To fully appreciate the Book of Revelation, it’s essential to first understand the historical and cultural background in which it was penned. Primarily addressed to seven churches located in Asia Minor, all provinces under the Roman Empire, these letters bear great significance to the purpose they served.
The Roman Empire, known for its imposition of emperor worship, extended this practice to every inhabitant within its provinces. While freedom to observe personal religious rites was granted, allegiance or worship of the Roman Emperor was a non-negotiable mandate. This posed a direct contradiction to Christian beliefs, making persecution of Christians inevitable as they were perceived as traitors or threats to Rome.
Persecution manifested in various forms, with emperor worship influencing everyday life’s social, economic, and political aspects. Those opposed to emperor worship faced dire consequences, including the denial of basic necessities. The pressure on believers was immense, and many could succumb under such challenging circumstances.
Therefore, it’s against this backdrop of intense persecution and societal pressure that the Book of Revelation was written. Understanding this context brings clarity to the purpose and message of the text.
Revelation 1:1-3: The prologue
The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants[a] the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.
Verse 1 where does the revelation originate from and to whom is it written?
First, let’s clarify one thing. The revelation is also often referred to as the apocalypse, and people have attributed catastrophe, destruction or things of the sort to the word apocalypse. But that is not what it means, it really means the unveiling, or the revelation of divine mystery.
This revelation or apocalypse belongs to Jesus Christ, or proceeded from Jesus Christ or it was about Jesus Christ, all these are very valid observations we can make about verse 1. Now this revelation was given to Jesus by God the Father, and it was intended only for his servants, meaning the servants or bondservants or slaves of Christ, commonly known as believers. The revelation isn’t for everybody but only for the born again believer, which means understanding this revelation requires one to be indwelled with the Spirit of God. As the scripture says, the natural man cannot understand the things of God for they are foolishness’ to him and are only spiritually discerned ( 1 Corinthians 2:14). This revelation is about things that will soon take place. Now how are we to understand this? Are those things imminent or about some future event, it could be both because they are prophetic, they can have a direct application or an application for future time, but one thing is certain these are things that will certainly take place and we’ll do well to listen to it. And Jesus sent this revelation through His angel, I believe this is the angel of the Lord, the one always mentioned in the Old Testament. ( You can see Him mentioned in several passages like Genesis 16:7,9,10,11 , Exodus 3:22 and many more).
Verse 2 The Revelation was made known to John, the apostle
The Angel of the Lord entrusted the revelation to the Apostle John, and we are provided with details about John. Why was this revelation shared with John? Primarily, John was the last living apostle who had personally witnessed Jesus’ life and teachings. This verse confirms his role as a witness to the Word of God, observing firsthand how scripture came to life through prophetic fulfillment.
As one of the twelve disciples, John frequently saw scriptures being actualized as Jesus would often indicate when a particular prophecy was being fulfilled. Moreover, having lived closely with Jesus for three years, John could testify about His life and deeds, making him a reliable prophet, a credible apostle, and a trustworthy purveyor of Truth. And John himself says in 1 John 1:1-4,
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And we are writing these things so that our[a] joy may be complete.”
Verse 3 The Blessedness that comes from the revelation
This epistle was intended to be read aloud, affirming what has been previously stated about its background. Addressed to the seven churches, each grappling with their unique trials or persecutions, the scripture proclaims blessings upon those who read it aloud, as well as those who listen and obey the prophetic words inscribed within.
To be blessed is to bask in God’s favor. Essentially, this reiterates my earlier point – those who read, understand, and act upon these prophecies are favored by God. In other words, they have been bestowed with the ability to comprehend and internalize these words because God has shed His grace upon them.
Moreover, verse 3 forewarns that ‘the time is near’, referring to the impending fulfillment of these prophetic words.
Greeting to the Seven Churches
4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia:
Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail[b] on account of him. Even so. Amen.
8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Verses 4-6 The Triune GOD
Verses 4-6 bring us face to face with the Triune God, the threefold manifestation of God. While skeptics argue that the term ‘Trinity’ is absent in the Bible and is a human construct, it’s undeniable that the essence of this concept pervades the scripture. Indeed, the term ‘Trinity’ isn’t found in the Bible, and it’s a man-made term, but the notion of God existing as three entities – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, is deeply embedded in these verses.
God the Father is the first to be mentioned, depicted as the one who was, who is, and who is to come. This portrayal is reiterated in Verse 8 of Chapter 1 (“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”) and again in Revelation 4:8 (“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”).
The Holy Spirit, also known as the Spirit of Truth, is then referenced as the seven spirits before God’s throne. Here, the number seven doesn’t denote seven distinct spirits but symbolizes divine perfection, encapsulating the completeness of the Holy Spirit.
Finally, we encounter Jesus Christ, the second person of the Godhead. In this passage, he is mentioned last but that is because a greater emphasis will be put on Him, for what HE has accomplished. Several titles are ascribed to Him: the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. His designation as ‘the’ faithful witness, not ‘a’ faithful witness, underscores His unique role in embodying God’s fullness (Colossians 1:19). The book of Hebrews further affirms His faithfulness as a son, not a servant, making Him the only true witness of God. Being the firstborn of the dead signifies his preeminence over the dead, as a matter of fact He is preeminent over the living and the dead, see (Colossians 1:18). As the ruler of all earthly kings, He transcends all terrestrial authority.
The scripture bestows grace and peace upon us from each person of the Triune God, each fulfilling a unique role. God the Father calls us, Jesus Christ dies for us, and the Holy Spirit applies God’s grace to us. Verse 5 elaborates on Jesus’ redemptive work (“To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever”), leading to Him being accorded glory and dominion, thus reaffirming His divine nature.
Verse 7 Will You Rejoice over His second coming?
Verse 7 presents the following proclamation: “Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.” Previously, John had emphasized the blessings that befall those who read these prophetic words aloud and heed their message.
To many, the image of Jesus returning amidst the clouds may seem fantastical, as most have not witnessed such a supernatural spectacle. However, the scripture asserts that every eye will behold Him. This could suggest that everyone will simultaneously witness His return, but it might also imply that His arrival will be an event so extraordinary that its news will reverberate across the globe.
The phrase “even those who pierced Him” could refer to the individuals who literally nailed Him to the cross, as the scripture indicates that even the condemned will rise from the dead at His appearance. Alternatively, this phrase may encompass everyone who has opposed Christ throughout history.
The verse concludes with a somber prediction: “all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him”. This suggests that there will be individuals within every tribe who will mourn, having rejected Christ and now facing God’s wrath. Thus, while the return of Christ is a cause for rejoicing for believers, it heralds a terrifying reckoning for those who have spurned Him, hence the universal lamentation.
Verse 8 God The Father, the Alpha & The Omega
In verse 8, we encounter God the Father once more, and this time, He is associated with the terms ‘Alpha’ and ‘Omega’. These are not arbitrary designations; they are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, symbolizing that God is both the beginning and end of all things. In essence, all things derive their purpose from Him.
In the same verse, He is also referred to as ‘God Almighty’. This title underscores His omnipotence, asserting that there is no limit to His power. Thus, the titles ‘Alpha and Omega’ collectively affirm that God is fully capable of fulfilling His divine plans throughout human history.
Vision Of The Son Of Man
Verses 9-10
Verses 9 through 10 hold a wealth of insights. The first striking aspect is John’s self-reference in this epistle. Instead of asserting his apostolic authority, he introduces himself as “I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus”. This shows his humility and solidarity with the recipients of his letter, acknowledging their shared experiences of trials, perseverance, and anticipation of the Kingdom – all rooted in their faith in Jesus Christ.
John’s humility is further highlighted when he recounts his encounter with the vision of Christ in His resurrected glory. Overwhelmed by the sight, John describes himself as being ‘like a dead man’, an expression of profound humility.
This humility mirrors that of the Apostle Paul, who, after being taken into the third heaven, was given a ‘thorn in the flesh’ to prevent him from becoming conceited. It’s a recurring theme – greater revelation leads to greater humility. Despite being the respected Apostle John, he addresses his audience as equals, fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, thereby sharing in their sufferings, endurance, tribulations, and the hope of the Kingdom that are in Jesus Christ.
This letter reveals that John was confined to the island of Patmos, a punishment solely for his commitment to the Word of God. This isolation is a form of persecution; he was forcibly separated from his typical ministry.
One can imagine the potential for despair in such circumstances. A man who was actively ministering to people suddenly finds himself marooned on an island. Some commentaries suggest that John may have been consigned to labor in Roman mines during his exile. While this claim isn’t confirmed, it underscores the magnitude of John’s hardship.
Yet, as we read this letter, we can see that John is being fortified through this ordeal. He is persevering, enduring immense stress and tribulation. But he also anticipates the rewards of the Kingdom in Jesus Christ. As he pens this letter, he is saying, “I understand your struggles because I am experiencing them too.” His audience, aware of his circumstances, can appreciate his words because they know he isn’t preaching from a place of detached joy but sharing in their trials.
He mentions being ‘in the Spirit’ on the Lord’s Day, though it’s unclear which specific day this refers to. It’s generally understood to be a day dedicated to the Lord, akin to Sunday in our times. During this spiritual experience, he hears a loud voice, like the sound of a trumpet, instructing him to document his vision.
Despite his exhaustion and potential doubts about his situation, John remains humble. He might be questioning his purpose on the island when he should be ministering to people. Amidst these struggles, he receives this revelation, which likely fortified him. He learns of future events and sees His glorified Lord, Jesus. This vision reassures John that God still reigns supreme, inspiring him not to surrender. Thus, he writes to his audience from this context of shared hardship and hope.
Verse 11 A Message To The 7 Churches
John is directed to pen this message for the seven churches located in Asia Minor, all of which are under Roman jurisdiction and dominance. The choice of these seven churches is not random; the number seven holds significant meaning. It is symbolic of divine completeness and perfection.
As we delve deeper into the text, we’ll notice that Jesus addresses each church using a unique title. This choice of title isn’t arbitrary. Each church is meant to represent a specific facet of Christ, embodying His character and mission. Taken together, these seven churches collectively reflect the fullness of Jesus, which is fitting since the church is often described as the ‘Body of Christ’.
While the letter is specifically addressed to these seven churches, its intended audience extends far beyond them. It is meant for all congregations worldwide. You might wonder why these particular churches were singled out. The answer lies in the universal applicability of the messages within the letter. The scripture itself declares a blessing upon those who read this letter aloud and heed its teachings.
Further reinforcing this point, we find at the end of each address, an exhortation from the angel of the Lord: “He who has ears, let him hear what the Spirit says to the seven churches.” This phrase underscores that the message isn’t exclusive to the seven churches but is meant to be understood and applied by all believers everywhere.
Verses 12-16, What John Saw?
Verses 12 to 16 unveil the vision John witnessed. It’s clear that he saw a vision of Christ in His glorified state, referred to as the ‘Son of Man’. This term indicates a human figure, yet with distinguishing characteristics setting Him apart from all others. The vision was of the exalted Christ, and this is confirmed by the subsequent descriptions in the chapter.
John also saw seven lampstands, symbolizing the seven churches to which the Book of Revelation was addressed. In addition, he noted the attire Christ wore in this vision. The garments were those befitting a judge-king, signifying honor and authority. Christ’s white hair signifies His eternality, reminiscent of the ‘Ancient of Days’ imagery. His eyes, capable of seeing everything, enable Him to judge righteously. The depiction of His feet as burning brass further suggests judgment, drawing parallels with the brazen altar where sin offerings were consumed by fire. This image implies that Christ has come not only to judge His churches but also the corrupt world system.
The sound of many waters associated with His voice conveys power and authority. Such a voice cannot be ignored; it commands attention. The sword emanating from His mouth likely represents the Word of God, described as sharper than any double-edged sword. He combats His adversaries with His word. The seven stars in His hand are the angels or messengers of the seven churches. God holds His servants and positions them where He wishes them to shine for Him.
The brilliance of the Lord harks back to His transfiguration, as recorded in Matthew 17:2, and aligns with the prophecy in Malachi 4:2 about the ‘Sun of Righteousness’. The sun is a recurring symbol for God in the Old Testament (Psalm 84:11), reminding us of blessings but also judgment. The sun can both nourish and scorch.
This vision of Christ greatly differs from the image of the Savior that John knew. He is not the gentle Jewish carpenter often depicted in songs. Instead, He is the glorified, exalted Son of God, the Priest-King with the authority to judge all humanity, starting with His own people.
Verses 17-18, John’s Reaction To The Vision
Verses 17 to 18 offer a remarkable glimpse into Apostle John’s humility. This is the same John who once rested his head on Jesus’s chest. Yet, when confronted with a vision of Christ in His glorified state, John falls at His feet as if dead. This reaction speaks volumes.
If John, who was part of Jesus’s inner circle, responded this way upon encountering the resurrected and glorified Christ, it challenges us to rethink our casual attitudes toward Jesus. Our modern world seems to have lost the sense of awe and reverence that should accompany our understanding of who Jesus truly is.
In these verses, Jesus reassures John, telling him not to fear. This message serves as an encouragement for all believers. Jesus explains why we need not fear: He is the ‘First and the Last’. This title points to His divinity, echoing the description of God the Father as the ‘Alpha and Omega’ earlier in the chapter. By sharing this attribute, Jesus affirms His status as God. Therefore, we should not fear because Jesus is God, and secondly, because He died and rose again, conquering death. He holds the keys to death and Hades, symbolizing His authority over life and death.
Verse 19
In verse 19, Jesus instructs John to write about ‘the things which he has seen’, referring to the vision he has just seen. He also tells John to write about ‘the things which are ‘, referring to the message addressed to the seven churches, and finally to write about the things which are to come, referring to future events that will be detailed from chapter 4 onwards till the end of the Book of Revelation. These instructions encompass present situations, messages to the seven churches, and future prophecies.
In sum, The Book of Revelation is a scripture that demands our attention. Truly, no part of the Bible should be overlooked, yet Revelation holds particular importance due to its prophecies about the end times. Therefore, it’s crucial that we take seriously all that is written within its pages.
This book serves not only as a source of encouragement but also as a means for strengthening our faith. Its teachings help us keep our focus on the One who reigns from the throne, preventing us from being caught off guard by the current world events. Furthermore, it equips us with the readiness to withstand adversity when faced with challenges.
I’ve also watched some great exposition about Chapter 1 that I’d like to share with you, courtesy of Voddie Bacchaum
Introduction To John’ Revelation
The Blessings Of Revelation
Christ Is Worthy
PS: I started Tayibs.com for the sole purpose of exploring difficult questions about the Christian faith that most of us shy away from. All the content generated on this website is thoroughly analyzed prior to being shared. And the site is run solely by myself, your generous support is very much appreciated
My name is Tayib Salami and I started Tayibs.com for the sole purpose of exploring difficult questions about the Christian faith that most of us shy away from. In 2017, I entered a very dark time in my life and it’s only by the grace of the Living God that I’m still alive today. It led me to really go deeper in my faith and consider a myriad of questions that I never thought about asking myself or others before. Welcome and enjoy the ride with me.