EXPLORE THE BIBLE:
God reveals himself and his work in Revelation
___
Revelation 1:1-20
___By Leroy Kemp
___University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Belton
___Our fascination with the book of Revelation begins with the title. The Greek word is "apocalypse." It means unveiling or disclosure.
___ Revelation from God. The whole Bible could be called the book of Revelation. Scripture is a message from God revealing himself in word and deed through prophets and 
apostles. This is a revelation "which God gave" (v. 1). Let us begin this study with a sense of expectancy, knowing this is God's ord not only for a first century audience but for us today as well.
___ Revelation through John. John, the beloved disciple, the son of Zebedee, is the human instrument used to communicate the message to us. He identifies himself three times in this first chapter (vv. 1, 4, 9). The first century A.D. is drawing to an end. John, likely in his 90s, has been exiled to the island of Patmos. The churches are suffering under the heavy hand of Roman authority that insists all subjects declare an allegiance to the emperor that Christians give only to Christ. Believers are experiencing bewilderment and uncertainty. They need a word from the Lord.
___ Revelation of Christ. The revelation is "of Jesus Christ" (verse 1), who is the ultimate expression of God (Hebrews 1:1-3). Jesus appears in a form (vs. 9-18) even more glorious than his transfiguration appearance which had been witnessed by this same John. (Mark 9: 2-8).
___The images are symbolic. Jesus is our high priest and king. He radiates wisdom and holiness. He moves with power and speaks with authority. This is the Christ who will soon come "with the clouds, and every eye will see him" (v.7). This is the one destined to triumph over all the powers of darkness. He is the very Word of God (John 1:1, 14).
___ Revelation for the church. Revelation is addressed to seven churches in the province of Asia (v. 4). These churches are represented by the seven golden lampstands and the seven stars in Christ's hand. The message, while specific to these seven, is for all churches of all time. Revelation is for the people of God in every age. Jesus' promise is true. He is with us always. He lives in the midst of his people. He holds us in the palm of his hand.
___ Revelation about the future. Verse 3 speaks of a future near at hand; verse 19 says the vision is both for now and later. Some say Revelation applied to the near future and was fulfilled in the church's struggles with the Roman Empire. Others look for a fulfillment still before us, reading the Revelation as the unfolding of the last days. Cannot both be true? Prohecy can have more than one application. The early church was faced with times that compare in many ways to the last days. I believe the Revelation speaks to every period of Christian history but especially to the first and last days of the church. One thing is clear: God's people can anticipate a glorious future. The Christ shall conquer. Revelation is a vision of triumph.
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