Outline of Revelation

 

The key to the contents of the Book of Revelation is given in the divine outline of Revelation 1:19.  John was told to "write the things which thou hast seen," which includes the glorified vision of Christ in chapter one (past). After this "the things which are," which concerns the church in chapters 2-3 (present). Then "the things which shall be hereafter," which include chapters 4-22 (future). Below is an outline based upon this three-fold division of Revelation 1:19.

 

Key verse (1:19)

 

I. "The Things Which You Have Seen" (1)

            A. John's vision of the glorified Christ as King-Priest

 

II. "The Things Which Are" (2-3)

            A. The seven churches reveal the condition of God's people

            The Letters to the Believers at Ephesus (2:1-7)

            The Letters to the Believers at Smyrna and Pergamum (2:8-17)

            The Letters to the Believers at Thyatira and Sardis (2:18-3:6)

            The Letters to the Believers at Philadelphia and Laodicea (3:7-22)

 

III. "The Things Which Will Take Place after This" (4-22)

            A. The rapture of the church (4-5)

                        1. John is caught up

                        2. The Lamb takes His throne

            B. The tribulation of seven years (6-19)

                        1. First half of the Tribulation (6-9)

                        2. Middle of the Tribulation (10-14)

                        3. Last half of the Tribulation (15-19)

            C. The millennial kingdom of Christ (20)

            D. The new heavens and earth (21-22)