Verse 1:
The word “revelation” comes from the Greek word apokalypsis which means
revealing, unveiling, an uncovering.
It is a book that shows the glory and majesty of God and the depths of depravity of man. It will show the final outpouring of God’s devastating wrath and judgment as well as the glorious Son and His beloved bride joined forever.
The book which was originally a letter was written in approximately AD 95 by John (the apostle) while banished to the Isle of Patmos. What was happening to Christians during that particular time in history? They were being severely persecuted.
How did John receive the Revelation? From Jesus through His angel
The main focus is the Lord Jesus Himself not future events although those events are given with great detail and imagery. We should focus on Jesus as we read this book and not waste time looking for dates or devils. Jesus is revealed as:
Faithful witness (1:5), Firstborn of the dead (1:5), Ruler of the kings of the earth (1:5), Alpha and Omega (1:8, 21:6), First and the Last (1:17), The Living One (1:18), One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lamp-stands (2:1), One who has the sharp two-edged sword (2:12), Son of God (2:18), One who has the seven Spirits of God (2:18), One who is holy, who is true (3:7), The holder of the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens (3:7), The Amen… the faithful and true witness (3:14), The beginning of the creation of God (3:14), The Lion that is from the tribe of Judah (5:5), The Root of David (5:5), The Lamb of God (5:6, 6:1, 7u:9-10, 8:1, 12:11, 13:8, 14:1,, 15:3, 17:14, 19:7, 21:9, 22:1), The Lord, holy and true (6:10), The One who is called Faithful and True (19-11), The Word of God (19:13), The King of King and Lord of Lords (13:16), Christ, ruling on earth with His glorified saints (20:6), Jesus… the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star (22:16).
Servants in verse 1 refer to true believers. The word doulos means bond-servant which is a slave who is bound to his master by love.
“soon take place” – a rapid progression once it begins.
Daniel was told to seal up
John was told to write
Verse 2:
John testifies to what he saw and heard which was: the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. An eye-witness gives testimony to what he has heard and what he has seen.
Verse 3:
The book of Revelation gives a unique blessing to those who read it, hear it, and obey it. This book begins with a blessing and ends with a blessing. It also contains a warning which is found in chapter 22 and states that anyone who adds to this book God will add to him the plaques described in this book and anyone who takes away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city.
The time is near. “Near” is from the word kairoswhich means season and also opportune time. The time is at hand (the season is upon us) and today is the day of salvation. It is even more at hand these 2000 years later. In what ways do you see that the time is near in our present day?
Verse 4:
Who was the letter of Revelation initially written to? The seven churches of Asia; Ephesus, Symrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.
Grace and peace. If you have been graced then you can have peace.
Him who is – present
Him who was – past
Him who is to come – future
Verse 5:
Faithful witness – truth, firstborn from the dead – preeminence, ruler of the kings of the earth – sovereign.
Loves us – present tense, an active keeping on love
Freed us – past tense, Christ died once and for all
Verse 6:
Has made – past tense, Christ made us priests at the cross
To serve – present tense, we are to continually be serving Him with our life
Explosive praise! “To Him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen.”
Verse 7:
“Look” or “Behold” means to call attention to something. See this, notice this…
“He is coming” – present tense of erchomaiwhich means ‘is coming’ suggesting that He is already on His way and His coming is certain.
Clouds often represent God’s presence in scripture.
“Every eye will see Him” refers to the second coming of Jesus and not the rapture. In the rapture He will come as a ‘thief in the night’ and will not be seen by the world but in this verse it means EVERY eye will see Him.
Who are “those who pierced Him”? the believing Jews, Israel. They will seen Him in repentance
Who are those who “will mourn because of Him”? The Gentiles and their mourning will not be in repentance but in terror and great fear
Verse 8:
Alpha and Omega: omniscience – all knowing
Who is and who as and who is to come: omnipresence – all present
Almighty: omnipotent – all powerful
