Rev 1 | MHM | STEP | The Substance of the Book This section introduces the Book of Revelation, explaining where the message comes from and why it is important. The book is called a "revelation" because it uncovers truths that were previously hidden. It is a message from God, given through Jesus Christ, delivered by an angel, and finally shared by the apostle John for all believers. The book promises to show important events that will happen soon, and it reminds us that God wants His people to know His plans and ways. v. 1 : This book is called the Revelation of Jesus Christ. All revelation comes through Christ and is about Him. In these last days, God has spoken to us by His Son (Hebrews 1:2 ). Even though Jesus is God, as the Mediator between God and people, He received this message from the Father. Jesus then sent it by His angel to John. Angels are God’s messengers, and they serve those who belong to Jesus (Hebrews 1:14 ). John was chosen to receive this vision, and he was to share it with all believers, not just leaders. This message is for everyone who serves Christ. The subject of this revelation is what will happen soon. While the Gospels tell us about the past, prophecy tells us about the future. God did not make every detail perfectly clear, but shared enough to encourage us to respect His word and to make us want to learn more. If God had revealed everything in detail, some things might not have happened as planned. The mysterious way these things are shown helps us trust the Bible and motivates us to study it carefully. The events described will start soon, and history has now entered its last stage.

‏ Revelation of John 1

The Substance of the Book

This section introduces the Book of Revelation, explaining where the message comes from and why it is important. The book is called a "revelation" because it uncovers truths that were previously hidden. It is a message from God, given through Jesus Christ, delivered by an angel, and finally shared by the apostle John for all believers. The book promises to show important events that will happen soon, and it reminds us that God wants His people to know His plans and ways.

v. 1: This book is called the Revelation of Jesus Christ. All revelation comes through Christ and is about Him. In these last days, God has spoken to us by His Son (Hebrews 1:2 ^a). Even though Jesus is God, as the Mediator between God and people, He received this message from the Father. Jesus then sent it by His angel to John. Angels are God’s messengers, and they serve those who belong to Jesus (Hebrews 1:14 ^b). John was chosen to receive this vision, and he was to share it with all believers, not just leaders. This message is for everyone who serves Christ.

The subject of this revelation is what will happen soon. While the Gospels tell us about the past, prophecy tells us about the future. God did not make every detail perfectly clear, but shared enough to encourage us to respect His word and to make us want to learn more. If God had revealed everything in detail, some things might not have happened as planned. The mysterious way these things are shown helps us trust the Bible and motivates us to study it carefully. The events described will start soon, and history has now entered its last stage.

v. 2: John tells us that he is the one who received and wrote down this revelation. Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw (Revelation 1:2 ^c). He faithfully shares everything God showed him. John does not add his own ideas or leave anything out. He is both a witness and a messenger, making sure that what he writes is the true message from God. This gives us confidence in the truth of this prophecy.

Apostolic Benediction

This section gives a special blessing to those who pay attention to the Book of Revelation. It encourages everyone to read, listen, and obey what is written. The blessing is for all believers, but especially for the seven churches in Asia. The passage also reminds us where the true blessing comes from—God the Father, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ—and describes the greatness of Christ and His love for the church.

v. 3: There is a blessing for anyone who reads or hears the words of this prophecy. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein (Revelation 1:3 ^d). This means it is important not only to read or listen to the Bible, but also to remember and obey it. The time when these things will happen is near, so we should pay careful attention as we see the day approaching.

v. 4: The blessing is directed especially to the seven churches in Asia. Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come (Revelation 1:4 ^e). "Grace" means God’s kindness and help; "peace" is the comfort and assurance that comes from knowing Him. These blessings come from God the Father, who is eternal and unchanging, from the Holy Spirit, described as the seven spirits before God’s throne, and from Jesus Christ.

v. 5: Jesus Christ is called the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth (Revelation 1:5 ^f). He always tells the truth about God’s will. He was the first to rise from the dead and will raise His people too. He rules over all the kings of the world. Jesus loves His people, and He has washed away their sins with His own blood.

v. 6: Jesus has made believers kings and priests unto God and his Father (Revelation 1:6 ^g). As kings, Christians can overcome sin and the devil; as priests, they can come near to God and pray to Him. Because of this, they should give Him glory and honor forever.

v. 7: The book of Revelation begins and ends by reminding us that Jesus will return. Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him (Revelation 1:7 ^h). Everyone, both friends and enemies, will see Him when He comes. His return will bring joy to His followers but fear to those who rejected Him and did not repent.

v. 8: Jesus Himself confirms this message. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord (Revelation 1:8 ⁱ). He is eternal and all-powerful, just like God the Father. Everything begins and ends with Him. Those who honor Jesus will be honored by Him, but those who reject Him will lose everything.

John's Vision of Christ

This section describes the amazing vision that the apostle John had of Jesus Christ. John explains his own situation and the spiritual state he was in when he received this revelation. He also shares what he heard and saw, including a powerful vision of Christ in glory among the churches. This vision was meant to encourage and instruct all believers, especially those facing suffering and persecution.

v. 9: John introduces himself as a brother and companion to other Christians in their troubles, in the kingdom, and in patient endurance for Christ. He was suffering just like them, being exiled to the island of Patmos for his faith and for sharing the message of Jesus. John does not focus on his own authority as an apostle, but on his connection with other believers. He reminds us that Christians should support each other, especially in hard times. John was on Patmos because he was faithful to Jesus, not because he had done anything wrong.

v. 10: John says that he received this vision on the Lord’s day, which is the first day of the week, the Christian Sabbath. He was “in the Spirit,” meaning he was in a spiritual and prayerful state, ready to receive God’s message. Suddenly, he heard a loud voice like a trumpet. This was Jesus speaking, calling Himself “the first and the last,” and telling John to write down what he would see and send it to the seven churches in Asia. The voice was powerful and clear, showing the importance of the message.

–

v. 12–13: When John turned to see who was speaking, he saw a vision of seven golden candlesticks. These candlesticks represent the churches, which are meant to shine the light of the gospel. In the middle of the candlesticks stood Jesus Christ, showing that He is always present with His people, giving them light, life, and love.

v. 13–16: John describes the glorious appearance of Christ. Jesus wore a long robe and a golden sash, showing He is both King and High Priest. His hair was white like wool or snow, showing His eternal wisdom. His eyes were like flames of fire, able to see everything, even into people’s hearts. His feet were like glowing bronze, strong and able to crush His enemies. His voice was like the sound of many waters, powerful and majestic. In His right hand, He held seven stars, which are the leaders of the churches. Out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, which is His powerful word. His face shone like the sun in all its strength, too bright for anyone to look at directly.

– – –

v. 17: When John saw this vision, he fell at Jesus’ feet as if he were dead. The glory and power of Christ were overwhelming, even for someone who had known Jesus closely on earth. This shows how great and holy Jesus is.

v. 17–18: Jesus kindly touched John and told him not to be afraid. He explained who He is: I am the first and the last. I was dead, and now I am alive forevermore. I have the keys of hell and of death (Revelation 1:17-18 ^j). Jesus has complete authority over life, death, and eternity. He is the living Savior who conquered death.

–

v. 19–20: Jesus told John to write down everything he saw—what was happening now and what would happen in the future. He explained that the seven stars are the leaders of the seven churches, and the seven candlesticks are the churches themselves. Jesus wanted each church to receive a special message from Him, showing His care and guidance for all His people.