Unveiling the Revelation: Exploring Revelation 1
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
Revelation 1 serves as the grand introduction to one of the most debated and fascinating books in the Bible. The very title, "Revelation," derived from the Greek word apokalypsis, signifies an unveiling or disclosure. This isn't a book meant to be shrouded in mystery, but rather a divine unveiling of Jesus Christ and the events surrounding His return. As we delve into this opening chapter, we'll discover the source, the messenger, the message, and the intended recipients, setting the stage for the prophetic journey that lies ahead.
The Divine Source and Human Messenger (Revelation 1:1-3)
The book opens with a clear declaration of its origin: "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place" (Revelation 1:1). This emphasizes that the revelation originates from God, passed to Jesus, and then communicated to John, His servant. John, likely exiled to the island of Patmos due to his unwavering faith and refusal to compromise the gospel (Revelation 1:9), acts as the faithful scribe, recording the vision he receives. It's a powerful reminder that even in times of hardship and persecution, God can use us to communicate His message to the world.
Tony Evans notes that the apostles regularly refer to themselves as servants of God because being dependent upon and yielded to God is the best way to hear his voice.
Verse 3 offers a profound blessing: "Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near." This blessing is not just for those who initially received the message, but for all who read, hear, and obey it throughout history. The urgency is palpable: "the time is near." This doesn't necessarily mean the events would happen immediately in John's time, but rather that they are imminent, always on the horizon, reminding us to be vigilant and prepared. Knowing and obeying God’s words in Revelation is particularly important because the return of Christ is imminent—it could happen at any time.
Grace and Peace to the Seven Churches (Revelation 1:4-8)
John extends a greeting of "grace and peace" (Revelation 1:4) to the seven churches in Asia, mirroring the familiar greetings found in Paul's letters. These churches, located in cities like Ephesus, Smyrna, and Pergamum, were real congregations facing real challenges. While the message was directed to them specifically, many scholars believe they also represent the universal church throughout history (1:4-7). The number seven often symbolizes completeness or fullness.
The greeting itself is rich in theological significance. It comes from "him who is, and who was, and who is to come" (Revelation 1:4), a clear reference to God's eternal nature. Furthermore, it comes from "the seven spirits before his throne" (Revelation 1:4), often understood as a reference to the fullness of the Holy Spirit, and from "Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth" (Revelation 1:5). This Trinitarian reference highlights the unified work of the Godhead in offering grace and peace to believers.
Jesus is described as the "firstborn from the dead" (Revelation 1:5), emphasizing His victory over death and His role as the pioneer of resurrection life for all believers. He is also the "ruler of the kings of the earth," although His earthly kingdom rule is not yet fully visible.
John ascribes "glory and power forever and ever" to Jesus because He "loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father" (Revelation 1:5-6). Believers are appointed by the Lord to represent men to God and God to men (1:6). The long-term goal of this plan is to bring God glory and to establish his kingdom rule and agenda forever.
The chapter then proclaims, "Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all peoples on earth will mourn because of him" (Revelation 1:7). This speaks of the visible and undeniable return of Christ, a moment of both triumph and judgment. Every eye will see Him as He rotates around the sun at his return.
God declares, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End" (Revelation 1:8). Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, signifying that God is the beginning and the end. He’s the Creator of all things, and he’ll bring history to its conclusion. He is the one who is, who was, and who is to come. Jesus also identifies Himself as the "Alpha and Omega" in Revelation 22:13, highlighting His divine nature and equality with the Father.
John's Vision on Patmos (Revelation 1:9-20)
John describes his circumstances on the island of Patmos and the moment he received the vision. He was "in the Spirit on the Lord's Day" (Revelation 1:10) when he heard "a loud voice like a trumpet" (Revelation 1:10) commanding him to write down what he saw and send it to the seven churches.
Turning to see who was speaking, John witnesses a breathtaking vision of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:12-16). This is not the humble carpenter from Nazareth, but the glorified and majestic Lord of all. His description is filled with powerful imagery:
- He is standing among seven golden lampstands (1:12).
- His eyes are like blazing fire (1:14).
- His feet are like bronze glowing in a furnace (1:15).
- His voice is like the sound of rushing waters (1:15).
- He holds seven stars in his right hand (1:16).
- A sharp, double-edged sword comes from his mouth (1:16).
- His face is like the sun shining in all its brilliance (1:16).
This image contrasts with much of what we see in the four Gospels. He is no longer a baby in a manger with nowhere to lay his head. Instead, he is mighty and majestic as he will certainly be at his second coming as Judge and King of the earth. This vision assures us that when Christ returns, the rulership he has always possessed by virtue of his position as God’s Son will be realized in practice.
Overwhelmed by this sight, John falls at Jesus' feet as though dead. But Jesus reaches out, touches him, and says, "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades" (Revelation 1:17-18). This reassurance emphasizes Jesus' power over death and His eternal life. He holds the keys to death and Hades, and by extension, access to heaven.
Jesus then instructs John to write "what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later" (Revelation 1:19). This verse provides a basic outline for the book of Revelation:
- "What you have seen": The vision of Christ in chapter 1.
- "What is now": The messages to the seven churches in chapters 2-3, representing the current state of the church.
- "What will take place later": The future events described in chapters 4-22, including the tribulation, the second coming, and the eternal state.
Finally, Jesus explains the symbolism of the vision: "The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches" (Revelation 1:20). The pastors who declare God’s Word, then, are God’s messengers to the churches. The churches themselves are meant to be spiritual lights, illuminating their communities.
Jesus in his might and power is situated among the lampstands to signify his visible rulership of the church as Judge and King, even before his second coming to personally and directly rule the entire world (1:13; see 1:20). In other words, before he returns to rule the world, he wants to rule the church. The church, then, cannot view Jesus merely as a gentle figure with long hair and a loving gaze. Christians must view him as a ruler, for there is a judgment side of Jesus along with the blessing side we love to talk about. He is the might and strength at the center of the church.
Revelation 1 serves as a powerful and encouraging introduction to the book. It reveals the divine origin of the message, the faithfulness of the messenger, the majesty of Jesus Christ, and the importance of heeding the prophetic words. As we continue our journey through Revelation, may we do so with open hearts and a desire to understand God's plan for the future and our role in His kingdom.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
Revelation 1 serves as the grand introduction to one of the most debated and fascinating books in the Bible. The very title, "Revelation," derived from the Greek word apokalypsis, signifies an unveiling or disclosure. This isn't a book meant to be shrouded in mystery, but rather a divine unveiling of Jesus Christ and the events surrounding His return. As we delve into this opening chapter, we'll discover the source, the messenger, the message, and the intended recipients, setting the stage for the prophetic journey that lies ahead.
The Divine Source and Human Messenger (Revelation 1:1-3)
The book opens with a clear declaration of its origin: "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place" (Revelation 1:1). This emphasizes that the revelation originates from God, passed to Jesus, and then communicated to John, His servant. John, likely exiled to the island of Patmos due to his unwavering faith and refusal to compromise the gospel (Revelation 1:9), acts as the faithful scribe, recording the vision he receives. It's a powerful reminder that even in times of hardship and persecution, God can use us to communicate His message to the world.
Tony Evans notes that the apostles regularly refer to themselves as servants of God because being dependent upon and yielded to God is the best way to hear his voice.
Verse 3 offers a profound blessing: "Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near." This blessing is not just for those who initially received the message, but for all who read, hear, and obey it throughout history. The urgency is palpable: "the time is near." This doesn't necessarily mean the events would happen immediately in John's time, but rather that they are imminent, always on the horizon, reminding us to be vigilant and prepared. Knowing and obeying God’s words in Revelation is particularly important because the return of Christ is imminent—it could happen at any time.
Grace and Peace to the Seven Churches (Revelation 1:4-8)
John extends a greeting of "grace and peace" (Revelation 1:4) to the seven churches in Asia, mirroring the familiar greetings found in Paul's letters. These churches, located in cities like Ephesus, Smyrna, and Pergamum, were real congregations facing real challenges. While the message was directed to them specifically, many scholars believe they also represent the universal church throughout history (1:4-7). The number seven often symbolizes completeness or fullness.
The greeting itself is rich in theological significance. It comes from "him who is, and who was, and who is to come" (Revelation 1:4), a clear reference to God's eternal nature. Furthermore, it comes from "the seven spirits before his throne" (Revelation 1:4), often understood as a reference to the fullness of the Holy Spirit, and from "Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth" (Revelation 1:5). This Trinitarian reference highlights the unified work of the Godhead in offering grace and peace to believers.
Jesus is described as the "firstborn from the dead" (Revelation 1:5), emphasizing His victory over death and His role as the pioneer of resurrection life for all believers. He is also the "ruler of the kings of the earth," although His earthly kingdom rule is not yet fully visible.
John ascribes "glory and power forever and ever" to Jesus because He "loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father" (Revelation 1:5-6). Believers are appointed by the Lord to represent men to God and God to men (1:6). The long-term goal of this plan is to bring God glory and to establish his kingdom rule and agenda forever.
The chapter then proclaims, "Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all peoples on earth will mourn because of him" (Revelation 1:7). This speaks of the visible and undeniable return of Christ, a moment of both triumph and judgment. Every eye will see Him as He rotates around the sun at his return.
God declares, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End" (Revelation 1:8). Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, signifying that God is the beginning and the end. He’s the Creator of all things, and he’ll bring history to its conclusion. He is the one who is, who was, and who is to come. Jesus also identifies Himself as the "Alpha and Omega" in Revelation 22:13, highlighting His divine nature and equality with the Father.
John's Vision on Patmos (Revelation 1:9-20)
John describes his circumstances on the island of Patmos and the moment he received the vision. He was "in the Spirit on the Lord's Day" (Revelation 1:10) when he heard "a loud voice like a trumpet" (Revelation 1:10) commanding him to write down what he saw and send it to the seven churches.
Turning to see who was speaking, John witnesses a breathtaking vision of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:12-16). This is not the humble carpenter from Nazareth, but the glorified and majestic Lord of all. His description is filled with powerful imagery:
- He is standing among seven golden lampstands (1:12).
- His eyes are like blazing fire (1:14).
- His feet are like bronze glowing in a furnace (1:15).
- His voice is like the sound of rushing waters (1:15).
- He holds seven stars in his right hand (1:16).
- A sharp, double-edged sword comes from his mouth (1:16).
- His face is like the sun shining in all its brilliance (1:16).
This image contrasts with much of what we see in the four Gospels. He is no longer a baby in a manger with nowhere to lay his head. Instead, he is mighty and majestic as he will certainly be at his second coming as Judge and King of the earth. This vision assures us that when Christ returns, the rulership he has always possessed by virtue of his position as God’s Son will be realized in practice.
Overwhelmed by this sight, John falls at Jesus' feet as though dead. But Jesus reaches out, touches him, and says, "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades" (Revelation 1:17-18). This reassurance emphasizes Jesus' power over death and His eternal life. He holds the keys to death and Hades, and by extension, access to heaven.
Jesus then instructs John to write "what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later" (Revelation 1:19). This verse provides a basic outline for the book of Revelation:
- "What you have seen": The vision of Christ in chapter 1.
- "What is now": The messages to the seven churches in chapters 2-3, representing the current state of the church.
- "What will take place later": The future events described in chapters 4-22, including the tribulation, the second coming, and the eternal state.
Finally, Jesus explains the symbolism of the vision: "The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches" (Revelation 1:20). The pastors who declare God’s Word, then, are God’s messengers to the churches. The churches themselves are meant to be spiritual lights, illuminating their communities.
Jesus in his might and power is situated among the lampstands to signify his visible rulership of the church as Judge and King, even before his second coming to personally and directly rule the entire world (1:13; see 1:20). In other words, before he returns to rule the world, he wants to rule the church. The church, then, cannot view Jesus merely as a gentle figure with long hair and a loving gaze. Christians must view him as a ruler, for there is a judgment side of Jesus along with the blessing side we love to talk about. He is the might and strength at the center of the church.
Revelation 1 serves as a powerful and encouraging introduction to the book. It reveals the divine origin of the message, the faithfulness of the messenger, the majesty of Jesus Christ, and the importance of heeding the prophetic words. As we continue our journey through Revelation, may we do so with open hearts and a desire to understand God's plan for the future and our role in His kingdom.