3. THE PROLOGUE - Revelation 1:1-8

 

As has been seen in the outline and survey of Revelation (See 2. Understanding Revelation), the Book of Revelation can be divided into seven sections, each dealing with the same period of time, yet viewing it from a different perspective. The first section deals with the church on earth and may be understood as, ‘Christ in the midst of the Lampstands.’ This first section stretches from Revelation 1:1-3:22.

The first three verses of the prologue (1:1-8) are an introduction to the entire book, and were probably written after the epistle was completed (by John), as a sort of title explaining what the book was about. Verses 4-8 are a greeting to the recipients of the letter (remember, it was an epistle).

 

Please Read Revelation 1:1-8

 

Verse 1: The introduction to the book begins with the title, ‘The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass (Rev 1:1a).’ This tells us that the book is an unveiling of the plan of God for the remaining history of the world, throughout the ages yet to come, from the time of Christ’s first coming to the end. The special focus of this unveiling will be His church.

The real Author of this book appears from the outset as the Father, who gave its message to Christ, who then unveiled it to His people via John (7:3; 19:5; 22:3). Christ is represented as receiving the message (5:1,7; 6:1-12; 8:1) and then being the Mediator of it to His servants. This is all typical of the style of John (Jn 5:20; 7:16; 12:49; 14:10; 17:7,8).

The message is sent to John (1:4,9; 21:2; 22:8) by an especially commissioned angel (22:16) and made known or signified by various visions and picture language, rather than by mere words.

The message is about things which begin to be realised immediately (20:7,12; 22:10), though much is obviously future. Though this is so, this verse should immediately silence the futurist. The fulfillment of Revelation is a process, though these things may suddenly occur throughout the period of time covered (2:16; 3:11; 22:7,12,20).

Verse 2: The human author John, has already borne witness to the Word of God (Jn 1:1-3,14; 20:30,31) and will do so again in this book. Here he bears witness to the content of the Book of Revelation, that this is what he saw by way of visions from the heavenly angel (1:1).

Verse 3: This verse contains the first of a series of seven beatitudes (14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20: 6; 22:7,14) found within the Book of Revelation and it is essentially repeated in the last (22:14). The one who will be blessed is both the reader of the epistle (especially seen in the one who publicly read the letter to the assembled congregation), following early Christian practice, and also the hearer of the message concerning these future events. Yet this will only be so if the hearing is accompanied with the intended keeping of the message (Lk 11:28; Rev 22:7). This would suggest a careful hearing and consideration of the message, followed by a corresponding faith and perseverance, etc. An urgency is attended to the hearing and keeping of the message, for the time is near when the things prophesised will begin to occur (22:7).

It is also interesting to note the complex means by which the message reaches its intended recipients. It comes from the Father, to the Son, to the angel, to John, to the reader and then to the hearers (1:1-3).

QUESTIONS: Who is it that is intended to receive this epistle? What reasons can you give for your answers?

 

Why is there an air of urgency in verses one and three (cf Romans 13:11ff)?

 

How will the recipients of this epistle, assuming verse 3 is carried out, be blessed?

 

Verse 4: Apart from the introduction added after the completion of the epistle, the Book of Revelation takes the form of a normal letter of the times. It identifies the one who is writing and then gives a greeting to the intended recipient.

The seven churches (1:11) addresses were all located within the Roman province of Asia, which is now modern day Turkey. There were however, more than seven churches in Asia, so why was it written to only seven? The answer to this question comes by way of symbolism, for the number seven in Hebrew culture symbolised completeness. With this in mind, these seven churches are to be seen as representative of the whole church throughout the ages. Though this is true, it was also written to minister to the actual seven churches mentioned, which in the providence of God were representative of the church throughout the gospel era.

John proclaims grace, which is God’s undeserved favour, and also peace, which is the spiritual well being that is enjoyed as a result of reconciliation with God. This he does to the seven churches addressed. These blessings are bestowed by the Eternal Father (Ex 3:14,15; Deut 32:29), the Holy Spirit and by Christ (1:5) - in short, the Triune God.

Keeping the context in mind it is clear that the seven Spirits are symbolic of the Holy Spirit, representing Him in the perfection of His Being and fullness of His work (3:1; 4:5; 5:6).

Verse 5a: The Lord Jesus Christ is here represented as the first Martyr, proving faithful to His commission (from the Father) to the very end (1 Tim 6:13), The word ‘witness,’ is that for ‘martyr.’ Not only is Christ the first Martyr, but He is also the firstborn from the dead. The progression from the humiliation of Christ to His exaltation is completed with His elevation to sovereign rule (17:14; 19:16) over all, especially over the earthly kings.

QUESTIONS: What relevance is there in verses 4 and 5 to the situation developing in the early church? What implications are there here for the early church, and those who have followed from them?

 

Verses 5b, 6: In these verses both deity and dominion are ascribed to the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet 3:18; Rev 4:11; 5:13; 7:10), with a hearty seal of approval and confirmation by believers. This is not surprising when the blessings received by the merit and work of Christ are considered.

The Lord Jesus Christ loves His church, clearly showing this in the redemption and purchase of it, by the price of His own blood. The translation ‘washed’ is apparently a poor one, with ‘loosed’ being much better, thereby describing His sacrifice as the act of gaining liberation for His people from the slavery of sin. This work of Christ brought into being a Kingdom (a better translation then kings - cf Ex 19:6; 1 Pet 2:5,9) of priests for the service of God (5:9,10; 20:6; 22:5; Rom 12:1; etc).

QUESTION: What should be the response of Christians to the work of Christ for them? Discuss.

 

Verse 7: Verse seven begins with an arresting and attention grabbing appeal, pointing to the imminence of the Second Coming. It is as if Christ was already on His way. Note that there is no secret coming here, for all will see Him. He comes with the glory of heaven (Ex 13:21; 16:10; 1 Kings 8:10,11; Dan 7:13; Mt 17:5; Mk 14:62; Acts 1:9; Rev 14:14), clearly as the returning Christ. He will be seen by those who rejected Him (Zech 12:10), even the whole world. These will mourn, being in a state of shame and hopelessness (6:16; 16:9,11,21; Mt 24:30). This declaration is also met with a hearty affirmation of believers.

Verse 8: The prologue concludes with a clear reference to Christ as Almighty God (1:4,17; 21:6-8; 22:13), eternal, omnipotent and sovereign. Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet and are used in this verse to indicate that Jesus is the complete and eternal God.

QUESTION: What encouragement is there for persecuted Christians in verses 7 and 8?

 

INDIVIDUAL DISCOVERY

What is to be understood by the sharp two-edged sword in Revelation 1:16? Give reasons for your answer.

 

Also, if you have not yet read through the Book of Revelation, please do so, keeping in mind the seven parallel sections outlined in last weeks study (See 2. Understanding Revelation).

 

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17/10/2006

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