Book of Revelation — New World Translation Study Guide
Section: Christian Greek Scriptures · Chapters: 22 · Written by: John (apostle) · Approximate date: c. AD 95 · Theme: Jehovah's Victory, Kingdom & New World
Summary of the Book of Revelation
Revelation is a prophetic vision of Jehovah's ultimate victory over Satan and all wickedness, the vindication of Jehovah's name and sovereignty, and the creation of a new earth where Jehovah will dwell with resurrected humanity forever in paradise.
Why the Book of Revelation Matters Today
Revelation is the climactic book of the Bible and the most thoroughly used in the JW understanding of the last days, Jehovah's Kingdom, and Armageddon. The visions of the seven seals, seven trumpets, seven plague-bowls, the war against Babylon the Great (false religion), and the millennial reign of Christ are central to JW prophetic interpretation. The new Jerusalem coming down out of heaven and the river of water of life (chapters 21–22) are the visual culmination of every Kingdom promise from Genesis 3:15 onward. For Witnesses today, Revelation is the inspired narrative arc of how Jehovah's name is finally vindicated and his purpose fully accomplished.
Key Verses in Revelation
- Rev 1:8
- Rev 5:12
- Rev 21:4
- Rev 22:20
Notable Passages in Revelation
Revelation 1:8
Jehovah's self-declaration as 'the Alpha and the Omega...the Almighty' in Revelation's opening verse frames the entire book as the account of the supreme God bringing history to his appointed conclusion.
Revelation 5:12
The heavenly proclamation of the Lamb as worthy to receive 'power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing' celebrates Christ's central role in Jehovah's purpose.
Revelation 21:4
The promise that Jehovah 'will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more' is the climactic expression of Jehovah's Kingdom purpose — the complete removal of all suffering.
Study Questions for Revelation
As you read the book of Revelation, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:
- How does Revelation's vision of Jehovah on his throne (chapter 4) and the Lamb receiving the scroll (chapter 5) establish the basis for Jehovah's right to judge and act?
- What do the seven letters to the congregations (chapters 2–3) teach about the specific strengths and weaknesses Jehovah observes in his people?
- How do the vision of the great crowd (chapter 7) and the 144,000 describe the two groups of Jehovah's people who will receive salvation?
- What does 'Babylon the Great' represent (chapters 17–18), and what does Jehovah's call 'get out of her, my people' mean for his servants today?
- How does Revelation's climactic vision — the new Jerusalem, the removal of death, and Jehovah dwelling with humans (chapters 21–22) — sustain the hope of Jehovah's Witnesses for paradise?
Frequently Asked Questions About Revelation
- Who wrote the book of Revelation?
- John the apostle wrote Revelation around 96 CE while exiled on the island of Patmos under the emperor Domitian.
- When was the book of Revelation written?
- Revelation was written approximately 96 CE on the island of Patmos during John's exile under the persecution of the emperor Domitian — addressed initially to seven congregations in Asia Minor.
- What is the main theme of Revelation?
- Revelation reveals Jesus Christ as the conquering King who, with his anointed brothers, brings Jehovah's Kingdom to victory over Satan, false religion, and human governments — climaxing in the new heavens and new earth where Jehovah dwells with his people.
How to Study Revelation with JW Study
Track your progress through all 22 chapters of Revelation in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters as you read, save personal notes on key passages, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.
Reading Plans That Include Revelation
The book of Revelation is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.
- NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation, all 66 books, in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
- Christian Greek Scriptures in 90 Days — Read all 27 books of the Christian Greek Scriptures in just 90 days. (90 days, 260 chapters)
- Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in 90 days with a steady, focused schedule. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
- Acts & the Letters in 60 Days — Follow the early Christian congregation through Acts, then study every letter through Revelation in 60 days. (60 days, 171 chapters)
Related Bible Study Topics
Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:
- Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
- Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
- Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
- Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
- The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
- The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
- What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
- What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
- God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
- Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
- The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today
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