Rev 1:1-20
Rev 1:1-20
American Journal of Biblical Theology
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Rev. 1:3.The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
Though there is some modern controversy surrounding the author, date, and validity of this book, the early church confidently ascribed its authorship to John, the apostle. Justin Martyr, about the year 140, was acquainted with this book, and received it as written by the Apostle John; for, in his dialogue with Trypho, he expressly says: ‘A man from among us, by name John, one of the apostles of Christ, in the revelation made to him, has prophesied that…"(Adam Clarke) This lesson will present the letter as written by John, the apostle, while exiled on the island of Patmos during the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian’s reign.
The style of the letter is apocalyptic, referring to a prophesy that is presented in a poetic and symbolic form that reveals an open secret that was previously hidden. Apocalyptic writings appeared about 200 years before Christ, and continued for another 200 years after the Revelation of John was written. These writings were written as a response to cultural stress.
The organization of the book is uncanny. Following the introduction, the book is a drama in seven acts, with a narrative break between the six and seventh in several of these. Each of these acts is divided into seven sub-acts, again with a narrative break between the sixth and seventh. It finishes with an epilogue. The geometric complexity is profound, yet simple. The number seven symbolized fullness or perfection in Jewish thought. Since the number six is less than seven, it is considered symbolically to represent falling short, hence we learn in this book of the number 666 which is imperfection presented three times. In scripture we often see terms repeated three times, to provide a complete presentation. So, the narrative break between the sixth and seventh acts and sub-acts in this literature prepares that move from incompleteness to completeness. The book then ends with a prologue, a testimony of Christ.
The Revelation of John was written during a time when the early church was under a great deal of stress. It was viewed as a Jewish cult (which by all cult definitions is quite defensible), and was hated by the Jews because of their rejection of the Law, and hated by the Roman authorities because of their unwillingness to worship Caesar, among other things. Many were rejected by their families, losing their inheritance and land. They were not able to find employment, particularly in the areas that were predominantly Jewish. Maintaining faithfulness was not a simple task, and the temptations to reject the faith were great. The Christian community was crying for help, and this letter was provided to encourage them that this experience is only for a time, and that God, who is just, will soon vindicate them by the return of Christ in glory, resulting in security for the believers and judgment for the unbelievers.
How have things changed for us? Is the church still under attack? Actually, more Christians have been martyred in the last 20 years than in the last 1980. Islamic states systematically persecute and kill Christians. The church is under ideological attack in the United States, with many denominations surrendering almost completely to secular humanism and universalist themes, failing to take a stand against the current of public apostasy.
The book was written to churches not unlike our own, who were failing to withstand against the forces of the present darkness. This book (1) defends the authority of its message, (2) challenges the churches in its examination of their weaknesses, and (3) encourages them through giving them a glimpse of God’s judgement that will come upon their oppressors. The basic message is that God is on His throne, His plan will not be altered by the world, and He will ultimately win the battle and reward all those who are faithful to Him.
Rev. 1:4-5a.Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
The imperative in verse three calls upon people to respond to the prophesy in three ways. What are they? (read it, hear it, and take it to heart.) Why do people tend to shy away from dealing with this last book of the Bible? It is considered complicated and hard to understand by many. To study the book of Revelation, it must be approached a little differently than the rest of scripture. The detailed exegetical methods that we apply to non-apocalyptic literature don’t work as well because this style communicates ideas in sweeping vistas, presented in metaphorical imagery. If we pick apart the translation and application of every word, as we do with theological literature, we will get lost.
Apocalyptic literature is meant to be read in a broader view. The best way to read prophesy is to sit and read it in its entirety. The prophesy in the Revelation can be read in about 20 minutes. Repeated readings will start to bring to the reader a broad picture, where details will start to fall into place with continued familiarity with it.
Verse 3 refers to the reader being blessed by the reading of the prophesy, not frustrated by it. We can become frustrated if we stray from the central focus of the letter and seek answers to questions that the prose is not intended to provide. With a little help from reliable commentaries, we can go a long way to understanding what the Revelation is all about.
Finally, what is the reason that the writer encourages us to read this Revelation? The writer believed that the time for the final judgment was near. When we look back over 2000 years and see that the events of the Revelation have not been completed we might question the accuracy of the writers. The apostle Paul, like John, expected Jesus to return quickly; most likely within his own lifetime. These two would most likely be surprised to have known that 2000 years later we would still be waiting. However, we understand that (1) no one has been given knowledge of when these events would take place, and (2) God’s timing is defined by his nature, not ours. Jesus could come back tomorrow, so we are called upon to be prepared.
Rev. 1:5b-6.John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; 5And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth.
To whom was this letter written? (To the seven churches who are listed in verse 11 of this chapter.) Were these people Bible scholars? (No.) The letter was written to Christians like you and I. Who is the letter from? It is interesting to note that John identifies himself as the author of the letter (and the later reference in verse 9 to Patmos identifies this as John, the apostle.) He then goes on to state that the letter is also from God, (Him who was…), from the Holy Spirit (the "seven spirits" or "seven-fold" spirit, referring to the perfection of the Holy Spirit) and from Jesus Christ. Though the word, "Trinity" is not written anywhere in scripture, this is one more reference to it. Why can John make this broad claim? We consider all scripture as inspired by God. The Revelation goes a step past inspiration to actually report words and events that were revealed to the writer personally by the triune God, so much of the content of this Revelation does come from the sources that John cites. Once we get into the prophesy, we see much of the personality of the writer in the words, but little personal opinion or theology, as we see in most other types of scriptural writings.
John describes himself by name, and he describes the persons of the Godhead in flowing attribute. He is communicating his own humility and the greatness of God. How is God named? How is the Holy Spirit named? How is Jesus named?
Rev. 1:7-8.Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
The salutation ends with words of praise. Recall that this letter was written to Christians in stress. How are we described in this prayer? God loves us. God has forgiven us for our sins. God has called us to be His Kingdom, to be priests with access to him, to serve Him as God and Father. When we consider all of these things God has done for us, how can we do anything but praise Him? We recognize God as having all power, deserving of all of the glory that we can give, and He is worthy of this for eternity.
We can readily see here that God has called us to faithfulness in him, for to be unfaithful would place us outside of the context of what John describes as the church in these verses. We are to be faithful in times of trouble because of what God has done for us and because of who God is.
Rev. 1:9.Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. 8I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Following the salutation is an attention-getter: "Look." John wants the listener to focus on what he is about to say. What is this message that deserves this extra emphasis? (Jesus is returning.) Attention is focused clearly on Jesus. Who will see Him when he returns? (Everyone.) John makes a point that this is inclusive of all people, even those who pierced him. This theme is repeated throughout the Revelation: the second coming will be witnessed by all people, living and dead, righteous and unrighteous. The faithful will see His glory in excitement and fulfilled anticipation. How will the earth see Him? (Vs 7) In mourning. Why? This is sort of like an holy "I told you so…" The rapture is later described in great detail, and when Jesus comes and takes away the faithful, and the Holy Spirit leaves the people to their sin, there will be much pain and suffering. The impact of the loss of God’s hand in mankind will be so great that all would die if God does not intervene one last time. The faithful will also mourn as they witness (1) the cost that God paid for our redemption, and (2) the cost the world will be paying for their rejection of God.
John finishes this short, yet profound prophesy, with a "So shall it be! Amen," making this one of the most powerfully presented messages in scripture. He then quotes the words of Christ that place these events into context. God testifies to His eternity and mankind’s temporality. This creation of God has a beginning and an ending (though it could be billions of years between.) God describes himself outside the limitations of this creation by being both the beginning (Alpha) and the ending (Omega). Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, which unlike the English A to Z, were used to represent beginning and ending in a much more significant and symbolic way. God is present in all time. I refer to this attribute of God as "omnitemporality:" The Eternal God exists before, during, and after time as we experience it. He is not limited by time as we are, but observes all time for His own pleasure. How big is your God?
Rev. 1:10-11.I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
With the salutation concluded, John wastes no time getting into the presentation of the message of the letter. He starts by describing the setting for that which he is about to describe. How does he identify himself? Brother, fellow sufferer, sharer of the kingdom, patiently enduring his exile in the Name of Jesus. He is not writing this letter from a position of authority or superior status, though at the time of this writing, John is advanced in years and greatly respected by the church. He is familiar with the same persecution that his readers are experiencing, so he can talk to them as a peer, and his words will be heard. John is about to tell of one of the greatest experiences of his life, and has now set the stage to do so.
Rev. 1:12-13.I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 11Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
What was John doing on the Lord’s day? He states that He was "in the Spirit." John was where he was supposed to be on the Lord’s day. We open opportunities for sin when we are not where we are supposed to be. David sinned with Bathsheba when he should have been with his army on the field. When we are in the center of God’s plan, He can use us in it. It was the Lord’s day, and for John that was Sunday. Apparently, John was focusing on this being the Lord’s day, and was in prayer and meditation, honoring God in his heart.
What did John hear when he was meditating? He heard a loud voice like a trumpet. This metaphor implies that the voice was clear. It was not "a feeling" or a "still, small voice." It was one that he could distinguish as if someone were speaking loudly next to him.
Personally, I have heard the voice of God twice. These came in times of stress when I had been doing some long-term praying, asking for God’s help. Once, it was in a time of emotional depression, and the other in a time of spiritual depression. In both occasions I was completely delivered from the situation in the instant that God’s message got through. God’s voice was as clear in my ears as though He were a person talking to me. This is the kind of voice that John is talking about. They are clearly heard, formed words.
God had a message for the seven churches in Asia Minor, and John would be the angel that would deliver that message.
Rev. 1:14-16.And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 13And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
What did John see when he turned around? He was given a vision. In later verses the lampstands are described as representing the seven churches. Like lampstands, they have a purpose of sending out light, showing people (1) where they are, and (2) where they are going. And who was among, or abiding with, the lampstands? The reference to "Son of Man" comes from Daniel 17:3, and refers to the Messiah, the person of God who would come as a human to bring salvation. Jesus also used this name to describe himself more than any other.
Rev. 1:17-18.His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
In these verses we begin to see the metaphorical language that is use in apocalyptic literature. Descriptions of things seen are described by their nature rather than by their visual appearance. This is an important part of understanding the book of Revelation. When the literature describes the appearance of objects and persons, the text style uses imagery to describe the nature of the object or person. As we study this imagery we should not see it as a literal description of visual or physical appearance. When we are freed from this interpretation method, we can begin to see the big picture. Look at the description of Jesus. His head and hair were like wool, as white as snow. White hair was a sign of wisdom and called for respect. This description is parallel to the "Ancient of Days" in Daniel 7:9, scriptures that John would have been very familiar with.
His eyes were like blazing fire. Taken literally we would be taken aback at flames coming out of someone’s face. However, remember the literal form that is being used here. Jesus’ attributes are being described, not the physical appearance of his eyes. Fire purifies and separates; it represents a final judgement. Isaiah describes the Messiah as lacking in physical attractiveness. Jesus was most likely quite common looking. However, I would conjecture that the expressiveness of His eyes had to be incredible.
His feet were like white-hot bronze. Again, the metaphor is an unapproachable force. This suggests Christ’s ability of treading triumphantly in judgement on all who reject the Gospel.
His voice was compared to mighty waters, again a force that cannot be stopped. John gives an impression of divine power and sovereignty.
As the seven lampstands are the seven churches, the seven stars will be described as the angels of those seven churches. Some may interpret these as literal angels, but I would suggest that it is referring to the faithful pastors who lead those respective churches. The right hand was considered the position of power, so by holding the stars in his hand, he is protecting each of them as they serve. We see an image of Jesus being with the churches that John is writing to, and the Messiah who is faithful to guide and protect them in this time of severe difficulty. What we might interpret as an outlandish description of Jesus, the churches would see as a very encouraging word of God’s concern for them.
What is the double-edged sword? Coming from Jesus’ mouth, it would refer to his words and the power they had. Most swords are single-edged, and cut on the down-stroke. The double-edged sword cuts in both directions without discrimination. This metaphor describes the power of the Word of God to attain its intended purpose without regard to any plan of mankind. It cannot be stopped. Human armies conquered with physical swords. God conquers with words.
Jesus’ face appeared like the sun shining in all of His brilliance. His countenance reflected divine glory.
Rev. 1:19-20.And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
John’s response to seeing the glorified Christ is quite reasonable. He started this Lord’s day with prayer and meditation; a day that was probably like most others before it. However, he hears a voice, turns, and sees a familiar face, the face of Jesus whom he has not seen in many years. This time he is witnessing the return of the glorified Christ and he is overwhelmed with humility, and drops to the ground in an overpowering mixture of emotions that would have included a joy and a fear that is culminating his entire life’s experience in this one moment.
There is no doubt that one of the emotions was fear, because the first words that Jesus spoke were, "Do not be afraid." Most likely it was the Aramaic form of the Hebrew word, "Shalom," since that word is so often translated in this manner. Then Jesus introduces Himself to remove any possible doubt in John’s mind of who He is. His description of Jesus’ words share the omnitemporality of First and Last, the eternal Christ. Furthermore, He states His authority over death and the grave.
This book of Revelation was written to encourage the faithful to endure during these times of difficulty. Like them, we can be encouraged that God, is indeed, on His throne, and has an unchanging, ultimate plan that is not impacted by man’s sinful nature. Jesus is alive in all of His power and glory, and, as he walks among the lampstands holding the stars in his hands, He walks among the church today, holding in His hand all of those who are faithful. (John 10). His ultimate plan will include reward for the faithful and final condemning judgement for those who reject the Gospel. We can look at the book of Revelation and be encouraged as we seek to be faithful to God in our daily lives.
Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
20The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.Note that John is introducing us to the symbolism of the Revelation in a gentle and straightforward manner. He uses simple imagery in the first few chapters and explains some of it to make the transition into the later chapters a little easier.
Why do you suppose John was commanded to write down what he has seen? This theme returns continually throughout the Revelation. Where many today would hide the words of the Revelation in preconceived secrecy, John is clearly communicating that the Revelation is to be read. Certainly, we in our culture are not that familiar with apocalyptic style and the use of the metaphors in ancient culture. As we continue in this study of Revelation, an attempt will be made to describe the application of the style, and by doing so, the writing should be better understood. The Revelation was written by a person using the common language of the day to people who read using the common language of the day.
Do not approach this study with fear. Approach it with an active curiosity and anticipation of what will be learned by this exegetical study. Rather than basing the writing on people's opinions of what will happen in the end times, exegesis demands that scripture is based upon scripture only and is studied in the historical context of the writing. The culture of the day, the language used, and other factors that affect how the original reader would understand the literature is investigated and provides the foundation for interpretation.
