Apocalypse. Interpretation of the XXI century

a. The Author of the Apocalypse

The Apocalypse, or Revelation of John the Apostle, is the last book in the New Testament canon. It was written by John, the son of Zebedee, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, who is more commonly known as John the Theologian.

John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace (Rev 1:4).

I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ (Rev 1:9).

And I John saw these things, and heard them (Rev 22:8).

This nickname he got from the first lines of his other book – the Gospel of John: In the beginning was the Word [Logos], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not (Jn 1:1—5).

Here is what we know about him from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John himself.

He met Jesus under the following circumstances. And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, [called] the sea of Galilee, and saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not. And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. And when they had brought their ships to land, straightway left their nets, they forsook all, and followed him. And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. And straightway he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him (UG 36 [United Gospel]; Mt 4:18—22; Mk 1:16—20; Lk 5:1—11). This is how John became a disciple of Jesus.

It so happened that Jesus and the four of his disciples entered a synagogue in Capernaum. And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon Peter and Andrew, with James and John. But Simon’s wife’s mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her. And he came and saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever. He stood over her, took her by the hand, lifted her up, and rebuked the fever; and immediately the fever left her, she arose and ministered unto them (UG 38; Mt 8:14—15; Mk 1:29—31; Lk 4:38—39). John was the eyewitness to this healing.

After that, the number of disciples increased. This is how it happened. And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples whom he would, and they came unto him: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles. And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach. And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast out devils, and power to heal sicknesses, to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; the first, Simon, (whom he also named [Cephas] Peter,) and Andrew his brother [sons of Jona]; and James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, the sons of thunder; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and [Levi] Matthew the publican [son of Alphaeus]; James the son of Alphaeus, and Judas (the [son] of James) Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, called Zelotes, and Judas Iscariot [son of Simon], who also was the traitor, which betrayed him (UG 50; Mt 10:1—4; Mk 3:13—19; Lk 6:12—16).

Another time Jesus suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth (Mk 5:37—39; compare UG 67; Mt 9:23—24; Lk 8:51—52). Later, John saw Jesus raise from the dead the daughter of the synagogue ruler.

Next time Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves to pray. And as he prayed, was transfigured before them: the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his face did shine as the sun. And his raiment became shining as the light, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. And, behold, two men appeared unto them, and they were talking with Jesus, which were Moses and Elias: Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid. While he yet spake, behold, there came a bright cloud, and overshadowed them: And they feared as they entered into the cloud. And behold a voice came out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, and suddenly had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves. And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen, Questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean. And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? And Jesus answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him. And how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things of them, and be set at nought. Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist (UG 90—91; Mt 17:1—13; Mk 9:2—13; Lk 9:28—36).

The apostles would often go out on their own to preach the Good News by the command of Jesus. One day they returned to Jesus and John said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us (Lk 9:49—50; compare UG 95; Mk 9:38—40).

There’s one more Gospel episode that mentions John’s mother. Then came to him the mother of Zebedee’s children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? These two sons said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit in thy kingdom, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. But Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I shall drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the my cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father. And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren James and John (UG 137; Mt 20:20—24; Mk 10:35—41). In speaking about his cup and the Baptism, Jesus referred to his future death on the cross.

Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed. And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat. And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare? And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in. And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready. And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover (Lk 22:7—13; compare UG 154; Mt 26:17—19; Mk 14:12—16).

In the evening, Christ and his disciples came together to share a meal. Jesus was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake. Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples [John], whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it? Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly. Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him (Jn 13:21—28).

After the meal, Jesus and the apostles left the house. Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray yonder. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, James and John, and began to be sorrowful and sore amazed, and to be very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and kneeled down, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, Abba, o my Father, all things are possible unto thee; if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose up from prayer, he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them sleeping for sorrow, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? what, could ye not watch with me one hour? And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise, watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him. And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. And he cometh the third time to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me (UG 160; Mt 26:36—46; Mk 14:32—42; Lk 22:39—46).

Soon after, Jesus was arrested and brought before Caiaphas, the High Priest. And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple [John Zebedee]: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter (Jn 18:15—16; compare UG 163; Mt 26:58; Mk 14:54; Lk 22:54—55).

After Caiaphas, Jesus was taken to Pilate, the prefect (procurator), who sentenced him to death through crucifixion. John came to the place of the execution to say his last good-bye to Christ. Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple [John] took her unto his own home (Jn 19:25—27; compare UG 171—172; Mt 27:55—56; Mk 15:40—41; Lk 23:49).

On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead. The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple [John], and came to the sepulchre. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, and the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. Then the disciples went away again unto their own home (Jn 20:1—10; compare Lk 24:12).

After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples on several occasions. After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself. There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes (Jn 21:1—8).

Following their meal, Jesus said to Peter, Follow me. Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple [John] whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true (Jn 21:19—24).

Jesus ascended into Heaven forty days after his resurrection.

b. The history behind the writing of the Apocalypse

On the tenth day after the ascension of Jesus, the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles and their disciples at Pentecost. They began to prophesy in different tongues. Of those who saw and heard them, about three thousand men and women were added to the Church that day and got baptized. As the apostles preached in Jerusalem, new people were joining the Church daily (see Act 1—2).

John was taking care of the Blessed Virgin Mary without ever leaving Jerusalem until the day of her Assumption. Following her Assumption, John, chosen by lot, went to preach the Good News in Proconsular Asia, the Roman province at the west coast of Asia Minor with its capital in Ephesus (see Eusebius of Caesarea, Church History, 3,1).

The Apostle was later exiled for preaching the Gospel there, as he himself mentions in the Apocalypse. He wrote his book while in exile:

I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ (Rev 1:9).

Because John was told: “What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea” (Rev 1:11) and “Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand” (Rev 22:10), he obeyed the command immediately.

This is what the Church historian Eusebius of Caesarea tells us about the time of the writing of the Apocalypse and the life of the apostle:

“[The Roman emperor] Domitian was a brutal enemy of many: a great number of prominent and noble people in Rome were executed by him without trial; thousands of famous and innocent men and women were exiled, their property was plundered. Towards the end of [his rule], he proved himself to be Nero’s true successor in hatred and enmity towards God. He was the second one to start persecuting us, although his father, Vespasian, did not plan anything of the sort.

It was told at that time that the apostle and evangelist John, who was still alive, was convicted to be exiled to the island of Patmos for his testimony of the Word of God. Irenaeus mentions the number of the name of the Antichrist from the so-called Apocalypse of John. In the 5th book “Against Heresies”, he says with regard to John: “If the name of the Antichrist was to be revealed at this time, it would be revealed unto the one who was a witness of God’s mysteries. The revelation was given to him quite recently, almost in our century, before the end of the Domitian’s reign” [compare Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies, 5,30].

At the time described, our faith shone in the world so brightly that even the writers, so totally unfamiliar with our teachings, did not delay to tell about this persecution and the martyrs. They accurately noted the time: in the fifteenth year of Domitian Flavius, Domitilla, the niece of Flavius Clement, one of the Roman consuls in those days, was sentenced along with many others to be exiled to the island of Pontia for confessing Christ” (Eusebius of Caesarea, Church History, 3,17—18).