211-17 - 3 Johns, Jude & Revelation
1. The Beloved. 2. John the Divine or the Diviner 3. Son of Thunder or Son of Zebedee 4. Brother of James. 5. Fisherman 6. 2nd most prolific author of New Testament (Gospel of John, 3 epistles and Book of Revelation) 7. Member of original 12 Apostles 8. Member of 1st Presidency 9. Translated-he has not yet died 10. Received 2nd Comforter 11. Helped restore Melchizedek Priesthood. 12. Present with Jesus, Peter and James on special occasions; Raising of Jairus’ daughter, Mt. of Transfiguration, Gethsemane . 13. It was this John who Jesus asked to take care of His mother has he hung from the cross. 14. Rumor has it that he gets together with the 3 Nephites on Friday evenings for a rousing game of Rook. 15. See 1 Nephi 14; Ether 4:16; D&C 7; 27:12)
Without the additional truth that modern revelation supplies, the information contained in John 21:20–23 is ambiguous enough to have fostered a great deal of confusion concerning the fate of John the Beloved. Interest in the fate of John was alive and well in the days of Joseph Smith. For example, Adam Clarke, a scholar who published a comprehensive commentary on the Bible at the beginning of the nineteenth century, stated: “Some have concluded from these words [in John 21:22] that John should never die. Many eminent men, ancients and moderns, have been and are of this opinion. . . . For nearly eighteen hundred years, the greatest men in the world have been puzzled with this passage. It would appear intolerable in me to attempt to decide, where so many eminent doctors have disagreed, and do still disagree." With Joseph’s and Oliver’s interest in religion, they had likely already been exposed to this debate. Hence, when the topic came up again—either spontaneously or as a result of translating the Book of Mormon—they naturally wanted to know what had happened to John.
Latter-day scripture not only confirms that John did not die but also provides valuable information about translated beings. During His mortal ministry, the Savior declared to His Apostles, “There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom” (Matthew 16:28; see also Mark 9:1; Luke 9:27). John apparently desired to fulfill this prophecy. According to the translated parchment, John asked the Savior for “power over death” so that he might “live and bring souls unto thee” (D&C 7:2). The Lord responded by confirming to John that he would “tarry until I come in my glory” (D&C 7:3)—in other words, he would be translated.
What does it mean to be translated? The Greek verb used in Hebrews 11:5 is metatithemi and can mean “to effect a change in state or condition” as well as “to convey from one place to another.”[37] Because of its association with the biblical story of Enoch, by the time of the Prophet Joseph Smith the word translated was understood not only to mean “conveyed from one place to another” but specifically “removed to heaven without dying.”[38] It is noteworthy that when discussing the doctrine of translation, latter—day scripture includes important information concerning changes to the condition of an individual’s body (see 3 Nephi 28:7, 37–38).
The primary mission of translated beings is sharing the gospel. John’s request included the desire to “live and bring souls unto [Christ]” (D&C 7:2). The Savior promised John that he would “prophesy before nations, kindreds, tongues and people” (D&C 7:3) and then explained to Peter that John would “minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation who dwell on the earth” (D&C 7:6). The Lord explained that John the Beloved would continue his ministry until the Second Coming (see D&C 7:3). At the time of the Savior’s triumphant return, translated beings will “receive a greater change” (3 Nephi 28:40; see also v. 39), namely instantaneous resurrection. The Savior instructed the Three Nephites that when He would return in His glory, they would be “changed in the twinkling of an eye from mortality to immortality” (3 Nephi 28:8). At that point they would “be received into the kingdom of the Father to go no more out, but to dwell with God eternally in the heavens” (3 Nephi 28:40), and there they would experience a “fullness of joy” (3 Nephi 28:10).
In the latter days, we have greater revealed knowledge about John the Beloved, yet verifiable eyewitness accounts are extremely limited.[43] There is an important reason for this. Concerning the translated Three Nephites, the prophet Mormon explained that as they preached the gospel, the Jews and the Gentiles “shall know them not” (3 Nephi 28:27–28). The fact that the Three Nephites appeared to the prophet Mormon as well as to his son Moroni illustrates that translated beings “can show themselves unto whatsoever man it seemeth them good” (3 Nephi 28:30), especially to the prophets (see 3 Nephi 28:24–26; Mormon 8:10–11). But the implication of 3 Nephi 28:27–28 remains that translated individuals will not normally be recognized by the general populace. (John the Beloved in Latter-day Scripture (D&C 7)Frank F. Judd Jr. and Terry L. Szink)
Red: quite close to voice of Jesus Pink: somewhat close to the voice of Jesus Gray: large undecided category which needs further study Black: voice of the community "What is most shocking is the list of statement that they have declared are not the voice of Jesus. This list includes all passages that speak of Jesus having an exalted status, passages in which such words as Messiah, Son of God, light of the world, bread of life, and so forth are used, plus, all passages that speak of Jesus dying for the sins of the world; all the end-of-the-world or second coming passages and essentially all of the Gospel of John. (Jonn D. Claybaugh, "What the Latter-day Scriptures Teach About John the Beloved" in The Testimony of John the Beloved" p. p. 17-18)1 John - 70-90 AD - A response to Gnosticism (the body is evil and the spirit is good- Teachings; fellowship, obedience, light and darkness, love, anti-Christ, being like God, and the intercession of Christ.
Chapter 1
Vs. 1-3 - John's testimony to those who hadn't seen Christ that he was a physical reality, separate from his Father. We heard him, We saw him, We touched him.
Vs. 5 - Jesus is the Light of the World. (John 1:4-9; 8:12; 9:1-5; D&C 50:23-24; 88:67-68)
Vs. 8-10- What % of people in the world have sinned? What must all therefore do?
Chapter 2
Vs. 1-2 - Note D&C 45:3-5
Vs. 8-11- There is no room for hate in the heart of a Latter-day Saint.
Vs. 15 & 16 - No man can serve 2 masters. Do we love the world or the Lord?
Chapter 3 -
Chapter 5
Vs. 7 - The Johannine Comma- The KJV has added words in this verse not found in any Greek manuscripts nor in any translation prior to the 16th century. Thus, the phrases, "bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth" are a late addition. The members of the Godhead are one in purpose, not in physicality or entity. (Ogden p. 296)
2 John - 90 AD - Possibly written to John's own family. Vs. 7 - A warning to beware of those who deny that Jesus came in the flesh.
3 John - 90 AD - Addressed to a local leader named Gaius who he encourages in his work. He also names Demetrius as one who has done well, and warns of Diotrephes who apparently was an apostate local leader who did not recognize the visiting apostles.
Verse is one of my favorite verses in scripture.
Jude - A half brother of Jesus and a brother of James. No date or location is given. See Jude in BD.
Vs. 4- Note the methodology used in apostasy, "men crept in unawares, who were before ordained to this condemnation."
Vs. 6- The only place in the Bible where those who followed Lucifer in the pre-earth are referred to as those who "kept not their first estate." See Abraham 3:24-28.
Vs, 9 - See TPJS p. 157-158
Vs. 14-16 - Jude had access to a prophecy where Enoch prophesied of the Savior's 2nd Coming. (See TPJS p. 170)
The Book of Revelation for Beginners
1. NO S
2. The title of the book in Greek is Apocalypsis, from which we get its other common name, the Apocalypse. Apocalypsis is formed from two Greek words. APO=A preposition denoting separating or removal and KALYPTO=To cover, hide or veil; Hence its English title, The Book of Revelation (or the uncovering or unveiling)
3. Many prophets have seen visions similar to Johns; Adam, Enoch, Mahonri-Moriancumer, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Isaiah, Nephi (1 Nephi 14:18-27), Daniel, Joel, Ezekiel.
4. A required companion reading of the Book of Revelation must include; D&C 77; 1 Nephi 14 and Ether 4:14-17. Joseph Smith – “After I got through translating the Book of Mormon, took up the Bible to read with the Urim and Thummim. I read the first chapter of Genesis and I saw the things as they were done. I turned over the next and the next, and the whole passed before me like a grand panorama; and so on chapter after chapter until I read the whole of it. I saw it all!” (Draper, p. 12)
5. The Book of Revelation is one of the books least altered by the JST. (In Genesis the Prophet changed 771 of 1532 verses, besides adding 225 completely new verses. Thus he altered well over 50 percent of the book and expanded it by another 15 percent. In Matthew he corrected 682 of 1071 verses, or 64% of the total. By comparison, in Revelation he changed only 81 of 393 verses, or 21%)
6. Don't get bogged down with interpreting every symbol in the Book and miss the main message: there will be an eventual triumph on this earth of God over the devil; a permanent victory of good over evil. (Bible Dictionary)
9. The Book of Revelation is one of three Bible texts endorsed by the Book of Mormon. A. Isaiah – 3 Nephi 23:1 B. Malachi – 3 Nephi 24-25; 26:2 and C. Revelation – Ether 45-16, 1 Nephi 14:18-27
10. Historical background - About 95 BC, close to the end of the reign of Domitian(81-96). The Church had enjoyed great growth with the missionary work of the Twelve Apostles. Branches had been established throughout Palestine, Macedonia, Europe and Asia Minor, but they are now struggling, because of persecution from Jews (Rev. 2:9; 3:9) and Romans and apostasy from within. Because of his testimony, John has been banished to Patmos, a rocky, barren, 400 sq. mile island about 40 miles from ancient Ephesus in modern day Turkey. While there he receives one of the most significant revelations ever given. He is to send this revelation to the leaders of 7 of the churches in Asia. (Modern Day Western Turkey)
11. Acts 8:26-31 - How can I except some man should guide me?
12. "If you have already fallen in love with John's presentation of the Plan of Salvation as it is set out in the Apocalypse, you are one of the favored few in the Church. If this choice experience is yet ahead for you, the day and hour is here to launch one of the most intriguing and rewarding studies in Gospel Scholarship in which any of us ever engage...In my judgment the Gospel of John ranks far ahead of those of Matthew, Mark or Luke; as least John's record of the life of our Lord is directed to the Saints; it deals more fully with those things that interest people who have received the gift of the Holy Ghost, and who have the hope of eternal life. But even ahead of his gospel account stands this wondrous work, the Book of Revelation...The common notion that it deals with beasts and plagues and mysterious symbolism that cannot be understood is just not true. It is so far overstated that it gives an entirely erroneous feeling about this portion of revealed truth. Most of the book is clear and plain and should be understood by the Lord's people. Certain parts are not clear and are not understood by us-which, however does not mean that we could not understand them if we would grow in faith as we should." (BRM - Ensign, Sept. 1975 p. 87)
13. JOSEPH SMITH TRANSLATION
GENESIS 1532 Verses 771 Changed 225 added 50% altered
MATTHEW 1071 Verses 682 Changed 64%
REVELATION 393 Verses 81 Changed 21%
Ch. 1 - A. Names of Christ B. Student Manual quote on East and West p. 451 "Sometimes the reader of Revelation is startled by some of the imagery and symbolism used by John. They seem almost bizarre at times in their unusual nature. This is due, however, to a basic difference in cultural background and the use of language. Most members of the Church today are products of Western (Occidental) civilization. The occidental peoples tend to use language like a contractor uses building materials: he builds structures which are concrete in detail and form. But the oriental world, of which the Holy Land was a part, is more artistic in its use of language. Words are but colors with which the artist paints verbal pictures. Thus, the Oriental is usually more concerned with effect than with form and detail. Westerners say the sun is rising, while an Arab may say that it leaps from its bed of sleeping.
John, of course, being Jewish, was a product of Oriental, not Occidental, culture. So his depiction of the Savior as having a sharp, two-edged sword protruding from his mouth is perfectly acceptable, even though the Western mind trying to picture that image concretely may find it somewhat jarring to the sensitivities. To the Eastern mind the symbolism is most appropriate, for such a person is more concerned with the effect of the symbol than with its detail. Pushing the images and symbols of John’s writings for literal interpretation will lead to baffling and sometimes grotesque pictures. But if one remembers the Oriental’s love of imagery, such things as beasts with seven heads and ten horns, armies compared to locusts, and prophets with fire coming from their mouths will become beautiful and profound symbols of eternal truth." C. Symbol-Right Hand
Ch. 2&3 - A. vs. 4-First Love B. I know thy works, I come quickly, He that hath an ear D. Symbol-#7-52x E. The promises and challenges are different for each of the 7 churches but one promise is the same, "Eternal Life."
Ch. 4 - A. Helps; JST, TPJS, D&C 77, 45, 84, 88, 133, 1 Nephi 13&14, Ether 4&13
To meet space limitations in selecting JST passages for the LDS edition of the KJV of the Bible, the following guidelines were used:
1. Selections must be doctrinally significant. 2. Selections must contribute something not readily apparent in the other standard works, thereby avoiding duplication and saving space for unique JST contributions. 3. Priority should be given to passages clarifying the mission of Jesus Christ, the nature of God, the nature of man, the Abrahamic covenant, the priesthood, the antiquity of the gospel, and the latter-day Restoration. 4. Excerpts up to 8 lines in length should be placed in the footnotes, and longer items should appear in a special appendix. ("I Have a Question", Ensign, June, 1992, p.29)
Ch. 5 - the most complete description we have in the scriptures of the premortal council where Christ was chosen as Savior
Ch. 6 - John is shown a history of the world video. vs. 9-11 tell of John's time - Joseph said, "I have by the Urim and Thummim see those martyrs. They were honest, devoted followers of Christ, according to the light they possessed. They will be saved." (Millet p. 27).
Ch. 7 - My favorite verse is #15. It speaks of our ability to serve and worship God forever. The word "serve" come from the Greek "latreuo" which refers to the performance of ceremonies associated with God's sanctuary, which these can perform because they are Kings and Priest of the most high. (Draper p. 86)
Ch. 8 - Vs. 1 is a great example of what we do not know. What is that silence in heaven for half an hour. The speculation is fun and thought provoking, which is another purpose of this book.
Ch. 9 - The JST of vs. 1 makes is clear that Satan does not have keys. The angel has the keys to the bottomless pit. Keys trump power. They are the right to preside.
Ch. 10- John gets a little book with his mission call to serve on the whole earth for 2000 years. John is told that he can't write all that he has seen. (vs. 4)
Ch. 11- Chronology doesn't seem important in apocalyptic literature. There is lots of bouncing around. "It is not possible for us ...to specify the exact chronology of all the events that shall attend the 2nd Coming. Nearly all the prophetic word relative to our Lord's return links various events together without reference to the order of their occurrence. Indeed, the same scriptural language is often used to describe similar events that will take place at different times. (BRM- Millennial Messiah p. 635)
Ch. 12- The chapter most changed in the Book of Revelation. (95%) The chapter shows the war in heaven and its continuation on the earth in John's time. Also; the political kingdom of God is to grow out of the Church of God.
Ch. 13 - 13-18 show that Satan's power and dominion will include influence in 3 main areas; political, religious doctrine and economic. It is significant to look at our world today and see these 3 areas. I would add a fourth-standards of morality.
Ch. 14 - Divided into 3 parts; vs. 1-5, Christ's Mount Zion appearance. 6-13, 3 angels. 14-20, The harvest of the earth when the parable of the Wheat and the Tares is fulfilled.
Ch. 15 - A chapter to remind us that in spite of what will happen in the next 3 chapters, the righteous will be in Heaven with God in grateful praise!
Ch. 16 - The vials of wrath begin to be poured out; 1) Sores, 2)Sea to blood, 3)Rivers to blood, 4)wicked burned, 5)Devils kingdom attacked, 6)River Euphrates dried to prepare way for Kingdom of Christ 7)air.
Ch. 17 - Just as the Bride is Christ's Church, the whore is the Great and Abominable Church.
Ch. 18 - The wicked will lament the fall of Babylon AND disassociate themselves from it.
Ch. 19 - The wedding feast is the long awaited 2nd Coming. We want to be well dressed for this event of events.
Ch. 20 - Note vs. 12. We will be judged from the books. Records are being kept.
Ch. 21 - We finally get to partake of the fruit of the Tree of Life. Living forever
Ch. 22 - A Celestialized earth! A warning against tampering with the prophetic word of John.
