CHAPTER ONE:  Jesus Christ is qualified to reveal things to John.

CONTENTS:    This chapter shows that the revelation came from Jesus Christ to the apostle John.  It also shows that Jesus is qualified to give the revelation to John.  Some of His qualifications are that He is eternal, He offered His blood for man, He is glorious, and He has the keys of hell and death.  The things that John recorded were to come to pass shortly.

OUTLINE:

I. THE INTRODUCTION (1:1-3).
II. THE AUTHOR’S GREETINGS (1:4-7).
III. THE QUALIFICATIONS OF JESUS CHRIST (1:8-18).
IV. THE CHARGE TO WRITE (1:19,20).

CHAPTER TWO:  To Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira.

CONTENTS:  Of these churches, only Smyrna had no real problems.  The other three were admonished to turn from all evil ways, and all four are encouraged to endure the persecutions they would encounter at the hands of Rome.  John encouraged them to be ready to give their lives for Christ.

OUTLINE:

I. TO EPHESUS:  OVERCOME; THE TREE OF LIFE (2:1-7).
II. TO SMYRNA:  OVERCOME; SHALL NOT BE HURT OF THE SECOND DEATH  (2:8-11).
III. TO PERGAMOS:  OVERCOME; MANNA, WHITE STONE, NEW NAME (2:12- 17).
IV. TO THYATIRA:  OVERCOME; POWER OVER THE NATIONS (2:18-29).

CHAPTER THREE:  To Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.

CONTENTS:  Of these three congregations, Philadelphia received no rebuke, and Laodicea heard only rebuke.  All three are exhorted to overcome.  It was necessary for these people to hearken to what the Spirit said because these warnings contained the plain truth that persecution was at their door.

OUTLINE:  

I. TO SARDIS:  OVERCOME; WHITE RAIMENT, NAME NOT BLOTTED OUT  (3:1-6).
II. TO PHILADELPHIA:  OVERCOME; A PILLAR IN THE TEMPLE, RECEIVE THE NAME OF GOD (3:7-13).
III. TO LAODICEA:  OVERCOME; SIT IN THE THRONE (3:14-22).

CHAPTER FOUR:  God is able to deliver the faithful: REASSURANCE.  He is on His throne!

CONTENTS:  This chapter prepares the way for the rest of the book.  It gives a reassurance of the victory of the faithful.  The reason for this victory:  God’s sovereign power reassures Christians that He will not fail to deliver them if their faith remains strong.  Christians must praise and honor Him alone.

OUTLINE:

I. A DESCRIPTION OF THE THRONE AND SURROUNDINGS (4:1-6a).
II. THE 4 BEASTS GIVE GLORY TO GOD (4:6b-9).
III. THE 24 ELDERS GIVE GLORY TO GOD (4:10,11).

CHAPTER FIVE:  The redeeming Lamb of God is worthy to open the seven seals, because He suffered and overcame.

CONTENTS:  This chapter emphasizes that no man is worthy to open the book, but He who conquered sin and death is able.  The redeeming Lamb of God had suffered victoriously which means that He deserves praise and honor.

OUTLINE:

I. NO ONE IS WORTHY TO OPEN THE BOOK (5:1-4).
II. THE LAMB OF GOD IS WORTHY (5:5-10).
III. PRAISE TO GOD AND THE LAMB (5:11-14).

CHAPTER SIX:  Jesus begins to open the seals.

CONTENTS:  Six of the seven seals were opened by the Lamb of God here.  The colors of the four horses (white, red, black, and pale) are all symbolical.  The fifth seal speaks of the voices under the altar who wanted to know how long this persecution could last.  The answer begins in verse 12, with the opening of the sixth seal.  God is invincible; all of His enemies shall fall.  They reap as they sow (Galatians 6:7,8).  Faith is the victory (I John 5:4,5).

OUTLINE:  

I. THE FIRST SEAL:  WHITE HORSE (6:1,2).
II. THE SECOND SEAL:  RED HORSE (6:3,4).
III. THE THIRD SEAL:  BLACK HORSE (6:5,6).
IV. THE FOURTH SEAL:  PALE HORSE (6:7,8).
V. THE FIFTH SEAL:  SOULS UNDER THE ALTAR (6:9-11).
VI. THE SIXTH SEAL:  THE ENEMIES’ POWER DESTROYED (6:12-17).

CHAPTER SEVEN:  The completeness of God’s victory.

CONTENTS:  During the persecution of the Christians, many would lose their lives.  But God’s judgment upon the enemies of His people would bring the faithful to victory.  The number 144,000 shows the completeness of God’s redeemed family.  Not one faithful soul is going to be lost.  Not one sinner will go unpunished.  Hence, the faithful praise God for His love.

OUTLINE:

I. THE SEALING OF 144,000 (7:1-8).
II. PRAISE TO GOD (7:9-12).
III. VICTORY FOR THE FAITHFUL (7:13-17).

CHAPTER EIGHT:  The seventh seal is opened, and four trumpets are sounded.

CONTENTS:  God is telling the Christians that their prayers are heard, but they must continue to pray: faith is the victory!  He is preparing them for the fall of their enemies.  These enemies had brought all of this on themselves.  The only way for the Christians to be victorious was to persevere.

OUTLINE:

I. THE SEVEN ANGELS PREPARE TO SOUND (8:1-6).
II. THE SOUNDING OF THE FIRST FOUR ANGELS (8:7-13).

CHAPTER NINE:  The fifth and sixth trumpets are sounded.

CONTENTS:  As a result of a refusal to repent, the enemies of Christ were weakened on the inside and could not resist the invasions from the outside.  Jerusalem was doomed, and the words of Jesus in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 were about to be fulfilled.  This chapter also mentions the end of the first woe in verse 12.

OUTLINE:

I. THE FIFTH ANGEL:  THE BEGINNING OF INVASIONS SYMBOLIZED (9:1-12).
II. THE SIXTH ANGEL:  THE WOES ARE BECOMING GREATER (9:13-21).

CHAPTER TEN:  John is to eat the little book.

CONTENTS:  John is told by a voice from heaven not to write the things spoken by the seven thunders.  He is then told that the mystery of God would be finished.  The voice spoke again and told him to eat the little book, which would be sweet in his mouth and bitter in his belly.

OUTLINE:  
I. THE ANGEL AND THE SEVEN THUNDERS (10:1-4).
II. THE MYSTERY OF GOD FINISHED (10:5-7).
III. THE LITTLE BOOK (10:8-10).
IV. JOHN’S MISSION TO PROPHESY IN THE FUTURE (10:11).

CHAPTER ELEVEN:  Measuring the temple, altar, and worshippers.

CONTENTS:  This chapter predicts the destruction of Jerusalem, the further persecution of the saints, and the ultimate victory of Christ over the rebellious Jews.  This chapter also speaks of the two witnesses, refers to Jerusalem as “Sodom and Egypt,” and ends the second woe in verse 14. A picture of God’s victory is seen at the end of the chapter.

OUTLINE:

I. JOHN IS INSTRUCTED TO MEASURE (11:1,2).
II. THE TWO WITNESSES (SECOND WOE ENDS; 11:3-14).
III. THE SEVENTH ANGEL SOUNDS (11:15-19).

CHAPTER TWELVE:  The woman and the dragon described.

CONTENTS:  The woman is the faithful of God (the church) and the dragon is the devil.  He tried to persecute and kill her.  He contended against her, and God allowed her to be tested, as He allowed it in the case of Job. There was a battle in heaven—a testing on earth.  This testing of Christians will always exist on earth.  God allows us to be tested, but not to be tempted above our ability (I Corinthians 10:13; James 1:2-12).

OUTLINE:

I. THE WOMAN (12:1,2).
II. THE DRAGON (12:3).
III. THE WOMAN BRINGS FORTH (12:4-6).
IV. THE WAR IN HEAVEN (12:7-9).
V. GOD’S VICTORY (12:10-12).
VI. PERSECUTION ON EARTH (THIRD WOE; 12:12; 12:13-17).

CHAPTER THIRTEEN:  The two beasts.

CONTENTS:  The first beast emerged from the sea, having seven heads, ten horns, and a crown on each of the horns.  He received his power from the dragon (devil), and caused many people to worship the dragon, thus blaspheming God. The second beast arose form the earth, having two horns as a lamb, while speaking as a dragon.  He caused men to worship the first beast through deception.  The first beast was a man, represented by the number 666.

OUTLINE:

I. THE FIRST BEAST (13:1-10).
II. THE SECOND BEAST (13:11-17).
III. THE FIRST BEAST IS 666 (13:18).

CHAPTER FOURTEEN:  Six angels and the Lamb of God.

CONTENTS:  There is a sharp contrast in the chapter.  Some of the angels have announcements regarding the doom of God’s enemies, while others’ announcements spell out the victory of the faithful.  The major thrust of the chapter fits well with the book:  God and His faithful are certain to win the victory over all that is evil.  The announcement of verses 12 and 13 does not come through an angel; verse 13 was announced directly from heaven, and should mean a great deal to every Christian of every generation.

OUTLINE:

I. THE LAMB WITH THE 144,000 (14:1-5).
II. AN ANGEL WITH THE GOSPEL (14:6,7):  EVANGELISM.
III. AN ANGEL WITH AN ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT “BABYLON” (14:8):  DOOM.
IV. AN ANGEL ANNOUNCING WRATH (14:9-11):  JUDGMENT.
V. AN ANNOUNCEMENT OF BLESSING (14:12,13).
VI. AN ANGEL ANNOUNCING REAPING (14:14-16):  END.
VII. AN ANGEL WITH A SICKLE INSTRUCTED TO THRUST AND GATHER  (14:17).
VIII. AN ANGEL WITH THE FINAL RESULT (14:18-20).
 
 

CHAPTER FIFTEEN:  The seven last plagues are introduced.

CONTENTS:  This chapter introduces the seven plagues that are to be announced in chapter 16.  These plagues completed the fury of God against the enemies of His people.  We are then given a picture of those victorious saints as they sing the song of Moses and the Lamb in praise to God.  The last half of the chapter tells of the seven angels who had the seven plagues.  They were each given a vial (bowl) full of the wrath of God.

OUTLINE:

I. A SIGN OF THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES (15:1).
II. THOSE WHO HAVE THE VICTORY SING THE SONG OF MOSES (15:2-4).
III. THE SEVEN ANGELS COME OUT OF THE TEMPLE (15:5-8).

CHAPTER SIXTEEN:  The seven vials (bowls of wrath).

CONTENTS:  These seven bowls of wrath point to the completeness of God’s wrath which was to be soon poured out on the unbelieving Jews in the destruction of Jerusalem.  Nothing would be left undone in demonstrating to the world that Judaism was no longer an acceptable way of serving God.  The church had been established by Christ in A.D. 30, and now God laid to rest any ideas that Moses’ law was still in effect.  Note in these scenes that repentance is still possible after the pouring out of wrath.  This shows that John is not discussing the second coming, since there will be no time for repentance on that day.

OUTLINE:

I. INSTRUCTIONS, AND THE FIRST VIAL:  EARTH {A GRIEVOUS SORE}  (16:1,2).
II. THE SECOND VIAL:  THE SEAL {BECAME AS BLOOD} (16:3).
III. THE THIRD VIAL:  THE RIVERS AND FOUNTAINS OF WATER {BECAME  BLOOD} (16:4-7).
IV. THE FOURTH VIAL:  THE SUN {SCORCH MEN WITH FIRE} (16:8,9).
V. THE FIFTH VIAL:  THE SEAT OF THE BEAST {DARKNESS, PAIN} (16:10,11).
VI. THE SIXTH VIAL:  EUPHRATES {WATER DRIED UP, THREE UNCLEAN  SPIRITS, ARMAGEDDON} (16:12-16).  THE MOUNTAIN OF MEGIDDO WAS A  GATHERING PLACE FOR BATTLE.
VII. THE SEVENTH VIAL:  AIR {“IT IS DONE”} (16:17-21).

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN:  The Harlot and the beast.

CONTENTS:  In this chapter, the harlot Babylon is pictured as being united with the beast.  Babylon refers to Jerusalem (see chapters 11 and 14), while the beast refers to Rome (see chapter 13).  Here in chapter 17, John sees that these two wicked powers (the Jews and Romans) are united against the Lord.  Rome and Jerusalem hated each other (verse 16), but for a time they fought against their common enemy, the church.  But the result was that the church won (because the Lord is on her side), and Rome destroyed Jerusalem!  Note the following chart:
  1. Rome                                        Christ 
       and            <----Versus---->     and
   Jerusalem                                   His church
  2. Christ uses Rome to destroy Jerusalem.
  3. In later years, Rome actually destroyed herself.
  4. Christ and His church are victorious (see Revelation 19:6).

OUTLINE:  

I. JOHN SEES THE “MOTHER OF HARLOTS” (17:1-6).
II. THE MYSTERY OF THE BEAST AND THE HARLOT EXPLAINED (17:7-18).
 A. The Beast (17:7-14).
 B. The Harlot (17:15-18).

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN:  Babylon is fallen!

CONTENTS:  This chapter completes the picture of the doomed city called Babylon. The description is very vivid.  We see Jerusalem as a city that is completely destroyed (v. 1).  It is because of her sin (v. 3).  The faithful are told to come out (v. 4).  She no longer has any “marriage” ties with her God (v. 7).  It was a swift destruction (v. 8).  The world mourns her passing (vv. 9-19).  The faithful can finally rejoice (v. 20).  There is nothing left (vv. 21-23).  She was guilty of the blood of the faithful (v. 24).  This illustrates the complete victory of God over the apostate harlot. Jerusalem refused to repent, so she was destroyed.  It shall be the same for all who disobey.

OUTLINE:

I. THE ANGEL ANNOUNCES, “BABYLON IS FALLEN!” (18:1-3).
II. HER SINS ARE REMEMBERED (18:4-8).
III. SHE IS MOURNED BY MANY (18:9-19).
IV. GOD HAS WON (18:20).
V. A MIGHTY ANGEL SPEAKS (18:21-24).

CHAPTER NINETEEN:  God and the Lamb are victorious.

CONTENTS:  In the first part of the chapter, voices from several different sources are heard praising God.  There is a group of “much people,” the 24 elders, a voice behind the throne, and, as it were, the voice of a great multitude.  God had defeated the harlot and the beast.  His power is above all else.  Then the marriage of the Lamb is briefly described, which is another symbol of the purity and power of God’s cause.  John nearly made the mistake of worshipping an angel rather than God in verse 10.  The next sections include a description of the KING OF KINGS, and His victory over the beast (the Roman Empire) and all his followers.

OUTLINE:
 
I. VOICES PRAISE GOD (19:1-6).
II. THE MARRIAGE OF THE LAMB (19:7-9).
III. JOHN IS TOLD TO WORSHIP GOD (19:10).
IV. THE KING OF KINGS (19:11-16).
V. HE IS VICTORIOUS IN WAR (19:17-21).

CHAPTER TWENTY:  The defeat of Satan.

CONTENTS:  There are some things that are not mentioned in Revelation 20:1-6, even though many people think otherwise.
 1. The chapter says nothing about a 1000 year reign of Christ.
 2. It says nothing about a 1000 year reign of Christ on earth.
 3. It does not say that we will reign with Him.
 4. It does not use the word “millennium.”
 5. It does not mention the second coming of Christ.
 6. It does not mention a bodily resurrection.
 7. It does not mention the throne of David.
 8. It does not mention either Jerusalem or Palestine.
 9. It says nothing about an earthly throne.

 This chapter does have several figures of speech, though; such as:
 1. The binding of Satan with a chain.
 2. The dragon.
 3. That old serpent.
 4. A thousand years.

 The main things we learn here are that Satan has absolutely no power over God, and that it is entirely impossible for him to win the final victory over God.  “The beloved city,” or the church, is safe from these enemies—as long as she is faithful.  Lastly, we learn that the lost will be in the lake of fire: hell.

 This chapter, in highly figurative language, shows that the all-out war between Christ and Satan results in the COMPLETE VICTORY of Christ over Satan (complete victory equals “1000 years”). We can learn about this battle and Christ’s victory in such passages as Matthew 12:29; Luke 11:21; Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 2:14; and I John 3:8.  The “1000 years” does not refer to a period of time—but to a condition—complete and perfect victory.

 However, even though Satan was not going to be able to win against the first century church, he would still be allowed to tempt people (vv. 7,8).  And he will continue to tempt people to sin as long as the earth stands.  But his days of leading people into sin will end when the last day arrives and the judgment takes place (vv. 11-15).

OUTLINE:

I. THE BINDING OF SATAN (20:1-3).
II. THE “1000 YEARS” (20:4-6).
III. THE LOOSING OF SATAN (20:7-10).
IV. THE SECOND DEATH (20:11-15).

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE:  A description of the new Jerusalem.

CONTENTS:  According to verses 2 and 10, the new Jerusalem descended out of heaven, which leads to the possibility that the Apostle is describing the church in her glory as the bride of Christ.  Two other points help to confirm this:  1) Verse 3 says that the tabernacle of God is with men, He will dwell with them, etc.  Compare this with II Corinthians 6:16-18, which Paul applies to the church.  2) Verse 14 shows that the apostles were included in the foundation, which should be compared with Ephesians 2:19-22; another passage which refers to the church.

 However, although John’s primary reference here is to the church, the fact that this holy city came down from God out of heaven means that there are many characteristics of the church which should remind us of heaven and cause us to look forward to it, as Peter does in II Peter 3:12-14.

OUTLINE:  

I. THE NEW HEAVENS AND NEW EARTH IS FOR THOSE WHO OVERCOME  (21:1-7).
II. THE LOST WILL EXPERIENCE THE SECOND DEATH (21:8).
III. THE HOLY JERUSALEM DESCRIBED (21:9-21).
IV. GOD AND THE LAMB (21:22,23).
V. THE SAVED (21:24-27).

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO:  These blessings are for the obedient.

CONTENTS:  In this chapter, John draws to a close this revelation by giving every possible encouragement to his readers to prepare for whatever life has in store by concentrating on the four points in the outline below.  These four points encourage Christians by:  1) emphasizing what heaven has to offer—especially the sight of the Savior’s face; 2) repeating the idea that these things were to shortly (soon after John wrote) come to pass; 3) there are really only two classes of people on earth—saved and lost; and , 4) his confidence that Christ would keep His word by “coming quickly.”

OUTLINE:

I. MORE OF HEAVEN’S BLESSINGS (22:1-5).
II. THE TIME IS SHORT (22:6-13).
III. TWO CLASSES OF PEOPLE (22:14-19).
IV. CLOSING REMARKS (22:20,21).

        Skip Andrews