"The Book of Revelation was written sometime around 96 CE in Asia Minor. The author was probably a Christian from Ephesus known as ""John the Elder."" According to the Book, this John was on the island of Patmos, not far from the coast of Asia Minor, ""because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus"" (Rev. 1.10). This has traditionally been taken to mean that he had been exiled there as a martyr for his Christian faith. Some scholars, however, have suggested that it might have been a regular stop on a preaching circuit. Next, the author says, ""I was in the spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet"" (Rev. 1.11), and this voice tells him to write what he is about to see. This begins the ""revelatory"" vision that is at the center of the book.
In approaching the interpretation of the book of Revelation, the primary intention of this book is to present a simple account of its meaning. The main aim is to allow the chapters to speak to us as individuals; to challenge us in our walk with the Lord and our readiness for His return. God desires to comfort His people with the sure promise that this world with all its troubles will soon pass away and a new world will take its place."
