Revelation To John | Summary & Facts - Britannica

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External Websites

• Eternal Word Television Network - The Apocalypse of St. John the Apostle
• Minnesota State Pressbooks - Reading the Bible as Literature: a Journey - Revelation
• Brigham Young University - Religious Studies Center - Teaching the Book of Revelation: Five Considerations
• United States Conference of Catholic Bishops - Revelation
• PBS Frontline - Understanding The Book of Revelation
• JewishEncyclopedia.com - Book of revelation
• University of Michigan - Bible, King James Version - "Revelation"
• The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints - Introduction to the Revelation of St. John the Divine

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Ask the Chatbot a Question Also known as: Apocalypse of John, Book of Revelation, Revelation(Show More) Written and fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Dec. 2, 2025 •History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot

Revelation to John, last biblical book of the New Testament. It is the only book of the New Testament classified as apocalyptic literature rather than didactic or historical, indicating thereby its extensive use of visions, symbols, and allegory, especially in connection with future events. Revelation to John appears to be a collection of separate units composed by unknown authors who lived during the last quarter of the 1st century, though it purports to have been written by an individual named John—who calls himself “the servant” of Jesus—at Patmos, in the Aegean Sea. The text includes no indication that John of Patmos and St. John the Apostle are the same person.

The book comprises two main parts, the first of which (chapters 2–3) contains moral admonitions (but no visions or symbolism) in individual letters addressed to the seven Christian churches of Asia Minor. In the second part (chapters 4–22:5), visions, allegories, and symbols (to a great extent unexplained) so pervade the text that exegetes necessarily differ in their interpretations. Many scholars, however, agree that Revelation is not simply an abstract spiritual allegory divorced from historical events, nor merely a prophecy concerning the final upheaval at the end of the world, couched in obscure language. Rather, it deals with a contemporary crisis of faith, probably brought on by Roman persecutions. Christians are consequently exhorted to remain steadfast in their faith and to hold firmly to the hope that God will ultimately be victorious over his (and their) enemies. Because such a view presents current problems in an eschatological context, the message of Revelation also becomes relevant to future generations of Christians who, Christ forewarned, would likewise suffer persecution. The victory of God over Satan and his Antichrist (in this case, the perseverance of Christians in the face of Roman persecution) typifies similar victories over evil in ages still to come and God’s final victory at the end of time.

Also called: Book of Revelation or Apocalypse of John (Show more) Abbreviation: Revelation (Show more) See all related content Keep Exploring

• Second Coming
• The Rapture
• Last Judgment
• Four horsemen of the apocalypse
• Antichrist
• Whore of Babylon
• Seven seals
• Number of the beast
• Gog and Magog

Although Christ is clearly the central figure of Revelation, an understanding of the text presupposes familiarity with Old Testament language and concepts, especially those taken from the books of Daniel and Ezekiel. The author uses the number seven, for example, in a symbolic sense to signify “totality” or “perfection.” References to “a thousand years” (chapter 20) have led some to expect that the final victory over evil will come after the completion of some millennium (see Millennialism).

More From Britannica biblical literature: The Revelation to John The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello.