What is Revelation all about? What are the mysterious creatures and other symbols supposed to mean? This is a series for personal and group Bible Studies discovering the real secrets in the book of Revelation. Most of the quotes are from the Public Domain King James Bible, not because I superstitiously believe it is more accurate, which it is not, but because copyright rules do not allow extensive quotation of most modern translations.
Being brought up on the KJV when it was popular, I have learned to read the words in modern English, for instance, pronouncing things like “readeth” as “reads,” “hath” as “has,” “saith” as “says” and so on. May I challenge you to do the same. If you prefer another translation, may I suggest simply placing it in front of you as you follow along in this study.
Revelation 1:1-2 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: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
Is this the revealing of the meaning of the 4 horses, 7 seals, 666, 1000 years, 144 thousand, Armageddon, Babylon, Beast, Gog, Magog, Harlot, Lampstands, Olive Trees, and Trumpets? The first sentence gives us the purpose of the book. It is NOT primarily the revelation of such symbols, it is primarily the revelation or UNVEILING OF a person. Both meanings (ABOUT and BY Jesus) are relevant in a sentence which is perhaps purposefully ambiguous in both English and Greek. In the same manner, it is also the TESTIMONY about and by that same person, Jesus Christ.
Revelation 1:3 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.
It is easy to dismiss Revelation as too mysterious to understand, or not central to Christian teaching. However, those who do, also dismiss the promised blessing for reading the book. Let’s not miss that blessing, and keep reading together.
Revelation 1:4-6 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; 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, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Whether the seven spirits are the seven angels of the seven churches or the seven-fold Holy Spirit is a question among theologians. Revelation is a letter addressed to seven churches in the geographical area of modern day western Turkey. The ancient style of epistle is obvious. It is also in another genre, called the apocalyptic genre, which we will come to see.
Revelation 1:7 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.
Next we notice that at His return, Jesus will be visible, not invisible. This was also attested to at the ascension of Jesus. “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.” (Acts 1:11) The theory of a secret return is a departure from this testimony.
Revelation 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord [God], which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
The Word “God” [in square brackets] is in the original Greek and most modern translations include it here. The words “the beginning and the ending” are from Revelation 22:13. God the Father and later God the Son, are both described as alpha and omega. Though this prophecy describes the dragon and the beast, we know that the end will be the same as the beginning, God reigns and all false gods are temporary. The Almighty means the ruler of all.
Revelation 1:9 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.
Independent evidence suggests that John was a prisoner on Patmos.
Revelation 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
Ancient church fathers separated the Sabbath from the Lord’s Day. The 7th day remembered creation. The 1st day remembered the Resurrection and became a weekly mini Easter Sunday. It seems then, that John spent all Sunday in worship accompanied by a vision.
Revelation 1:11 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.
This Sunday experience was to be preserved in writing and as we shall see, though based upon the seven churches, it was intended for the edification of a much wider audience.
Revelation 1:12-13 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 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.
The Old Testament church was pictured in one unified candlestick with 7 branches, the menorah (Exodus 25:31-32; Zechariah 4:2-11). The New Testament church is pictured in seven individual candlesticks, not one unified whole. Who is in the midst of the 7 churches? Is it Jesus?
Revelation 1:14-15 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
Reminiscent of the vision seen on the mount of transfiguration (Matthew 17:2), is a similar vision of Jesus’ present glory. We may as well be honest and upright in prayer. Jesus’ piercing eyes see right through any pretense we might muster.
Revelation 1:16 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.
The word of God which goes forth from Jesus’ mouth is like a two edged sword (Hebrews 4:12).
Revelation 1:17-18 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: 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.
Like Daniel (10:8-9), John, who was Jesus’ closest companion, was so overwhelmed that he fell upon seeing the resurrected Christ.
Revelation 1:19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
No time frame is given as to the exact timing of these events to come. It is perhaps deliberately vague, neither exclusively supporting a preterist (already past) nor a futurist (yet future) view.
Revelation 1:20 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.
It is clear who the seven candlesticks are. The seven angels are either heavenly or human “messengers,” perhaps bishops or presbyters. Heavenly angels do not need letters, though letters can be symbolic of heaven’s marching orders.
Next time Chapter 2
