Revelation Series Resources

We tend to read scripture with our problems in mind, but the book has a specific audience: the churches of modern-day Turkey. To understand Revelation effectively, we need to know what questions, problems, and cultural influences they are dealing with.

Week One

Roman Civilization

Rome was a sophisticated Western culture with complicated social and political structures, and remarkable feats of war and engineering. Understanding the Roman civilization allows us to make important connections to the words of our text.

Ancient Spirituality

The ancient world ascribed to a polytheistic (many gods) view of spirituality. Each city had a god, every planet represented a god, and every activity was ordained by gods. Within this culture, John speaks a language of pagan gods that would have clearly been understood in order to offer a countercultural picture of one sovereign God.

Christian Persecution

Revelation was written during a pivotal period of world history: at the peak of Roman power and the valley of Christian oppression and persecution. The readers of Revelation find themselves scattered, attacked, and wondering if their faith is even worth it. Understanding their plight helps give clarity to the frantic and sensational imagery of the text.

Week Two

Emperor Worship

Rome occupied and controlled significant territories across the known world. One mechanism they used to maintain control was Emperor Worship. Each year, those under Roman Occupation were required to declare Caesar as Lord and burn incense in his name. Upon doing so, the priests in the Temple of Roma would provide them with a certificate stating that they had been witnessed worshipping Caesar, and by extension Rome, demonstrating your loyalty to Rome. If you did not have a certificate, you could face fines, imprisonment, or social and financial impediments.

“Synagogue of Satan”

This term is certainly rooted within the cultural vernacular of the day, and we don’t know exactly who Jesus is referring to when He calls out the Synagogue of Satan in His words to Smyrna and Philadelphia. One compelling thought is tied to the tension between Jews and Gentiles. Rome had developed a long-standing relationship with the Jewish ruling class (the Sadducees). This relationship was mutually beneficial, offering Rome peace in a historically volatile region while sparing the Jews of heavy persecution.

As a part of this partnership, Jews were exempt from Emperor worship due to their religious beliefs. This meant they did not need to worship Caesar as Lord and would not be subject to social, political, and financial persecution. However, the Sadducees declared that Gentiles were not Jews and therefore could not receive this same exemption. This had clear impacts on the Early Church, as Paul’s ministry focused heavily upon the invitation of Gentiles into the gospel message. By denying Gentiles this Jewish exemption, the Sadducees were able to bring about systemic persecution upon the early church.

Parousia and Earthquakes in Philadelphia

In the ancient world, earthquakes were commonplace, and because of ancient infrastructure, they would completely flatten cities. When this happened, the Roman Emperor would visit the city to survey the damage before giving a significant gift towards the reconstruction of the city. A few years later, they would return unannounced to see the progress. Upon their return (called Parousia), the leaders of the city would show them the work they had done and offer a token of gratitude, like a statue or building in their honor.

Philadelphia was impacted by numerous earthquakes in the first century. Each time this occurred, the emperor would help them rebuild the city. In return, the city would be renamed in honor of the emperor. This likely contributes to Jesus’ words to them about receiving a new name in Revelation 3.

Week Four

Pergamum - Revelation 2:12-13

When Jesus says to Pergamum, through John, “I know where you live”, he is saying he understands the cultural pressures they face. Pergaumum was a hub for the worship of mulitple Greco-Roman gods and goddess, with temples and buildings honoring Athena, Dionysus, Demeter, and Asclepius.

While some have fallen into the culturally convenient worship of these “gods”, others, like the martyr Antipas (verse 13), have remained faithful at great cost.