![[20240501-RevelationHeader.jpg]]
![[Introduction and Benediction 1.1-3]]
In the introduction to the letter the writer wants us to understand several important things. First, that the topic is the revelation of Jesus Christ. Secondly, the Source and Originator of that revelation is God. The revelation was sent to John through His angel (messenger). Third, the purpose of this revelation is to show His servants events that are “must shortly take place.”
***What facts are mentioned to establish the credibility of the writer?***
First, *John* was the servant of God. The word servant is *doulos*[^doulos] which is translated as slave or bondservant. This means that John was a willing slave of the Lord.
Secondly, John maintains that he bore witness to the word of God (cf. [[2 Peter 1.9|2 Peter 1:9]], [[John 1.1-3|John 1:1-3]]), the testimony of Jesus (cf. [[Acts 1.8|Acts 1:8]]), and all that he saw (cf. [[1 John 1.1|1 John 1:1]]). He’s referencing the historical facts and experiences he had.
***What is the point of identifying the events that must shortly take place?*** It is to establish a sense of urgency. This revelation was given not too many years after the Apostles were told that Jesus would return when the Father determined ([[Acts 1.6-7|Acts 1:6-7]]).
![[Greeting the Seven Churches 1.4-8|Greeting the Seven Churches 1:4-8]]
John followed a customary formula for the introduction to letters (consider how the Apostle Paul opened his letters, cf. [[Galatians 1.1-3|Galatians 1:1-3]]). ***What or why is that important for us to identify?*** It helps with establishing legitimacy or authority of the author. It communicates that John is in a posture of wanting to bless the readers. Additionally, it reveals that at least part of the book of Revelation is in the form of a letter to specific groups of people. This is helpful for understanding and interpreting the text.
The Apostle continues to emphasize who he represents as he communicates this revelation: God the Father, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ.
> [!todo]- For Further Study: the Trinity
> In [[Revelation 1.4|Revelation 1:4]] we see a reference to God in three Persons. This doctrine is called the Trinity. Though the Bible does not explicitly name this term there are a number of places where God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are included together. Do a study to see if and where there are other Scriptures that refer to God in these three ways in close proximity. Here are a couple to get you started: [[Genesis 1.1-2|Genesis 1:1-2]] and [[Matthew 3.16|Matthew 3:16]].
He begins by pointing out the everlasting nature of God “*who is and who was and who is to come.*”
> [!hyperlinks]- Hyperlink: Ancient of Days
> To the readers of John’s letters, the phrase “Him who is and who was and who is to come” is meant to point them back to another place in Scripture. The Prophet Daniel had a vision where he saw God as “the Ancient of Days” ([[Daniel 7.9|Daniel 7:9]]). To Moses, God revealed Himself as I AM (who is, [[Exodus 3.14|Exodus 3:14]]). The Apostle also described Jesus as the Word who was with God in the beginning ([[John 1.1|John 1:1]]). Consider other scriptures that speak to the eternal nature of God such as [[Psalm 90.2|Psalm 90:2]], [[Micah 5.2|Micah 5:2]], [[Habakkuk 1.12|Habakkuk 1:12]], [[Isaiah 57.15|Isaiah 57:15]], etc.
Additionally, John refers to the Holy Spirit of God in his statement about the *seven Spirits who are before His throne.*
> [!hyperlinks]- Hyperlink: the seven Spirits
> It is likely that the readers of the book of Revelation understood that the “seven Spirits” was a reference to the Holy Spirit. Consider how [[Isaiah 11.2|Isaiah 11:2]] and [[Zechariah 3.9|Zechariah 3:9]] would have informed this thought. This title will also be repeated throughout Revelation.
And finally, John points to Jesus. As he describes Jesus, one of the phrases that he uses is *faithful witness.* ***What does this mean and why did he choose to use this description?*** The word witness is the *martys* and it is where we get the word “martyr” from.[^witness] John may be referring to Jesus as the One who died to testify to the truth. He was faithful to represent the truth of God to the point of death. ***Why might this be important to John as he writes this letter?*** Remember that in [[Acts 1.8|Acts 1:8]] Jesus called us to be His witnesses. John had been exiled to Patmos for his testimony of Jesus. This thought might be relevant based on his experience and Jesus’ command.
Jesus is also called *the Firstborn from among the dead.* ***What does this title mean for us?*** It is more than just the fact that He rose from the grave because others experienced a resurrection.
%% potentially add hyperlinks/further study for resurrections in the Bible %%
> [!bible] **Colossians 1:15-18 NKJV**
> **15** He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. **16** For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. **17** And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. **18** And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
The idea of firstborn is establishing the preeminence of Christ. It is connected to the blessing that the firstborn son received in the Old Testament. Jesus is the firstborn of all those who will have eternal life (He died once. All of the others who were raised from the dead died again.)
The final description John gives to Jesus is *ruler over the kings of the earth.* ***What does this mean?*** Jesus is the *King of kings* and *Lord of lords*. He has the authority and dominion and power over all kings and leaders and authorities in all the earth.
***What is the meaning of these descriptions of Jesus?*** The point is that John wants to remind the audience who he is testifying of. He is using language that is anchored in Messianic prophecy and ties into the themes of the kingdom of heaven. In particular, those familiar with the Old Testament would probably have the vision of Daniel in mind as they read this portion of the text.
>[!bible] **Daniel 7:9-14 NKJV**
> **9** “I watched till thrones were put in place, And the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, And the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, Its wheels a burning fire; **10** A fiery stream issued And came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, And the books were opened. **11** “I watched then because of the sound of the pompous words which the horn was speaking; I watched till the beast was slain, and its body destroyed and given to the burning flame. **12** As for the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away, yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time. **13** “I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him. **14** Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed.
Remember that Jesus regularly called Himself, the “Son of Man.” And it was the Son of Man who would rule and have dominion forever. John is establishing that reality at the beginning of the Revelation as it will be important for understanding the rest of the letter. And he is tying this revelation to the Old Testament message.
> [!question]- For Further Consideration
> How does these descriptions of God the Father, the Holy Spirit, and of Jesus affect your worship? How are they meant to help you interpret and understand the text of Revelation?
After establishing who Jesus is, John turns toward what Jesus has done for us. ***What is the importance of John’s statement that Jesus “loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood?”*** This statement communicates that God loves those who are His, the believer who has been washed in the blood whose sins have been forgiven. This message was to the Christian and not directly to the world. This statement is an indication of our relationship with God through the Spirit.
Not only has John declared that Jesus loves us and forgives us, He also makes us kings and priests to God. ***What does it mean that we are priests to God?*** It means that we have a special relationship with God and we are called to represent Him before men. We pray and intercede for people and we invite them to come to Jesus. ***What does it mean that we are kings to God?*** Kings bring protection and order by exercising their authority. We are to live by and show people the Way of God. We bring the world, and especially our lives, into subjection to the rule of God.
> [!hyperlinks]- Hyperlink: Kings and Priests
> We first hear about being a kingdom of priests unto God through the voice of Moses in [[Exodus 19.6|Exodus 19:6]]. The Apostle Peter shared the idea that Christians are a *chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation* ([[1 Peter 2.9|1 Peter 2:9]]). Further, the Apostle Paul shares that we will reign and rule with Christ as co-heirs of the kingdom of heaven ([[2 Timothy 2.12|2 Timothy 2:12]], [[Romans 8.16-17|Romans 8:16-17]]).
Finally, after glorifying God for the good news that we are washed and called into a special relationship with Him, John points our attention back to Jesus and what is to come.
He says that Jesus is coming with the clouds, whom every eye will see, was the one who they pierced, and because of Him, all the tribes of the earth will mourn ([[Revelation 1.7|v7]]). This echoes what Jesus Himself taught about His triumphant return:
> [!bible] **Matthew 24:30 NKJV**
> Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Additionally, this language follows the prophecy of Zechariah:
> [!bible] **Zechariah 12:10 NKJV**
> “And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.
We know that Jesus was pierced in His side by the centurion ([[John 19.34|John 19:34]]).
***What is John communicating to us through this saying?*** The Jesus he has been talking about was the historical Jesus who was crucified and pierced on His side with a spear. This Jesus is the Messiah who is going to return in power and authority. ***What does it mean that the people will mourn when they see Him?*** At that point, it will be good news for the Christian but be a time of mourning, bitterness, grief, and loss for the unbeliever. At that point, it will be too late to avoid judgment. The people will mourn their sins and flee from God. They will be terrified of what will follow (cf. [[Isaiah 2.19|Isaiah 2:19]], [[Revelation 6.16-17|Revelation 6:16-17]]).
The Lord then speaks and confirms that He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the Almighty God who is and who was and who is to come (just as John declared him to be in [[Revelation 1.4|v4]]).
> [!todo]- For Further Study: The Alpha and Omega
> Jesus described Himself as the Alpha and Omega. These are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. How does this title intersect with the truth that Jesus is the word of God ([[John 1.1-3|John 1:1-3]])? What other Scriptures are similar to this title that might give us more insight into the preeminence of Jesus and His role in the life of God’s people? Here’s a good place to get started with your study: [[Hebrews 12.2|Hebrews 12:2]].
![[Vision of the Son of Man 1.9-20#^e6b5be|Vision of the Son of Man 1:9-20]]
***Why was John on the Island of Patmos?*** Because he had been preaching Jesus. He was enduring tribulation for his ministry. He shared tribulation with his audience and identity as a Christian (i.e. “your brother”) and participator in the kingdom.
> [!todo]- For Further Study: Tribulation in the Early Church
> In the modern West tribulation and persecution look very different than throughout history. Many extra-biblical works offer insight into ways Christians faced persecution due to their faith. During our study, we read an excerpt from a letter by Pliny (the Younger) written to the Emperer Trajan about the trials held for Christians and the demands that they deny Christ and worship the Emperor as God in *[[Documents of the Christian Church]]* pp3-5. Another good resource is *[Foxe’s Book of Martyrs](https://a.co/d/dDReig6)* which documents the stories of hundreds of Christians who were killed for their faith in Jesus.
***Why is John choosing to share that he was a companion in tribulation?*** Because of the strong message that he was going to share, he wanted the audience to understand that he was experiencing the same kind of challenges and attacks on his faith that they were.
***When John mentions “The Lord’s Day,” what does he mean?*** John is speaking of Sunday. The Sabbath is Saturday and the first day of the week is Sunday. It also is the day of resurrection, when Christ rose. ***Is there a difference between The Lord’s Day and the Day of the Lord?*** Yes. The Lord’s Day is the day that signifies the resurrection. The Day of the Lord was prophesied in the Old Testament and refers to the Day of Judgment (cf. [[Joel 2.31|Joel 2:31]]).
***What was John doing on the Lord’s Day?*** He was “in the spirit.” We can infer that he was worshipping and praying. ***What happened while he was worshipping?*** the Lord spoke to him with a voice that sounded like a trumpet.
***What is the significance of Jesus calling Himself the “Alpha” and “Omega?”*** These are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. This ties into the opening of the gospel of John:
> [!bible] **John 1:1 NKJV**
> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
***What was the command that Jesus gave John?*** To take notes and share what Jesus is about to say. **Who is the audience that Jesus is trying to reach?** Jesus’ message was for the church. It was not meant for the world.
> [!tip]- Principle: The Bible and Revelation
> The Bible is not a natural book and therefore it cannot be fully understood apart from God. Consider the words of the Apostle Paul explaining this principle in [[1 Corinthians 2.6-16|1 Corinthians 2:6-16]].
John sees Jesus and there is several things that he sees that are also symbolic.
- One “like” the Son of Man: This reference to Jesus speaks of His nature of being fully God but also taking upon the form of man (cf. [[Romans 8.3|Romans 8:3]], [[Philippians 2.7|Philippians 2:7]]). John continues to describe Jesus in His glorified, heavenly body (cf. [[1 Corinthians 15.35-49|1 Corinthians 15:35-49]], [[John 20.14-17|John 20:14-17]]).
- Seven golden lampstands: these are the seven churches ([[Revelation 1.20|v20]])
- Jesus in the midst refers to His presence among the churches (cf. [[Matthew 28.18-20|Matthew 28:18-20]], [[Matthew 18.19-20|Matthew 18:19-20]]).
- The lampstands are shining. They offer light to the world (cf. [[Matthew 5.14-16|Matthew 5:14-16]]).
- The lampstands in the Tabernacle are also located in the Inner Court (Holy Place). They were perpetually to be lit by the anointing oil. The oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. The pipes of the lampstands supply the oil for the flame. These are the “means of grace” that provides the source. Similarly, God supplies what we need to shine brightly in the world through the various means of grace that He provides to the Church.
- The lampstands were maintained by the priest. Jesus is our High Priest ([[Hebrews 4.14|Hebrews 4:14]]).
- The seven stars: these are the “angels” or messengers of the churches ([[Revelation 1.20|v20]]). This could mean literal angels or even the ministers that have been appointed over these churches (cf. [[Malachi 2.7|Malachi 2:7]], [[Revelation 2.1|Revelation 2:1]]).
- The sword coming out of Jesus’ mouth: The “sword of the Spirit” which is the word of God ([[Ephesians 6.17|Ephesians 6:17]], [[Hebrews 4.12|Hebrews 4:12]]). God spoke creation into existence ([[Hebrews 11.3|Hebrews 11:3]]). Jesus’ words divide and separate (cf. [[Matthew 10.34|Matthew 10:34]]).
As we’ve seen previously, John’s vision invites the reader to recall both Daniel’s and Ezekiel’s visions ([[Daniel 7.9-10|Daniel 7:9-10]], [[Ezekiel 1.22-28|Ezekiel 1:22-28]]).
### A Potential Outline of Revelation
> [!bible] **Revelation 1:19 NKJV**
> Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.
This verse offers us a potential outline of the book of Revelation. “The things which you have seen” refer to this vision of John. “The things which are” speak of the conditions that Jesus speaks to the seven churches about. “The things which will take place” speak about what will take place after the church ([[Revelation 4.1]] starts with the phrase, “after these things” and signifies a new division in the text.)
[^doulos]: Strongs G1401 “doulos”, [blueletterbible.com](https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1401/nkjv/tr/0-1/)
[^witness]: Strong's G3144 “*martys*”, [blueletterbible.com](https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3144/nkjv/tr/0-1/)
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[[Revelation]] | [[Revelation Chapter 2]]