Revelation 1

Written on 05/10/2024

Verses 1-3

  • John, the apostle, received a Revelation of Jesus Christ, and in particular, of the events that would take place before Christ's return to earth.

  • Our job is to hear and to obey the words. Revelation is prophetic and mysterious, yes, but it contains many insights that we can and must obey, if we are going to be prepared for the events to come.

    • Because the time is near, be urgent to obey what this letter speaks! Live like the days are fleeting. Live like you don't have much time left!

 

Verses 4-8

  • God the Father, God the Spirit, and God the Son all give us grace and peace. Note that both the Father and the Son are “He who is, and who was, and who is to come” (verses 4,8).

    • Use this passage to show to others that Jesus is God!

  • The Son, Jesus, who is preeminent and Lord over all the earth, and our Savior, will physically return to earth; and “every eye will see Him.” When Christ returns from heaven, everyone will know it.

    • Not everyone will physically see Him at the same time, but everyone will at least hear Him at the same time, and His return will be known to all. And eventually, everyone will be able to physically see Him. 

 

Verse 9

  • Like John, we all belong to God's kingdom, but we must also endure tribulations for Christ that will build our patience.

    • Use the book of Revelation to understand how believers can prepare to endure tribulation.

 

Verse 10

  • John, in this moment in his mind, was in unity with the mind of the Christ and the Spirit. 

    • Learn to think like Christ, and you will find yourself in closer unity with the Spirit. You too will experience greater revelation. 

      • Study Jesus' life in the Four Gospels to learn how to think and live like Him.

 

Verses 11-18

  • John saw Jesus in His glorified state, showing His magnificence and power openly.

    • Do not think of Jesus in a weakened state. Know Him in His power, and imagine Him in the words used here.

    • And as John fell before Jesus as though he were dead, regard Jesus with great reverence and godly fear.

  • Jesus also has the keys to hell. God determines who goes to hell. The devil does not control this.

 

Verse 19

  • Revelation speaks to present realities as well as future events. Chapters 2-3, in particular, have relevance to the church in all ages but also deal with believing communities that will exist during the end.

 

Verse 20

  • There are seven angels that watch over seven churches. There are more than seven communities of believers in the world, but in regards to the end, there will be seven particular communities that each have an certain angel watching over them. These angels are likely archangels.