Here’s how the study works: Read the chapter mentioned in the heading several times during the week and share any words, thoughts, verses that stood out to you. Having a week for a chapter creates the opportunity to reread it several times and make additional comments as you feel inclined as well as make comments on other people’s insights.
"the cowardly" (v.8) seem to be the odd ones out in this list of those consigned to the fiery lake.
"the cowardly" (v.8) seem to be the odd ones out in this list of those consigned to the fiery lake.
such beautiful pictures! It brings tears to my eyes to read this.
such beautiful pictures! It brings tears to my eyes to read this.
Yes indeed. Twice we are told that the new Jerusalem comes down from heaven v.2 & v.10 which differs from the normal notion of Christians living eternally in heaven.
Yes indeed. Twice we are told that the new Jerusalem comes down from heaven v.2 & v.10 which differs from the normal notion of Christians living eternally in heaven.
Sounds like we'll be on a different planet, or dimension, because the heavens are new, and we don't need a solar system since God is our light. And I'm not sure if we will see Jerusalem descend from heaven, only this disciple in his vision saw that.
Not that it matters but perhaps it was just the way it was being presented to him.
Sounds like we'll be on a different planet, or dimension, because the heavens are new, and we don't need a solar system since God is our light. And I'm not sure if we will see Jerusalem descend from heaven, only this disciple in his vision saw that.
Not that it matters but perhaps it was just the way it was being presented to him.
Yes, it may just be the way John is allowed to see the new Jerusalem.
Interesting the angel says, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb and then shows him the Holy City Jerusalem coming down out of heaven (v.9-10).
Previously in v.2 John says he saw the new Jerusalem…prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
Whereas in Ephesian 5:21-33 Paul talks about the church being the bride.
Yes, it may just be the way John is allowed to see the new Jerusalem.
Interesting the angel says, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb and then shows him the Holy City Jerusalem coming down out of heaven (v.9-10).
Previously in v.2 John says he saw the new Jerusalem…prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
Whereas in Ephesian 5:21-33 Paul talks about the church being the bride.
I think my favourite verse in this chapter is v.3 "Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and the their God."
I think this sums up the whole message of the Bible. In the Garden of Eden God fellowshipped with Adam and Eve and ever since the Fall God has been looking for a People he could dwell amongst.
I think my favourite verse in this chapter is v.3 "Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and the their God."
I think this sums up the whole message of the Bible. In the Garden of Eden God fellowshipped with Adam and Eve and ever since the Fall God has been looking for a People he could dwell amongst.
yes, I agree Susan. I've been studying the Kings of Israel. Ironically they continued to disobey God, even when he'd give them a 2nd or 40th chance and a bit of good fortune. They eventually all chose their own way. Not since David had God found a "man after His own heart". so hence the dire need for Christ and his sacrifice. I think we are in the best relationship with God anyone could ever want. We have His Words, His warnings, His promises.
yes, I agree Susan. I've been studying the Kings of Israel. Ironically they continued to disobey God, even when he'd give them a 2nd or 40th chance and a bit of good fortune. They eventually all chose their own way. Not since David had God found a "man after His own heart". so hence the dire need for Christ and his sacrifice. I think we are in the best relationship with God anyone could ever want. We have His Words, His warnings, His promises.
well I should say, we have the opportunity to be in the best. We don't often take it.
well I should say, we have the opportunity to be in the best. We don't often take it.
Yes, because we live in the "last days" we have been blessed with the fullest revelation of God (Hebrews 1:1-2).
Another thing that strikes me in this chapter is v.27 "Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life". I would have thought all the shameful and deceitful were in the lake of fire (v.8)?
Yes, because we live in the "last days" we have been blessed with the fullest revelation of God (Hebrews 1:1-2).
Another thing that strikes me in this chapter is v.27 "Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life". I would have thought all the shameful and deceitful were in the lake of fire (v.8)?
I see that and also vs 11-15 of the previous chapter runs through that. I see a lot of repetition, and I guess we need it to get the important stuff.
I see that and also vs 11-15 of the previous chapter runs through that. I see a lot of repetition, and I guess we need it to get the important stuff.
the repetition makes it seem like it's out of sequence doesn't it.
the repetition makes it seem like it's out of sequence doesn't it.
Yes it does but as you say it is probably for emphasis.
Yes it does but as you say it is probably for emphasis.
v.12-14 It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south and three on the west. The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
A distinction is made between the names of the 12 tribes of Israel and the names of the 12 apostles which suggests that the church has not replaced Israel in God’s purposes.
Also interesting that we cannot be exactly sure who these people are. There are several lists of the 12 tribes of Israel which are slightly different. Likewise are we to assume that Matthias is included in the 12 or is Paul the 12th apostle as some believe?
v.12-14 It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south and three on the west. The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
A distinction is made between the names of the 12 tribes of Israel and the names of the 12 apostles which suggests that the church has not replaced Israel in God’s purposes.
Also interesting that we cannot be exactly sure who these people are. There are several lists of the 12 tribes of Israel which are slightly different. Likewise are we to assume that Matthias is included in the 12 or is Paul the 12th apostle as some believe?
v.23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.
When Israel was in the wilderness God was a pillar of fire to them but one day God will be the permanent source of light.
v.23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.
When Israel was in the wilderness God was a pillar of fire to them but one day God will be the permanent source of light.
v.25 On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there.
Gates were for keeping enemies out but since God has destroyed his enemies there is no reason to shut the gates.
v.25 On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there.
Gates were for keeping enemies out but since God has destroyed his enemies there is no reason to shut the gates.
The descriptions in this chapter seem different to the 1000 years described in the previous chapter so presumably the events described here come after the 1000 years.
The descriptions in this chapter seem different to the 1000 years described in the previous chapter so presumably the events described here come after the 1000 years.
v.5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
God is making everything new. This world is broken and God is the only who can fix it and one day he will.
v.5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
God is making everything new. This world is broken and God is the only who can fix it and one day he will.