How to Understand the Apocalyptic Passages in the Bible

About this Lesson

When we read through the Prophets in the Old Testament, particularly when we get to Ezekiel and Daniel we are introduced to fantastic images, whirling wheels, fantastic beasts, and world-shaking prophecies. This type of writing is what is known as “apocalyptic” and it’s useful to take some time to understand this type of writing, this genre in the Bible to understand the books that contain it.

There is a lot of confusion around the word “apocalyptic.” In the secular world, this term has taken on the idea of the end of the world, or massive collapse of society, etc. The Biblical meaning, though it can be that, is a little different—

The Greek term apokalypsis, from which we get our English word apocalypse, literally means “unveiling.” It also means a revelation.

In the apocalyptic writings, God is unveiling, giving special revelation, special insight to His prophets, enabling them to see things from HIS viewpoint and that can be difficult to understand as God does that.

In this lesson, we’ll look at a key characteristic that distinguishes apocalyptic writing from other prophetic writings and that is its use of images, why we need to understand the meaning behind the images if we are going to understand the writing, and why today we often have trouble with that.

In addition, one of the most useful parts of this lesson will be an overview of commentaries you can go to for help in understanding these books. None of us and no one teacher has all the answers, but we have incredible resources today that can help--this lesson will preview many of them for you. 

Included in this Lesson

• A 1080p video, without any ads or YouTube distractions
• An MP3 audio/podcast file
• Editable PowerPoint file of the lesson
• Editable Notes/Transcript of the lesson
• Editable Questions on the lesson for individual study or group discussion
• Charts that go with the lesson if part of it
• PDF of handouts that have the notes and questions
• PDF of the infographic that goes with the lesson
• Two digital files of images and PR text you can use to promote the topic
• PR paragraph to help advertise the class
• Closing prayer and benediction for the class
• Unlimited reproduction rights of the video and handouts within your church, group, ministry, or business.