In verse 10 of the first chapter John explains he was on the Isle of Patmos on "the Lord's day" when he received the Revelation.
Revelation 1:10-11a On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, which said: "Write on a scroll what you see..."
Generally, when people read this, they interpret this to mean that John received this vision on a Sunday, which is often referred to as the Lord's Day. However, I have a different opinion of this that I have learned from Chuck Missler. If instead of using the term "the Lord's Day," the text in the English translation read "the Day of the Lord," one would gain a different impression.
The term "the Day of the Lord" is an ominous term used in the Old Testament to depict the second coming of Jesus Christ when He will return to judge all mankind and destroy the wicked. Listed below are a few examples:
Isaiah 13:6 Wail, for the day of the LORD is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty.
Isaiah 13:9 See, the day of the LORD is coming —a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger— to make the land desolate and destroy the sinners within it.
Ezekiel 30:3 For the day is near, the day of the LORD is near— a day of clouds, a time of doom for the nations.
Joel 1:15 Alas for that day! For the day of the LORD is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty.
Revelation 1:10-11a On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, which said: "Write on a scroll what you see..."
Generally, when people read this, they interpret this to mean that John received this vision on a Sunday, which is often referred to as the Lord's Day. However, I have a different opinion of this that I have learned from Chuck Missler. If instead of using the term "the Lord's Day," the text in the English translation read "the Day of the Lord," one would gain a different impression.
The term "the Day of the Lord" is an ominous term used in the Old Testament to depict the second coming of Jesus Christ when He will return to judge all mankind and destroy the wicked. Listed below are a few examples:
Isaiah 13:6 Wail, for the day of the LORD is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty.
Isaiah 13:9 See, the day of the LORD is coming —a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger— to make the land desolate and destroy the sinners within it.
Ezekiel 30:3 For the day is near, the day of the LORD is near— a day of clouds, a time of doom for the nations.
Joel 1:15 Alas for that day! For the day of the LORD is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty.
Joel 2:11 The LORD thunders at the head of his army; his forces are beyond number, and mighty are those who obey his command. The day of the LORD is great; it is dreadful. Who can endure it?
Therefore, the text indicates that John was transported forward in time to personally witness the Day of the Lord and then recorded the things he observed.
I have found that simple interpretation from different Bible translations often provides us insights and may prevent us from seeing what is meant in scripture. This is a good example of the certain translation missing the true meaning.
ReplyDeleteI wholeheartedly agree. While I prefer the NASB, when studying a particular passage of scripture, I generally read from several English translations. One tool I have found to be very helpful is e-sword. E-sword is a Bible software available online. It contains multiple Bible translations, commentaries, Bible dictionaries, and more. Almost all of the downloads are free. The text is indexed with Strong's numbers of the original Hebrew and Greek. I highly recommend it to enhance your study of scripture. Check it out!
ReplyDeletewww.e-sword.net