Revelation Chapter 1

Preface (vs. 1-8)—Chapters one through three of the book form the prologue. Always, when reading/studying the Revelation, keep in mind the circumstances surrounding the book—persecution of Christians by the Roman empire. John himself was “on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ” (v. 9), i.e., he had been exiled for the gospel’s sake. The message is that of a risen Lord; victory will be ours if we remain faithful. As noted in the earlier article on “four keys,” verse one informs us that the matters of which John writes “must shortly take place,” and were “signified” to him. The Greek word “must” is dei, which means “moral necessity.” Those who persecute the Lord’s people must be punished. Verse 3 pronounces a blessing on all who “hear the words of this prophecy” (it is hard to be “blessed” if we cannot understand it), and confirms verse 1: “for the time is near”—not 2,000 hence. The interval of time between the beginning of relief and final consummation of things is not given; John’s readers didn’t need that. They needed assurance of immediate relief and a complete final triumph, and Revelation gives them that.

Verse four tells the intended audience: “John, to the seven churches which are in Asia.” They are subsequently listed in verse 11, and separate letters are written to each in chapters 2 and 3.

Verse 5 introduces us to the true author of the book, Jesus Christ (verse 1 begins “The revelation of Jesus Christ…to His servant John”). Jesus is “the faithful witness,” resurrected, and, most importantly for John’s audience, “the ruler over the kings of the earth,” including the Romans. He has made us a kingdom and priesthood, by loosing us from our sins by His blood (vs. 5-6). He has authority over all (v. 6). When He comes with the clouds, “every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him” (v. 7). This is almost surely a reference to the literal Second Coming, but could refer to His coming in judgment upon the Romans, who would eventually be overtaken by Christianity. “Alpha” and “Omega” (v. 8) are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet; “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty,” is typical Jewish conception of God, in effect, “the eternally existing one.”

So we see in the very first few verses of the Revelation that the Author of Christianity is still alive, He is in control, He’s what He always was and always will be. This had to be a comforting message to those Christians to whom Rome appeared all powerful.

The Son of Man (vs. 9-20)—John knew what his readers were going through. He was their “brother and companion in the tribulation” (v. 9), and, as already noted, had been banished to a small, rocky, barren island in the Aegean Sea. Jesus appeared to him “on the Lord’s Day” (v. 10), and told him, “what you see, write in a book” (v. 11), and send it to the seven churches in Asia that are listed in that verse. The apostle then sees seven golden lampstands (representing the seven churches, v. 20), and “in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man” (v. 13). This “Son of Man” was spectacular in appearance. He wore a long, flowing garment with a golden girdle (v. 13); this is the clothing of a priest and king. His hair was like wool, white as snow (v. 14)—pure and holy. “His eyes like a flame of fire” (v. 14)—omniscient, piercing, seeing everything. His feet were like refined brass (v. 15)—strong, able to crush anything in His path. His voice with “the sound of many waters” (v. 15) speak of power and authority, especially with a two-edged sword coming out of His mouth (v. 16). In His right hand, He held seven stars (v. 16, more on that in a moment). He had a face that shone like the sun—majestic and awesome. And, not surprisingly, when John saw Him “I fell at His feet as dead” (v. 17). But the beloved apostle was comforted (v. 17), and Jesus again tells of His eternal nature, and His resurrection. “And I have the keys of Hades and of Death”--i.e., power over death (v. 18). John is again told to write what He sees (v. 19), and, to introduce the second chapter, Jesus informs him that the seven lampstands represent the seven church, each with its own angel (v. 20—the seven stars in His hand).

So, upon reading this, what would John’s persecuted readers think? They would know that the Lord they believed in was still alive, knew their plight, had the power and authority to relieve them, and indeed, He soon would. He is still in command, is in their midst, and holds their destiny in His hand. What a marvelous picture of peace and comfort. Revelation may be the most beautiful book in the Bible, once we understand what the Lord is revealing to us. Chapter 1 is certainly soothing and reassuring.