Journal: Michigan Theological Journal
Volume: MTJ 03:1 (Spring 1992)
Article: The Structure Of The Book Of Revelation
Author: John A. McLean

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The Structure Of The Book Of Revelation

John A. McLean

There are three major principles that define the structure of the Revelation and show that its structure is both chronological and sequential. The Apocalypse unfolds according to a prophetic timetable as well as a literary sequence of events that reveals more precise definition and detail about the closing events of a period which is called “The Great Tribulation.” After establishing a chronological and sequential structure for Revelation, a comparison will be made to analyze its impact on the Pre-Wrath Rapture theory of Marvin Rosenthal.1

Revelation 1:19

The first principle is stated in Revelation 1:19: “Write therefore the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things that shall take place after these things.” The Revelation is structured in part by the three time periods that are mentioned in this verse: 1) the things which you have seen; 2) the things which are; 3) the things that shall take place after these things.

This threefold division does not control the major content of the book as evidenced by the disproportional character of the three sections (1:1–20; 2:1–3:22; 4:1–22:5). G. K. Beale suggests this threefold division is based on Daniel 2.2 He maintains: “It would appear not to be from mere accidental placement that John introduces the book and three subsequent

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major sections in Revelation with an allusion to Dan. 2:28–29, 45.”3 Jan Lambrecht contends the division should stand even if Revelation 1:19 is not accepted as a proof text.4

The “things which you have seen” are recorded in chapter one. John recorded the initial vision of glorified Jesus Christ in which he was commissioned to write the entire book of Revelation. Chapters two and three contain the “things which are.” This is evidenced by the command to John: “Write in a book what you see (Rev. 1:11),” indicating the existence of these churches in John’s day and the present aspect of the “things which are.” This section closes with the opening of the thi...