Chapter 1: “Write what you see” Revelation Chapter 1: “Write what you see”

From Last Time… Revelation has context Revelation is symbolic Who/what/when/where/why/how Context is essential to understand the book Revelation is symbolic Lots of OT references Apocalyptic literature (judgment) Letters, pictures to represent ideas Revelation is relevant Timeless message of hope for the Christian

Chapter 1 Overview John’s Introduction (1:1-1:3) Things soon to take place, time is near Blessings for the reader and doer Holy Salutation (1:4-1:8) John addresses the letter Description of Jesus John Begins his Account (1:9-1:20) Authorship, context The Voice and the vision

John’s Introduction (1:1-1:3) Revelation of Jesus Christ (God gave Him) Ownership & authorship (see epistles) “Signify” Vine “expressing by signs” Denotes symbolism Pay attention! Ex. Jesus explains parables Literal vs. Figurative Ex. Apocalyptic Literature Compare 13:1-4 with Daniel 7: 7-11

John’s Introduction (1:1-1:3) The Time is NEAR 1:1, 1:3 both mention the time is at hand But what about 1 day = 1000 years? Who is the audience? Case Study: Daniel 8:26 Mentions of Persia, Greece, etc… Refer to Matt. 24:15 Daniel is told to seal the vision! Why? Distant future (~400 yrs)

Holy Salutation (1:4-1:8) Similar to Other NT Greetings Eph. 1:1-2, Phil. 1:1-2, etc. Written to the “seven churches of Asia” Completeness & unity Christ the Faithful Witness Faithful until the end (foreshadowing? see Ch. 2&3) Christ the Firstborn of the Dead Resurrection, victory over death (persecution) Ruler of Kings on Earth Including Roman Emperors!

Holy Salutation (1:4-1:8) A Reminder of what Jesus has Done “Loves us” “Freed us from our sins” “Made us a kingdom, priests” Jesus suffered too Establishing His Authority “Glory and dominion” Alpha, Omega, the Almighty Coming Judgment (Apocalyptic Theme) “He is coming…”

John Begins His Account (1:9-1:20) John’s Status A partner in tribulation—experiencing persecution “Patient endurance” (1:9) Exiled on Patmos because of his testimony In the Spirit on the Lord’s day His Instructions “Write what you see” Refers to the coming visions Addressed to the seven churches of Asia

The Seven Churches of Asia

John Begins His Account (1:9-1:20) The Seven Lampstands Surrounding Jesus Explained in v. 20 Jesus in the midst of His people Matt. 5:15 White = purity gold = royalty Bronze = strength Micah 4:13 Girdle—worn by the priest Ref. Daniel 7:13

John Begins His Account (1:9-1:20) The Seven Stars Explained in v. 20 Angels = messengers, possibly represents the nature A complete message? A Two-Edged Sword See Hebrews 4:12-13 Another reference to judgment His Face Shining like the sun (Matt. 17:1-13) Authority, strength

John Begins His Account (1:9-1:20) John’s Reaction Immediate submission to Jesus Comfort by his right hand Reference to honor, empowerment “I am…” First Firstborn (Col. 1:15, John 1:2) Preeminence (Col. 1:8) Last Giver of life (1 Cor. 15:45) The ultimate servant (Matt. 20:16)

John Begins His Account (1:9-1:20) Death & Life Reference to victory over death Rom. 6:9, 14:9 Alive forever Keys of death and of Hades 9:1, 20:1 Again, authority (Matt 16:17-19) “Write…” The vision What was, is, and is to come (ref. v. 8) A “mystery” – was unknown, but now is known

Summary John prepares us to read the book “The time is near” “Signified” The nature of Christ is established Alpha and Omega, first and last King, witness, Lord, victor, judge Pure, royal, strong The vision begins Addressed to the seven churches of Asia Things which will take place