Since we are focusing on the Book of Revelation in our “Evening Meditation” videos, I thought this quick little “word study” might prove interesting.
The Greek noun “apocalypse” literally means “revelation,” but in this lovely precise sense …
Its prefix, also a preposition is simply spelled “apo.” It means “from” or “away from.” And the word’s main root is a verb, spelled “krupto,” meaning “to hide” something. Better yet, it means “to veil” a person or thing. Therefore, when these two words are placed together we see that “apocalypse” is essentially an uncovering, an UNVEILING!
So then, Revelation 1:1 is quite helpful. Read it with me … “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John” …
The Book is not a revelation of John the writer, the Disciple! It is an unveiling of Jesus our Saviour! Jesus Who then unveils “things which must shortly come to pass!”
Immediately thereupon (after Revelation 1:1) is revealed: the glorified Lord, the seven Churches, the Rapture of Believers in Christ Jesus, Heaven itself, the Tribulation, and so much more!
But that’s not all!
There is another “unveiling” in Jewish culture and life. It centers around a wedding, where a beautiful and pure Bride-to-be, wearing her wedding veil (picturing modesty) LIFTS that thing to reveal her countenance (eyes, lips, smile, etc.) to her very-soon-to-be husband. Yes, a wedding in that sense is an “unveiling.”
But is that ceremony mentioned in Revelation?
Yes!
Near Book’s end, really.
“And there came unto me (John) one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the BRIDE, the Lamb’s WIFE.” Revelation 21:9
Add this verse … “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the MARRIAGE of the Lamb is come, and his WIFE hath made herself ready.” Revelation 19:7, where her being ready includes her veil being in place!
Thus, the Book of Revelation starts with an unveiling of Jesus. And ends with an unveiling of His Bride, the Church of the living God!
Oh, how fitting, how very appropriate!
Because Jesus is not only the Theme of the Book, He is also also the very Bridegroom!
Jesus, unveiled!
The Church, unveiled!
A Wedding to occur!
The Two being made One!
And really … “living happily ever after!”
Who would have thought it?
The Book of Revelation ending with a Wedding! An unveiling!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
Are YOU saved?
(If not, let me know. I’d love to discuss the matter with you. John 3:16 is still true!)
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
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