1 The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John
The Greek word for revelation is apokalupsis which means: an unveiling, uncovering, revealing.
The Book of Revelation or the unveiling comes from Jesus Christ Himself to reveal to the saint’s God’s judgments on earth and the last chance for humanity to repent before it’s too late. It is vital to evangelize when led by the Spirit of God knowing what’s coming.
Verse 1 clearly reveals Jesus as being God, where it says, the revelation from Jesus Christ then it says, God gave him, clearly making Jesus and God synonymous with each other. Jesus sent this revelation to John through His angel.
2 who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
John is the one who witnessed and reported everything that the angel from Jesus showed him in this Book being God’s Word and Jesus’ testimony. The author of God’s Word is God, not men as seen in verse 2 and also in 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
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.
The Book of Revelation is the only book that mentions a blessing. The blessings are for those who read it, share it, and for those who hear it.
“Take it to heart” means to believe what it says by first putting your trust and faith in Jesus Christ and living according to His will because the time is closer than one might think which will make one ready for the events that are about to take place.
4 John,
To the seven churches in the province of Asia:
Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne
The seven churches were under the power of Rome and were located where modern-day Turkey is today. They were about 40 miles from each other and John sent them the letters to the churches and the rest of the Book of Revelation. Grace and peace mean to have God’s favor which in the midst of tribulations one can have peace. The phrase from him who is, and who was, and who is to come means that He is eternal (Revelation 1:8) and affirms His second coming. The seven spirits refer to the Holy Spirit (Revelation 4:5) because the number seven in Genesis means completion and refers to God (Genesis 2:3).
5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
Jesus Christ is trustworthy that’s why we can trust and hold tight to the Word of God. His resurrection is a prelude to what’s going to happen to those who have believed in Him as Lord and Savior. Jesus is above all those who rule on earth.
The “verse by verse through Revelation” series was made into a book. If you are interested in having a hardcopy or in an ebook format click: Bookstore
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