Revelation: Revelation timeline introduction
Setting
The book of Revelation, the final book of the Bible, holds this position because it reveals the fulfillment of all the prophecies, promises, and covenants recorded in the previous 65 books. This book, given by God the Father to His Son, was meant to disclose to His servants’ events that must soon take place. Jesus Christ then communicated this revelation through His angel to His servant John, Revelation 1:1.
Following Christ Jesus’ instructions, John recorded the things he had seen, the present realities, and the events yet to come. These messages were directed to the seven churches in Asia Minor, Revelation 1:4. Understanding the intended audience, the authorship, and the divine plan under which this book falls, either God's prophetic plan for Israel or the mystery program for the Body-of-Christ, is crucial. Revelation belongs to the prophetic program for Israel, as confirmed by its nature, Acts 3:21, its role as a sign to the Jewish people, and Revelation 1:1 (signified it by His angel), 1Corinthians 1:22, and the fact that it was conveyed through an apostle, John, to the circumcision (Jews), Galatians 2:6-9.
Revelation was primarily written for the believers in Israel, rather than the Body-of-Christ, for the following reasons:
- John was the apostle, a pillar, to the circumcision, Galatians 2:8-9
- This is a prophetic book, Revelation 1:3, Revelation 22:7, 10, 18-19
- The content is deeply rooted in Israel's history, which differs from that of the Body of Christ
Despite its focus on Israel, Revelation, like many Old Testament prophetic books, contains descriptions of the New Testament church. Initially formed by the little flock, the church eventually faded as God shifted His work to the Body-of-Christ, Romans 11:11-12. During the tribulation, believers appear before God’s throne. The following timeline illustrates the progression of the New Testament church from Christ’s resurrection to the snatching away (rapture). Afterward, Jewish churches reemerge almost immediately, continuing through the tribulation. 
Some followers of Christ who are not part of the New Testament church since the resurrection of Christ Jesus, will endure the tribulation and witness His literal, physical, visible, earthly return. Revelation serves as Israel’s preparation for the tribulation. Again, this does not include the New Testament church, which will have already been snatched up (raptured) to God’s throne before the tribulation, and return with Christ Jesus at His second coming, 1Thessalonians 3:13, Revelation 19:11-14.
The book of Revelation can be divided into:
- Revelation 1 - The introduction to the book of Revelation
- Revelation 2-5, 17a - Pre-tribulation instructions and events churches
- Revelation 6-19 - The tribulation
- Revelation 6-9 - The first half of the tribulation
- Revelation 10-13 - Mid-tribulation
- Revelation 14-16, 17b-19 - Great tribulation
- Revelation 20 - The millennial reign of the Lord Jesus Christ
- Revelation 21-22 - Eternity future and the conclusion to this book
To fully grasp the depth and meaning of Revelation, a strong understanding of the entire Bible is critical with a prayer life, seeking the Holy Spirit’s aid to open the scripture. These web pages provide a convenient means to view relevant passages from scripture and aid the reader's understanding.
Revelation 1:3, blessed is he that reads, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein; for the time is at hand. 