Detailed Commentary on Revelation Chapter 1

Overview of Revelation Chapter 1
Chapter 1 serves as the introduction to the Book of Revelation, establishing its divine origin, purpose, and authority. It includes a prologue, a greeting to the seven churches, and John’s vision of the glorified Christ. This chapter lays the foundation for understanding the rest of the book by emphasizing Jesus Christ as the central figure of the revelation.

1. Prologue: The Revelation of Jesus Christ (1:1–3)

Verses 1–2:
“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 Greek word for “revelation” (ἀποκάλυψις, apokalypsis) means “unveiling” or “disclosure.” This book reveals truths about Jesus Christ and His plan for the future.
• The chain of communication is clear: from God to Jesus, to an angel, to John, and finally to the servants of God (believers).
• John identifies himself as the faithful witness to these divine visions, emphasizing his reliability and the divine authority of the message.

Verse 3:
“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 is the first of seven blessings in Revelation, often called the “Beatitudes of Revelation.” It highlights the practical purpose of the book—not just to understand but to obey.
• The phrase “the time is near” conveys the urgency of readiness, reminding readers that God’s plan is unfolding according to His divine timeline.

2. Greetings to the Seven Churches (1:4–8)

Verse 4:
“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.”

• John writes to seven literal churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), but the number seven also symbolizes completeness, indicating the universal relevance of the message to all churches.
• “Grace” and “peace” are typical Christian greetings, emphasizing God’s unmerited favor and the peace that comes from reconciliation with Him.
• The description of God as eternal—”who is and who was and who is to come”—underscores His timeless sovereignty.
• The “seven Spirits” likely refer to the fullness of the Holy Spirit, possibly alluding to Isaiah 11:2’s sevenfold description of the Spirit.

Verses 5–6:
“And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth.”

• Jesus is presented in three roles:
  1. Faithful Witness: His earthly ministry and testimony were flawless.
  2. Firstborn from the Dead: His resurrection is the guarantee of eternal life for all believers.
  3. Ruler of Kings: Jesus is the sovereign King, whose ultimate authority surpasses all earthly rulers.
• Believers are called “kings and priests” (or a kingdom of priests), reflecting their redeemed identity and role in God’s kingdom (Exodus 19:6, 1 Peter 2:9).

Verses 7–8:
“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.”

• This refers to Christ’s second coming, echoing Daniel 7:13 and Zechariah 12:10. His return will be visible to all, bringing joy to believers and mourning to those who rejected Him.
• Verse 8 highlights God’s sovereignty: He is the Alpha and Omega (the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet), signifying His eternal nature and ultimate authority.

3. The Vision of the Glorified Christ (1:9–20)

Verse 9:
“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 humbly identifies with his readers, sharing in their suffering, perseverance, and hope in God’s kingdom.
• Patmos, a barren island in the Aegean Sea, was likely a place of exile where John was sent for preaching the gospel.

Verse 10:
“I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet.”

• Being “in the Spirit” indicates a state of prophetic revelation, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
• The “Lord’s Day” refers to Sunday, the day of Christ’s resurrection, though some interpret it as a future “Day of the Lord.”
• The trumpet-like voice symbolizes authority and urgency.

Verses 11–16:

• John is instructed to write what he sees and send it to the seven churches.
• The vision of Christ:
  • Seven golden lampstands: Represent the seven churches.
  • One like the Son of Man: A Messianic title (Daniel 7:13).
  • Clothing and appearance: His long robe and golden sash signify priestly and kingly authority. His white hair represents wisdom and purity, and His eyes, “like a flame of fire,” symbolize His penetrating judgment.
  • Feet like bronze: Indicating strength and judgment.
  • Voice like rushing waters: Denoting power and majesty.
  • Seven stars: Represent the angels (or messengers) of the churches.
  • Two-edged sword: Symbolizing the power of His word to judge and redeem.

Verses 17–18:
“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.”

• Christ reassures John, reminding him of His victory over death and His eternal life.

Verses 19–20:

• John is commanded to write about:
  1. Things he has seen (the vision of Christ).
  2. Things which are (the current state of the churches).
  3. Things which will take place after this (future events).

Learning Points 

1. Christ-Centered Focus: Revelation begins by emphasizing Jesus Christ as the faithful witness, the risen Lord, and the returning King. Encourage students to keep Christ central in their understanding of the book.
2. Practical Application: The blessing in verse 3 reminds us that the book is not just for intellectual knowledge but for transformation and obedience.
3. Encouragement in Tribulation: John’s example on Patmos teaches perseverance in trials, while Christ’s appearance assures victory and hope.
4. Symbolism and Interpretation: Help students approach Revelation’s symbols carefully, using Scripture to interpret Scripture.

Would you like to proceed with the commentary on Chapter 2, or discuss this chapter further?