The Book of
THE APOCALYPSE OF ST. JOHN THE APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST
{WHO IS THE LAST PROPHET OF THE BIBLE UNTIL SAINT ENOCH AND SAINT ELIJAH RETURN AT THE CONSUMMATION OF DAYS}
The book presents Christ as the Coming One; it reveals the dealings of Him who came, and who is to come. It opens with the solemn hope that the Coming One will come soon, and closes with the impressive prediction that the Coming One will come quickly.
The book is one of hope, but also one of warning; its aim is to assure the Church of the advent of her Lord in victory. The precise time of this victory lies hidden with God, but it is certain, although the crown will not be won without a struggle. Heaven will be stormed and carried away through suffering and conflict. And all who keep the words of this book will take part in the conflict and share in the victory.The conflict is presented under the form of symbols. It is not easy to give a full interpretation of all the types, but the general symbols are not difficult to understand.
John has arranged the scenes in a sevenfold structure; even in the subordinate visions he keeps to this arrangement. Commentators, however, are not agreed in marking off the limits of each structure.
The book was written in Greek by
Note on parallel passages and commentary. The parallel passages are based on the full concordance thereof relating to, from the Council of Trent; the commentary is late 1940’s Catholic from the full consensus of the Church Fathers on the seven within seven structure of the book.
Also note that the book at the same time “opens from the middle” so to speak. Just like a megilloth (Hebrew for scroll). The first eleven chapters (1 – 11) which culminate in the general judgement – Rev. 11:18 – 19
And the nations were angry: and thy wrath is come. And the time of the dead, that they should be judged and that thou shouldest render reward to thy servants the prophets and the saints, and to them that fear thy name, little and great: and shouldest destroy them who have corrupted the earth.
And the
And the second eleven chapters (12 – 22) which culminate in the general judgement (Rev. 20:11 – 14) and the New Heaven and New Earth (Rev. 21, 22)
Both the first and second eleven chapters begin from the time of Christ’s Incarnation but include the fact that He is Immortal and the Creator of Heaven and Earth. See: Rev. 1:4 – 6 John to the seven churches which are in
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead and the prince of the kings of the earth, who hath loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood (when He became Incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the blessed virgin Mary and went to the Cross for our salvation)
And hath made us a kingdom, and priests to God and his Father. To him be glory and empire for ever and ever. Amen.(DRV)
And see: Rev. 12:1, 2, 5
And a great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. And being with child, she cried travailing in birth: and was in pain to be delivered.
And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with an iron rod (Christ’s Incarnation). And her son was taken up to God and to his throne (Christ’s Resurrection and Ascension). (DRV)
And see: Rev.:21:6:
6 And he said to me: It is done. I am Alpha and Omega: the Beginning and the End. To him that thirsteth, I will give of the fountain of the water of life, freely. (DRV)
These two phrases that is and that was and that is to come (Greek “‘o oon kai ‘o en kai ‘o erchoumenos”) and I am Alpha and Omega (Greek: “egoo eimi to Alpha kai to Omega”) are emphatic declarations of Christ’s Divinity and Immortality for it is the Thrice Holy Trinity – Rv:4:8 And the four living creatures had each of them six wings: and round about and within they are full of eyes. And they rested not day and night, saying: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come. (Greek “‘agious ‘agious ‘agious kurios ‘o theos ‘o pantocrator”) – alone Who possesses Aseity (self existence and Who is therefore alone uncreated) and Who is Immortal of the same Essence/Substance – Nature.
In the above: the “who [that] is”, in Greek “‘o oon”, is the declaration of Aseity. The “who [that] was” and the “who [that] is to come” with the “‘o oon”, self existence, is the declaration of Immortality (having no beginning and no end – always existing). The phrase I am Alpha and Omega has exactly the same meaning. “I am” – “egoo eimi” is the equivalent of Yahweh (God’s proper name) in Hebrew meaning “I am” in the same sense as the above “‘o oon”. Alpha and Omega has the same meaning as Immortality in the above. Pantocrator (translated as Almighty) is the declaration of the Thrice Holy Lord God’s All ruling absolute Sovereignty and includes emphatically the meaning that He is alone uncreated and Creator, ex nihilo, of all of creation. This relates directly to the beginning of the Gospel of St. John and the beginning of the first book of the Torah (the Pentateuch) which is Genesis. See: Genesis 1:1 through 2:4 and
The Final Trial: Traditional Catholic Prayers: Baptism
Note on parallel passage notation – the ! after a scriptural reference means that is the emphasis or central point for explanation of the passage.
2 … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:9; 6:9; 20:4
3 … Scripture reference – Rev. 22:7!; Lk. 11:28!; Rev. 3:11!; 22:10; James 5:8!
4 … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:11; 1:8; 4:8; 11:7: 4:5!
5 … Scripture reference – Rev. 3:14; Ps. 88:38; Acts 26:23!; Heb. 9:14!; 1Jn. 1:7!
6 … Scripture reference – Rev. 5:10!; Ex. 19:6!; Is. 66:21; 1Pt. 2:9;
7 … Scripture reference – Zach. 12:10; Mt. 24:30!; Jn. 19:37
8 … Scripture reference – Rev. 21:6; 22:13!; 1:4; 4:8; 11:17
9 … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:2; 6:9; 20:4
10 … Scripture reference – Rev. 4:2; 4:1
11 … Scripture reference – Hab. 2:2; IV Esr. 12:37; Rev. 1:4
12 … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:20
13 … Scripture reference – Rev. 15:6; Dan. 10:5!
14 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:18; Dan. 7:9; Rev. 19:12; Dan. 10:6
15 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:18; Ezek. 1:7!; Rev.:14:2!; Ezek. 43:2!
16 … Scripture reference – IV Esr. 10:25; Rev. 1:20; 2:1; 3:1; 2:12; 19:15; 10:1; Mt. 17:2!
17 … Scripture reference – IV Esr. 10:25; Rev. 2:8; Mt. 17:6,7; Rev. 22:13!; Is. 41:4!
18 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:8; 10:6
19 … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:1
20 … Scripture reference – Rev. 12:16; 2:1; 3:1
1 ¶ The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to make known to his servants the things which must shortly come to pass [A]: and signified, sending by his angel to his servant John, … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:19; 4:1; 22:6; Dan. 2:29!
2 Who hath given testimony to the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, what things soever he hath seen. … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:9; 6:9; 20:4
3 ¶ Blessed is he that readeth and heareth the words of this prophecy: and keepeth those things which are written in it. For the time is at hand. … Scripture reference – Rev. 22:7!; Lk. 11:28!; Rev. 3:11!; 22:10; James 5:8!
4 John to the seven churches which are in
5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead and the prince of the kings of the earth, who hath loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood … Scripture reference – Rev. 3:14; Ps. 88:38; Acts 26:23!; Heb. 9:14!; 1Jn. 1:7!
6 And hath made us a kingdom, and priests to God and his Father. To him be glory and empire for ever and ever. Amen. … Scripture reference – Rev. 5:10!; Ex. 19:6!; Is. 66:21; 1Pt. 2:9;
8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, saith the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. … Scripture reference – Rev. 21:6; 22:13!; 1:4; 4:8; 11:17
10 I was in the spirit on the Lord’s day and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, … Scripture reference – Rev. 4:2; 4:1
11 Saying: What thou seest, write in a book and send to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamus and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea. … Scripture reference – Hab. 2:2; IV Esr. 12:37; Rev. 1:4
13 And in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, one like to the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the feet, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. … Scripture reference – Rev. 15:6; Dan. 10:5!
14 And his head and his hairs were white as white wool and as snow. And his eyes were as a flame of fire: … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:18; Dan. 7:9; Rev. 19:12; Dan. 10:6
15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as in a burning furnace. And his voice as the sound of many waters. … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:18; Ezek. 1:7!; Rev.:14:2!; Ezek. 43:2!
16 And he had in his right hand seven stars. And from his mouth came out a sharp two-edged sword. And his face was as the sun shineth in his power. … Scripture reference – IV Esr. 10:25; Rev. 1:20; 2:1; 3:1; 2:12; 19:15; 10:1; Mt. 17:2!
17 And when I had seen him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying: Fear not. I am the First and the Last, … Scripture reference – IV Esr. 10:25; Rev. 2:8; Mt. 17:6,7; Rev. 22:13!; Is. 41:4!
18 And alive, and was dead. And behold I am living for ever and ever and have the keys of death and of hell. … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:8; 10:6
19 Write therefore the things which thou hast seen: and which are: and which must be done hereafter. … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:1
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 are the seven churches. … Scripture reference – Rev. 12:16; 2:1; 3:1
[2] -Ver. 5. Washed: some Greek Manuscripts have “loosed”.
[3] -Ver. 8. The Alpha and the Omega: the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. God is the first beginning and the last end. The Latin translator added the meaning of Alpha and Omega.
[4] -Ver. 10. The Lord’s day: Sunday, the first day of the week.
[5] -Ver. 12. The sense is: “To see what voice it was that spoke to me.”
[6] -Ver. 15. The image is that of brass glowing in the refiner’s furnace.
2 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:19
3 … Scripture reference –
4 … Scripture reference – 1Tim 5:12
5 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:16; 3:3
6 … Scripture reference –
7 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22; 13:9; Mt. 13:9!; Rev. 22:14; Gn. 3:22; IV Esr. 8:52
8 … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:17, 18!
9 … Scripture reference – Rev. 3:9
10 … Scripture reference – 1Pt. 3:14!; Jm. 1:12!
11 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:7
12 … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:16; 19:15
13 … Scripture reference – Rev. 3:8; 14:12
14 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:20; 2Pt. 2:15; Jude 11
15 … Scripture reference –
16 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:5; 3:3
17 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:7!; 19:12
18 … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:14, 15!; 19:12
19 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:2
20 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:14; 1Tim. 2:12!
21 … Scripture reference – Job 24:23!; Rev. 9:20!, 21; 16:11
22 … Scripture reference –
23 … Scripture reference – Ps. 7:10!; Jer. 17:10!; Rev. 20:12; 22:12; Ps. 61:13!; Mt. 16:27!
24 … Scripture reference –
25 … Scripture reference – Rev. 3:11!
26 … Scripture reference – Dan. 7:14!; Ps. 2:8, 9!
27 … Scripture reference – Rev. 12:5; 19:15
28 … Scripture reference –
29 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:7!
1 ¶ Unto the angel [1] of the church of Ephesus write: These things saith he who holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks: … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:16, 20; 3:1
2 I know thy works and thy labour and thy patience and how thou canst not bear them that are evil. And thou hast tried them who say they are apostles and are not: and hast found them liars: … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:19
3 And thou hast patience and hast endured for my name and hast not fainted.
4 But I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first charity. … Scripture reference – 1Tim 5:12
5 Be mindful therefore from whence thou art fallen: and do penance and do the first works. Or else I come to thee and will move thy candlestick out of its place, except thou do penance. … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:16; 3:3
6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaites, which I also hate.
7 He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches: To him that overcometh I will give to eat of the tree of life which is in the paradise of my God. … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22; 13:9; Mt. 13:9!; Rev. 22:14; Gn. 3:22; IV Esr. 8:52
9 I know thy tribulation and thy poverty: but thou art rich. And thou art blasphemed by them that say they are Jews and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. [2] … Scripture reference – Rev. 3:9
10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer. Behold, the devil will cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried: and you shall have tribulation ten days. [3] Be thou faithful unto death: and I will give thee the crown of life. … Scripture reference – 1Pt. 3:14!; Jm. 1:12!
11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches: He that shall overcome shall not be hurt by the second death. [4] … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:7
13 I know where thou dwellest, where the seat of Satan is. And thou holdest fast my name and hast not denied my faith. Even in those days when Antipas was my faithful witness, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. … Scripture reference – Rev. 3:8; 14:12
14 But I have against thee a few things: because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of
15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaites.
16 In like manner do penance. If not, I will come to thee quickly and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:5; 3:3
17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches: To him that overcometh I will give the hidden manna and will give him a white counter: and in the counter, a new name written, which no man knoweth but he that receiveth it. … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:7!; 19:12
19 I know thy works and thy faith and thy charity and thy ministry and thy patience and thy last works, which are more than the former. … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:2
20 But I have against thee a few things: because thou sufferest the woman Jezabel, who calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants, to commit fornication and to eat of things sacrificed to idols. … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:14; 1Tim. 2:12!
21 And I gave her a time that she might do penance: and she will not repent of her fornication. … Scripture reference – Job 24:23!; Rev. 9:20!, 21; 16:11
22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed [6]: and they that commit adultery with her shall be in very great tribulation, except they do penance from their deeds,
23 And I will kill her children with death: and all the churches shall know that I am he that searcheth the reins and hearts. And I will give to every one of you according to your works. But to you I say … Scripture reference – Ps. 7:10!; Jer. 17:10!; Rev. 20:12; 22:12; Ps. 61:13!; Mt. 16:27!
24 And to the rest who are at Thyatira: Whosoever have not this doctrine and who have not known the depths of Satan, [7] as they say: I will not put upon you any other burthen.
25 Yet that which you have, hold fast till I come. … Scripture reference – Rev. 3:11!
26 And he that shall overcome and keep my words unto the end, I will give him power over the nations. … Scripture reference – Dan. 7:14!; Ps. 2:8, 9!
27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and as the vessel of a potter they shall be broken: … Scripture reference – Rev. 12:5; 19:15
28 As I also have received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star. [8]
29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:7!
(DRV)
[2] -Ver. 9. The Jews of Smyrna are called the, synagogue of Satan because of their in¬terference with the Christian Church, the true synagogue.
[3] -Ver. 10. Ten days: the period of trial would be limited and would be short.
[4] -Ver: 11. Second death: a death which is other than the death of the body, i.e., the final condemnation of sinners.
[5] -Ver. 18. Son of God: the only place in the Apocalypse where this phrase is used.
[6] -Ver. 22. Cast her upon a bed: I will inflict upon her a fatal illness.
[7] -Ver. 24. Depths of Satan: these teachers call their science the deep secrets of God, but Christ calls it the deep secrets of Satan, i.e., of pride and impiety.
[8] -Ver. 28. The morning star: the glory with which the saints will shine in eternity.
2 … Scripture reference –
3 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:5, 16; 2Pt. 3:9, 10; Rev. 16,15; 1Th. 5:2
4 … Scripture reference – Jude 23
5 … Scripture reference – Rev.3:18; 4.4!; 6:11!; Ps. 68:29; Mt. 10:32!; Lk. 12:28
6 … Scripture reference –Rev. 2:7!
7 … Scripture reference – Rev. 6:10; Isaiah: 22:22!
8 … Scripture reference – Rev. 4:1: 1Cor. 16:9; 2Cor.2:12; Rev. 2:13!
9 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:9; Isaiah: 60:14!
10 … Scripture reference – 2Pt. 2:9
11 … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:3!; 2:25; 22:7!
12 … Scripture reference – Rev. 14:1; 22:4; 21:2,10
13 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2.7
14 … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:5; Col.1:15
15 … Scripture reference –
16 … Scripture reference –
17 … Scripture reference –
18 … Scripture reference – 1 Pt. 1:7; Rev. 3:5!; 16:15
19 … Scripture reference – Prv. 3:12: Heb.12:6
20 … Scripture reference – Lk. 22:30!; Mt. 24:33; Mk. 13,29; James 5,9
21 … Scripture reference – Lk. 22:30!
22 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:7!
2 Be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, which are ready to die. For I find not thy works full before my God.
3 Have in mind therefore in what manner thou hast received and heard: and observe and do penance: If then thou shalt not watch, I will come to thee as a thief: and thou shalt not know at what hour I will come to thee. … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:5, 16; 2Pt. 3:9, 10; Rev. 16,15; 1Th. 5:2
4 But thou hast a few names in Sardis which have not defiled their garments: and they shall walk with me in white, because they are worthy. … Scripture reference – Jude 23
5 He that shall overcome shall thus be clothed in white garments: and I will not blot out his name out [1] of the book of life. And I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. … Scripture reference – Rev.3:18; 4.4!; 6:11!; Ps. 68:29; Mt. 10:32!; Lk. 12:28
6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. … Scripture reference –Rev. 2:7!
8 I know thy works. Behold, I have given before thee a door opened, which no man can shut: because thou hast a little strength and hast kept my word and hast not denied my name. … Scripture reference – Rev. 4:1: 1Cor. 16:9; 2Cor.2:12; Rev. 2:13!
9 Behold, I will bring of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but do lie. Behold, I will make them to come and adore before thy feet. And they shall know that I have loved thee. … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:9; Isaiah: 60:14!
10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, [3] I will also keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon the whole world to try them that dwell upon the earth. … Scripture reference – 2Pt. 2:9
11 Behold, I come quickly: hold fast that which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:3!; 2:25; 22:7!
12 He that shall overcome, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God: and he shall go out no more. And I will write upon him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God, and my new name. … Scripture reference – Rev. 14:1; 22:4; 21:2,10
13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. … Scripture reference – Rev. 2.7
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot. I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 But because thou art lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will begin to vomit thee out of my mouth.
17 Because thou sayest: I am rich and made wealthy and have need of nothing: and knowest not that thou art wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.
18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold, fire tried, that thou mayest be made rich and mayest be clothed in white garments: and that the shame of thy nakedness may not appear. And anoint thy eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. … Scripture reference – 1 Pt. 1:7; Rev. 3:5!; 16:15
19 Such as I love, I rebuke and chastise. Be zealous therefore and do penance. … Scripture reference – Prv. 3:12: Heb.12:6
20 Behold, I stand at the gate and knock. If any man shall hear my voice and open to me the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him: and he with me. … Scripture reference – Lk. 22:30!; Mt. 24:33; Mk. 13,29; James 5,9
21 To him that shall overcome, I will give to sit with me in my throne: as I also have overcome and am set down with my Father in his throne. … Scripture reference – Lk. 22:30!
(DRV)
[2] -Ver. 7. Who opens and no one shuts: an affirmation of the divinity of Christ. Cf. Job
12, 14, where this power is attributed to God alone.,
[3] -Ver. 10. My patience: the patience that I manifested.
[4] -Ver. 14. Amen: a Hebrew word, used here as a personal name.
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