REVELATION, BOOK OF

This final book of the N.T. is a fitting conclusion to the sacred canon. Written by John, while exiled on the island of Patmos, it is directed primarily to seven congregations in Asia Minor; the principles are obviously applicable to all Christians. The book was written in a time of great danger for the followers of Christ, hence, its message is largely in symbols borrowed from the O.T. This "smuggles" a word of hope to the persecuted, without compounding their danger. The message is one of victory; the Lamb will overcome his enemies (e.g., the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet), and those who follow him will share in the victory on the day of Judgment (cf. 19:11-16).