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Ao|oiuoi Inoou Xpioou


Revelation of Jesus Christ

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For a blessing



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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface

THE ART & SCIENCE OF INTERPRETATION
Is It Literal?
Is the Bible Cryptic?
Symbols
Thinking in a Box
Debate, Argument, Dialogue, and Persuasion
Bibles Self Interpretation, The

INTRODUCTORY STUDIES ABOUT THE BOOK OF REVELATION

Revelation The Book
A Note From the Diaglott
The Book of Revelation A Chart

CHAPTER ONE REVELATION FROM JEHOVAH FOR A BLESSING

Gospel in Simplicity, The Revelation 1:1-3; 22:6-10
By His Angel Revelation 1:1
Shortly Come to Pass Revelation 1:1
Signified Revelation 1:1
Symbolic Language in Revelation Revelation 1:1
Oracle of the Revelation, The Revelation 1:2
Blessed is He Revelation 1:3
Woe or Blessing Revelation 1:3
Seven Spirits, The Revelation 1:4 [Being Written]
Faithful Witness Revelation 1:5
First Begotten From the Dead Revelation 1:5
Prince of the Kings of the Earth Revelation 1:5
Blood of the Covenant, The Revelation 1:5
Revealed Presence Revelation 1:7
I Am the One Revelation 1:8
John Companion Revelation 1:9
Patmos and John Revelation 1:9-11
First and the Last, The Revelation 1:11
Ephesus Revelation 1:11, 20
Smyrna Revelation 1:11, 20
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Pergamos Revelation 1:11, 20
Thyatira Revelation 1:11, 20
Sardis Revelation 1:11, 20
Philadelphia Revelation 1:11, 20
Laodicea Revelation 1:11, 20
Map The Island of Patmos & the Seven Churches of Asia
Map Aegean Sea & the Seven Churches
Seven Stars Revelation 1:16
Two-Edged Sword Revelation 1:16
Liveth and Was Dead Revelation 1:18
Keys of Hell and of Death, The Revelation 1:18
Are the Seven Churches Prophetic? Revelation 1:20
Seven Candlesticks Revelation 1:20
Work of the Body of Christ, The Revelation 1:20

CHAPTER TWO
SEVEN ANGELS FOR SEVEN CHURCHES: EPHESUS TO THYATIRA
FOR A BLESSING
Ephesus, City of Diana Revelation 2:1
I Know Thy Works and Thy Labours Revelation 2:2
Legalism A Judgment Revelation 2:2
Left Thy First Love Revelation 2:4
Qualities of Love Revelation 2:4
Nicolaitans, They Signify What? Revelation 2:6
Church History, Clergy & Laity Revelation 2:6 [To Be Finished]
I Didnt Know, For a Thoughtful Moment Revelation 2:7
Tree of Life in the Paradise of God, The Revelation 2:7
Paradise Revelation 2:7 [To Be Written]
Smyrna and it Crown of Porticoes Revelation 2:8, 10
Satans Assembly -- Revelation 2:9
Tribulation and Poverty Revelation 2:9 [To Be Written]
Satans Assembly Revelation 2:9
Crowding Pressures of Tribulation Revelation 2:10
Pergamos, Where Dwelleth Satan Revelation 2:12
Nicolaitan According to the Church Fathers, The Revelation 2:13 [Being Written]
Balaam, Who Held the Truth in Unrighteousness Revelation 2:14
Fight With the Sword of My Mouth Revelation 2:16 [To Be Written]
Thyatira and Jezebel Revelation 2:18
Depths of Satan, The Revelation 2:24 [To Be Written]
He Shall Rule Revelation 2:27
Rod of Righteousness Revelation 2:27 [To Be Written]
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Morning Star, The Revelation 2:28 [To Be Written]

CHAPTER THREE
SEVEN ANGELS FOR SEVEN CHURCHES: SARDIS TO LAODICEA
FOR A BLESSING
Sardis, With the Few Names Revelation 3:1
Philadelphia, Brotherly Love Revelation 3:7
An Open Door Revelation 3:8 [To Be Written]
Word of My Patience Revelation 3:10 [To Be Written]
Pillar in the Temple of God Revelation 3:12 [To Be Written]
Wretched, Blind, and Naked Revelation 3:14
Beginning of the Creation of God, The Revelation 3:14 [To Be Written]
Seeds of Laodicea Revelation 3:15, 16
Danger Signs Grieve Not the Holy Spirit of God Revelation 3:16
Great Gain Revelation 3:17
Rebuke and Chasten Revelation 3:19 [To Be Written]
At the Door Revelation 3:20 [To Be Written]

CHAPTER FOUR
HE THAT SAT UPON THE THRONE
He That Sat Upon the Throne
Four Beasts of Revelation Four, The
Twenty-Four Elders

CHAPTER FIVE
THE LAMB AND THE REDEEMED
An Overview of the Lamb and the Redeemed Revelation 5:00
Redemption Revelation 5:9, 10
Reign on the Earth Revelation 5:9, 10

CHAPTER SIX
FROM CONQUERING TO TESTIMONY TO VICTORY
Seven Seals Revelation 6:1
Seals, Trumpets, and the Vials of Plagues, Compared Revelation 6:1
Beasts in Revelation Revelation 6:1
A Comparison of Animals in Daniel and Revelation Revelation 6:1 [Being Expanded Upon]
Six Seals Getting Acquainted Revelation 6:1
The Romans Horse Revelation 6:2
Romans Coins with the Roman Horse Revelation 6:2
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse Revelation 6:2
Four Horses of Revelation Revelation 6:2
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A White Horse Revelation 6:2
Conquering and to Conquer Revelation 6:2
The Red Horse Revelation 6:3
Killing One Another Revelation 6:4
A Black Horse Revelation 6:5
Pair of Balances in His Hand Revelation 6:5
Table of Greek and Roman Measures Revelation 6:6
A Pale Horse Revelation 6:7
Persian Rebellion Revelation 6:7
Four Horses of Revelation Revelation 6:7
Growth of the Roman Empire Revelation 6:7
Empire Divided Revelation 6:7
Fall of West Roman Empire Revelation 6:7
Souls Under the Altar Revelation 6:9
Blood of Martyrs Picture Revelation 6:10
Presaging the End Revelation 6:12
A Great Earthquake Revelation 6:12
The Time the Earth Shook Revelation 6:12
Atlantic Tsunami Revelation 6:12
Candlelight Luncheon Revelation 6:12
A Word From Adler Planetarium Revelation 6:12
Stars and Falling Stars Revelation 6:12
His Wrath Orges Autou Revelation 6:17
The Heaven and Mountains Revelation 6:14-17

CHAPTER SEVEN
SEALED UNTO SALVATION
Jehovahs Servant Sealed Revelation 7:1-17
Sphragis Seal Revelation 7:2
Seal of the Living God Revelation 7:2
Hurt Not Until Revelation 7:3
Pressures That Distress Revelation 7:14
Serve Him in His Temple Revelation 7:15
They are Before the Throne Revelation 7:15






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CHAPTER EIGHT
THE EMPIRE CRUMBLES
The Seventh Seal Revelation 8:1
The Seventh Seal and the Golden Censor the Greek Text
Chart The Empire 379 536 A.D.
Impending Decline of Imperial Rome Revelation 8:3
The Trumpets the Greek Text Revelation 8:6, 7
Similar But Not the Same Revelation 8:7
Barbaric Invasions Revelation 8:7-12
Trumpets One Through Four Revelation 8:7-12
Alaric the Great Revelation 8:7
Genseric and the Vandals Revelation 8:8
Atilla, the Hun Revelation 8:10
Wormwood Revelation 8:11
Odoacer Revelation 8:12

CHAPTER NINE
TWO WOES: PLAGUE OF LOCUSTS & THE ARMY OF HORSEMENT
Army of Locusts Revelation 9:1
Abu Bekr Revelation 9:4
Army of Horsemen Revelation 9:12

CHAPTER TEN
UNWRITTEN THUNDERS & WHEN THE MYSTERY SHALL BE FINISHED
Between the Woes Revelation 10:00 [To Be Written]
The Mystery is Finished [Revelation 10:5-7]
The Ides of March [Revelation 10:6]
Go Ye Unto the End of the Age [Revelation 10:7]
Honey Revelation 10:9

CHAPTER ELEVEN
TWO WITNESSES & THE THIRD WOE: THE WRATH OF GOD
Taking Measurement Revelation 11:1, 2 [To Be Written]
Two Witnesses Revelation 11:3, 4 [To Be Written]

This Generation Luke 21:32
Events Surrounding the Return of Christ Revelation 11:15-18



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CHAPTER TWELVE
THE GREAT DRAGON & THE PEOPLE OF GOD
The Woman Persecuted Revelation 12:00
Prophetic Woman Revelation 12:01
The Dragon Revelation 12:03
The Fall of the Accuser Revelation 12:10
Triumph Over the Accuser Revelation 12:10
Now is Come Revelation 12:10
Fall of the Accuser Revelation 12:10
The Justinian Code Revelation 12:14
Results of the Justinian Code Revelation 12:14
Taking of the Bastille, July 14, 1789 Revelation 12:16
The Testimony of Her Seed Revelation 12:17

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
TWO BEASTS
The Beast of Iron Revelation 13:1
Four World Empires Revelation 13:2
Imperial and Holy, Emperors of the Roman Empire Revelation 13:1
Golden Cross in Vaticans Collection Gets New Look Revelation 13:1
Map of the Old Roman Empire Revelation 13:1
Chart the Empire 1321 1478 A.D.
They Worshipped [Revelation 13:4]
Blasphemies [Revelation 13:5, 6]
Blasphemies in Action [Revelation 13,5, 6] [Being Written]
Vatican Decree Calls for More Fence-Mending Revelation 13:5
Slain From the Foundation of the World Revelation 13:8
The Book of Life Revelation 13:8
Caesar and the Church Revelation 13:10
Speaking Like a Lamb Now? Revelation 13:11, 12
The Beast, the Man, the Image, the Mark Revelation 13:4-18


CHAPTER FOURTEEN
THE REDEEMED, THE GOSPEL, FALLEN BABYLON, & THE WRATH OF GOD
They Sang [Revelation 14:1-5]
Aion and Aionios [Revelation 14:6 and 20:10]
Trial With Fire Revelation 14:18

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CHAPTER FIFTEEN
VICTORY OVER BEAST & JEHOVAH IN HIS TEMPLE



CHAPTER SIXTEEN
VIALS OF THE WRATH OF JEHOVAH
The Mouth of the Dragon Revelation 16:13
Hitler and Islam Revelation 16:13
Bin Laden Takes Credit for Airline Bombing Plot Revelation 16:13

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
THE WHORE, MYSTERY BABYLON
Rome Unveils Rare Vatican Documents Revelation 17:5
The Beast Ridden by a Woman, An Harlot Revelation 17:9-11

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
BABYLON THE GREAT IS FALLEN

Hello Anglicans, Rome Calling, Come Over Revelation 18:4


CHAPTER NINETEEN
THE MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB & HE THAT SAT ON THE WHITE
HORSE



CHAPTER TWENTY
1,000 YEARS, A LITTLE SEASON & JUDGMENT
The Fall of the Accuser Revelation 20:1
Thrones Revelation 20:4
Day and Night For Ever and Ever Revelation 20:10
Aion Revelation 20:10






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CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
THE TABERNACLE OF JEHOVAH


The Spirit and the Bride Say Come [Revelation 21:17]
The Twelve Foundations of Precious Stones [Revelation 21:19]

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
THERE SHALL BE NO MORE CURSE
Worship Jehovah Revelation 22:13



ADDENDA TO THE REVELATION
A Closer Look at the Text [Revelation 5:9,10]
Chatham Seal
Nicolaitans, According to the Church Fathers [To Be Finished]
Should Be Fulfilled Manuscript Difference [Revelation 6:11]
Sphragis Seal
Aion Revelation 20:10

INDICES


















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PREFACE

This final communication from Heaven to the Body of Christ at the pen of John, the beloved
apostle, is indeed a revelation. It reveals information, it does not hide it neither does it keep it
secret nor does it present an unsolvable mystery.

Consistent with the scriptures of the New Testament, history is prophetically unveiled.
Examples of the apostles Paul and Peter illustrate the practice of explaining previously not
known or understood information.
Ephesians 3:1-9
By revelation he made known the mystery [that which had been secret but
nevertheless proclaimed by the prophets]
Genesis 12:3
Galatians 3:8
1 Corinthians 2:9, 10
Things which God hath prepared for them that love him
But God hath revealed them unto us by his spirit
Isaiah 64:4
1 Peter 1:10-12
Romans 16:25, 26
The revelation of the mystery now made manifest, and by the scriptures of the
prophets
Isaiah 65:1
2 Peter 1:1-4
His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness
1 Peter 2:10
In time past were not a people, but are now the people of God
Hosea 2:23

The revelation about things to come to pass, that that beginning soon [shortly, Revelat ion 1:1];
this revelation, a predicted [prophesied of] history of the world, and of all mankind, that includes
all time from day of Pentecost, unto eternity.

Critical explanation of this book is, and has been, found through the normal processes of
studying the Scriptures. It is not any private interpretation [2 Peter 1:19-21], but as is explained
in 1 Corinthians 14:29-32, correlation of the prophets, a comparison of spiritual things with
spiritual things [1 Corinthians 2:12, 13]. See further discussion of the subject of interpretation
in the section entitled The Art & Science of Interpretation.

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The Table of Contents identifies the many individual subjects that are involved in this study of
the Apocalypse; from its opening with visions of John and the Resurrection Jesus, to the New
Heavens and New Earth.
. To the Seven Churches of Asia
. To the centrality of Jehovah and the place of Jesus
. To Redemptive Salvation
. To the Horses of the Imperial Roman Empire
. To the Degradation of the Empire by the Barbarian Hordes and the Sword of Islam
. To the Onslaught of Satan, Tribulations of the People of God, the Machinations of the
Nations that Compose the Broken Roman Empire
. To the Return of Jesus as Christ, the Wrath of God, the Millennial Times of Restitution,
the Day of Judgment, and the Finalities of the New Heavens and New Earth.


Ron Rankin
June 17, 2008

























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The Art & Science of Interpretation = Otherwise known as Hermeneutics.
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The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge:
but fools despise wisdom and instruction
Proverbs 1:7

My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
Yea, if thou criest after knowledge and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
If thou sleekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
Then shalt thou understand the fear of Jehovah, and find the knowledge of God.
For Jehovah giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
Proverbs 2:1-7

















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IS IT LITERAL?

= TO UNDERSTAND GODS WORD
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD [Hebrew YHVH, Jehovah] with all thine heart; and lean not
unto thine own understanding [KJV].
Jeremiah 9:23,24
Thus saith the LORD [Hebrew YHVH, Jehovah], Let not the wise man glory in
his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory
in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and
knoweth me, that I am the LORD [Hebrew YHVH, Jehovah] which exercise
lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I
delight, saith the [Hebrew YHVH, Jehovah].
1 Corinthians 2:12,13
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God;
that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also
we speak, not in the words which mans wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost
teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1 Corinthians 1:30,31
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and
righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written,
He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
2 Corinthians 10:15-17
Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other mens labours; but
having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according
to our rule abundantly, To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to
boast in another mans line of thing made ready to our hand. But he that glorieth, let
him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom
the Lord commendeth.

= LITERAL
Definition Adjective, [Latin literalis, from litera, a letter.] According to the letter or
verbal expression; not figurative or metaphorical; following the letter or exact words; as, a
literal translation; tending to interpret statements factually or unimaginatively; consisting of
or expressed by letters [LW].
The literal understanding and interpretation is the first-line of understanding Gods
Word.
There must be real and scriptural reasons for the non-literal understanding of Gods
Word. It is not the first-line of understanding.
An illustration of this principle is found in the definition of the word similitude.
When the literal definition of likeness becomes an imaginative likening it is an
allegory or parable.
Literalism Noun. The act or practice of adhering to the letter or strict sense, as in
translating; a mode of interpreting literally or realistically, as in literature or art.
Literalize To interpret or translate literally.
Examples
For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the
earth. And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see
God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another;
though my reins be consumed within me [Job 19:25-27].
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Job takes care to explain that he believes without a doubt that he will
physically see God on the earth in spite of the fact that he will physically be
destroyed in the grave.
And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? And why do thoughts arise in your
hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a
spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. Have ye here any meat? (and
Jesus did eat fish and honeycomb in their presence) [Luke 24:38-45].
That they might understand the scriptures, Jesus showed himself to them that
they would know that he literally physically was raised from the dead; that
what they saw was It is I myself.

= ALLEGORICAL, PARABOLIC, FIGURATIVE, HYPERBOLIC, METONYMICAL,
METAPHORICAL, SIMILAR, TYPICAL, SYMBOLIC, TROPOLOGIC, PROVERBIAL,
NON-LITERAL.
The literal must exist before there can be the related non-literal with which to compare it.
The literal remains, and is the basis, for understanding the non-literal. The non-literal does
not and cannot exist of itself but is intrinsically reliant on the literal for understanding the
non-literal concept.
Examples
Sheep characteristically follow the lead sheep. The prophet Isaiah aptly describes
some characteristics of sheep in saying like sheep and as a lamb.
Isaiah 53:6,7
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his
own way; and the LORD [Hebrew YHVH, Jehovah] hath laid on
him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he as afflicted, yet
he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his
mouth.
John 1:29
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold
the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
Jesus is called the Lamb because he demonstrated
characteristics of the literal lamb or literal sheep, that is
like the lamb or like the sheep. So, Jesus was a non-
literal lamb or non-literal sheep.
In our English language we have a number of different words by which we describe those
things that are not literal.
We will herein explore the use of those concepts in Gods word.
Analogies and Idioms will be treated separately from this study.
The word Spiritual since it means of the Spirit will not be considered with this
subject of literal versus non-literal. Spiritual is sometimes mistakenly used to
mean figurative.
Here is the list which we will use, in alphabetical order:
Allegory and Allegorical
Figure, Figurative, and Figures of Speech
Hyperbole
Metonymy
Metaphor and Metaphorical
Parable
Proverb
Simile and Similitude
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Symbol and Symbolic
Tropes, Tropology, Tropical, and Tropically
Type, Typify, and Typical
Note that some of the preceding words are often considered synonymously in
dictionaries as shown in the definitions given below.
The meaning of words changes over time due to changes in common usage.
The English language has changed since its recognized and recorded beginnings,
however the amount and degree of change has not yet led to a new era of meaning.
Good dictionaries give the etymology of words. Etymology is the explanation of
the origin and linguistic changes of a particular word; the derivation of a word; the
branch of philology concerned with the origin and history of words [LW].
Linguists recognize the categories of the English language as:
Old English (A.D. 450-1150)
Middle English (A.D. 1150-1475)
Modern English (A.D. 1475 to the Present)

= ALLEGORY AND ALLEGORICAL
Definition Allegory Noun. [Middle English allegorie, from Latin allegoria,
Greek allegoria, from allegorein, to speak figuratively allos, other, and agoreuo, to
speak, from agora, a forum, an oration.] A figurative discourse, in which the
principal subject is depicted by another subject resembling it in its properties and
circumstances; a symbolic representation; a narrative in which abstract ideas are
personified; a sustained metaphor[LW].
In the Greek Allegory Greek, allegoreo [oiinyo pto], Verb, to speak allegorically;
found only in Galatians 2:24 [NE].
Allegorical Adjective. Pertaining to allegory; in the manner of allegory [LW].
Allegorist Noun, One who allegorizes; a writer of allegory [LW].
Allegorization Noun. The act of turning into allegory; allegorical explanation or
interpretation [LW].
Allegorize Noun. The turn into allegory; to narrate in allegory; to explain in an allegorical
sense [LW].
Example
Galatians 2:24
Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from
the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar
is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in
bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is
the mother of us all.

= FIGURE, FIGURATIVE, AND FIGURES OF SPEECH
Definition Figure Noun. [French figure, figure, shape, from fig, root of fingo, to
fashion.] The form of anything as expressed by the outline or contour; shape; the human
shape or form; a pictorial representation of the human body or an object; appearance or
impression made by a person; as, to cut a poor figure; an emblem or symbol; a number
symbol; value or amount stated in numbers [LW]. Figure. Verb. To compute or
calculate numerically to imagine or picture mentally; to represent by a figure of speech
[LW].
Figurative Adjective. [Late Latin figurativus, from Latin figurare, English figure, verb.]
Of the nature of or involving a figure of speech, especially, a metaphor; metaphorical, not
literal; as, a figurative expression; abounding in figures of speech; as, figurative language;
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representing by means of a figure, emblem, or likeness, as in a drawing or sculpture;
emblematic [LW].
Figure of Speech Noun. A mode of expression, as a simile, metaphor, or hyperbole,
where words are employed in a nonliteral or unusual sense for special effects, such as lending
vividness or heightening beauty of style [LW].
Examples
Hebrews 9:9
A figure [parabole (opooin for the time then present. See Parable.
Hebrews 9:24
The figures [antitupa (oviuo)] of the true. See Types.
Hebrews 11:19
Raise him up from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure
[parabole (opooin ]. See Parable.
Matthew 9:36
Splagxnizomai (oioyyviCooi), a verb for the noun for inward parts,
figuratively the heart; a figure of speech which was translated was moved
with compassion.
1 Corinthians 4:6
I have in a figure [metesxematisa (ttoyno ioo*)] transferred to myself
and to Apollos for our sakes.
*1
st
person singular, aorist 1, indicative, active of metasxematizo
(tooynoiCo), to remodel, transfigure, to fashion [H].
Figuratively, to transfer to; to make an imaginary transference of
circumstances from the parties really concerned in them to others, to transfer
an imagination [H].
Philemon 7
The bowels of the saints are refreshed. Figuratively, the bowels are the seat
of emotions.
2 Corinthians 7:15
And his inward affection (figurative of his bowels, splagxna
(oioyyvo)] is more abundant toward you.
1 Peter 3:21
The like figure [antitupon (oviuov)] whereunto even baptism doth also
now save us. See Types

= HYPERBOLE
Definition Hyperbole Noun. [Latin from Greek, hyperbole, a throwing beyond, excess.]
Rhetorical Deliberate exaggeration used for effect; an extravagant statement not intended to
be understood in the literal sense [LW].
Hyperbolize Verb Intransitive hyperbolized, hyperbolizing. To use hyperbole;
exaggerate. Verb Transitive To represent or express with hyperbole or exaggeration
[LW].
The Greek Word Huperbole [utpoin ] Noun, feminine. Preeminence, extraordinary
quality. Adverb, exceedingly [NE]. The definition of the Greek word huperbole is not
identical with the definition of the English word hyperbole. Although the etymology of the
English word is rooted in the Greek word, the difference seems to be in the exaggeration
and emphasis beyond measurable. See a separate Bible study outline concerning
Huperbole.


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Examples
Romans 7:13
Exceeding (literally of excess).
1 Corinthians 12:31
Excellent.
2 Corinthians 12:7
Abundance.
Galatians 1:13
Beyond measure.

= METONYMY
Definition Metonymy Noun. [Greek, metonymia meta, denoting change, and onoma, a
name.] Rhetorical. A figure by which one word is substituted for another on account of
some actual relation between the things signified, as when we say, We read Virgil, that is,
his poems or writings [LW].
Examples
Acts 1:18
There is not a substituted word here. Splagchna (oioyyvo), a noun,
nominative, neuter, plural of Splagchnon (oioyyvov), the chief intestines,
viscera; the entrails, bowels [H].
Philemon 12
Receive him, that is my own bowels
auton, tout esti ta ema splagchna, proslabou.
ouov. ou toi o to oioyyvo. pooioou.
him, that is the my bowels, do thou receive.
By metonymy, my bowels mean, cherished one, one dear as ones self.
Matthew 5:33
Horkous (op|ou) literally means an oath.
By metonymy it means the things for which the oath was made, or the
vows.

= METAPHOR AND METAPHORICAL
Definition Metaphor Noun. [French metaphore, from Greek metaphora, from
metapherein, transfer, from meta (denoting change) and pherein, bear.] A figure of speech in
which a term or phrase is applied to something to which it is not literally applicable, or order
to suggest a resemblance, as: She is the flower of my life [LW].
Metaphorical Adjective of metaphor [LW].
Examples
Ephesians 2:12,13,17
Far off is translated from the Greek word markan [op|ov] and concerns
time and distance.
Metaphorically afar off means alien or stranger.
As often it does, context explains this understanding of afar off in verse 12
in the translation of alien for the Greek word apellotriomenoi
[oniiopiotvoi].

Hebrews 12:15
The phrase root of bitterness [hriza pikrias, p iCo i|pio)] is understood
as a metaphor rather than literal.
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Literally root is the root of a tree or plant, without which the tree or plant
cannot survive.
Literally bitterness is the quality of taste, for example, gall is something
very bitter bile, a bitter viscid, yellow or greenish alkaline liquid secreted
by the liver [LW].
Metaphorically the root is the source, cause, origin and bitterness is that of
the mind, or spirit.
Acts 8:23
Simon was in the gall of bitterness because he could not purchase the gift
of God with money.
1 Timothy 6:10
The love of money, by metaphor, is a root, meaning, source, origin, or cause,
of all evil.

= PARABLES
Definition Parable A noun. [French parabole, from Latin parabola, Greek parabole,
from paraballo, to throw beside, to compare.] Originally a comparison or similitude; an
allegorical story dealing with ordinary life from which a moral message or religious truth is
taught. Plural, a collective term for the allegories recounted by Jesus [LW].
The Greek Word parabole [ opooin ] A placing one thing by the side of another; a
comparing; a parallel case cited in illustration; a comparison, simile, similitude; a parable, a
short relation under which something else is figured, or in which that which is fictitious is
employed to represent that which is real [H]. A parable, figure [NE].
Parabole is translated also figure two times in Hebrews 9:9 and 11:19.
And once it is translated proverb in Luke 4:23.
Examples
Mark 4:11-20
The reason why Jesus spoke in parables.
Matthew 13:3-23
Jesus parable of the sower, given and explained.

= PROVERBS
Definition Proverb Noun, [Old French and French proverbe, from Latin proverbium.]
A short, pithy, popular saying, long in use, embodying some familiar truth, practical precept,
or useful thought in expressive and often picturesque language; an adage; a saw; hence, a
person or thing that has become proverbial, an object of common mention or reference, or a
byword; a wise saying or precept, or a didactic sentence [LW].
The Parables of Solomon and others are noteworthy in the Old Testament Book of Proverbs.
Examples
Luke 4:23
this proverb [parabolen (opooinv)], Physician, heal thyself:
whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.
See Parables.
John 10:6
This parable [paroimian (opoiiov*)] spake Jesus.
A grammatical form of paroimia (opoii o), a byword, proverb, adage; an
obscure saying, enigma; a parable, similitude, figurative discourse [LW].
John 16:25
These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs [paroimiais
(opoiioi*)]: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you
22

in proverbs [paroimiais (opoiioi*)], but I shall shew you plainly of the
Father.
Also a grammatical form of paroimia (opoii o).
John 16:29
His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no
proverb [paroimian (opoiiov)].
2 Peter 2:22
But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb [paroimiais
(opoiioi)]: The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that
was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
The above five verses are the only ones which use the word paroimia
(opoii o) for a total of six times within them.

= SIMILE AND SIMILITUDE
Definition Simile Noun. [Latin, a like thing, from similus, like.] A figure of speech
likening or comparing two dissimilar things by the use of like or as, as: Her lips are like
roses. A poetic or imaginative comparison [LW].
Similitude Noun. [Latin similitudo.] Likeness; a person or thing resembling another in
nature, qualities, or appearance; a counterpart or double; an image or visible resemblance; an
imaginative likening, as an allegory or parable [LW].
Examples
Romans 5:14
them that had not sinned after the similitude [homoiomati *
(ooiooi] of Adams transgression
*dative, singular of homoioma (ooioo)], properly, that which is
conformed or assimilated; form, shape, figure, likeness, resemblance,
similitude [H].
Romans 6:5 in the likeness [homoiomati (ooiooi)] of his death.

= SYMBOL AND SYMBOLIC
Definition Symbol Noun. [Latin, symbolum, <from Greek symbolon, a symbol, from
symballo, to infer, conclude sym, for syn, with and ballo, to throw or put.] Something
standing for or calling up something else, especially a concrete object which stands for an
intangible object or idea; a character, letter, or cipher which by convention or arbitrary usage
has come to represent something else, as the name of a chemical element; an image which
embodies a web of interrelated meanings or which evokes a complex of emotions; [LW].
Symbolic Adjective. Pertaining to a symbol or symbols; of the nature of a symbol;
representative; grammar formerly, denoting a class of words expressing relation, as
pronouns or prepositions [LW].
Examples
Acts 4:15
they conferred among themselves. [conferred sunebalon (ouvt tiov),
which is the 3
rd
person, plural, aorist 2, indicative, active, of sumballo
(ouoiio) from which our English word symbol is derived (H)].
Others forms of sumballo (ouoiio) are found in the following verses
showing the way it is translated in each.
Luke 2:19 and pondered.
Luke 14:31 to make war.
Acts 17:18 encountered.
Acts 18:27 helped.
23

Acts 20:14 met with.
It appears to be a Greek word that intends to convey a sharing of thoughts or
of help by conversation or by deed. Thus a symbol in English is a form of
communication.
For comparison, Rogets Thesaurus gives as synonyms for symbol the
following words under Indication: sign, index, indicant, indicator;
symbol, emblem, token, symptom, signal, mark, earmark, badge, stamp,
signature, note, figure, cipher, type; image, picture, allegory; representation,
representative; totem, totem pole or post; poster, signboard [Rogets
#566.2].
In the New Testament the words translated from the Greek semeion
(ottiov) and semaino (onoivo) which, synonymous with symbol, are:
sign, miracle, wonder, signify, signifying, and signified. Examples are found
in the following scriptures:
Matthew 12:38, 39; 16:1, 3, 4; 24:3, 24, 30
Acts 2:19; 4:16,22,30
Romans 4:11
John 12:33; 18:32; 21:19
Acts 11:28; 25:27
Revelation 1:1

= TROPES, TROPOLOGY
Definition Trope Noun. [French trope, from Greek tropos, a trope or figure, a turn,
from trepo, to turn.] Rehtorical, a word or expression intentionally used in a different sense
from that which it ordinarily possesses; a figure of speech [LW].
Tropology Noun. [Late Latin, tropologia, from Greek tropologia, from tropos, trope, and
logia, from legein, speak.] The use of tropes or figures of speech in speech or writing; a
treatise on tropes or figures of speech; the use of a Scripture text so as to give it a moral
interpretation or significance apart from its direct meaning [LW].
Examples
Matthew 23:37
how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as [tropon
(poov), the accusative singular of tropos (poo), (H)] a hen gathereth
her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
2 Thessalonians 2:3
Let no man deceive you by any means [tropon (poov), the accusative
singular of tropos (poo), (H)]: for that day shall not come, except there
come a falling away first
The word tropos, in its various forms, and translated variously: even as, as, manner,
way, means, and conversation. Examples are found additionally in the following
scriptures:
Luke 13:34
Acts 1:11; 7:28; 15:11; 27:25
Romans 3:2
Philippians 1:18
2 Thessalonians 3:16
Hebrews 13:5
Jude 7


24

= TYPES, TYPIFY, AND TYPICAL
Definition Type Noun. [Latin typus, from Greek typos, impression, image, figure, form
model, type, from typtein, strike.] A kind, class, or group as distinguished by a particular
character; a representative or typical specimen; a person or thing embodying the
characteristic qualities of a kind, class, or group; as, the athletic type; the standard or model.
Theology, a prefiguring symbol, especially an Old Testament even prefiguring a New
Testament event. [LW].
Typical Adjective. [New Latin typicalis.] Of the nature of or serving as an emblem;
symbolic; of the nature of or serving as a representative specimen; conforming to some type;
characteristic [LW].
= Typify Verb transitive typified, typifying. To represent by a type or symbol; pre-figure; signify;
symbolize; to constitute or serve as the typical specimen of; to exemplify [LW].
Examples
Romans 5:14
Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had
not sinned after the similitude of Adams transgression, who is the figure
[Greek tupos] of him that was to come.
The word tupos is translated variously as shown in the following scriptures:
John 20:25 print (two times).
Acts 7:43 figures.
Acts 7:44 fashion.
Acts 23:25 manner.
Romans 5:14 figure.
Romans 6:17 form.
1 Corinthians 10:6 examples.
1 Corinthians 10:11 ensamples.
Philippians 3:17 ensample.
1 Thessalonians 1:7 ensamples.
2 Thessalonians 3:9 ensample.
1 Timothy 4:12 example.
Hebrews 8:5 pattern
1 Peter 5:3 ensamples.

= ABBREVIATIONS and BIBLIOGRAPHY
H The Analytical Greek Lexicon, Publishers: Harper & Brothers and Samuel Bagster and
Sons, Limited.
KJV The King James Version, Presentation Reference Edition. Cambridge University
Press, The Queens Printer.
LW The Living Webster Encyclopedic Dictionary of the English Language.
NE The New Englishmans Greek Concordance and Lexicon.
Roget Rogets International Thesaurus, Third Edition.


Ron Rankin
Begun November 5, 2003
Completed December 24, 2003


25

IS THE BIBLE CRYPTIC?

WHAT DOES CRYPTIC MEAN?
Cryptic, adjective, [Late Latin crypticus, < Greek krypticos, < kryptein, hide.]
Hidden; secret; occult; indicating the use of code or cipher; zoological fitted for
concealing [The Living Webster Encyclopedic Dictionary of the English Language].

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT THIS MATTER?
Hidden
Kruptos [|puo] adjective, concealed, hidden, secret [The New
Englishmans Greek Concordance and Lexicon].
Matthew 6:4
- That thine alms may be in secret; and thy Father which seeth in
secret himself shall reward thee openly.

Mark 4:22
- For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested: neither
was anything kept secret [apokrupto, oo|pu o], but that it
should come abroad.

1 Corinthians 4:5
- Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come,
who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and
will make manifest [phaneros, ovtpo] the counsels of the
heart: and then shall every man have praise of God.

2 Corinthians 4:2
- But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not
walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God
deceitfully; but by manifestation [Phanerosis, ovtpooi] of
the truth commending ourselves to every mans conscience in
the sight of God.

1 Peter 3:4
- But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not
corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit,
which is in the sight of God of great price.

John 18:20
- Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught
in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always
resort; and in secret have I said nothing.




26

Secret, Not Revealed
Musterion [uonpiov] noun, neuter, mystery, secret, unrevealed [The New
Englishmans Greek Concordance and Lexicon].
Ephesians 1:9
- Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according
to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself.

1 Corinthians 15:51
- Behold, I shew you a mystery, We shall not all sleep, but we
shall all be changed.

Revealed
Apokalupto [oo|oiu o] verb, to uncover, to disclose [The New
Englishmans Greek Concordance and Lexicon].
Ephesians 3:3-5
- How that by revelation [Apokalupto, oo|oiuo] he made
known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in
the mystery [musterion, uonpiov] of Christ) Which in other
ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now
revealed [oo|oiuo] unto his holy apostles and prophets
by the Spirit.

Phaneros [ovtpo] adjective, visible, manifest [The New Englishmans
Greek Concordance and Lexicon].
1 Corinthians 4:5
- Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come,
who both will bring to light the hidden [kruptos, |puo]
things of darkness, and will make manifest [phaneros,
ovtpo] the counsels of the heart: and then shall every man
have praise of God.

Phanerosis [ovtpooi] adverb, openly, publicly, clearly [The New
Englishmans Greek Concordance and Lexicon].
2 Corinthians 4:2
- But have renounced the hidden [kruptos, |puo] things of
dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of
God deceitfully; but by manifestation [phanerosis,
ovtpooi] of the truth commending ourselves to every
mans conscience in the sight of God.

BIBLICAL CONCLUSIONS
1. The current modern definition of cryptic is often concerned with the hidden things
that are especially involved with the occult and the mystical. Cryptic does mean
hidden and is sometimes used with regard for messages hidden by codes.

27

2. The Word of God cannot be classified as occult or cryptic in that sense. Jehovah has
revealed truth rather than hidden it. Things not understood, such as resurrection to
immortality and incorruptibility, are explained, made known, for the understanding of
all who will believe. He provides light rather than darkness [John 3:18-21].

3. Satan blinds and hides the truth: If the gospel be hid, it is hid [kalupto, |oiuo, to
cover, conceal (N.E.)] to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath
blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of
Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them [2 Corinthians 4:3, 4].

4. Jesus openly taught truth, saying, I am the way, the truth, and the life [John 14:6].

5. Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare it? I have shewed thee new
things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them [Isaiah
48:6].


Ron Rankin
February 2, 2005
























28

SYMBOLS

+ DEFINITION and EXTRA-BIBLICAL EXAMPLES of SYMBOLS

Symbol = [Latin symbolum, from Greek symbolon, a symbol, from symballo, to infer, conclude
sum, for. syn. with, and ballo, to throw or put.] Something standing for or calling up
something else, especially a concrete object which stands for an intangible object or idea; a
character, letter, or cipher which by convention or arbitrary usage has come to represent
something else, as the name of a chemical element; an image which embodies a web of
interrelated meanings or which evokes a complex of emotions
2


Fylflot or Swastika
3

- A cross with equal arms, the ends of which are bend backward
counterclockwise.
- The extensions of the arms of the cross are rudiments of the circle which
originally surrounded the cross, in the fylfots earliest manifestation, as a
symbol of the sun.
- This design is one of the earliest known symbols to have been made by man,
and one of the most widespread among primitive peoples.
- It is found in all the continents except Australia, and is the symbol of all sun-
gods, from, Apollo and Odin to Quetzalcoatl.
- It still survives as a religious symbol in India among the Buddhists and Jains,
and in China and Japan, as well as among the Indian tribes of North America
which continue the practice of aboriginal religion and medicine.
- The fylfot is the ancestor of many decorative motifs, from the classic Greek
meander to more elaborate forms.
- Its most recent European use as a symbol was the German hakenkreuz, or
swastika, the emblem of anti-Semitism since 1918, and established as the
national symbol of Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler.
- The Nazi swastika, however, was designed with arms bent clockwise.

A Ship
4

- The symbol of Paris, an island city, is a ship. And the symbol of Warsaw,
also an inland city, is a mermaid.




2
The Living Webster Encyclopedic Dictionary of the English Language
3
Funk & Wagnalls Encyclopedia, 1952, Volume 15, Page 5438, Fylfot
4
Boyds Column, by L. M. Boyd, The Wenatchee World, Page 23, Tuesday, June 3, 1997
29

Symbol
5

- For Symbol, the encyclopedia says to see Creeds. Under Creeds, we find the
following information.
- Creeds, detailed confessions of Christian doctrine, are called in German
Symbolik.
- Concerning summaries of Christian belief; summaries that were used for
candidates for baptism under the form of Traditio Symboli.
- The writing of Professor Heurtly concerning creeds is called Harmonia
Symbolica (1858).
- The creed called Athanasian is called the Athanasian Symbol.

+ BIBLICAL SYMBOLS
The Greek word sumballo [ouo iio], from which our English word symbol comes
through Latin, is used in the New Testament.
It is defined verb, literally, to throw together; (a) active, to discuss, confer; (b) to
reflect, consider; (c) to encounter, confront; (d) middle, to contribute, help, assist.
6

The Scriptures where sumballo used are:
Luke 2:19
- and pondered (them) in her heart
Luke 14:31
- to make war (literally, to encounter in war) against another king
Acts 4:15
- they conferred among themselves
Acts 17:18
- and of the Stoicks, encountered him
Acts 18:27
- helped them much which had believed
Acts 20:14
- And when he had met with us at Assos

+ CONCLUSION
Considering the word symbol, as we use it today, in the light of its etymology
7
, it is
simply a way of conveying information in representative language, by signs, or by
action.
In the Bible, sumballo also conveys messages in these different ways.


Ron Rankin
November 30, 1992; Updated June 3, 1997; and April 21, 2008

5
Encyclopedia Brittanica, Ninth Edition, Volume XXII, Page 849, 1877, Symbol ; Volume VI, Page 494ff, 1877,
Creeds
6
New Englishmans Greek Concordance and Lexicon
7
Etymology = the study of and history of words
30

THINKING IN A BOX

> WHAT IS A BOX
- This is a metaphor for a pattern of thought that is constrained by such things as
traditions; everyone believes or thinks that; cultural practices; etc.
- This pattern of thinking in a box must be broken in order that an inventor can think
beyond the parameters that tend to stifle inventive thinking.
- Are there any legitimate box-like ways of thinking?
Yes, especially in understanding the Bible, for an example; incontrovertible
facts that cannot be changed. Such things include the rules of language, the
science of hermeneutics, and logic.
As in the various forms of mathematics, there are specific rules that govern
the operation and our understanding for each: arithmetic, calculus, algebra,
trigonometry, geometry, etc.
Languages change as the speakers of language break the rules, and continue to
do so, until the rules for that language are modified or changed completely
over time. However, for any given point in time, there are some inflexible
rules. This is not, and cannot be true of the various fields of mathematics.
Logic, our English word, comes to us from the Greek word Logos. Logic
the science of formal reasoning, using the principles of valid inference; a
system of reasoning or argumentation; the system or principles of reasoning
applicable to a particular branch of knowledge or study; convincing force; as,
the irresistible logic of facts; the apparently unavoidable cause and effect
relationship of events leading to a particular conclusion; reason or sound
sense, as in speech or action.
8

Isaiah 1:16-18
Job 13:3
1 Samuel 12:6,7
- Matters that pertain to God, however, are governed by Him; therefore there are parameters in
religious matters that He has set.
Social and cultural practices of mankind and religious traditions that man has
developed become illegitimate boxes for religious thought.
Mark 7:1-13








8
Logic = The Living Webster Encyclopedic Dictionary of the English Language.
31

> HOW TO GET OUT OF THE BOX
- The answer to getting of the man-made boxes that govern mans thinking is, first, to
listen to the counsel of God.
- Then there is the need to challenge the man-made boxes and be governed only by
those given to us in the wisdom and counsel of God.
- Can we find our way?
With determination and the help that He has promised.
Ecclesiastes 7:24,29
Hebrews 1:1-3
1 Peter 1:1-4
James 1:5,6
Proverbs 1:1-9


Ron Rankin
January 2, 2008
























32

DEBATE, ARGUMENT, DIALOGUE and PERSUASION
A Bible Study Outline

For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man,
and able also to bridle the whole body. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth
great things. Behold, now great a matter a little fire kindleth! the tongue can no man
tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison [James 3:2-8].

= DEBATE and ARGUMENT
Romans 1:28-32
Did not like to retain God in their knowledge.
Being filled with all unrighteousness debate without understanding.
As stated by a professor of linguistics of Georgetown University:
The argument culture urges us to approach the world and the people in it
in an adversarial frame of mine. It rests on the assumption that opposition is
the best way to get anything done [page 3, The Argument Culture: Moving
From Debate to Dialogue by Deborah Tannen].
The argument culture, with its tendency to approach issues as a polarized
debate, and the culture of critique, with its inclination to regard criticism and
attack as the best if not the only type of rigorous thinking, are deeply rooted in
Western tradition, going back to the ancient Greeks [page 257, Ibid].
One reason so many teachers use the debate format to promote student
involvement is that it is relatively easy to set up and the rewards are quick and
obvious: the decibel level of noise, the excitement of those who are taking
part. Showing students how to integrate ideas and explore subtleties and
complexities is much harder. And the reward is quieter but more lasting
[page 257, Ibid].

= DIALOGUE
Matthew 15:19
Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts.
Thoughts in this verse is dialogismos in the Greek NT. See definition
below.
Philippians 2:14
Do all things without murmurings and disputings.
Disputings = dialogismos.
1 Kings 18:21; Joshua 24:15
Between two opinions.
Exchange of opinions or search for the truth?
Dispassionate comparison of fact.
Acts 26:14-18-28,29
Pauls ministry.
To turn from darkness to light, from the power of Satan unto God.
That they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among
them which are sanctified by faith.
33

Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

= GODLY PERSUASION
2 Timothy 2:23-26
Avoid foolish and unlearned questions.
The servant of the Lord must not strive.
In meekness instructing.
If God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the
truth.
1 Corinthians 3:5-7-10
Planting and watering.
God that giveth the increase.
Labourers together with God.
A wise master-builder.
1 Thessalonians 2:14
The word of God not as the word of men effectually worketh also in
you that believe.
John 7:14-18
Use the word of God not ones own words.
Isaiah 1:18; 43:25-27; 1 Samuel 12:7
Submit to Gods reasoning, not ones own.
Revelation 2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22
Listen to what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

= RAILING SPEECH
Mark 15:29 blasphemeo [ioonto], see definition below.
Luke 23:39 blasphemeo [ioonto], see definition below.
1 Corinthians 5:11 loidoros [ioiopo], see definition below.
1 Timothy 6:4 blasphemia [ioonio], see definition below.
2 Peter 2:11 blasphemos [ioonoo], see definition below.
Jude 9 blasphemia [ioonio], see definition below.

= THE WORD OF GOD PROVIDES ADVICE CONCERNING SPEECH
Colossians 4:5,6
Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt.
Mark 9:50
If the salt have lost its saltiness wherewith will ye season it?
Colossians 3:16
Teaching and admonishing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Proverbs 25:11
A word fitly spoken.
Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turneth away wrath.
1 Peter 3:8, 9
34

Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing [loidoria (ioiopio), see
definition below]: but contrariwise, blessing.

1 Peter 2:23
When Jesus was reviled [loidoreo, (ioiopto), see definition below], he
reviled not again.

1 Kings 18:24-28,36,37
Contrast the manner of communication:
They called on he name of Baal. They cried aloud and cut
themselves with knives till the blood gushed out.
Elijah came near and said, Jehovah God of Abraham let it be
known this day that thou are God in Israel Hear me O Jehovah, hear
me, that this people may know that thou art Jehovah.

James 4:11
Speak not evil.

Colossians 3:12,13
As the elect of God, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind,
meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another and forgiving one another, if
any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

= DEFINITIONS
Blasphemeo Verb. To speak evil of, to slander, blaspheme [NE].
Blasphemia Noun. Blasphemy, vilification, slander [NE].
Blasphemos Adjective. Scurrilous, blasphemous, slanderous [NE].
Debate v.i. debated, debating. [Old French debatre (French debattre), batre,
beat, English bate.] To engage in discussion, esp. in a legislative or other public
assembly; to deliberate or consider. v.t. To dispute about, discuss or argue, as a
question, in a public assembly; to deliberate upon or consider. n. Contention by
argument; discussion; a discussion, esp. of public question in an assembly;
deliberation or consideration [LW].
Dialogue n. [French dialogue, < Greek dialogos, dialogue, < dialegomai, to
dispute.] A conversation between two or more persons; a formal conversation in
theatrical performances; a composition in which two or more persons are represented
as conversing on some topic; a frank exchange of ideas or views on a specific issue in
an effort to attain mutual understanding [LW].
Dialogue as used in the Bible
Dialogomai [ioityooi] verb, to say thoroughly; i.e. discuss [NE].
Dialogizomai [ioioyi Cooi] noun, masculine, inward reasoning, thought,
questioning, doubting [NE].
Loidorew Verb. To revile [NE].
Loidoria Noun, feminine. Reviler, slanderer [NE].
Loidoros Noun, masculine. Reviler, slanderer [NE].
35

Rail and Railing Verb intransitive. [French railler, to banter; > Late Latin
radiculare, > Latin radere, to scrape.] To utter reproaches; to use insolent and
reproachful language; to scold [LW].

= ABREVIATIONS AND BIBLIOGRAPHY
esp. especially.
Ibid ibidem (Latin), in the same place.
LW The Living Webster Encyclopedic Dictionary of the English Language.
NT New Testament.
v.i. verb intransitive.
v.t. verb transitive.
< from.

Ron Rankin
December 19, 2003

















36

THE BIBLES SELF-INTERPRETATION

g BIBLICAL INSTRUCTION
4 Listen and Hear
- What is Said
- What is not Said
- Be very Careful to Not Make Assumptions
- Never Declare a Conclusion without Consideration of all the Pertinent Information
- Scriptures that Speak to These Statements
Proverbs 1:5, 8
Proverbs 8:33
Proverbs 13:1
Proverbs 15:31, 32
Proverbs 18:13
Proverbs 22:17
Proverbs 23:19
Ecclesiastes 5:1
Ecclesiastes 7:5
Matthew 13:9, 13-23, 43
Acts 13:44, 48
Acts 28:26-28
Romans 10:14, 17, 18
1 Corinthians 14:21
Galatians 3:2, 5
Ephesians 1:13
Ephesians 4:29
2 Timothy 2:14
Hebrews 2:1
Hebrews 5:11
Hebrews 13:15, 16
James 1:19
Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29
Revelation 3:6, 13, 20, 22
Revelation 13:9
Revelation 22:17, 18

4 How do the Biblical Writers/Speakers Explain
- With Illustrations [Biblical are sufficient]
- With Reference to other Scriptures
- By Speaking Contextually
- By Understanding the Words Used as Defined by the Scriptures
9

- Scriptures that Speak to These Statements
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Hebrews 12:1
Matthew 22:29-32
Hebrews 11:1 the word faith defined
Hebrews 11:2-40 the context explains faith

9
Words not defined by the Scriptures should be defined by the appropriate Lexicons of the Hebrew and Greek
languages. Modern definitions and usages are probably not appropriate and may be mis-leading.
37

Romans 1:16
Romans 10:18-21

4 Comparison of Scriptures
- Comparison of the Previously Secret in Context with the Revealed
- Remember that There are no Private Interpretations
- Scriptures that Speak to These Statements
Hosea 2:23 and Isaiah 65:1 compared with 1 Peter 2:10; Romans 16:25, 26
and Ephesians 3:1-9
Genesis 12:3 compared with Galatians 3:8
1 Corinthians 2:9, 10 compared with Isaiah 64:4 and 1 Peter 1:10-12
2 Peter 1:19-21
1 Corinthians 14:29-32 and 1 Corinthians 2:12, 13 declare a correlation of
the prophets and a comparison of spiritual things with spiritual things

4 Extra-Biblical Evidence
- Biblical History and Archaeology Compared may shed some Corroborating Light
- History as a fulfillment of the Prophecies of Scripture
- Scriptures that Speak to These Statements
Daniel 2:1-49

g It All Begins With
- Devotion to Jehovah, acceptance of his word and will, with a desire to listen to Him with joy;
and to follow the example of Jesus in these things.
. Scriptures that Speak to These Statements
Matthew 26:39
Acts 13:22
Matthew 5:48
1 Peter 1:14-17
Romans 15:7-13


Ron Rankin
June 19, 2008








38












39

REVELATION THE BOOK

4 Revelation = a revealing.
The same word is used to describe the return of Jesus. It literally means an
uncovering or unveiling.
1 Peter 1:13
Luke 17:30
2 Thessalonians 1:7
Revelation is one means by which God has spoken to mankind.
Hebrews 1:1,2 explains, God who at sundry times and in divers manners
spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days
spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by
whom also he made the world.
10

Specifically, the source and manner of the Revelation was from God,
11
through Jesus,
and by the Angel to John.
Significant are the following scriptures both from within the Revelation and is
consistent with other books of the Bible.
Revelation 1:1,2
Revelation 22:8,9
Deuteronomy
Proverbs 30:5
Not handling the word of God deceitfully ---
Because the prime source of this book that any worship should be directed to
Jehovah. The angel gave this direction in the form of a commandment.
Revelation 22:8,9
- And I John saw these things and heard them. And when I had heard
and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which
shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not:
for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and them
which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.






10
All quotations in this study will be from the King James Version except that other translations may be used for
comparative study.
11
God = whom we know to be Jehovah, the Creator; see Isaiah 44:24 and 45:18. Throughout this Bible study I may
often use his name instead of the appellation of God. On occasion I may use the Tetragrammaton YHWH which has
been translated into English as Jehovah. This gives evidence of the scriptural distinction between Jehovah the
Father, and Jesus the Son.
40

The significance of this book of Revelation is at least fivefold.
Revelation 1:3
- Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this
prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the
time is at hand.
1. By reading, hearing and keeping the words of it, a blessing
may be obtained. In other words, Listen to me and you will
receive blessing.
Revelation 3:6 and 22:17,18
- He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the
churches.
- The Spirit and the bride say, Come say come, Come. And let him
that heareth say, Come For I testify unto every man that heareth the
words of the prophecy of this book
2. It is a commanding invitation to hear the Spirit, which in fact
comes from Jehovah. Then is the command to carry the same
invitation to others persons. Those who hear the bride, who is
the body of Christ, are also invited to listen.
Revelation 22:16
I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the
churches
3. This is the testimony of Jesus; testimony is the supporting word
of a witness.
12

Revelation 22:18,19
If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the
plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away
from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his
part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the
things which are written in this book.
4. A curse attends the changing of this book by adding to it or
taking from it. Note Gods attitude toward changing His word
in the passages listed above.
Revelation 22:20
He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

12
Testimony of Jesus = Jesus is called a witness in Revelation 3:14. It is translated from the Greek word martus
from which we drive our word martyr. Though we often use martyr has come to mean, in English, one who has
given his life for his witness, though death is not a prerequisite to being a witness, suffering and tribulation are
sufficient. The Greek word martus is defined as,
41

5. The testimony [Greek = marturia, opupio] of the church is
the teaching and preaching of the word, the Gospel, indeed
every word that has proceeded out of the mouth of God.
Matthew 28:19,20
Matthew 4:4
Acts 20:25-27
2 Timothy 2:2

There is a pattern, or natural outline, of the Revelation. Though many of the visions
may form a complete message in themselves, they are not a series of disconnected
and unrelated vision. Nor are they divorced in understanding from the rest of the
Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments. The pattern may be outlines in general
terms that are designated as Seven Church; a Throne Scene; Seven Seals; Seven
Trumpets; Interim Visions; Seven Angels with Vials; The Great Whore; Vision of the
King of Kings; Vision of the Millennium and Judgment; and Vision of the New
Heaven and New Earth.

It seems obvious that the purpose of the Book became, and is, the obligation of the
Church to read and to testify concerning its contents. Especially since it tells of
things to soon come to pass. A benefit is always reaped by adherence to the words of
God. This benefit includes a direct relation to the return of Jesus and the promises, as
well as signifying things that would be fulfilled in events leading up to that time.
Revelation 22:6-10
- And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord
God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the
things which must shortly be done.
- Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the
prophecy of this book.
- And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard
and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which
shewed me these things.
- Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant,
and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings
of this book: worship God.
- Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at
hand.


Ron Rankin
Circa 1966
Updated December 29, 2007
42

A Note from the Diaglott, by Benjamin Wilson

The Revelation is not found in the Vatican Manuscript, 1209, therefore the Various Readings, are
taken from Dr. Birchs Collation of the Vatican Manuscript, 1160, of the eleventh century.
Where these readings agree with the three oldest Uncial Manuscripts they are respectively
marked as follows: A Codex Alexandrinus, probably of the 6
th
century; B = Codex Vaticanus,
written about the end of the seventh century or beginning of the eighth; C = Codex Ephraemi
Rescriptus, No. 9, probably of the fifth century. A few corroborative Readings, otherwise
marked D = Codex Sinaiticus, will be given the very ancient Uncial, discovered by Dr.
Tischendorf, probably of the same date as Vatican Manuscript, 1209.

Vatican Manuscript, No. 1160 No title is given in this Manuscript; C has Revelation of John.
The Greek word Apocalypse has been adopted for the title.

















43
















44

THE GOSPEL IN SIMPLICITY

Revelation 1:1-3; 22:6-10

Simplicity
2 Corinthians 1:12
- The testimony of our conscience in simplicity and godly sincerity
Romans 12:5-8
- Impart with simplicity

Heresy brings Confusion, Controversy, Complexity
1 Timothy 1:19,20
- Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some have put away
concerning faith have made shipwreck.

Tolerance
Matthew 10:15; 11:20-24; Mark 6:11; Luke 10:10-16
- More tolerable
13
for the land Sodom and Gomorrha, Tyre, Sidon, than
for Chorazin, Bethsaida, Capernaum, and other cities, in the Day of
Judgment.
- Paul Harvey said about tolerance, It has wrongly led people to listen
politely and tolerantly to everyone else views but have none of their
own.
Romans 11:22
- Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which
fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his
goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
Ephesians 4:2
- Forbearing [tolerating, suffering with, bear with
14
] one another in
love. This is an expression and characteristic of love.





13
Tolerable = tolerance means neither forgiven of sins, nor saved from sin. Five times the Greek word anektoteron
[ovt|otpov. an adjective, comparative , nominative, neuter, singular, of anektos, ovt|o and is defined simply
as tolerable ] is so translated in the New Testament. Tolerable, an English adjective is defined as capable of being
borne or enduring, sufferable; moderately good or agreeable; passable [The Living Webster Encyclopedic
Dictionary of the English Language]. It does not mean righteous.
14
Forbearing = the Greek word is anechomai, ovtyooi, is the verb form of the adjective anektos.; see the
preceding footnote. Anechomai, in 15 times in the New Testament, is defined as to endure, to bear with; properly to
hold oneself up.
45

Colossians 3:13
- Forbearing one another and forgiving one another.
- Forbearance is not soft on sin, but it is loving and forgiving, and, like
tolerance, always stands for the truth. It never abides false teachings.

Gospel Simplicity in the book of Revelation
Acts 24:24, 25
- concerning faith in Christ he reasoned of righteousness,
temperance, and judgment to come
Revelation 2:2,9,19; 3:1-3,8,15-19
- I know thy works
Revelation 11:18
- the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou
shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints,
and them that fear thy name,
Revelation 20:11-15
- the first resurrection. the rest of the dead and I saw the dead
stand before God were judged according to their works


Ron Rankin
April, 1961 and August, 1962













46

BY HIS ANGEL
Revelation 1:1
A Bible Study Outline

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things
which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant
John [The King James Version
15
].

Ao|oiui Inoou Xpioou. nv to|tv ouo o Oto tiEoi oi
Apokalupsis Iesou Christou hen edoken auto ho Theos deixai tois
A revelation of Jesus Christ, which gave to him God, to show to the
A revelation of Jesus Anointed, which gave to him the God, to point out to the

ouioi ouou. o ti ytvtooi tv oyti. |oi
doulois autou, ha dei genesthai en tachei kai
slaves of him, things which must occur with speed; and
bond-servant of himself the things it behooves to have done with speed, and

tonovtv oootiio io ou oyytiou ouou o ouio
esemanen aposteilas dia tou aggelou autou to doulo
he signified sending through the angel of him to the slave
he signified having sent by means of the messenger of himself to the bond-servant

ouou Ioovvn.
16

autou Ioanne,
17

of him, John,
18

of himself, John;
19


4 The above Greek text is shown here with an interlinear translation is for you to have a sense
of the Greek text in English.




15
The King James Version is used here, but you may compare the translation that you may be using.
16
The Greek text used here is the Textus Receptus, Scrivener edition. It is the same in the United Bible Societies
Greek New Testament as well as the Dr. J. J. Griesbach Greek Text used by Benjamin Wilson in the Emphatic
Diaglott.
17
The line immediately below the Greek script is a transliteration of the Greek script into the English alphabet for
your ease in reading.
18
The first line of the interlinear in English is the translation of Jay P. Green, Sr., as published in the Interlinear
Bible, Hendrickson Publishers.
19
The second line of the interlinear in English is the translation of Benjamin Wilson in the Emphatic Diaglott.
47

+ WHO IS THE ANGEL IN REVELATION 1:1?
The Greek word that is translated angel in this verse in the King James is
oyytiou [aggelou].
It is simply a word that means messenger in English. The etymology of our English
word angel is from the Middle English which is from the Old French angele or Old
English engel; they are from the Late Latin word angelus which was derived from the
Greek angelos, messenger.
It is the context in which it is used that we must determine our understanding; that
determination is also with comparison of pertinent scriptures.
Revelation 22:6,8,9,16
And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the
Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants
the things which must shortly be done.
And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard
and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which
shewed me these things.
Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant,
and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings
of this book: worship God.
And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this
book: for the time is at hand.
I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the
churches
Revelation 3:5
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I
will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his
name before my Father, and before his angels.
Luke 12:8
Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him
shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God.
Matthew 18:10
Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto
you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my
Father which is in heaven.
Hebrews 1:2-7,13,14
Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son when he had by
himself urged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on
high
For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son,
And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his
ministers a flame of fire.
48

But to the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I
make thy enemies thy footstool?
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who
shall be heirs of salvation.
20

Throughout the Revelation, other angels figure prominently in the things
which this angel shewed unto John.

+ ALSO REGARDING GODS MINISTERING SPIRITS
4 Not all messengers are necessarily from heaven and the presence of God.
Matthew 11:7-15
Jesus called John, the Baptist, a prophet and messenger [oyytio].
Luke 7:19-24
The disciples of John were also called messengers [oyytio].
James 2:25
The men of Israel that came to Rahab in Jericho were called
messengers [oyytio].
2 Samuel 2:5-7
David sent messengers [malak, N"C]
21
to the men of Jabesh-gilead
to announce the death of Saul and Davids succession to the throne of
Israel.

4 Gods messengers from heaven are sometimes called men and sometimes described
as looking like men.
Genesis 32:24-32 and Hosea 12:2-4
Jacob wrestled with a un-named man, identified as an angel [malak,
N"C] by the prophet Hosea.
Judges 13:3-21
The angel [malak, N"C] of Jehovah appeared unto the wife of
Manoah, the mother of Samson.
His countenance was like the countenance of an angel [malak, N"C].
The angel [malak, N"C].of Jehovah ascended in the flame of the
altar and did not again appear to Manoah and his wife.


4 Though angels are sometimes called men in the scriptures, the difference between
men and the angels of God is striking.
Luke 20:34-36 and 1 Corinthians 15:20-23,51-54

20
See also Psalm 34:7.
21
Malak is the Hebrew equivalent of the Greek aggelos.
49

In the resurrection of Gods people at the return of Jesus, they will
become immortal; nether can they die any more: for they are equal
unto the angels, being the children of the resurrection.

+ COULD THE ANGEL OF REVELATION 1:1 BE THE HOLY SPIRIT?
4 The Holy Spirit [pneuma hagion, vtuo oyiov]
And the angel answered and said unto her, the Holy Ghost [pneuma
22
hagion,
vtuo oyiov] shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall
overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee
shall be called the Son of God [Luke 1:35].
The Holy Spirit is equated here with the power of the Highest, Jehovah, thus
Jesus was being born of a woman, was the only begotten Son of God. Adam
was created by the power of Jehovah from the dust of the earth [Genesis 2:7].
The Holy Spirit of God is intimately a part of the nature of Jehovah His
power and His influence.
He gave Jesus, His Son, spirit without measure according to John 3:34.
He gives His people the earnest [a small amount according to His will] of the
Spirit, according to 2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5; and Ephesians 1:14.
We are expected to produce the fruit of that Spirit according to Galatians
5:22-26.
If that Spirit, that raised Jesus from the dead, dwell in us he will raise us up
in the resurrection when he quickens our mortal bodies by his Spirit;
according to Romans 8:5-11-25 and Philippians 3:20,21.
Genesis 1:1-31; Psalm 33:6; Isaiah 44:24
As the spirit of God moved on the face of the waters, Jehovah proceeded
with the creation.
By the word of Jehovah were the heavens made; and all the host of them by
the breath of his mouth.
Thus saith Jehovah
23
, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the
womb, I am Jehovah that maketh all things; that stretcheth for the heavens
alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself.
Spirit in the Old Testament is the Hebrew word ruach [`] and is the
equivalent to the Greek pneuma [vtuo]. Ruach is defined as wind.
24


22
Pneuma = is translated in the King James Version, ghost (2 times); Ghost (with Holy, 89 times); life (1 time,
meaning breath); spirit (151 times, meaning breath); Spirit (137 times; including with Holy, 4 times); spiritual gift (1
time, meaning spirit); wind (1 time); spiritually (1 time, meaning of the Spirit) [Index-Lexicon to the New
Testament, in Youngs Analytical Concordance to the Bible].
23
The Hebrew Text reads YHWH [``] which, in English, is translated Jehovah, as in Psalm 83:18. Most often,
however, in the King James Version it is translated LORD (in capital letters). Bibles in some language do correctly
translate YHWH as Jehova, such as in Spanish, and in some of the Philippine languages. YHWH [``] is commonly
called the Tetragrammaton by scholars and scholarly works.
24
Ruach is translated in the King James Version, air (1 time); anger (1time); blast (4 times); breath (28 times); cool
(1 time); courage (1 time); mind (5 times); quarters (1 time); side (6 times); spirit (232 times); tempest (1 time);
50


+ IN CONCLUSION
4 The Holy Spirit is neither person nor angel, but the power of the Highest, Jehovah Almighty.
4 This brief study outline may be followed with continued feeding and feasting on the word of
God by which we must live. Hear what the Spirit saith, for the Spirit and the bride say, Come
[Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22; 22:16, 17].


Ron Rankin
January 10, 2008



















wind (90 times); vain(2 times); windy (1 time) [Index-Lexicon to the New Testament, in Youngs Analytical
Concordance to the Bible].
51

SHORTLY COME TO PASS
Revelation 1:1

REVELATION 1:1
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants
things which must shortly come to pass

oo|oiui Inoou Xpioou. nv to|tv ouo o to. tiEoi
a revelation of Jesus Christ, which gave to him -- God, to shew

oi ouioi ouou. oi ti ytvtooi tv oyti. |oi
to the slaves of him, things which must occur with speed; and

tonovtv oootiio io ou oyytiou ouou o ouio
he signified sending through the angel of him to the slave

ouou Ioovvn
25

of him, John
26



SHORTLY
. Tachei [oyti]
' noun, dative, singular of tachos [oyo], quickness, speed, used as the phrase
en tachei [tv oyti] as an adverb, quickly, shortly

. Scriptures where used in the New Testament for comparison:
Acts 18:8 arise up quickly [literally, in speed]
Acts 22:18 get thee quickly out of Jerusalem
Acts 25:4 would depart shortly
Romans 16:20 bruise Satan under your feet shortly
Revelation 1:1 shortly come to pass
Revelation 11:6 which must shortly be done

. Note that the shortness or quickness may be relative to, and in conjunction with, the
events of the context
Revelation 1:19
Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and
the things which shall be hereafter



25
Textus Receptus, Scrivener Edition
26
The Interlinear Bible, Jay P. Green Sr. translator and editor
52

Revelation 4:1
After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and
the first voice which I hears was as it were of a trumpet talking with
me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which
must be hereafter.


Ron Rankin
December 24, 2008

































53

SIGNIFIED
A Bible Study Outline

REVELATION 1:1
things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it

Esemanen [tonovtv]
Verb, 3
rd
person, singular, aorist, indicative of semaino [onoivo]
27

To indicate by a sign, to signal

Semaino [onoivo]
John 12:33 signifying what death he should die
John 18:32 signifying what death he should die
John 21:19 signifying by what death he should glorify God
Acts 11:28 and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth
Acts 25:27 to signify the crimes laid against him

Semeion [ontiov]
In the New Testament 77 times and translated as follows:
- Miracle 22 times
- Sign 51 times
- Token 1 time
- Wonder 3 times
A few of the verses:
Matthew 16:1, 3, 4 sign or signs (5 times)
Matthew 12:38, 39 sign (4 times)
Matthew 24:3, 24, 30 sign and signs (3 times)
Revelation 12:1, 3 wonder
Revelation 13:13, 14 wonders and miracles
Revelation 15:1 sign
Revelation 16:14 miracles
Revelation 19:20 miracles

The visions of Revelation are intended to give signs, to signify, the things that must shortly
come to pass; thus providing the blessing of a road map of signs to John and all who will
listen and hear what the spirit saith unto the churches.

Ron Rankin
January 16, 2008

27
The root word is word sema (ono), a sign, mark. The noun, neuter = semeion (ontiov), a sign, mark. One
time the verb semeuoo, (ontioo) is used, translated note in 2 Thessalonians 3:14.
54

SYMBOLIC LANGUAGE IN REVELATION
Revelation 1:1

Symbolic use of words and terms, often mixed with the literal, and scriptural precedence
- The earth the kingdoms of men
- Hail, fire and blood = storm = war blown by wind (as in the winds of war)
Psalm 83:1-13-15, 116
Isaiah 28:2
Ezekiel 38:9
- The sea the people of the earth
Revelation 13:1
- The rivers major rivers of the empire, sites of defeat
Revelation 16:12, both literal and symbolic.
- The sun, moon, and stars the light of the times and the empire; the heads of empire
Genesis 37:9
Jude 12, 13
- Mountains political powers, kingdom or kingdoms
Isaiah 2:1-4
Micah 4:1-4
Daniel 2:35, 44, 45
Psalm 30:7
Isaiah 65:25


Ron Rankin
July 3, 2002
















55

ORACLE OF THE REVELATION
Revelation 1:2

REVELATION 1:2
Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all
things that he saw.

4 WHAT IS AN ORACLE OF GOD?
logion [ioyiov] in the New Testament Greek
logion finds its roots in lego [ityo]
lego = to lay, to arrange, to gather; to say; to speak, to make an address or speech
logion = an oracle, a divine communication or revelation

4 LOGION IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
Acts 7:38
This is he [Moses], that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel
which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with the fathers: who received the
lively oracles to give unto us.

Romans 3:2
Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them [the Jews, verse 1] were
committed the oracles of God.

Hebrews 5:12; 6:1
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach
you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are
become such as have need of milk, and not of meat.
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto
perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works,
and of faith toward God.

1 Peter 4:11
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let
him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be
glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and
ever. Amen.

A few conclusions from these verses
The oracles are the words of the God, Jehovah
Moses was given, and spake, those words
Jesus was commanded and spake those words
All of the followers of Jesus and worshippers of Jehovah are commanded to
speak the same, as the oracles of God, as conveyers of the word.
John 12:49, 50
] this commandments is life everlasting
56

John 7:16-18
] he that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory
I Corinthians 2:1-7
] your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the
power of God

4 THE CONSISTENCY OF THAT WORD, ITS POWER UNTO SALVATION
Matthew 4:4
man must live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God

Acts 20:26, 27
Declare the whole counsel of God or face the possibility of being guilty of the
blood of any man

John 6:63
my words, they are spirit and they are life

I Thessalonians 2:13
when ye received not the word of men, but the word of God as the word of
truth it effectually worketh also in you that believe

4 SELF EXAMINATION SCRIPTURES, A PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
Matthew 25:14, 16, 24, 25
Romans 12:1-8


Ron Rankin
December 24, 2008
















57

BLESSED IS HE
A Bible Study Outline

REVELATION 1:3
Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep
those things which are written therefore: for the time is at hand.

WHAT MEANETH BLESSED?
Makarios [o|opio] is the word in Greek.
Happy, blessed, an adjective.
28

The same word is used in the Beatitudes of Jesus Sermon on the Mount,
among other places; it is translated blessed 43 times and happy 6 times in the
New Testament.
29

For comparison the verb is makarizo [o|opiCo], is used only 2 times [Luke
1:48, shall call me blessed and James 5:11, count them happy]; and the noun,
masculine, is translated blessedness 3 times [Romans 4:6, 9; Galatians 4:15].

REVELATION 14:13
And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write Blessed are the dead which
die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their
labours; and their works do follow them.

REVELATION 16:15
Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest
he walk naked, and they see his shame.

REVELATION 19:9
And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage
supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

REVELATION 20:6
Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second
death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign
with him a thousand years.


28
See the following lexical references = The Analytical Greek Lexicon, published by Bagster & Sons Limited,
London; The New Englishmans Greek Concordance and Lexicon, Wigram-Green, published by Hendrickson
Publishers, Peabody, Massachusetts; and Analytical Concordance to the Bible, Robert Young, LL.D., published by
Wm B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
29
Matthew 5:3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11; 11:6; 13:16; 16:17; 24:46; Luke 1:45; 6:20, 21, 22; 7:23; 10:23; 11:27, 28;
12:37, 39, 43; 14:14, 15; 23:29; John 13:17; 20:29; Acts 20:35; 26:2; Romans 4:7, 8; 14:22; 1 Corinthians 7:40; 1
Timothy 1:11; 6:15; Titus 2:13; James 1:12, 25; 1 Peter 3:14; 4:14.
58

REVELATION 22:7
Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this
book.

REVELATION 22:14
Blessed are they that do his commandments; that they may have right to the tree of
life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

ACTION
Reads, hears, and keeps the words of this prophecy
Die in the Lord
Watches for the coming of the Lamb
Righteousness of the saints; arrayed in fine linen
Have part in the first resurrection
Keep the sayings of the prophecy this book
Do his commandments

BLESSING
Rest from their labours
Called into te marriage supper of the Lamb
On such the second death hath no power
Shall be kings and priests and reign with him a thousand years
Right to eat of the tree of life in the paradise of God
May enter into the city

A STUDY CHALLENGE
Read the other scriptures of the New Testament to determine the relationship of this life to
the promised blessings. [See the scripture-list in the footnote in page one].
How do these things relate to ones relationship with Jehovah? With His Son?


Ron Rankin
January 25, 2008






59

WOE or BLESSING
Notes for Bible Study

WOE
Isaiah 5:18
Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart
rope.

Isaiah 5:20
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light and light
for darkness: that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!

Isaiah 5:22
Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong
drink!

Matthew 18:7
Woe unto the world because of offences.
Woe to that man who whom the offence cometh.

THE BLESSED
Psalm 1:1-6
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of
sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight is in the law of Jehovah; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his
season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the
righteous.
For Jehovah knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Matthew 5:3-12
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil
against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they
the prophets which were before you.

October 24, 1945
Lyle Rankin
60

FAITHFUL WITNESS
A Bible Study Outline

REVELATION 1:5
- Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness
- Inoou Xpioou. o opu o ioo
- Iesou Christou, ho martus
30
ho pistos
- Jesus Christ, the witness the faithful

WITNESSES IN THE REVELATION
Revelation 2:13
and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denieth my faith, even in
those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among
you, where Satan dwelleth.
Revelation 3:14
These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning
of the creation of God.
Revelation 11:3
And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a
thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
Revelation 17:6
And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the
blood of the martyrs of Jesus

A GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES
Acts 10:39
we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews,
and in Jerusalem; whom they hanged on a tree.
Acts 22:15
For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.
1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also
called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
Hebrews 12:1
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of
witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset
us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
Ron Rankin
January 11, 2008

30
Witness = Greek, martus, opu, a witness, a testifier, a martyr [The Analytical Greek Lexicon, Samuel Bagster
and Sons, Limited, London]
61

FIRST BEGOTTEN FROM THE DEAD
A Bible Study Outline

REVELATION 1:5
And from Jesus Christ the first begotten of the dead

Colossians 1:15, 18
the firstborn of every creature:
the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Revelation 3:14
the beginning of the creation of God.

1 Corinthians 15:20, 23
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christs
at his coming.

Philippians 3:20, 21
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the
Lord Jesus Christ.
Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body,
according to the working whereby he his able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Romans 8:11
But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he t hat
raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that
dwelleth in you.



Ron Rankin
January 11, 2008








62

PRINCE OF THE KINGS OF THE EARTH
A Bible Study Outline

REVELATION 1:5
- Jesus Christ the prince of the kings of the earth.
- ... Inoou Xpioou . ... opyov
31
ov ooiitov
32
n yn

CHRIST
Anointed to be King
33

Psalm 2:2
John 18:36, 37
- To be king, but not from hence, not from this time forward; even until now
the kings and kingdoms are of this world [kosmos, |ooo, the arrangement,
beauty, of this world, or society of this time, order.
34
Properly
35
, order,
regular disposition.
Sits on His Throne of the Kingdom in His Day
Matthew 25:31
Psalm 2:8, 9
1 Timothy 6:14-16
Davids Throne
- Anointed to be King by Samuel the Prophet
1 Samuel 16:1-13
- Sits on His Throne of the Kingdom, the Throne of Jehovah
2 Samuel 2:1-4
2 Chronicles 29:23

THE KINGDOM OF JEHOVAH AND OF HIS CHRIST
Daniel 2:43-45
Psalm 2:6-8
Isaiah 11:1-16
Jeremiah 23:5-8
Ron Rankin
January 11, 2008

31
first one, ruler [New Englishmans Greek Concordance and Lexicon]; it is
translated variously as ruler and prince as well as in context as a leader. In Revelation 1:5, the King James
translators chose prince. In fact, Jesus is as a Prince, the one in waiting to be successor to the throne.
32
royal, regal; by metonymy possessed of high prerogatives and distinction
[The Analytical Greek Lexicon, Samuel Bagster and Sons Limited, London].
33
Now Jesus is Head of the Body, which is the Temple of God, in which Jesus is also the Mediator, High Priest;
Anointed to be King when he returns. He is called captain in Hebrews 2:10 [archegos, opynyo, chief leader
(Youngs Analytical Concordance to the Bible); or a chief, leader, prince (The Analytical Greek Lexicon, Samuel
Bagster and Sons Limited, London)].
34
Kosmos = definitions from Youngs Analytical Concordance to the Bible and Strongs Exhaustive Concordance
of the Bible.
35
The Analytical Greek Lexicon, Samuel Bagster and Sons Limited, London.
63

THE BLOOD OF THE COVENANT
A Bible Study Outline

REVELATION 1:5
Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.
Him that loved us = John 3:16-18, For God so loved
Washed us from our sins = Acts 22:16, arise, and be baptized, and wash
away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
His own blood, the blood of his son = 1 Peter 1:2, Elect through
sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of
Jesus

+ Hebrews 13:20
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great
shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant.
+ Hebrews 9:16,22
For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.
without shedding of blood there is no remission.
+ Galatians 3:3-9,14-17
being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a
tree. That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ;
Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. and to thy seed, which
is Christ. the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ,
+ Romans 15:8,9
Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God,
to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: And that the Gentiles might glorify
God for his mercy
+ Matthew 26:28
For this is the blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission
of sins.
+ Revelation 7:14
made white in the blood of the Lamb.
+ Revelation 12:11
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their
testimony [marturia, opupio]; and they loved not theirs unto death.


Ron Rankin
January 11, 2008


64

REVEALED PRESENCE
Revelation 1:7

REVELATION 1:7
Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which
him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

iou . tpytoi to ov vttiov. |oi otoi ouov
Behold, He comes with the clouds, and will see him

o ooio. |oi oiivt ouov tEt|vnoov |oi |oovoi
every eye, and those who Him pierced, and will wail

t ouov oooi oi uioi n yn. voi. onv.
36

due to Him all the tribes of the earth. Yes, Amen.
37


HE COMES
] erchetai [tpytoi]
verb, indicative, present, 3
rd
person, singular of erchomai [tpyooi]
to come, to go, to pass = of itself erchomai does describe the circumstances of
the coming, going, or passing; specific context and comparison of scriptures
gives us a greater understanding
] specific context explain that this coming is visible, seen by all people of the earth
] Jesus coming is displays his visible presence to all; it is certainly not an invisible,
unseen presence

SCRIPTURES TO COMPARE
Colossians 3:4
When Christ shall appear [phanerothe ovtpon ], then shall ye also
appear [phanerothesesthe ovtponotot] with him in glory.
- phanerothe = verb, subjunctive, aorist, passive, 3
rd
person, singular of
phaneroo [ovtpoo], whose root is phaino [oivo]
- phanerothesesthe = verb, indicative, future, passive, 2
nd
person, plural
of phaneroo [ovtpoo], whose root is phaino [oivo]
- phaino = to cause to appear, bring to light, absolute to shine
- phaneroo = to bring to light, to set in a clear light; to manifest,
display; to reveal; to present to view
when Christ appears visibly, revealed, his people will also appear visibly,
revealed, glorified



36
Textus Receptus [Scrivener Edition]
37
The Interlinear Bible, Jay P. Green, Sr. Translator/Editor
65

I Peter 5:4
When the chief Shepherd shall appear [phanerothentos ovtpotvo] ye
shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away
- phanerothentos = verb, participle, aorist, passive, genitive, masculine,
singular of phaneroo [ovtpoo], whose root is phaino [oivo]
- see definitions of phaino and phaneroo under Colossians 3:4
glorification of the resurrected saints occurs when Jesus appears visibly again

I Thessalonians 4:15, 16
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and
remain unto the coming [parousian opouoiov] of the Lord shall not prevent
them which are asleep.
For the Lord shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the
archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.
- parousian = noun, genitive, singular of parousia [opouoio] of the
root pareimi [optii]
- pareimi = to be beside, to be present, to be come
- parousia = presence, a coming, arrival
The coming of Jesus will be a visible presence to all, seen and heard by all

I Corinthians 15:22, 23
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are
Christs at his coming [parousia opouoio ].
- parousia = noun, dative, singular of parousia
- see definition above under I Thessalonians 4:15, 16
When Christ comes, visibly present, the dead in Christ shall arise.

. This documentation is only partial; further study reveals that all the words used to describe
the coming of Jesus show that the events associated with his presence also are associated
with his revelation, unveiling, manifestation, being seen by all the world.


Ron Rankin
December 24, 2008










66

I AM THE ONE
A Bible Study Outline

Revelation 1:8
- o Kupio. o ov |oi o nv |oi o tpyotvo.
38

- the Lord, the being, and who was, and (is) coming,
39


- o ovo|poop
- the Almighty

ov
- A verb of existence, being, from eimi [tii ], I.
- Verb, participle, present, active, nominative, masculine, 2
nd
person, singular
40

- Note that this is a participle describing an on-going existence.

nv
- A verb of existence, being, from eimi [tii ], I.
- Verb, indicative, imperfect, active, third person, singular
41


tpyotvo
- Is coming.
- Verb, participle, present, nominative, masculine, singular
42


Revelation 4:8
- Kupio o Oto o ovo|poop. o nv |oi
- Lord God, the Almighty, the (One who) was and

- o ov |oi o tpyotvo
- is and (is) coming

Revelation 1:4
4 oo ou o ov |oi o nv |oi o tpyotvo
4 from the (One), who was and who is coming


38
This Greek text is that of the Textus Receptus, Scrivener Edition, for all passages in this study outline
39
The interlinear translation is that of the Interlinear Bible, Jay P. Green, Sr. translator, for all passages in this study
outline
40
Analytical Concordance to the Greek New Testament, Lexical Focus, Edited by Philip S. Clapp; Barbara Friberg;
and Timothy Friberg; Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan
41
Ibid
42
The Analytical Greek Lexicon, published by Samuel Bagster and Sons, Limited, London
67

+ The Lord God Almighty [Jehovah] = The One who was existing, the One who is existing,
and the One who is coming.
- The Originator of the Revelation He gave it to His Son, His faithful and true
witness. It was subsequently given by Jesus to his angel who gave it to the disciple
and apostle, John.
Psalm 90:1, 2
Jehovah, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed
the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting thou art
God.
Isaiah 45:18
- For thus saith Jehovah that created the heavens; God himself that
formed the earth and made it he hath established it, he created it not in
vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am Jehovah; and there is none
else.
Psalm 48:1, 2
- Great is Jehovah, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in
the mountain of his holiness.
- Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on
the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
Psalm 132:13, 14
- For Jehovah hath chosen Zion; he hath desire it for his habitation.
- This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desire it.
John 14:23
- Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my
words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him and
make our abode with him.
Revelation 21:2-4
- And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God
out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
- And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle
of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his
people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
Job 19:25-27
- For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter
day upon the earth:
- And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh
shall I see God.
- Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not
another; thou my reins be consumed within me.
68

Revelation 22:4
- And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
2 Peter 3:13, 14
- Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a
new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
- Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent
that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.


Ron Rankin
January 12, 2008






























69

JOHN COMPANION
A Bible Study Outline

REVELATION 1:9
- 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.

COMPANION
sugkoinos [ouy|oivovo] = joint-partaker; co-sharer
1 Corinthians 9:23
- And this I do for the gospels sake, that I might be partaker thereof
with you.
Philippians 1:7
- ... inasmuch as both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation
of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
Ephesians 5:11
- And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness

TRIBULATION
Acts 14:22
- We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God
John 16:33
- In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome
the world.
Romans 5:2, 3
- Rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
- And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation
worketh patience.

KINGDOM
James 2:5
- Hearken hath not God chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs
of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
1 Corinthians 4:8
- Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I
would to God that ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.
John 18:36
- My kingdom is not of this world
Ron Rankin
January 11, 2008

70

PATMOS AND JOHN
Revelation 1:9-11
A Bible Study Outline

PATMOS
43

An island in the Aegean Sea; part of the Sporades group that lies off the coast of Asia
Minor. It is about 28 miles south of Samos.
44

It is ten mile long and six miles wide at the broadest point, with an irregular sea coast;
about 25 square mile in area.
It is volcanic origin, rocky with volcanic hills up to 800 feet altitude; it is almost
treeless having once been with woods, including palms for which the Italian name
Palmessa at one time; by 1885 only one remained and a few specimen of olive,
mulberry, fig, orange, lemon, carob, cypress, oak, and pine, and on the barren hills
scrubby bushes and clumps of thyme.
Its most ancient name seems to have been Phora.
The Romans often banished exiles to the isles.
Tradition says that Emperor Domition banished John to Patmos is 95 A.D. for
eighteen months, during which period John received The Revelation.
A cave near La Scala, the chief city on the harbor, is thought to be where John lived.
During the Middle Ages the island was almost deserted; today it has a population of
3,000 to 4000 Greeks. At one time it may have had 12,000 to 13,000 inhabitants.
On the hill above La Scala are the massive remains of the citadel.
It was under Turkish control until 1912; it has since belonged to Italy and is known as
Patino, and has been so-called by the natives.

JOHN
Son of Zebedee and brother of the Apostle James, who was put to death by Herod
Agrippa I about A.D. 44 [Matthew 4:21 and Acts 12:1, 2]. Zebedee, John, and James
were fisherman [Mark 1:19, 20].
It is thought that he probably ministered to the churches of Asia.
John was the beloved disciple [John 21:20-24]; died circa 96 A.D.


Ron Rankin
February 8, 2008



43
Patmos = Lorman M. Peterson, in Zondervans Pictorial Bible Dictionary, edited by Merrill C. Tenney and The
Encyclopedia Britannica, Ninth Edition, Volume XVIII, 1885, Page 418
44
Samos = a small island nine miles off the coast of Lydia in Asia Minor, a few miles S.W. of Ephesus, and about
seventy-two miles in circumference; noted for its worship of Juno, its valuable pottery, and as the birthplace of
Pythagoras [Youngs Analytical Concordance to the Bible, by Robert Young]; Acts 20:15.
71

THE FIRST AND THE LAST
Revelation 1:11

tyo tii o A |oi o 1. o poo |oi o toyoo [TR-Scr]
I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last [KJV]

This phrase is not found in the following manuscripts:
- The Greek New Testament, United Bible Societies, 1966.
- The Greek New Testament, Dr. J. J. Griesbach, Leipzig, 1805.
- The Greek New Testament, Dr. M. A. Scholz, Leipzig, 1830-1836.

In the following scriptures it is Jehovah that makes the statement of Himself
Isaiah 41:4
- Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the
beginning? I am Jehovah, the first, and with the last; I am he.
Isaiah 44:6
- Thus saith Jehovah the King of Israel, and his redeemer Jehovah of
hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.
Isaiah 48:12
- Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the
first, I also am the last.
Revelation 1:8
- I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord,
which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
45

Revelation 22:13
- I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the
last.
+ This statement is made in the firm context of verses 6 and 9.
- The Lord God
46
of the holy prophets sent his angel
to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly
be done.
- worship God.
47


Ron Rankin
January 4, 2008

45
Lord Almighty = this Is not only reminiscent0 of, but identical to, Elohim Shaddai of the Old Testament, who
identified Elohim Shaddai as Himself, Jehovah in Exodus 6:3.
46
Lord God = repeatedly used in the Old Testament, for example: O YHWH [Jehovah] El in Psalm 94:1,
translated O Lord God. And, in Exodus 10:3, YHWH [Jehovah] Elohim translated the LORD God.
47
Worship God = As Jesus told the Devil, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy
God, and him only shalt thou serve [Matthew 4:10]; as he quoted Deuteronomy 6:13, Thou shalt fear Jehovah thy
God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.
72

EPHESUS
48

A Bible Study Outline

Q REVELATION 1:11, 20; 2:1
What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in
Asia; unto Ephesus.
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven
golden candlesticks.
The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches:
And the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the
seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden
candlesticks.

EPHESUS
Ephesus, a very ancient city on the west coast of Asia Minor. It was situate on some
hills which rose out of a fertile plain near the mouth of the river Cayster, while the
temple and precincts of Artemis, or Diana, to the fame of which the town owed much
of its celebrity, were in the plain itself, at the distance about a mile. The situation of
the city was such as at all times to command a great commerce. Of the three great
river basins of western Asia Minor, those of the Hermus, Cayster, and Maeander, it
commanded the second, and had ready access by easy passes to the other two, besides
being the natural port and landing-place for Sardes, the capital of the Lydian kings
[The Encyclopedia Brittanica, Ninth Edition, Volume 8, 1878].

WHAT BECAME OF EPHESUS
Ephesus stood about 35 miles (56 kilometers) south of modern Izmir, Turkey; having
been founded by colonists from Athens in the early 1000,s B.C.
The Temple of Artemis [Diana, to the Romans] was one of the Seven Wonders of the
Ancient World.
Ruins of the great theater remain.
Remains exist of the great marble street of the Arkadians at Ephesus, which ran from
the theater to the harbor.
The Persians conquered Ephesus in the 500s B.C. In the 300s B.C. it was a trading
and banking center under the Greeks.
It had been a seaport city, built at the mouth of the Cayster. The harbor had already
begun to silt in by the time of the apostles. Tacitus tells of an attempt to improve the
seaway in A.D. 65, but the effort proved futile. Twenty miles of reedy marshland
now separate the old harbor works from the sea and even in Pauls day the process
was under way.
49

Ephesus had displaced Miletus as a trading port, but when its harbor like that of
Miletus, in turn silted up, Smyrna re0oaced b9th as the outlet both as the outlet and
emporion of the Maeander valley trade-route.
50


48
See Ephesus, City of Diana in Chapter Two
49
Ibid.
50
Ibid.
73

Ephesus was looted by the Goths as they invaded and participated in the crumbling of
the Empire, as well as later by the Arabs and Turks, and finally by the Mongols in
1403.
51

The city was abandoned, and Ephesus lay deserted until archaeologist uncovered it
in the late 1800s.
52



Ron Rankin
June 15, 2002
Updated February 1, 2008































51
The World Book Encyclopedia, 1976, Volume 6, Page 262
52
Ibid.
74

SMYRNA
A Bible Study Outline

Q REVELATION 1:11, 20
What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in
Asia; unto Smyrna
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven
golden candlesticks.
The seven stars which are the angels of the seven churches.
And the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

SMYRNA
Smyrna, in ancient times one of the most important and now by far the greatest of
the cities of Asia Minor, has preserved an unbroken continuity of record and identity
of name from the first dawn of history in the present time. The favorable situation
of Smyrna on the path of commerce between Lydia and the west raised it during the
7
th
century to the height of power and splendor. It lay at the eastern end of an arm of
the sea, which reached far inland and admitted the Greek trading ships into the heart
of Lydia. One of the great trade routes which cross Anatolia from east to west
descends the Hermus valley past Sardis, and then diverging from the valley passes
south of Mount Sipylus and crosses a low pass into the little valley, about 7 miles
long and 2 broad, where Smyrna lies between the mountains and the Sea
[Encyclopedia Brittanica, Ninth Edition, Volume 12, 1887]

RELATIONS WITH SARDIS AND ROME
- Smyrna had been destroyed by the Lydians in 627 B.C. and reduced it to a small village as it
remained for three centuries. It was rebounded rapidly after Alexander the Great captured
Sardis in the middle of the fourth century B.C.
- At the end of the third century B.C. Smyrna and Sardis united in defence against Antiochus
the Great.
- Smyrna petitioned Tiberius for permission to build a temple to his deity in A.D. 26.
53

- Permission granted, they built the second Asian temple to Tiberius. They had worshipped the
Roman power since 195 B.C. hence there developed a Caesar-cult in Smyrna.

POLYCARP
- Polycarp was bishop of Smyrna; he claimed that he was so established by the Apostles.
Polycarp was born, of Christian parents, circa 30 years before the end of the first century.
- The Apostle John was the only one he could have known, as Tertullian surmises. He lived to
the age of 86; he died for his faith circa 156 A.D.
54

- In his letter, epistle, he often used the Old Testament, contrasted with Clement of Alexandria
who rarely did. Polycarp uses language of the New Testament of Paul, though not directly
quoting Paul. He is silent about episcopacy while Ignatius speaks much about it.
- He wrote a letter to the church at Philippi at their request.
Ron Rankin
June 15, 2002
Updated February 2, 2008

53
Recorded by Tacitus, Ann. 4.56
54
Polycarps death is estimated at 156 A.D. by the United Bible Societies according to their Greek New Testament.
75

PERGAMOS
A Bible Study Outline

Q REVELATION 1:11, 20
What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in
Asia unto Pergamos ...
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand,
The seven stars which thou sawest are the angels of the seven churches.
And the Seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

PERGAMOS
Pergamum, an important city of Teuthrania, district in Mysia; it is usually name
Pergamon [Pergamon] by Greek writers, but Ptolemy has the form Pergamos
[Pergamos]. The name, which is related to the German burg, is appropriate to the
situation on a lofty isolated hill in the broad and fertile valley of the Caicus, about
120 stadia, less than 15 miles, from its mouth. Under the Roman Empire
Pergamum was one of the chief seats of the worship of Asclepius; invalids came from
distant part of the country to ask advice from the god and his priests. The temple and
the curative establishment of the god were situated outside the city. Pergamum was
one of the early seats of Christianity, and one of the seven churches enumerated in the
Revelation was situated there. Two tributaries of the Caicus, named Selinus and
Cetius, flowed through or near the city. The ancient name is still preserved under the
form Bergamo [Encyclopedia Britannica, Ninth Edition, Volume 18, 1885].

The serpent, and its relationship to the Caesar-cult worship, was illustrated by the
representative image with a staff in one hand and the other on the head of a serpent.
Emperor Caracalla (A.D. 211) is shown on one coin saluting a serpent twined round a
bending sapling. There was a throne-like altar to Zeus on the crag above the city. In
a representation of the conflict of the gods
55
and the giants, the giants are depicted as
monsters with snake-like tails. Zeus was worshipped as the Saviour.
56



Ron Rankin
June 15, 2002
Updated February 2, 2008







55
See Addenda The Gods.
56
E. M. Blaiklock, Litt.D., Professor of Classics, University College, Auckland, New Zealand, in his documentation
of Pergamos in The Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary, Page 636; General Editor Merrill C. Tenney, Dean of the
Graduate School of Theology, Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois; Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids,
Michigan, 1963.
76

THYATIRA
A Bible Study Outline

Q REVELATION 1:11, 20
What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in
Asia; unto Thyatira
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand.
The seven stars which thou sawest are the angels of the seven churches.
And the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

THYATIRA
Thyatira was a city in the province of Asia on the boundary of Lydia and Mysia.
Thyatira has no illustrious history, and it is scarcely mentioned by ancient writers.
Coinage suggests that, lying as it did on a great highway linking two river valleys,
Thyatira was a garrison town over long centuries. Its ancient Anatolian deity was a
warlike figure armed with a battle-axe and mounted on a charger. An odd coin or two
shows a female deity wearing a battlemented crown.
The city was a center of commerce, and the records preserve references to more
trade-guilds than those listed for any other Asian city. Lydia, whom Paul met in
Philippi, was a Thyatiran seller of turkey red, the product of the madder-root (Acts
16:14).
It is curious to find another woman, nicknamed after the princess who sealed Ahabs
trading partnership with the Phoenicians, leading a part of compromise in the
Thyatiran church (Revelation 2:20,21). Necessary for guild membership in a trading
community must have strengthened temptation to compromise. Thyatira played no
significant part in the later history of the Church.
57


A city in the province of Asia, on the boundary of Lydia and Mysia. Thyatira has no
illustrious history, and is scarcely mentioned by ancient writers. Coinage suggests
that, lying as it did on a great highway linking two river valleys, Thyatira was a
garrison town over long centuries.
Its ancient Anatolian deity was a warlike figure armed with a battle-axe and mounted
on a charger. An odd coin or two shows a female deity wearing a battlement crown.
The city was a center of commerce, and the records preserve references to more
trade-guilds than those listed for any other Asian city. Lydia, whom Paul met in
Philippi, was a Thyatiran seller of turkey red, the product of the madder-root (Acts
16:14).







57
Halleys Bible Handbook, 24
th
Edition, page 698
77

It is curious to find another woman, nick-named after the princess who sealed Ahabs
trading partnership with the Phoenicians, leading a part of compromise in the
Thyatiran church (Rev. 2:20, 21). Necessity for guild membership in a trading
community must have strengthened temptation to compromise. Thyatira played no
significant part in the later history of the church.
58



Ron Rankin
June 29, 2002
Updated February 2, 2008

































58
E. M. Blaiklock, Litt.D., Professor of Classics, University College, Auckland, New Zealand, in his documentation
of Thyatira in The Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary, Page 852; General Editor Merrill C. Tenney, Dean of the
Graduate School of Theology, Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois; Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids,
Michigan, 1963.

78

SARDIS
A Bible Study Outline

Q REVELATION 1:11, 20
What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in
Asia; unto Sardis
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand,
And the seven stars which are the angels of the seven churches.
The seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

SARDIS
Sardis, the capital of the kingdom of Lydia, the seat conventus under the Roman
empire, and the metropolis of the province of Lydia in later Romans and Byzantine
times, was situated in the middle Hermus valley, at the foot of Mount Tmolus, a steep
and lofty spur of which formed the citadel. It was about 20 stadia (2 miles) south
of the Hermus. The earliest reference to Sardis is in the Persae of Aeschylus (472
B.C.); in the Iliad the name Hyde seems to be given to the Maeonian (i.e. Lydia)
chiefs, and in later times Hyde was said to be the older name of Sardis, or the name of
its citadel. It is, however, more probably that Sardis was not the original capital of
the Maeonians, but that it became so amid the changes which produced a powerful
Lydian empire in the 8
th
century B.C.
The city, but not the citadel, was destroyed by the Cimmerians in the 7
th
century,
by the Athenians in the 6
th
, and by Antiochus the Great in the 3
rd
century; once at
least, under the emperor Tiberius, it was destroyed by an earthquake; but it was
always rebuilt, and continued to be one of the great cities of western Asia Minor till
the later Byzantine time.
Its importance was due, first to its military strength, secondly to its situation on an
important highway leading from the interior to the Aegean coast, and thirdly to its
commanding the wide and fertile plan of the Hermus. The early Lydian kingdom was
far advanced in the industrial arts, and Sardis was the chief seat of it manufactures.
The most important of these trades was the manufacture and dyeing of delicate
woollen stuffs and carpets.
The ruins of Sardis, so far as they are now visible, are chiefly of the Roman time;
but probably few ancient sites would more richly reward the excavator with remains
of all periods from the early pre-Hellenic time downwards. On the banks of the
Pactolus two columns of a temple of the Greek period, probably the great temple of
Cybele, are still standing. The necropolis of the old Lydian city, a vast series of
mounds, some of enormous size, lies on the north side of the Hermus, four or five
miles from Sardis, a little south of the sacred lake Coloe; here Maeonian chiefs, sons,
according to Homer, of the lake, were brought to sleep beside their mother. The
series of mounds is now called Bin Tepe (Thousand Mounds). [Encyclopedia
Britannica, 9
th
Edition, Volume 23, 1888.]



79

Sardis was the chief city of Lydia was famous for its arts and crafts, and was the
first center to mint gold and silver coinage. So wealthy were the Lydian kings, that
Croesus became a legend for riches Croesus also became a legend for pride and
presumptuous arrogance, when his attack on Persia led to the fall of Sardis and the
eclipse of his kingdom. The capture of the great citadel by surprise attack by Cyrus
and his Persians in 549 B.C., and three centuries later by the Romans The great
earthquake of A.D. 17 ruined Sardis physically and financially. The Romans
contributed 10,000,000 sesterces in relief, an indication of the damage done
[Halleys Bible Handbook, 24
th
Edition, page 698].


Ron Rankin
June 29, 2002





























80

PHILADELPHIA
A Bible Study Outline

Q REVELATION 1:11, 20
What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in
Asia; unto Philadelphia
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand.
The seven stars which thou sawest are the angels of the seven churches.
And the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

PHILADELPIA
Ala-shehr, a city of Asiatic Turkey, in the pashalic of Anatolia, 83 miles E. of
Smyrna. It is dirty and ill-built; but, standing on elevated ground, and commanding
the prospect of the extensive and fertile plan of the Hermes, presents at a distance an
imposing appearance. It is the seat of a Greek archbishop, and has five Christian
churches and fifteen mosques. The city occupies the site of ancient Philadelphia, one
of the seven churches in Asia of the Apocalypse. The ancient city, founded two
centuries B.C., was subject to frequent earthquakes. In more modern times it was
celebrated for its prolonged resistance to the Turks, who took it in 1390, after all the
other cities of Asia Minor had surrendered. Ala-Shehr has no active trade, and the
population is about 18,000.
59


Among the churches of Asia, Philadelphia is still erect, -- a column in a scene of
ruins, -- a pleasing example that the paths of honor and safety may sometimes be the
same.
60


The second city of Lydia in the W. of Asia Minor, 26 miles S.E. of Sardis, and 70
N.E. of Smyrna; it was founded by Attalus Philadelphus king of Pergamos; in A.D.
17 it was almost destroyed by an earthquake; it was taken by Bazazet I in A.D. 1390;
it is now called Allah shair, city of God, and still contains about 15,000 inhabitants,
and the ruins of many ancient churches.
61


Philadelphia = iiotitio = brotherly love.

Philadelphia, a small town in Lydia, founded in the 100s B.C. by King Attalus II
Philadelphus of Pergamum. A pagan inscription found there indicates that its people
followed a strict moral code. The town of Alasehir, Turkey, stands on the site now.
62


Ron Rankin
February 2, 2008

59
The Encyclopedia Britannica, Ninth Edition, Volume 1, Page 393, 1875
60
Edward Gibbon, who wrote in the 18
th
century, as quoted in Halleys Bible Handbook, 18
th
edition of 1948,
reprinted 1950, Page 625
61
Analytical Concordance to the Bible, by Robert Young
62
The World Book Encyclopedia, Volume 15, Page 319 1976
81

LAODICEA
A Bible Study Outline

Q REVELATION 1:11, 20
What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in
Asia; unto Laodicea.
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand,
The seven stars which thou sawest are the angels of the seven churches.
And the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

LAODICEAN HISTORY
63

At least eight cities, named Laodicea, were founded, or renovated in the Hellenic
period; most of them were founded by the Seleucid kings of Syria
64
. Laodicea is also
said to the name of the mother of Seleucus Nicator.
Laodicea, the city, was probably founded by Antiochus II Theos [261246 B.C.], and
named after his wife Laodice.
Laodicea was a banking center, and proud of its wealth; the manufacture of rich
garments of black glossy wool.
The god, Zeus [in his extended right hand holding an eagle; in the left, a spear, the
hasta pura], was a frequent symbol on its coins. Laodiceas coinage continued on to
the time of Roman Emperor Diocletian.
The great temple Men Karou, held also a great medical school, where was also made
an eye-salve.
Neighboring cities included Colossae, a few miles east and Hierapolis, six miles
north. It was about 90 miles on northward to Ephesus.
The site in the 19
th
century solitary and deserted; called by the Turks Eski Hissar
[the old castle].
It fell into decay during the time of the Turkish invaders. Frequent earthquakes have
no doubt buried much of its ruins.
An account of its ruins may be found in the works of Leake, Hamilton, Arundel,
Texier, etc., and in the drawing of Cockerell in the Antiquities of Ionia, vol. iii.


Ron Rankin
June 29, 2002
Updated February 7, 2008




63
According to both: The Encyclopedia Britannica, Ninth Edition, Volume 14, Page 293 and Halleys Bible
Handbook
64
In Daniel, chapter eleven, the kings of the north are the kings succeeding Seleucus Nicator; called the Kings of
Syria in history. Alexanders empire was divided between his four Generals: Seleucus Nicator, king of the North
[the territory now occupied by Turkey, the majority, and Syria]; Ptolemy Soter, king of the South [Egypt];
Lysimachus, king of the East, the Eastern division of the Empire [Assyria, Mesopotamia, Persia, et al.]; Cassander,
king of the West [Greece, Macedonia, Italy, et al.]
82









































83

THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF ASIA







































84

SEVEN STARS
Revelation 1:16

REVELATION 1:16
And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-
edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

REVELATION 1:20
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven
golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the
seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

MYSTERY
musterion [uonpiov]
' a matter to the knowledge of which initiation is necessary; a secret which
would remain such but for revelation
65

' The revelation here explains that the meaning of seven stars is revealed and is
no longer unknown

SEVEN STARS = SEVEN ANGELS OF THE SEVEN CHURCHES
asteras hepta [to ootpt] = aggeloi ton hepta ekklesion
[oyytioi ov to t||inoiov]
' an aster is a star, a luminous body like a star, a luminary
' a star heralded the birth of the Messiah
Matthew 2:2
' wandering stars
66
represent historical figures in the Bible who went astray
from truth and the ways of God, ultimately to go into the blackness of
darkness for ever
Jude 13
' these seven stars held in my right hand represent the angels of the seven
churches
' a separate study of stars in the scriptures is recommended for further
enlightenment concerning their creation, literal purpose, as well as how they
are sometimes used in representation as already shown above
' the aggeloi are literally messengers, more specifically the personal
messengers of Jehovah
Matthew 1:20, 24
Judges 6:11
' the aggeloi are also representatives and caretakers of Jehovahs people
Psalm 34:7
Hebrews 1:13, 14

65
The Analytical Greek Lexicon published by Samuel Bagster and Sons Limited
66
Literally asteres planetai [ootpt iovnoi wandering stars; planates from plane [iovnoi plural of
iovnn, rover, roving, a wanderer, wandering, from iovn, a wandering, deceit, deception, delusion, imposture,
fraud; from this we derive our English word planet.]
85

Daniel 3:28
Daniel 6:22
Daniel 10:10-14


SEVEN CHURCHES
hepta ekklesion [to t||inoiov]
' the ekklesion are, literally, the called out
' by application to the seven cities of Asia, it refers to the called out who lived
in those seven cities, thus we called them collectively congregations
in the study of these seven churches in Revelation chapters two and three we find that
they were in much need of heavenly help
they are also identified in the symbol of seven golden candlesticks
For more information concerning the seven golden candlesticks see the separate study
outlines:
' Seven Candlesticks Revelation 1:20
' Two Witnesses, Olive Trees, Candlesticks Revelation 11:3, 4


Ron Rankin
December 23, 2008






















86

TWO-EDGED SWORD
A Bible Study Outline

REVELATION 1:16
- And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp
67
two-
edged sword
68
: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

QUESTION
A sword is a weapon, how does it fit in the scriptures otherwise?
ANSWER
Because thinking is so often in a box, the question assumed that the sword was a weapon.
How, therefore, do the Scriptures describe this two-edged sword?
As we search the scriptures, notice that in Revelation 1:16 the sword proceeds from the
mouth.

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword
69

Ephesians 6:17
the sword of the Spirit
70
, which the word of God.
Revelation 2:12
saith he which hath the sharp with two edges.
Revelation 2:16
else I will come unto thee quickly against them with the sword
71
of my mouth.
Revelation 19:15
Out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword
72
, that with it he should smite the nations:
Revelation 19:21
And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the hose, which sword
73

proceeded out of his mouth

OBSERVATIONS from the Scriptures
As Jesus healed with the power of the word of his mouth, so shall conquer and rule by the
word of his mouth; that power is literal and the results will likewise be literally accomplished.
Ron Rankin
January 11, 2008

67
Sharp = Greek, oxus, oyu. sharp, swift, acute [Youngs Analytical Concordance to the Bible]; think, sharp like
the surgeons surgical tools, that cut cleanly, removing appropriately and cleanly that which needs to be removed
without destroying the good flesh.
68
Sword = Greek, hromphaia, pooio, a brandishing weapon, sword, sabre [Youngs Analytical Concordance to
the Bible].
69
Sword = Greek, machaira, oyoipo, fighting weapon, sword [Youngs Analytical Concordance to the Bible].
70
Sword = Greek, hromphaia, pooio, a brandishing weapon, sword, sabre [Youngs Analytical Concordance to
the Bible].
71
Sword = Ibid.
72
Sword = Ibid.
73
Sword = Ibid.
87

LIVETH AND WAS DEAD
Revelation 1:18

REVELATION 1:18
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen and
have the keys of heal and of death.

ALIVE OR DEAD, WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?
Isaiah 38:1, 11
. thou shalt die and not live
. I shall not see Jah, Jah in the land of the living of the living: I shall behold
man no more with the inhabitants of the world.

Isaiah 8:19
. should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?

Psalm 146:4
. his breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts
perish

Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10
. for the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing
. for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave,
whither thou goest

CAME INTO EXISTENCE BECAME ALIVE
Galatians 4:4
. God sent forth his Son, made of a woman
. made = genomenou [ytvotvou], verb, participle, aorist, genitive, masculine,
singular of ginomai [yivooi], to come into existence
. Jesus came into existence by means of a woman

Romans 1:3
. Concerning his son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made [ginomai, came
into existence] of the seed of David, according to the flesh

Luke 1:35
. that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God

HE DIED, PLACED IN HELL
I Corinthians 15:1, 3
. the gospel which I preached and wherein ye stand
. how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures


88

I Corinthians 15:13, 14, 17
. if there is no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen
. if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain
. if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins

Isaiah 53:10-12
. thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin
. for he shall bear their iniquities
. he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the
transgressors; and he bar the sin of many, and made intercession for the
transgressors

HE LIVES AGAIN
I Corinthians 15:20, 23
. but now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that
slept
. so in Christ shall all be made alive

Acts 13:34, 35
. and as concerning that he raised him up from the dead I will give you the
sure mercies of David
. thou shalt no suffer thine Holy One to see corruption

Psalm 16:10
. for thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One
to see corruption

Acts 2:27
. because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy
On e to see corruption

CONSEQUENCES
Because Jesus came into existence in the womb of Mary of the family of David, he
did not existence before his conception and birth
Because Jesus was a man, he was mortal and subject to the death that came upon
Adam and Eve, even all their descendants.
Jesus died as the offering and sacrifice for our sins, therefore he discontinued to live
for those three days and three nights.
If Jesus did not die but continued to live during those days then there was no offering
not sacrifice, and we are yet in our sins.
If Jesus did was not raised from the dead, we are yet in our sins.

4 ROMANS 4:20-25
He [Abraham] staggered not at the promised of God through unbelief; but was strong
in faith, giving glory to God;
89

And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;
But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus
our Lord from the dead;
Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.


Ron Rankin
December 23, 2008
































90

THE KEYS OF HELL AND OF DEATH
Revelation 1:18

REVELATION 1:18
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and
have the keys of hell and of death

KEYS
kleis [|iti]
] a key
] key used as a symbol = of power, of authority
] key used metaphorically = such as the key of entrance into knowledge

Where used in the New Testament
Matthew 16:19
Luke 11:52
Revelation 1:18
Revelation 8:7
Revelation 9:1
Revelation 20:1

Related to the word kleio [|itio], to close, shut; kleis then is that which can open,
can unlock.

HELL
hades [on]
. the abode of the dead
where used in the New Testament, and how translated
Matthew 11:23
] hell
] the English word hell, when used to translated hades, means the grave
] an example is found in the statement to hell the potatoes; thus to plant
the portion of the potato that contains the eye in the ground; as a verb
to hell means to plant in the ground
] hell then is the grave as is evidenced in the King James translation of
1
st
Corinthians 15:55; see below

Matthew 16:18
] hell
Luke 10:15
] hell
Luke 16:23
] hell
Acts 2:27
] hell
91

Acts 2:31
] hell
I Corinthians 15:55
] grave
Revelation 1:18
] hell
Revelation 6:8
] hell
Revelation 20:13
] hell
Revelation 20:14
] hell

DEATH
thanatos [ovoo]
. a noun, death
thanatoo [ovooo]
. a verb, to put to death
thanatos is translated death in the New Testament 117 times and deadly 2 times
thanatoo, in the New Testament 11 times, is translated cause to be put to death (3),
kill (2), mortify (1), put to death (4), and become dead (1)

JESUS WILL USE THE KEYS TO OPEN THE GRAVES AND TO RAISE THE
DEAD TO LIFE; THUS HIS POWER AND ABILITY TO DEAL WITH THE GRAVE
AND DEATH
the power and authority of Jesus
John 5:25-30

of the righteous
1 Corinthians 15:22, 23
] resurrection of the righteous as the return of Christ
John 5:29
Daniel 12:2
Revelation 20:6
Job 19:25-27
Psalm 17:15

of the wicked
John 5:29
Revelation 20:5, 12, 13
] resurrection of the wicked of all time in the day of judgment
] resurrection of the righteous who died during the millennium
Daniel 12:2

Ron Rankin
December 23, 2008
92

ARE THE SEVEN CHURCHES PROPHETIC?
Revelation 1:20

REVELATION 2:1 through 3:21
Primarily these are prophetic of each of the three literal churches of Asia Minor.
- They also provide lessons regarding the spiritual health of each church that
can be related to any time of the church age for lessons, similarly to the
lessons provided to the church in the history of Israel.
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
They may be also, secondarily, prophetic pictures of the age of the Church.
- We will see examples of this as we study each of the seven churches.
- Watch is the keyword for the church of this age; signs are provided for this
purpose, in events and in prophecies as they are fulfilled.
Matthew 24 through 25
Luke 21
Mark 13
Revelation 4:6

EPHESUS
Declining period, close of the Apostolic Age, 2
nd
to 3
rd
century
The church losing its prowess as a lion

SMYRNA
Persecution under the Roman Empire to about 315 A.D.
The church as a sacrificial calf

PERGAMUM
Constantine to the Papacy, 4
th
to 6
th
century
The church assuming the face of a man

THYATIRA
Papal period of persecution, 6
th
to 12
th
century
The church fleeing continued persecution as a flying eagle

SARDIS
Papal period continues, 12
th
to 16
th
century
The church continues flight from persecution



93

PHILADELPHIA
Freedom from persecution 18
th
to 20
th
centuries
The church receives help from the earth and persecution subsides

LAODICEA
Apathy beginning in the 21
st
century and to Jesus return
Even as the church endures revival of persecution

We have in the course of the above outline have covered some of the prophecies of the
Revelation detailed in chapters 6, 11, 12, 13, 17, and 18.


Ron Rankin
February 9, 2008



























94

SEVEN CANDLESTICKS
Revelation 1:20

MATTHEW 5:14, 15
74

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth
light unto all that are in the house

. The candlestick is the holder of the candle, the light.
The seven candlesticks are the seven churches, the bearers or holders of the light.
Revelation 1:12, 13
- And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw
seven candlesticks;
- And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man,
clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the papas with a
golden girdle.
Revelation 1:20
- The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my hand, and the seven
golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches:
and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
Revelation 2:1, 5
- Unto the angels of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that
holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the
seven golden candlesticks.
- Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first
works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick
out of his place, except thou repent.

Observations from the above scriptures
- Jesus is the holder of the candlesticks, being the Head of the churches.
Colossians 1:18
- And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the
firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the
preeminence.
Ephesians 5:23
- For the husband is the head of he wife, even as Christ is the head of
the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
- The churches, that fail in their responsibilities and do not overcome, are fated to have
their candlestick removed and not receive the things promised to the overcomer.
- The light would fail and thus there would be no need for the candleholder.
- There were angels provided for each church.
Psalm 34:7
- The angel of Jehovah encampeth round about them that fear him.
and delivereth them.
- Repentance and returning to the works of God were the remedies for their failings.

Ron Rankin
June 20, 2008

74
Correlating Verses = Mark 4:21 and Luke 8:16; 11:33
95

THE WORK OF THE BODY OF CHRIST
Revelation 1:20

Let Your Light So Shine Before Men
Matthew 5:16
- Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify
your Father which is in heaven.
Revelation 1:20
- The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven
golden clandlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the
seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

. We learn from the two preceding Scriptures that the work of the Body of Christ is to shed
light to the world.
Ephesians 5:8
1 Thessalonians 5:5
2 Corinthians 4:4-7
- the light of the glorious gospel of Christ
Philippians 2:15
- the sons of God ye shine as lights in the world
. The consistency of this is in the fact that Jesus, the Christ, the Head of the Body, is the Light
of the world.
John 1:8, 9
John 8:12
Acts 26:22, 23
- Shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles
Psalm 118:27


Ron Rankin
June 20, 2008
















96











97

EPHESUS, CITY OF DIANA

ACTS 19:26-41
Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus but almost throughout all Asia,
this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods,
which are made with hands:
So that not only this, our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple
of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be
destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.
And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying,
Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two
hours cried out, great is Diana of the Ephesians.
And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what
man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of
the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?
Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do
nothing rashly.
For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet
blasphemers of your goddess.
For we are in danger to be called in question for this days uproar, there being no
cause whereby we may given an account of this concourse.
And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly [t||itoi ov].

EPHESIANS 1:1
- Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus,
and to the faithful in Christ Jesus.

CIRCA FORTY YEARS LATER A LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS, THE REVELATION
DANGER SIGNS
Acts 20:17-31
- And from he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
- And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first
day that I came into Asia, after shat manner I have been with you at all seasons.
- For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among
you not sparing the flock.
- Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away
disciples after them.
- Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to
warn every one night and day with tears.
Revelation 2:1-7
I know
thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou
canst not bear them which are evil:
Romans 6:21

98

and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are
not, and hast found them liars
1 John 4:1-4
but this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans,
which I also hate
Acts 20:17-31
Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee
because thou hast left they first love
Jeremiah 2:1-5
remember from whence thou hast fallen, and repent, and do the
first works
Matthew 21:41
Galatians 5:4
Hosea 14:1
Acts 26:20
Luke 15:23, 24, 32

Ron Rankin
June 15, 2002
























99

I KNOW THY WORKS AND THY LABOUR
A Bible Study Outline

REVELATION 2:2
I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them
which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and
hast found them liars.

Thy Works and Labour
Works = ergon [tpyov] anything done, or to be done; a deed, work, action.
75

John 3:21
Galatians 6:4
2 Timothy 2:21
Labour = kopos [|oo] trouble, vexation, uneasiness, labour, travail; by
metonymy, at the fruit or consequence of labour.
76

1 Corinthians 3:8
1 Thessalonians 1:3
Revelation 14:13
Faith Work Energized by Love
Galatians 5:6
- Worketh by love energeo [tvtpyto. tv & tpyov], to effect; put
into operation; to be active.
77

Other Places in Revelation
Revelation 2:5, 9, 13, 19, 23, 26
Revelation 3:1, 2, 8, 15
Revelation 9:20
Revelation 14:13
Revelation 15:3
Revelation 18:6
Revelation 20:12, 13
Revelation 22:12


Ron Rankin
January 26, 2008




75
The Analytical Greek Lexicon, published by Samuel Bagster and Sons, Limited, London
76
Ibid
77
Ibid
100

LEGALISM A JUDGMENT?
A Bible Study Outline

WHAT IS LEGALISM?
Legalism, noun. Strict adherence, or the principle of strict adherence; salvation by good
works or strict adherence to precise religious regulations of conduct and not by grace [The
Living Webster Encyclopedic Dictionary of the English Language.].
The dictionary defines.
The word of God explains.
Persons judge.
From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence,
even of your lusts that war in your members? Speak not evil one of
another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his
brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the
law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge [James 4:1, 11].

WHAT DOES GOD REQUIRE?
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD (Jehovah) require of
thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? [Micah 6:8].
Can two walk together, except they be agreed? [Amos 3:3].
It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of
the mouth of God [Matthew 4:4, Jesus quoted from Deuteronomy 8:3].
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that
he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him [Hebrews 11:6].
Even so faith, if it hath no works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith,
and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my
works. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also
[James 2:17, 18, 26].

BY WHAT ARE WE JUDGED?
He that rejecteth me (Jesus), and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the
word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day [John 12:48].
I will give unto every one of you according to your works (Revelation 2:23].
And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his
work shall be. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to
the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city [Revelation 22:12, 14].
Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his
work [Psalm 62:12].

LAW AND RIGHTEOUSNESS
1 Timothy 1:8-10
the law is good if used lawfully.
the law is not made for a righteous man.
Romans 7:7,16
law identifies sin.
1 John 3:4
sin is transgression of law.
1 John 3:8
he that committeth sin is of the devil.

101

Romans 10:5,6
the righteousness which is of the law.
the righteousness which is of faith.
1 Corinthians 10:21
being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ.
1 Corinthians 7:23 is Christs servant [doulos, slave, not free but under bondage]
Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants [slaves] to
obey, his servants [slaves] ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of
obedience unto righteousness?
Ephesians 2:8-10
salvation is by grace through (not outside of, nor without) faith
we are created unto good works
1 Thessalonians 1:3
your work of faith
and labour of love
John 3:20, 21
light reproves evil deeds
he that doeth truth cometh to the light
in the light of truth deeds wrought in God are manifest

SOME OF THE SCRIPTURAL CRITICISMS (though not all)
Hypocrisy
James 3:17
Luke 11:44
Matthew 24:50, 51
Hold the truth in unrighteousness
Romans 1:18
Romans 2:8
2 Thessalonians 2:10-12

CAN ONE BE SAVED
by works?
Ephesians 2:9 no.
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
without works?
James 4:17 no.
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
Ephesians 2:10 no, but faith can inspire correct and good works.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto
good works, which God hath before ordained that we should
walk in them.

QUESTIONS TO PONDER IN THIS BIBLE STUDY
1. Is the purpose of commonly proposed arguments concerning, or against, legalism intended
to teach that one can be saved without ...
doing the truth?
works meet for repentance?
read Acts 26:18 to start your search for the scriptural answer.
being baptized?
2. What things are lawful or unlawful according to the New Testament in Christ?
102

3. Can you list things that are laws, commandments, or works necessary to make a living
faith in Christ?
for starters consider Galatians 6:1, 2 and Romans 8:1-4.
4. Does faith work? Find the scripture(s) which answer this question.
5. Does truth work? Find the scripture(s) which answer this question.
6. What is the relationship of grace and faith; of grace and law?
7. Can you add to this list of questions and find scriptural answers?
8. Does one find answers from God by pitting one scripture against another scripture, or by
listening to Gods word and find their harmony? Hear what the Spirit saith unto the
churches [Jesus].

Ron Rankin
September 4, 2002






























103

LEFT THY FIRST LOVE
Revelation 2:4

LOVE IN THE EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIAN SAINTS
Chapter One
that we should be holy and without blame before him in love
78
[verse 4].
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in
the beloved
79
[verse 6].
I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love [agape] unto all the
saints [verse 15].

Chapter Two
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love [agape] wherewith he
loved
80
us [verse 4].

Chapter Three
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and
grounded in love [agape], may be able to comprehend with all the saints
[verses 17,18].
And to know the love [agape] of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye
might be filled with all the fulness of God [verse 19].

Chapter Four
With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another
in love [agape] [verse 2].
But speaking the truth in love [agape], may grow up into him in all things,
which is the head, even Christ [verse 15].
From which the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that
which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure
of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love
[agape] [verse 16].





78
Love = Greek, agape [oyon], the noun, love, generosity, kindly concern, devotedness [The Analytical Greek
Lexicon, published by Samuel Bagster and Sons, Limited, London.]; The Greek word for love, phileo [iito], is
not found in this epistle.
79
Beloved = Greek, agapao [oyooo], the verb, to love, value, esteem, feel or manifest generous concern for [The
Analytical Greek Lexicon, published by Samuel Bagster and Sons, Limited, London.]
80
Ibid.
104

Chapter Five
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear
81
children [verse 1].
And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved
82
us [verse 2].
Husbands, love [agapao] your wives, even as Christ also loved [agapao] the
church and gave himself for it [verse 25].
So men ought to love [agapao] their wives as their own bodies. He that
loveth [agapao] his wife loveth [agapao] himself [verse 28].
Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love [agapao] his wife even
as himself [verse 33].

Chapter Six
Tychicus, a beloved [agapetos] brother and faithful minister in the Lord
[verse 21].
Peace be to the brethren, and love [agape] with faith, from God the Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ [verse 23].
Grace be with all them that love [agapao] our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.
Amen [verse 24].

LEFT THY FIRST LOVE
Left = aphiemi [oini]
To send away, dismiss, suffer to depart.
83

This word is translated, in the King James version, forgive 47 times, leave 52
times, and 15 other words a total of 47 times.
84

Matthew 6:12,14,15
- And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
- For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father
will also forgive you.
- But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your
Father forgive your trespasses.
James 5:15
- and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven
him.
Matthew 4:22
- And they immediately left the ship and their father, and
follow him.


81
Dear = Greek, apagetos [ooyno], agape is the noun, apagetos is the adjective, and is here translated dear; we
might translated it as beloved children instead of as dear children.
82
Loved = Greek, egapesen [nyonotv], 3
rd
person, singular, aorist 1, indicative, active of agapao [oyooo].
83
The Analytical Greek Lexicon, published by Samuel Bagster and Sons, Limited, London
84
Index-Lexicon to the New Testament in Analytical Concordance to the Bible by Robert Young
105

Matthew 24:2
- There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall
not be thrown down
It seems to have been a very serious matter that the church at Ephesus
had left their first love. It appears that they had completely forsaken
their first love.
Revelation 2:5-7
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Questions to ponder:
1. What affect does the loss of love have upon
their faith and their lives?
2. What was the remedy for their situation?


Ron Rankin
January 10, 2008

























106

THE QUALITIES OF LOVE
A Bible Study Outline

to have affection for
85
in the following scriptures:
Proverbs 10:12
- Love covereth all sins
Proverbs 15:17
- better is a dinner of herbs where love is
Proverbs 17:9
- he that covereth a transgression seeketh love
love, generosity, kindly concern, devotedness
86
and translated charity seven times in the
following scripture:
1 Corinthians 13:1-13 these are the qualities of love:
- Longsuffering
1 Corinthians 6:1-11
approving ourselves as the ministers of God by
longsuffering, by kindness
- Humility
James 4:10
humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift
you up
- Rejoices in Truth
1 Thessalonians 2:13
in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in
you that believe
- Believes
Hebrews 11:6
he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a
rewarder of them that diligently seek him
- Hope
Romans 5:1,2
Jesus Christ, by whom we have access by faith rejoicing in
the hope of the glory of God




85
To have affection for = definition given in Strongs Hebrew and Chaldee Dictionary for ahabah [Strongs number
160 from 158 and 157, the primitive root, ahab].
86
The definition for agape according to The Analytical Greek Lexicon published by Samuel Bagster, and Sons,
Limited, London.
107

- Endures
James 1:12
Blessed is the man that endureth shall receive the crown of
life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him
- Never Fails
Colossians 3:12-15
above all put on love, which is the bond of perfectness
- Greater than Faith
Galatians 5:5,6
wait for the hope of righteousness by faith faith which
worketh by love
- Greater than Hope
Romans 8:24-28
We are saved by hope all things work together for good to
them that love God, to them who are the called according to
his purpose.
- Love is Obedient
John 14:23
if a man love me, he will keep my words

Ron Rankin
January 9, 2008















108

NICOLAITANS
87

They Signify What?

REVELATION 2:6, 15
But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

HISTORICAL and BIBLICAL DATA
There was, apparently, a sect of Nicolaitans in the early days of the church, against
whom Irenaeus wrote listing them as a branch of the Gnostics.
Also Hippolytus, Epiphanius, Ignatiuis, Clement of Alexandria, Eusebius and
Theodoret wrote briefly against them and speculated as to their origin.
Little is known specifically of their doctrines and deeds.

SIGNFICANCE OF THE NAME
Nicolaitans [Ni|oioioi] Followers of Nicolas [Ni|oioo] Conqueror of the
People
Victory
1 John 5:4 Nike [vi|n] victory by metonymy
88
, a victorious principle
89

1 Corinthians 15:54-57 Nikos [vi|o] victory
90

Revelation 15:2 Nikao [vi|oo] to get victory, be invincible, conquer
91

Overcome Nikao [vi|oo] to gain the victory
Luke 11:22
John 16:33
Romans 3:4; 12:21
1 John 2:13, 14; 4:4; 5:4, 5
Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26
Revelation 3:5, 12, 21
Revelation 11:7
Revelation 12:11, 21
Revelation 13:7
Revelation 17:14
Revelation 21:7

87
See also Nicolaitans According to the Church Fathers, in the Addenda
88
Metonymy = a figure by which one word is substituted for another on account of some actual relation between the
things signified, as when we say, We read Virgil, that is, his poems or writings [The Living Webster Encyclopedic
Dictionary of English].
89
The Analytical Greek Lexicon published by Samuel Bagster and Sons, Limited, London
90
Nikos = a later Greek equivalent to nike [The Analytical Greek Lexicon published by Samuel Bagster and Sons,
Limited, London]
91
Nikao = verb, to conquer, overcome, vanquish, subdue [The Analytical Greek Lexicon published by Samuel
Bagster and Sons, Limited, London]
109

Victors, against the will of Jesus
Katakurieuo [|oo|upituo] to lord against, over, thus, to subjugate
92

Luke 22:25-27
1 Peter 5:1-3-5
Matthew 20:25
Acts 19:16
Mark 10:42
Examples and warnings in the New Testament
3 John 9-11
Acts 20:29-31
Jude 4, 16-19
2 Corinthians 11:2-4,12-15


Ron Rankin
January 17, 2008
























92
The New Englishmans Greek Concordance and Lexicon, Wigram-Green, Hendrickson Publishers, Peabody,
Mass
110

I DIDNT KNOW
For a Thoughtful Moment









REVELATION 2:7
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;
To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of
the paradise of God.

1 CORINTHIANS 8:1,2
Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge.
Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
And if any man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought
to know.

PROVERBS 1:7
The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and
instruction.


Ron Rankin
February 22, 2008












111

THE TREE OF LIFE
In the Paradise of God

Revelation 2:7
4 He that hath an ear, to hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches, to him that overcometh
will I give to eat of the tree of life
93
, which is in the midst of the paradise
94
of God.

Some questions to consider in this Bible study:
1. What is the history of the tree of life?
It began in Jehovahs creation of the Garden of Eden.
Genesis 2:9
4 Out of the ground made Jehovah the God to grow every tree that is
pleasant to the sight and good for food; the tree of life
95
also in the
midst of the garden
96
, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
Genesis 3:24
4 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of
Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to
keep the way of the tree of life.

2. To whom will be given the right to eat of the tree of life?
Him that overcometh
97
.
A right or privilege, not a required for they cannot die.
Revelation 22:14
4 Blessed are they that do his commandments, they may have right to
the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
Revelation 2:11,17,26
Revelation 3:5,12,21
1 John 5:4,5
Romans 3:4
Romans 12:21
Luke 20:34-36

3. How is the fruit of the tree of life described?
New fruit according to his months; every month a new fruit.
It shall be for food.
Ezekiel 47:12

93
Tree of life: Greek = xenon [Euiov] wood, timber, a tree; zoe [Con] life, living, existence; (Analytical Greek
Lexicon, Samuel Bagster & Sons, Limited)
94
Paradise: Greek = paradeisos [opotioo]; found in the New Testament three times Luke 23:43; 2
Corinthians 12:4; Revelation 2:7. Paradeisos is an Oriental word, first used by the historian Xenophon, denoting
the parks of Persian kings and nobles. It is of Persian origin (Old Persian pairidaeza, akin go Gk. peri, around, and
teichos, a wall) whence it passed into Greek. See the Septuagint, e.g., in Nehemiah 2:8; Ecclesiastes 2:5; Song of
Solomon 4:13. The Septuagint translators used it of the garden of Eden, Genesis 2:8, and in other respects, e.g.,
Numbers 24:6; Isaiah 1:30; Jeremiah 29:5; Ezekiel 31:8,9 [Vines Expository Dictionary of Old and New
Testament Words].
95
Tree of life: Hebrew = ets, a tree (from its firmness) hence wood; from atsah, a primitive root; properly to fasten
(or make firm) [Strongs Exhaustive Hebrew and Chaldee Dictionary].
96
Garden: Hebrew: = gan, garden [Youngs and Strongs]. See Vines comments under footnote #2, Paradise.
97
Overcometh: Greek = nikao [vi|oo] to gain the victory [Youngs Analytical Concordance to the Bible].
112

Revelation 22:2

4. Where will be the location of the tree of life?
On the banks of the river of life that will flow from the sanctuary, house of God in
Jerusalem.
Ezekiel 47:1
Revelation 22:1

5. What, where, and when, is paradise?
It is the kingdom of God.
Jesus, when thou comest into thy kingdom.
The thief, thou shalt be with me in paradise.
It is part of the restitution that ensues the return of Christ.
The new heaven and the new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness.
Luke 23:43
2 Corinthians 12:4
Revelation 2:7
Acts 3:19-24
2 Peter 3:13
Revelation 22:14

6. Is the tree of life one tree only?
No, many trees that line the banks of the river of life
98
.
That tree and that river will continue on in the holy city new Jerusalem in the new
heavens and earth.
Revelation 21:1-5
Ezekiel 47:1-12
4 7 Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were
very many trees on the one side and on the other.
4 12 And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that
side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither
shall the frit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit
according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the
sanctuary; and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof
for medicine.
Revelation 22:1,2
4 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal,
proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
4 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was
there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded
her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing
of the nations.

7. Is it a literal
99
tree?
Yes, there is no scriptural reason for it not to be understood literally.
Are there any spiritual things compared to the tree of life? Yes.

98
River of life: More related scriptures = Psalm 46:4; 65:9-13; 72:1-8,16-19; Zechariah 14:4,7-9; 9:10; Numbers
14:21; Habakkuk 2:14.
99
Literal: See the separate Bible Study Outline entitled Is It Literal.
113

Proverbs 3:18,19
4 She [wisdom] is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and
happy is every one that retaineth her.
4 The LORD [Jehovah] by wisdom hath founded the earth; by
understanding hath he established the heavens.
Proverbs 11:30,31
4 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls
is wise.
4 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more
the wicked and the sinner.
Proverbs 13:12,13
4 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it
is a tree of life.
4 Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the
commandment shall be rewarded.
Proverbs 15:4
4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a
breach in the spirit.
4 A fool despiseth his fathers instruction: but he that regardeth
reproof is prudent.


Ron Rankin
May 18, 2007





















114

SMYRNA AND ITS CROWN OF PORTICOES
A Bible Study Outline

REVELATION 2:8, 10
And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the
last, which was dead, and is alive.
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: be thou faithful unto death, and I
will give thee a crown of life.
2 TIMOTHY 2:5
And if a man, also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive
lawfully.
2 TIMOTHY 4:8
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the
righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also
that love his appearing.
1 CORINTHIANS 9:25
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it
to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

Smyrna was famous for science, medicine, and the majesty of its buildings. Apollonius of
Tyana refers to her crown of porticoes, a circle of beautiful public buildings which ringed the
summit of Mount Pagos like a diadem.
100


Revelation 2:8-11
I know
thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich).
- James 2:5
- 1 Corinthians 4:7-16
And I know
the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are of
the synagogue of Satan.
- Revelation 3:9
- 1 Corinthians 10:32
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer
the devil shall cast some of you into prison., that ye may be tried.
- Revelation 12:12, 13,17
- 1 Peter 1:6-9


100
According to E. M. Blaiklock, Litt.D., Professor of Classics, University College, Auckland, New Zealand, in his
documentation of Smyrna in The Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary, Page 798; General Editor Merrill C. Tenney,
Dean of the Graduate School of Theology, Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois; Zondervan Publishing House,
Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1963.

115


ye shall have tribulation ten days.
- Acts 14:22
- Romans 5:3
be faithful and I will give you a crown of life.
- 1 Timothy 4:8, 9
- Titus 3:7, 8

+ Persecution-Tribulation by Roman Emperors
- The persecutions involved imprisonment and death throughout the period that ended
when Constantine ascended the throne and converted to Christianity.
Domition (80-96)
101
persecution both Jew and Christian.
Diocletian especially, is remembered for his persecution of Christians
beginning in 303 and ended with his death in 313;
102
ten years of intense
persecution, and the last by the Roman Emperors.


Ron Rankin
June 15, 2002
Updated February 2, 2008






















101
World Book Encyclopedia, 1976, Volume 5, Domitian, Page 252
102
World Book Encyclopedia, 1976, Volume 5, Diocletion, Page 174
116

SATANS ASSEMBLY
A Bible Study Outline

REVELATION 2:9
! I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the
blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of
Satan.
REVELATION 3:9
! Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are
not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to
know that I have loved thee.

Why is the title of this study outline called Satan Assembly?
Because of the phrase synagogue of Satan!
- Synagogue = ouvoyoyn = a collecting, gathering; an assembly or
congregation; also by metonymy
103
used of the place of their gathering.
- It is derived from ouvoyo [sunago], to bring together, collect, gather; to to
convoke; to convene, come together, meet; to receive with kindness and
hospitality, to entertain.
- Thus the synagogue of Satan refers to those who follow his teachings, and
may be called the house of Satan meaning the household of Satan.
- In this sense the followers of Moses and of Jesus are their houses, as in
Hebrews 3:5, 6.
- Thus, those who follow the ways and/or teachings of Satan are of his
synagogue.

IDENTIFIERS of Satans Assembly
Claim to be Jews, and are not
. about this they lie
. it is blasphemy
Galatians 3:28, 29
Galatians 5:6
Galatians 6:15, 16





103
Metonymy = rhetorically, a figure by which one word is substituted for another on account of some actual
relation between the things signified, as when we say, We read Virgil;, that is, his poems or writings. [The Living
Webster Encyclopedic Dictionary of the English Language]
117

Other Identifiers, Satans Devices
2 Corinthians 2:7-11
. The failure to love and forgive; to cause unnecessary, overmuch,
sorrow
. To take advantage of this situation, Satans device is to captivate
. His servants ye are to whom ye obey, according to Romans 6:16

1 Peter 5:8
. In the context of this passage, verses 1-7, Satan takes advantage of:
- mans desire to be a lord of Gods heritage, commonly known,
and exercised, as hierarchy
- a desire for filthy lucre

Study the following and list those things of which Satan may take advantage and
enlarge his House, his Assembly, even more
Ephesians 2:1-3
Colossians 2:8
Colossians 2:18-23
James 4:1-11
2 Corinthians 11:1-15
Hebrews 12:14-17


Ron Rankin
May 3, 2008
















118

THE CROWDING PRESSURES OF TRIBULATION
Revelation 2:10

THE MEANING OF TRIBULATION IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
The Greek Words of the New Testament
thlibo and thlipsis are the words found over fifty times in the New Testament.
thlibo means to crowd
sunthlibo means to squeeze together
thlipsis, the noun, means pressure
- These definitions do not in themselves reveal where the pressure or
crowding comes from, who receives it, how it happens.
- That is determined if possible by reading the verses around where
these words occur in the Bible.
The English Translation of these Words in the New Testament (King James
Authorized Version of 1611)
Thlipsis
Tribulation
Matthew 13:21
John 16:33
Acts 14:22
Romans 2:9
Romans 5:3
Romans 8:35
Romans 12:12
2 Corinthians 1:4
2 Corinthians 7:4
Ephesians 3:13
2 Thessalonians 1:4,6
Revelation 1:9
Revelation 2:9-10,22
Revelation 7:14
Afflict
Matthew 24:9
Mark 4:17
Mark 13:19
Acts 7:10-11
Acts 20:23
2 Corinthians 2:4
2 Corinthians 4:17
2 Corinthians 6:4
2 Corinthians 8:2
Philippians 1:16
Philippians 4:14
Colossians 1:24
1 Thessalonians 1:6
1 Thessalonians 3:3,7
119

James 1:27
Anguish
John 16:21.
Burdened
2 Corinthians 8:13
Persecution
Acts 11:19
Trouble
1 Corinthians 7:28
2 Corinthians 1:4,8
Thlibo
Tribulation
1 Thessalonians 3:4
Afflict
2 Corinthians 1:6
1 Thessalonians 5:10
Hebrews 11:37
Trouble
2 Corinthians 4:8
2 Corinthians 7:5
2 Thessalonians 1:6,7
Throng
Mark 3:9
Sunthlibo
Throng
Mark 5:24,31
Comments
- Persecution and Tribulation are real terms, real possibilities, in the real
world today as it has been savagely applied in history.
- The word tribulation sparks various and sundry images of prophecy
unfolding.
- The nature of that image depends on how the Bible is understood and
perhaps on influence from popular religious literature.

A SUMMARY
- Bible studies found tribulation to be man's wrath/persecution or life's pressures on
God's people about 80%.
- God's wrath on the disobedient about 5%.
- Miscellaneous applications about 15%.
- These percentages are of the total word study.





120

A CHALLENGE
I would challenge you to analyze the contexts to the above verses to get a feel of
tribulation according to the New Testament. Ask yourself the following questions
- (1) Where does it come from?
- (2) Onto whom does it fall?
- (3) How and why?
Let the synonyms found in the text describe the nature of the pressure and crowding.

HOW TO APPROACH EACH DAY
Ephesians 6:13
Acts 14:22.


Delbert Rankin
October 14, 2001



























121

PERGAMOS, WHERE SATAN DWELLETH
A Bible Study Outline

REVELATION 2:12
I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satans seat is: and thou
holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days where Antipas
was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

Revelation 2:12-17
I know
thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satans seat is:
1 Thessalonians 1:3
2 Thessalonians 1:11
James 1:3
James 2:17
and thou holdest fast my name,
Romans 1:1-7
and hast not denied my faith,
Matthew 10:33
Matthew 16:24,25
1 Timothy 5:8
2 Timothy 2:12, 13
even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was
slain among you,
Revelation 1:5
Acts 7:54-60
Revelation 6:9-11
Revelation 20:4
where Satan dwelleth;
Ephesians 2:1-3
Revelation 13:2

But I have a few things against thee
because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who
taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel,
- Jude 11
- 2 Peter 2:15,16
to eat thing sacrificed unto idols,
- Acts 15:28,29
- 1 Corinthians 8:10-13
and to commit fornication.
- Romans 1:29
- 1 Corinthians 5:1
- 1 Corinthians 6:13,18
- 1 Corinthians 10:8

122

Repent
or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with
the sword of my mouth.
- Ephesians 6:17

To him that overcometh
will I give to eat of the hidden manna,
- John 6:31-33
- Psalm 78:23-25
and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written,
which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
- Revelation 19:12


Ron Rankin
June 15, 2002
Updated February 2, 2008


























123

BALAAM, WHO HELD THE TRUTH IN UNRIGHTEOUSNESS
A Bible Study Outline

Q CONCERNING THOSE WHO HOLD THE TRUTH IN UNRIGHTEOUSNESS
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to
everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the
righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of
men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:16-18).

+ FOR THEM THE WRATH OF GOD
Romans 1:18
Romans 2:1-11; 9:22-24
Ephesians 5:5,6
Jude 4-13
2 Peter 2:9-17-22

+ THE EXAMPLE OF BALAAM
Questions to consider
Did Balaam know the True God?
Did Balaam prophecy truth?
What was the unrighteousness of Balaam?
Do we know or have Gods final judgment concerning Balaam?
Numbers 22:1-41; 23:1-30; 24:1-25
Balaam and Truth
He knew Jehovah as his God.
Numbers 22:18,38; 23:8,25,26; 24:13
He was a prophet from Aram.
Numbers 23:7-12,15-24
Numbers 24:1-9,14-25
Balaams Unrighteousness
He sought after enchantments.
Numbers 24:1
Joshua 13:22
He ran greedily after gain.
Numbers 22:5-7
Deuteronomy 23:4,5
Jude 11
2 Peter 2:15,16
He gave false counsel.
Numbers 31:15-19
Revelation 2:14

+ THE COUNSEL OF PAUL, APOSTLE OF JESUS
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Romans 6:19
1 Timothy 6:3-11
Acts 20:25-27
Ron Rankin
June 6, 2001
124

THYATIRA AND JEZEBEL
A Bible Study Outline

REVELATION 2:18
Revelation 2:18-24
I know says the Son of God
thy works, and charity, and service, and faith
Ephesians 2:9, 10 works; duty not to be boasted of.
Luke 17:10 duty.
1 Corinthians 13:1-8 charity; love.
Philippians 2:17 the sacrifice and service of your faith.
Revelation 2:19 service, diakonian (io|oviov), the act of
one who renders a service, a minister, a servant (io|ovo).
- Daily service and ministry of the word Acts 6:1-4
the services given.
- Barnabas and Saul Acts 12:25 fulfilled their
ministry.
- Phoebe Romans 16:1 a servant.
- Paul Ephesians 3:7 a minister.
- Timothy 1 Thessalonians 3:2; 1 Timothy 4:6
minister of God; minister of Jesus Christ.
- Tychicus Ephesians 6:21 a faithful minister.
- Paul and Apollos 1 Corinthians 3:5 ministers.
- Those men specially designated as servants 1
Timothy 3:8, 12; Philippians 1:1 deacons, diakonous
(io|ovou plural form).
- Civil servants Romans 13:4 the higher civil powers.
- Servants in the Church with differing ministries 1
Corinthians 12:4-6 differences of administrations,
diakonion (io|oviov).
- The house of Stephanus, and everyone who helpeth and
laboureth 1 Corinthians 16:15, 16 addicted to the
ministry of the saints.
- Romans 12:1 service latreian (ioptiov), the work
of a servant latris (iopi), especially of a religious
nature.
and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
1 Thessalonians 1:3 work of faith patience of hope
1 Thessalonians 1:4 patience and faith in persecutions and
tribulations.
1 Timothy 6:11, 12 follow after patience fight the good
fight of faith.
Titus 2:2 things which become sound doctrine sound in
faith, in charity, in patience.
Hebrews 6:12 through faith and patience inherit the promises.
James 1:3 the trying of faith worketh patience.
125

Revelation 13:10 the patience and faith of the saints
demonstrated.
James 2:26 faith without works is dead [the last (works)
more than the first (patience)].

Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee
thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess,
to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat
things sacrificed unto idols.
- Jezebel stirred up, incited, Ahab to follow idols.
1 Kings 16:29-33
1 Kings 21:5-26
1 Kings 11:1,2

And I gave here space to repent and except they repent
1 Kings 21:27-29
2 Kings 9:1,4-10,21-37; 10:1-11
Revelation 16:9, 11
Genesis 15:16
2 Peter 3:8, 9

And all the churches shall know
Psalm 7:9
1 Samuel 16:7
Psalm 62:12
Matthew 16:27

As many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of
Satan
Revelation 3:3 Hold fast till I come.
Revelation 3:21 he that overcometh.
- Revelation 5:9,10; 20:4-6
John 14:23 keep my words.
- For Israel
Deuteronomy 17:19 keep all the words of this law
Deuteronomy 29:9 keep all the words of the covenant.

- For the Church
Galatians 6:2 fulfil the law of Christ, that is
Romans 8:1, 2, 11-14 the law of the Spirit of life.
Matthew 28:19, 20 observe whatsoever he
commanded.

Ron Rankin
June 29, 2002
Updated February 2, 2008
126

HE SHALL RULE
Revelation 2:27

= THE TEXT
And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to
shivers: even as I received of my Father.

= A COMPARISON OF TRANSLATIONS
kai poimanei autous en hrabdo* sidera, [JJG
104
]
|oi oiovti ouou tv poo oinpo [JJG]
and he shall rule them with a rod made of iron, [WI
105
]
and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; [KJV
106
]
and he shall rule them with a rod of iron [NASB
107
]
He shall rule them with an iron sceptre [NIV
108
]
And he shall rule them with a rod of iron [YLT
109
]


hos ta skeue ta keramika suntribetai, [JJG]
o o o|tun o |tpoi|o ouvpitoi. [JJG]
as the vessels those earthen ones it is breaking together, [WI]
as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers, [KJV]
as the vessels of the potter shall they be broken to shivers: [NASB]
he shall dash them to pieces like pottery [NIV]
as the vessels of the potter they shall be broken [YLT]


hos kago eilepha para tou patros mou. [JJG]
o |oyo tiino opo ou Hopo ou [JJG]
as also I received from of the Father of me; [WI]
as also I received of my Father; [KJV]
as I also have received authority from my Father. [NASB]
just as I have received authority from my Father. [NIV]
as I also have received from my Father. [YLT]

* UBS
110
poo , it may be a typo for JJG.










104
JJG = Greek Text of J. J. Griesbach, Leipsic, 1805
105
WI = Benjamin Wilsons Emphatic Diaglott, Interlinear and with a Translation
106
KJV = The King James Version, 1611
107
NASB = The New American Standard Bible
108
NIV = The New International Version
109
YLT = Youngs Literal Translation of the Bible, by Robert Young
110
UBS = The Greek New Testament, United Bible Societies
127

= SELECTED GREEK WORDS FOR STUDY
poimanei [oiovti ]
Verb = 3
rd
person singular future indicative of poimaino [ oioivo ] from poimen
[oinv]; to feed, pasture, tend a flock; Luke 17:7; 1 Corinthians 9:7; tropically
(turned aside from its strict literal meaning] to feed with selfish indulgence, to
pamper, Jude 12; metaphorically, to tend, direct, superintend, Matthew 2:6; John
21:16, et al.; to rule, Revelation 2:27(H
111
)

Verb = to tend, shepherd, nourish; tropically to rule, lead. (NEG
112
)
Matthew 2:6 out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my
people Israel.
[poimanei (oiovti ), 3
rd
person, singular, future, indicative, of
poimaino (oioivo)] (H)
Luke 17:7 a servant plowing or feeding cattle
[poimainonta (oioivovo), accusative, singular, masculine,
participle, present of poimaino (oioivo)] (H)
John 21:16 He saith unto him, Feed my sheep
[poimaine (oioivt), 2
nd
person, singular, present, imperative of
poimoino (oioivo)] (H)
Acts 20:28 to feed the Church of God
[poimaineiv (oioivtiv), present, infinitive, of poimaino
(oioivo)] (H)
1 Corinthians 9:7 or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk
[poimainei (oioivti), 3
rd
person, singular, present, indicative, of
poimaino (oioivo)] (H)
1 Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God
[poimanate (oiovot), 2
nd
person, plural, aorist, imperative, of
poimaino (oioivo)] (H)
Jude 12 when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear
[poimainontes (oioivovt), nominative, plural, masculine,
participle, present, of poimaino (oioivo)] (H)
Revelation 2:27 he shall rule them with a rod of iron
[poimanei (oiovti ), 3
rd
person, singular, future, indicative, of
poimaino (oioivo)] (H)
Revelation 7:17 the midst of the throne shall feed them
[poimanei (oiovti ), 3
rd
person, singular, future, indicative, of
poimaino (oioivo)] (H)
Revelation 12:5 who was to rule all nations with
[poimaineiv (oioivtiv), present, infinitive, of poimaino
(oioivo)] (H)
Revelation 19:15 he shall rule them with a rod of iron
[poimanei (oiovti ), 3
rd
person, singular, future, indicative, of
poimaino (oioivo)] (H)

Comment: In the context of the meaning and use of this Greek word, rule is
indicative of a benevolent, firm, just, exercise of royal authority; in this case the royal
authority of Christ and the saints in the Kingdom of God.

111
H = The Analytical Greek Lexicon published by Harper and Brothers
112
NEG = The New Englishmans Greek Concordance and Lexicon
128

Suggested for further study is the word poimen [oin v] which is defined and
translated as shepherd. This word is that from which the word poimaino [oioivo]
is derived. Note that both words are often used in the same context.

hrabdos [poo]
Noun = a rod, wand, Hebrews 9:4; Revelation 11:1; a rod of correction, 1
Corinthians 4:21; a staff, Matthew 10:10; Hebrews 11:21; a sceptre, Hebrews 1:8;
Revelation 2:27 (H)
Noun, feminine, a rod; (a) a staff for a journey, Matthew 10:10; (b) a sceptre for a
ruler, Revelation 2:27; 12:5; (c) a rod of chastisement, 1 Corinthians 4:21 (NEG)
Matthew 10:10 nor yet staves
[hrabdon (poov), noun, accusative, feminine, singular] (CF
113
)
Mark 6:8 save a stave only
[hrabdon (poov), noun, accusative, feminine, singular] (CF)
Luke 9:3 neither staves, nor scrip
[hrabdon (poov), noun, accusative, feminine, singular] (CF)
1 Corinthians 4:21 shall I come unto with a rod
[hrabdo (poo), noun, dative, feminine, singular] (CF)
Hebrews 1:8 a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom

[hrabdos (poo), two times in this verse, noun, nominative,
feminine, singular] (CF)
Hebrews 9:4 and Aarons rod that budded
[hrabdos (poo), noun, nominative, feminine, singular] (CF)
Hebrews 11:21 upon the top of his staff
[hrabdou (poou), noun, genitive, feminine, singular] (CF)
Revelation 2:27 rule the with a rod of iron
[hrabdo (poo), noun, dative, feminine, singular] (CF)
Revelation 11:1 a reed like unto a rod
[hrabdo (poo), noun, dative, feminine, singular] (CF)
Revelation 12:5 ... rule all nations with a rod of iron
[hrabdo (poo), noun, dative, feminine, singular] (CF)
Revelation 19:15 shall rule them with a rod of iron
[hrabdo (poo), noun, dative, feminine, singular] (CF)


Comment: The rod or sceptre of the royal authority, a sceptre of righteousness, in
the Kingdom of God appears to be a rod of authority, exercised like the rod or staff of
a shepherd, albeit one of strength.

Suggested for further study, the related verb, hrabizo (p oi Co) used as a rod for
beating a person in Acts 16:22 and 2 Corinthians 11:25.

sidera [oinpo ]
Adjective = dative, singular, feminine, of sidereos (oinpto ), from sideros
(oinpo), made of iron (H)
Adjective, made of iron, iron (NE)
Acts 12:10 they came unto the iron gate

113
CF = Analytical Concordance of the Greek New Testament, Edited by Clapp, Friberg, & Friberg
129

[sideran (oinpov), adjective, accusative, feminine, singular, of
sidereos (oinpto)] (CF)
Revelation 2:27 he shall rule them with a rod of iron.
[sidera (oinpo ), adjective, dative, feminine, singular, of sidereos
(oinpto)] (CF)
Revelation 9:9 as it were breastplates of iron.
[siderous (oinpou), adjective, accusative, plural, of sidereos
(oinpto)] (CF)
Revelation 12:5 to rule all nations with a rod of iron
[ sidera (oinpo ), adjective, dative, feminine, singular, of sidereos
(oinpto)] (CF)
Revelation 19:15 he shall rule them with a rod of iron
[sidera (oinpo ), adjective, dative, feminine, singular, of sidereos
(oinpto)] (CF)

Noun, sideros (oinpo), masculine, iron (NE)
Revelation 18:12 and of brass, and iron, and marble
[siderou (oinpou), noun, genitive, masculine, singular of sideros
(oinpo)] (CF)

suntribetai [ouvpitoi]
Verb = 3
rd
person, singular, present, indicative, passive, of suntribo
(ouvpio), [sun & tribo (ouv pio) ], to rub together; to shiver, Mark 4:3;
John 10:36; to break down, crush, bruise; Matthew 12:20; metaphorically, to break
the power of any one; deprive of strength, debilitate, Luke 9:39; Romans 16:20;
passively to be broken in heart, be contrite, Luke 4:18 (H)

Verb, to shatter, break in pieces, bruise; figuratively in Matthew 12:20 and Luke
4:18; to crush Satan under foot, Romans 16:20 [NE]
Matthew 12:20 A bruised reed shall he not break
[suntetrimmenon (ouvptpitvov), verb, participle, perfect,
passive, accusative, masculine, singular, of suntribo
(ouvpio)] (CF)
Mark 5:4 and the fetters broken in pieces
[suntetriphthai (ouvtpioi), verb, infinitive, perfect, passive,
accusative, masculine, singular, of suntribo (ouvpio)]
(CF)
Mark 14:3 and she brake the box, and poured
[suntripsasa (ouvpiooo), verb, participle, aorist, active,
nominative, feminine, singular, of suntribo (ouvpio)] (CF)
Luke 4:18 he hath sent me to heal brokenhearted
[suntetrimmenous (ouvtpitvou), verb, accusative, plural,
masculine, participle, perfect, passive, of suntribo
(ouvpio)] (TR-Scr
114
; Sch
115
; and H)
To heal the broken in heart, is omitted both by the Vatican
Manuscript, and Griesbach, but Bloomfield thinks without sufficient
warrant, as it is found in lxi.1 (Footnote in the Emphatic Diaglott).

114
TR-Sc = The Textus Receptus, Scrivener Edition
115
Sch = M. A. Scholz Greek New Testament
130

It is included in the Interlinear Greek-English New Testament based
on Stephens-1550 as it is in TR-Scr., Sch, H and NEG.
This phrase is also omitted in the present UBS. It is omitted also in
the NASB and the NIV.

Luke 9:39 bruising him hardly departeth from him.
[suntribon (ouvpiov), verb, participle, present, active,
nominative, neuter, singular, of suntribo (ouvpio) (CF)
John 19:36 a bone of him shall not be broken.
[suntribesetai (ouvpinotoi , verb, indicative, future, passive, 3
rd

person, singular, of suntribo (ouvpio) (CF)
Romans 16:20 shall bruise Satan under your feet.
[suntripsiei (ouvpiiti), verb, indicative, future, active, 3
rd
person,
singular, of suntribo (ouvpio) (CF)
Revelation 2:27 as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to
shivers.
Note: -- Some manuscript copies here read
[suntribetai (ouvpitoi), verb, indicative, present, passive, 3
rd

person, singular, of suntribo (ouvpio) (CF)

= COMPARISON OF OTHER SCRIPTURES*
And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over
the nations (Revelation 2:26).
And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven,
shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting
kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him (Daniel 7:27).
Know ye not that the saints shall judge the world? And if the world shall be judged by you,
are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? (1 Corinthians 6:2).
Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. Let the high praises of
God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand; To execute vengeance upon the
heathen, and punishments upon the people; To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles
with fetters of iron; To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his
saints. Praise ye the LORD (Psalm 149:5-9).

= SOME CONCLUSIONS
Rule = to shepherd
Isaiah 40:10, 11
Psalm 72:3, 4, 12-14

Rod of iron = the sceptre of righteousness, the rod of his mouth
Isaiah 11:4

broken to shivers = the taking away of the power and authority of the nations
Isaiah 34:1-9; 24:21 Overthrow by Jesus and the Angels while the saints are hidden
from the wrath and indignation of the Lord.
Isaiah 24:22 to put the kings of earth in prison this honour have all the saints.

The information accumulated in this study presents a challenge to student of the word of God.
Study with prayer for wisdom and understanding. We should inquire and search diligently
about the truths of the gospel of the Kingdom of God as did the prophets search for what
131

manner of time and the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow. Even the angels
desire to look into those things promised by Jehovah.
1 Peter 1:10-12




Ron Rankin
February 21-25, 1993
*Additional Information Added, February 14, 2003
Re-edited January 4, 2008

































132











133

SARDIS WITH THE FEW NAMES
A Bible Study Outline
REVELATION 3:1
And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the
seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name
that thou livest, and art dead.
Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they
shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

Revelation 3:1-6
I know thy works
Thou livest and art dead.
- 1 Timothy 5:6
- Ephesians 2:1,2,5-7
- Colossians 3:5,6
I have not found thy works perfect.
- Matthew 5:48
- Colossians 1:27-29
- James 1:3,4
- James 3:2
Remember the things which remain, that are ready to die
Matthew 24:42-51
Luke 21:34-36
Isaiah 17:9-11
Psalm 9:17
Psalm 78:5-8
2 Peter 3:1-4
1 Corinthians 5:8
A few which have not defiled their garments
Jude 23
Ephesians 5:25-27
Revelation 1:5
Revelation 6:11
Revelation 7:9
Revelation 19:7-9
He that overcometh
Malachi 3;16, 17
Matthew 10:32, 33
Romans 3:4
Romans 12:21
1 John 2:13,14; 4:4


Ron Rankin
June 29, 2002
134

PHILADELPHIA, BROTHERLY LOVE
A Bible Study Outline

Q REVELATION 3:7
And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is
holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man
shutteth, and no man openeth.

Revelation 3:7-13
I know thy works
Q Galatians 5:5, 6
Q 1 Thessalonians 1:3
Q Revelation 3:2
I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it
1 Corinthians 16:8, 9
2 Corinthians 2:12
John 1:1-9
Colossians 4:3-6
Thou hast a little strength
Strength
Mark 12:30
And hast kept my word
Colossians 1:9-11
Psalm 119:28
Ephesians 3:16-20
And hast not denied my name
Romans 10:12, 13
1 Timothy 6:1
Romans 15:9
Revelation 2:13 hold fast my name
The synagogue of Satan which do lie
They say they are Jews and are not
Galatians 3:28
1 Corinthians 10:32, 33
Deuteronomy 28:9-13
Amos 9:8-15
Isaiah 61:2-11
Thou hast kept the word of my patience
Romans 15:4, 5
James 5:7-11
Hold that fast which thou hast
Revelation 2:25 hold fast the things of verse 19
Hebrews 4:14 hold fast our profession
Revelation 3:11 the things of verses 9 and 10
Ron Rankin
February 2, 2008
135

WRETCHED, BLIND, AND NAKED
A Bible Study Outline

REVELATION 3:14
And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These thing saith the
Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God.

Revelation 3:15-22
I know thy works
Neither hot, nor cold
The significance of hot or cold
116
compare to each other may
be irrelevant. They are both different than lukewarm.
They represent acceptable alternatives to lukewarm; it says, I
would thou wert cold or hot.
Matthew 10:42
- give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup
of cold water
- the Greek word used here
117
is only used here in
addition to Revelation 3:15, 16
Hot, an adjective, as is used only in these two verses
[15, 16] in the New Testament, is zestos [Ctoo]. It is
defined properly as boiled, boiling hot, metaphorically,
glowing with zeal, fervent.
118
The root verb is zeo
[Cto], which also means to boil, to be hot;
metaphorically to be fervent, ardent, and zealous.
119

Zeo is found only two times:
Acts 18:25
- [of Apollos] being fervent in spirit, he
spake and taught diligently the things of
the Lord
Romans 12:11
- Not slothful in business [in duty
120
];
fervent in spirit; serving the Lord







116
Cold = psuchros [uypo], cool, cold, figuratively indifferent (The Analytical Greek Lexicon, Bagster; The New
Englishmans Greek Concordance and Lexicon)
117
Psuchros = We have at least one English word that comes directly from this Greek word, psychrometer; it is an
instrument used to measure the difference between two thermometers, a wet bulb and dry bulb, to give the
measurement of humidity in the atmosphere. Literally the psychrometer in Greek means cold measure.
118
The Analytical Greek Lexicon, Bagster; and The New Englishmans Greek Concordance and Lexicon
119
Ibid.
120
Business = spoude [ooun ], haste, with a sense of urgency [The Analytical Greek Lexicon, Bagster]
136

Thou sayest
I am rich
121

James 1:10,11
James 2:6
James 5:1
I am increased with goods
122
I have need of nothing
1 Timothy 6:9
1 Corinthians 4:8

Thou knowest not
Thou art wretched
123

Romans 7:24
Thou art miserable
124

1 Corinthians 15:19
Thou art poor
125

2 Corinthians 6:10
James 2:6
Thou art blind
126

2 Peter 1:9
Matthew 15:14
Thou art naked
127

Hebrews 4:13
1 Corinthians 15:37 bare

I counsel thee
Buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich
1 Peter 1:5-7-9,13
James 2:5
Proverbs 9:18, 19
Buy of me white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed
Revelation 19:8
Romans 13:12, 14
Colossians 3:9, 10
Hebrews 12:14

121
Rich = plousios [iouoio], adjective, rich, wealthy [The New Englishmans Greek Concordance and Lexicon]
122
Increased with goods = plouteo [iouto], verb, to be, or become, rich [Youngs Analytical Concordance]
123
Wretched = talaiporos [oioiopo], properly enduring severe effort and hardship; hence, wretched,
miserable, afflicted, found only in two places in New Testament, Romans 7:24 and Revelation 3:17 (The Analytical
Greek Lexicon, Bagster; The New Englishmans Greek Concordance and Lexicon)
124
Miserable = eleeinos [tittivo], pitiable, wretched, miserable (The Analytical Greek Lexicon, Bagster; The New
Englishmans Greek Concordance and Lexicon) ; found only in 1 Corinthians 15:19 and Revelation 3:17
125
Poor = ptochos [oyo], reduced to beggary, mendicant; poor, indigent (The Analytical Greek Lexicon,
Bagster; The New Englishmans Greek Concordance and Lexicon)
126
Blind = tuphlos [uio], blind, metaphorically mentally blind (The Analytical Greek Lexicon, Bagster; The
New Englishmans Greek Concordance and Lexicon)
127
Naked = gumnos [yuvo], naked, without clothing (The Analytical Greek Lexicon, Bagster; The New
Englishmans Greek Concordance and Lexicon)
137

Anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou mayest see
Matthew 6:22, 23
Ephesians 1:18
Revelation 4:6
Matthew 24:42, 43
1 Corinthians 16:13
1 Thessalonians 5:5-8
Revelation 16:15

As many as I love, I rebuke, and chasten
Be zealous and repent

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock
Hear my voice Open the door Sup together
James 1:5, 6

To him that overcometh grant to sit with me
1 Corinthians 15:57, 58

He that hath an ear let him hear
1 Thessalonians 2:13


Ron Rankin
June 29, 2002
Updated February 8, 2008





















138

SEEDS OF LAODICEA

= What are the seeds of Laodicea?
* thou art neither hot nor cold (Revelation 3:15, 16)
The development of apathy (the opposite of zealous).
Luke 19:20-24
here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin
Luke 8:14
are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring
no fruit to perfection
A strong focus on personal improvement to the exclusion of the business of
preaching and teaching the gospel.
Matthew 23:23
these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone
Acts 20:26, 27
I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
A strong focus on the things to believe to the exclusion of the matters of conduct
before God.
Romans 1:18 who hold the truth in unrighteousness.
Jude 11 the error of Balaam
How to recognize the seeds and development of the spirit of hierarchy.

Definitions of hierarchy:
Hierarchy noun, a ranking of individuals, as a group of officials, according to
their authority or function in a church of government [The Living Webster
Encyclopedic Dictionary of the English Language by The English Institute of
America].
Hierarchy that now represents a system of graded authority once meant a
government by officers of the church, a holy government, for the Greek word
hieros meant holy. [Word Origins and their Romantic Stories, by Wilfred Funk,
Litt.D.]
Hierarchy can be opposed yet still practiced by the unintentional cultural frame of
mind of the body of Christ. Also hierarchy can be opposed by the elders and
deacons yet can be unintentionally practiced. History is evidence of these two
statements. It did not enter the early church by any announced intent. It crept in
unawares. It developed in practice enhanced by the seeds of improper motives.
Acts 20:29-31
Jude 4,16

Symptoms of the seeds of hierarchy.
James 4:1,2
From whence come wars and fightings among you?
Galatians 5:15
But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed
1 Corinthians 3:1-4
I .. of Paul I .. of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
Jude 16
mens persons in admiration because of advantage


139

James 5:11, 12
He that speaketh evil of his brother
Matthew 23:5-11
the use of titles can support and promote the principles of hierarchy. This
often begins innocently to designate someone who has been given
responsibility which is inherent in the word used, and then becomes a title
with the meaning a distinguishing appellation belonging to a person by right
or rank [The Living Webster]. Some titles like Mr., Mrs., Miss are by
right of being rather than by rank. The persons with designated
responsibilities in the Church of God are called elders, deacons, pastors,
etc., by designation of that responsibility rather than by rank. So, we do not
use them as titles of rank but titles designating responsibility. The general
culture of the world will however think title by rank.

* I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing (Revelation 3:17).
1 Timothy 6:3-10
supposing that gain is godliness
Ecclesiastes 7:12
For wisdom is a defense, and money is a defense: but the excellency of
knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.
Proverbs 28:22
He that hasteth to be rich

= Consequences, according to the judgment of Jehovah.
* thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked (Revelation 3:17).
Romans 11:8
the spirit of slumber, eyes not see, ears not hear
Matthew 25:1-13
they all slumbered and slept

* the shame of nakedness (Revelation 3:18)
Revelation 16:15
lest he walk naked, and they see his shame

* as many as I love, I rebuke and chasten (Revelation 3:19
Hebrews 12:4-13
Proverbs 3:11,12

= What are the remedies?
* buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich (Revelation 3:18)
1 Peter 1:4-9
the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold
James 2:5
the poor of this word rich in faith
Matthew 19:16-24
it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man
to enter into the kingdom of God
1 Peter 5:1-4
Feed the flock of God not for filthy lucre Neither as being lords over
Gods heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
140

1 Peter 5:5,6; 1 Timothy 5:1-3
regarding the elder and the younger
Proverbs 3:11,12
despise not the chastening of the Lord (Jehovah)

* and (buy of me) white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed (Revelation 3:18)
Revelation 19:8
fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
Revelation 16:15
Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments

* anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou mayest see (Revelation 3:18)
Lessons in Israel
Acts 28:25-27
Matthew 13:13-17
Isaiah 6:9-12

Understanding = To See
Matthew 7:1-5
Proverbs 1:5; 2:2,3; 14:8; 28:5

* be zealous (Revelation 3:19)
Zeal, good works, and knowledge.
Titus 2:14
Romans 10:2
Zeal and Evangelism
2 Corinthians 9:2
Colossians 4:13

* repent (Revelation 3:19)
Psalm 143:7 Hear me speedily, O Lord (Jehovah): my spirit faileth:
Luke 13:3-5 repent or perish.
Revelation 2:5,16,21,22; 3:3 hear and repent.
Acts 8:22; 26:20

= The request of Jesus.
* hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches (Revelation 2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22).

* I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in,
and will sup with him, and he with me (Revelation 3:20).

* To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame,
and am set down with my Father in his throne (Revelation 3:21).

* He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his
name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father and before his
angels (Revelation 3:5).

141

* The first word of the commandment given in Deuteronomy 6:4, 5 is Hear according to
Jesus in Mark 12:29. It goes on to say, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord.

* I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root
and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say,
Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And
whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. He which testifieth these things saith,
Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus
Christ be with you all. Amen (Revelation 22:16, 17, 20, 21).


Ron Rankin
August 14, 2001






























142

DANGER SIGNS GRIEVE NOT THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD

GRIEVE NOT THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD
Ephesians 4:30
- Whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption

SATANS ANGER AND HIS DEVICES
Revelation 12:17
- We are in the days of Satans anger
2 Corinthians 2:10, 11
- We can ill-afford to ignore the devices of Satan

DAYS OF LUKEWARMNESS, TAKE HEED LEST WE FALL
Revelation 3:14-18
- In danger of being spued out
1 Corinthians 10:11, 12
- We have examples and lessons in Israel, take heed lest we fall
Revelation Chapters Two and Three
- None of the churches were without fault before God
Revelation 2:1-5
- Even the church at Ephesus had somewhat against it
Ephesians 4:1-7
- Disunity threatens the worthiness of the vocation wherein we
are called
1 John 1:7-10
- None are perfect, yet we are commanded to strive to that end
1 Peter 1:14-16
Matthew 5:48

DANGER SIGNS
Partiality of Persons
James 4:4
- To unscripturally hold persons in admiration
1 Timothy 5:21
- To prefer one before another by partiality
Romans 12:10
- Be kindly affectioned with brotherly love, in honor preferring one
another; warmth not the cold-shoulder
1 Corinthians 1:9, 10; 3:1-9
- Divisions because of personalities is carnal
1 Timothy 5:1, 2
- Cliques are inappropriate and are evidence of carnality.
1 Kings 12:1-11
- The church cannot afford to make the mistake of Rehoboam.



143

Practice of Hierarchy, The
Luke 22:24-27
- This cannot be a lip-service, but in reality a practice of humility and
servitude

Spirit of Evangelism, The
Luke 19:13-26
- We cannot afford to allow this to be weakened by divisiveness; it is
not a competitive activity; and it is inclusive, not limited to places
away from home

Mammon
Matthew 26:9
- Example of the unscriptural regard for money held by Judas
1Timothy 6:5-10
- Beware the many foolish and hurtful lusts
Revelation 3:14-18
- Richness is a malady of our time in the church

Resolution of Faults and Practices that are Destructive
Matthew 18:15-17
- Between thee and him (or her) alone
1 Peter 4:15
- Busybody in other mens matters; meddling
Proverbs 11:11-13
- Tale-bearing and a tongue void of wisdom; gossip
Colossians 3:10-14
- The remedy renewal in knowledge after the image of God

Spiritual Stagnation
James 3:5, 6
- An evidence of spiritual decline the tongue that sets on fire
2 Timothy 3:14-17
- Teach the young that they may become wise unto salvation
2 Timothy 2:15
- Teach the young to study, and how to study, the scriptures, so that
their knowledge and understanding may be of many and varied
scriptures rather than a few standards
Acts 20:25, 26
- Declare the whole (all the) counsel of God, and teach the
congregation to examine the scriptures rather than wait to be told
Acts 17:10, 11
- The more noble of Berea searched the scriptures to
see whether or not Paul was teaching the truth. Every
member of the Body of Christ should do the same for
any who teach or preach in our congregation

144

Galatians 6:1-3
- Replace destructive criticism of brethren with a constructive loving
effort to help
1 Corinthians 13:5-8 and 12:22-26
- Teach the depth of the scriptures rather than surface principles, such
as, teach the scriptural how to love rather than just the principle of
love

Teachers
2 Timothy 3:3, 4
- Heap to themselves teachers having itching ears that ultimately results
in the turning from the teaching of truth and righteousness
Philippians 1:15-18
- Teaching and preaching to hurt or damage brethren
Hebrews 5:12-14; 6:1-3
- Those who are apt to teach should teach the others how and what to
teach, allowing for individual style of teaching. Use constructive
criticism, never the destructive kind, for both experienced and novice
teachers
1 Timothy 5:1, 2 and Titus 2:1-8
- Teaching is not only the responsibility the elders that oversee but all
the elders (men and women) in the congregation
Labourers Together
Ephesians 4:11-16
- The scriptural organism of the church
1 Corinthians 12:12-21
- To properly function each member must be supported by all other
members in their functions; the whole congregation bears a collective
responsibility
1 Peter 5:3
- The elders who oversee are examples to the flock,
not doers for the flock; generally the responsibilities
of the members can not be scripturally relegated to the
elders or the deacons
Psalm 127:1
- As labourers together our effectiveness is limited to the
fact that we do not give the increase, which comes from
Jehovah
Acts 10:29, 30
- Remember that Jesus is the Head of the Body and he
is the only Head
Psalm 133:1-3
- Divisiveness is destructive
Proverbs 6:12-19
- Regarding the sower of discord
Ron Rankin
January 22, 2002
145

GREAT GAIN
Revelation 3:17, 18
A Textual Bible Study


1 TIMOTHY 6:10
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred
128

from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (KJV
129
).

piCo yop ovov ov |o|ov toiv n iiopyupio n ivt
a root for of all of the evils is the love of money; which some
A root for of all ----- evils is the love of money; of which some

optyotvoi otiovnnoov oo n ioto |oi touou
longing after wandered from the faith, and themselves
lusting after were seduced from the faith, and themselves

tpittipov ouvoi oiioi [JJG, UBS-2, Sch., TR-Sc.]
130

pierced around with sorrows many [DI]
131

pierced around pains by many [GI]
132


More Translations for Comparison

For a root of all kinds of evil is the love of money; which some longing after, wandered from
the faith, and pierced themselves around with many sorrows [Benjamin Wilson]

For a root of all the evils is the love of money, which certain longing for did go astray from
the faith, and themselves did pierce through with many sorrows [Youngs Literal
Translation]

For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered
away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many a pang [The New American Standard
Bible]

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have
wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs [The New International
Version]


128

129
KJV = The Authorized Version aka The King James Version, 1611. The King James Version is used throughout
this study except when otherwise noted.
130
JJG = the Dr. J. J. Griesbach Greek Text; UBS-2 = the Greek Text of the United Bible Societies, Edition Two;
Sch. = The Greek New Testament of Dr. M. A. Scholz, Leipsic, 1830-36); TR-Sc = The Textus Receptus, Scrivener
Edition.
131
DI = The Interlinear Emphatic Diaglott, Benjamin Wilson
132
GI = The Interlinear Bible, translator Jay P. Green, Sr.
146

Sapagkat ang pagibig sa salapi ay ugat ng lahat ng uri ng kasamaan; na sa pagnanasa ng iba
ay nangasinay sa pananampalataya, at tinuhog ang kanilang sarili maraming mga
kalumbayan [Ang Biblia Tagalog]

Ta ti ayat ti pirac isu ti maysa a ramut ti isu-amin a kita ti dakes; isu, nga idi inaguman dagiti
dadduma, nayawawanda iti pammati ket nasalputda cadagiti adu a ladladinget [Ti Biblia,
Ilokano]

Kay ang gugma sa cuarta amo ang gamut sang tanan nga kalainan; paagi sa sining mainit
nga handum ang iban nagtalang gikan sa pagtoo kag nagsuntok sang ila mga tagiposoon sing
madamung kasakitan [Ang Biblia Hiligaynon]

Kay ang gugma sa salapi mao ang gamut sa tanang kadautan; nga ang uban tungod sa
pagkaibog nini sangasalaag sila gikan sa pagtoo, ug nangatugob sa ilang kaugalingon sa
daghang kasakit [Ang Biblia Cebuano]

The Definition of Some of the Above Greek Words

& iiopyupio
noun, nominative, feminine, singular [CF&F
133
]
love of money, covetousness [H
134
]
This word is found only in 1 Timothy 6:10
Compare iiopyupo (iio & opyupo) money-loving, covetous, Luke 16:14;
2 Timothy 3:2 (H
135
)
opyupo silver, meton.
136
, anything made of silver; money (H
137
)

& |o|ov
adjective, pronomial, genitive, neuter, plural [CF&F
138
]
root word = |o|o
- bad, or a bad quality or disposition , worthless, corrupt, depraved, Matthew
21:41; 24:48; Mark 7:21; wicked, criminal, morally bad; o |o|ov, evil,
wickedness, crime, Matthew 27:23; Acts 23:9; malediction, 1 Peter 3:10;
mischievous, harmful, baneful; o |o|ov, evil, mischief, harm, injury, Titus
1:12; afflictive; o |o|ov , evil, misery, affliction, suffering, Luke 16:25
[H
139
]
1 Timothy 6:10 the root of all evil

133
CF&F = Analytical Concordance of the Greek New Testament, Volume 1, Lexical Focus, Editors Philip S.
Clapp; Barbara Friberg, Timothy Friberg
134
H = The Analytical Greek Lexicon, published by Harper & Brothers
135
H = Ibid.
136
Meton = metonymy
137
H = Ibid.
138
CF&F = Ibid.
139
H = Ibid.
147

Romans 1:30 inventors of evil things
1 Corinthians 10:6 we should not lust after evil things
James 1:13 for God cannot be tempted with evil [margin, or, evils)
Also under |o|o, the root word:
Acts 16:28 do thyself no harm
Acts 28:5 felt no harm
Romans 13:10 love worketh no ill
2 Corinthians 5:10 whether it be good or bad
Revelation 16:2 fell a noisome and grievous sore
Titus 1:12 evil beasts

& optyotvoi
verb, participle, present, middle, nominative, masculine, plural [CF&F
140
]
Root word = optyo
- to extend, stretch out; mid. to stretch ones self out, to reach forward to;
metaphorically to desire earnestly, long after, 1 Timothy 3:1; Hebrews 11:16;
by implication to indulge in, be devoted to, 1 Timothy 6:10 [H
141
]
1 Timothy 3:1 optytoi
- verb, indicative, present, middle, third person, singular [CF&F
142
]
- if a man desire the office.
- This Greek word is only found in these three places in the N.T.
- ** Note: desireth a good work, in 1 Timothy 3:1 is a different word; and in
addition to 1 Timothy 3:1 covet = root word, tiuto:
Matthew 5:28 to lust after
Luke 16:21 desiring to be fed
Romans 7:6; 13:9 thou shalt not covet

& otiovnnoov
verb, indicative, aorist, passive, third person, plural [CF&F
143
]
Root word = ooiovoo
- (oo & iovoo) to cause to wander; metaphorically to deceive, pervert,
seduce, Mark 13:22; passive, to wander; metaphorically, to swerve from,
apostatise, 1 Timothy 4:10 [H
144
]
Mark 13:22 = ooiovov
- verb, infinitive, present, active, accusative [CF&F
145
]
- This Greek word is only found in these two places in the New Testament
- Compare iovnoi in Jude 13, wandering



140
CF&F = Analytical Concordance of the Greek New Testament, Volume 1, Lexical Focus, Editors Philip S.
Clapp; Barbara Friberg, Timothy Friberg
141
H = The Analytical Greek Lexicon, published by Harper & Brothers
142
CF&F = Ibid.
143
CF&F = Ibid.
144
H = Ibid.
145
CF&F = Ibid.
148



& tpittioov
verb, indicative, aorist, active, third person, plural [CF&F]
Root word = tpitipo
- (tpi & tipo) to put on a spit, transfix; met. To pierce, wound deeply, 1
Timothy 6:10 [H]
- This Greek word is only found in this one place in the New Testament

& ouvoi
noun, dative, feminine, plural [CF&F
146
]
Root word = ouvn
- pain of body or mind; sorrow, grief, Romans 9:2; 1 Timothy 6:10 [H
147
]
- This Greek work is only found in these two places in the New Testament
Compare related words, also:
> ouvoo
- to pain either bodily or mentally; passive, to be in agony, to be
tormented, L [H
148
]

& ovov
adjective, genitive, plural [CF&F
149
]
all, the whole, every, in all respects [H
150
]

& oi
and in New Testament oiv. ivo. n. the throes of a woman in travail, a birth-pang.
1 Thessalonians 5:3; plural metaphorically, birth-throes, preliminary troubles to the
development of a catastrophe, Matthew 24:8; Mark 13:9; from the Hebrew, a
stringent and, a snare, noose, Acts 2:24 [H
151
]

& oivo
to be in travail with, to make effort to bring to spiritual birth, Galatians
4:19 [H
152
]

CONCLUSIONS

> The precise translation is:
For the love of money is a root of all of the evils.
Youngs Literal Translation of the Bible is the closest to an absolutely word for word
translation. It reads, For a root of all the evils is the love of money.

146
CF&F = Analytical Concordance of the Greek New Testament, Volume 1, Lexical Focus, Editors Philip S.
Clapp; Barbara Friberg, Timothy Friberg
147
H = The Analytical Greek Lexicon, published by Harper & Brothers
148
H = Ibid.
149
CF&F = Ibid.
150
H = Ibid.
151
H = Ibid.
152
H = Ibid.
149

> A root denotes that it might not be the only root to the plant which grows all bad things.

> The meaning of |o|o = bad. Sin in Greek is o opio. Bad may be a sin or it may
simply be bad in the sense of a catastrophe, or physical or mental harm. The two words are
not necessarily synonymous. See Isaiah 45:7.

> The KJV adds the in saying is the root; and omits of in saying the root of all evil.

> The NASB adds sorts and omits the in the phrase sorts of evil.

> The NIV adds kinds and omits of the in the phrase kinds of evil.

> All three say evil instead of evils, the King James Version allowing the plural to stand in of
all, while the New American Standard Bible and New International Version show the plural
by the plural of their added words sorts and kinds. One can make similar comparisons to all
translations.

> The context of iiopyupio & iiopyupo
1 Timothy 6:10
verse 5 supposing that gain is godliness
verse 9 they that will be rich
verse 10 which while some coveted after
- Literally verse 10 is talking about the love of silver, while in the
broader sense of the context it is talking about gain, riches and
covetousness which go beyond the literal silver.
Luke 16:14
Here it is translated covetous Luke 16:14
The subject here is the covetousness of the Pharisees, about which Jesus has
just given the parable of the unjust steward [Luke 16:1-12].
2 Timothy 3:2
Again the word is translated covetous.

> Related Texts:
1 Peter 5:2, 3 not for filthy lucre
1 Timothy 3:3,8 not greedy of filthy lucre
Titus 1:7 not given to filthy lucre
Hebrews 13:5 let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with
such things as ye have
Philippians 4:11 in whatever state to be content

> By interpretation, we might say, covetousness, one of the lusts of our flesh, is a root of all
bad. Like Eve, who was deceived, saw that the fruit was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to
be desired to make one wise (Genesis 3:6). Thus, the curse of sickness, pain, sorrow, and
death, came upon all mankind.

150

> There is a root of all evil/bad; that root is love and affection for personal gain that is bad or
evil. Whether the gain is evidenced in money, or any of the numerous lusts that plague
mankind, is irrelevant, because that love, that desire, that covetousness, turns away from the
righteousness of Jehovah.

> What evil, or bad, is not included in the all kinds thereof? Conversely, there is Great Gain
in godliness in which there is not evil. It is the root that guides to godliness or wickedness.
We may be rooted and grounded in the love of God; or we may be rooted in the love of
Ones Self.

Ephesians 3:17-19
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye being rooted and
grounded in love,
May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length,
and depth, and height;
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might
be filled with all the fullness of God.
Colossians 2:6,7
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
Rooted and built up in him and stablished in the faith, as ye have been
taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Romans 11:16-18
For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy
so are the branches.
And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive
tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakers of the root
and fatness of the olive tree;
Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the
root, but the root thee.

Proverbs 12:3,12
A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the
righteous shall not be moved.
The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous
yieldeth fruit.
153



Ron Rankin
September 1999
Updated February 6, 2008






153
Men, fruit = these two words have been added to the text by the translators, neither being not in the Hebrew text.
151
















152

HE THAT SAT ON THE THRONE
A Bible Study Outline

REVELATION 4:1-3
I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
He that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a
rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald
Ezekiel 1:26-28
Ezekiel 10:1-4

REVELATION 4:5, 6
Out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thundering and voices
And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven
Spirits of God
And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal

REVELATION 4:8, 9, 11
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty
In the Hebrew of the Old Testament, Lord God Almighty is represented as:
- Jehovah
0. Exodus 3:14 LORD [YHWH, Jehovah] God [Elohim]
- El or Elohim
- Shaddai
1. Exodus 6:3 God [El] Almighty [Shaddai]

Which was, and is, and is to come
1. Revelation 4:8
154

Kupio o Oto o ovo|poop. o nv |oi
Lord God, the Almighty, the (One who) was and

o ov |oi o tpyotvo
155

is and (is) coming
156







154
See I Am the One for the discussion of the grammar pertaining to this phrase
155
This Greek text is that of the Textus Receptus, Scrivener Edition
156
The interlinear translation is that of the Interlinear Bible, Jay P. Green, Sr. translator
153

Psalm 90:1, 2
157

- Jehovah, the Almighty Mighty God.
- The Existing One, without beginning, continuing, and is
coming to the earth to continue for time without end.
Psalm 132:13, 14
Revelation 21:1-4

Glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and
ever.
158

1 Timothy 1:17
- Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be
honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Timothy 6:15-16
- Which in his [Jesus] times he [Jesus] shall shew, who is the blessed
and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
- Who [Jehovah] only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no
man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to
whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power
Romans 15:8-11
- Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the
truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the father:
- And that the Gentiles might glorify God [Jehovah] for his mercy; as it
is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles.
And sing unto thy name.
- And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
- And again, Praise the Lord [Jehovah], all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all
ye people.
Psalm 117:1, 2
- O praise Jehovah [YHWH], all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.
- For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of Jehovah
endureth for ever. Praise ye Jehovah.
For thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created
Isaiah 45:18
Isaiah 44:24

Ron Rankin
January 11, 2008

157
Everlasting = olam, the Hebrew word for an indefinite, by definition an undefined, period of time. Context and
comparison of scriptures will determine if it has an end or is without end.
158
For ever and ever = aionios, the Greek word for an indefinite, by definition an undefined, period of time. Context
and comparison of scriptures will determine if it has an end or is without end.
154

THE FOUR BEASTS OF REVELATION FOUR
A Bible Study Outline

WHO ARE THE FOUR BEASTS OF REVELATION 4:6-11?
Revelation 5:8-10
They along with the 24 elders represent the redeemed who have harps and golden
vials full of odours, the prayers of the saints.
They represent the redeemed to God by the blood of the Lamb.
They represent the redeemed out of every kindred and tongue, and people, and
nation.
Revelation 7:14-17
Revelation 19:4,5
Psalm 1-6:47
Revelation 1:1-3
They too, represent things that will shortly come to pass.

WHAT ARE THESE FOUR BEASTS THAT, ALONG WITH THE 24 ELDERS,
REPRESENT THE REDEEMED?
The first beast = like a lion.
The first century boldness of faith and preaching to all the World.
Proverbs 30:29,30
Proverbs 28:1
Acts 4:13,29-31
Acts 8:4
Acts 13:46
2 Corinthians 7:4
Philippians 1:20
1 Thessalonians2:1-6
1 Timothy 3:13
Philemon 6-9
The second beast = like a calf.
A beast of sacrifice:
First at the hand of the Pagan Roman Empire
Second at the hand of the Holy Roman Empire
Revelation 1:9
Revelation 2:13
Revelation 6:9-11
Revelation 14:13
Revelation 20:4
The third beast = had a face as a man.
God and Jesus are replaced in the Church by the leadership of a man.
Acts 20:29, 30
Jude 4, 16
2 Peter 2:1-3
1 John 2:18, 19
1 John 4:3
2 Timothy 4:3, 4
2 Thessalonians 2:4
Revelation 16:6; 17:5, 6; 18:24

155

The fourth beast = like a flying eagle.
How God carries His people out of harms way and to safety.
Exodus 19:4
Deuteronomy 32:9-12
Psalm 103:1-6
Isaiah 40:28-31
Revelation 12:13-15
They each had six wings about and full of eyes before, behind and within.
What is a watchman?
Ezekiel 33:1-16
Matthew 24:42, 43
Matthew 25:13
Matthew 26:41
Acts 20:31
1 Corinthians 16:13
Colossians 4:2
1 Thessalonians 5:1-9
2 Timothy 4:3-5
Hebrews 13:17
1 Peter 4:7
Revelation 3:3
They had no rest neither day nor night
Represents no rest from persecution.
Israel, past and continuing.
Deuteronomy 28:65-68
Lamentations 1:3
Lamentations 5:5
The Church
John 15:20
2 Corinthians 7:5
Acts 14:22
1 Peter 5:8,9
They give glory, honour and thanks to God and the 24 elders fall down before Him and
worship.
Revelation 7:10-12
1 Corinthians 10:31
Ephesians 3:20, 21
1 Timothy 1:16
2 Corinthians 2:14, 15
Ephesians 5:20, 21
Colossians 3:17
Hebrews 13:15
They cast their crowns before the throne and glorify God.
Revelation 11:16, 17 in the context of verses 15 and 18.
1 Corinthians 15:24-28 that God may be All-in-All.
Revelation 4:13 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and
power: For thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and
were created.
Ron Rankin
February 16, 2001

156

TWENTY-FOUR ELDERS
A Bible Study Outline

= THE TWENTY-FOUR ELDERS IDENTIFIED
Revelation 4:4,10,11
Revelation 5:8-10
the redeemed.
from ever kindred, tongue, people, and nation.
thus they represent the saved throughout all the ages.

= TWENTY-FOUR ELDERS AS A DESCRIPTION
Why twenty-four?
Although the Scriptures do not tell us specifically the reason for this number, we can compare
the use of the two sets of twelve.
The twelve patriarchs, fathers of the twelve tribes of Israel.
the twelve apostles whom Jesus sent to preach the gospel to the uttermost
part of the earth, to the Jew first and also to the Gentile. They, along with
the prophets sent to Israel, are the foundation of the household of God.
Acts 1:1-8
Romans 1:16
Ephesians 2:19,20
Revelation 21:12,14
names of the twelve tribes of Israel.
names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
Matthew 10:1-5
twelve disciples called apostles
Matthew 19:28
ye (the twelve disciples/apostles) shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the
twelve tribes of Israel.
John 6:70,71
one of you is a devil.
1 Corinthians 15:5-10
Acts 9:1-6
Romans 11:13
2 Timothy 1:11
Paul replaced Judas, being chosen by Jesus as the apostle to the Gentiles.
Why elders?
Revelation 5:14
Revelation 11:16,17
Revelation 19:4
Elder [Greek presbuteros ( presbuteros ) ] defined elder, senior; older,
more advanced in years; plural specially ancients, ancestors, fathers; as an
appellation of dignity, an elder, local dignitary; an elder, member of the
Jewish Sanhedrin; an elder or presbyter of the Christian church [Harpers
Analytical Greek Lexicon].
Consult a good concordance for its many uses in the New Testament.
1 Timothy 5:1-20 note the responsibility of the elder men of the church.


Ron Rankin
June 8. 2003
157













158

AN OVER-VIEW
OF THE LAMB AND THE REDEEMED
Revelation Five

4 HE THAT SAT ON THE THRONE
As identified in chapter Four, it is Jehovah on the Throne
Revelation 5:1
In His right hand
- A book sealed with seven seals
- Exodus 15:3-12 the right hand of Jehovahs power
- Hebrews 1:1-3 His Son sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on
high
159

A book sealed with seven seals
- Sealed katesphragismenon [|otopoyiotvov]
Accusative, singular, neuter, participle, perfect, passive form
of katasphragizo [|ooopoyi Co], a compound word formed
from |oo & opayiCo.
Katasphragizo means to seal up
Revelation 5:2 is the only place this word where is
found in the New Testament
- Seals sphragisin [opoyioiv]
Dative plural of the noun sphragis [opoyi]
Sphragis means a seal, a signet ring, an inscription on a seal.
1 Corinthians 9:2
2 Timothy 2:19
Romans 4:11
Colossians 2:11, 12
Revelation 7:2, 3
Revelation 9:4
Compare
160
the Hebrew chatham in the Old Testament
Isaiah 29:11, 12
Daniel 12:4
Daniel 9:24
1 Kings 21:8




159
See also Hebrews 8:1 and Hebrews 12:2
160
Sealed = Hebrew chatham [22 ], a primitive root, to close up; especially to seal [#2856 in Strongs Exhaustive
Concordance to the Bible]
159

4 STRONG ANGEL WITH A LOUD VOICE
Revelation 5:2-4
Who is worthy to open the book and to loose the seals thereof?

4 IN THE MIDST STOOD A LAMB
Revelation 5:5-10 Identity of the Lamb
Lion of the tribe of Judah
Genesis 49:9-12
Root of David
Romans 1:1-4
Lamb
John 1:29-34
1 Corinthians 5:7
Had been slain
Revelation 1:18
Revelation 13:8,9
Having the seven spirits of God
Isaiah 11:1-5

4 THE REDEEMED
Revelation 5:9-14
Luke 20:34-38
Ephesians 1:7-12
Gather together in one all things in Christ
The redeemed surrounded by myriads of angels, saying, Worthy is the Lamb
Neither can they die any more: for they are equal to the angels
Every creature in heaven and in earth and under the earth, heard saying,
Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the
throne and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.


Ron Rankin
February 29, 2008








160

REDEMPTION
Revelation 5:9, 10
A Bible Study Outline

1
ST
Corinthians 1:30
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and
righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption [katubusan].

Apolutrosis [ooiupooi]
- Noun, feminine, a buying back, redemption
- Katubusan
- Luke 21:28
- Your redemption [pagkatubos] draweth nigh
- Romans 3:24
- the redemption [pagtubos] that is in Christ Jesus
- Romans 8:23
- The redemption [pagtubos] of our body
- Ephesians 1:7
- Redemption [katubusan] through his blood
- Ephesians 1:14
- the redemption [ikatutubos] of the purchased possession
- Ephesians 4:30
- until the day of redemption [pagkatubos]
- Colossians 1:14
- in whom we have redemption [katubusan]
- Hebrews 9:15
- redemption [ikatutubos] of the transgressions
- Hebrews 11:35
- Not accepting deliverance [katubusan]

Ephesians 1:13-17
But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of
Christ.
For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall
of partition between us;
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained
in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the
enmity thereby:
And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

Ron Rankin June 3, 2000; Updated March 7, 2008
161

REIGN ON THE EARTH
A Bible Study Outline

REVEALTION 5:9, 10
161

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the
seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us
162
to God by thy blood out of
every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

! Who The Redeemed
Greek
163
egorasas [nyopooo]
- 2
nd
person, singular, aorist 1, indicative, active form of agorazo [oyopoCo],
the verb form of the noun agora [oyopo ].
- Agora means the place of public concourse, forum, market-place. [Compare
the verb to which agora is related ageoro [oytipo], to gather together.]
- Agorazo means to buy, redeem, acquire, by a price paid.
Matthew 13:44 buyeth that field
Matthew 11:15 sold and bought in the temple
1 Corinthians 6:20 ye
164
are bought with a price
2 Peter 2:1 among you denying the Lord that bought them

! Reign
Greek basileusousin [ooiituoouoiv]
- 3
rd
person, plural, future, indicative form of basileuo [ooiituo], the verb
form of the noun basileus [ooiitu].
- Basileus means a king, monarch, one possessing regal authority.
- Basileuo means to possess regal authority, be a king, reign.
Revelation 1:6
Daniel 7:27
Revelation 3:21
Revelation 21:24
Matthew 19:28
Luke 12:32



161
I have used the King James Version throughout this study unless otherwise noted.
162
Us = the redeemed from all peoples
163
The Lexicon used in this study, unless otherwise indicated = The Analytical Greek Lexicon, published by Samuel
Bagster and Sons, Limited
164
Ye = the church of God which is at Corinth, 1 Corinthians 1:1; members of Christ, 1 Corinthians 6:15; Christs
servant ye, 1 Corinthians 7:22, 23
162

! On the Earth
Greek ges [yn]
- noun, genitive, singular of ge [yn], a contraction of gea [yto].
- yn means earth, soil, the ground, the surface of the earth, the land (as
opposed to the sea or a lake).
Daniel 7:27
under the whole heaven
Psalm 72:8
dominion from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of
the earth

- The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth
165
[Proverbs
10:30].

- Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth
166
: much more the wicked and the
sinner [Proverbs 11:31].

- For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon Jehovah, they shall inherit the earth
167

[Psalm 37:9].

- For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth
168
; and they that be cursed of him shall
be cut off [Psalm 37:22].

- The righteous shall inherit the land
169
, and dwell therein for ever [Psalm 37:29].

- Wait on Jehovah, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land
170
: when the
wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it [Psalm 37:34].


Ron Rankin
February 21, 1993






165
Earth = Hebrew eretz [|N], meaning earth, land [Strongs Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible].
166
Earth = Ibid
167
Earth = Ibid
168
Earth = Ibid
169
Land = Ibid
170
Land = Ibid
163

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE TEXT
Revelation 5:9, 10

Greek Text Revelation 5:9

9) |oi oouoiv onv |oivnv. ityovt. oEio ti iotiv o
and they sung a song new, saying; worthy thou art to receive the

iiiov. |oi ovoiEoi o oopyio ouou oi tooyn.
scroll, and to open the seals of it; because thou wast slain,

|oi nyopooo o Oto no` tv o oioi oou t| oon
and didst buy back for the God us with the blood of thee out of every

uin |oi yiooon |oi ioou |oi tvou.
171

tribe and tongue and people and nation,
172


Verse 09 Manuscript Data

+ Summary of this data:
e United Bible Societies, Edition Two
173
reading they have rated {C} for verse nine,
meaning that there is considerable degree of doubt whether their text contains the
superior reading.
e UBS-2 adopts the omission of no and itemizes only by two manuscripts according
to their own footnotes. Those two are dated to the 5
th
and 6
th
centuries A.D. One is
Codex A, London: Alexandrian that seems to be the center of much controversy. But
about which all agree that it was the beginning of textual criticism. That criticism has
led to a plethora of translations many of which are translator biased toward the
doctrines of Orthodoxy.
e UBS-2 itemizes manuscript evidence from 38 source documents. These 38 all
include no. Details are shown under each variant reading below.

`no is omitted in the UBS-2 text; it reads o Oto only
It is also omitted in the in the following manuscript evidence:
- London: Alexandrinus
174
V
175

[Gospels, Acts, Epistles of Paul, Catholic or General Epistles,
Revelation]
176


171
This manuscript is that used by in
172
This interlinear translation is that of in
173
Herein UBS-2 will be used to represent the Greek New Testament by the United Bible Societies, Edition Two.
174
The name of the Greek Text [Alexandrinus] and where it is located [London]
175
V is the century in which this manuscript was copied. There are no original copies of the Greek manuscript of
the New Testament, only copies.
176
This delineates the content of this manuscript. Most manuscripts are not complete, contained Matthew through
Revelation, as can be seen as they are listed herein.
164

- Ethiopic VI
[Gospels, Acts, Epistles of Paul, Catholic or General Epistles, Revelation]
- The J. J. Griesbach text (1805) used in the Emphatic Diaglott
177
includes
no with the following footnote for verse 9: us is omitted by A, and the
Codex Sinaiticus D, and both read to our God. A is the London:
Alexandrinus.
- The M. A. Scholz text (1830-1836) reads the same as the Textus Receptus.

`o Oto no
this is the reading in the TR(Scr.Ed)
178
and the following manuscript
evidence:

- London: Sinaiticus IV
[Gospels, Acts, Epistles of Paul, Catholic or General Epistles, Revelation]
- Numbered Uncial
179
046 X
[Revelation]
- Greek Minuscule
180
1006 XI
[Gospels, Revelation]
- Greek Minuscule 1611 XII
[Acts, Epistles of Paul, Revelation]
- Greek Minuscule 1859 XI
[Epistles of Paul, Revelation]
- Greek Minuscule 2020 XV
[Revelation]
- Greek Minuscule 2042 XIV
[Revelation]
- Greek Minuscule 2053 XIII
[Revelation]
- Greek Minuscule 2065c XV
[Revelation]
- Greek Minuscule 2081 XI
[Revelation]
- Greek Minuscule 2138 1072
[Acts, Epistles of Paul, Revelation]
- Greek Minuscule 2432 XIV
[Revelation]


177
The Emphatic Diaglott was prepared using the Dr. J. J. Griesbach Greek Text
178
TR(Scr.Ed) = The Textus Receptus, or Received Text, is the Greek Text used for the King James Version of
1611. We use here the edition published by Scrivener
179
Uncials = ancient manuscript letters distinguished from modern capital majuscules; a manuscript written in
uncials
180
Minuscule = small, as lower case; written in such letters; the small cursive script developed in the 7
th
century
from the uncial, which it afterward superseded [The Living Webster Encyclopedic Dictionary of the English
Language]; the Minuscules are fragments of the Greek text for the New Testament and are numbered.
165

- Coptic Version (Bohairic)
181
IV
[Gospels, Acts, Epistles of Paul, Catholic or General Epistles, Revelation]
- Church Father
182
Andrew of Caesarea-a 614
- Church Father Andrew of Caesarea-p 614
- Church Father Arethas 914

`no o Oto


- Greek Minuscule 94 XIII
[Revelation]
- Greek Minuscule 1828 XII
[Acts, Epistles of Paul, Revelation]
- Greek Minuscule 2073 XIV
[Revelation]
- Greek Minuscule 2344 XI
[Acts, Epistles of Paul, Revelation]
- Old Latin Version it-ar IX
[Gospels, Acts, Epistles of Paul, Catholic or General Epistles, Revelation]
- Old Latin Version it-c XII/XIII
[Gospels, Acts, Epistles of Paul, Catholic or General Epistles, Revelation]
- Old Latin Version it-dem XIII
[Acts, Epistles of Paul, Catholic or General Epistles, Revelation]
- Old Latin Version it-gig XIII
[Gospels, Acts, Epistles of Paul, Catholic or General Epistles, Revelation]
- Old Latin Version it-haf X
[Revelation]
- Latin Vulgate IV
[Gospels, Acts, Epistles of Paul, Catholic or General Epistles, Revelation]
- Syriac Version Philoxenian VI
[Catholic of General Epistles in part, Revelation]
- Syriac Version Harclean VI
[Gospels, Acts, Epistles of Paul, Catholic or General Epistles, Revelation]
- Coptic Version Bohairic? IV
[Gospels, Acts, Epistles of Paul, Catholic or General Epistles, Revelation
some doubt]
- Armenian Version IV/V
[Gospels, Acts, Epistles of Paul, Catholic or General Epistles, Revelation]
- Church Father Hippolytus 235
- Church Father Cyprian 258
- Church Father Augustine 430

181
Coptic Versions of the New Testament =
182
Church Fathers = They are by name ; the date shown is the date, or approximate date, of death.
166

- Church Father Primasius 552
- Church Father Andrew of Caesarea-bav 614
- Church Father Andrew of Caesarea-c 614

`no o Oto no
this reading is in the following manuscript evidence:

- Coptic Version Sahidic? III
[Gospels, Acts, Epistles of Paul, Catholic or General Epistles, Revelation]

Greek Text Revelation 5:10

+ Summary of the data below:
e It appears that the variation between Greek manuscripts is alone the reason for the
differences in translation.
e The choice of ouou instead of noappears to be one of a considerable degree of
doubt.
e The choice of verb below has no particular affect upon either translation or
understanding of the text. However, to be in agreement, with the majority of texts
with verse 9 that use no [us], consistency calls for ooiituootv [we shall reign]
to be the word used in verse 10.

10) |oi toinoo no` o Oto nov ooiiti |oi


itpti. |oi ooiituootv` ti n yn.
priests, and we shall reign on the earth,

Verse 10 Manuscript Data:

`no is retained by the following manuscripts according to Nestle-Aland.
- Greek Minuscule 1611* XII
- Vulgate cl XVI
- Church Father Beatus of Liebanan VIII
- Church Father Gigus XIII.
- Church Father Hippolytus 235
- Church Father Primaseus 567

`no is replaced in the UBS-2 text autous [ouou].
- UBS-2 gives no footnote explanation or other textual evidence for their text.
- They do recognize that their text is rated {C} meaning that there is a
considerable degree of doubt.
- The J. J. Griesbach (1805) text reads the same as the UBS-2 text for verse 10
as does the M. A. Scholz text (1830-1836).
167

- Nestle-Aland texts read autous [ouou] instead of n o in the following
manuscripts.
A-02 London: Alexandrinus V
[Gospels, Acts, General Epistles, Pauls Epistles, Revelation]
Greek Minuscule 1854 XI
[Acts, Pauls Epistles, Revelation]
Minuscule 2050 1107
[Revelation]
Minuscule 2329 X
[Revelation]
Greek Minuscule 2344 XI
[Revelation]
Syriac Version syr-ph VI
[General Epistles pt, Revelation]
Old Latin Versions V-h,VII-l,VIII-z,IV-IX-m,IX-ar,XI-
g1,t,XII-c,
XIII-dem,div,gig,p
[the 12 of them listed by UBS2 that contain Revelation (43 do not contain
Revelation)]

`ooiituootv [verb, indicative, 1
st
person, plural]
This is the word in the TR(Scr.Ed) and the following manuscript evidence:

- Greek Minuscule 2432 XIV
[Revelation]
- Old Latin Version it-dem XIII
[Acts, Catholic or General Epistles, Revelation]
- Vulgate cl XVI
[Gospels, Acts, Epistles of Paul, Catholic or General Epistles, Revelation]
- Church Father Maternus 348
- Church Father Tyconius 380
- Church Father Primasius 552
- Church Father Bede 735
- Church Father Haymo 841
- Church Father Arethas-txt914

`ooiituoouoiv [verb, indicative, feminine, 3
rd
person, plural]
this is the word in the UBS-2 and in the following manuscript evidence:

- London: Sinaiticus IV
[Gospels, Acts, Epistles of Paul, Catholic or General Epistles, Revelation]
- P Leningrad IX
[Acts, Epistles of Paul, Revelation]
168

- Greek Minuscule 1 XII
[Revelation]
- Greek Minuscule 94 XII
[Revelation]
- Greek Minuscule 1828 XII
[Acts, Epistles of Paul, Revelation]
- Greek Minuscule 1854 XI
[Acts, Epistles of Paul, Revelation]
- Greek Minuscule 2042 XIV
[Revelation]
- Greek Minuscule 2053 XIII
[Revelation]
- Greek Minuscule 2073 XIV
[Revelation]
- Greek Minuscule 2081* XI
[Revelation-the reading of the original hand of a manuscript]
- Greek Minuscule 2344 XI
[Acts, Epistles of Paul, Revelation]
- Old Latin Version it-c XII/XIII
[Gospels, Acts, Epistles of Paul, Catholic or General Epistles, Revelation]
- Old Latin Version it-div XIII
[Epistles of Paul, Catholic or General Epistles, Revelation]
- Old Latin Version it-gig XIII
[Gospels, Acts, Epistles of Paul, Catholic or General Epistles, Revelation]
- Old Latin Version it-haf X
[Revelation]
- Old Latin Version it-z VIII
[Epistles of Paul, Catholic of General Epistles, Revelation]
- Vulgate-ww XIX/XX
[Gospels, Acts, Epistles of Paul, Catholic or General Epistles, Revelation]
- Syriac Version-Philoxenian VI
[Catholic or General Epistles in part, Revelation]
- Coptic Version-Sahidic III
[Gospels, Acts, Epistles of Paul, Catholic or General Epistles, Revelation]
- Coptic Version-Bohairic IV
[Gospels, Acts, Epistles of Paul, Catholic or General Epistles, Revelation]
- Armenian Version IV/V
[Gospels, Acts, Epistles of Paul, Catholic or General Epistles, Revelation]
- Church Father Hippolytus 235
- Church Father Cyprian 258
- Church Father Fulgentius 533
- Church Father Andrew of Caesarea-bav 614
- Church Father Andrew of Caesarea-c 614
- Church Father Andrew of Caesarea-p 614
169

- Church Father Arethas 914

`ooiituouoiv
a verb, not listed in this form in either The Analytical Greek Lexicon
(Harpers/Bagsters) or the Analytical Concordance of the Greek New
Testament, Volume 1, Lexical Focus (Bakers)]
This word is in the following manuscript evidence:

- London: Alexandrinus V
[Gospels, Acts, Epistles of Paul, Catholic or General Epistles, Revelation]
- Numbered Uncial 046 X
[Revelation]
- Greek Minuscule 1006 XI
[Gospels, Revelation]
- Greek Minuscule 1611 XII
[Acts, Epistles of Paul, Revelation]
- Greek Minuscule 1859 XIV
[Acts, Revelation]
- Greek Minuscule 2020 XV
[Revelation]
- Greek Minuscule 2065 XV
[Revelation]
- Greek Minuscule 5081c XI
[Revelation-corrector of a manuscript]
- Greek Minuscule 2138 1072
[Acts, Epistles of Paul, Revelation]
- Old Latin Version it-ar IX
[Gospels, Acts, Epistles of Paul, Catholic or General Epistles, Revelation]
- Syriac Version-Harclean VI
[Gospels, Acts, Epistles of Paul, Catholic or General Epistles, Revelation]
- Church Father Andrew of Caesarea 640

Verse 10 Other Translations:

ooiiti |oi itpti [JJG Text and TR(Scr.Ed)].
a kingdom and priests [NASB].
kings and priests [Diaglott].


Ron Rankin
April 10, 1997
Updated August 22, 2004
File Reference Revelation 5:9, 10

170





171

SEVEN SEALS
A Summary
Revelation 6:1

They are discussed in more detail in later in our coverage of Chapter Six, but here we look at
them in relationship to the rest of the book.

Six of the seals are fully related in chapter six. However the seventh seal is opened in Chapter
Eight. Upon opening it proceeds to relate the rest of the Book, including seven trumpets, seven
thunders, seven plagues, and seven vials.

Interestingly this makes the book overall to not be visions of consecutive events. The reason is
seen when we find how they begin and how each set of sevens end their apocalyptic prophecy.
- The first Six Seals, of Chapter Six, end with the return of Christ and the end of this
present age. The first Five Seals all precede the return of Christ.
- The Seven Trumpets, of Chapters Eight and Nine and verses 14-18 of Chapter Eleven,
end with the Seventh Trumpet at the return of Christ and associated events with it. The
First Six Trumpets all precede the return of Christ.
- The vision, of the Seven Thunders in Chapter Ten, is neither recorded nor explained.
- The Seven Plagues, of Revelation Chapter Fifteen, the wrath of God.
- The Seven Vials, of Chapter Sixteen, also are filled with the wrath of God. Vial Seven is
at the return of Christ. The first Six Vials all precede the return of Christ.

The events of that precede the six seal and the seventh trumpet, overlap in their time of
fulfillment. Many other visions that are shown in the Seventh Seal are concerning events of this
present age, and therefore overlap in various ways and at various times in Chapters 11 through
18.

The events of Chapters 19 relate to the return of Christ. Chapters 20 through 22 are concerning
events that go far beyond the return of Christ. Thus the book is not a set of consecutive visions.
They all are concerning with things to be fulfilled from the time the Revelation was given until
the time of the new heaven and new earth beyond the millennium, a little season, and the day of
judgment.


Ron Rankin
March 4, 2008



172

SEALS, TRUMPETS, AND THE VIALS OF PLAGUES COMPARED
Revelation, Chapters Six through Eighteen

Revelation 6:14-17 Seals
Isaiah 2:6-22
Isaiah 24:16-23
Ezekiel 38:19-22

- Revelation 11:15-18 Trumpets
Isaiah 26:19-21
1 Corinthians 15:51, 52
Isaiah 66:15, 16

Revelation 16:15-21 Vials of Plagues
1 Thessalonians 5:1-9
Zechariah 14:12-15
Joel 3:2, 9-16
2 Thessalonians 1:7-9, 10
2 Thessalonians 2:8-13

The Return of Christ is a common point in all the Seals, Trumpets, and Vials of Plagues.


Ron Rankin
March 14, 2008










173

BEASTS IN REVELATION

Living Creatures
Zoon [Coov]
- A living creature, animal.
183

Revelation 4:6, 7, 8, 9
Revelation 5:6, 8, 11, 14
Revelation 6:1, 3, 5, 6, 7
Revelation 7:11
Revelation 14:3
Revelation 15:7
Revelation 19:4
- All are the living creatures identified as the redeemed from every nation.
- Other than in Revelation are the following three verses.
Hebrews 13:11
2 Peter 2:12
Jude 10
Wild Beasts
Therion [npiov]
- A beast, wild animal; metaphorically a brute, brutish man.
184

Revelation 6:8
Revelation 11:7
Revelation 13:1, 2, 3, 4, 11, 12, 15, 17, 18
Revelation 14:9, 11
Revelation 15:2
Revelation 16:2, 10, 13
Revelation 17:3, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17
Revelation 19:19, 20
Revelation 20:4, 10
- These represent governments including the leaders thereof.
- Other than in Revelation are the following eight verses.
Mark 1:13
Acts 10:12; 11:6; 28:4, 5
Titus 1:12
Hebrews 12:20
James 3:7

Ron Rankin
March 14, 2008

183
Lexical Source = The Analytical Greek Lexicon, published by Samuel Bagster & Sons Limited, London
184
Lexical Source = Ibid.
174

A COMPARISON OF ANIMALS IN DANIEL & REVELATION
Revelation 6:2

Four Living Creatures
Revelation 4:6-9
Revelation 6:1, 3, 5, 6, 7

Domesticated Animals Representing Governmental Powers
Daniel 8:1-22
Revelation 6:2, 4, 5, 8

Wild Beasts Representing Governmental Powers
Daniel 7:4-8
Revelation 9:3-10
Revelation 13:1, 2, 11, 12
Revelation 16:13
Revelation 17:3, 7, 11


Ron Rankin
April 12, 2008




















175

SIX SEALS GETTING ACQUAINTED
Revelation 6:1-17

+ Getting acquainted with the visions

Martyrs
Persecuting Emperors
Nero [54-68] to Diocletian [284-305]
Five emperors called good by historians between 96 and 180
Empire began to decline 180
It has been thought that the last 10 years persecution was more fierce and that
the 10 days of persecution in Revelation 2:10 related to that; this may be a
questionable application
Martyrdom not yet finished Revelation 6:11

Church Face of a Man
This indicates that the church began to be led by men and eventually to a falling away
Revelation 4:7
Revelation 17:4-6

Outline of the Vision of the Seals
The Lamb took and opened the book Revelation 5:5-7

The four beasts [living creatures] said Come and See Revelation 6:1, 3, 5, 7

The Bride says Come Revelation 22:17

Horse # 1
White, Bow, Crown, peace, conquering and to conquer Roman Horse
Beast # 1
Lion, a bold and active church

Horse # 2
Red, take peace from the earth, sword Roman Horse continues
Beast # 2
- Calf, Church under persecution

Horse # 3
- Black, Balances, famine Roman Horse continues
Beast # 3
- Face of a man on the Church, being led by men
176


Horse # 4
- Pale, Death Roman Horse continues
Beast # 4
- Church flees under persecution

Christian Martyrs

Time of the End
An earthquake
The sun becomes black
The moon becomes red
The stars fall
The heaven departs as a scroll
An earthquake again

LUKE 18:1-8
How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them
that dwell on the earth? Revelation 6:10


Ron Rankin
Adapted from my sermon notes of June 12, 1966
















177

FOUR HORSEMEN OF THE APOCALYPSE
Revelation 6:1-8









WHITE HORSE RED HORSE BLACK HORSE PALE HORSE

4 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of
thunder, one of the four beasts says, Come and see.
|oi tiov ot nvoiEt o opvi ov iov t| ov opoyiov. |oi n|ouoo
tvo t| tooopov Coov ityovo. o ovn povn. tpyou |oi
itt.

4 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and He that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was
given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

4 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.

4 And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat
thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was
given unto him a great sword.

4 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I
beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.

4 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny,
and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.

4 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell
followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to
kill with the sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.


Ron Rankin
April 19, 2008
178

FOUR HORSES OF REVELATION
Revelation 6:02

Revelation 1:19
Things which thou hast seen, things which are, and things to come

Revelation Six
1
st
beast lion [church], come and see

White Horse rider had bow and crown & conquered
Horse = government
Rider = ruler, guiding person
Bow = war weapon
Horse = Rome, world government
Rider = Augustus Caesar Senate gave him crown; peace for over 40 years of
his rule
Lion = Church bold, Pentecost

2
nd
beast calf [beast of sacrifice]

Red Horse = Rome
Acts 9 persecution
Here say = Nero
Rider = took peace from the earth; kill one another; given sword
3
rd
beast face of a man [wrong head]

Black Horse = death, wickedness, famine
Rider = pair of balances; says a measure of wheat for penny

4
th
beast flying eagle

Pale Horse = Rome dying; Papacy
Rider = death and hell; power given to rider and horse
Over part of the earth; kill with sword, hunger, death
Beast inquisition

True church pulls away from papacy, flees into the wilderness

Virginia Rankin circa 1948


179

THE ROMAN HORSE
Revelation 6:2

And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was
given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer [Revelation 6:2].

ANIMALS FOR EMPIRES
+ As in the book of Daniel, animals, both domestic and wild, are used to represent
governments, especially of empires: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Grecia, Rome
Daniel 7:4-7
- Eagle; Bear with 3 Ribs of another in its mouth; Leopard; A Non-
descript and Diverse Beast
Daniel 8:3-22
- Ram and He-Goat

A LOOK AT THE HISTORY OF THE HORSE FOR ROME
185

+ Romulus, name of the founder and first king of Rome, is represented in legend as the
son of Mars. After his death, he was worshipped as a god under the name of
Quirinus, in reality a Sabine
186
form of Mars. Much of the record of Romulus is
shrouded in the form of the mythology of the gods.
+ Mars, the Roman deity,
187
in whose worship the horse was sacrificed. Mars sacred
war-horse, called the horse of the sun, was also sacrificed to the Greek god Helios.
+ The horse was important to the Romans in their military campaigns. See the picture
of the Roman coins imprinted with Roman horses.
+ It is fitting that the prophecy of the Decline of the Roman Empire be depicted with
prophetic horses.

THE APOCALYPSE
+ Is the history of world from the birth of Jesus to the coming of Jehovah to the Earth
Revelation 1:1, 19
- Things which must shortly come to pass
- The things which John had seen
- The things which are
- The things which shall be hereafter

185
Bibliography = 1) Encyclopedia Brittanica, Ninth Edition; Volume XX, 1886, Page 862, Romulus; Volume XV,
1883, Mars, Page 576ff; 2) Horae Apocalyptica, E. B. Elliott, 5
th
Edition, Volume One, 1862, Page 125ff
186
Sabines = an ancient people of central Italy, and their language
187
Mars = god of heaven, giver of light, the opener of the new year, god of war, hurler of thunder and sender of rain,
as well as god of god of the land and giver of increase, and god of death and the dead, was the great god of one of
the races (probably the Sabines) from which the Roman state sprang. The first day of the Romans first month of
the year, Mars, was the birthday of Mars; the current month of March corresponds to the Roman month; roughly
corresponding to the Jewish month Nisan.
180

Revelation 4:1
- The things which must be hereafter
Revelation 6:1, 3, 5, 7
- Come and see
Revelation 17:1
- I will shew thee
Revelation 22:7
- Keep the sayings of this book
Revelation 1:3
- Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this
prophecy and keep those things which are written therein: for the time
is at hand.

THE FAITH AND PATIENCE OF THE SAINTS
+ Herein
Revelation Chapter Two and Three
- He that Overcometh
Revelation 13:10
- The patience and faith
Revelation 14:12
- The patience of they that keep the commandments of God, and the
faith of Jesus

- REVELATION 22:17
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come.
And let him that is athirst come.
And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely


Ron Rankin
April 18, 2008









181

ROMAN COINS WITH THE ROMAN HORSE
Revelation 6:2
























182

A WHITE HORSE
The First Seal

+ REVELATION 6:2
And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown
was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

Revelation 1:19
Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which
shall be hereafter.

One of the Four Beasts
Revelation 4:7
- The first was like a Lion
- Come and See
Acts 8:1-12

The White Horse Conqueror
Horse = government
Rider = ruler, guiding person
Bow = a weapon of war
Rome = the world government, to rule over all the earth
First Emperor = Augustus Caesar; given his crown by the Roman Senate; peace
ensued for over 40 years
Daniel 2:39,40
- Strong as Iron
Daniel 7:7
- Diverse Beast
Daniel 11:30
- Chittim
Revelation 17:18
- Reigneth over the kings of the earth
- Art Thou a King?
John 18:4-14,33-40
Revelation 12:1-5
- Things Past
Daniel 7:13,14
- The man child caught up unto God

183

The Caesars/Emperors of Rome
188

Julius Caesar = established Roman power throughout the world; He was the Caesar
who never became Emperor
His adopted became the first Emperor = August Caesar


Ron Rankin
March 15, 2008
































188
The Caesars and Emperors of Rome are listed in the Addenda to Apokalupsis; A Thumbnail Sketch of the
Caesars and Roman Emperors may be found in The Book of Daniel the Beloved
184

CONQUERING, AND TO CONQUER
Revelation 6:2

ROOTS OF ROME
Noah, Japheth, Javan
Genesis 10:1, 2, 4
Deuteronomy 32:7-9
754/753 City of Rome founded by Romulus on Mount Palitine
752 715 Romulus [a mild and just ruler]
715 672 Numa Pompilius [a continued triumph, distinguished by wisdom]
672 640 Tullus Hostilius
--- the battle between the Horatii and the Curiantii
640 616 Ancus Martius [23 years of prosperity, a man of great piety]
616 578 Tarquinus Priscus [reigned long, prosperous]
578 509 Servius Tullius [humane and able, promoted the welfare of the people]
509 Expelled Tarquinus Superbus [assassinated Servius Tullius; and was a tyrant;
his son caused the death of Lucretia, a virtuous person, and the gates of Rome closed
to the Tarquins and they were banished from the throne
Consuls, two annually-elected magistrates, became the supreme power of the
commonwealth. The first two Consuls were Brutus, and Colatinus the husband of
Lucretia.
The two sons of Brutus, Titus and Tiberius, were bribed by Tarquinus in an effort to
regain the throne. The two sons were arrested, brought before the tribunal of their
father, and according to the law were scourged and beheaded.
Confusion followed in Rome and the Senate established an aristocracy; this was
replaced by three officers called Tribunes and later increased to five then
subsequently to ten. These Tribunes were chosen by the people and were given
authority to veto the acts of the Senate, and thus protected the people from the
Consuls.
Inhabitants of the provinces of Italy:
- Ligurians, Etruscans, Rutulians, Umbrians, Aequians, Sabines, Latins and
Samnites.
- Two Latin settlements and one Sabine were united to form the city and
government of Rome; the Sabines were Latinized and thereafter Rome was
considered a Latin City.
458 Aequians and Sabines assaulted Rome so the Senate appointed a Lucius
Minucius, one of the consuls, to command the Roman army; they were subsequently
blockaded by the invaders and the Senate appointed Lucius Quintius Cincinnatus to
be Dictator. He led the Romans to victory.
185

The Romans sent three emissaries to Athens to obtain a copy of the Greek laws. Ten
magistrates were appointed, called Decemvirs, for the purpose of compiling a body of
laws for the Roman governments.
Enthroned in the Comitium, the great public hall, were ten tablets of brass that were
engraved with the new Roman laws.
=====
100 July 12, Julius Caesar born of a ruling family the Caesar who never became
Emperor Conqueror from Britain to the Levant and established Roman supremacy
of the Mediterranean Sea
44 March 15, Julius Caesar assassinated
Succeeded by Octavius Caesar, Caesar the August, known as Augustus Caesar,
followed by 11 more Caesars
The conquering continued even to Armenia and Parthia [Persia]
Ultimately the conquering in its divided and broken condition has continued
throughout the world
Successors of Nebuchadnezzar, Darius the Mede & Cyrus the Persian, and Alexander
the Great
Daniel 2:31-40
Wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the
fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee
ruler over them all.
After thee shall arise another, inferior
And another third kingdom
And the fourth shall be strong as iron
The kingdom shall be divided
But there shall be in it of the strength of iron
The kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken
Daniel 7:1-7
Daniel 11:30


Ron Rankin
April 5, 2008








186

A RED HORSE
The Second Seal

Revelation 6:3, 4
And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and
see.
And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat
thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there
was given unto him a great sword.

One of the Four Beasts [Living Creatures]
Revelation 4:7
The second was like a calf
Come and See
Acts 8:1
Acts 14:22

The Red Horse Persecutor
Horse = government
Rider = ruler, guiding person
Sword = weapon of war and bloodshed
He was given ability-authority-power to take peace from the earth
So that they might kill one another, civil war among leaders and aspiring emperors
Beginning with Emperor Commodus the empire entered a time of internal
conflict, assassination and murder.
The causal agent of the civil insurrections and bloodshed being from first
to last military men in power; those whose vocation was war, whose weapon
the sword, and by the sword rose, and by the sword fell.
189

This lasted for about 92 years from 192 to 284

A great sword
Sword = machaira [oyoipo]
A large knife, a poniard [poniard = [(etymology of poniard French
poignard, < poing, Latin pugnus, the fist.) A dagger; To pierce or
stab with a poniard.]

This horse represents the continuing world government of Rome, but this time in a
state of civil turmoil and bloodshed.


189
Source = Horae Apokalypticae, by E. B. Elliott, Volume I, page 150ff
187

The following emperors persecuted Christians and other groups to varying degrees of
intensity:
1. Nero 54 - 68
64 began persecution of Christians and is thought to have included
the Apostle Paul
2. Domitian 81 - 95
95 began persecution of Christians and thought that he banished
John to the isle of Patmos
3. Trajan 98 117
In spite of persecution of Christians, he is thought to have been a good
Emperor
4. Hadrian 117 138
Also persecuted Christians
5. Antoninus 138 - 161
Although he persecuted Christians, he is thought of as noble ruler with
the Empire at peace
6. Marcus Aurelius & Lucius Veris, joint rulers 161 180
163 persecuted Christians; Polycarp was martyred
7. Septimius Severus 193 211
Also persecuted Christians
8. Maximin 235 238
236 persecuted Christians
9. Decius 249 251
250 published his edict for persecution of Christians
10. Valerian, ruled jointly with his son Gallienus 254 - 260
Persecuted Christians
11. Aurelian 270 275
Persecuted Christians
12. Diocletian 284 - 305
Persecuted Christians
He abdicated the throne in 305 and retired to the town of his birth; died
8 years later

Constantine the Great succeeded Diocletion to the throne and ended persecution of Christians


Ron Rankin
April 6, 2008



188

KILLING ONE ANOTHER
Revelation 6:4

And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat
thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was
given unto him a great sword.

The white horse of Revelation 6:2 having exhibited Romes conquering glory and the
establishment of peace was now coming to a period of decline Augustus, 31 B/C. through
Marcus Aurelius, 180 A.D.

The red horse of Revelation 6:4 exhibits the decline in leadership that led to the fall of the
empire. Turmoil in and for leadership provoked assassination and murder to a greater
degree.

The persecution of segments of the populace continued until Constantine, the Great. Turmoil
with bloodshed signaled this phase of the Empire.

Edward Gibbon illustrated these things in The History of the Fall and Decline of the Roman
Empire.

See the individual lesson outline titled, A Red Horse.


Ron Rankin
April 12, 2008














189


A BLACK HORSE
The Third Seal

Revelation 6:5, 6
And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see.
And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his
hand.
And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say A measure of wheat for a
penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see that thou hurt not the oil and
the wine.

The Third of the Four Beasts
Revelation 6:5
The third had the face of a man
Come and See
The face of a man is the wrong head for the redeemed for Jesus, the Son of
God, is the Head
The leadership of man that developed led into the apostasy
2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

The Black Horse
Horse = Roman government
Rider = rulers, guiding persons
Had a pair of balances in his hand

PAIR OF BALANCES IN THE HISTORY OF EMPIRES
190

In the case of the Babylonian Empire and its last Emperor, Belshazzar, the balances
weighed the Empire and found it lacking.
Daniel 5:27
In the case of the Roman Empire, the balances are descriptive of the operations of the
leaders of the Empire.
In the early years of the growth of the government that was to become the
Roman Empire, before the Caesars became Emperors, the balances were an
emblem of justice under the control of the Praetors.
191
See the picture of
Roman coins in the page following this outline.
Under the Emperors the balance of justice became their province. In
imperial times indeed the supreme judicial and financial, as well as supreme

190
Bibliography = 1) Gibbons Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire; 2) Horae Apokalypticae, E. B. Elliott
191
Praetors = the original title of the consuls, later to the magistrates who administered justice.
190

military power, centred in the emperors. The balance was not always
equity, and would eventually lead to oppression and famine.
A more modern expression of the balances is illustrated by the statement by
Henry V of England to the English Lord Chief Justice, Hold thou still the
balance and the sword.
The words of Jehovah that He gave to Samuel, who relayed them to the
people, when the Israelites desired a king to judge us like all the nations.
1 Samuel 8:4-19
This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you
He will take your sons for himself, for his chariots, and to be
his horsemen
He will appoint him captains to ar his ground, and to reap
his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and
instruments of his chariots
He will take your daughters to be confectionaries and to be
cooks, and to be bakers
He will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your olive-
yards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants
He will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and
give to his officer, and to his servants
He will take your menservants and your maidservants, and
your goodliest young servants, and your asses, and put them to
his work
He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his
servants
And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye
have chosen
And Jehovah will not hear you in that day


Ron Rankin
April 7, 2008









191

PAIR OF BALANCES IN HIS HAND
Revelation 6:5





































192

TABLE OF GREEK & ROMAN MEASURES
192

Revelation 6:6

g And compared to English Measures

Sextarius = 2 cotylae = Pint
2 Sextarii = Attic Choenix = Quart
8 Choenics = Modius = Peck
4 Modii = Bushel
6 Modii = Medimnus
32 Modii = Quarter


In weight, the choenix of wheat = 2 lbs; the congiius of rain-water = 10 lb


Ron Rankin
April 19, 2008























192
Source = Horae Apokalypticae, by E. B. Elliott
193

A PALE HORSE
The Fourth Seal

Revelation 6:7, 8
And when he had opened the fourth seal I heard the voice of the fourth beast say,
Come and see.
And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and
Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the
earth. To kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the
earth.

The Fourth Beast
Revelation 4:7
- The fourth was like a flying eagle
- Come and See
Revelation 12:6

The Pale Horse
Horse = the Roman government continuing, but waxing weaker through civil disunity
and uprisings, war and threatening divisions that led to a broken empire with a union
of church [the papacy and concordat
193
] and the state; a condition that will remain
until replaced by the Kingdom of God.
Daniel 2:42, 43
- Partly strong and partly broken [brittle]
- People of the Roman Empire cannot cleave together.
2 Timothy 3:1-5
- Provinces were already being lost, or ceded, to the northern Gothic
tribes as the end of the 3
rd
century neared.
Rider(s) = those that rule, the guiding persons; whose name = Death; and Hell
followed him
It was given to him the power to kill with the sword, with hunger, with death, with
wild beasts of the earth


Ron Rankin
April 7, 2008



193
Concordat = an agreement; a compact; especially an agreement between the Pope and a secular government
regarding the regulation of ecclesiastical matters [The Living Webster Encyclopedic Dictionary of the English
Language]
194

PERSIAN REBELLION
Emperor Valerian Captured
194

A.D. 260
















g Valerian, captured by Persian king Sapor, died in captivity

g His associate on the throne, his son Gallienus, became sole Emperor
- His rivals for the throne, called in history the 30 tyrants, persisted for the next twelve
or fourteen years

g These events illustrate the turmoil, uprisings, and civil strife that was coming on the Empire

g Reference Outline A Pale Horse, q.v.







Ron Rankin
April 19, 200


194
Sources = Horae Apokalypticae, by E. B. Elliott; Historian Pollio and in Travels in Persia, Volume I, page 540,
also documented this event and the 30 Tyrants.
195

GROWTH OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE
264 B.C. 117 A.D.














MAP SHOWING the CORE OF AUTHORITY and GROWTH in ITALY from 264 B.C. to
world-wide in 117 A.D.

- In red the amalgamated tribes that formed the nucleus of the power in 264 B.C. that
became the Roman Empire under Emperor Augustus Caesar.
- In green the growth in 133 B.C.
- In tan the growth under Emperor Trajan in 117 A.D.
- Wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of
heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all.
- The succession of power from Babylon to Medo-Persia to Grecia and to to Rome.
- The final succession of power will be to Jehovah and His Christ.

SCRIPTURES
Daniel 2:38-41
Daniel 7:3-7
Revelation 13:1-4
Revelation 11:15-18
Psalm 2:1-12


Ron Rankin
April 21, 2008




196

EMPIRE DIVIDED
395 A.D.














MAP SHOWING the CORE OF AUTHORITY in the EAST & WEST in 395 A.D.

- Empire divided East and West

SCRIPTURES
- Daniel 2:41, 42
- Revelation 8:4-13
- Revelation 9:1-21










Ron Rankin
April 21, 2008





197

FALL OF THE WEST ROMAN EMPIRE
A.D. 476













MAP SHOWING the CORE OF AUTHORITY in the EAST & WEST in 476 A.D.

- Kingdom of Odoacer
- East Roman Empire
- The Empire in the East fell in 1451 to the Ottoman Empire.
- The remainder of the story of the Roman Empire continues as we proceed through the
book of Revelation

SCRIPTURES
Daniel 2:41
Revelation 8:12







Ron Rankin
April 21, 2008






198

SOULS UNDER THE ALTAR
The Fifth Seal

REVELATION 6:9-11
And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that
were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:
And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou
not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that
they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow-servants also and their
brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

- SLAIN FOR TESTIMONY AND THE WORD OF GOD
Acts 26:15-18
Acts 28:23-31
1 Thessalonians 2:7-20
2 Timothy 2:9-12

- HOW DO DEAD SOULS SPEAK?
Isaiah 38:18, 19
Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6
Genesis 4:10

- HOW LONG, O JEHOVAH
Luke 18:1-8
James 5:1-11
1 Thessalonians 3:12, 13
Ephesians 3:13
2 Peter 3:9
Hebrews 10:35-37

- WHITE ROBES
Revelation 19:7-9
Romans 4:6-8
Revelation 3:5, 18

These verses do not say that they will not wear white raiment; only that it represents
the righteousness of the saints; clothing that is compatible with that for which it also
stands.


199

- UNTIL FELLOW BRETHREN ARE ALSO KILLED FOR THEIR FAITH
1 Thessalonians 4:17
- Together
Hebrews 11:32-40
- They without us should not be made perfect
2 Peter 1:4
- Partaker [Greek, koinonoi, |oivovoi ] to share with, partner, have in
common.

Together is the operative word


Ron Rankin
April 23, 2008



























200

BLOOD OF MARTYRS
Revelation 6:10






























EPITAPH IN THE CATACOMBS
ON A MARTYR SLAIN IN DIOCLETIANS PERSECUTION

= = =

A MARTYRS VASE OF BLOOD IN THE CATACOMBS AT ROME


201

PRE-SAGING THE END
The Sixth Seal

REVELATION 6:12, 13
And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great
earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as
blood;
And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs,
when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

4 SIGNS WHY
Matthew 16:1-4
Matthew 12:38-42
Luke 21:25, 26

4 A GREAT EARTHQUAKE
November 1, 1755
- 4,000,000 square mile area affected
- Lisbon, Portugal and 60,000 dead

4 THE SUN BECAME BLACK & THE MOON AS BLOOD
Joel 2:31
- The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the
great and the terrible day of Jehovah come.
Joel 2:10, 11
- The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble:
the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall
withdraw their shining:
- And Jehovah shall utter his voice before his army: for his
camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word:
for the day of Jehovah is great and very terrible; and who can
abide it?
May 18-19, 1780
- The Dark Day, May 19, 1780 so-called on account of a remarkable
darkness on that day extending over all New England. In some places,
persons could not see to read common print in the open air for several hours
together. Birds sang their evening songs, disappeared, and became silent;
fowls went to roost; cattle sought the barnyard; and candles were lighted in
the houses. The obscuration began about ten oclock in the morning, and
continued till the middle of the next night, but with differences of degree and
duration in different places. For several days previous, the wind had been
202

variable, but chiefly from the southwest and northeast. The true cause of this
remarkable phenomenon is not known.
195


4 THE STARS OF HEAVEN FELL
Luke 21:25
- And there shall be signs and in the stars
November 13, 1833
- See separate study outline Stars and the Falling of Stars

4 LESS SPECTACULAR BUT NONETHELESS SIGNS
Matthew 24:7, 8
2 Timothy 3:1-5


Ron Rankin
June 19, 1966
Updated April 22, 2008























195
Noah Websters Dictionary, Edition 1869, as recorded in Drama of the Ages, by William Henry Branson,
Southern Publishing Association, 1953
203

A GREAT EARTHQUAKE
Revelation 6:12

The Time the Earth Shook
On November 1, 1755, the people of Lisbon were celebrating all Saints
Day. Suddenly the city was wracked; by jarring shocks; fields and roads
split asunder with terrifying roars. In the churches, prayers turned to screams
as buildings collapsed. Hundreds drowned as a 50 foot wall of water swept in
from the harbor. When the Quake ended three minutes later, over of
Lisbons population lay dead!
196



Ron Rankin
July 11, 2003




























196
Our Fascinating Earth by Phil and Nancy Seff, The Wenatchee World, Sunday March 10, 2002.
204

THE TIME THE EARTH SHOOK
November 1, 1755
Revelation 6:12

































205

ATLANTIC TSUNAMI
November 1, 1755
Revelation 6:12





































206

CANDLELIGHT LUNCHEON
May 19, 1780
Revelation 6:12





































207

A WORD FROM ADLER PLANETARIUM
Revelation 6:12


208

STARS & FALLING STARS
Sixth Seal

Revelation 6:12, 13
- And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great
earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as
blood;
- And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs,
when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

Stars
aster [oonp]
197

- A star, luminous meteor
198

Matthew 2:2, 7, 9, 10
Matthew 24:29
Mark 13:25
1 Corinthians 15:41 [twice]
Jude 13 wandering stars
Revelation 1:16, 20 [twice]
Revelation 2:1, 28
Revelation 3:1
Revelation 6:13
Revelation 8:10, 11, 12
Revelation 9:1
Revelation 12:1, 4
Revelation 22:16
astron [oopov]
- a constellation, star
199

Luke 21:25
Acts 7:43
Acts 27:20
Hebrews 11:12



197
Aster = compare the Greek word, asteriktos [oon pi|o], and our English noun asteroid [from aster, star, and
eidos, form] one of the small planets that revolve about the sun mainly between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, more
accurately called planetoids adjective = resembling a star; pertaining to the asteroids [The Living Webster
Encyclopedic Dictionary of the English Language]; 2 Peter 2:14 unstable souls; 2 Peter 3:16 unlearned and
unstable; unstable in these two verses is the word asteriktos.
198
Young Analytical Concordance to the Bible, Robert Young
199
Ibid
209

planetes [iovnn]
200

- wanderer
201

Jude 13 wandering stars
phosphoros [ooopo]
- light bearer, morning star
202

2 Peter 1:19
kokab [22`2 ]
- [S#3556]; a star
203

Genesis 1:16; Job 9:7; 22:12; 38:7; Psalm 8:3; 136:9; 147:4
Genesis 15:5; 22:17; 26:4; 37:9; Exodus 32:13; Deuteronomy 1:10;
10:22; 28:16; 1 Chronicles 27:23; Nehemiah 9:23
Numbers 24:17
Deuteronomy 4:19
Judges 5:20
Nehemiah 4:21
Job 3:9; 25:5
Psalm 148:3
Ecclesiastes 12:2
Daniel 8:10; 12:2
Joel 2:10; 3:15
Amos 5:26
Obadiah 4
Nahum 3:16
chozeh & kokab [`" & 22`2]
- [S#2374 & 3556
204
]; a gazer on the stars
205

Isaiah 47:13
kimah [C`3 ]
- [S#3598
206
]; a group, the Pleiades
207

Amos 5:8



200
Planetes = [Old French, planete; French, planete; from Late Latin planeta; from Greek planetes, planet, literally
wanderer; from planan, cause to wander]. Any one of the heavenly bodies revolving about the sun and shining by
reflected light: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto distinguished from a
fixed star [The Living Webster Encyclopedic Dictionary of the English Language].
201
Ibid
202
Ibid
203
Ibid
204
S#2374 & 3556 = Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, James Strong
205
Young Analytical Concordance to the Bible, Robert Young
206
S#3598 Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, James Strong
207
Young Analytical Concordance to the Bible, Robert Young
210

Falling of Stars
Leonid Showers
- Astronomy: any of a shower of meteors occurring yearly about November
15
th
, appearing to shoot from the constellation Leo.
208


- On November 12-13, 1833 there was a falling of stars that is described as
From the Gulf of Mexico to Halifax, until daylight with some difficulty put
an end to the display, the sky was scored in every direction with shining tracks
and illuminated with majestic fireballs.
209


- The morning of November 13, 1833, was rendered memorable by an
exhibition of the phenomenon called shooting stars, which was probably more
extensive and magnificent than any similar one hitherto recorded Probably
no celestial phenomenon has ever occurred in this country, since its first
settlement, which was viewed with so much admiration and delight by one
class of spectators, or with so much astonishment and fear by another class.
For some time the occurrence, the meteoric phenomenon was the principal
topic of conversation in every circle.
210


- I witnessed this gorgeous spectacle, and was awe-struck. The air seemed
filled with bright descending messengers from the sky. It was about daybreak
when I saw this sublime scene. It was not without the suggestion at that
moment that it might be the harbinger of the coming of the Son of man; and in
my state of mind I was prepared to hail him as my friend and deliverer. I had
read that the stars shall fall from heaven, and they were now falling. I was
suffering for the rest denied me on earth.
211



Ron Rankin
March 7, 2008





208
The Living Webster Encyclopedic Dictionary of the English Language
209
Agnes M. Clerke, History of Astronomy in the Nineteenth Century, page 328; as recorded in Drama of the Ages,
by William Henry Branson, page 450, 1953, Southern Publishing Association
210
Denison Olmsted, professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in Yale College, in the American Journal of
Science and Arts, Vol. XXV (1834), pp. 363, 364; as recorded in Drama of the Ages, by William Henry Branson,
page 450, 1953, Southern Publishing Association.
211
Frederick A. Douglass, My Bondage and My Freedom, p. 186; as recorded in Drama of the Ages, by William
Henry Branson, page 450, 1953, Southern Publishing Association.
211

THE HEAVEN AND THE MOUNTAINS

REVELATION 6:14-17
And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain
and island were moved out of their places.
And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief
captains, and the mighty men, and every bond and, and every free man, hid
themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains.
And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that
sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:
For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

AS A SCROLL and the MOUNTAINS SHALL BE THROWN DOWN
Isaiah 34:4
Isaiah 2:10-21
Jeremiah 4:19-31
Isaiah 24:17-23
Ezekiel 38:19-23
Zechariah 14:1-10
Psalm 2:1-9
Revelation 16:12-21
Revelation 11:14-19

THE VERY GREAT VALLEY
Zechariah 9:10
Psalm 72:8
Psalm 46:1-11
Ezekiel 47:1-12


Ron Rankin
April 23, 2008







212

HIS WRATH ORGES AUTOU

Revelation 6:17
For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

oi nitv n ntpo n tyoin n opyn ouou |oi i uvooi
because came the day the great of the wrath of him; and who is able

oonvi
212

to stand?
213


OTHER TRANSLATIONS
+ Because the great day of his wrath has come, and who is able to stand.
214

+ For the great day of their wrath has come; and who is able to stand?
215

+ For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?
216

+ The great day of their vengeance has come. Who can withstand it?
217

+ Because come did the great day of His anger, and who is able to stand?
218

+ Others, that translate their instead of his, are: The Revised Standard Version, J. B.
Phillips Translation, and the New English Bible.

MANUSCRIPT EVIDENCE
+ ouou. autou United Bible Societies Greek Text, Edition 2, reads auton [ouov];
and gives it a rating of C, meaning of a considerable degree of doubt.
+ Textual evidence shows ouov with 24 authorities [the earliest is 4
th
century]; and
ouou with 19 authorities [the earliest is 5
th
century].
+ The Textus Receptus (Scrivener Edition) and the Scholz Greek Text also read ouou.
+ Comparison of the age of manuscripts is of limited value, because there are no extant
original manuscripts.
+ Wilson has a footnote in the Diaglott that indicates his awareness that some
manuscripts contain the word auton [ouov] which properly translate as their.
Whereas the Griesbach text has auton [ouou ] which he properly translates as his.
+ Which set of manuscripts is most compatible with other teachings of the Scriptures
regarding wrath; so next we look for enlightenment in its Biblical context?


212
Greek Text of Dr. J. J. Griesbach; same as the Textus Receptus, Scrivener Edition
213
Benjamin Wilson in the Emphatic Diaglott
214
The translation of Benjamin Wilson in the Emphatic Diaglott
215
The New American Standard Bible
216
The New International Version
217
The New American Bible, St. Joseph Edition
218
Youngs Literal Translation of the Bible, by Robert Young, author of the Analytical Concordance to the Bible
213

BIBLICAL CONTEXTUAL EVIDENCE
Joel 2:11
- And Jehovah shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great:
for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of Jehovah is great and
very terrible; and who can abide it?
Jeremiah 30:7-9
- Alas, for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacobs
trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.
- For it shall come to pass in that day, saith Jehovah of hosts, that I will break
his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no
more serve themselves of him:
- But they shall serve Jehovah their God, and David their king, whom I will
raise up unto them.
Zephaniah 1:14,15
- The great da of Jehovah is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice
of the day of Jehovah: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.
- That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness
and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick
darkness.
Ezekiel 38:18-23
- And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the
land of Israel, saith, the Lord Jehovah, that my fury shall come up in my face.
- For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that
day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel;
Isaiah 34:8
- For it is the day of Jehovahs vengeance for the controversy of Zion.
Revelation 16:14-21
- And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue
Armageddon.
Revelation 6:16
Hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of
the Lamb.
Acts 17:31
He that sits on the throne has designated his Son to exercise righteous
judgment.

CONCLUSION
+ It is the day of His, Jehovahs, anger and wrath.

Ron Rankin
June 5, 1995
214






















215

JEHOVAHS SERVANTS SEALED
Revelation 7:1-17

SEAL OF THE LIVING GOD
- Seal
Sphragida [opoyio]
- A noun, accusative, feminine, singular of sphragis [opoyi]
- A seal, a signet ring; an inscription on a seal, motto; the impression of
a seal; a distinctive mark; a token, a proof.
219

- See the addendum, the separate study of the family of words, under
sphragis, with scriptures.
A seal signifies ownership of that which is sealed by ownership of the seal
itself.

144,000 SEALED OF THE TRIBES OF ISRAEL
COMPARISON
Genesis 49:1-28
COMPARISON
Revelation 7:4-8
MOTHER COMMENTS
Reuben 12,000 Leah
Simeon 12,000 Leah
Levi 12,000 Leah
Judah 12,000 Leah
Zebulon 12,000 Leah
Issachar 12,000 Leah
Dan 0
220
Bilhah reason unknown
Gad 12,000 Zilpah
Asher 12,000 Zilpah
Naphtali 12,000 Bilhah
Joseph* 12,000 Rachel Mannaseh & Ephraim
Benjamin 12,000 Rachel
Dinah Leah


These 144,000 are described in Revelation 14:1-5
- They are of the children of Israel, not of Gentiles
- Singing before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders; Singing before
Jehovah, before the Lamb, and before the Redeemed; singing a new song
- They also are redeemed
- They are virgins
- They follow the Lamb wheresoever he goes
- They are the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb

219
Lexicon Source = Samuel Bagster & Sons Limited, London
220
The reason that Dan is not included in the total 144,000 is unknown; we must assume that it implies neither good
nor bad.
216

- In their mouth was found no guile
- They are without fault before the throne of God
- See a separate detailed outline They Sang, Revelation 14:1-5

A GREAT MULTITUDE OF ALL NATIONS

From all Nations Ethnic
221
Groups
Revelation 7:9-17
- All nations
- And kindreds
- And people
- And tongues

From all time?
Hebrews 11:40
They, in the context of Hebrews 11:1-39, are the faithful from Abel to the
return of Jesus

Came out of great tribulation
Revelation 7:14
Erchomenoi ek tes thlipseos tes megales
tpyotvo t| n iito n tyoin
coming
222
out of the affliction
223
the great
224

Acts 14:22
We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom
io oiiov
225
iitov ti no tioitiv ti nv ooiitiov
through many afflictions must we enter into the kingdom

Conclusion
- All who have the will to be sealed unto salvation, Jehovah knows, will be sealed
before the end comes; the end being signified by the return of Jesus from heaven.

Ron Rankin
Composite of study and sermon notes dated:
January 30, 1966
July 3, 1966
January 6, 1971
January 15, 1996
Updated April 24, 2008

221
Ethnic ek pantos ethnous [t| ovo tvou] = out of all nations in the King James Version
222
See Addendum Thlipsis
223
Also See Addendum Thlipsis
224
Interlinear from the Emphatic Diaglott
225
Pollon [oiiov] = great in magnitude or quantity, much, large, plural many [The Analytical Greek Lexicon,
Samuel Bagster & Sons Limited, London]
217

SPHRAGIS SEAL
Revelation 7:2

SPHRAGIS, opoyi. WORD FAMILY
226


SCRIPTURE TRANSLATION WORD GROUP GRAMMAR

Matthew 27:66 Sealing sphragisantes,
opoyioovt
sphragizo,
opoyiCo
verb,
participle,
aorist, active,
nominative,
masculine,
plural
John 3:33 hath set to seal esphragisen,
topoyiotv

sphragizo,
opoyiCo
verb,
indicative,
aorist, active,
3
rd
person,
singular
John 6:27 hath sealed esphragisen,
topoyiotv

sphragizo,
opoyiCo
verb,
indicative,
aorist, active,
3
rd
person,
singular
Romans 4:11 Seal sphragida,
opoyio
sphragis,
opoyi
noun,
accusative,
feminine,
singular
Romans 15:28 have sealed sphragisamenos,
opoyioovtvo
sphragizo,
opoyiCo
verb,
participle,
aorist,
middle,
nominative,
masculine,
1
st
person,
singular
1 Corinthians 9:2 Seal sphragis, opoyi sphragis, opoyi noun,
nominative,
feminine,
singular






226
Lexical Sources =
1 The Analytical Greek Lexicon, Samuel Bagster & Sons Limited, London;
2 The New Englishmans Greek, Concordance and Lexicon; 3 Textus Receptus, Scrivener Edition;
F Analytical Concordance of the Greek New Testament, Volume I, Lexical Focus, Edited by Philip S.
Clapp, Barbara Friberg, & Timothy Friberg
218

2 Corinthians 1:22 Who hath sealed sphragisamenos,
opoyiootvo
sphragizo,
opoyiCo
verb,
participle,
aorist,
middle,
nominative,
masculine,
singular




2 Corinthians 11:10 shall stop phragesetai
227
,
poynotoi
phrasso,
poooo
verb,
indicative,
future,
3
rd
person,
singular
Ephesians 1:13 were sealed esphragisthete,
topoyiont
sphragizo,
opoyiCo
verb,
indicative,
aorist,
passive,
2
nd
person,
plural
Ephesians 4:30 are sealed esphragisthete,
topoyiont
sphragizo,
opoyiCo
verb,
indicative,
aorist,
passive,
2
nd
person,
plural
2 Timothy 2:19 Seal sphragida,
opoyio
sphragis,
opoyi
noun,
accusative,
feminine,
singular
Revelation 5:1 Sealed katesphragismenon,
|otopoyiotvov
katasphragizo,
|ooopoyiCo
verb,
participle,
perfect,
active,
nominative,
singular
Revelation 5:1 Seals sphragisin,
opoyioiv
sphragis,
opoyi
noun, dative,
feminine,
plural
Revelation 5:2 Seals sphragidas,
opoyio
sphragis,
opoyi
noun,
accusative,
feminine,
plural





227
phragesetai = this verse with this word were incorrectly listed under sphragizo by the New Englishmans Greek
Concordance and Lexicon; but should have been under prasso only.
219

Revelation 5:5 Seals sphragidas,
opoyio
sphragis,
opoyi
noun,
accusative,
feminine,
plural
Revelation 5:9 Seals sphragidas,
opoyio
sphragis,
opoyi
noun,
accusative,
feminine,
plural
Revelation 6:1 Seals sphragidon,
opoyiov
sphragis,
opoyi
noun,
nominative,
feminine,
singular
Revelation 6:3 Seal sphragida,
opoyio
sphragis,
opoyi
noun,
accusative,
feminine,
singular
Revelation 6:5 Seal sphragida,
opoyio
sphragis,
opoyi
noun,
accusative,
feminine,
singular


Revelation 6:7 Seal sphragida,
opoyi o
sphragis,
opoyi
noun,
accusative,
feminine,
singular

Revelation 6:9 Seal sphragida,
opoyio
sphragis,
opoyi
noun,
accusative,
feminine,
singular
Revelation 6:12 Seal sphragida,
opoyio
sphragis,
opoyi
noun,
accusative,
feminine,
singular
Revelation 7:2 Seal sphragida,
opoyio
sphragis,
opoyi
noun,
accusative,
feminine,
singular
Revelation 7:3 Sealed sphragisomen,
opoyiiootv
sphragizo,
opoyiCo
verb,
subjunctive,
aorist, active,
1
st
person,
plural







220

Revelation 7:4 which were sealed esphragismenon,
topoyiotvov
sphragizo,
opoyiCo
verb,
participle,
perfect,
passive,
genitive,
masculine,
plural
Revelation 7:4 Sealed esphragismenoi,
topoyiotvoi
sphragizo,
opoyiCo
verb,
participle,
perfect,
middle or
passive
deponent,
masculine,
plural
Revelation 7:5 Sealed esphragismenoi,
topoyiotvoi
sphragizo,
opoyiCo
verb,
participle,
perfect,
passive,
nominative,
masculine,
plural
Revelation 7:5 Sealed esphragismenoi,
topoyiotvoi
sphragizo,
opoyiCo
verb,
participle,
perfect,
passive,
nominative,
masculine,
plural





Revelation 7:5 Sealed esphragismenoi,
topoyiotvoi
sphragizo,
opoyiCo
verb,
participle,
perfect,
passive,
nominative,
masculine,
plural
Revelation 7:6 Sealed esphragismenoi,
topoyiotvoi
sphragizo,
opoyiCo
verb,
participle,
perfect,
passive,
nominative,
masculine,
plural




221

Revelation 7:6 Sealed esphragismenoi,
topoyiotvoi
sphragizo,
opoyiCo
verb,
participle,
perfect,
passive,
nominative,
masculine,
plural
Revelation 7:6 Sealed esphragismenoi,
topoyiotvoi
sphragizo,
opoyiCo
verb,
participle,
perfect,
passive,
nominative,
masculine,
plural
Revelation 7:7 Sealed esphragismenoi,
topoyiotvoi
sphragizo,
opoyiCo
verb,
participle,
perfect,
passive,
nominative,
masculine,
plural

Revelation 7:7 Sealed esphragismenoi,
topoyiotvoi
sphragizo,
opoyiCo
verb,
participle,
perfect,
passive,
nominative,
masculine,
plural
Revelation 7:7 Sealed esphragismenoi,
topoyiotvoi
Sphragizo verb,
participle,
perfect,
passive,
nominative,
masculine,
plural
Revelation 7:8 Sealed esphragismenoi,
topoyiotvoi
sphragizo,
opoyiCo
verb,
participle,
perfect,
passive,
nominative,
masculine,
plural








222


Revelation 7:8 Sealed esphragismenoi,
topoyiotvoi
sphragizo,
opoyiCo
verb,
participle,
perfect,
passive,
nominative,
masculine,
plural
Revelation 7:8 Sealed esphragismenoi,
topoyiotvoi
sphragizo,
opoyiCo
verb,
participle,
perfect,
passive,
nominative,
masculine,
plural
Revelation 8:1 Seal sphragida,
opoyio
sphragis,
opoyi
noun,
accusative,
feminine,
singular
Revelation 9:4 Seal sphragida,
opoyio
sphragis,
opoyi
noun,
accusative,
feminine,
singular
Revelation 10:4 seal up sphragison,
opoyioov
sphragizo,
opoyiCo
verb,
imperative,
aorist, active,
2
nd
person,
singular
Revelation 20:3 set a seal esphragisen,
topoyiotv
sphragizo,
opoyiCo
verb,
indicative,
aorist, active,
3
rd
person,
singular
Revelation 22:10 Seal sphragises,
opoyion
sphragizo,
opoyiCo
verb,
subjunctive,
aorist, active,
2
nd
person,
singular

- Sphragis [opoyi]
- a seal, a signet ring
- an inscription on a seal, motto
- a seal, the impression of a seal
- a seal, a distinctive mark
- a seal, a token, proof
- a token of a guarantee


223

- Sphragizo [opoyiCo]
- to seal, stamp with a seal
- to seal up, to close up, conceal
- to set a mark upon, distinguish by a mark
- to seal, to mark distinctively
- to set ones own mark upon, seal as ones own, to impress with a mark of acceptance
- to obtain a quittance of, to deliver over safely to
- to set ones seal, to make a solemn declaration

- katasphragizo [|ooopoyiCo]
- kata & sphragizo [|oo & opoyiCo]
- to seal up

- See chatham [2"" ] for the Hebrew equivalent to sphragis [opoyi].


Ron Rankin
April 25, 2008























224

SEAL OF THE LIVING GOD

REVELATION 7:2
And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God:
and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the
earth and the sea,
Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees till we have sealed the
servants of our God in their foreheads.

The Living God
Psalm 42:2
Psalm 86:7
Job 19:25-27
Isaiah 33:13-17
Revelation 22:4
Matthew 5:8

His Seal
II Timothy 2:19
] Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal,
The Lord knoweth them that are his.
] And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from
iniquity.
John 6:27
] Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which
endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto
you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
John 3:33
] He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.


Ron Rankin
January 10, 2009











225

HURT NOT UNTIL

REVELATION 7:3
Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the
servants of our God in their foreheads.

A PEOPLE FOR HIS NAME
. Faithful Before the Flood Until the Return of Jesus
' Acts 15:7, 13-18
' Hebrews 11:1-7
' Exodus 19:3-9
' Isaiah 65:1-3
' Romans 10:12-21
' I Peter 2:9, 10
' Hebrews 11:39, 10
' Hebrews 12:1, 2
' I Thessalonians 4:16, 17

. Millennial Faithful
' Isaiah 2:1-5
' Isaiah 65:17-25
' Revelation 20:11, 12

THEIR DESTINY
. Psalm 37:9-11
. Psalm 37:22-29
. Psalm 37:34-40

JEHOVAH KNOWS HOW
. Numbers 11:23
. Isaiah 59:1
. II Peter 2:6-9
. Psalm 34:4-9, 15-22


Ron Rankin
January 10, 2009








226

PRESSURES THAT DISTRESS
Revelation 7:14

IN GREEK = thlipsis [iii]
228

Noun = pressure, compression, distress, affliction, trial
Verb = thlibo [iio] = to press, to press upon, to squeeze, encumber, crowd, thus to
oppress, afflict, to distress

DATA for WORD STUDY

SCRIPTURE TRANSLATION iii iio Grammar
noun Verb
feminine

Matthew 7:14 Narrow tiitvn participle, perfect,
passive, nominative,
singular
Matthew 13:21 Tribulation iito genitive, singular
Matthew 24:9 be afflicted iiiv accusative, singular
Matthew 24:21 Tribulation iii nominative, singular
Matthew 24:29 Tribulation iiiv accusative, singular

Mark 3:9 should throng iiooiv Subjunctive, present,
active, 3
rd
person,
plural
Mark 4:17 Affliction iito genitive, singular
Mark 13:19 Affliction iii nominative, singular
Mark 13:24 Tribulation iiiv accusative, singular

John 16:21 Anguish iito genitive, singular
John 16:33 Tribulation iiiv accusative, singular

Acts 7:10 Afflictions iitov genitive, plural
Acts 7:11 Affliction iii nominative, singular
Acts 11:19 persecution iito genitive, singular
Acts 14:22 Tribulation iitov genitive, plural
Acts 20:23 Afflictions iiti nominative, plural




228
Lexical Sources =
1) The New Englishmans Greek Concordance and Lexicon
2) The Analytical Greek Lexicon, published by Samuel Bagster & Son Limited
227


SCRIPTURE TRANSLATION iii iio Grammar
noun Verb
feminine

Romans 2:9 Tribulation ii nominative, singular
Romans 5:3 Tribulation iitoiv dative, plural
Romans 5:3 Tribulation iii nominative, singular
Romans 8:35 Tribulation iii nominative, singular
Romans 12:12 Tribulation iiti dative, singular
1 Corinthians 7:28 Trouble iiv accusative, singular

2 Corinthians 1:4 tribulation iiti dative, singular
2 Corinthians 1:4 trouble iiti dative, singular
2 Corinthians 1:6 be afflicted iioto indicative, perfect,
passive, 1
st
person,
plural
2 Corinthians 1:8 trouble iito genitive, singular
2 Corinthians 2:4 affliction iito genitive, singular
2 Corinthians 4:8 troubled iiotvoi participle, perfect,
passive, nominative,
masculine, 1
st
person,
plural
2 Corinthians 4:17 affliction iito genitive, singular
2 Corinthians 6:4 afflictions iitoiv dative, plural
2 Corinthians 7:4 tribulation iiti dative, singular
2 Corinthians 7:5 troubled iiotvoi participle, perfect,
passive, nominative,
masculine, 1
st
person,
plural
2 Corinthians 8:2 affliction iito genitive, singular
2 Corinthians 8:13 burdened iii nominative, singular

Ephesians 3:13 tribulations iitoiv dative, plural

Philippians 1:16 affliction iiiv accusative, singular
Philippians 4:14 affliction iiti dative, singular

Colossians 1:24 afflictions iitov genitive, plural

1 Thessalonians 1:6 affliction iiti dative, singular
1 Thessalonians 3:3 afflictions iitoiv dative, plural
1 Thessalonians 3:4 suffer tribulation iitooi infinitive, perfect,
passive
1 Thessalonians 3:7 afflictions iiti dative singular
228

SCRIPTURE TRANSLATION iii iio Grammar
noun Verb
feminine


2 Thessalonians 1:4 tribulations iitoiv dative, plural
2 Thessalonians 1:6 tribulation iiiv accusative, singular
2 Thessalonians 1:6 that trouble iiouoiv participle, perfect,
middle deponent,
masculine, plural
2 Thessalonians 1:7 are troubled iiotvoi participle, perfect,
passive, middle
deponent, masculine,
2
nd
person, plural

1 Timothy 5:10 afflicted iiotvoi participle, perfect,
passive, middle
deponent, masculine,
2
nd
person, plural

Hebrews 10:33 afflictions iitoiv dative, plural
Hebrews 11:37 afflicted iiotvoi participle, perfect,
passive, nominative,
masculine, plural

James 1:27 affliction iiti dative, singular

Revelation 1:9 tribulation iiti dative, singular
Revelation 2:9 tribulation iiiv accusative, singular
Revelation 2:10 tribulation iiiv accusative, singular
Revelation 2:22 tribulation iiiv accusative, singular
Revelation 7:14 tribulation iito genitive, singular

QUESTIONS FOR CONTINUATION OF THIS STUDY
1. In what circumstance/context is this word family used?
2. How many ways is it used?
3. Can we determine the meaning of tribulation, in its various contexts, and its
relationship to other subjects?
4. How does it illuminate the study of the subject of tribulation?
5. Is it ever used in relationship to the execution of the wrath of God?
6. See a separate study of the Hebrew words tsar [S ] and tsarah [S ] and related
words.

Ron Rankin
April 30, 2008
229

SERVE HIM IN HIS TEMPLE

REVELATION 7:15
Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his
temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

When do they serve him day and night in the temple?
1. Because they serve him day and night, it is not after they have come to the new
heavens and new earth, for there shall be no night there.
. Revelation 22:5

2. They are not in heaven before his throne because the righteousness shall never be
removed from the earth and shall receive their reward in the earth.
. Proverbs 10:30
. Proverbs 11:31
. John 3:13

3. Also because both Jehovah the Father and the Jesus Son will come to the earth.
Jehovah will send his Son and then, when the heaven and the earth have been made
new, Jehovah will also come.
. Acts 3:19-21
. Revelation 21:1-3

4. There was no temple for the one built by Solomon, and again after it was destroyed
by the Babylonian king; it was rebuilt later after captives returned from Babylon after
the Medo-Persian decree that they return; finally it was destroyed again during the
Roman invasion in A.D. 70 and not rebuilt since. Further we are told by the Apostle
Paul that the church is the temple of God. Not all Israelites served in the temple of
God in the days of Israel.
. I Kings 6:1-3
. II Chronicles 36:22, 23
. Luke 1:5-23
. Luke 2:21-39
. Matthew 23:37-39
. Matthew 24:1, 2
. Luke 21:20-24
. I Corinthians 3:15, 17
. I Corinthians 6:19

5. Serve Him all the days of our lives.
. Ecclesiastes 12:1
. Ephesians 6:1-7
. Romans 12:1, 2



230

When they are before His throne and He shall dwell among them.
Revelation 7:16, 17
Revelation 21:4, 5
Revelation 22:3-9


Ron Rankin
January 10, 2009


































231

THEY ARE BEFORE THE THRONE
Revelation 7:15

REVELATION 7:15-17
Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and
he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them
They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor
any heat.
For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto
living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Serve Him Day and Night
Revelation 22:3

Shall Dwell Among Them
Revelation 21:3

Neither Hunger Nor Thirst
Isaiah 40:11
Revelation 2:7
Ezekiel 47:12

Neither Sun nor Heat
Revelation 21:23
Revelation 22:5

The Lamb Shall Lead Them
Isaiah 40:11

Living Fountains of Waters
Revelation 22:1
Ezekiel 47:12
Psalm 46:4, 5
Galatians 4:25, 26
Hebrews 12:22

Wipe Away all Tears
Revelation 21:4
Isaiah 25:8


232

- I Will Make the Place of My Feet Glorious
Isaiah 66:1
Isaiah 45:18
Isaiah 65:17
Isaiah 66:22

Ron Rankin
May 6, 2008

































233



























234

THE SEVENTH SEAL
Revelation 8:1

4 Seventh Seal Includes Chapters 8 through 22

- Seven Trumpets including Three Woes [Chapters 8 and 9; and 11:14-16]

! Another Angel and Seven Thunders [Chapter 10]

A Woman [Chapter 12]

A Beast [Chapter 13]

> Lamb on Mount Zion [Chapter 14:1-6]

Winepress of God [Chapter 14:7-20]

Seven Plagues [Chapter 15:1-6]

Seven Vials of Wrath [Chapter 15:7,8; Chapter 16:1-21]

Great Whore [Chapter 17]

Babylon is Fallen [Chapter 14:8; Chapter 18]

Salvation and Judgment of the Great Whore and the Nations [Chapter 19]

The Little Season and the Final Judgment [Chapter 20]

New Heavens and New Earth [Chapters 21 and 22]

Ron Rankin
March 1, 2008






235

CHAPTER EIGHT
The Seventh Seal and the Golden Censor

Verse 1 [
229
]
Koi ot nvoiEt nv opoyio nv tonv. tytvto oiyn
And when He opened the seal the seventh, occurred a silence

tv o oupovo o niopiov.
about a half-hour.

Verse 2
|oi tiov ou to oyytiou oi tvoiov ou Otou ton|ooi.
And I saw the seven angels who in presence of the God have stood,

|oi tonoov ouoi to ooiiyyt.
and were given to them seven trumpets.

Verse 3
Koi oiio oyytio nit. |oi toon ti o uoioonpiov. tyov
And another angel came and stood by the altar having

iiovoov ypuoou v |oi ton ouo uiooo oiio. ivo oon
a censor golden, and was given to him incenses many, so that he might give

oi pootuyoi ov oyiov ovov ti o uoioonpiov o ypuoouv o
for the prayers of the saints of all on the altar the golden that

tvtiov ou povou.
in presence of the throne.

Verse 4
Koi ovtn o |ovo ov uiooov oi pootuyoi ov oyiov
And went up the smoke of the incenses with the prayers of the saints

t| ytipo ou oyytiou tvoiov ou Otou.
presence of the God.




229
The Greek text herein used is that of the Interlinear Bible which is based on the Textus Receptus, Scrivener
Edition. The interlinear translation is a composite of that of Jay P. Green, Sr. in the Interlinear Bible, and Benjamin
Wilson in the Emphatic Diaglott.
236

Verse 5
Koi tiintv o oyytio o iiovoov. |oi tytiotv ouo t|
And has taken the angel the censor, and filled it from

ou upo ou uoiooupiou. |oi toitv ti nv ynv
the fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth,

|oi tytvovo ovoi |oi povoi |oi oopooi |oi otioo.
and occurred sounds and thunders and lightnings and an earthquake.


















237



238


IMPENDING DECLINE OF IMPERIAL ROME
Revelation 8:3

Revelation 8:1-5
In the early days of the church
The church endured persecution under the Roman Emperors until the reign of
Constantine the Great, born 275 and became emperor of the Roman Empire in
306 until his death in 337. He was converted and all who claimed Christianity
gained freedom of religious worship.
Persecution of the church by the empire during the first three centuries is depicted
here by an altar and the prayers of the saints.
Revelation 6:9-11
- The cessation of persecution by the Empire would later be succeeded
by the persecutions of the dark ages under the power of the Holy
Roman Empire.
Soon the winds of war, against the empire, were to begin. By the end of the fourth
century would come the invasions of the Barbarian tribes and subsequently the wars
of the Mohammedan empires, the Saracens and the Ottomans; the crumbling of the
Empire.
- The censor, filled with fire, was cast into the earth.


Ron Rankin
July 3, 2002
Updated January 28, 2008












239

The Trumpets

Verse 6
Koi oi to oyytioi oi tovt o to ooiiyyo noiooov
And the seven angels having the seven trumpets prepared

touou ivo ooiioooi.
that they might sound.

The First Trumpet Sounded

Verse 7
Koi o poo oyytio tooiiot. |oi tytvto yoioCo |oi up
And the first angel sounded, and occurred hail and fire

tiytvo oioi. |oi tinn ti nv ynv |oi o piov
having been mingled with blood, and they were cast to the earth, and the third

ov tvpov |ot|on. |oi o yopo yiopo |ot|ov.
of the trees was burned up, and all grass green was burnt up.
















240

SIMILAR BUT NOT THE SAME
Revelation 8:7

When is a Hand only similar to another, but not the same?
When is a Plague only similar to another, but not the same?
The two preceding rhetorical questions emphasize a simple point of logic.
Three lists from the scriptures are compared using this simple logic, and the fact that
to be the same they must be identical.

TEN PLAGUES SEVEN TRUMPETS SEVEN LAST PLAGUES
Exodus 7 12 Revelation 7 11 Revelation 15, 16

1 Water turned to
Blood
Hail, Fire, Blood Sores
2 Frogs Sea turned to Blood Sea turned to Blood
3 Lice Waters and Wormwood Rivers & Fountains turn to Blood
4 Flies Darkness Fire and Heat
5 Murrain Locusts like Scorpions Darkness and Pain
6 Boils and Blains Destroying Army River Euphrates Dried Up
7 Hail and Fire Two Witnesses, Earthquake Unclean Spirits Gather for War
8 Locusts Resurrection, Earthquake,
Wrath of God, Hail
Wrath on Babylon
9 Darkness Earthquake and Hail
10 Death of the
Firstborn


Let My People Go Wrath of God Wrath of God

The events and the results are different; therefore they are not the same not for the
same purpose.
They are unrelated to each other; similarity does not mean equality.


Ron Rankin
July, 6, 1994





241

BARBARIC INVASIONS
Revelation 8:7-12

From the Caesars to Papal Authority
Barbaric invasion, although resulting in the overthrow of many institutions of
civilization, and in widespread suffering and social deterioration, served but to
enhance the influence and importance of the Roman see.
The apparent fulfillment of prophecy, pagan as well as Christian, when the city was
taken and sacked by Alaric (410), seemed to complete the effacement of the temporal
power in Rome.
Neither the Western emperors nor the Gothic conquerors held their court in the
ancient capital, where the pope was now at once the most important and conspicuous
authority.
In the African provinces the demoralization occasioned by the fierce controversies
and dissensions concerning Pelagianism and Donatism compelled the Catholic
communities to exchange their former attitude of haughty independence for one of
suppliant appeal, and to solicit the intervention and counsel which they had before
rejected.
230


From Alaric to Attila and Odoacer
As devastating as was Alarics sack of Rome, the same continue with invasion of
Attila and the takeover by Odoacer to become the first barbarian ruler of Italy. The
result as suggested by the above Britannica article the fulfillment of prophecy,
(chapter 8 of Revelation) in which Pagan Rome was divided and became Papal Rome.


Ron Rankin
October 24, 2007








230
Encyclopedia Britannica, Ninth Edition, 1885, Volume XIX, Page 506, in article Council by David Patrick of
Edinburgh
242

TRUMPETS ONE THROUGH FOUR
Revelation 8:7-12
A Summary Outline

Trumpet One verse 7
And there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the
earth:
The third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

Barbarians from the north descend on the divided empire.
- 409 Goths descend on Italy and left behind burning cities, and scorched,
bloody and desolated lands.

Trumpet Two verses 8, 9
And as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea:
And the third part of the sea became blood;
And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died;
And the third part of the ships were destroyed

The great burning mountain
- 422 The Vandals sweep across Gaul, Spain and into Africa.
- They built a Navy, and, for 30 years, fought the Roman Navy, which for 600
years had controlled the Mediterranean, and Drove it from the Sea.

Trumpet Three verses 10, 11
And there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp,
And it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;
And the name of the star is called Wormwood:
And the third part of the waters became wormwood;
And many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.

Great burning star
- 440 Atilla the Hun, from the depth of Central Asia, appeared on the banks of
the Danube.
- Atilla and army of 800,000 defeated the Roman armies successively on the
River Marne, the River Rhone, and the River Po. These rivers actually ran
with blood.
- On returning to the Danube, Atilla died and was buried beneath the bed of the
Danube. The waters still flow over his grave.
- He was a scourge of the rivers and the bitterness of defeat for Rome.

Trumpet Four verse 12
And the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third
part of the stars;
So as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it,
and the night likewise.

243

A dark day for the empire begins.
- 476 Odeacer and his horde of barbarians came from the Rhine country,
beseiged and took Rome. Rome fell and the dark ages ensued with the
Holy Roman Empire.


Ron Rankin
July 3, 2002


































244

ALARIC, the GOTH
Revelation 8:7

! Alaric, a profile of his life.
- He was born of Gothic origin.
- In his youth he became a Roman citizen and lived among the Romans with ease.
- He was a career soldier beginning as a Gothic mercenary under Theodosius.
231
As a
mercenary he fought for Theodosius in his war with Eugenius. He was politically astute
and also apparently had a mercenary band of followers who fought with him for the
emperor. After the death of Theodosius, Alaric led Gothic incursions against Thrace,
Morea and Athens.
- Arcadius
232
conferred upon Alaric the prefecture of Eastern Illyricum. In this capacity
as Flavius Alaricus, the magister militum, he was commander of all the Roman troops in
Illyricum. At about 400 A.D. he was chosen king of his people.
- In The Spring of 403 A.D., he set about to invade the Western Roman Empire, and upon
reaching Milan Honorius
233
fled to the fortress of Asta in Liguria. To defend Honorius,
Stilicho, a Roman General, gained a victory over Alaric in the battle of Pollentia on
Easter Day. Later Alaric was defeated at Verona, but Honorius felt compelled to buy
him of by appointing his prefect of Western Illyricum.
- In hope of re-uniting the Empire, Stilicho urged Alaric to lead his army against
Constantinople. Alaric did not do so but for his service in Epirus he claimed and
received a reward of 4000 pounds of gold.
- Honorius paid for the assassination of his minister who had ably contended with coped
with Alaric and then broke all the treaties that Stilicho had made with Alaric.
- Alaric marched against Rome by the Via Flaminia and laid siege.
- Alaric replied to the Roman resistance with the famous saying, The closer hay is
pressed, the easier is it mown.
- Alaric was induced to retire from the siege with the promise of 5000 pounds of gold and
30,000 pounds of silver, and other treasure.
- Honorius left Rome for Ravenna and refused to ratify certain treaty conditions to which
Alaric now again exerted his power against Rome.
- He first took Ostia, successfully threatening to destroy food stores. The people of Ostia
said that Alaric should appoint a new emperor. He appointed Attalus, the prefect of the
city who proved incompetent, and Honorius was restored as emperor.
- The treachery of Honorius continued in Ravenna by sending a barbarian, Sarus, who
was an enemy of the Goths, to attack the Goths. Alaric laid siege for the third time

231
Theodosius was Emperor from 379 to 395. 395 A.D. marks the division of the Roman Empire into Eastern and
Western.
232
In the East, Arcadius succeeded Theodosius and ruled from 395 to 408.
233
Honorius was Western Roman Emperor from 395 to 423 A.D.
245

against Rome and gained entrance to Rome on August 24, 410, by the Salarian gate.
Rome endured six days of pillaging.
- On August 29 Alaric withdrew from Rome and turned to ravage southern Italy for
several months. While engaged in siege to Cosentia (Cosenza), Alaric fell victim to a
fatal illness.
- Alaric was buried with his treasures in the bed of the river Busentinus, for they had
diverted the river for that purpose. Prisoners who were compelled to do this work were
put to death in that their endeavor to keep the burial place unknown.

! About Alaric in General
- Alaric held a respect for Christianity due to his frequent intercourse with Arian teachers.
- He has been called a barbarian as many others of his, and succeeding time, have been
called. The appellation Barbarian has been used of these invasions of the Roman
Empire, not as a personal attribution, but as a national distinction.
234

- Pronunciation of his name appears to be somewhat varied. For example, the
Encyclopedia Britannica, Ninth Edition, shows it to be, Al-ric, i.e. All rich. Today, it
has been heard as Al-ric, i.e. All Rick or A-lar-ic.


Ron Rankin
October 20, 2007












234
Barbarian = [Latin, barbarous, < Greek bararos, one whose language is unintelligible, a foreigner.] A
foreigner; a man in his rude savage state; an uncivilized person; a cruel, savage, brutal man; one destitute of pity or
humanity The Living Webster Encyclopedic Dictionary of the English Language.
246

GENSERIC AND THE VANDALS
Revelation 8:8
Historical Information Outline
235


Revelation 8:8,9
> And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was
cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;
> And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the
third part of the ships were destroyed.

! Genseric, or Gaiseric, was born circa 390 and died in 477.
- In 428, Genseric became King of the Vandals, a Teutonic people of low German
stock closely related to the Goths.
- He was a devout believer in Arianism.
- He persecuted those who believed in doctrine of Athanasius that prevailed over Arian
doctrine at the Council of Nicea in 325 A.D.
- By May, 430, had seized all cities of Roman Africa except Carthage, Hippo, and
Cirta. Be besieged Hippo from May, 430, to July, 431, and ended with success for
the Vandals; during this siege Augustine became ill and died.
- In 435, January 30, made peace with emperor Valentinian III.
- Seized Carthage in 439; in 442 forced the Roman government to recognize him as the
independent ruler of their North African Province. Vandal occupation of Carthage
last for 90 years.
- He formed a formidable navy that was the maritime power of the Mediterranean for
30 years.
- In 455 entered and sacked Rome.
- The vessels of the temple, at Jerusalem, brought to Rome by Titus, were, among the
spoils, taken to Carthage.
- He carried on a fierce persecution of Catholics; churches were burned, bishops were
banished and congregations forbidden to elect successors.
- Huneric, his son, succeeded him, and carried on the policies of Genseric even more
rancorously.


Ron Rankin
January 28, 2008



235
Sources of Historical Information = Encyclopedia Britannica, Ninth Edition, Volume 24, 1889; The World Book
Encyclopedia, 1976; Halleys Bible Handbook; Apocalyptic Sketches, Lectures on the Book of Revelation, First
Series, John Cumming, 1848; et al.
247

ATTILA the HUN
406 - 453
The Scourge of God
236

Revelation 8:10

Attila the Hun has been known as a ruthless barbarian, fierce and uncivilized. The devastation
that he delivered his enemies and the terror that he instilled in them during his lifetime caused
him to become known as "The Scourge of God". While most people see Atilla as being just a
ferocious warrior, the more obscure side of him shows us that he was also a great king,
possessing great leadership abilities and management skills.

Attila the Hun was born in approximately 406 AD to the ruling Hun family, his uncle being the
king. Although we do not know much about Attila's childhood, he was taught to ride a horse,
shoot a bow, and fight in hand to hand combat at a very young age. By his late teens, he was
leading the Huns in battle against their enemies, the Visigoths. In battles, Atilla was merciless.
He pillaged numerous towns causing utter devastation. No one could match him in battle, and by
his thirties, he was the Huns' leading commander.

Before Attila's time, the Huns were a nomadic, barbarian race. They came from Asia and first
reached the outskirts of the Roman Empire in the late 4th century. They conquered the barbarian
Ostrogoths and drove back the Visigoths. The Eastern Roman Empire was very threatened by the
vicious barbarians that seemed to be unstoppable. In 418, Rome sought peace with the Huns.
Hostages were sent to the Huns for a time, and in turn, Attila, at a very young age was taken to
Rome. During his time in Rome, Attila was awed by the grandeur of the Empire. He spent two
years there. Upon his return home, he vowed to someday go back to Rome not as a hostage, but
as a conqueror.

Attila and his brother Bleda succeeded the throne upon the king's death in 433. However, in 445,
Attila murdered his brother and obtained entire rule of the Hun kingdom. As king, Attila
demanded large amounts of tribute from the Roman Empire and pillaged nearby villages when
his demands were not met. For many years, the Eastern Roman Empire, ruled by Theodosius II,
paid Attila extreme amounts of money and gifts to keep an unsteady state of peace.


236
Bibliography =
1. Blackwood, Allan. Twenty Tyrants, New York; Marshall Cavendish Corporation, 1990
2. Thompson, E.A. A History of Attila and the Huns; Westport, Connecticut; Greenwood Press, 1975
3. Atilla, Scourge of God. A&E Biography, A&E Television Network, New York, NY
4. Realm-of-shade 16 October, 2002 http://www.realm-of-shade.com/zarathustra/attila.html
5. Art1 Candor 16 October, 2002 http://art1.candor.com/barbarian/gaul.htm.

248


Even though he was very rich, Attila led a very simple life. He ate normal Hun food, which was
usually raw meat, and wore plain clothes. His belief system was most likely that of the ancient
Roman gods, for throughout his life, he cared nothing for the Church or Christianity.
There are many legends surrounding the life of Atilla. He is said to have found a sword of the
war god Mars buried in the ground of a field, with which he was an invincible warrior. Attila
probably really did find a sword. It may not have been the sword of a god, but Attila believed it
to be a sign that he was destined to rule the world.

It is also supposed that he was a cannibal, eating two of his sons. This is not known to be a fact.
It is believed that one of Attila's wives perhaps killed and prepared the children, for an
unapparent reason, and told Attila the meat was that of an animal.

War between the Romans and the Huns broke out in 440 when a Roman bishop was caught
desecrating Hun tombs. Attila and his army proved unbeatable as they swept into the Roman
Empire defeating them time after time. The Romans offered Attila tremendous amounts of gold,
so Attila finally agreed to peace.

In 451, Attila turned his aggression towards the Western Roman Empire in an attempt to expand
his kingdom. The Huns organized one of the largest invasions of the time composed of perhaps
as many as a half a million men. The Huns spread across Gaul (today's France) and pillaged
many great cities. The Romans quickly united with the Visigoths, enemies of the Huns, and
formed an army to meet Attila and the Huns. The Huns were surprisingly halted and forced to
retreat a hundred miles. The enemy pursued them and once again attacked. The battle that ensued
caused mutual retreat for the loss of men on both sides.

Attila was not discouraged however, and planned to redirect his invasion into Italy, the heart of
the Western Empire. So, in 452 the Huns struck once again at the Romans. His ultimate goal was
Rome itself. The Huns devastated the Roman countryside. However, Attila was forced to make
peace with the Romans because of a famine and plague that existed in Italy at the time.
Back home, Attila planned his next campaign on the Romans. However, in 453, his plans were
suddenly cut short with his untimely death. Atilla had just married to Ilico, his seventh wife.
During the night of the wedding, he got drunk and suffered from a hemorrhage of the nose. He
died in his bed that night at the age of about 47.

After his death, the sons of Attila gained leadership of the Huns. They lacked the qualities and
experience to run a kingdom. In fighting over the throne, they divided the empire, which soon
led to its crippling. By 469, the Hun Empire was completely dissolved, faded into a mere
memory.

249

Attila was a fierce, merciless warrior on the battlefield. The devastation he left behind him is
unmatched. Through his aggression, he posed an extreme threat to the Romans and very nearly
conquered Rome itself. His accomplishments off the battlefield cannot go unnoticed, however.
During his reign, he was able to transform the nomadic Huns into a sedentary empire. He
collected immense riches for the Huns and had a very prosperous reign. In many European
cultures today, Attila the Hun is honored as a hero. ##

































250

WORMWOOD
A Bible Study Outline

Revelation 8:11
- And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters
became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made
bitter.

Wormwood and its Qualities
The qualities of the plants called wormwood include bitter and extremely unpleasant,
therefore it makes water become undrinkable. Likewise, it is associated with gall in
Deuteronomy 29:18.
Amos 5:7 associates judgment that is turned into wormwood which results when
righteousness is absent.
Compare Hebrews 12:15

The Application is to a Star
Attilas leadership of the Huns brought much bitterness to the empire.
He assumed the reigns of, and beyond the Huns, to all the tribes north of the Danube
River and the Black Sea and had dominion from the Rhine to the frontiers of China.
The bounds of the rivers of Europe identified his exercise of power. When he crossed
the Rhine he began his assault on the rest of Europe.
He was reverenced by his countrymen; he was said to posses the iron sword of the
war-god, Mars, and he proclaimed himself to be the man-child born at Engaddi, who
was destined to rule over the whole world.
His military activities ranged from the Thrace and Illyria in the east to the heart of
Gaul, France, and Italy in the west.
At one point Genseric, king of the Vandals, offered to unite with him against
Theodoric, king of the Visigoths.
His training and influence ranged even into courts of Rome.


Ron Rankin
October 28, 2007
Updated January 28, 2008









251

ODOACER
Revelation 8:12

! Odoacer, circa 434-493, the first barbarian ruler of Italy, was born of German ancestry near
the Danube River.
- The Rugii, Scyrri, Turcilingi, and Herali were predominant Germanic peoples along
the Danube. They all seem to have claimed Odoacer as belonging to them by birth.
237

- His father was Aedico or Idico, a name which suggests Edeco the Hun, who was
suborned by the Byzantine court to plot the assassination of his master Attila. There
are, however, some strong arguments against this identification. A certain Edica,
chief of the Scyrri, of whom Jordanes speaks as defeated by the Ostrogoths, may
more probably have been the father of Odoacer, though even in this theory there are
some difficulties, chiefly connected with the low estate of which he appears before us
in the next scene of his life, when as a tall young recruit for the Roman armies,
dressed in a sordid vesture of skins, on his way to Italy, he enters the cell of
Severinus, a noted hermit-saint of Noricum, to ask his blessing. The saint had an
inward premonition of his future greatness, and in blessing him, said Fare onward
into Italy. Thou who art now clothed in vile raiment wilt soon give precious gifts
unto many.
238

- He was about 30 years of age when he entered the Imperial army.

! Odoacers Rise to Power
- He had come to some eminence by the year 472.
- In 476, after the puppet emperor Romulus had been on the throne a year, the Danube
tribes arose in mutiny. Odoacer offered his fellow-soldiers all that they desired if
they would seat him on the throne. On August 23, 476, Odoacer was proclaimed
king.
- Rome at once accepted the new ruler; Augustulus, as Romulus was nick-named, was
deposed but his life was spared.
239

- Odoacer was 42 years of age when became the chief ruler of Italy. He was called
King by the various Germanic tribes but dominus noster by the Romans.







237
Encyclopedia Britannica, Ninth Edition, 1884, Volume17, pages 746-748.
238
Ibid.
239
Ibid.
252

! Odoacers Decline
- When Odoacer became chief ruler of Italy he reigned for thirteen undisputed years.
He appears to have conducted his administration along the same lines as the old
imperial power.
- During the course of his time in Italy, Odoacer annexed Dalmatia (481) to the
Western state and engaged in altercation with the Rugians, after which his power
began to decline and his relationship with the Byzantine court grew less friendly.
- Theodoric led the Ostrogoths against Italy which led to the final demise of Odoacer.

! Papal Relationships
- In the history of the papacy Odoacer figures as the author of a decree promulgated at
the election of Felix II., in 483, forbidding the pope to alienate any of the lands or
ornaments of the Roman Church, and threatening any pope who should infringe this
edict with anathema. This decree, a strange one to proceed from an Arian sovereign,
was probably suggested by some Roman counselors of the king, and seems to have
been accepted at the time without protest. It was however, loudly condemned in a
synod held by Pope Symmachus (502) as unwarrantable interference of the civil
power with the concerns of the church.
240

- John, archbishop of Ravenna, acted as mediator between Theodoric, the Ostrogoth,
and Odoacer, when the Ostrogoths invaded Italy. His efforts proved futile and
Theodoric killed Odoacer and his brother Onulf in 493 thus eradicating Odoacer and
his family.


Ron Rankin
October 21, 2007















240
Encyclopedia Britannica, Ninth Edition, 1884, Volume17, pages 746-748.
253











254

ARMY OF LOCUSTS
Revelation 9:1-11
Outline of Historical Information
241


The Fifth Trumpet = Locusts with the power of Scorpions

REVELATION 9:3
And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given
power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.

A host of horrible monsters, with unreal appearance of Locusts, Horses, Scorpions, Lions and
Humans, and their activities, are the focus of Revelation 9:1-11.

It is like a plague of locusts. This is the first woe.

This Trumpet points to events of the rise and spread of the religion of Islam,
242
whose
prophet and founder is Mohammed, or Mahomet, born about 570 A.D. and died in 632.

Islamic conquests
- Syria in 634
- Jerusalem in 637
- Egypt in 638
- Persia (Iran) in 711

Defeated in 732 by Charles Martel, grandfather of Charlemagne. This prevented further
invasion of Europe from the south and west.




241
Sources of Historical Information = Halleys Bible Handbook; Apocalyptic Sketches, Lectures on the Book of
Revelation, First series, John Cumming, 1848; Encyclopedia Britannica, 9
th
Edition; Historians History of the
World, et al.
242
Halleys Bible Handbook gives the following description = In the Seventh century A.D.,
Mohammedanism swept the Eastern World like a tidal wave, and Blotted out Christianity in Southwest
Asia and North Africa; the Euphrates and Nile Valleys; the Eastern and Southern Borders of the
Mediterranean; lands of the Bible Story; lands in which the Bible originated and grew; lands in which
Gods Revelation of Himself to Mankind was nurtured and brought to completion; lands in which God
formed and trained the nation Israel, for two thousand years, to pave the way for the coming of Christ;
lands hallowed forever as the scene of Christs Life and Death and Resurrection and His Redemptive
Work for Mankind; lands which were the Cradle of Christianity, and which were for 600 years Christian;
the Original Christian World; in these lands, by one fell blow of the Mohammedan Sword, Christianity
was blotted out, and Mohammedanism was Established. And they have been Mohammedan ever since.

255

Locusts (Revelation 9:3)
- Shapes of Locusts like War-Horses, with Scorpion-like Tails, Crowns like
Gold, Faces like Mens Faces, Hair like Womens Hair, Teeth like Lions
Teeth, Breastplates as of Iron, and Wings that sounded like Chariots and
Horses running to War (Revelation 9:7-10).
- This is indeed a very good description of Mohammedan Armies, composes of
Fierce, Relentless Horsemen, famous for their Beards with Long Hair like
Womens Hair, with Yellow Turbans on their Heads that looked like God, and
they had Iron Coats of Armor.
- Arabia, pre-eminently, was a land of locusts. It was in Arabia that
Mohammedanism originated.

Some from the Abyss (Revelation 9:2, 3)
- It was out of this Smoke that the Locusts came. The smoke had darkened the
sun and the air.
- The false teachings, which had clouded and corrupted the Church of
Mohammeds day, in its worship of images, relics and saints. It was the
idolatry of a degenerate and apostate Church that gave Mohammed his
chance.
- Destruction of idols was his slogan.

Hurt not the Grass, nor any green thing (Revelation 9:4)
- See the decree of Abu Bekr, Caliph to General Abu Sufyan. It forbad
violence to the aged, the women and children; provided for preservation of
fields and trees.

Torment Men Five Months (Revelation 9:5).
- 5 months, the normal time of Locusts, May to September, is about 150
days. This corresponds to the 150 years of conquest.
- In this period, A.D. 630 to A.D. 786, Mohammedanism continued its
effort at World Conquest.
- With Haroun-Al-Raschid (A.D. 786-809), at the eight of Mohammedan
Power and Glory, the idea of conquest was abandoned and they began to
cultivate peaceful relations with other nations.


Ron Rankin and Russ Rankin
Compiled between 1957 and 2008







256

ABU BEKR
His Decree as Caliph to General Abu Sufyan
Scripture Reference = Revelation 9:4

Abu Bekr the caliph died the same day that Damascus was taken, which was on Friday, the
23rd of August, 634 A.D.
Abu Bekr particularly lamented the number of the prophet's companions that fell in these
campaigns, and fearing that the revelations of Mohammed might be dispersed and lost, he gave
orders that they should be collected into the Koran. ....
When all things were ready, the caliph reviewed the troops and issued that celebrated code
of regulations for the conduct of the army; it was addressed to the general Abu Sufyan, and
contained the following directions:

"Take care to treat your men with tenderness and lenity. Consult the enemy with bravery and
resolution. If you are victorious, spare all the aged, the women, and the children. Neither cut
down palm trees nor burn any fields of corn. Spare all fruit trees; slay no cattle but such as are
required for your own use. Adhere to your engagements inviolably; spare the inhabitants of
monasteries; desecrate no houses of religious worship. Cleave the skulls of those members of
the synagogue of Satan, who shave their crowns, give them no quarter, unless they embrace
Islamism, or pay tribute."
>>

The Historians' History of the World, ed. Henry Smith Williams, LL.D., The
Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., New York, 1904, 1926 edition, Vol. 8, Pg. 149.













257

ARMY OF HORSEMEN
Revelation 9:12-21
Outline of Historical Information
243


The Sixth Trumpet = Army of 200,000,000 Euphratean Horsemen

REVELATION 9:16
And the number of the army of the horsemen, were two hundred thousand thousand:
and I heard the number of them.

Horrible looking Monsters, of complex appearance of Men, Horses, Lions and Serpents, belching
Fire, Smoke and Brimstone, are the scenes described in Revelation 9:12-21.

630 to 1018 = Arabians ruled Mohammedan World 400 years
1057 = Turks then took over, and were in control of the Mohammedan world, and
occupied Jerusalem, until 1917. George Allenby, the British General, drove the Turks
from Jerusalem and thus ended their power and influence over the holy land.

This Trumpet points to events of the Turkish Mohammedanism Era.

Euphrates (Revelation 9:14), from whence the Sixth Trumpet Armies of Horsemen were
loosed. In A.D. 1057 a vast horde of Turks, from central Asia, appeared on the banks of
the Euphrates. In their westward march they replaced the Arabians as rulers of
Mohammedan lands.

The Turks were more cruel and intolerant than the Arabians had been. Their barbarous
treatment of Christians in Palestine led to the Crusades (A.D. 1095-1272), almost 300
years of intermittent War in which European Christians tried to regain the Holy Land
from Mohammedans. The Turk became known eventually as the wild man of Europe.
Fiercely independent and cruel in military action, such things as the Turkish Armenian
atrocities have made an indelible mark on the history of Europe and the Middle East.

Out of the Horses Mouths proceeded Fire, Smoke, Brimstone (Revelation 9:17). The
Eastern Roman Empire (A.D. 395-1453), its capital, Constantinople, had, for centuries
(A.D. 630-1453) been the bulwark of Europe against Mohammedanism. But in A.D.
1453 it fell to the Turks.
- It was at the battle of Constantinople A.D. 1453), that Artillery with
gunpowder was first used, which gave victory to the Turks; the Fire, Smoke

243
Sources of Historical Information = Halleys Bible Handbook; Apocalyptic Sketches, Lectures on the Book of
Revelation, First Series, John Cumming, 1848; A History of Gunpowder, by Phil Earnshaw; Historians History of
the World; et al.

258

and Brimstone of Revelation 9:17. Gunpowder having been invented, in
Asia by the Chinese, was brought to Europe by the Turkish invaders.
- The victorious Turks marched on in toward central Europe; but met their
defeat in Vienna (A.D. 1683), at the hands of a Polish army under John
Sobieski.
- As in the Battle of Turks (A.D. 732), so here, a second time after almost 1000
years, Europe was again saved from Mohammedans.

Hour, Day, Month, and Year (Revelation 9:15), point to an exact appointed time.
- Using the day for a year principle found in Ezekiel 4:6 and Numbers 14:34 =
365 plus 30 plus 1, 396 days, that is 396 years.
244

- From A.D. 1057, when the Turks crossed the Euphrates, to the Fall of
Constantinople (A.D. 1453), was 396 years.
- The actual dates are:
From the day the Turks left Baghdad on the Euphrates January 18,
1057
Until Constantinople fell into their control May 29, 1453
Which equals 396 years and 106 days
This is determined by calculating 365 years + a month [30 years] +
1 day [1 year] + an hour [15 days] = 396 years and 106 days; the exact
period of time between January 18, 1057 and May 29, 1453.

Third Part of Men Killed (Revelation 9:18)
- The fall of the Eastern Roman Empire (A.D. 1453), the last remaining Third
of the original Roman Empire, at the hands of the Turks.

And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not
[Revelation 9:20]
- The remaining, broken and holy, Roman Empire continued with their devilish
and idolatrous worship, their murders, sorceries, fornications, and thievery.
Revelation 17:3-6
Revelation 18:3-5


Ron Rankin and Russ Rankin
Compiled between 1957 and 2008



244
The contractual weeks of Jacob in Genesis 29:27, 28 = 1 week equaled 7 years; the two weeks were fulfilled by
Jacob, working for Laban, for 7 years each [7 for Leah and 7 for Rachel]. This was tantamount to 1 day = 1 year.
Though a contractual week was not precisely an example of a day for a year, the result was the same. Interestly, the
Hebrew word for day [yom] is sometimes translated appropriately as year. Likewise days [yamim] may also be
translated appropriately years. This may be learned from a study of the Hebrew usages of these words, as well as
how they are translated into English in the Bible.

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