“I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.”
These words from the Book of Revelation (3: 10-11) have both puzzled and inspired Christians for centuries.
What is this coming trial? Who will endure? How will it happen?
The Apocalypse of St. John invites viewers on an epic journey through the visions revealed to the Apostle John on Patmos. The Book of Revelation comes to life through striking visuals with engaging explanations of each vision, illuminating their meaning.
Courtesy of Fathom Entertainment
This remarkable film attempts to show some of the prophetic mysteries of Scripture’s most enigmatic book, presenting a comprehensive and understandable interpretation of history, faith, and of course, the end of times.
The journey begins with a possible explanation of the seven churches of Revelation, shown as representing distinct phases of Christianity throughout history. The first four churches illustrate Christianity’s rise and expansion, a “crescendo” of Christian influence spreading across the world. The Church of Sardis is a turning point, depicting the Church’s decline during the Renaissance age, when humanism and the Protestant Reformation fragmented the Church.
We follow John’s vision, witnessing stunning visions of the unfolding of the Second Coming. The film also traces the four horses through the seven seals and draws connections to various turning points in history; the pale horse, ridden by death itself, connects to the 2020 pandemic when churches worldwide shuttered and the Eucharist went underground.
The seven trumpets form the film’s narrative structure, each representing major heresies and challenges throughout Church history. The film both reminds and creates the visuals for us of these moments: to name a few, the Great Schism of 1054, the Protestant Reformation, and the Enlightenment. Each crisis unfolds through vivid apocalyptic imagery, with falling stars, darkened skies, and swarms of locusts all taking new meaning as the film connects ancient prophecy to historical events.
The key strength of the film is not simply undertaking the complicated task of visualizing the Book of Revelation, but also drawing a connection for the viewer between the book, the past, the present, and the future. Each seal, each trumpet, each angel, is explained through symbolism, imagery, and Scripture.
These images bring not just the film but Scripture to life: earthquakes rumble, the sun turns black, the moon is blood-red, stars fall from the sky. Humanity will hide in caves as cosmic forces converge. As awe-invoking as these images are, the film emphasizes that these aren’t just warnings of doom: They are calls to faithfulness.
The final message and overall tone of this film is sobering yet hopeful. The persecution will be real, the darkness profound. However, those who hold fast receive the promise of being kept through the hour of trial and sharing in Christ’s final victory.
The question isn’t whether the trial will come, but how we will prepare for it.
The Apocalypse of St. John will be playing February 15 in English, February 16 in Spanish, and again on February 17 in English. Tickets for American premiere showings may be purchased at Fathom Entertainment or at participating theatre box offices (theatre locations are subject to change).