Insight from matching John 13 to Revelation 13
May 26, 2008 - email from The Open Scroll email list - Click here to subscribe
Greetings!
Yes, I know it's been a long time. I'm still watching. I hope to write more in the next couple days about another important watch season later this week that is based upon what was seen in the previous season. This email is to invite you to read and consider a new writing just posted on The Open Scroll, one I've been working on for a while. This study arose from a work you may recall from an email dated April 12, 2008. The introduction from John 13 and Revelation 13 and 14 - Comparing Thirty-Eight Verse Pairs is excerpted below.
As those of you familiar with the content of this Website know I have held a deep interest in the thematic patterns in the scriptures for some time. As I study selected passages in this way it is like mining for precious gems deep underneath the surface, and the Lord often grants insight I would otherwise have missed, or understood less fully. Such projects always keep me mindful of the Lord's amazing work of the recording of His word, which, as it is written, He has magnified above all His name. (Psalm 138:2)
There's a really fascinating connection between two passages of scripture that are both completely relevant in this present season! Concerning two of the books that were recorded by the apostle John, the Gospel of John and the book of Revelation, some observant students have noted a correspondance between the 13th chapter of each. When I recently began to apply myself to searching out the matter I was surprised to discover how closely they compare. As I saw elements of verse 1 of John 13 in verse 1 of Revelation 13, then, in this same way, in verses 2, 3 and 4, I wondered just how far this supernatural phenomenon might extend. I was also curious to learn whether their individual thematic patterns were related, and, if so, in what ways. So began a work that has borne some wonderful fruit!
Since I had within the previous year undertaken the rather ambitious project of discerning the structure of the entire chapter of Revelation 13, I thought I should best begin this new project by pursuing the structure of John 13. Then, having that degree of familiarity with the message and meaning of the 13th chapter of John I would be better prepared for the work of matching John to Revelation, and would have the opportunity to approach that effort with the matter of how their individual thematic patterns might compare being settled in my mind.
While this project wasn't particularly high up on my list of pending projects, the Lord prompted me to engage with Him in this undertaking on the 13th day of the first month this year, which as you may recall was a really critical day of watching for the revealing of the lawless one. For that reason, it seemed odd the Lord would so engage me on this day, but it there was no doubt in my mind the Lord prospered the work - it was completed in a single day!
Those two works may be viewed in an interactive format here John 13 and here Revelation 13
When I began the process of comparing more verse pairings from John 13 and Revelation 13 and observed the ongoing trend of thematic correspondance it wasn't long before I came to consider the fact that there were 38 verses in one but only 18 in the other. That's not a very balanced match. I puzzled over that for a moment and considered this may well overflow into the next chapter. I was encouraged to continue when I noticed that Revelation 14 had 20 verses and that the 18 of Rev. 13 plus the 20 of Rev. 14 equalled the 38 of John 13!
I have not come to a conclusion about how far this sequential correspondance between the two books might go. I have quite obviously applied limited resources to this project, considering only these particular 38 verses. If you are so inclined, inspired by the spirit of the Lord, you may follow after this example. I believe there may be some chaism to be found, as well. I believe any insight, any and all nuggets of truth the Lord desires to grant His servants is worthy of our attention.
What I have discovered is that there appears to be a unified message for our time. I have included in this presentation some commentary alongside each verse pairing that is simply "my commentary." You may take it before the throne for discernment, and perhaps you will receive insight beyond what I have written. That is my hope, as we together humbly seek His provision for us in this season.
See the full writing here.
Blessings in Y'shua!
Bob Schlenker
TheOpenScroll.com