Interpreting Prophecy John Stevenson 2010 Date of Writing

Interpreting Prophecy © John Stevenson, 2010

Date of Writing 45 A. D. ─ Herod Agrippa dies (Acts 12: 20 -23). 49 A. D. ─ Claudius issues edict banning Jews from Rome (Acts 18: 2). 51 A. D. ─ Gallio appointed prconsul of Achaia for a one-year term 59 A. D. ─ Festus becomes procuator of Judea (Acts 24: 27). Events of Acts took place 30 35 40 45 50 55 Fall of Jerusalem Acts was written during this Period 60 65 70

Observations on Acts • Acts is a book of Victory • Acts is essentially about the ministries of Peter and Paul – Mistakes and successes – Discouragement and great courage • Narratives are not necessarily normative • Preaching in the Book of Acts • Prayer in the Book of Acts

Luke Acts Begins with an address to most excellent Theophilus Begins with an address to Theophilus Announcement made by angel Gabriel Announcement made by two angels Begins in Jerusalem Birth of Jesus as the Spirit comes on Mary Birth of the Church as the Spirit comes on believers There is a movement toward Jerusalem There is a movement away from Jerusalem

Witness to the Resurrection • This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses (Acts 2: 32). • But you disowned the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 but put to death the Prince of life, the one whom God raised from the dead, a fact to which we are witnesses. (Acts 3: 14 -15). • With great power the apostles were giving witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all (4: 32). • And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him. (Acts 5: 32).

Samaria Jerusalem Judea

1 2 Preparation Primarily Church Established Peter 3 Church Dispersed 6 7 9 Peter & Others 13 15 Church Born Church Witnessing Church Organized Church Expanding Church Scattered 10 Church Foretold Church Dispersed Gentiles in the Church Primarily Church Extended Paul First Missionary Journey Church in Conference 16 Second Missionary Journey 19 Third Missionary Journey 21 Paul Imprisoned 24 27 Paul in Jerusalem Paul in Caesarea Paul in Rome

• How does the book of Revelation relate to the prophecies of the Old Testament? • How would the message of Revelation related to the believers of the first century? • How do these chapters relate to the issue of Christian discipleship now?

1 -3 4 -7 8 -11 12 -16 17 -19 20 21 -22 Vision of Throne Seven Christ, The New Jesus of God & trumpets the Harlot King Heaven and Scroll Dragon on reigns & New Seven with & the Seven Earth letters to seven Seven Hills & seven seals Bowls the churches Bride Each ends with a promise of 2 nd Coming Christ wipes away every tear (7: 17) Christ Fall of Rider Judge I am will reign the on the & coming forever & nations White Lake quickly ever Horse of Fire (22: 20) “It is (11: 15) done” (19: 16) (16: 17)

Symbolism in Revelation • Old Testament Allusions – One like the Son of Man – Lion of the Tribe of Judah

Symbolism in Revelation • Old Testament Allusions – One like the Son of Man – Lion of the Tribe of Judah – The Four Horsemen

Symbolism in Revelation • Old Testament Allusions – One like the Son of Man – Lion of the Tribe of Judah – The Four Horsemen – The Two Witnesses

Symbolism in Revelation • Old Testament Allusions – One like the Son of Man – Lion of the Tribe of Judah – The Four Horsemen – The Two Witnesses • Temple language

Symbolism in Revelation • Old Testament Allusions – One like the Son of Man – Lion of the Tribe of Judah – The Four Horsemen – The Two Witnesses • Temple language – Jesus with the Lampstands

Symbolism in Revelation • Old Testament Allusions – One like the Son of Man – Lion of the Tribe of Judah – The Four Horsemen – The Two Witnesses • Temple language – Jesus with the Lampstands – The 24 Elders – The Crystal Sea

Symbolism in Revelation • Old Testament Allusions – One like the Son of Man – Lion of the Tribe of Judah – The Four Horsemen – The Two Witnesses • Temple language – Jesus with the Lampstands – The 24 Elders – The Crystal Sea – The ark of the covenant

And they gathered them together to the place which in Hebrew is called Har-Magedon. (Revelation 16: 16)

• Revelation 20 literally • Takes the language of “the last day” figuratively Second Coming (“Rapture”) Church Age Rev. 1 -3 Judgment Tribulation Millennium Eternal State Rev. 4 -19 Rev. 20

• Artificially separates between different comings of Christ • Tries to segregate Israel and church Second “Rapture” Church Age Rev. 1 -3 Coming Judgment Tribulation Millennium Eternal State Rev. 4 -19 Rev. 20

• Views Revelation 20 as symbolic language • Takes the language of “the last day” literally Church Age (Tribulation) (Millennium) Rev. 1 -20 Second Coming “Rapture” Judgment Eternal State

• Envisions the gospel as being victorious • Takes the language of “the last day” literally Church Age Rev. 1 -19 Second Coming “Rapture” Judgment Millennium Rev. 20 Eternal State

Second Coming “Rapture” Judgment Church Short Millennium Rev. 70 A. D. • Denies any future Second Coming of Christ • All prophecy fulfilled in the year 70 A. D. Church (Eternal State)