Welcome to a new Bible Study of Revelation, Chapter 1:

Let’s reason and take an inspiring verse by verse look at “Revelation 1:1-20“, followed with a Summary and Prayer.

Verse 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:”

This verse sets the stage. We’re introduced to the book’s central figure, JESUS CHRIST, as the source of the revelation. GOD is the ultimate source, giving the revelation to JESUS, who then communicates it through an angel to John. The phrase “things which must shortly come to pass” is crucial. While “shortly” can refer to a relatively short period in a cosmic sense, it also emphasizes the urgency and imminence of the events described. It’s not about a distant future, but a future that is rapidly approaching. The use of “servant” highlights John’s humility and his role as a messenger.

Verse 2: “Who bare record of the word of GOD, and of the testimony of JESUS CHRIST, and of all things that he saw.”

John’s role is further clarified. He’s not just a passive recipient but a witness, bearing record of GOD’S marvelous, righteous Word, JESUS testimony, and his own eyewitness account of the visions. This emphasizes the authenticity and reliability of the revelation.

Verse 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 a powerful blessing pronounced upon those who read, hear, and obey the prophecy. The emphasis on “keeping” the Words suggests active engagement and obedience to the message, not just passive consumption. The reiteration of “the time is at hand” reinforces the urgency.

Verse 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;”

The letter’s recipients are identified as the seven churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). The greeting invokes a blessing of grace and peace, originating from the eternal GOD (described as “Him which is, and which was, and which is to come”) and the seven Spirits before His throne (often interpreted as the Holy Spirit in His fullness or sevenfold manifestation).

Verse 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,”

The blessing continues, now including JESUS CHRIST. His titles “faithful witness,” “first begotten of the dead,” and “prince of the kings of the earth” highlight His authority and power. The emphasis on His infinite love and atoning sacrifice (“washed us from our sins in His own blood”) underscores the grace and redemption offered through Him.

Verse 6: “And hath made us kings and priests unto GOD and his Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

This verse speaks of our elevated status as believers – kings and priests unto GOD. This is a powerful image of our participation in GOD’S reign and our role in offering worship and service. The concluding doxology (“to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”) expresses praiseworthy adoration for JESUS CHRIST.

Verse 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.”

This verse describes the second coming of CHRIST. The imagery of clouds is common in apocalyptic literature, signifying divine power and judgment. The phrase “every eye shall see Him” emphasizes the universality of this event. The mention of those who pierced Him points to the Jewish authorities responsible for His crucifixion, but also speaks to the universal impact of His return. “Even so, Amen” expresses both expectation and affirmation.

Verse 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.”

This is a self declaration of JESUS CHRIST, identifying himself as the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, encompassing all of time and eternity. This reinforces His divine nature and absolute authority.

Verse 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 himself, emphasizing his shared experience with the churches (“your brother”). His exile to Patmos, a small island, was due to his faithfulness to the gospel.

Verse 10: “I was in the Spirit on the LORD’S day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,”

The vision begins. John’s experience is described as being “in the Spirit,” indicating a supernatural state of revelation. The “LORD’S day” is generally understood to the day of CHRIST’S resurrection, or perhaps a symbolic representation of a future day of the LORD. The loud trumpet sound signifies an important divine announcement.

Verse 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, unto Smyrna, unto Pergamos, unto Thyatira, unto Sardis, unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.”

The voice identifies itself again as Alpha and Omega, emphasizing its divine authority. John is commanded to write down what he sees and send it to the seven churches, specifically naming each one.

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

John responds to the command by turning to see the source of the voice. The seven golden candlesticks are a prominent symbol, later interpreted as representing the seven churches (verse 20).

Verse 13: “And in the midst of the seven golden 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.”

The central figure is revealed “one like unto the Son of man.” The description of His clothing emphasizes His majesty and authority.

Verse 14: “His head and His hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and His eyes were as a flame of fire;”

The description continues, highlighting the striking features of the figure: white hair like wool and snow, symbolizing age, wisdom, and purity; eyes like flames of fire, symbolizing judgment and penetrating insight.

Verse 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 are described as fine brass, glowing like a furnace, suggesting power and judgment. His voice is compared to the sound of many waters, signifying overwhelming power and authority.

Verse 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.”

He holds seven stars (representing the angels of the seven churches, verse 20), and a sharp twoedged sword proceeds from His mouth, symbolizing His judgment and Word. His countenance is like the sun’s brilliance, signifying His glory and majesty.

Verse 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’s reaction to the vision is one of awe and fear, falling at the feet of the glorious LORD almighty. JESUS reassures him, identifying himself again as the first and the last.

Verse 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 emphasizes His victory over death and His eternal life. The “keys of hell and of death” signify His absolute authority over the powers of death and the underworld.

Verse 19: “Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;”

The command to write is repeated, encompassing past, present, and future events.

Verse 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.”

The symbolism of the seven stars and candlesticks is explained. The stars represent the angels (messengers or leaders) of the seven churches, and the candlesticks represent the churches themselves.

Let’s Summarize Revelation Chapter 1:

“Revelation 1:1-20” introduces the book’s central theme: a revelation from JESUS CHRIST to John, detailing future events and offering a inspiring, beautiful message of hope and warning to the seven churches of Asia. The passage emphasizes JESUS CHRIST divine authority, His victory over death, and the urgency of the message. John’s role as a faithful witness and the symbolic imagery (seven stars, seven candlesticks, the Son of Man) are crucial for understanding the rest of the book.

Let us Pray:

Dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER, we thank you for this revelation of yourself and your mighty power. Open our hearts and minds to understand the message of this book, and help us to live in obedience to your marvelous righteous Word. Give us the courage to share your truth with others, and grant us the wisdom to discern your precious divine will in our lives. We pray for the churches of today, that they may remain faithful to you and shine your light into the darkness. Thank you dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER. we pray this throughout the mighty, glorious, fulfilling name of JESUS CHRIST. Amen!

Much LoVe, JoY, Peace and Blessings to You, through JESUS CHRIST, our almighty dear LORD, SAVIOUR and REDEEMER!