Revelation One

Author: John, the apostle. Calls himself "servant" or "your brother."

Challenged by Dionysius of Alexandria around 200 AD. His argument was based on:
1) Accusation of bad grammar, but this style of grammar has been found in contemporary Koine literature in the Papyri.
2) The writer never claims to be an apostle, but in the book of John he never calls himself even by name.

We must remember concerning Dionysius in the city of Alexandria, Egypt:
1) Alexandria's theological climate in the School of Theology opposed the doctrine of a Millennial kingdom.
2) It was a liberal school.

The book of Revelation was accepted as scripture around 150 AD.
It was not challenged until around 200 AD.

Revelation was written around 95-96 AD at the end of Domitians reign. This is recorded by Irenaeus.

John the Apostle had three well known students:
1) Ignatius (67-110) a pastor in Antioch
2) Polycarp (69-156) a pastor in Smyrna
3) Papias (70-155) a pastor in Hierapolis

Then, Iranaeus (130-200) was a disciple of Polycarp. Iranaeus grew up in Smyrna and was a pastor in Lyons, Gaul

(All four of these students and disciples were martyred.)

Those who oppose the book want reason to reject it because they do not accept the belief that Christ
will return to the earth

The book is about Jesus Christ's return.

It was given in a historical setting.

John was on Patmos.

John lived in Ephesus after returning from Patmos.

Is was given to 7 persecuted churches for:
1) Instruction.
2) Encouragement

Each of the seven churches would have received a copy of this book so it would have spread quickly.

Ignatius refers to it.
Iraneus refers to old copies of the book.
By 150 AD it had wide circulation.

Problems come when it is viewed as a literature written by man:
1) Must all be with in man's sight or understanding
2) Must be limited to time past or guesses about possible historical development.

Problems disappear when it is realized that it is divinely inspired:
1) Book offers knowledge beyond man's investigative ability.
2) Offers revelation in spiritual truth.
3) Offers revelation extending to visions of:
-heaven
-earth
-underworld
-past
-future