Bible Answer

Who wrote the book of Revelation?

I've heard there is controversy over the true author of Revelation. Who actually wrote Revelation?

The opening verses of the book of Revelation state that "John" wrote it (v.1:1, 4, 9; 22:8). From the first century to the present day, almost all orthodox scholars have concluded that this means the Apostle John. Two noteworthy exceptions were Luther and Zwingli. Today, many scholars who accept the divine inspiration of the book believe the Apostle John wrote it. Others, of course, believe some other "John" wrote the book.

Some of the early church fathers (Clement of Alexandria, Eusebius, Irenaeus, and Victorinus) wrote that the Apostle John experienced exile on the island of Patmos during Domitian's reign (1:9). They wrote that the government allowed John to return to Ephesus after Emperor Domitian's death in A.D. 96. Consequently, many conservative interpreters date the writing of this book near A.D. 95 or 96.

You may find our Revelation Study helpful.