Examples of General Revelation in Evangelism and Apologetics History
General Revelation in Evangelism and Apologetics History
General revelation refers to the knowledge of God and his attributes that can be obtained through natural means, such as observation of the natural world and human conscience. This concept has played a significant role in Christian evangelism and apologetics throughout history.
The Bible itself provides examples of general revelation being used in evangelistic and apologetic contexts. For instance, the apostle Paul's sermon in Acts 17:24-31 appeals to the natural world and human experience to demonstrate God's existence and character. Similarly, the book of Revelation contains apocalyptic language and imagery that conveys God's sovereignty and ultimate triumph over evil [3].
In the history of Christian thought, the concept of general revelation has been employed in various ways. The Puritan commentator Matthew Henry, for example, notes that Jesus began his preaching in Galilee after John the Baptist was imprisoned, highlighting the continuity between John's message and Jesus' own ministry [4]. This emphasis on the natural world and human experience as a foundation for evangelism and apologetics is consistent with the idea of general revelation.
Reformed theologians, such as Charles Hodge, have also engaged with the concept of general revelation in their systematic theology. Hodge discusses the relationship between general revelation and special revelation, emphasizing that both are necessary for a complete understanding of God's character and plan [5].
The book of Revelation, with its apocalyptic imagery and themes, has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. Some commentators, such as Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown, view Revelation as a "travelling manual of the Church" that provides guidance and encouragement for believers in the face of persecution and uncertainty [1]. Others, like Matthew Henry, emphasize the importance of understanding the book's introduction and the blessing pronounced on those who read and heed its message [2].
The use of general revelation in evangelism and apologetics is not limited to specific biblical texts or theological traditions. Rather, it represents a broader approach to communicating the Christian message that emphasizes the natural world, human experience, and the universal human condition. As the Tyndale House commentary notes, the book of Revelation is characterized by its use of "mysterious symbols, numbers, and word pictures" to convey its message [3]. This approach can be seen in various forms of Christian witness and apologetics throughout history.
The interplay between general and special revelation continues to shape Christian thought and practice. As Hodge's systematic theology illustrates, the relationship between these two forms of revelation remains a subject of ongoing reflection and discussion within Reformed theology [6].
Sources
- Revelation (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Revelation 1 (introduction): 1TITLE: SOURCE AND OBJECT OF THIS REVELATION: BLESSING ON THE READER AND KEEPER OF IT, AS THE TIME IS NEAR: INSCRIPTION TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES: APOSTOLIC GREETING: KEYNOTE, "BEHOLD HE COMETH" (Compare at the close, Rev 22:20, "Surely I come quickly"): INTRODUCTORY VISION OF THE SON OF MAN IN GLORY, AMIDST THE SEVEN CANDLESTICKS, WITH SEVEN STARS IN HIS RIGHT HAND. (Rev. 1:1-20) Revelation--an apocalypse or unveiling of those things which had been veiled. A manifesto of the kingdom of Christ. The travelling manual of the Church for the G”
- Revelation (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Revelation 1 (introduction): This chapter is a general preface to the whole book, and contains, I. An inscription, declaring the original and the design of it (Rev 1:1, Rev 1:2). II. The apostolic benediction pronounced on all those who shall pay a due regard to the contents of this book (Rev 1:3-8). III. A glorious vision or appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ to the apostle John, when he delivered to him this revelation (Rev 1:9 to the end).”
- Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 1:1: 1:1-11 Revelation opens with a three-part introduction, including a prologue (1:1-3), a letter introduction (1:4-8), and a historical introduction (1:9-11). 1:1 The word revelation (Greek apokalupsis) introduces the book’s visionary nature as apocalyptic writing (see Revelation Book Introduction, “Apocalyptic Writing”). God communicates his inspired message through mysterious symbols, numbers, and word pictures. • from (or of) Jesus Christ: He is both the source and the main subject of the book. • the events that must soon take place: Cp. 3:11; 22:6-7; Luke 18:”
- Mark (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Mark 1:14: Here is, I. A general account of Christ's preaching in Galilee. John gives an account of his preaching in Judea, before this (ch. 2 and 3), which the other evangelists had omitted, who chiefly relate what occurred in Galilee, because that was least known at Jerusalem. Observe, 1. When Jesus began to preach in Galilee; After that John was put in prison. When he had finished his testimony, then Jesus began his. Note, The silencing of Christ's ministers shall not be the suppressing of Christ's gospel; if some be laid aside, others shall be raised up, perhaps mightier t”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 3, section 89: Testament predictions, that are found in those of the Old. Everyone knows that commentators differ not only in their interpretation of the details, but even as to the 826 whole structure and design of the book of Revelation. Some regard it as a description in oriental imagery of contemporaneous events; others as intended to set forth the different phases of the spiritual life of the Church; others as designed to unfold the leading events in the history of the Church and of the world in their chronological order; others again assume that i”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 3, section 105: The Scriptural Doctrine. 2. History of the Doctrine. Second Advent. 1. Preliminary Remarks. 2. The Common Church Doctrine. 3. The Personal Advent of Christ. 4. The Calling of the Gentiles. 5. Conversion of the Jews. 6. Antichrist. The Concomitants of the Second Advent. 1. The General Resurrection. 2. The Final Judgment. 3. The End of the World. 4. The Kingdom of Heaven. 5. The Theory of the Pre-millennial Advent. 6. Future Punishment. Indexes Index of Scripture References Greek Words and Phrases Hebrew Words and Phrases Latin Words and P”