Replies

There are four distinct views as to how the book of Revelations can be interpreted as prophecy:
1) The Preterists view: This view is exclusivly in terms of it's first century(of the church)setting, and claims that most of its prophecies have already taken place.
2) The Historicist view: It describes a long chain of events from Patmos to the end of history.
3) The Futurists view: Most everything is to happen in the end times.
4)The Idealists view: Everything is symbolic of the timeless truths of good versus evil.

The style that Revelations is written in is known as apocolyptic. The word revelation is interchangable with the word apocolypse.

This is a highly symbolic kind of literature, penned at a time when the Roman authorities were starting to enforce the "cult of emperor worship". Taken in this historical context, the Preterist view makes the most sense and is the traditional interpretation. If, you however choose to ignore that the writter addresses the book to the seven churches in the province of Asia, then you can arrive at the other 3 interpretations.

The symbolism is used to obscure the message of warning that John(exiled to the isle of Patmos, a Roman penal colony)is sending to the churches of Asia Minor, to prepare them for the coming opposition and increasing hostility. The Babylon symbolism was a reference to the Roman Empire. The city on the seven hills is Rome.(described by Cicero, Virgil, and Martial)I read years ago that 666 can even be "decoded" into Nero Cesar ...etc.

A good commentary for each of the points of view is available and recommended, and the further you get from the traditional view, the more you have to contort the symbolism(and the context) to fit the interpretation.

The style that Revelations is written in is known as apocolyptic(sic). The word revelation is interchangable(sic)
with the word apocolypse(sic).

how the book of Revelations can be interpreted as prophecy

The style that Revelations is written in

In your study did you perchance read Revelation 1:1

Re. 1:1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show
his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by
sending his angel to his servant John,

There is only one revelation ; the one given to Y'shua HaMashiach by G-d (YAHWEH) to give to the servant John.

Tehillim (Psalm) 119:105 Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

XeniaSt