Aug 11, 2026
A new preacher went to visit one of the members. It was obvious that someone was home, but no one answered his repeated knocks at the door. Therefore, the preacher took out a business card and wrote “Revelation 3:20” on it. He then tucked the card in the door and left.
When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his card had been returned with the verse “Genesis 3:10” written on it. When he checked the citation, he broke out in laughter. Revelation 3:20 begins, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” Genesis 3:10 reads, “I heard the sound of you in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked.”
Revelation was written by the apostle John near the end of the first century. At that time, Rome was the world-ruling empire and Domitian, the emperor, had imposed a state-religion upon the people in the form of Caesar worship. All had to appear before one of his magistrates to burn a pinch of incense and declare “Caesar is Lord.” Those who fulfilled their ceremonial obligations were issued a certificate good for one year while those who refused to do so were accused of treason and severally persecuted. This is the backdrop of Revelation.
John wrote to seven churches who were having their faith tested by Domitian and his wicked enforcement of Caesar worship. Many Christians had their property confiscated for not complying while others were banished or even beheaded. Moreover, without the certificate they could not buy or sell (Rev. 13:17). This made life extremely difficult for the faithful and John encouraged them to stay strong, promising that they would eventually be vindicated.
Revelation has self-imposed time restraints. It begins and ends by telling us that these things would happen shortly. They would “soon take place” (Rev. 1:1; 22:6) for “the time is near” (Rev. 1:3; 22:10). Therefore, we should not try to apply the signs and symbols to modern-day events. They pertained to things occurring back then and were not far off when John wrote in the first century.
Obviously, when we get to the end of the book, John does look ahead to final judgment and the ushering in of the new heavens and new earth (chs. 20-22). However, the bulk of the book deals with the plight of persecuted Christians in the Roman empire. The most important lesson for them and us, however, is that in the end Christ and His people will be victorious. The faithful win!