Revelation Chapter 1

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:

The title of the book is the “Revelation of Jesus Christ.” It is not revelations, but the Revelation of Jesus

Christ. The word revelation (Greek apokalupsis) means unveiling. The revelation was transmitted from

God the Father to Jesus to an angel to the Apostle John to Jesus’ slaves. The word “shortly” indicates

imminence. We are living in the Church Age and the events in the Revelation are next on God’s

prophetic calendar.

Revelation is a book about the future and about the present. It offers future hope to all believers,

especially those who have suffered for their faith, by proclaiming Christ's final victory over evil and the

reality of eternal life with him. It also gives present guidance as it teaches us about Jesus Christ and

how we should live for him now. Through graphic pictures we learn that

1. Jesus Christ is coming again,

2. evil will be judged, and

3. the dead will be raised to judgment, resulting in eternal life or eternal destruction.

According to tradition, John, the author, was the only one of Jesus' original 12 disciples who was not

killed for the faith. He also wrote the Gospel of John and the letters of 1, 2, and 3 John. When he wrote

Revelation, John was in exile on the island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea, sent there by the Romans for

his witness about Jesus Christ. For more information on John, see his profile.

This book is the revelation from, concerning, and of Jesus Christ. God gave the revelation of his plan to

Jesus Christ, who, in turn, revealed it to John. The book of Revelation unveils Christ's full identity and

God's plan for the end of the world, and it focuses on Jesus Christ, his second coming, his victory over

evil, and the establishment of his Kingdom. As you read and study Revelation, don't focus so much on

the timetable of the events or the details of John's imagery that you miss the main message—the infinite

love, power, and justice of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The book of Revelation is apocalyptic (meaning uncovered, unveiled, or revealed) in style. This style of

ancient literature usually featured spectacular and mysterious imagery, and such literature was written

under the name of an ancient hero. John was acquainted with Jewish apocalyptic works, but his book is

different in several ways:

(1) He uses his own name rather than the name of an ancient hero;

(2) he denounces evil and exhorts people to high Christian standards;

(3) he offers hope rather than gloom.

John was not a psychic attempting to predict the future; he was a prophet of God describing what God

had shown him.

Jesus gave his message to John in a revelation (or vision), allowing John to see and record certain

future events so they could be an encouragement to all believers. The vision includes many signs and

symbols that convey the essence of what is to happen. What John saw, in most cases, was indescribable,

so he used illustrations to show what it was like. When reading this symbolic language, we don't have to

understand every detail—John himself didn't. Instead, realize that John's imagery shows us that Christ

is indeed the glorious and victorious Lord of all.

What does the word “Revelation” mean (1:1)? Why is this called a Revelation “of Jesus Christ?” Why is this considered the primary purpose of Revelation (1:1)? What are “bond-servants” (1:1)? Do you consider yourself a “bond-servant?” Why or why not? How does this Revelation “show” [us] “the things which must shortly take place?” What does John mean by the word “shortly?”

2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

John assures us that he is merely giving witness to what God has shown him.

o See Hebrews 1:1-2 for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

What were the sources of this angel’s message to John (1:2)? Why does John record both?

3 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.

This is the only book in the Bible that expressly states a blessing for those who read or hear the book

(i.e., hear in a public reading in a 1st century church) AND keep it. Surely this is true of all the books in

the Bible, but only in this one is it expressly stated.

The book of Revelation reveals future events, but there is not the gloomy pessimism we might expect.

The drama of these unfolding events is spectacular, but there is nothing to fear if you are on the winning

side. When you think about the future, walk with confidence because Christ, the Victor, walks with you.

Revelation is a book of prophecy that is both prediction (foretelling future events) and proclamation

(preaching about who God is and what he will do). Prophecy is more than telling the future. Behind the

predictions are important principles about God's character and promises. As we read, we will get to

know God better so that we can trust him completely.

The typical news reports—filled with violence, scandal, and political haggling—are depressing, and we

may wonder where the world is heading. God's plan for the future, however, provides inspiration and

encouragement because we know he will intervene in history to conquer evil. John encourages churches

to read this book aloud so everyone can hear it, apply it ("keep those things which are written"), and be

assured of the fact that God will triumph.

When John says that "the time is near," he is urging his readers to be ready at all times for the last

judgment and the establishment of God's Kingdom. We do not know when these events will occur, but we

must always be prepared. They will happen quickly, and there will be no second chance to change sides.

What does the word “blessed,” mean (1:3)? How will you be “blessed” from reading, hearing and heeding the words or Revelation? Why does John mention “he who reads” and “those who hear?” How is this book “the prophecy?” What does it mean to “keep” the contents of this book? Why does John say, “the time is at hand?”

4 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;

This verse makes the first of several references to the number seven. This is God’s number of perfect

completion. God did not arbitrarily pick churches in the 1st century to address the book to, but instead,

intentionally picked seven churches in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). John expresses a greeting and

desires that his audience be the recipients of the grace and peace that only God give. In this verse, John

indicates that the grace and peace come from God the Father and the seven Spirits before his throne, a

reference to the seven-fold ministry of the Holy Spirit. (Isaiah 11:1-2) John pictures the Holy Spirit

before the throne of the Father.

Jesus told John to write to seven churches that knew and trusted him and had read his earlier letters

(see 1:11). The letters were addressed so that they could be read and passed on in a systematic fashion,

following the main Roman road clockwise around the province of Asia (now called Turkey).

The "seven Spirits" is another name for the Holy Spirit. The number seven is used throughout Revelation

to symbolize completeness and perfection.

Why does John write to “the seven churches that are in Asia” (1:4)? Is there any significance in the greeting: “Grace to you and peace?” Why is God the Father called “Him who is and who was and who is to come?” Who are “the seven Spirits who are before His throne?”

5 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,

Jesus is the faithful witness, the first to receive a resurrected (or glorified body), and the prince of the

kings of the earth. This phrase “kings of the earth” occurs several times in the Revelation and elsewhere

and refers to the rulers of the Gentile nations. (Psalm 2:2, Revelation 6:15, 16:14, 17:2, 18, 18:3, 9,

19:19, 21:24) As the prince of the kings of the earth, Jesus is sovereign over them all. Jesus washed us

with his own blood on the cross.

Others had risen from the dead—people whom the prophets, Jesus, and the apostles brought back to life

during their ministries—but later those people died again. Jesus was the first who rose from the dead in

an imperishable body (1 Corinthians 15:20), never to die again. He is the "firstborn from the dead."

What three titles are attributed to Jesus Christ (1:5a)? How are these significant?

6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever

and ever. Amen.

As we will see in the unfolding of the Revelation, Jesus is returning to take what is his (all creation) and

rule over it. Because of what Christ did for us, we will rule with God (i.e., kings) and dwell with Him

(i.e., priests). In light of what he did for us, he is worthy of our praise, and he will have glory and

dominion (i.e., a kingdom that is all of creation) forever.

The Trinity—the Father ("who is and who was and who is to come"), the Holy Spirit ("the seven

Spirits"), and the Son (Jesus Christ) —is the source of all truth (John 14:6, 17; 1 John 2:27; Revelation

19:11). Thus, we can be assured that John's message is reliable and is God's word to us.

Many hesitate to witness about their faith in Christ because they don't feel the change in their lives has

been spectacular enough. But you qualify as a witness for Jesus because of what he has done for you,

not because of what you have done for him. Christ demonstrated his great love by setting us free from

our sins through his death on the cross ("washed us from our sins in His own blood"), guaranteeing us a

place in his Kingdom, and making us priests to administer God's love to others. The fact that the all-

powerful God has offered eternal life to you is nothing short of spectacular.

What three actions has Jesus performed for us (1:5b-6)?

7 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.

When Jesus returns (the Second Coming or Second Advent, not the rapture), everyone will know it. He

will come with the clouds (recall Acts 1:9-11) and every living person without exception will see him,

including the Jewish people (those who pierced him, see Zechariah 12:10) and the Gentiles. There shall

be wailing because Jesus is coming in judgment.

Jesus is portrayed as the all- powerful King, victorious in battle, glorious in peace. He is not just a

humble earthly teacher, he is the glorious God. When you read John's description of the vision, keep in

mind that his words are not just good advice; they are truth from the King of kings. Don't just read his

words for their interesting and amazing portrayal of the future. Let the truth about Christ penetrate your

life, deepen your faith in him, and strengthen your commitment to follow him no matter what the cost.

John is announcing the return of Jesus to earth (see also Matthew 24; Mark 13; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-

18). Jesus' second coming will be visible and victorious. All people will see him arrive (Mark 13:26),

and they will know it is Jesus. When he comes, he will conquer evil and judge all people according to

their deeds (20:11- 15).

"They who pierced him" could refer to the Roman soldiers who pierced Jesus' side as he hung on the

cross or to the Jews who were responsible for his death. John saw Jesus' death with his own eyes, and

he never forgot the horror of it (see John 19:34, 35; see also Zechariah 12:10).

What Old Testament passage is John quoting (1:7)?

Is this a reference to the Rapture?

Why or why not?

8 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.

Jesus asserts that he is the “alpha and omega” (i.e., the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet). See

Isaiah 44:6, where God the Father states the same. Jesus expresses here that he is God, the beginning

and the ending, the all in all. Jesus is (he lives), he was (he has always existed), and he is to come (he is

returning). Jesus is the “Almighty,” a common name for God that speaks of his power and sovereignty.

God the Father is the eternal Lord and Ruler of the past, present, and future (see also 4:8; Isaiah 44:6;

48:12- 15). Without him you have nothing that is eternal, nothing that can change your life, nothing that

can save you from sin. Is the Lord your reason for living, the "Alpha and Omega" of your life? Honor

the one who is the beginning and the end of all existence, wisdom, and power.

Why does the title, “Alpha and the Omega” mean (1:8)? Why does the Lord God repeat, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty” (cf. 1:4)?

9 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.

John identifies with his audience, for he is spiritually a brother and friend in their present distress. This

in part gives an indication for the purpose of the book, which is to comfort distressed churches. John

will share the kingdom that Jesus will establish with his audience. John writes from Patmos, a small

island off the coast of Turkey (a prison island at the time). He is jailed there because he faithfully

preached the word of God and testified of Jesus Christ. He truly can identify with the persecuted he

writes to.

Patmos was a small rocky island in the Aegean Sea, about 50 miles offshore from the city of Ephesus on

the Asia Minor seacoast (see map).

The Christian church was facing severe persecution. Almost all believers were socially, politically, or

economically suffering because of this empire- wide persecution, and some were even being killed for

their faith. John was exiled to Patmos because he refused to stop preaching the gospel. We may not face

persecution for our faith as the early Christians did, but even with our freedom few of us have the

courage to share God's Word with others. If we hesitate to share our faith during easy times, how will

we do during times of persecution?

What does it mean to be a “fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus” (1:9)?

Why was John “on the island called Patmos?”

10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

John writes on a Sunday, the “Lord’s Day.” John likely received the vision, and announces it, on

Sunday because that is the day of the week the early churches gathered (by apostolic practice) to

worship and it is the day of the week on which Jesus raised himself. Jesus’ resurrection was his victory

over death and Satan and made him the heir of creation, and it is this last point that is a major theme of

the Revelation. John is in the Spirit, perhaps a trance-like state in which he can see the visions God has

for him. John hears a loud voice like a trumpet.

Does “the Lord’s day” refer to Sunday or the Day of the Lord (1:10)? How does the word “like” serve this sentence? See eight other occurrences in 1:13-17.

11 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.

Jesus instructs John to write down the visions and circulate the writing to the seven churches in Asia

Minor, namely the churches at Ephesus, Smyna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and

Laodicea.

Why is John commanded to “write in a book” what he sees (1:11)? What is significant about the command to “send” his book to the “seven churches?”

12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

When John looks to Jesus, he sees seven golden candlesticks. These are identified in verse 20 as the

seven churches.

How should the “seven golden lampstands” be identified (1:12; see 1:20)? How does this correspond with what is one of the primary purposes of the church (see Matt 5:14; Phil 2:15; Eph

5:8-13)?

13 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.

Jesus walks in the midst of the seven candlesticks. He is majestically attired. No man can make a

church. Jesus makes churches and they are his. They have the privilege of his walking among them. As

we will see later, this cannot be taken for granted; when a church goes too far in apostasy, it can cease

to be a church. As long as a church is a golden candlestick, it is absolutely secure in Christ.

The seven candlesticks are the seven churches in Asia (1:11, 20), and Jesus stands among them. No

matter what the churches face, Jesus protects them with his all- encompassing love and reassuring

power. Through his Spirit, Jesus Christ is still among the churches today. When a church faces

persecution, it should remember Christ's deep love and compassion. When a church is troubled by

internal strife and conflict, it should remember Christ's concern for purity and his intolerance of sin.

Why does John say this person is “like a son of man” (1:13; Dan 10:5-6)? Is there any significance to this man being “clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest

with a golden sash?”

14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

John is describing the glory of Jesus. During Jesus’ earthly ministry, that glory was veiled, except at the

mount of transfiguration. (see Daniel 7:9)

This man "like the Son of Man" is Jesus himself. The title "Son of Man" occurs many times in the New

Testament in reference to Jesus as the Messiah. John recognized Jesus because he lived with him for

three years and had seen him both as the Galilean preacher and as the glorified Son of God at the

Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1- 8). Here Jesus appears as the mighty Son of man. His white hair

indicates his wisdom and divine nature (see also Daniel 7:9); his bright eyes symbolize judgment of all

evil; the golden girdle across his chest reveals him as the High Priest, who goes into God's presence to

obtain forgiveness of sin for those who have believed in him.

Revelation will challenge your mental picture of Jesus Christ. What forms your impression of him right

now—famous paintings, movies, Sunday school art? Do you ever picture Jesus with a gold sash and

snow white, woolly hair? Do his eyes flash fire and his feet glow like bronze? When you imagine Jesus

speaking to you, does his voice thunder like mighty ocean waves? Reevaluate the way you think of Jesus

as you read and study Revelation. Allow his powerful presence to transform your life.

Why is the word “white,” mentioned twice in 1:14a? What does this say about Jesus’ head and hair? Why are Jesus’ eyes “like a flame of fire” (1:14b; cf. 1 Cor 3:12)?

15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many

waters.

His feet like brass indicates strength. His voice is loud, with indicates authority.

Why are Jesus’ feet “like burnished bronze” (1:15a; cf. 2:18)? Why is His voice “like the sound of many waters” (1:15c)?

16 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.

Jesus holds seven stars in his right hand. They are identified in verse 20 as the pastors of the seven

churches. Men do not make pastors, Jesus does. Those he makes pastors he holds in his right hand,

meaning that he gives them a certain authority and protection. The sword from his mouth probably

indicates the he can bring judgment by his very words.

The sword in Jesus' mouth symbolizes the power and force of his message. His words of judgment are as

sharp as swords (Isaiah 49:2; Hebrews 4:12).

Why does John refer to Jesus’ “right hand” (1:16a)? What are the “seven stars” (see 1:20)? Do these “stars” refer to spirit beings or human messengers? Why or why not? What does the “sword” coming out of Jesus’ mouth depict (1:16b; cf. 2:12, 16; 6:8; 19:15, 21)? 10. What must Jesus’ face looked like if it appeared “like the sun shining in its strength” (1:16c)?

17 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:

John did the natural thing, coming face to face with Jesus and experiencing the overwhelming purity

and holiness of Jesus as compared with his sinfulness, he hits the dirt. (compare Ezekiel 1:28; Isaiah

6:5) Similar to the removal of Isaiah’s fear, Jesus removes John’s fear so that he can receive the vision

and write it.

Why did John fall at Jesus’ feet “as a dead man” (1:17a; cf. Exod 33:20; 1 Tim 6:16)? Why did this experience affect John the way it did when he had already observed the Transfiguration (see

Matt 17:1-8)? Why did Jesus immediately place His right hand upon John and speak comforting words (Dan 10:8-10, 15-16;

Matt. 17:6-7)?

18 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.

Jesus testifies of his life, death, and resurrection (which is permanent). Jesus has the keys of hell (or

hades) and of death, meaning that he has authority over them. By virtue of his death, burial and

resurrection, he has authority over these things. This is good news to us, because through Jesus Christ,

we escape death and enjoy life eternal.

As the Roman government stepped up its persecution of Christians, John must have wondered if the

church could survive and stand against the opposition. But Jesus appeared in glory and splendor,

reassuring John that he and his fellow believers had access to God's strength to face these trials. If you

are facing difficult problems, remember that the power available to John and the early church is also

available to you (see 1 John 4:4).

Our sins have convicted and sentenced us, but Jesus holds the keys of death and the grave. He alone can

free us from eternal bondage to Satan. He alone has the power and authority to set us free from sin's

control. Believers don't have to fear death or the grave because Christ holds the keys to both. All we

must do is turn from sin and turn to him in faith. When we attempt to control our lives and disregard

God, we set a course that leads directly to hell. But when we place our life in Christ's hands, he restores

us now and resurrects us later to an eternal, peaceful relationship with him.

Why does Jesus refer to Himself as, “I am” (1:17b; see Exod 3:14; Matt 14:27; Mark 6:50; John 6:20;

8:58), “the first and the last” (Isa 41:4, 12-13; 48:12), and “the living One” (1:18a; see Dan 6:26-27; Rev 4:9; 10:6; 15:7)?

Why is it significant that Jesus has “the keys of death and of Hades” (1:18b; cf. Heb 2:14-15)?

19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be

hereafter;

John is commanded to write what he sees. This verse is one of the most critical in the book, for it

provides the divine outline. John is to write the things which were (chapter 1), the things which are

(chapters 2 and 3), and the things to come (chapters 4 through 22). This indicates that chapters 4

through 22 were events future from John’s perspective.

Is there any significance to the three-fold outline in 1:19? If so, what?

20 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.

This first chapter is in part what we call apocalyptic literature. It uses abstract symbols. One of the

characteristics of apocalyptic literature is that God tends to explain the symbols to us, not hide them.

The reason God uses this style is to take global events and demonstrate His perspective and sovereignty

over them by putting them in relatively straightforward pictures we can see. Here, Jesus identifies the

seven candlesticks as the seven churches John will write to, and the seven stars are their pastors.

Who are the "angels of the seven churches"? Some say that they are angels designated to guard the

churches; others say that they are elders or pastors of the local churches. Because the seven letters in

chapters 2 and 3 contain reprimands, it is doubtful that these angels are heavenly messengers. If these

are earthly leaders or messengers, they are accountable to God for the churches they represent.

Why does John speak of the symbols of 1:12, 16 as a “mystery” (1:20)?

How does this verse serve as a principle in interpreting Revelation?

H e b r e w s C h a p t e r 1 1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also

he made the worlds; Return

THE SEVEN CHURCHES Revelation 2:1–3:22

The seven churches were located on a major Roman road. A letter carrier would leave the island of Patmos

(where John was exiled), arriving first at Ephesus. He would travel north to Smyrna and Pergamum (Pergamos),

turn southeast to Thyatira, and continue on to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea—in the exact order in which

the letters were dictated. Return

I s a i a h C h a p t e r 1 1 1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel

and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; Return

P s a l m s C h a p t e r 2 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his

anointed, [saying],

3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. Return

1 C o r i n t h i a n s C h a p t e r 1 5 20

But now is Christ risen from the dead, [and] become the firstfruits of them that slept. Return

A c t s C h a p t e r 1 9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of

their sight. 10

And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white

apparel; 11

Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up

from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Return

I s a i a h C h a p t e r 4 4

6 Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I [am] the first, and I [am] the

last; and beside me [there is] no God. Return

D a n i e l C h a p t e r 7 9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment [was] white as snow,

and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne [was like] the fiery flame, [and] his wheels [as] burning

fire. Return

E z e k i e l C h a p t e r 1 28

As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so [was] the appearance of the brightness

round about. This [was] the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw [it], I fell

upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake. Return

I s a i a h C h a p t e r 6 5 Then said I, Woe [is] me! for I am undone; because I [am] a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a

people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. Return