July 23, 2025 - Revelation 1:1 - "The Revelation of Jesus Christ"

Revelation 1:1

"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:"

There is a lot of speculation surrounding the book of Revelation, starting with the misuse of the plural term "revelations" instead of "THE REVELATION" of Jesus Christ as stated in the first verse. The book of Revelation was written for the Church, not to provide clues or secrets about when Christ would return, but to affirm that Christ has come, lived, died for her redemption, risen again, ascended on high, and is now seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high, making intercession for her (I Corinthians 15:3,4). God the Father has entrusted all judgment to Him, and everything that occurs on earth is directly from His throne. This Revelation was particularly encouraging to the apostle John, who was suffering for the Gospel's sake on the Isle of Patmos. It also served to encourage the early Church during its persecution under the Roman government in the first century.

Verses 1-3: The theme and purpose of the book are to REVEAL THE LORD JESUS CHRIST and to encourage believers through reading it.

Verses 4-20: The LORD Jesus reveals Himself as God, One Who came in the flesh and laid down His life to redeem and justify an elect people for the Father’s glory alone. The Savior and Representative of the Church walks among the Church, represented by the seven candlesticks. In His right hand are seven stars, symbolizing the ministers of the Church that He has appointed over various local assemblies. These are referred to as the seven "angels" of the churches in verse 20, but "messengers" would be a more accurate translation, reflecting the role of pastors as those sent by Christ as His spokesmen to preach Him to those He gathers for worship. They oversee His flock as under shepherds and nurture them in their respective assemblies, as God had appointed them, "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you" (Hebrews 13:17).

The description of Christ in verses 13 and following defines His Holy and Glorious character in vivid language. His white hair symbolizes His eternality and wisdom. His eyes, like a flame of fire, represent His omniscience and omnipotence. His feet, like fine brass, signify His strength, stability, and immutability. His voice, as the sound of many waters, represents the power of His Word and His authority as Sovereign LORD and God.

Here we have unveiled the majestic and sovereign Christ—not as a distant figure, but as the exalted LORD walking among His churches. This Revelation of Him assures us that Christ reigns even amid tribulation, having fully accomplished redemption for His people. This revelation, in the first-century context, emphasizes that the risen Christ was already present and active among His persecuted saints, bringing His sovereign judgment on apostate Israel and establishing His Church as the True Temple (John 2:19-21). This unveiling is not merely prophetic, but a present comfort: Christ, in His glory, governs history and shepherds His church with unwavering authority and grace.

What a glorious Revelation of the LORD Jesus Christ declared by the Spirit in John’s testimony! It is comforting to know who He is, why He came, what He accomplished, for whom He did it, and where He is now!