Revelation
John’s vision on Patmos, addressed to seven churches, of Christ’s victory and the new creation.
What the sources say, and how sure we are
- The text says
The book names John as its author, says he was on the island of Patmos, and begins with letters to seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. It ends with a new heaven, a new earth, and the tree of life.Rev 1:1; Rev 1:4; Rev 1:9; Rev 2–3; Rev 21–22
- Outside evidence
The seven cities were real places in the Roman province of Asia, and several have been excavated. Irenaeus says the vision was seen near the end of Domitian’s reign, about AD 95. Pliny’s letter to Trajan, about AD 112, shows that Christians were being punished in the region, but it does not show an empire-wide campaign.Irenaeus, Against Heresies 5.30.3; Pliny, Letters 10.96
- Debated
The author’s identity is debated. Many ancient writers say John the apostle. Dionysius of Alexandria noted differences in Greek style from the Gospel of John and thought it was by another John. The date is also debated. Some scholars place it under Nero about AD 68–70, citing the reference to seven kings and the number 666, which can be read as Nero’s name.Rev 13:18; Rev 17:9–10
- Debated
The book is read in several ways: as describing events in John’s own time, as the history of the church, as events still to come, or as symbolic of the struggle between good and evil in every age. The thousand-year reign in chapter 20 is read in at least three ways.Rev 20:1–6
- Christian conclusion
Christians read the book’s ending as the completion of the story that begins in Genesis, with paradise restored and God dwelling with his people.Rev 21:1–4; Rev 22:1–5; Gen 2–3