Revelation 21: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Revelation 21 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

A new heaven and a new earth appear, as the first heaven and earth have passed away and the sea is no more (vv. 1-2). The holy city, New Jerusalem, descends from heaven, prepared like a bride for her husband.

Key verse

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. The first things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:4 (WEB)

Outline

Revelation 21:1–2 The New Heaven and Earth
Revelation 21:3–4 God's Presence Among People
Revelation 21:5–8 The Alpha and Omega
Revelation 21:9–14 The Bride of the Lamb
Revelation 21:15–21 Measurements of the Holy City
Revelation 21:22–23 Absence of a Temple
Revelation 21:24–27 The City’s Purity and Inclusion

Discussion questions

In v2, what does John describe coming down out of heaven from God?
What does God promise to do in v4 regarding tears and death?
The phrase 'the Alpha and the Omega' in v6: what does it suggest about God's nature?
The description of the New Jerusalem in vv. 18-21: how does the imagery of precious stones function?
When have you longed for a place where there is 'no more mourning' (v4)?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Revelation 21: 2 Corinthians 6, Revelation 22, Isaiah 44.

Before next time: read Revelation 22.