. Darkness on beast's kingdom (16: 10 -11) 6. Euphrates dries up; kings assemble for war at Armageddon (16: 12 -16) 7. Severe earthquake and great hail (16: 17 -21) 125

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 30 r: The Angels and the Bowls (Rev 15: 5 -8) 126

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 30 v: The First Bowl (Rev 16: 1 -2) 127

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 31 r: The Second Bowl (Rev 16: 3) 128

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 31 v: The Third Bowl (Rev 16: 4 -7) 129

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 32 r: The Fourth Bowl (Rev 16: 8 -9) 130

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 32 v: The Fifth Bowl (Rev 16: 10 -11) 131

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 33 r: The Sixth Bowl (Rev 16: 12) 132

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 33 v: The Unclean Spirits (Rev 16: 13) 133

Paris MS p. 61: The Kings of the Earth Are Gathered Together (Rev 16: 14 -16) 134

Paris MS p. 62: The Seventh Bowl (Rev 16: 17 -21) 135

Destruction of Babylon (17: 1 – 19: 10) • The Harlot on the Scarlet Beast: Rome • • (17: 1 -18) The Fall of Babylon: Rome’s destruction (18: 1 -24) Rejoicing in Heaven; Marriage of the Lamb (19: 1 -10) 136

Paris MS p. 63: The Harlot Who Sits upon Many Waters (Rev 17: 12) 137

Paris MS p. 64: The Woman on the Beast (Rev 17: 3 -18) 138

Paris MS p. 65: The Fall of Babylon (Rev 18: 1 -3) 139

Paris MS p. 66: The People Are Instructed to Leave the City (Rev 18: 4 -8) 140

Paris MS p. 67: The Fall of Babylon Is Bewailed (Rev 18: 9 -20) 141

Paris MS p. 68: A Stone is cast into the Sea (Rev 18: 21 -24) 142

Paris MS p. 69: Rejoicing in Heaven (Rev 19: 1 -5) 143

Paris MS p. 70: The Marriage of the Lamb (Rev 19: 6 -8) 144

Paris MS p. 71: John Records the Marriage Supper (Rev 19: 9 -10) 145

7 Visions of Last Things (19: 11– 22: 5) 1. Coming of Christ, the Word of God (19: 11 -16) 2. Invitation to a Great Banquet (19: 17 -18) 3. Final Battle (19: 19 -21) 4. Binding of Satan (20: 1 -3) 5. Millennial Reign (20: 4 -10) 6. Final Judgment (20: 11 -15) 7. New Heaven, New Earth, New Jerusalem (21: 1 -8) • Extended Description of the New Jerusalem (21: 9 – 22: 5) 146

Paris MS p. 72: The Divine Warrior (Rev 19: 11 -16) 147

Paris MS p. 73: Human Flesh Is Attacked (Rev 19: 17 -18) 148

Paris MS p. 74: The Divine Armies Attack (Rev 19: 19) 149

Catholic Bible Institute - Diocese of Orange April 29, 2017 – Book of Revelation Table-Group Discussions: • According to Revelation 19, when and how does the “rider on the white horse” defeat all the forces of “evil”? • What can this teach us about our world today?

Catholic Bible Institute - Diocese of Orange April 29, 2017 – Book of Revelation Session 4: Rev 20– 22 • New Heavens • New Earth • New Jerusalem • Group Discussions • Q & A

Paris MS p. 75: The Defeated Are Cast into the Pool of Fire (Rev 19: 20 -21) 153

Paris MS p. 76: The Dragon Is Enchained (Rev 20: 1 -3) 154

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 34 r: The First Resurrection (Rev 20: 4 -6) 155

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 34 v: Satan Released from Prison (Rev 20: 7 -9) 156

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 35 r: Dragon and Beasts Cast into Hell (Rev 20: 10) 157

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 35 v: The Last Judgment (Rev 20: 11 -15) 158

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 36 r: The New Jerusalem (Rev 21: 1 -8) 159

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 36 v: John Led to the New Jerusalem (Rev 21: 9 -27) 160

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 37 r: The River and the Tree of Life (Rev 22: 1 -7) 161

Book of Revelation: Conclusion Collection of Short Prophetic Sayings (22: 6 -20) And he said to me, "These words are trustworthy and true, for the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place. " 7 "See, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book. " 8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me; 9 but he said to me, "You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your comrades the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!" 10 And he said to me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. 11 Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy. " 6 162

Book of Revelation: Conclusion Short Prophetic Sayings (22: 6 -20; cont. ) "See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone's work. " 13 "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. " 14 “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and fornicators and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. ” 16 "It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star. " 12 163

Book of Revelation: Conclusion Short Prophetic Sayings (22: 6 -20; cont. ) The Spirit and the bride say, "Come. " And let everyone who hears say, "Come. " And let everyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift. 18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book; 19 if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away that person's share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. 20 The one who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon. " Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 17 Final Epistolary Benediction (22: 21) 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen. 164

Beatitudes in the Book of Rev. 1: 3 – Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of the prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and who keep what is written in it; for the time is near. 14: 13 – And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who from now on die in the Lord. ” “Yes, ” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them. ” 16: 15 – (“See, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and is clothed, not going about naked and exposed to shame. ”) 19: 9 – And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb. ” And he said to me, “These are true words of God. ” 20: 6 – Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. Over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him a thousand years. 22: 7 – “See, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book. ” 165

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 37 v: John Worships the Angel (Rev 22: 8 -9) 166

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 38 r: John before the Lord (Rev 22: 1021) 167

Cloisters Apoc. Folio 38 v: Dedication Page 168

Catholic Bible Institute - Diocese of Orange April 29, 2017 – Book of Revelation Table-Group Discussions: • How and why is the Book of Revelation still important/relevant for us Christians today? • Should we encourage more people to read Revelation? • How and why?

Catholic Bible Institute - Diocese of Orange Year 1 Syllabus April 29, 2017 – Book of Revelation (Salmon HO from Aug. ) Reflection Paper, e-mail to your reader by May 13: • Choose Rev 2, or Rev 4 -5, or Rev 18, or Rev 21 • Follow Guidelines from Lilac Handout from August Readings for June 3: Early Christian Writings • HANDOUT with excerpts of various ancient texts

Catholic Bible Institute - Diocese of Orange April 29, 2017 – Book of Revelation Monthly Reflection Papers (Lilac) Levels of Interpretati Questions to Consider: on: What is the content of this biblical text? What is it literally about? LITERAL Also, what is the literary genre or style of this ancient scriptural text? What message did the author intend to convey to the RHETORIC original readers? AL What did the biblical author want these readers to know and/or to do? What does this text mean to me, here and now, on a personal level? PERSONAL How can I apply it to my own life today, as an individual believer? What does this text say to all of us together, as a faith COMMUNA community today?

Catholic Bible Institute - Diocese of Orange April 29, 2017 – Book of Revelation Final Papers for Year 1 • AFTER the session on June 3 • Due June 17 • SEVEN Significant Insights learned from the NT this year • See Handout for Instructions

Catholic Bible Institute - Diocese of Orange Closing Prayer: • Call to Prayer • Rev 21: 1 -7 • Ps 24: 1 -6 • Prayer • Final Blessing • Closing Song April 29, 2017 – Book of Revelation