FBC Daily Devotions

AN URGENT PROPHECY

The writer, John, states that the revelation he received was to take place “shortly” (NAS) or “soon” (NIV) in v. 1. In v. 3 he states that “the time is near” for the words to take place. Clearly, there is a strong sense of urgency in this revelation. Something tremendous was going to take place soon. Jesus’ final words at the end of this book are, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” (22:20) And now, millenia later, it appears we continue to stand at the door of this prophecy (that is, if you believe this to be a prophecy of the future – a view that I ascribe to). Is this prophecy a hoax? Was it made up by a man disillusioned at the end of his life?  

These are legitimate questions. To answer this, one must go back to the original language. The word translated “shortly” or “soon” is the Greek word en tachei, and can mean “with speed, swiftness, or quickness.” The expression, “must take place shortly” might be translated “what will take place quickly“. In other words, what is described will occur suddenly and swiftly. On the other hand, the Greek word could be translated more along the lines of ‘in a short time“, as is the preference of the NIV and NAS translations. And certainly what is spoken to John can be said to have begun shortly after the revelation was given to him. Indeed, the events and churches described in chapters 2 and 3 were current in John’s day. As one commentator has noted, “[The events] began to happen then; they are continuing to happen as God described them.” (Zodhiates) Certainly both alternatives are fitting, and neither suggests that the prophecy should have already come and gone by now. In fact, in v. 19, Jesus tells John to “write therefore the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall take place after these things.” Clearly, the events described in the revelation will occur over a course of time which need not be limited to a few years. Yes, Jesus is coming quickly, and indeed, He will come in the twinkling of an eye (1 Cor. 15:22). If there is any sense of urgency, it is because we do not know exactly when He is going to return. It gives cause to pause on the parable of Matthew 25 – that we should be ready at a moment’s notice.