Revelation 1

Revelation 1 serves as an introduction to the entire book of Revelation, revealing its divine origin and purpose. It identifies the source of the visions, describes the circumstances of its writing, and introduces the central figure of the book—Jesus Christ in His glorified state. This chapter sets the stage for the apocalyptic visions that follow, highlighting the message to the seven churches of Asia and unveiling Christ’s authority and eternal glory.

Revelation 1:1-2 (NKJV):
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, who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw.

The book of Revelation is described as a revelation from Jesus Christ, given by God the Father to show His servants events that would soon take place. This message was delivered through an angel to John, who faithfully testified to everything he witnessed. This establishes the divine authority of the book and its purpose: to reveal future events and the testimony of Christ.

Revelation 1:3 (NKJV):
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 verse promises a blessing to those who read, hear, and keep the words of Revelation. It underscores the importance of not just hearing the prophecy but also obeying it. The urgency of the message is clear—the events foretold are near, making it crucial for believers to heed its warnings and promises.

Revelation 1:4-5 (NKJV):
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, 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.

John greets the seven churches of Asia with grace and peace, which come from God the Father, who is eternal, the Holy Spirit (referred to as the seven Spirits), and Jesus Christ. Christ is praised as the faithful witness, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all earthly kings. His sacrificial love is highlighted, as He cleansed believers from their sins through His own blood.

Revelation 1:6 (NKJV):
and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

This verse exalts Christ for making believers both kings and priests to God. It emphasizes the elevated status of the faithful, who are given a royal and priestly role in God’s kingdom. All glory and dominion are attributed to Christ, recognizing His eternal reign and authority.

Revelation 1:7 (NKJV):
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 proclaims the future visible return of Christ, where every person will witness His coming, including those responsible for His crucifixion. It will be a moment of sorrow for many on the earth, as they recognize the significance of His return and the judgment that follows.

Revelation 1:8 (NKJV):
“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.”

Here, God declares Himself as the Alpha and Omega, the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, symbolizing His eternal nature. He is the source and culmination of all things, existing in the past, present, and future. His omnipotence is underscored, affirming His ultimate authority over everything.

Revelation 1:9 (NKJV):
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.

John introduces himself as a fellow believer and sufferer for Christ, writing from the island of Patmos, where he had been exiled for his witness to the Word of God and Jesus Christ. This verse highlights John’s solidarity with believers in their trials and his faithful endurance for the sake of the Gospel.

Revelation 1:10-11 (NKJV):
I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, 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.”

John was in a spiritual state on the Lord’s Day when he heard a powerful voice, like a trumpet, identifying itself as the Alpha and Omega, instructing him to write what he would see and send it to the seven churches in Asia. This marks the beginning of the revelation given to John, with specific instructions for the churches.

Revelation 1:12-13 (NKJV):
Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 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.

John turns to see the voice and is met with a vision of seven golden lampstands, symbolizing the seven churches, and in the midst is Christ, described as "like the Son of Man." His attire reflects His priestly and kingly roles, emphasizing His divine authority and presence among the churches.

Revelation 1:14-15 (NKJV):
His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters;

The description of Christ here emphasizes His divine glory and purity, with white hair symbolizing wisdom and holiness, and eyes of fire representing penetrating insight and judgment. His feet of glowing brass reflect His strength and purity, and His voice is as powerful as rushing waters, commanding authority.

Revelation 1:16 (NKJV):
He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.

Christ holds seven stars in His right hand, symbolizing the angels or messengers of the seven churches. The sword coming from His mouth represents His powerful, piercing word of truth and judgment. His face, shining like the sun, highlights His overwhelming glory and majesty.

Revelation 1:17-18 (NKJV):
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. 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.”

John is overwhelmed by the sight of Christ and falls down as if dead, but Christ reassures him with His touch and words, reminding John of His eternal nature and victory over death. Christ’s authority over life and death is emphasized, as He holds the keys to both, symbolizing His control over the eternal fate of humanity.

Revelation 1:19 (NKJV):
Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.

Christ commands John to write down the visions he has seen, the current state of affairs, and the future events that will unfold. This outlines the scope of Revelation, which covers past, present, and future realities, encompassing God’s entire redemptive plan.

Revelation 1:20 (NKJV):
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 explains the symbolism of the vision: the seven stars represent the angels or messengers of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands represent the churches themselves. This reinforces the intimate connection between Christ and His church, as He holds the leaders of the church in His hand while being present among the churches.