The second chapter of 2 Thessalonians has always been riddled with difficulty for Bible students. When reading the passage it seems clear that Paul is reminding the Thessalonians about things he had previously talked about, information not recorded for us. We see this point made by Paul in verse 5, “Don’t you remember that when [...]

The second chapter of 2 Thessalonians has always been riddled with difficulty for Bible students. When reading the passage it seems clear that Paul is reminding the Thessalonians about things he had previously talked about, information not recorded for us. We see this point made by Paul in verse 5, “Don’t you remember that when [...]

In Revelation 21 we noticed the description of new Jerusalem, the holy city, coming down out of heaven. Revelation 21:11-14 showed John the splendor and glory of this city. In Revelation 21:15-18 we able to see the strength and power of the city. In Revelation 21:19-21 we are shown the beauty of the city. Revelation [...]

New Heaven and Earth (21:1)
John sees a new heaven and new earth for the first heaven and earth have passed away. This is the only time we see this phrase in Revelation. Further, this is the only description we receive about a new heaven and new earth. In verse 2 John sees new Jerusalem and [...]

Satan Is Bound (20:1-3)
Now the question to the Christians must be: what about the dragon that we read about in Revelation 12? Will it continue to rule? Will it raise up another beast against us? What is to become of the dragon? Chapter 20 will give us the answer. We see the dragon seized, who [...]

In chapters 17 and 18 we have seen the demise of Babylon the Great, which has been identified for us in Revelation 17:18 as “the great city that has an empire over the kings of the earth.” Now many consider these next chapters the most difficult of Revelation. I do not believe this to be [...]

It Has Fallen! (18:1-8)
Chapter 18 is fairly self-explanatory so we will quickly move through this chapter. The cry goes out that Babylon the Great has fallen. Though Rome had not yet fallen, its fall is spoken of as if it already happened because of the surety of the event (see notes on Revelation 14:8). All [...]

The seven bowls of God’s wrath have been poured out upon Babylon the Great, which is the beast from the sea which we saw in Revelation 13. Revelation 14:8-9 shows that the beast and Babylon the Great linked together. Revelation 17 will also link Babylon the Great and the beast together. The bowls which have [...]

The First Bowl (16:1-2)
The command is given to pour out these seven bowls of God’s wrath, which contain the seven last plagues on the earth. I think it is important to make a couple of points before we look at these plagues. The seven bowls have many parallels to the events that have already occurred [...]

Those Who Conquered the Beast (15:1-4)
John witnesses another great and awesome sign in heaven where he sees seven angels with the seven last plagues. Seven has been a dominant number in Revelation, symbolizing completeness and fullness. With these last seven plagues God’s wrath will be completed. This is a similar statement to what we saw [...]

The Lamb on Mount Zion (14:1-3)
Chapter 14 contrasts chapters 12 and 13. John looks and he sees the Lamb standing on Mt. Zion. This is a contrast to chapter 12:1 where we saw the dragon take his stand on the seashore. With the Lamb are the 144,000. The 144,000 are the ones who had been [...]

The First Beast (13:1-10)
The dragon takes his stand on the seashore and coming out of the sea, John sees a beast. Remember John is still seeing a vision, these are not descriptions that are literally occurring on the earth. The beast is described as having ten horns, seven heads, and ten diadems. This description is [...]

We have come to a noticeable break in the book of Revelation. Up through chapter 11 we have seen the destruction of Jerusalem pictured. We noted in chapter 11 that the holy city is to be trampled upon by the nations, just as Jesus had spoken in Matthew 24 and Luke 21. We are now [...]

Measure the Temple (11:1-2)
John is told to measure the temple, the altar, and the people who worship there. But John is to exclude the courtyard outside the temple from measurement. Now before we go into the details of this figure, let us make a point. Many who try to prove that this book is written [...]

The Mighty Angel (10:1-4)
Chapter 10 presents a fascinating scene with a mighty angel coming down from heaven, and John sees this angel in great heavenly splendor. He is surrounded by a cloud, a rainbow over his head, his face is like the sun, and his legs are like fiery pillars. These images simply show the [...]

The Fallen Star (vs. 1, 11)
The fifth angel blows his trumpet and John sees a star. Notice the star had already fallen, describing the action in the past tense. A fallen star symbolizes authority falling from power. Notice Isaiah 14:12, “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are [...]

The Seventh Seal (vs. 1-6)
The seventh seal is opened and instead of hearing a voice like the other seals or seeing creatures, judgment, or horsemen, there is complete silence in heaven for about half an hour. It is the calm before the storm and is a pause before judgment is unleashed. Then the scene changes [...]

The Four Angels (vs. 1-3)
In chapter 7 we read about four angels holding back the four winds at the four corners of the earth, so that no wind could blow on the earth, sea, or tree. Wind is a common symbol used by God to depict judgment. Notice Jeremiah 49:36, “Against Elam I will bring [...]

There has been immense popularity in a new series of books called “Left Behind.” These books tell the story of things that the authors believe will happen at the second coming of Christ. Because of the popularity of these books, we need to determine if there is any truth to what the books speak about. [...]

This text has been the subject of all sorts of speculation and wild theories about the end of time and the events that will happen at the return of Christ. Many believe in among the brethren that this text is talking about the second coming of Christ. Many believe it refers to other events. But [...]

We now turn our attention to chapter 12. The beginning of this chapter is still a continuation of the words of the angel who has been speaking in chapter 11. Once again we have a poorly timed chapter break, since this is still the same discussion that was taking place in Daniel 11. Recall that [...]

Chapter 10 set the introduction to the vision that Daniel would see in chapter 11. Before we read chapter 11, let us remember a couple of aspects about the vision we are going to read about. Daniel 10:14 tells us that what the angel reveals to Daniel is concerning “what will happen to your people.” [...]