Revelation 1

Prologue vv1-3

I have heard of capable Bible teachers that avoid writing their thoughts on Revelation because they honestly admit they do not understand the book well enough.  I too, cannot pretend to understand the significance of it’s genre and symbolism with any authoritative opinion.  I only wish to write for myself and those whom might benefit from my notes and emphasize the purpose John gives for writing this revelation.   It is from Jesus Christ, thus it is the inspired Word of God.  Though there may be no few arguments on the timing and meaning of the prophecies contained in the book, John makes it clear that the books purpose is to be read and obeyed (v3).

³ 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.

A symbol in itself cannot be obeyed, nor can a time schedule that is not for us know.  Whether Christ comes before, during, or after, what must be understood is that Christ is coming back, so obey Him accordingly.  Multitudes of people will discover they were wrong in their interpretation of the symbol, but will find the Lord’s rebuke is against disobedience of a clear command rather than the particulars of things well beyond human reach.  We are unable to obey “when” the Lord comes, but what is obey-able is how we fashion our lives in this truth: He is coming.  Prepare ye the way of the Lord.

Greetings to the Churches  vv4-8

The Lord Jesus “hand-picked” these churches for particular reasons, as every commentary will explain to you that there are other churches in the province of Asia at the time that just as well could have been recipients of a letter.  My thought is that these churches and their particular issues and what the Lord has to say to them collectively represent God’s total counsel to all New Testament churches.  I believe the number seven represents this “total” number as seven often does represent perfection or totality in other parts of Scripture.  While each recipient may have been dealing with their own particular issues, these issues seen together as a whole benefit all who read and obey the commands given to them.

In these verses we see all the language that came to define the Trinity.  The one who sits on the throne is the Father, the same Father mention in verse 6.  Before His throne is the Holy Spirit, again having the number seven to represent totality of the Holy Spirit’s person.  Jesus Christ mentioned as a separate person, whose role is separate from both the Holy Spirit and the Father who sits on the throne.  Here is the Trinity, the God head on His throne writing to the seven churches of Asia.  The particular person of the Trinity which this letter of revelation focused upon is Jesus (v1, v7).  Every eye will see Him.  He is the beginning and the end, the Almighty.