The Historical Background of Revelation
By Hunter Strohl
Specific Speech Goal: I want my audience to learn about the historical significance behind the book of Revelation.
Introduction: Good afternoon. today we will hear and listen to the importance behind the writing of Revelation.
The book of Revelation is estimated by scholars to be written between either A.D. 68-70 or A.D. 90-95.
We are going to discuss this background from the later date.
This date will make more sense with the research I have done
This book is full of imagery and figurative language that the recipients understood the meaning of.
The apostle John, the brother of James, is the author of this book.
John was exiled on the island of Patmos by Rome (Book of Martyrs
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Thesis: The historical background behind Revelation is important to understanding the book because it explains why the book was written and what the imagery and figurative language meant for the churches.
II. Why do we have the book of Revelation?
The book was written to Christians living under the period of persecutions by Emperor Domitian.
During the middle to late Roman empire Christianity is outlawed.
JB Phillips in his commentary on Revelation said it was written “to warn and encourage the churches of Asia as they underwent internal problems and external persecution within the Roman Empire.” (Revelation Phillips)
John encouraged them to keep their faith and tells them to look forward to the Lord’s return.
Eventually all things would work for their benefit if they keep their faith in the Lord.
Transition Statement: We just learned about the purpose of Revelation, now we will learn about what the book’s imagery alludes to.
III. Revelation is the most apocalyptic book of the Bible.
There are many pictures of imagery in the book we are going to look at the story of the Beast from Rev.13. 1.
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Imagery was used to convey a message of hope that Christians would understand but the Roman authorities would not.
1. The beast represents all those who at past times have tried to stop/harm the people of God.
2. The Roman empire is shown as the oppressive force of the age but like all the other heads/ kingdoms it will not last
3. Nelson’s Bible dictionary sums it up very nicely. “God is stronger than Satan, and Satan continues his scheming plots only because God permits him to do so (Herbert Lockyer 914).” 4. God in the end will emerge victorious having already won the fight against Satan and evil. (Revelation:20-22)
Conclusion:
We have seen a small glimpse of the Roman empire’s role on the book of Revelation. 1. We have observed how the situation of persecution justified the means of writing this book. 2. We have found out how imagery was used to show and give hope to Christians. B. It was through their faith in God they stayed faithful unto death. Will you show that steadfast faith also?
Works Cited: Fox, John. “The Second Persecution, Under Domitian, A.D. 81.” Bible Study Tools, Salem Web Network,