The Book of Revelation: Hope in the Midst of Persecution

by William A. Anderson

Overview

The author of the Book of Revelation, who identified himself as John, offered Christians the hope and encouragement they needed during a time of persecution by writing a book coded with signs and symbols familiar to his audience yet unfamiliar to the ruling Romans. In writing his book, John used apocalyptic images, symbols, and language. These signs or symbols must be interpreted in their proper literary form and not taken literally. They symbolize a world in spiritual, not physical, turmoil. The Book of Revelation: Hope in the Midst of Persecution attempts to break John's code and make it understandable to the reader.

Part of the Liguori Catholic Bible Study, a series of 21 books introducing each book of the Bible, providing insight into the sacred words of antiquity and inviting you to discover the living Word and its impact on our daily lives. The narrative, study questions, reflections, key notes, prayers, and an introduction to the spiritual practice of lectio divina will deepen your understanding of Scripture.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780764821301
Publisher:	Liguori Publications
Publication date:	12/01/2014
Series:	Liguori Catholic Bible Study
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

William A. Anderson, DMin, PhD, is a presbyter of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston in West Virginia. This director of retreats and parish missions, professor, catechist, spiritual director, and former pastor has written extensively on pastoral, spiritual, and religious subjects. Father Anderson earned his doctor of ministry degree from St. Mary's Seminary; University in Baltimore, and his doctorate in sacred theology from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.

William A. Anderson, DMin, PhD, es presbítero de la Diócesis de Wheeling-Charleston en Virginia Occidental. Este director de retiros y misiones parroquiales, profesor, catequista, director espiritual y ex pastor ha escrito extensamente sobre temas pastorales, espirituales y religiosos. El padre Anderson obtuvo su título de doctor en ministerio del Seminario de Santa María; Universidad de Baltimore, y su doctorado en teología sagrada de la Universidad Duquesne en Pittsburgh.

Table of Contents

Dedication and Acknowledgments 5

Introduction to Liguori Catholic Bible Study 6

Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading) 8

How to Use This Bible-Study Companion 11

A Process for Sacred Reading 12

Group-Study Formats 13

Introduction: The Book of Revelation 17

Lesson 1 Exile on Patmos 23

Group Study (Revelation 1) 24

Lesson 2 The Seven Churches of Asia 33

Part 1 Group Study (Revelation 2) 34

Part 2 Individual Study (Revelation 3?5) 41

Lesson 3 The Seven Seals 51

Part 1 Group Study (Revelation 6) 52

Part 2 Individual Study (Revelation 7?9) 57

Lesson 4 The Bitter Scroll 67

Part 1 Group Study (Revelation 10) 68

Part 2 Individual Study (Revelation 11?13) 72

Lesson 5 The Dragon and Beasts 85

Part 1 Group Study (Revelation 14) 87

Part 2 Individual Study (Revelation 15?18) 92

Lesson 6 The New Creation 105

Part 1 Group Study (Revelation 19) 107

Part 2 Individual Study (Revelation 20?22) 112

Conclusion 123

About the Author 125