Introduction to Revelation
Lesson 2
Revelation – Part II
(Revelation 1:1-8)
Verse 1: This letter is a revelation, an unveiling, an
apocalypse. Note there is just one revelation and it came from
God. It is about Christ and was passed by Christ through an angel
to John.
The message was “signified,” conveyed by a series of signs and
symbols. Therefore, the book is filled with figurative language.
This verse warns the readers of taking a literal approach in
interpreting its message.
The word translated “shortly” can be translated several ways
depending on the context. It can mean “quickly” or “speedily”
referring to how fast it happens. It can also refer to the events
beginning to take place soon.
Verse 2: John wants it to be known that he faithfully recorded
what was revealed. The report was accurate and reliable. He makes
it clear that this revelation was indeed the Word of God.
(Revelation 22:18-19)
Verse 3: This verse begins with the first of seven “blessed”
statements in the book. A blessing is pronounced upon all those who
hear the words and keep them. Note James 1:22. Obviously then one
is capable of understanding the words of this prophecy to the degree
that he can obey them. “Time is at hand” – We need to heed those
words because many events mentioned would soon start to occur.
Verses 4-5: This is written to seven churches of Asia. Since
there were other congregations in this area, these are probably
representative of churches everywhere.
The salutation comes from: (1) the eternal One, the
Great I Am, the One not bound by time, God in heaven (2)
Seven Spirits – the Holy Spirit ‘Seven’ is possibly an
allusion to completeness of His work. (Isaiah 11:2) (3)
Jesus Christ was faithful in every aspect. Everything He has
promised to them can be relied upon. (Hebrews 6:10); “first
born of the dead” – Jesus was the first one raised from the dead who
would not die again. (I Corinthians 15:20); “ruler of Kings
of the earth” – This would greatly encourage the persecuted
Christians to whom this was written. (Daniel 7:13-14)
“loosed from our sins” – We are freed from sin’s guilt. This takes
place when one is baptized. (Acts 22:16)
Verse 6: “Made us” (past tense) – “A kingdom of priests”
Each Christian is a priest. He/she offers worship directly to God
the Father. (I Peter 2:5) Each Christian is a citizen of
Christ’s kingdom. (Colossians 1:13-14) We are translated into
that kingdom when our sins are washed away in baptism. (Acts
22:16)
Verse 7: Jesus is coming back! (Acts 1:9-11) Every one shall
see Him. Some will be glad; most will be sad. (Matthew 7:13-14)
This shows His coming will be universal. (John 5:28-29)
Verse 8: The Lord Jesus Christ was present at the beginning of time
and He will be there at the end. He is eternal. There was never a
time when He didn’t exist. (John 1:1-3)
This description of Christ as eternal and all-powerful would
encourage the Christians not to give up or compromise because Jesus
was more powerful than any emperor or world ruler. (Ephesians
1:19-23)
Bobby Stafford
The
church of Christ
