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DANIEL AND REVELATION: INTRODUCTION AND MESSAGE
I. INTRODUCTION
A. DANIEL 1. The book tells of the experiences of Daniel and his friends, Jews in Exile in Babylonia. Although they came to have favor with the Babylonian authorities, they also encountered enemies. Nevertheless, their faithfulness to God saved them. The visions continually show God as being triumphant. 2. Interpretations of the book:
a. Some believe the book is basically a description of events during the 2nd century B.C. including the desecration of the Temple. b. Others understand the book to speak of (prophesy) the coming of the kingdom of God in Jesus the Christ. All the kingdoms of this world will fall; the kingdom of God will endure forever. c. Still others see the book as a description of the events that will accompany Jesus when he returns to the earth. (Second Coming) 3. The histories presented in Daniel emphasize the sovereignty of God and the importance of faithfulness. The book promises blessings from God in times of trial. The kingdom of God is coming and the Lord will reign forever. B. REVELATION 1. The book (letter) is written to the Christians of the seven churches of Asia Minor. It is filled with visions and symbols that are to give encouragement and hope to Christians of all generations. 2. Interpretation-In general there are four (4) different ways of understanding what John wrote in Revelation. We will investigate these in a more detailed manner in a future lesson in this course. 3. John, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, wrote Revelation in order to remind suffering Christians of the sovereignty of God and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. In order to give hope to persecuted Christians, he emphasized that this redemptive work would reach complete fulfillment at Christ's return. II. WHAT DANIEL AND REVELATION HAVE IN COMMON
A. They Both focus on the Son of God, the King 1. Daniel speaks of the "son of man" - Dan. 7:13-14; and the "annointed one"- Dan. 9:24-27 2. Revelation makes references in many places to the Christ: Rev. 1:8-16; 5:5ff. 22:12-16; and many other places. B. They both focus on the Eternal Kingdom 1. Daniel 2:44-45; 4:34; 6:26; 7:13-14, 27 2. Revelation 2:26f; 3:12, 21; and chapters 21-22 C. They both focus on the Sovereignty of God 1. In chapters 1-6 Daniel shows God as sovereign over the man's business, problems, kingdoms, and future. Also the dreams of chapters 7-12 reveal that God has a plan and that his will is going to be fulfilled. 2. Revelation is also basically a message that brings confidence and hope in God. The message is that God is in control and in the end will triumph completely. QUESTIONS 1. Of the three possible interpretations for the book of Daniel, which do you consider the best one? 2. What is the message of the book of Daniel? 3. What is the message of the book of Revelation? 4. What are three things that Daniel and Revelation have in common? |