page_title: Book of Revelation
section_title: Outline
hierarchical_section_title: Book of Revelation / Structure and content / Outline
context_page_description: The Book of Revelation is the final book of the New Testament, and consequently is also the final book of the Christian Bible. Its title is derived from the first word of the Koine Greek text: apokalypsis, meaning "unveiling" or "revelation". The Book of Revelation is the only apocalyptic document in the New Testament canon. Thus, it occupies a central place in Christian eschatology.
  The author names himself as "John" in the text, but his precise identity remains a point of academic debate. Second-century Christian writers such as Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Melito, Clement of Alexandria, and the author of the Muratorian fragment identify John the Apostle as the "John" of Revelation. Modern scholarship generally takes a different view, with many considering that nothing can be known about the author except that he was a Christian prophet. Some modern scholars characterize Revelation's author as a putative figure whom they call "John of Patmos". The bulk of traditional sources date the book to the reign of the Roman emperor Domitian, which evidence tends to confirm.
  The book spans three literary genres: the epistolary, the apocalyptic, and the prophetic.
context_section_description: The Revelation of Jesus Christ
  The Revelation of Jesus Christ is communicated to John of Patmos through prophetic visions. (1:1–9)
  John is instructed by the "one like a son of man" to write all that he hears and sees, from the prophetic visions, to Seven churches of Asia. (1:10–13)
  The appearance of the "one like a son of man" is given, and he reveals what the seven stars and seven lampstands represent. (1:14–20)
  Messages for seven churches of Asia
  Ephesus: From this church, those "who overcome are granted to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God." (2:1–7)
  Praised for not bearing those who are evil, testing those who say they are apostles and are not, and finding them to be liars; hating the deeds of the Nicolaitans; having persevered and possessing patience.
  Admonished to "do the first works" and to repent for having left their "first love."
  Smyrna: From this church, those who are faithful until death, will be given "the crown of life." Those who overcome shall not be hurt by the second death. (2:8–11)
  Praised for being "rich" while impoverished and in tribulation.
  Admonished not to fear the "synagogue of Satan", nor fear a ten-day tribulation of being thrown into prison.
  Pergamum: From this church, those who overcome will be given the hidden manna to eat and a white stone with a secret name on it." (2:12–17)
  Praised for holding "fast to My name", not denying "My faith" even in the days of Antipas, "My faithful martyr."
  Admonished to repent for having held the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel; eating things sacrificed to idols, committing sexual immorality, and holding the "doctrine of the Nicolaitans."
  Thyatira: From this church, those who overcome until the end, will be given power over the nations in order to dash them to pieces with the rule of a rod of iron; they will also be given the "morning star." (2:18–29)
  Praised for their works, love, service, faith, and patience.
  Admonished to repent for allowing a "prophetess" to promote sexual immorality and to eat things sacrificed to idols.
  Sardis: From this church, those who overcome will be clothed in white garments, and their names will not be blotted out from the Book of Life; their names will also be confessed before the Father and His angels. (3:1–6)
  Admonished to be watchful and to strengthen since their works have not been perfect before God.
  Philadelphia: From this church, those who overcome will be made a pillar in the temple of God having the name of God, the name of the city of God, "New Jerusalem", and the Son of God's new name. (3:7–13)
  Praised for having some strength, keeping "My word", and having not denied "My name."
  Reminded to hold fast what they have, that no one may take their crown.
  Laodicea: From this church, those who overcome will be granted the opportunity to sit with the Son of God on His throne. (3:14–22)
  Admonished to be zealous and repent from being "lukewarm"; they are instructed to buy the "gold refined in the fire", that they may be rich; to buy "white garments", that they may be clothed, so that the shame of their nakedness would not be revealed; to anoint their eyes with eye salve, that they may see.
  Before the Throne of God
  The Throne of God appears, surrounded by twenty four thrones with Twenty-four elders seated in them. (4:1–5)
  The four living creatures are introduced. (4:6–11)
  A scroll, with seven seals, is presented and it is declared that the Lion of the tribe of Judah, from the "Root of David", is the only one that will be worthy to open this scroll in the future (5:1–5)
  When the "Lamb having seven horns and seven eyes" took the scroll, the creatures of heaven fell down before the Lamb to give him praise, joined by myriads of angels and the creatures of the earth. (5:6–14)
  Seven Seals are opened
  First Seal: A white horse appears, whose crowned rider has a bow with which to conquer. (6:1–2)
  Second Seal: A red horse appears, whose rider is granted a "great sword" to take peace from the earth. (6:3–4)
  Third Seal: A black horse appears, wh
caption: A seven-headed leopard-like beast, Apocalypse 13, Beatus Escorial
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