The Returning Christ Revelation 1:1 – 8
1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
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.
4 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;
5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
7 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.
8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Revelation 1:1-8 serves as a general introduction to the entire book. This passage tells how the book of Revelation came to be and promises a special blessing for those who study it. These verses also disclose the immediate recipients of this book, which is actually a rather lengthy epistle (letter) to the seven churches of Asia, and they include an acclamation of praise to Jesus Christ.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:1, 2)
1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
The Revelation
The opening phrase of this book is also its title. The book is not “The Revelation of John;” rather, it is the revealing or unveiling of matters regarding Jesus Christ. Moreover, the title is Revelation, not Revelations. The fact that the word is singular underscores the panoramic unity of the many and diverse communications, whether in word or in vision, contained within this marvelous book. Revelations there were, but they all form a single, compact whole. Of particular concern in this book are matters pertaining to the second coming of Jesus to the earth. The source of the information in Revelation was the omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent and eternal God. His message in this book was to be conveyed to those who are “his servants [bond slaves].” The substance of what was to be passed on was “things which must shortly come to pass.” Even though some twenty centuries have elapsed since those words were recorded, the designation was and still is accurate and appropriate because those “things” pertain to the “last days,” a period of time that began with the first advent of Jesus Christ, as can be seen in considering Hebrews 1:1 and 2, where we find: God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
Sent and Signified
The book of Revelation is unique not only in its subject matter but also in the manner in which it was given. Note the order through which the revelation was sent. The Father gave it to the Son, who sent it by His angel before it was given to His servant John. Compare this passage to Revelation 22:16 – I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. John, in turn, was to pass the message on to others, which he did by writing it down so it would become a permanent record. Thus, multiplied millions of faithful servants of God have received the revelation about Christ and all the “things which must shortly come to pass.”
Verse 1 also states that the message was “signified;” that is, it was made known by signs and symbols (Greek esemanen). In other words, it was sign-ed. It is important to keep this fact in perspective. Although the book of Revelation contains many symbols and other forms of figurative language, it is still to be interpreted literally. The symbols or figures stand for something, and when it is determined what is signified by them, the interpretation should be logical, sensible, and in complete agreement with all other Scripture. Every symbol in Revelation either is explained or addressed by allusion somewhere else in the Bible or the symbol’s significance can be deduced through logical, consistent, harmonious principles of interpretation.
The Three-fold Testimony
Verse 2 contains a three-fold testimony which was given by the apostle John. He testified of {1} the Word of God, {2} the testimony of Jesus Christ and {3} all he saw. Each of these expressions refers essentially to the same thing – the message God sent; however, each expression casts a somewhat different light on the matter. “The word of God” was what was declared by the Father. In relaying the Word of God, John acted in the role of a prophet, as a prophet is literally “someone who speaks for another.” While much of prophecy is foretelling, the essence of prophecy is forth-telling. “The testimony of Jesus Christ” was what was declared by the Son. Regarding the Son’s testimony, John 3:32 declares “What he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth…” What Jesus Christ “hath seen and heard” was from the Father. “All things that he saw” speaks of the visions that would be given to John in corroboration of what was declared by the Father and the Son. Approximately forty-five separate or distinct visions were given to the apostle, and in his concluding remarks in chapter 22, verse 8, he affirmed, “And I John saw these things, and heard them.” John was an eyewitness and an ear-witness, and as a faithful witness he did not omit anything nor did he add anything regarding the message he had received and was to pass on to others, as we see in Revelation 22:18, 19 where he writes: “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” John told the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
The Three-fold Blessing (Revelation 1:3)
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.
Another unique feature of the book of Revelation is the promise that those who read, hear and heed it will be blessed. This is the first of seven beatitudes (or blessings) in this book. To be sure, the promise of this verse is potentially applicable to anyone who reads any portion of the Bible; however, nowhere else in the Scriptures is such a promise so explicitly stated. Could it be that the Holy Spirit inspired John to pen these words because He foresaw times when people would either ignore the book of Revelation while insisting that it was too mysterious to be understood, or perhaps distort its teachings with inconsistent interpretations?
“Blessed is he that readeth…”
In the days of the early churches, copies of the Scriptures were extremely scarce. The only time most people had an opportunity for exposure to the Scriptures – other than what they knew by memory – was when they gathered for corporate worship. The public reading of the Scriptures, then, was a very important part of their worship experience. Someone, probably the pastor, would select the passage to be read and the promise of Revelation 1:3 would be an encouragement for frequent readings from this book.
“…and they that hear…”
Notice the change in the pronouns: he becomes they. This indicates that generally the hearing occurred in a public setting where one person read the Scripture to an assembled group. In order to “hear” in the sense that this term is used in this verse, one must seek to understand what was read. Although Revelation 1:3 does not say “Blessed are they that understand,” the implication is that there must be a sincere effort by the one who hears to understand if the blessing that was promised is to be realized.
“…and keep those things…”
Not only are believers to read and seek to understand the message God gave to John – and through him to us – but we are also to respond appropriately. This is what it means to “keep” a Scripture. We need to learn what is taught in Revelation and we need to live as if we truly believe that what is taught in this book is true.
“…for the time is at hand.”
This phrase lends a sense of urgency to the three-fold blessing that was promised to the students of Revelation. Although almost two thousand years have passed since John wrote “the time is at hand,” his words were as accurate and applicable then as they are now. Only one event needs to occur to trigger the awesome and momentous episodes and incidents that constitute the end time – the return of Jesus Christ for believers “When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.” (2 Thessalonians 1:10).
To the Seven Churches (Revelation 1:4)
4 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;
The book of Revelation was originally a letter sent to the seven churches of Asia. The designation Asia referred to the Roman province of Asia, part of modern-day Turkey.
The Seven Churches
Why were seven churches selected to receive this letter, and why those particular churches? Since seven is a number that indicates completeness, the selection of those churches indicates totality. Those congregations collectively represented the church as an institution and also provided a preview or overview of what is commonly called the church age.
A four-fold application of the seven churches of Asia seems warranted: {1} primary – each congregation had specific conditions, situations and characteristics that needed to be addressed; {2} practical – in all times and all places there have been churches like those seven churches; {3} personal – individual church members and other believers can benefit from the messages to those congregations; {4} prophetic – by their unique and singular characteristics, accomplishments and problems, those specific churches presaged the various periods in the church age, as we will examine in following articles.
“Grace… and peace…”
The first three verses of Revelation serve as a prologue for all that is to follow. Verses 4 – 6 constitute the salutation. John began with the expression “…grace be unto you, and peace…” If we have a personal and eternal relationship with God through Jesus these terms remind us of our salvation. Grace speaks of why and how we are saved; salvation is the favor and acceptance God has extended to believers. Peace is one of the many benefits of salvation; we enjoy not only peace with God but we enjoy the peace of God in our lives as well.
The Eternal God
The divine author of Revelation was and is the eternal God. God has always existed – He has neither beginning nor end. One might wonder about the order of the verb tenses is, was and is to come (Greek ‘ho on,’ ‘ho en’ and ‘ho erchomenos’ respectively). John apparently was led to stress the eternal presence of God by emphasizing the One who “is.” God “was” and “is to come” because He always “is.”
The Seven-fold Spirit
This is the first direct reference in Revelation to the Holy Spirit of the Divine Trinity. This designation speaks of the one Spirit whose complete ministry was seven-fold as described in Isaiah 11:2: “And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;”
The Spirit was said to be “before his [God’s] throne.” As the third person in the Godhead, He is ready to go forth and act on behalf of the occupant of the throne.
Praises to the Prince (Revelation 1:5, 6)
5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
A Three-fold Acclamation of Jesus Christ
In the first part of verse 5 John continued his salutation with a three-fold acclamation of Christ. The expression faithful witness speaks of the earthly ministry of Jesus. In all that He did during His first advent He was faithful to the One who had sent Him to earth. In John 5:31 Jesus declared, “If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.” His witness was given Him by God.
The phrase, first begotten of the dead, refers to the status of Jesus as Christ rather than the chronological order in which He was raised from the dead. He is first in rank of all who will be raised from the dead. This same principle is underscored in Colossians 1:18 where the Apostle Paul writes: “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”
The preeminence of Christ is deservedly affirmed in all of scripture.
The unique superiority of Jesus Christ is also emphasized by the statement, “prince of the kings of the earth.” By right and title, all the kingdoms of the world are His. He has not asserted His authority, however, because it is not yet time on the Father’s calendar for Him to do so. That is only one of the many reasons Jesus refused Satan’s offer to make Him a universal king, as seen in Matthew 4:3 – 10 where the story is related: “And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”
The titles included in the three-fold acclamation of Jesus Christ speak of His credibility as “the faithful witness,” His superiority as “first begotten of the dead,” and His sovereignty as “prince of the kings of the earth.” These designations also set forth the person and work of Christ. As Prophet, He spoke of the Father. As Priest, having been resurrected, He is uniquely qualified to intercede on behalf of believers. As King, He shall reign as King of kings and Lord of lords forever.
A Three-fold Doxology of Jesus Christ
The acclamation recorded in the first part of verse 5 abruptly passes into a trilogy of praises (a doxology) focusing on the reason, means and result of our salvation. Jesus left Heaven and came to earth to die on the cross because He loved us. Such love surpasses any human comprehension. Truly, then, “the love of Christ…passeth knowledge…” (Ephesians 3:19).
Doomed sinners can be saved because Jesus Christ died on the cross. Sins are cleansed by the blood that He willingly shed. The verb washed is from a Greek word, ‘lousanti’, that literally meant loosen. Another interpretation of that same verb is bathing. This teaches the wonderful truth that in salvation we are not only cleansed from the defilement of sin but we are also released from the power of sin.
The final part of John’s doxology speaks of what God intended believers to become through salvation. The expression kings and priests echoes the royal priesthood mentioned is stated in 1 Peter 2:9 this way: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:” As priests of the New Testament era we should also be eager to offer continually “the sacrifice of praise” as mentioned in Hebrews 13:15 – “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”
Because Jesus has loved us and loosened us from our sins and lifted us to be kings and priests, to Him be glory and dominion forever!
Behold, He Comes With Clouds (Revelation 1:7)
7 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.
Following the exclamation of adoration and praise that he had previously voiced, John broke forth with a proclamation of the coming of Jesus Christ in power and glory. This highly visible coming of Christ will be subsequent to His return for His saints.
“…He cometh with clouds…”
Grammatically speaking, the word behold is an interjection used to command attention. What John highlighted in this verse is also the essential theme of the book of Revelation. The reference to the “clouds” is a reminder of the presence of God. The pillar of cloud that led the Israelites through the day and even at night was a visible manifestation of the divine presence as we see by consideration of Exodus 13:21 and 22 – “And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.”
On the occasion of Christ’s transfiguration – a preview of His glorious appearance recorded in Matthew 17:5 – we find, “While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.”
“…and every eye shall see him…”
The glorious coming of Jesus Christ will be an event that each individual in the world will witness. How “every eye shall see him” simultaneously is not made clear. For Jesus Christ to return in the clouds will, in and of itself, be a miracle of the greatest magnitude; consequently, everything else associated with His coming can be readily handled by the omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent God. Whether the miracle will be a simultaneous appearance of Christ in every place to every individual or an individual optical miracle in which every person “sees” what occurres despite being in a different location, it will be the work of God.
“…and they also which pierced him…”
Although “every eye” shall see Christ when He returns, John was led to single out a specific group that will see Him. While it is true that the Roman governor Pilate officially sentenced Jesus to be crucified and Roman soldiers actually nailed Him to the cross it was the Jews – His own people – who “pierced him.” The prophet Zechariah spoke of the heart-stirring episode of national mourning when he declared in Zechariah 12:10, “…they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him….”
“…and all…the earth shall wail…”
The coming of Christ in power and glory will be an occasion when mourning is turned into rejoicing for the Jews – and any others – who realize what is happening and turn to the Lord during that split-second episode. For the overwhelming masses of the world’s population, however, the sight of the glorified Christ will afflict them with unparalleled terror. In their hearts people will realize that the time of divine judgment and vengeance has come and that they are not prepared to meet the God whom they had scorned and rejected.
“Even so, Amen”
The phrase ‘even so’ was translated from a Greek term (nai) basically meaning the same as ‘amen’ and is a term of affirmation in itself. Amen was originally a Hebrew word; however, it has been appropriated by practically every language, and it means the same in each language. In saying, “Even so, Amen,” John underscored the certainty of the future return of Jesus Christ.
Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8)
8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
John’s introduction to Revelation reaches its climax with the acclamation in this verse, in which he focuses on some titles ascribed to Christ. In fact, the opening part of verse 8 contains the first instance in the book of Revelation of a statement made by Jesus. John had made previous references to Christ, and he had even included some titles to designate Him, but thus far Jesus had not spoken of Himself. The ascriptions by both Jesus and John acclaim not only the eternality of God but also His singularity. Not only is He the God who always is, but He is also the only God who ever was. That statement may be grammatically awkward, but it is theologically correct nonetheless.
“Alpha” and “Omega”
Jesus used this title in His first reference to Himself. Alpha and Omega are the names of the first and last letters in the Greek alphabet. In English Jesus would have said, “I am A and Z.” This phrase indicates absolute completeness from which nothing is lacking. Accordingly, God is absolutely complete; in Him there is nothing lacking. The One who is Alpha and Omega, or the first and the last, is also the only God. In Isaiah 44:6 we find God’s absolute claim, “I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.” Moreover, the title, Alpha and Omega speaks of the divine purposes. He has determined what He intends to accomplish, and He will cause all His purposes to be fulfilled.
The “Beginning” and the” Ending”
This title was also invoked by Jesus. Although it seems to be nearly identical to Alpha and Omega, the phrase ‘the beginning and the ending’ focuses on the creation. Genesis 1:1 declares, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” John 1:1 asserts, “In the beginning was the Word.” John 1:2 then states, “The same [that is, the Word (Jesus)] was in the beginning with God.” John 1:3 goes on to say. “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” Everything other than God has to have a beginning; the One who is without beginning or ending is the beginning and ending.
“The Eternal Lord”
In verse 4 John used the three-fold title that involved the tenses of time to refer, indirectly at least, to the Father. In verse 8 the title ‘which is, and which was, and which is to come,’ speaks specifically of Jesus Christ the Son. Like the Father, the Son is also the eternal and unchangeable God. “Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58). Jesus affirms for us both His eternal and Godly natures.
The title “I am” which invokes all the tenses of time also equates Jesus with the Jehovah of the Old Testament. Hebrew scholars say that the word Jehovah comes from the same root term as the verb ‘to be.’ Thus Jehovah is the God who always is, the eternal One, the One who is self-existent and complete in and of Himself.
The Almighty God
The word ‘almighty’ means ‘all powerful.’ It is synonymous with omnipotent, a word frequently used in referring to God. Almighty is sometimes used as an adjective to describe God; however, it is also used alone as a title or name for God. The first instance of the word ‘almighty’ in the Bible is in Genesis 17:1 “And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.”
On that occasion God spoke with Abram, at which time He changed the patriarch’s name to Abraham and reaffirmed the covenant (promise) He had previously made to and with him. During that encounter God emphasized especially the point that He would make Abraham exceedingly fruitful (Genesis 17:1-8 “And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, “As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God), and in view of the fact that Abraham and Sarah had been childless for many years, the Almighty God would have to intervene in order to bring fulfillment to that promise. However, “with God nothing shall be impossible,” as the angel told Mary in Luke 1:37. Abraham fathered a son from whom descended the nation of Israel and Jesus Himself; Mary bore the Christ child even though – or rather specifically because – she was a virgin; and all the prophecies in Revelation shall come to pass despite the fact that it may presently seem unlikely that such circumstances could occur.
Summary of the previous six articles (Revelation 1:1-8)
Revelation 1:1-8 provides an introduction to the entire book of Revelation. These verses also contain many references, designations and allusions that we find later in the book. The brief outline that follows serves as a summary of these introductory verses:
Verse 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ, given by God to Christ, and about Christ.
Verse 2: John testified of… the Word of God, the testimony of Jesus Christ, and all that he saw.
Verse 3: A three-fold blessing was promised to… the reader of the Revelation, the hearer of the Revelation, and the one who heeds the words of the Revelation.
Verses 4 and 5: Revelation is actually an epistle (letter). Its recipients were the seven churches of Asia. Its divine author was the Triune God.
Verses 5 and 6: A doxology (a hymn or statement praising God) to Jesus Christ because of salvation – He loves us; He loosened us from our sins; and He lifts us in exaltation.
Verse 7: Jesus Christ shall return… with clouds to be seen by everyone, especially the Jews.
Verse 8: Titles ascribed to Christ – Alpha and Omega (the beginning and the ending), the eternal One (who is, was and is to come), and the Almighty.
The essential thrust of Revelation is to direct our attention to the One who shall come and bring fulfillment to the divine purposes of God.
‘Seven’ in Bible numerology represents spiritual perfection. Multiples of the word and number occur in the Bible more than any other. “Clusters of Seven” occur twelve times in the Revelation, nine of them in the first eight chapters, as we will see as our study progresses through future articles. The list includes:
{ 1} Churches (1:4 and 11)
{ 2} Spirits (1:4 and 4:5, 6)
{ 3} Candlesticks (1:13)
{ 4} Stars (1:16)
{ 5} Angels (1:20)
{ 6} Promises to overcomers (2; 3)
{7} Praises to the Lamb (5:12)
{ 8} Seals (5:1; 6:1-12; 8:1)
{ 9} Trumpets (8:1 – 9:13; 11:15)
{10} Thunders (10:3, 4)
{11} Personages (12:1 – 13:11)
{12} Vials (16:1-17)
The use of “seven” illustrates that God will bring to full maturity all He has promised regarding His judgment.