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:
2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
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.
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;
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,
6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him [be] glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
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.
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.
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.
10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
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.
12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
13 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.
14 His head and [his] hairs [were] white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes [were] as a flame of fire;
15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
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.
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:
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.
19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
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.
Overview of Revelation Chapter 1
Revelation Chapter 1 serves as the introduction to the entire book of Revelation, setting the stage for the visions and messages that follow. It establishes the authority of the author, introduces the themes of prophecy and worship, and provides a glimpse of the apocalyptic nature of the text.
Key Themes
- Divine Revelation: The chapter emphasizes that the contents are a revelation from Jesus Christ, highlighting the importance of divine communication.
- Prophecy: It is identified as a prophetic book, indicating that the messages contained within are meant to convey future events and truths.
- Worship and Praise: The chapter calls for worship and reverence towards God and Jesus Christ, portraying them as central figures in the Christian faith.
- Perseverance and Hope: The text encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith amidst trials and tribulations.
Structure of the Chapter
- Introduction (Verses 1-3):
The chapter opens with a declaration of the revelation given to John, emphasizing the importance of the message and the blessing for those who read and heed it.
- Greeting to the Seven Churches (Verses 4-8):
John addresses the seven churches in Asia, offering grace and peace from the Trinity: God, the Spirit, and Jesus Christ. This section highlights the eternal nature of Christ and His role as the Alpha and Omega.
- Vision of Christ (Verses 9-20):
John describes his vision of the glorified Christ, characterized by powerful imagery that conveys His majesty and authority. This vision serves as a pivotal moment, reinforcing the theme of Christ’s sovereignty over the church and the world.
Detailed Analysis of Key Verses
Verses 1-3: The Purpose of the Revelation
These verses introduce the book as a revelation from Jesus Christ, emphasizing its prophetic nature. The blessing pronounced on those who read and keep the words signifies the importance of active engagement with the text.
Verses 4-8: The Greeting
This section includes a greeting to the seven churches, which symbolizes completeness and is significant in the context of early Christianity. The mention of the Trinity underscores the theological foundation of the Christian faith, while the declaration of Christ as the Alpha and Omega emphasizes His eternal existence and authority.
Verses 9-20: The Vision of the Son of Man
John’s vision of Christ is rich in symbolism. The description of Christ’s appearance, with elements like the white robe and golden sash, conveys purity and authority. The imagery of the seven stars and lampstands represents the churches and their leaders, emphasizing Christ’s intimate connection with His followers. The command to write what he sees indicates the importance of recording this revelation for future generations.
Conclusion
Revelation Chapter 1 sets the foundation for the themes and messages that will unfold throughout the book. It establishes the authority of Christ, the significance of prophecy, and the call for believers to remain faithful. The vivid imagery and theological insights found in this chapter invite readers to reflect on the nature of divine revelation and the hope that it brings to the Christian community.
