Understanding John, Revelation, Christ’s Atonement, and the Role of Prophets and Apostles



There has been much discussion about the sequence of the New Testament writings, particularly the Gospel of John and the Book of Revelation, and whether Revelation 22 was intended to mark the end of Scripture. Historical and textual evidence clarifies these questions and also highlights God’s ongoing work in the world.

The Gospel of John is generally dated to approximately AD 90–95. It reflects a developed church structure, advanced theological concepts such as the Logos, and assumes familiarity with the Synoptic Gospels. Early church fathers, including Irenaeus, testify that John wrote his Gospel toward the end of his life in Ephesus. The Book of Revelation is traditionally dated slightly later, around AD 95, near the end of Emperor Domitian’s reign. While a minority argue for an earlier date, the majority of scholarship supports a chronology in which John’s Gospel slightly predates Revelation.

Some suggest that Revelation 22 was intended to mark the chronological “end” of Scripture. However, John did not intend these words to define the boundaries of God’s Word. Revelation communicates God’s messages to the churches and affirms Christ’s return. The placement of Revelation at the end of the Bible was determined by the early church through a careful process of discernment, considering apostolic authorship, doctrinal consistency, widespread liturgical use, and spiritual authority.

Christ’s atonement, accomplished on the cross, is complete and sufficient for salvation. Yet God’s work in history continues. The gathering and redemption of Israel, as well as prophetic activity, demonstrate that His plan is ongoing. References in Revelation 11 to the two witnesses and in Zechariah 4 to the two anointed ones show that God may raise individuals to speak His will in accordance with His timing.

The offices of prophet and apostle historically had a unique, foundational role. Apostles witnessed the resurrection, established the church, and authored Scripture. Prophets delivered God’s messages and guided His people. Christ fulfills both offices perfectly as the ultimate Prophet and Apostle. While spiritual gifts, including prophecy, continue, the formal, authoritative offices of prophet and apostle were fulfilled in Christ and the early church and are not intended to continue as permanent, institutional roles today.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that prophets and apostles continue today, with the President of the Church serving as a modern prophet and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles governing the church. From a traditional Christian perspective, this practice does not align with the biblical pattern. The foundational offices were unique to the early church, and modern institutional claims to these roles go beyond the authority Scripture grants. God’s work continues through spiritual gifts and His calling of individuals, but the biblical offices were complete in Christ and the original apostles.

In conclusion, the Gospel of John predates Revelation, Revelation 22 does not define the end of Scripture, Christ’s atonement is sufficient, and God’s work—including calling individuals to speak His will—continues. However, the formal offices of prophet and apostle, as established in the New Testament, were fulfilled in Christ and the early church. Claims of modern, institutional continuation of these offices do not conform to the biblical pattern, though God’s spiritual gifts persist in His ongoing work.


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Bibliography

1. Bauckham, Richard. The Theology of the Book of Revelation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1993.


2. Brown, Raymond E. The Gospel According to John (I–XII). Anchor Bible Commentary. New York: Doubleday, 1966.


3. Carson, D. A., Moo, Douglas J., and Morris, Leon. An Introduction to the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1992.


4. Eusebius of Caesarea. Ecclesiastical History. Translated by C. F. Cruse. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1998.


5. Irenaeus. Against Heresies. Translated by Alexander Roberts and William Rambaut. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1992.


6. Koester, Craig R. Revelation and the End of All Things. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2001.


7. Metzger, Bruce M. A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament. 2nd edition. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1994.


8. Witherington, Ben. The Gospel of John: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995.

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