Revelation 1

Revelation 1 introduces the prophetic visions received by John while he was exiled on the island of Patmos. The chapter sets the stage for the entire book by presenting a divine encounter between John and the glorified Christ, emphasizing themes of Christ’s eternal sovereignty, the imminent fulfillment of God's promises, and the assurance of blessing for those who heed the book’s prophecies. The structure of the chapter begins with greetings and blessings, moves into a vision of the risen Christ, and concludes with a charge to John to write what he has seen.

Revelation 1:1 (NKJV)
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,

This verse reveals that the book is a revelation from God, given to Jesus Christ, who then shares it with His servants through an angel, emphasizing its divine origin. The phrase "things which must shortly take place" does not mean immediate fulfillment but rather that when these prophetic events begin, they will unfold in rapid succession, aligning with the biblical principle that God’s plans are revealed in advance and fulfilled swiftly at the appointed time. Jesus affirmed this when He said, “this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place” (Matthew 24:34), meaning that the final prophetic sequence will be completed within one generation before His return. This verse also highlights the orderly transmission of truth—from God to Christ, then to His messengers—demonstrating the importance of divine revelation. It underscores that prophecy is not meant to be hidden but is given to prepare God's people, urging them to study and be ready for what is to come.

Revelation 1:2-3 (NKJV)
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.

This passage highlights the divine authority and urgency of the message given to John. Verse 2 affirms that John faithfully testifies to the word of God, the testimony of Jesus Christ, and all things he saw, confirming that this prophecy is a direct revelation from God. The testimony of Jesus refers to the Spirit of Prophecy (Revelation 19:10), showing that true prophecy originates from Christ and is given to guide His people. Verse 3 pronounces a blessing on those who read, hear, and keep the words of this prophecy, emphasizing that it must not only be studied but obeyed. The phrase "for the time is near" stresses the urgency of readiness, as once these prophetic events begin, they will unfold in rapid succession. This passage calls believers to take prophecy seriously, recognizing it as a vital part of God's plan to prepare His people for the future.

Revelation 1:4 (NKJV)
4 John, to the seven churches which 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,

This verse begins with John addressing the seven churches in Asia, but this is not just about the literal churches of the past—it is prophetic, representing different periods of church history leading up to Christ’s return. Additionally, the seven churches can also symbolize seven spiritual conditions that various churches and believers will experience throughout history, especially in the last days. John offers grace and peace from Him who is, who was, and who is to come, which refers specifically to God the Father, emphasizing His eternal existence and sovereignty over history. This reminds believers that God has always been in control—past, present, and future—and will bring His plans to fulfillment. The greeting also mentions the seven Spirits before His throne, representing the fullness of the Holy Spirit working throughout different ages to guide, convict, and empower God’s people. This verse establishes the prophetic nature of Revelation, showing that its message is for all time, revealing God's ongoing involvement in the history of His church and His ultimate plan for salvation.

Revelation 1:5-6 (NKJV)
5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood,
6 and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

This passage shifts the focus to Jesus Christ, highlighting His three key roles: the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. As the faithful witness, Jesus perfectly reveals God's character and truth. Being the firstborn from the dead signifies His victory over death through the resurrection, securing eternal life for all who believe. As ruler over the kings of the earth, He holds ultimate authority, and though many reject Him now, He will reign supreme at His second coming. The passage then emphasizes Christ’s love and redemption, stating that He loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood. His sacrifice cleanses believers and restores them to God. Furthermore, He has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, calling us to intercede, share His truth, and live as heirs of His eternal kingdom. The passage concludes by giving praise to God the Father, saying, "To Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen," affirming that all things, including Christ’s redemptive work, ultimately bring glory to the Father. This passage not only confirms Christ’s divine authority but also calls believers to live as His representatives, preparing for His return.

Revelation 1:7 (NKJV)
7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

This verse announces Christ's dramatic return, visible to all, including those who crucified Him, which symbolically refers to all who have rejected Him. The universal mourning suggests a recognition of missed opportunities for redemption at His appearance, underscoring the final and undeniable proof of His divine authority.

Revelation 1:8 (NKJV)
8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

This verse presents a profound declaration where Jesus speaks the entire verse but makes a distinction between Himself and God the Father. Jesus begins by saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” identifying Himself as the beginning and the end of God’s redemptive plan. However, He then refers to His Father as ‘the Lord God, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty,’ affirming that ultimate authority and sovereignty belong to God the Father. This interpretation aligns with Jesus’ consistent acknowledgment that His power and mission come from the Father (John 5:30, John 12:49-50). While Jesus is central to prophecy and salvation, He always points to the Father as the Supreme Being who governs all things. This verse reassures believers that God’s plan is unfolding perfectly, with Jesus fulfilling His role while the Almighty, who has always existed and will bring all things to completion, reigns supreme.

Revelation 1:9-11 (NKJV)
9 I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice as of a trumpet,
11 saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

This passage introduces John’s circumstances and the divine commission he receives. John identifies himself as a brother and companion in tribulation, emphasizing that believers share in trials, perseverance, and the kingdom of Christ. He was exiled on Patmos, a small island used by the Roman Empire for prisoners, because of his faithfulness to the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. This highlights that true followers of Christ will face persecution for standing firm in truth. While in exile, John was “in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day,” meaning he was given a prophetic vision on a significant day. The term “Lord’s Day” is often debated, but in a prophetic context, it can signify the Day of the Lord, a time of judgment and divine intervention. Suddenly, John hears a loud voice like a trumpet, signifying divine authority, and it was Jesus who spoke to him. Jesus commands him to “write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches.” Though these were literal churches in Asia Minor, they also represent different periods of church history and various spiritual conditions believers would experience until Christ’s return. This passage reminds us that prophecy is given to strengthen God’s people, especially in times of trial, and that Christ is actively guiding His church through history.

Revelation 1:12-16 (NKJV)
12 Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands,
13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band.
14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire;
15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters;
16 He had in His right hand seven stars, and out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.

This passage presents John's vision of Jesus Christ in His glorified state, revealing His divine authority and priestly role. John turns to see seven golden lampstands, which symbolize the seven churches (Revelation 1:20), representing both the historical churches and the entire church throughout different ages. In the midst of them stands the Son of Man, showing that Christ is always present with His people, guiding and sustaining them. He is clothed with a garment down to the feet and a golden sash, reflecting His high priestly ministry in the heavenly sanctuary (Hebrews 8:1-2). His white hair signifies purity and eternal wisdom, and His eyes like a flame of fire indicate His penetrating judgment, seeing all things. His feet like fine brass, refined in a furnace, represent strength and endurance through trials, while His voice like the sound of many waters signifies power and authority over all creation. In His right hand, He holds seven stars, representing the messengers of the churches, showing His care and leadership over His people. From His mouth comes a sharp two-edged sword, symbolizing the power of His word, which discerns truth and judges sin (Hebrews 4:12). Finally, His face shines like the sun, representing His divine glory and righteousness. This vision reminds believers that Jesus is not only their Savior but also their King, Judge, and High Priest, actively working for His people as history unfolds toward His second coming.

Revelation 1:17-20 (NKJV)
17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last.
18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.
19 Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.
20 The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.”

Christ reassures John, telling him not to fear and emphasizing His eternal existence as the First and the Last, His victory over death, and His authority over the grave, symbolized by the keys of Hades and Death. He instructs John to write the things he has seen, the present realities, and the future events, ensuring that the revelation is a complete prophetic message. The seven stars in His right hand are explained as the angels of the seven churches. The term “angels” (Greek: angelos) means messengers, which could refer to heavenly angels assigned to oversee the churches or human leaders, such as pastors or elders, who are responsible for guiding and teaching the congregations. Since the messages to the churches contain rebukes and calls to repentance, it is likely that these "angels" represent human leaders entrusted with delivering Christ’s message to His people. Meanwhile, the seven lampstands represent the churches themselves, showing that they are meant to reflect Christ’s light in the world. This vision confirms that Christ holds both His messengers and His churches in His hand, guiding, protecting, and holding them accountable. It reassures believers that Jesus is actively involved in His church throughout history, leading His people until His second coming.