Study: Revelation Chapter 1

Read Revelation 1

The first chapter of Revelation is an introduction of “revealing” End Times events through the Apostle John. Set on the isle of Patmos in 95 A.D., John is in prison by the Roman government because of his testimony of Jesus Christ.

The book begins with Jesus gloriously revealing Himself to the ‘Beloved Disciple” and instructing John to record messages (in the form of letters) to seven churches planted by the disciples and the Apostle Paul.

Some 60 years after the death and resurrection of our Savior, John is the only living of the twelve disciples – and the only disciple not martyred for his faith. These letters represent, not only the major churches of Asia Minor, but also the status or condition of the church up through, and including, today’s church.

First, notice the blessing in verse 3 where Jesus promises to anyone who reads and takes to heart the prophecies of Revelation. I can never forget this gift from our Messiah.

Each of the soon-to-be letters to the churches begins with the same greeting and doxology, recorded in verses 4-8. These verses introduce Jesus in royal terms and descriptions, promising His ‘soon’ return and the end of the age.

In verse 12, the script turns to John’s incomprehensible description of Jesus as he identifies the voice he hears ‘behind him’.

In verses 17 and 18 it is clear that although John recognizes he is receiving a vision from heaven, he does not recognize the messenger, “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead.” As Jesus Identifies Himself, he comforts the startled disciple to ‘fear not’, one of Jesus’ favorites directives during his ministry here on earth.

It blows my mind that John, who spend 3-and-a-half years walking side-by-side – and spent his entire adult live devote to the cause of Christ – did not recognize the Savior. The same Savior who described John as His ‘beloved disciple’.

In verse 19, Jesus redirects John’s attention and directs the disciple to write down exactly as He dictates to the churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea – all listed in verse 11. You can take literally in verse 20 that 7 lampstands are specific churches listed above, and 7 stars are individual angels assigned to the churches.

Summary

Revelation, Chapter 1 serves as the introduction and foundation for the entire book of Revelation. Its purpose is to reveal Jesus Christ in His glory and authority, affirming Him as the central figure of the vision.

The chapter sets the stage by identifying the book as a prophetic message given by God to show His servants “what must soon take place.” John, the author, establishes his role as the messenger, writing to the seven churches in Asia, and emphasizing the theme of Christ’s eternal kingship.

The chapter highlights Christ as the Alpha and Omega, the eternal One who conquered death, and provides a vision of His majesty that assures believers of His power and presence.

Ultimately, the purpose of Revelation 1 is to encourage the us, and prepare us for the prophetic messages that follow, and anchor their hope in the victorious and sovereign Christ.