Revelation Chapter 1

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Introduction to Chapter 1

The book of Revelation is letter written to seven churches in Asia, revealed to the Apostle John by Jesus and signified by an angel.  John was probably in his eighties since this was taking place about A.D. 95, over sixty years after the crucifixion.  John, who was younger then, is now sixty years older.  John was sent to Patmos, to work the mines as punishment for his bold testimony of Jesus Christ.

While on this island, Jesus Christ appears to John and  dictates a letter for John to send to the Seven Churches in Asia.  Though the letter is to seven specific churches, the letter applies to all believers. Jesus instructs those with “spiritual ears” to listen,

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches”

The word Revelation means, unveiling, the veil of the future is lifted from the eyes of believers and the plan of eternity set forth.  A blessing is promised to those hear, read and keep the words revealed.

Chapter 1 introduces us to the rest of the letter, establishing the background. John answers the questions, who is the author? what are the circumstances behind the letter?  How it was revealed? and Who revealed it?

The first chapter shows Christ in his glory appearing to his servant John. Christ comforts John, who is on Patmos for his testimony of Christ, he assures John, He is in control.  Jesus Christ reaffirms his nature and identity in this chapter, anticipating the apostasy to develop in the church as his nature and work in the future would be denied.

Prologue

Revelation 1

1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants-things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John,

2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw.

3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.

Revelation: The Greek word is ajpokavluyi Apokalupsis and means laying bear, making naked, disclosure of truth. The letter is from God the Father to Jesus Christ, signified by His angel, to John for the church. Jesus removes the veil, and allows His church to see the plan for eternity.

His servant:  The word servant comes from the Greek word, dou’lo Doulos meaning, a slave, bondman, man of servile condition. Those who trust Christ, become his servants.  We are representatives of Jesus Christ in this world, to announce his kingdom and establish his salvation in the earth.  A servant does the master’s will, not his own. We are called in service to administer the kingdom.

The letter is to the servants of Christ,  for this reason, unless someone is Christ’s servant, the letter makes no sense.

Shortly take place: The  Greek word, tavco Tachos meaning, quickness speed. The events revealed to John have immediate application.  In the 63-years since Christ death on the cross, the Church had grown from Jerusalem to encompass the whole Roman Empire.  There were literally hundreds of churches established throughout the Empire and beyond.

Signified: The Greek word  shmaivnw Semaino means, to give a sign, to signify, indicate.  The book of Revelation is filled with signs and symbols. For the most part, the explanations of these signs are within the context of the scripture or within the whole body of scripture.  For example in chapter one, Jesus, glorified, stands in the center seven lamp stands holding seven stars.  In verse 20, we find the meaning of the lamp stands and stars, the lamp stands represent seven churches and stars, seven angels.

Angel:  The identity of the angel  is subject to speculation.  Gabriel is the most likely candidate.  Gabriel first identified in Daniel 8, communicates the message from God’s throne to God servants. Gabriel is seen again in Daniel 9 and in Luke 1:19, 26 where the birth of John and the Messiah is announced.

The word of God:  In this letter, John is an eye-witness merely reporting what he sees.  The word   witness comes from the Greek word,  marturevw Martureo where the word “martyr” is derived.  John  personally testifies about what he has sees.

That he saw:  From Chapter one to the last chapter, 22, John stats 38 times that he personally “Saw” the events taking place.  John, as a servant to Christ is reporting what he has seen to the churches.

Blessed: Revelation is the only book of the Bible with the promise blessing to the reader.