Revelation 1

Table of Contents

Revelation 2
Revelation 3
Revelation 4
Revelation 5
Revelation 6
Revelation 7
Revelation 8
Revelation 9
Revelation 10
Revelation 11
Revelation 12
Revelation 13
Revelation 14
Revelation 15
Revelation 16
Revelation 17
Revelation 18
Revelation 19
Revelation 20
Revelation 21
Revelation 22
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The Revelation of Jesus Christ

Revelation, apokalupsis(Greek), an unveiling

Rev 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

The revelation was the word of the Father who knows the end times, the things which must shortly come to pass. The time is even shorter now, as we read His word.

Mark 13:31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
Mark 13:32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

The word of the Father, the Revelation of Jesus the Son and delivered to John by the messenger angel. Jesus is our savior and our mediator. We come to the Father through Jesus and the Father speaks to us through the Son.

Rev 1:2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

The angel bore record, he was the witness to John of the word of God and the Revelation of Jesus Christ. We have the Holy Ghost who reveals to us the things of God.

John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

We have the Holy Spirit as our teacher of God's word.

Rev 1:3 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.

Blessed are those who read and hear the truth, those who are the redeemed spirit filled believers of Christ Jesus. For many do not read with ears to hear. Jesus said:

Mat 11:15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Blessed are those who read this prophesy and do what it says. Prophesy is encouragement or knowledge of future events given beforehand by God, through a messenger; a prophet or an angel.

The time is at hand, take heed to this prophecy.

John writes

Rev 1:4 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;

John is writing this message that he received, to the seven churches in Asia. We will read later that each church was representing future churches, congregations, as to their works. These were actual churches that were types of our churches today.

Grace and peace, from God the Father, which is, and which was, and which is to come;

Also, John sends grace and peace from the seven Spirits, which are before his throne. What are these seven Spirits before the throne of God? God is Spirit, only Spirit creatures may come into His presence.

Isa 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 of God shall rest on him; their are seven qualities of this one Spirit:

the Spirit of the Lord,
the spirit of wisdom
and understanding,
the spirit of counsel,
and might,
the spirit of knowledge
and the fear of the LORD.

Rom 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

The seven Spirits before his throne are seven angels? If so. why not say angels? Seven is the number of completion and perfection. The Holy Spirit is part of the Triune God, perfect. The word for Spirits is pneuma, also meaning wind or spirit. The perfect Spirit.

John 3:8 The wind (pneuma) bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. (pneuma)

Another mention:

Rev 5:6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

What did Jesus send forth to the earth?

John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

Let me say that I do not know all things, so as much as possible I will use God's words. That is always true and profitable. The Holy Spirit is greater than God's created angels. I see three speaking from God's throne room, from the Triune God.

John describes heavenly things that he sees, using his own descriptive words, giving us images from his viewpoint, some are symbolic. This was also how many of the old testament prophets explained things. For example Ezekial:

Ezek 1:16 The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the colour of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel.

If you were the prophet, how would you have described a helicopter? This was not a helicopter.

Rev 1:5 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,

Grace and peace unto you also, from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness who spoke the words of the Father. He was also the first begotten of the dead. The first to arise and to enter heaven.

Col 1:18 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.

He is the prince of the kings of the earth. The king of kings.

Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Acts 5:30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
Acts 5:31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
Acts 5:32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
Acts 5:33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.

1 Tim 6:14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
1 Tim 6:15 Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
1 Tim 6:16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

Jesus, that loved us and washed us in His own blood.

1 John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Rev 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Pet 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

2 Tim 2:11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
2 Tim 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:

To Jesus, be glory and dominion forever and ever.

Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Alpha and Omega

Rev 1:7 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.

We remember how he went up in the clouds.

Acts 1:9 ...while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
Acts 1:10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

1 Cor 15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
1 Cor 15:25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

Rev 1:8 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.

God the Father is the Almighty God, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, this also refers to Jesus. Jesus was with the Father and speaks for the Father. Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and omega is the last.

Rev 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

The apostle John, was banished to the Isle of Patmos. Tradition has it that he was boiled in oil, but survived. The island was rocks, no trees and was a place that prisoners were sent to work in the quarries. He identifies with the persecuted church, a companion in tribulation. No life of luxury and riches for the Lord and his apostles, all suffered for the testimony of Jesus Christ and for the gospel. Is it any wonder then if we suffer for following him in the Spirit. The flesh always opposes the Spirit.

2 Cor 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
2 Cor 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
2 Cor 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Rev 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

Traditionally, the Lord's day is the first day of the week, on Sunday, the day that Christ arose from the dead. Is this anything to argue about? Not for me.

Rom 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
Rom 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.

The important thing was that he was in the Spirit, in tune and aware of the Spirit when he heard a distinct voice. He heard behind him a great voice, as a trumpet.

Rev 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

Jesus speaks to John in a vision, a distinct message that was to be written in a book, the book of Revelation and delivered to the seven churches; each here named. John spoke the visions as they came to him. The contents may not be in the order that the events will occur. He was to write what he heard and share it with the seven churches. An interesting parallel is that the apostle Paul wrote to seven churches. Both were imprisoned, so we should not complain about our lack of comforts in serving the Lord.

Jesus revealed to John

Rev 1:12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

Remember that this was written on the barren Island of Patmos, what he saw was in a vision. He turned to see who had spoken the I am the beginning and the end, the alpha and omega.

Rev 1:13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

Seven candlesticks, they were stands holding a container of burning oil. In the midst of seven, the perfect light, stood Jesus. In Exodus, God gave the Jews the design to make seven lamps on a single stand. This stood for Israel.

Exo 25:37 And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it.

These seven lamps on their stands were for the seven churches. Jesus stood with a garment that reached the floor, girt about with gold, the garment of a high priest. (Exodus 39:1-5)

Exo 39:3 And they did beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work it in the blue, and in the purple, and in the scarlet, and in the fine linen, with cunning work.

Jesus is our High Priest

Heb 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

Rev 1:14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

Prov 16:31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.

John had known Jesus on earth, but this was a heavenly vision of Jesus. White hair stands for the Ancient of Days, like his Father.

Dan 7:9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. His burning eyes are the judgment of God.

Rom 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

Rev 1:15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

Brass was used for the altar, the place of sacrifice.

Exo 38:30 And therewith he made the sockets to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the brazen altar, and the brazen grate for it, and all the vessels of the altar,

God gave us the brazen altar as a type of salvation.

The furniture in the tabernacle was arranged in the pattern of the cross. The brazen altar, was at the foot of the cross.

Brass represents judgment; Jesus took our judgement and he will be judge of all. He is the mercy seat.

Horns were a symbol of power and strength in biblical times. When the sacrifice was made, blood was dabbed on the horns of the altar, signifying the power of the blood to atone for sins. Jesus' blood atones for our sins.

The brazen altar was located on the east side of the tabernacle. Jesus will return from the east.

The white fine linen walls of the tabernacle, repesent righteousness and holiness. Only in Jesus are we righteous.

The feet as though they had been through the refiners fire, he has suffered and died for us. He brought us the gospel, is risen to glory and is the way, the truth and the life.

Rom 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

His voice was as many waters. His voice was majestic and powerful, being filled with the living water of God.

Psa 29:3 The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters.
Psa 29:4 The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.

Rev 1:16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

In his right hand, seven stars: In his hand is the best place to be. Are these the seven Pastors of the seven churches? or perhaps the saved in the churches and those who bring others to Jesus?

In verse 1:20, he says that they are angels or messengers. They are like the angels, as stars.

Dan 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

Out of His mouth went a sharp two edged sword, the word of God and the Spirit of God.

Acts 17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

His countenance shined as the sun, as when on the mount of transfiguration.

Mat 17:2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

This was the Lord Jesus Christ in His glory.

Seven Stars

Rev 1:17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

John was in the flesh. No flesh can approach the living God and live. God the Father made the way for us through His Son. We can come to Jesus with our imperfect flesh and with our sins. Jesus said fear not: I am the first and the last and he touched him with compassion:

When he walked in Israel, many people would fall down before him in fear, when he had shown to them God's power and glory. Others were touched by him and made whole.

Even the devils feared him

Mark 3:11 And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.

Saul of Tarsus, who was named Paul:

Acts 9:5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
Acts 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Mat 8:2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
Mat 8:3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Rev 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

He had spoken to Martha:

John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
John 11:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

Jesus had authority over hell and death as well. He had power to save and to condemn.

John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Rev 1:19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

Write all that you have seen, past present and future happenings, in a book. At the end of John's gospel he had written:

John 21:25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

Now he is commissioned to write all that he sees from his own perspective.

The Book of Revelation is arranged in three sections.

The things he had seen: chapter one.
The things which are: chapters two and three.
The things that are future: chapters four through twenty-two.

Rev 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

The mysteries revealed:

angels; aggelo, angel or messenger

The seven stars are seven angels or messengers. Who are the messengers in the churches? The preachers or pastors give out God's message. We hear now through the Holy Spirit the truth of God. We should be discerning in regard to angel messengers, as not all are from God.

2 Cor 11:14 ... for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
2 Cor 11:15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

God holds his true followers in his hand.

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
John 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
John 10:30 I and my Father are one.

The seven candlesticks with the lamps, are the seven churches giving out the light of truth. The seven represent the complete church body.

Luke 8:16 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.
Luke 8:17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.
Luke 8:18 Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.

Pastors, be careful to hear from God when you preach.