Revelation 1

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with a greeting from John to the seven churches in Asia, followed by a statement of the source and purpose of the book, which is to reveal Jesus Christ. The vision of the Son of Man is described in Revelation 1:12-20, where Jesus is portrayed as the one who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. The chapter concludes with Jesus' command to John to write what he sees and to send it to the seven churches. Key verses include Revelation 1:8, where Jesus declares Himself to be the Alpha and the Omega, and Revelation 1:17-18, where Jesus identifies Himself as the First and the Last, who was dead but is now alive forevermore.

Context for the Chapter

Revelation chapter 1 is the introduction to the book of Revelation, which is the last book of the Bible. The book was written by the apostle John, who was exiled to the island of Patmos, where he received a vision from Jesus Christ. The chapter sets the stage for the rest of the book, which is a revelation of Jesus Christ and the events that will unfold at the end of time. The book of Revelation is a part of the larger biblical narrative, which tells the story of God's creation, humanity's rebellion, and God's plan of redemption through Jesus Christ.

Heart Application

As we read and study Revelation chapter 1, we are reminded of the importance of heeding the words of the prophecy and obeying the commands of Jesus Christ. We are also encouraged to remember that Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, and that He is the ruler of the kings of the earth. As we reflect on these truths, we are called to worship and praise Jesus, and to live our lives in light of His lordship and sovereignty.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Revelation chapter 1 is an introduction to the book of Revelation, which is a revelation of Jesus Christ. The chapter emphasizes Jesus' divine nature and role as the beginning and the end of all things. It also stresses the importance of heeding the words of the prophecy and obeying the commands of Jesus Christ. As noted in Revelation 1:3, 'Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near'.

Voices from the Church

“The book of Revelation is a book of revelation, not of concealment. It is a book that reveals the glory of Jesus Christ, and it is a book that calls us to worship and praise Him.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The apostle John was exiled to the island of Patmos, where he received a vision from Jesus Christ. This vision was a revelation of the glory of Jesus Christ, and it was a call to the church to remain faithful in the face of persecution and tribulation.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction and Greeting (Revelation 1:1-8) — The chapter begins with a greeting from John to the seven churches in Asia, followed by a statement of the source and purpose of the book, which is to reveal Jesus Christ.
2. The Vision of the Son of Man (Revelation 1:9-20) — The vision of the Son of Man is described, where Jesus is portrayed as the one who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.
3. The Command to Write (Revelation 1:11-20) — Jesus commands John to write what he sees and to send it to the seven churches.
4. The Explanation of the Vision (Revelation 1:20) — Jesus explains the symbolism of the seven stars and the seven golden lampstands, which represent the angels of the seven churches and the seven churches themselves.
5. Conclusion and Blessing (Revelation 1:3) — The chapter concludes with a blessing for those who read, hear, and take to heart the words of the prophecy.

Core Doctrines

The Divinity of Jesus Christ

Revelation chapter 1 emphasizes Jesus' divine nature, declaring Him to be the Lord God, who is, who was, and who is to come.

The Importance of Obedience

The chapter stresses the importance of heeding the words of the prophecy and obeying the commands of Jesus Christ.

The Role of the Church

The chapter emphasizes the importance of the church, which is represented by the seven golden lampstands.

The Symbolism of the Book

The chapter uses symbolism, such as the seven stars and the seven golden lampstands, to convey spiritual truths.

Lessons from Revelation 1

1. The Importance of Heeding the Words of the Prophecy — The chapter stresses the importance of heeding the words of the prophecy and obeying the commands of Jesus Christ.
2. The Divinity of Jesus Christ — The chapter emphasizes Jesus' divine nature, declaring Him to be the Lord God, who is, who was, and who is to come.
3. The Role of the Church — The chapter emphasizes the importance of the church, which is represented by the seven golden lampstands.
4. The Symbolism of the Book — The chapter uses symbolism, such as the seven stars and the seven golden lampstands, to convey spiritual truths.
5. The Command to Write — Jesus commands John to write what he sees and to send it to the seven churches.

Themes from Revelation 1

1. The Revelation of Jesus Christ — The chapter introduces the theme of Jesus Christ as the central figure of the book.
2. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter stresses the importance of heeding the words of the prophecy and obeying the commands of Jesus Christ.
3. The Role of the Church — The chapter emphasizes the importance of the church, which is represented by the seven golden lampstands.
4. The Symbolism of the Book — The chapter uses symbolism, such as the seven stars and the seven golden lampstands, to convey spiritual truths.
5. The Divinity of Jesus Christ — The chapter emphasizes Jesus' divine nature, declaring Him to be the Lord God, who is, who was, and who is to come.

Questions for Meditation

1. What is the main theme of Revelation chapter 1?
2. How does the chapter emphasize Jesus' divine nature?
3. What is the significance of the seven stars and the seven golden lampstands?
4. What is the command that Jesus gives to John in Revelation 1:11-20?
5. What is the blessing that is pronounced in Revelation 1:3?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Revelation 1

	Sermon	Description
	Judgment Seat of Christ by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the book of Revelation and its message that these events would come to pass shortly. He then shares a story about a preacher who c
	(Hebrews) 6-Noah by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of faith in pleasing God. He emphasizes that without faith, it is impossible to please God. The speaker also highlights the co
	God's Heart for America by Derek Prince	In this sermon, the speaker challenges the audience to take action and not be complacent in the state of the nation. He criticizes churches that make it easy for people to attend w
	(Revelation) 02 Letters to the Seven Churches Part 1 by David Pawson	In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a woman on a plane who took a photograph of a storm and miraculously, the storm stopped as soon as she took the picture. The woman
	Fresh Revelation of Jesus Christ - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that people have reduced their spirituality to a minimum and are trying to get to heaven with minimal effort. He criticizes the materialistic
	Burning Fire of the Spirit - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the description of the throne of God in Revelation 4:5. They emphasize that their aim is to provide practical teachings that lead to real-lif
	A Burning Coal in His Hand by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher shares personal experiences and encounters with God that have deeply impacted his life. He talks about a meeting with another minister named Bob, who s
	Worship (Part 3 of 3) by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the eternal consequences of our actions and the need to love and worship God wholeheartedly. He shares a perso
	(Revelation) 05 Chapters 4 and 5 and the Numbered Judgment Series by David Pawson	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the end times and the distress that will occur during that period. They emphasize that although believers will have sympathy for the victims o
	Fresh Revelation of Jesus Christ - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living according to the revelation God has given to individuals. He encourages listeners to follow God's personal instructi

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Revelation 1

In Revelation chapter 1, we see the glory of Jesus Christ, who is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. The chapter emphasizes the importance of heeding the words of the prophecy and obeying the commands of Jesus Christ. We are also reminded of the role of the church, which is represented by the seven golden lampstands. The chapter uses symbolism, such as the seven stars and the seven golden lampstands, to convey spiritual truths. As we reflect on these truths, we are called to worship and praise Jesus, and to live our lives in light of His lordship and sovereignty. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to Him, is a most excellent and glorious thing, and it is our duty to receive it with all readiness and willingness of mind'. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?