REVELATION 1

The apostle John, somewhere around A.D. 95 - 98, is on an island called Patmos. He is there, imprisoned for preaching the gospel. While other apostles were martyred, John was exiled. And prior to that exile, he spent some 30 years preaching among various churches in the region of Asia, some of which will be the recipients of this letter.

John is to give testimony of all he saw, all that he was shown in this vision from Christ Himself. Remember, John and Jesus were close personal friends when Jesus lived on Earth. Churches he is writing to are undergoing persecution, life is not pleasant for the believer in that day. And John, called a bond-servant (a fully willing slave), is reminded that “the time is near”. The end is coming “soon”. Some like to read the word “suddenly” in this part of Revelation. Think on this when you find yourself in times of struggle. If someone says help or relief is coming “suddenly”, there is not much comfort in that. However, if help is coming “soon”, then there is hope, there is a feeling that you can endure a bit longer, knowing that the end is in sight. That is the tone of Christ’s message of His return.

Christ is called the “firstborn of the dead”. Prophets in the OT raised people to life after death (by God’s power), and even Jesus and some apostles did the same. All the people that were raised to life in those cases eventually died again. Not so with Jesus. When He was resurrected, He stayed alive. Thus the term “firstborn”.

Jesus speaks to John directly, and he is instructed to write to seven churches in Asia. These are seven real churches, and Christ has a message for each of them. All will receive this entire letter, so they will all be able to compare their triumphs and struggles to those of other churches, taking rebuke, instruction, and encouragement from the entire writing.

Jesus reminds John, and us for that matter, that we were made to be priests. God’s plan was for us to believe in His Son, and be directly related to the Father through Him. If that is not encouragement enough, then John is reminded that “He is coming with the clouds”, which we also just read in Luke. And when He does, every eye will see Him, Philippians tells us every knee will bow. When Christ returns, there will be no mistaking it, that’s for sure.

John is “in the Spirit” on the Lord’s Day. Simply put, it was Sunday, and John was taken into a trance-like state of consciousness to receive this vision. He was fully awake, in a very open state of mind, seeing things very, very clearly.

He sees seven lampstands (stands for portable oil lamps). These are symbolic of the churches, which were (and are still) commissioned to shine forth God’s light. The lampstands with lit oil lamps are perfect representations of what the church should be. “Does one light a lamp and hide it?” the gospels ask. No. Imagery here even reminds the readers then of the OT principle of letting their light shine before the Gentiles. God’s people have always been told to be a testimony to those around them.

John then describes the “one” in the middle of the lampstands. He repeats what we see in Daniel 7:13, this “Son of Man”. Jesus referred to Himself likewise in Mark 13:26. There is no mistaking that this “one” is Christ. Read slowly the description as John sees Him.

Christ holding the seven stars is a demonstration of His authority. He has authority over all, including the church. And John responds the same way Daniel did, by prostrating himself before the Lord. John previously experienced this as in Matthew 17 when he witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration. And here, as then, Jesus comforts and assures him of the care He has for His people.

Verse 20 ends this chapter, with a mention of angels of each of these churches. Several possibilities exist as to who these angels are. Some believe them to be guardian angels, others believe them to be the pastors of each of the churches. Most commentators agree that they are human messengers, perhaps in some form of spiritual leadership in the churches they will deliver the letter to. (1) And the real point is what follows: what does God want to say to each church?

SO WHAT…?

So, in the middle of my daily trials and struggles, am I comforted by the knowledge that Jesus is coming “soon”? I should be. And that fact should keep me going, keep me living for Him.

So, can I be reassured that Christ, God Himself, is in control? Can I feel His authority in my life? I should, on both accounts.

So, my reverent awe for Him should be evident in all I do, say, and think. I personally marvel at how Scripture comes together so clearly, Daniel 7:13, Mark 13:26, Revelation 1:13. Christ is God, and I know He wins. Whatever comes my way, I should be able to rest in that.


(1) Thomas, Robert. “Revelation, an Exegetical Commentary”, pp 116-119.