1:1-3 The book of Revelation is a loving message from Jesus Christ to His precious bride, the church, revealing the things that must soon come to pass. It is meant to be understood by His people, with a blessing promised to those who read, hear and keep the things revealed in these prophecies.

The word “Revelation” comes from the Greek “apokalupisis” (Strong’s # 602) which means: “an unveiling of”. The very name of this book disproves the common assumption that it cannot be understood. Despite the many different interpretations of Daniel and Revelation, the Bible says that the wise “will” understand them. Matthew 24:25; Daniel 12:10.

This book is said to be the “Revelation of Jesus.” He is its author; it is a message straight from Him. Revelation continues where the four gospels and the book of Acts left off, and shows us what Jesus has done since then, is doing now and will do for His church in the future. Revelation 1:19.

“The time is at hand.” This book of prophecy contained messages needed by the Church in John’s day, by the Church throughout its history and for us as individual Christians today. The message for today is especially relevant, for we are living in the “time of the end” and “the time is at hand” when the final events portrayed in the book of Revelation will sweep over the world and bring the great controversy to a spectacular conclusion.

1:4 There were seven literal churches in Asia to which John directed this letter. See notes on 1:20. Seven is also a symbol of perfection, wholeness, or completeness in prophecy. The term “seven churches” indicates the whole or complete church through all ages. The “seven spirits” denote the perfect Holy Spirit of God.

1:5 Christ’s death on the cross bore witness to the truth of the righteousness of God’s character and of Satan’s malignant lies. Jesus is our “faithful Witness” “that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.”

The term “first begotten of the dead,” could mean either first in time or first in importance. Since Moses, Lazarus and a number of others were raised from the dead before His own resurrection; Jesus is the foremost or most important of those raised from the dead. 1 Corinthians 15:20; Colossians 1:18. He is head of the church. He is the “second Adam,” the new head of the human race for those who have faith in Him. He is the “first fruits of the dead,” the preeminent one of the harvest of the saints of earth rose from the dead. He is the pattern of righteousness into whose image we will be conformed. Romans 5:12-19; 8:29.

1:6 When we receive Christ as our personal Lord and Saviour, we are forgiven, cleansed and made royalty as “kings and priests unto God!”

“To Him be Glory.” The glory, splendor, majesty and holiness of God are portrayed throughout the Bible. For some descriptions of God’s glory, see Isaiah 6:1-3; Ezekiel 10; Psalm 29; Daniel 7:9, 10; Exodus 24:17; 33:7-9, 18-23; 34:5-7, 29-35; 40:34-38; Mark 9:2-8.

1:7 Every eye will see Jesus at His Second Coming. It will be as visible as a flash of lightning on a dark night. Matthew 24:27. This breathtaking event will not be a secret, but will bring terror to those who have rejected His mercy.

1:8 See notes on Revelation 1:11.

1:10 John was “In the Spirit,” meaning he was in vision, “on the Lord’s day.” The only day the Bible calls “the Lord’s Day” is the seventh-day Sabbath. Isaiah 58:13; Mark 2:28; Exodus 20:11. Of all the eight times that “the first day” [Sunday] is mentioned in the New Testament it is never called holy, blessed, the Lord’s day, or anything but a common working day.

1:11 “Alpha and Omega” are the first and last letters in the Greek alphabet. Jesus calls himself the A to Z, “the First and the Last.” Jesus Christ is God Eternal. His love is constant and sure. He is everything we need from beginning to end. See Isaiah 41:4; 48:12.

1:12-13 Revelation 1:20 tells us that the “seven golden candlesticks” represent the seven churches.” In the days of ancient Israel, the seven golden candlesticks were in the holy place of the Sanctuary. Exodus 25:31-40; 2 Chronicles 4:7. The clothing Jesus is wearing here is the attire of a high priest. This is a picture of Christ watching over and guiding His Church, and ministering as High Priest in the heavenly Sanctuary.

Christ appears here “like unto the Son of man,” in human form. He forever identifies Himself with humanity.

1:16 “Seven stars.” See notes on 1:20. The sharp, two-edged sword” is the Word of God. Hebrews 4:12; Ephesians 6:17.

1:18 The word here translated “hell” is the Greek word “Hades” which literally means the “grave or abode of the dead.” Jesus alone has power over life and death. 1 Corinthians 15:50-58. Christ demonstrated His mighty power over the grave by raising the dead to life and through His own resurrection. Death is not God’s original plan; it was the result of the sin of Adam and Eve. Jesus plans to restore things to the way He meant them to be. He promises to destroy this curse (1 Corinthians 15:26; Revelation 20:14) so that no one will ever die again.

1:20 “The seven churches.” These messages have multiple applications. First, as a literal message for the historical churches to which they were addressed. Second, more broadly, the reproofs, commendations and promises apply to present day church congregations that have the same characteristics as the churches to which they are addressed. Third, to individual Christians who have those same traits. Last, each is a prophecy representing seven periods in the history of the Christian church from John’s day till the end of time, just like the time prophecies in Daniel. Each of the seven churches is symbolic of what God’s people would face during the succeeding periods of its history.