Yes, Revelation is studied differently because it does not unfold chronologically.
Unlike other Bible books that progress logically verse by verse, Revelation requires skipping back and forth to follow events by their time factor. Les Feldick teaches that understanding depends on identifying the timing of events throughout the Tribulation, not simply reading chapter after chapter.
Revelation 1:3 — This verse promises a blessing to those who read and study Revelation, supporting the effort required to understand its non-chronological structure.
The Bible presents Revelation as a book to be read and understood, promising a blessing to those who engage with it: 'Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand' (Revelation 1:3). However, the book does not present its events in a straightforward chronological order. Instead, the reader must search the Scriptures to see how the symbolic teachings in Revelation point to literal truths and to understand how the events fit together in their proper sequence.
Les Feldick explains that the book of Revelation does not unfold chronologically, so the easiest way to understand it is to take it on a chronological basis rather than just chapter after chapter. He says, 'You've got to skip back and forth, and the way you find out how these things fit is just by watching the time factor.' This means determining whether events belong to the first half, middle, or last half of the Tribulation. He emphasizes that although Revelation is full of symbolism, every symbolic teaching comes back to a literal meaning and truth when you search the Scriptures. Les also notes that many people avoid Revelation, thinking it's 'gobbledygook' or impossible to understand, but he counters that it is 'not that hard to understand' and is a thrilling book when studied properly. He stresses the importance of context, saying that every verse must dovetail with the whole of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation.
Les Feldick teaches that because Revelation does not unfold chronologically, a verse-by-verse, chapter-by-chapter approach would not make sense. Instead, the study must move around within the book to follow the continuity of events. He explains that by watching the time factor, you can determine whether events take place in the first half, middle, or last half of the Tribulation. This non-chronological arrangement requires careful study to identify and fit the events together in their proper sequence.
Les Feldick notes that Revelation is written in symbolism, but every symbolic teaching comes back to a literal meaning and literal truth. He gives the example that the word 'beast' in Revelation always refers to a governmental power, not a literal creature. This symbolic nature requires readers to search the Scriptures to uncover the underlying literal truths.
Les Feldick addresses the misconception that Revelation is 'gobbledygook' or a collection of myths and legends that cannot be understood. He also counters the idea that the New Testament is completely separate from the Old Testament, emphasizing that all Scripture fits together from Genesis to Revelation. He encourages readers not to shy away from Revelation, but to study it as a thrilling and understandable book.
What Happens When God's Wrath Replaces Grace — Revelation 9 & 11
Hello, and welcome to Through the Bible with Les Feldick. An Oklahoma rancher and farmer, Les Feldick has been teaching homestyle Bible classes for 20 years in Iowa, Oklahoma, and Texas. Les Feldick's unique style of Bible teaching has made the books of the Bible come to life. When Les is teaching, it's so interesting that people say time just seems to fly by. And now, here is Les Feldick.
Chronological Approach
Les explains that Revelation does not unfold chronologically and that you must skip back and forth, watching the time factor to understand events.
Symbolism and Misconceptions
Les counters the idea that Revelation is gobbledygook, emphasizing that its symbolism always points to literal truths and that studying it is exciting.
Why the New Testament Starts With Abraham — Matthew 1:1 Explained
They can pick out a verse here and a verse there, and they can build a doctrine. I don't want to do that. But we try to take the overall theme of Scripture from Genesis through Revelation without necessarily taking every minor prophet, for example, and every verse of Luke and Mark and what have you.
What Are the Signs of the End Times? Matthew 24 Explained
But everybody just loves the Book of Revelation. You know I noticed that in my classes years ago already, I told my class people, I said, you know, I can't quite understand it that everybody just loves to have me teach Revelation or Genesis. Oh I mean we can just fill the rooms up on those two books.
Encouragement to Study
Les encourages viewers that Revelation is not that hard to understand and is thrilling, despite many being told to avoid it.
Context and Symbolism
Les stresses the importance of context, noting that every verse must fit with the whole of Scripture, and gives the example that 'beast' in Revelation means a governmental power.
Daniel's Dream, the Antichrist & the Mark of the Beast
We have to look at every verse in its context, and it'll always dovetail with the whole. I've told people in the twenty-some years I've been teaching, if your doctrine, if your doctrine doesn't fit from Genesis 1-1 to Revelation 22, the last verse, you're on thin ice, because it'll all beautifully fit together, if you understand it correctly.
Revelation 1:3: Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
This verse shows that Revelation is meant to be read and understood, countering the idea that it is too difficult.
Revelation 22:19: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
This verse underscores the seriousness of the book, supporting the need for careful study.
No, Les Feldick teaches that Revelation does not unfold chronologically. You must skip back and forth to follow the timing of events, which is essential for understanding the Tribulation.
Les explains that Revelation is written in symbolism, but every symbol points to a literal truth. The non-chronological order adds to the difficulty, requiring careful study of the time factors.
Yes, Les emphasizes that the book starts with 'Blessed is he that readeth,' and he encourages study, saying it is thrilling and not that hard to understand when approached properly.
Watch the Teaching: What Happens When God's Wrath Replaces Grace — Revelation 9 & 11