The Revelation Chapter 21 Working Copy.docx

In this chapter John saw a new heaven and a new earth for the first heaven and earth had passed away. A great voice spoke to him and said he would dwell with men who would be His people and their God. He would wipe away all their tears and there would be no death. John was told to write these true and faithful words. These words spoke of the water of life and placed conditions upon who would receive it and who would inherit all things. There are also a number of individuals named who would end up in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone which is identified as the second death. There is an individual that addresses John and says he is going to show him the Bride of the Lamb which ended up being a city that is described in a lot of different terms including a measurement of it. It's construction was described including its foundation using various precious stones in the description. There is no temple there and we are told why. There are also nations and kings mentioned, who they are and their conditions. This city has gates that are said to be not shut. We are also told that there are some who will not enter and the reason is given. The chapter ends with a declaration of who is allowed to enter.

1. 1
SECTION OUTLINE 21 (REVELATION 21:1-27)
A.Verses 1-4
1.What did John see first?
John saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and earth had
passed away. There was no sea.
2 Pet 3:13 – We look for a new heaven and new earth wherein dwelleth
righteous.
Is 65:15, 17-19, 25 – Call his servants by a new name…I create new
heavens and a new earth…the wolf and the lamb shall feed together.
Is 66:17-24 – v22 – for as the new heavens and new earth that I will
make…
What is the explanation for this? Does this connect with Rev 20:11-
13?
The physical creation has been destroyed. What remains is all spiritual.
Yes. The physical earth and heaven were destroyed, fled away after the
general resurrection and before the judgment.
John 5:28-29 – all that are in the graves shall hear His voice and shall
come forth
a.What did John see coming out of heaven? V2
He saw the holy city, new Jerusalem
Gal 4:26 – Jerusalem above, the mother of us all
Heb 11:8-10 Abraham .. looketh for a city which hath foundations
whose maker is God
Heb 11:16 – they desire a better country..an heavenly …He hath
prepared for them a city
Heb 12:22-23, 27-28 – ye are come …to heavenly Jerusalem…a
kingdom
Rev 3:12 – the name of the city of my God which is new Jerusalem
1 Cor 15:24 – then cometh the end when He shall have delivered up
the kingdom
b.Who was it coming from?
It was coming from God
1 Cor 15:25-28 – that God may be all in all
c.How was it described?

2. 2
As a bride adorned for her husband
Can you find other Bible verses relating to this description?
Rev 21:9 – I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife
2 Cor 11:2 – I have espoused you to one husband
Hos 2:16-23- v19 I will betroth thee unto me forever
Is 54:1-17 – v5 – for thy maker is thy husband
2.Where did the great voice come from? V3
The great (#3173) voice came from heaven.
Rev 1:10 – heard a great voice
Rev 11:12 – heard a great voice
Rev 12:10 – heard a loud (#3173 – great) voice
And several other places
a. List each separate item mentioned.
The tabernacle of God with men
Lev 26:11-12 – I will set my tabernacle among you.
He will dwell with them
2 Cor 6:16 – I will dwell in them and walk in them
Ezek 43:7 – where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel
They shall be His people
2 Cor 6:16 – they shall be my people
Heb 8:10 – they shall be to me a people
God himself shall be with them
Lev 26:12 – I will walk among you
(He) will be their God
2 Cor 6:16 – I will be their God
God shall wipe away all tears
Is 25:8 – the Lord shall wipe away all tears
Rev 7:17 – God shall wipe away all tears
Rev 21:4 – God shall wipe away all tears
There shall be no more death
Is 25:8 – He will swallow up death in victory
Hos 13:14 – I will redeem them from death
1 Cor 15:54 – Death is swallowed up in victory
2 Tim 1:10 – Jesus Christ who hath abolished death

3. 3
No sorrow
Is 35:8-10 – sorrow and sighing shall flee away
No crying
Is 65:19 – no more heard …nor the voice of crying
No more pain
Acts 2:24 – loosed the pains of death
b.What had happened to the former things?
The former things had passed away
Rev 21:1 – first heaven and first earth passed away
Matt 24:35 – heaven and earth shall pass away.
1 Cor 7:31 the fashion of this world passeth away
2 Pet 3:10 – heavens shall pass away
1 John 2:17 – and the world passeth away
B.Verses 5-8
1.Who said, “I make all things new.”? Who does He say He is?
He that sat on the throne.
Rev 4:2 – one sat on the throne
Rev 4:9 –gave glory and honor and thanks to Him that sat on the throne
Rev 5:1 – in the right hand of Him that sat on the throne
Rev 20:11 – a great white throne and one that sat on it
I am Alpha and Omega
Alpha - #1 – of Hebrew origin – first letter of the alphabet
Omega - #5598 – last letter of the Greek alphabet
Rev 1:8 & 11 – I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the ending ..the
first and the last
Rev 22:13 – I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the and, the first
and the last
Rev 1:17 – I am the first and the last
Rev 2:8 – These things saith the first and the last which was dead and is
alive
Is 44:6 – I am the first and I am the last
Is 48:12 – I am He; I am the first, I also am the last
a.Who is this? Are there other scriptures to prove what you say?
This is Jesus – see above

4. 4
Rev 22:1 – proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb
Rev 22:3 – but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it
Acts 2:34-36 – sit thou on my right hand
Eph 1:17-20 God ..set Him at His own right hand
Col 3:1 – Christ sitteth on the right hand of God
b.What was John told to do in verse 5?
He was told to write words (#3056 – logos) and given 2 reasons to do
so.
Write – grapho - #1125 – to grave, esp. to write; fig. describe
They were true - #227 – alethinos – trueful
Rev 19:9 – these are the true sayings (#3056 – logos – words)
They were faithful (#4193 – pistos)
Rev 3:14 – saith the ..faithful and true witness
Matt 24:35 – My words shall not pass away
c.Is there a condition placed upon who receives the water of life?
Explain. Scriptures?
He must be athirst (#1372 – a verb) . he must desire the water of life,
specifically
John 4:10 & 14 – given living water…shall never thirst
1 Pet 2:1-3 – desire the sincere milk of the word
Heb 6:5 – tasted the good word
John 6:35 & 63 – believe in me shall never thirst..the words I speak,
they are spirit and they are life
d.Is there a condition placed on inheriting all things? Explain.
Scriptures?
Yes. It is limited to those who overcome
Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21
1 John 5:4 – whatsoever (whoever) is born of God overcomes the
world and this is the victory
1 John 2:13-17 – ye have overcome the wicked one …abideth forever
1 John 5:5 – who is he that overcomes the world but he that believeth
that Jesus is the Son of God.
2.List each one referred to in verse 8.
Fearful - #1169 – timid i.e. (by implic), faithless

5. 5
Matt 8:26 – why are ye fearful, ye of little faith
Unbelieving - #571 – not believing, without faith
Mk 9:19 – O faithless generation
Abominable - #948 – to be disgusted, i.e. (by impl), detest (esp. of
idolatry)
Rom 2:22 – thou that abhorest (#948) idols
Murderers - #5406 – a murderer, always of criminal (or at least
intentional) homicide.
Acts 2:14 – denied the Holy One and desired a murderer
Whoremongers - #4205 – pornos – a (male) prostitute (as venal) i.e.
(by analogy) a debauchee (libertine)
1 Cor 5:11 – not to keep company ..any man that is called a brother be a
fornicator
Sorcerers - #5332 – pharmakeus – from pharmakon (a drug i.e. spell
giving potion) a druggust or poisoner. KJV - Sorcerer.
Rev 9:21 – neither repented of their …sorceries
Idolators - #1496 – an image servant or worshipper (literally or fig,)
1 Cor 5:11 – not to keep company if any be called a brother be an …
idolator
Liars - #5571 – pseudes – untrue i.e. erroneous, deceitful, wicked
Acts 6:13 – and set up false witnesses
a.Place a definition beside each of the above. List what people do to
be in each of these categories.
See above.
b.What is the second death?
The second death is where death is the final separation from God in
the lake that burns forever.
Rev 20:12-15 – all not written in the book of life
Mat 25:41 & 46 – eternal punishment
2 Thess 1:8-9 – eternal punishment
C.Verses 9 – 14
1.Was the individual who came to John mentioned earlier in
Revelation? If so, where?
Yes. He is mentioned in Rev 15:1, 16:1 and 17:1.

6. 6
a.What is the tense of the verb that is used concerning the vials?
The tense is present. But it had been emptied per Rev 16:17 where it
is said, “It is done”, along with the rest of the vials per the context of
Chapter 16. The beast and his allies had been defeated who had made
war with the saints, along with the great whore per Chapter 17.
Judgment had taken place per Rev 20:15
b.What was he going to show John? Who is this?
He was going to show John the bride, the Lamb’s wife.
This is the church per Eph 5:25-32.
2 Cor 11:2 – I have espoused you to one husband
Rev 19:7-8 – His wife …she should be arrayed in fine linen …which is
the righteousness of the saints
Heb 12:22-23 – heavenly Jerusalem ..general assembly and church of
the first born ones.
2.How did he carry John away? Explain.
He carried John away in spirit. The definite article “the” is not in the text.
Similar use of phrase and translated correctly in John 4:24 God is a Spirit:
and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. KJV
Rev 1:10 – I was in spirit on the Lord’s day
Gal 3:3 – having begun in spirit are you made perfect in flesh?
Gal 5:25 – if we live in spirit let us walk in spirit
John wasn’t literally carried away.
a.What was he shown?
He showed John the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of
the heaven from the God
Gal 4:26 Jerusalem that is above
Rev 21:2 – New Jerusalem
Heb 12:22 – heavenly Jerusalem
1 Cor 15:24 – delivered up the kingdom to God the Father
b.List how the city is described in verses 11-14.
It had the glory of God
Light like a stone most precious
Like a jasper stone clear as crystal
Had a great high wall

7. 7
It had 12 gates with 12 angel/messengers at the gates
Names written on the gates were the 12 tribes of the children of Israel
Three gates, north, south, east and west
The city wall had 12 foundations in them the 12 apostle’s names
(1.)What does the glory of God do? Scripture?
Is 60:1 Thy light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen
Is 60:19-20 – The Lord shall be an everlasting light ..thy glory
Rev 21:23 – the city needed no light …the glory of the Lord did
lighten it
Rev 22:5 – there shall be no night there ..the Lord God giveth them
light
(2.)Where else in Revelation are the twelve tribes referred to?
What did they signify there?
Rev 7:1-8 - 12 tribes listed, 12,000 in each tribe
The 12 thousand and 144 thousand represent figurative, spiritual
Israel, the Israel of God of the NT, Christians
Rom 2:28-29..a Jew inwardly.
Col 2:10-12 circumcision without hands
Gal 6:16.. the Israel of God
Lk 22:29-39 .. judging the 12 tribes..in the kingdom
(3.)What were the 12 angels doing?
Evidently they are standing guard at the gates
(4.)Why are the 12 apostles the foundations of the walls?
Scripture?
Eph 2:19-22 – built upon the foundation of the apostles and
prophets..Jesus Christ the chief cornerstone
Is 54:11 – I will lay thy stones with colors and lay thy foundations
with sapphires. See the entire chapter for context.
Heb 11:10 – he looketh for a city which hath foundations ..maker is
God
Rev 21:19-21 – Another description of the foundations of the wall
and gates
D.Verses 15- 21
1.What does it mean to measure the city?

8. 8
Measure - #3354 – metreo – NT:3354 - to measure (i.e. ascertain in size by
a fixed standard); by implication to admeasure (i.e. allot by rule): fig. to
estimate. Strong’s
Rev 11:1-2 – measure the temple and altar .. the court without, measure it
not
2 Cor 10:12 – measuring themselves by themselves
Maty 7:2 – with what measure (#3858) ye mete (#3354) it shall be
measured (#3354)
It means to ascertain the size, estimate, but by a fixed standard.
a.What was the length and breadth of the city?
Each was 12,000 furlongs. A furlong is 220 yards or 1/8
th
of a mile. The
city was 1500 miles long, wide and high.
(1.) What does “foursquare” mean?
#5068 – four cornered.i.e. square.
In the NT only here.
See Ezek 48 for the division of the land by tribe and the names of
the gates. Also note the reference in Ezek 48:20 to the holy district
being foursquare.
Ezek 40:47 – the court was foursquare
Ex 27:1 the altar was foursquare
(2.) Is this a literal measurement?
It is representative of the immenseness of the city. I don’t think it is
literal in the sense we normally understand.
(3.)If so, how much?
If it were, the city would extend from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
to Gallup, New Mexico which is 25 miles from the Arizona border.
From Myrtle Beach to Belcher Island located in the northern part
of Hudson Bay Canada, between Ontario and Quebec. And then
1500 miles straight up in all directions squared. Total square miles
in this city is 2, 250, 000. This city is of God’s making, not physical
or material in nature. It is the city Abraham and all in Hebrews 11
looked for (v10). It is the city of Hebrews 12:22, and the kingdom of
verse 28, the bride of Christ Rev 21:9 and the church of Eph 5:32.

9. 9
b.How high was the wall in inches or feet?
The wall was 144 cubits, as the measure of a man. Cubit is #4083 –
pechus = the fore arm, (as a measure), a cubit is approx.. 18 inches,
from the elbow to the end of the fingers. So, 144 X 18 = 2592 inches or
216 feet high.
c.What was it made of? Literal? The city was pure gold and like
clear glass. None of this is literal.
(1.)Jasper - #2393 – A gem of various colors as purple, cerulean, but
mostly green like the emerald. This was the last stone in the priests
breastplate per Ex 39:13.
(2.)Sapphire - #4552 – or lapis- lazuli, next in hardness to diamond,
mostly blue
(3.)Chalcedony - #5472 – copper like gem, several varieties, a green
silicate of copper
(4.)Emerald - #4665 – or other transparent green stone
(5.)Sardonyx - #4557 – a stone marked by the red of the sard and the
and the white of the onyx
(6.)Sardius - #4556 – blood red or sometimes flesh colored
(7.)Chrysolite - #5555 – golden colored gem
(8.)Beryl - #969 – sea-green colored gem
(9.)Topaz - #5116 – color of shining gold, also of a fainter green than
the emerald, but with a yellowish tinge
(10.)Chrysoprasus - #5556 – greenish yellow gem
(11.)Jacinth - #5192 – deep blue colored gem
(12.)Amethyst - #271 – deep purple or violet colored gem
2.List each foundation material. Look it up if you don’t recognize it.
See above.
a.What was in each of the twelve foundations?
The names of the 12 apostles – see verse 14
b.What was written on each of the 12 gates? How many were there?
The names of the 12 tribes of the children of Israel.
Rev 7:1-8 - each tribe listed
James 1:1 – to the 12 tribes scattered abroad

10. 10
Gal 6:16 – as many as walk according to this rule ..and upon the Israel
of God
Rom 2:28-29 – he is not a Jew ..outwardly,,he is a Jew inwardly…
circumcision of the heart
There were 12. See verse 12.
Rom 9:6 – they are not all Israel which are of Israel
c.How many streets are listed?
There is only one street listed. It is made of gold.
Rev 21:2 – only one street.
d.Are the materials literal? Why or why not?
No. The materials are figurative not literal. All material things had
perished and been changed per Heb 1:10-12. This city is New
Jerusalem, Heavenly Jerusalem, the general assembly and church of
the first born ones. Per Heb 12:22-23.
1 Pet 2:5 – these are living stones - #3037 – lithos – same word in Rev
21:11
Eph 2:20-22 – a most precious building – an habitation of God through
the Spirit
The precious stones communicate the value to us.
1 Cor 15:50-51 – flesh and blood (material) cannot inherit the
kingdom. Must be changed
E.Verses 22 – 27
1.Why wasn’t there a temple?
The reason is stated. God Almighty and the Lamb are the
temple/dwelling of it. The judgment had occurred, the physical creation
destroyed/changed and no buildings left.
Acts 17:24 – God doesn’t dwell .. in temples/dwellings made with hands. –
Physical buildings
Eph 2:19-22 – a holy temple/dwelling ..an habitation of God – the
assembly/church
1 Cor 3:16-17 – which temple ye are – the individual
Temple - NT:3485 naos (nah-os'); from a primary naio (to dwell); a fane,
shrine, temple KJV - shrine, temple.

11. 11
A better translation would be dwelling when it is a noun.
Holy/Heavenly Jerusalem, the Lamb’s wife, that great city, in which God
dwells. God and the Lamb are the dwellers and are the object of worship
as it has always been per John 4:24.
People have always tended to worship the wrong thing, replacing the
material for God. Note the emphasis in Steven’s and Paul’s teaching. One
to Jews and one to Gentiles.
Acts 7:48-49 – to Jews – the Most High dwelleth not in temples made with
hands
Acts 17:24-25 – to Gentiles – God who made the world ..dwelleth not in
temples made with hands.
a.Why no moon or sun? What do you see as significant here?
First of all, they had been destroyed. Secondly, God is far greater than
either.
Is 60:19-20 – the sun shall no more be thy light …I the Lord am thy
Savior and thy Redeemer.. See context beginning in Is 59:20 through
Is 60.
God supplies the city totally. No need for the physical helps. They that
recognize this now don’t worship the physical creation. They put no
trust in physical buildings. Their trust is in the Living God and what He
built, the church, heavenly Jerusalem, the same city Abraham looked
for per Heb 11:10.
Some day we will behold this city with all the glory emanating from
God and the Lamb. We see it now as described to John by the Holy
Spirit’s words to him, but then actually.
b.Which of the “nations” are mentioned? What does this signify?
The nations of them that are saved.
Nations - #1484 – ethnos – a race (as of the same habit) i.e. tribe;
specifically a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually by impl., pagan). KJV –
Gentile, Heathen, Nation, People
The word “saved” is in the text. It is the same word that is in the
following:
Mk 16:16, Acts 2:47, 1 Pet 3:21 and a host of others.

12. 12
The phrase “that are saved” is not in the ASV, NASB, GWT, CEV, ASB,
CJB, ESV, NCV, NET, NLT, NIV, GNT, and other newer ones.
This signifies that only the saved will walk in the light of the Lord and
God in the city.
1 John 1:5 & 7 – God is light in Him is no darkness…if we walk in the
light
Col 1:13 – turn them from darkness to light
Acts 26:17-18 – turned them from darkness
c.How do the kings bring their glory and honor into it?
By remaining faithful Christians per Rev 2:10. Then they are also kings.
1 Cor 1:26 – Not many mighty …noble ..are called.
Dan 5:18-21 Nebuchadnezzar deposed until he learned that God rules
Is 59:20-60:4 – the Redeemer shall come…Gentiles shall come to thy
light and kings to the brightness of thy rising ..thy sons shall come
from far ..and daughters
Rev 1:6 – made us kings and priests
Rev 5:10 – made us kings and priests and we shall reign on the earth
1 Cor 4:8 – ye have reigned as kings without us
1 Thess 2:20 – ye are our glory
2.Why is it mentioned that the gates are not shut?
God calls all to obey the gospel and be added to His building the church.
This is prophesied by Isaiah in Is 60:1-3, 10-12, 19-20.
Peter states the same principle in Acts 10:34-35
Rev 22:17 continues the universal invitation to Come.
a.What does “no night there” signify?
First, the physical creation has been destroyed/changed. Night is
associated with darkness when the sun went down. With no moon, no
light at night.
1 John 1:5 God is light. In Him is no darkness
Col 1:13 – Christians have been delivered from the power of darkness
and translated into the kingdom of His Dear Son
1 John 2:8 – faithful Christians following the new commandment are in
the true light.

13. 13
Rev 21:4 There is nothing there that is associated with Satan and his
darkness.
b.How is the glory and honor of nations brought into it?
When they are added to the church by the Lord and remain faithful.
See c. above.
c.List what will not enter. Explain each term.
Nothing that defiles - #2840 – to make profane. KJV – call common,
pollute, unclean
Matt 15:18-20 – they defile the man ..out of the heart proceed evil
thoughts …
Worketh abomination - #946 – a detestation, i.e. (especially), idolatry
Rev 17:4 – cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her
fornication
Maketh a lie - #5579 – pseudos -a falsehood
John 8:44 – the devil a liar and the father of it.
Eph 4:25 – put away lying and speak every man truth
d.Who will enter? How do they get in the book?
Only those written in the Lamb’s book of life.
The Lamb writes their name in His book once they obey Him.
Heb 5:8-9 – the author of eternal salvation to those who obey Him
Phil 4:3 – shows that faithful workers are in the book.
Acts 2:47 – The Lord adds the saved to the church and the book
Gal 3:27 – they are in Christ
Ps 69:27-28 – Add iniquity unto their iniquity …let them be blotted out
of the book of the living
Rev 3:5 – He that overcometh …I will not blot out his name from the
book of life..