This is the first article in a series on the book of Revelation. It is an introduction, laying some groundwork for further study. Many people have found this book perplexing, troubling & difficult to understand, even to the extent of describing it as: “a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma, and that efforts to understand it are a waste of time.”[1] Over the history of the Church many, many interpretations have been proposed, so why bother with a book that seems to cause controversial interpretation? Well, I think any book taken out of its historical context becomes difficult to understand & typically this is what has happened to the book of Revelation, especially in recent times. The language of the book is Apocalyptic & to our twenty first century ear seems difficult to understand. However, this was not the case for the recipients. They were believers who understood their times & the Apocalyptic style of the letter. They knew the Old Testament and recognised the covenantal nature of the language used by John. The next question is often raised; “why consider it at all; surely the subject matter is secondary to the Gospel?” Firstly, it is within the counsel of our God & we should therefore seek to understand it. Secondly, a correct understanding of what will happen to the Church in the future liberates the Christian to live the Gospel more fully - understanding the future impacts greatly upon how you live in the present. It shapes your and your family life.