The last book of the Bible is not proposed for developing entire end-time concepts from individual statements, but for reading and hearing the whole context.

Nor is the Revelation written for everyone. In chapter 1:11 it says: ” Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches“.

It is written to people who want to get involved with God. People who align themselves with God and want to understand the Bible.

Seven communities are named. There were also other communities in the area such as Hierapolis or Colossae. The number seven is not restrictive, but stands for a completed, fulfilled whole. A book for all churches of all times.

John sees pictures, visions of things that will happen in the future. Therefore, he also uses expressions that appear in other prophetic books. If we would see the same vision today, we might would use different words. Sometimes he uses symbolic descriptions or synonyms, which again we need to break down. But then he also hears messages that were said to him.