Revelation: Chapter 1

Setting

The book of Revelation bursts with dynamic imagery and profound revelations. As you progress through its pages, a vast spectrum of divine insights unfolds. These revelations are best understood with a solid grasp of the entire Bible. To support your journey, this website provides background materials designed to equip you with the foundational knowledge needed to fully appreciate these revelations. You will find in-depth studies on other biblical texts such as Daniel, select chapters in Ezekiel, the Olivet Discourse recorded in Mark and Matthew (with related passages in Luke), as well as the 15th chapter of 1 Corinthians and the epistles of 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Use the scripture menu on the left (or above on smaller devices) to explore these timelines and themes, and click here for more on the site's Basic structure of Revelation.

Throughout the book, the Apostle John's visual viewpoint changes frequently as he observes and chronicles all that he is shown and what he hears. It may be helpful to know which one of five vantage points John is observing the revelations he is given, and recording them. For a visual exploration of John’s observational standpoint, click on this link, chronology of Revelation. In the opening chapter, John, positioned on earth, sees the glorified Christ Jesus, and receives and diligently transcribes the letters from Christ to the seven churches.

At the very beginning of this book, John records that he had been exiled to the isle of Patmos because of the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ, Revelation 1:9. During worship on the Lord’s Day (Sunday), a sudden, divine sound told him to document every detail of what he saw. In that moment of awe, he turned and beheld the glorious presence of the Lord, Revelation 1:10-11.

This chapter unveils a series of three sections revealed to John, Revelation 1:19, each representing distinct periods of time. The first section described “things that were,” which encompasses the initial earthly ministry of the Lord, culminating in His death, burial, and resurrection, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. This is a time period underscored by John’s own suffering for his unyielding faith, Revelation 1:9. Next, John is instructed to record “things that are,” symbolizing the legacy of the Jewish churches to which he ministered to, and foreshadowing the reestablishment of these Jewish churches following the snatching away (rapture) of the current New Testament church. Finally, “things that shall be” point to events that will unfold after the dispensation of grace, marking the future fulfillment of God's plan.

It is essential to recognize that although Revelation was originally intended to prepare Israel for the tribulation (cf. Daniel 9:24, 27 and related materials on Daniel chapter 9 and the associated timelines on Daniel chapter 9), its message resonates deeply with the entire Body-of-Christ. While Paul’s epistles directly addressed believers, every portion of Scripture offers lessons of hope and endurance, Romans 15:4. For example, Paul illustrated how past actions of Israel brought about God’s judgment upon them, as a warning against pursuing sinful desires, 1 Corinthians 10:1-6. In a similar vein, the letters to the seven churches call on us to deepen our spiritual discernment and to walk worthy of the Lord, growing ever more in the knowledge of His will, Colossians 1:9-10.

The first three chapters, Revelation 1:1-20, 2:1-29, and 3:1-22, form a cohesive group that reveals the Lord’s intimate relationship with the Jewish churches destined to be reestablished after the snatching away, (rapture). Though the rapture of the New Testament church (comprising both the “little flock” identified in Luke 12:32 and the collective Body-of-Christ as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 and Romans 12:5, remains a future, yet imminent, event, these chapters vividly describe the characteristics and mighty work of the glorified Lord ministering among His churches. In these passages, John witnesses the Lord in resplendent glory and priestly attire, see Hebrews 7:11-28. The narrative concludes with His commission to John: to write personalized letters for each church.

Outline

Verses	Topic
1-3	The revelation of Jesus Christ
4-8	The letter to the seven churches
9-11	The initial setting
12-16	Description of the Lord in His glory
17-18	John's response
19	John's commission
20	Interpretation of the symbols

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In Revelation 1:1-3, the divine unveiling begins—an apocalyptic disclosure that introduces several key figures central to the unfolding drama:

• The Father - The source of the revelation, who gave it to Jesus Christ, Matthew 24:36
• Jesus Christ - The one who delivers this revelation to His servants through His angel
• The angel - God’s messenger charged with conveying the divine message to John
• John - The devoted witness who recorded these sacred visions, affirming the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, 1 John 1:1-4

Revelation 1:1 affirms that the inspiration for this prophetic book originates with God the Father. The purpose is clear: through the ministry of Jesus Christ, God reveals those events that are destined to happen swiftly. To prove the origin of this Revelation came from God, the angel was the sign for Israel, 1Corinthians 1:22-23, to believe in what John wrote to them. The angel’s appearance serves as a divine confirmation, mirroring the signs given to Mose, Exodus 4:1-9, and later communicated by Gabriel to Daniel, Daniel 9:21-23, and Mary, Luke 1:26-31.

How does this revelation manifest? Rather than presenting a single, unified vision as experienced by prophets like Abram, Genesis 15:1, to Israel, Genesis 46:2, or Ezekiel, Ezekiel 1:1, John received a series of powerful, ever-shifting visions, with respect to John’s five viewpoint perspectives. This cascade of images and messages was intended not only for the Jewish churches of his time but also for those that would emerge after the New Testament church is snatched away, (raptured). Ultimately, the revelations of this book stand as the crowning expression of God’s Word, centered on the life, mission, and eternal reign of Jesus Christ.

The revelation unfolds through a series of vivid visions, that a first-century witness could faithfully describe everything he saw and heard, whether or not he fully grasped every hidden meaning. Later in the chapter, the Lord commissions John to record all he witnessed, Revelation 1:11, 19. This record is not confined to its original audience; it also speaks powerfully to people in the 21st century. Modern readers can discern how these prophetic events will manifest, identify the nations involved, and even connect emerging technologies and societal shifts, especially the gradual movement away from God’s Word, to the unfolding prophecy. As Jesus reminded His apostles in Matthew 24:32-36, only the Father knows the precise timing of the coming Kingdom of God.

Within the opening verse, the figures introduced proclaim the timing of these dramatic and swiftly occurring events, once it all begins. Although this book was originally designed to prepare the people of Israel for the tribulation they were to face, its message remains deeply relevant to the Body of Christ. Revelation details God’s purposes for Israel while forecasting that—by the time these events occur—the Body of Christ will have been gathered to be with the Lord forever, 1Thessalonians 4:13-18. The angel dispatched to John served a dual role: to reveal these mysteries and to act as a sign for the Jews 1Corinthians 1:22, even as the Body of Christ proclaims the message of Christ crucified, 1Corinthians 1:23-25 and walks in the Spirit, Romans 8:1-2.

When John writes that these events “must shortly come to pass,” he is not suggesting immediate fulfillment at the time of the revelation. Rather, he emphasizes that once God’s appointed moment arrives, the events will unfold with astonishing speed and decisiveness, much like a rocket, prepared on its launch pad and set in motion the instant the “launch” button is pressed. The fact that Revelation begins and ends with the idea of “shortly,” Revelation 22:6, underscores this rapid progression.

Revelation 1:2 identifies John as the faithful recorder of everything he saw and heard. His testimony springs from a deep relationship with Christ. Not only does he pen the Book of Revelation, but he also wrote three epistles, 1, 2, and 3 John, and the gospel according to John, which testify to the tangible reality of encountering the living Word. In 1John 1:1-4 he explains how he and the other apostles heard, saw, and even touched the Christ, the true Word of life. In his Gospel, John recounts witnessing the resurrection and ascension of the Lord, events that secure eternal life for believers, John 6:69, and closes by noting that although much more was accomplished by Jesus, the record could not capture it all, John 21:25. In writing Revelation, John faithfully recorded all he experienced under his divine commission.

In the gospel he wrote, he noted that he and the other apostles saw the Lord’s resurrection, ascension, and reported it to us; so, we would have eternal life, John 6:69. He recorded the testimony of Jesus Christ in the gospel according to John. In that gospel, John delivered to all mankind an account of the deity of Jesus Christ. In closing the gospel, he wrote that there was much more that Jesus did, but that there were not enough resources available to publish all that should be written, John 21:25. He reported all that he saw as he wrote Revelation as he was commissioned by the God.

In Revelation 1:3 John introduces the first of the seven beatitudes, a motif that recurs throughout the book. The number seven symbolizes completeness, and here it underscores the promise of reward for believers, who persevere through the tribulation with patience, faith, and a steadfast testimony to Christ. This beatitude is threefold:

• Blessed is the one who reads this prophecy (the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy, Revelation 19:10)
• Revelation 1:3 shows that this is a prophetic book for Israel
• Blessed are those who hear the words of this prophecy
• Faith comes by hearing, Romans 10:17
• Blessed are those who keep the things written in this book
• John notes that the time is at hand. John still expects the Lord to return in his lifetime

It is important to note the role that numbers play in this book. The number seven is a prominent number throughout this book, which is a number meaning Completion. In a broader sense, many numbers in Scripture carry spiritual meanings that can be understood generally as follows:

1. Unity
2. Division
3. Trinity, divine perfection
4. Earth, creation
5. Grace
6. Man
7. Completion, spiritual perfection
8. New beginning, resurrection or regeneration
9. The end, or conclusion of a matter
10. Perfection of divine order
11. Imperfection
12. Perfection of government

For further insight into these number associations, see E.W Bullinger, "Number in Scripture."

The seven blessings appear at strategic points in Revelation, each tied to a specific phase of God’s unfolding plan:

• The first blessing reflects John’s vision of the glorified Christ
• The second and third blessings occur during the latter half of the tribulation
• The second marks the beginning of the great tribulation
• The third follows the pouring out of the sixth bowl judgment
• The fourth blessing is associated with the marriage of the Lamb in heaven
• The fifth blessing corresponds to the millennial reign of Christ on earth
• The sixth and seventh blessings come at the end of the book, serving both as a caution to believers, to remain faithful to the prophecy, and as an invitation for all people to embrace Jesus Christ

These blessings are summarized in the following table:

	Verse	blessing
1	Revelation 1:3	Blessed are those who read, hear, and do what is written in this prophecy
2	Revelation 14:13	Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on
3	Revelation 16:15	Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes on him
4	Revelation 19:9	Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb
5	Revelation 20:6	Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection
6	Revelation 22:7	Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book
7	Revelation 22:7	Blessed are those who wash their robes that they may have the right to the tree of life and go through the gates into the city

The first blessing in the above table, is for all who read this book of revelation. The second, third and fourth blessings are for those believers in Christ Jesus, who are still alive at the beginning the "great tribulation, which is the last 3 1/2 years of the tribulation. The fifth blessing is for the moment the Lord Jesus returns to earth for His second advent. The last two are for all who read this book, to encourage them to become believers, if they have not believed in Him yet.

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Which church: The Jewish church led by Peter and the 11 apostles

During the end of the dispensation of law, when the Lord was still walking the earth, He promised the apostles, often referred to as the “little flock,” Luke 12:32, that they would inherit the kingdom and rule over the tribes of Israel, Matthew 19:28. Jesus personally trained these early believers to spread the kingdom gospel, Matthew 4:12-17; Mark 1:15; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 4:43-44. Then after His ascension, these apostles boldly continued the kingdom message, firmly expecting that the Lord would soon return to establish His earthly reign, Acts 3:17-24.

At that time, synagogues were well established, as noted in Revelation 1:11, and some were visited by Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, Romans 11:13. These congregations, made up of Jewish believers, looked forward with hope to the coming kingdom, anticipating that their Messiah (Christ Jesus) would one day take His rightful place on David’s throne, Acts 1:6; Titus 2:13. The Apostle John would have ministered to these Jewish churches, especially after the decline and diminishing of Israel, Galatians 2:9; Romans 11:11-12 [KJV].

The following timeline illustrates the simplified view of the coming kingdom for Jewish believers. Not until the first church council in Jerusalem, and the response James gave concerning believing Gentiles, did Jewish believers ever consider that the Lord would graft Gentiles into the blessed olive tree to enjoy the blessings of the root and to grow in righteousness in Christ as a result, Romans 11:11-17. Before the Jerusalem council, the believing Jews had no idea that the Lord would do a great work with the Gentiles.

Which church: The Body-of-Christ led by Paul

In contrast to those zealous for the law, Luke 12:32, Acts 21:20, the Lord instituted the dispensation of grace, appointing the Apostle Paul as its steward, 1Corinthians 4:1-4, Ephesians 3:2-12. In this dispensation, salvation is by the grace of God through faith alone, Ephesians 2:8-9, being justified by faith through our Lord Jesus Christ, Romans 5:1-2. Following Israel’s fall, the Jewish church dispersed from Jerusalem amid fierce persecution led by Saul, Acts 11:19, Acts 8:1 and Acts 9:1-2, and although the apostles continued ministering in synagogues worldwide, their era gradually came to a close, Galatians 2:7-9; Romans 11:11-12 [KJV]. Yet, at the end of the dispensation of grace, these very congregations will be reconstituted to proclaim the “kingdom of heaven,” Matthew 3:2.

The commencement of this new dispensation also marks the birth of the Body-of-Christ, a unified community of believing Jews and Gentiles, 1Corinthians 12:13. Before this unification, when Paul was set apart as chief, 1Timothy 1:11-16, the Lord made a clear distinction between Israel and the other nations, Acts 10:19-20, 28, Leviticus 20:24. Now, however, that division has been abolished in the dispensation of grace, Ephesians 2:14. Paul even teaches that not all who are born into Israel by the flesh are true Israelites, rather, righteousness comes by faith rather than through adherence to the works of the law, Romans 9:6. He ended that passage to indicate why Israel, who had followed after the law of righteousness, did not attain the law of righteousness. It was because they sought it not by faith, but by the works of the law, Acts 9:30-33. After Paul’s first missionary journey with Barnabas, Peter witnessed at the Jerusalem council that Jewish believers, too, would receive salvation just like the Gentiles, Acts 15:11.

Therefore, the Body-of-Christ emerged after Saul (who later became known as Paul, Acts 13:9) became a believer in Christ Jesus, Acts 9:4-20, and as Paul began to build the Gentile churches. Paul was the first, or chief, among all who entered into the Body-of-Christ, 1Timothly 1:15-16, and he served as a pattern for others to follow, who should believe on Christ Jesus to life everlasting, to whom Paul gave all the glory to, 1Timothy 1:16-17.

Thus, the Body-of-Christ emerged following the dramatic conversion of Saul, later known as Paul, Acts 9:4-20, who went on to build churches among the Gentiles. Paul became the pattern-for others to follow, who should believe on Christ Jesus, and become part of the Body-of-Christ, 1Timothy 1:15-16, 1Corinthians 12:27. Paul’s life was a devoted witness, meant to lead others to life everlasting in Christ, to whom all glory is due, 1Timothy 1:16-17. Even as the dispensation of grace began, the influence of the Mosaic law still resonated in many Jewish hearts, Galatians 2:11-16. Peter later observed that though some of Paul’s teachings were challenging to understand, they were as authoritative as all other scripture, 2Peter 3:15-16. In this dispensation of grace, the former divisions between Jew and Gentile have been removed, Romans 3:19-22, and these believers will remain so until the Lord returns in the clouds to resurrect those who have died in Christ, 1Thessalonians 4:13-18, and to call away those who are still alive in Christ, 1Corinthians 15:51-58. Both the little flock and the Body-of-Christ make up the church from Christ’s resurrection until the snatching away, (rapture), when the Lord will call them home. Immediately thereafter, the tribulation churches will come into existence, and God’s prophetic plan for Israel will resume.

The following chart illustrates the distinctions of the New Testament church described in the previous paragraphs above.

Which church: The tribulation churches

In Revelation 1:4, God’s address is not to the Jerusalem churches but to those in Asia (modern-day Turkey). This is because the religious leaders in Jerusalem had, on three critical occasions, rejected the message of the Holy Spirit. Initially, Peter and John were arrested for preaching Christ boldly in the temple, even as miraculous healings testified to their divine commission, Acts 4:1-22. Later, all twelve apostles were apprehended; yet an angel freed them to return to the temple and continue their work, despite severe threats of execution, Acts 5:15-42. Finally, Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly testified before the Jewish leaders before being martyred by stoning, a turning point that precipitated Israel’s downfall, Acts 6:11-15, Acts 7:1-58, Romans 11:11-12.

Once Israel fell temporarily, salvation was offered to the Gentiles, Romans 11:11-12. The Holy Spirit then moved Paul to unveil the “mystery program” destined for the Gentiles, Ephesians 3:1-11, and to establish a Gentile church in Ephesus. His ministry not only expanded God’s revelation throughout the Near East, Acts 19:10-11, but also set a pattern, one that may be repeating in our time as God reaches out to new Jewish believers in future Near Eastern contexts, Ecclesiastes 3:15. John mirrors the greetings found in Paul’s epistles, Romans 1:7, Ephesians 1:2, emphasizing that God’s grace has been revealed to all and brings salvation, Titus 2:11. Being justified by faith, believers have peace with God and are made complete in Christ, Romans 5:1, Colossians 2:10. John also highlights the eternal nature of God the Father, who always was, is, and is to come, and the work of the Holy Spirit, characterized in Scripture as the seven Spirits before the throne, Ephesians 2:8-9, Isaiah 11:1-2, Proverbs 2:1-8, John 16:13-15, Zechariah 4:2-10.

Isaiah listed the seven spirits as:

• Spirit of the Lord
• Spirit of wisdom
• Spirit of understanding
• Spirit of council
• Spirit of might
• Spirit of knowledge
• Spirit of the fear of the Lord

In Revelation 1:4, John addresses the seven churches in Asia, seen in the brown rectangular bar in the above chart, a signifier for the beginning of the tribulation churches. Some believers in Christ in these congregations will endure throughout the tribulation period. Yet during the latter half of the tribulation, the great tribulation, intense persecution by the Antichrist will likely force many of these congregations to operate underground, much like the underground churches that exist today in regions such as China, Russia, and various Muslim countries. At that time, angels will proclaim the everlasting gospel, Revelation 14:6-7.

John’s presentation of these messages, which include judgments, commendations, and words of correction and encouragement, is intended not only for the historical context of his day but also for all the Jewish churches that will reform after the snatching away (rapture) of the New Testament church. These Messianic churches will continue through the tribulation, as they await the Lord’s return for His second advent at the end of the tribulation.

The seven letters addressed to the churches remain relevant throughout the present church age. Each letter follows a consistent five-point format, offering judgment, commendation, condemnation, and encouragement, to reveal how the Lord relates to a church defined by specific characteristics. By studying these letters, one can discern not only the spiritual strengths and weaknesses of the seven churches but also draw parallels with modern congregations. When a local church or denomination is seen through the lens of one of these ancient messages, the words of correction and encouragement take on renewed significance. John’s record, shared for the entire church body until the Lord’s return at the end of the tribulation, reminds us that what was addressed to these seven churches is indeed applicable to the church today.

John’s greeting is far more than a simple salutation; it reflects the very nature of the Triune God. The greeting begins with God the Father, echoing the style found in Paul’s epistles, as in Romans 1:7, where grace and peace are extended to all. Paul emphasizes that God’s grace has appeared to all people, bringing salvation, Titus 2:11, and securing peace with God through faith in Christ, Romans 5:1. Because of Christ’s redemptive work, believers are made complete in Him, Colossians 2:10. In Revelation 1:4, John underscores the eternal nature of God the Father, who was, is, and is to come. Complementing this, the greeting also springs from the Holy Spirit, portrayed as the seven spirits before the throne, Isaiah 11:1-2, Proverbs 2:1-8, John 16:13-15, Zechariah 4:2-10. Thus, from the very start, John affirms that the salutation comes from the fullness of the Trinity:

• The Father: The eternal One, who declares Himself as the one who is, was, and is to come (cf. Exodus 3:14-15)
• The Holy Spirit: Revealed as the seven spirits before the throne, representing a multifaceted outpouring of divine power
• Jesus Christ: The faithful Witness, the Firstborn from the dead, and the King of kings, who perfectly fulfilled and continues to fulfill the Father's plan, Revelation 19:11-16

Moreover, the greeting extends from Jesus Christ as well, reinforcing the Trinitarian nature of the message, Revelation 1:5-6. John highlights several defining aspects of Christ’s character:

• The faithful Witness: Demonstrated in passages such as John 5:30-37, 10:17-18
• The First born from the dead: His resurrection power is evident in texts like Matthew 27:50-53, Psalm 2:7
• The ruler of the kings of the earth: Affirmed in Psalm 2:6-12, Daniel 7:13-14
• The Redeemer: By His blood, believers are made blameless, Hebrews 9:11-14

John proclaims that the Jewish churches are destined to become kings and priests in the coming kingdom when the Lord takes His place on David’s throne, 1 Peter 2:4-5, 9-10, Daniel 7:22, 26-27, Amos 9:11-12, Acts 15:16-18, Matthew 19:28. In contrast, the Body of Christ is not called to serve as priest and king; rather, believers will reign with Jesus, 2 Timothy 2:12. Their true citizenship lies in heavenly realms, Philippians 3:20, and they are joint-heirs with Christ, Romans 8:17. John’s concluding words of praise, “To Him will be the glory and dominion of His Kingdom forever. Amen” echo the promise of eternal rule, Revelation 1:6, 4:9-11, Isaiah 9:7, Luke 1:31-33.

Following the introduction in Revelation 1:1-4, John makes it clear that the message is from Jesus Christ, Revelation 1:5, and that the Jewish believers, as kings and priests for God, Revelation 1:6, are being prepared for what is to come. In Revelation 1:7, John sets aside the detailed judgments of the seven-year tribulation to offer hope and assurance: despite the trials ahead, the establishment of the Lord’s kingdom is imminent, compare with Revelation 19:11-21. In these few words, John casts a vision of the Second Advent, a supernatural, worldwide return of Christ who will sit on the throne of David, Daniel 7:13, Mark 13:23-26, Revelation 19. At that time, every eye will see Him as He descends to earth, a stark contrast to His resurrection, which was witnessed only by believers, 1 Corinthians 15:5-8, Acts 1:9-14, Psalm 110:1-2. Even the descendants of those who pierced Him, the children of Israel, will encounter His return and question how He bore His wounds, Zechariah 12:10-11. This visible and literal return, with Christ setting His feet on the Mount of Olives, Zechariah 14:4, is distinct from the rapture, where believers are caught up to meet Him in the air, Titus 2:12-13, 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17, 1 John 3:1-3. Ultimately, when Christ appears, all the nations will witness His glory, and a profound mourning will sweep across the earth as foretold, Revelation 6:15-17, Psalm 2:10-12.

In Revelation 1:8, the Lord declares three superlative truths about Himself:

• Alpha and Omega: Christ identifies Himself as the beginning and the end, (omniscient)
• Christ Jesus defines the term Himself as the beginning and the ending. Of what?
• Of all the prophecies, promises, and covenants given to Israel, and world, Revelation 19:10
• Examine Genesis 1:1, when God created heaven and earth, when all matter, energy, space and time began. Everything we know, understand or can observe, seen or unseen, powers and principalities, begins with God, Colossians 1:16
• It is Jesus Christ who presently sits at the right hand of the God the Father, the author and finisher of our faith, Hebrews 12:2
• He is the only one worthy of all honor, praise and glory, Revelation 5:9-14
• He will receive dominion over the world and it will be judged by Him, John 5:22, Revelation 20:11, Daniel 7:13-14, Psalm 2:6-12

• Unity with the Father: The Lord emphasizes that He is, was, and is to come, (omnipresence)
• He underscores His omnipresence, Revelation 1:4, Isaiah 9:6-7
• Almighty: The title “Almighty” is a testament to His omnipotence
• This was first revealed to Abram, Genesis 17:1, and reiterated to Moses, Exodus 6:3
• This designation encapsulates His unrivaled power

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In Revelation 1:9, John introduces himself by highlighting three facets of his identity that unite him with Christ and the seven churches

• Suffering: Reflecting the trials and tribulations shared by the faithful, 1Peter 1:3-7
• Citizenship in His Kingdom: Conforming himself with the values and responsibilities that come from being subject to Christ’s reign, Matthew 25:1-46
• Patient Endurance: Demonstrated by the exhortations issued to the churches, Revelation 2:2-3 (the church of Ephesus), Revelation 2:9-10 (the church of Smyrna), and Revelation 3:10 (the church of Philadelphia.)

John’s message is filled with an expectation of the kingdom’s establishment, a hope long foretold by Christ Himself. In an earlier epistle, he urged believers to purify themselves in anticipation of Christ’s return, 1John 3:1-3. While on the Mount of Olives, Jesus warned that His followers would be hated for His name’s sake during the upcoming tribulation, Matthew 24:4-31. Thus, as the seven churches were ushered into a period of trial, John’s letters serve to prepare them for the coming trials and persecutions, and the establishment of God’s kingdom.

It is important to note that even though books like 1Peter through Revelation were addressed primarily to a Jewish audience, anticipating the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, Acts 3:19-21, Matthew 3:1-2, all scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, correcting, and training in righteousness, 2Timothy 3:16-17, for all believers. Furthermore, God’s prophetic plan for Israel includes the faithful among them enduring the tribulation, Daniel 9:24, 25-27.

No explanation is given in scripture regarding how, why, or for how long John remained on the island of Patmos. One day, while John was in the Spirit on the “Lord’s Day” (Sunday), he was startled by a sound like a trumpet blast coming from behind him. This very sound is portrayed as the one the Body-of-Christ will hear when the Lord snatches away (rapture) those still living, as described in 1Thessalonians 4:13-18. Just as the Israelites once heard a mighty trumpet when God appeared in a cloud over Mount Sinai, Exodus 19:16, so too does this blast echo throughout scripture. In Revelation 1:8 the Lord proclaims, “I am Alpha and Omega,” a phrase that appears four times in the book, twice in Revelation 1:8, 11 and twice in Revelation 22:6, 13, emphasizing its profound significance.

• There is no one before Christ Jesus, nor anyone after Him
• In every sense of the word, Christ is the beginning and the end of all things

In Revelation 1:10-11, the Lord directly commissioned John to write a book, chronicling everything he sees. Once completed, this record is to be sent to the seven churches, Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Because of God’s eternal presence in the past, present, and future, and His foreknowledge, Romans 8:29, what John sees and writes, is firsthand knowledge. Even though John lived in the first century, with no knowledge of today’s technology, warfare, maritime commerce, space exploration, or digital communication, his vivid, descriptive language captures scenes that seem surprisingly contemporary. During World War II, many began to see the relevance of Revelation, though the precise fulfillment of its prophecies remained mysterious. Now, the pressing question is not how these dramatic events will unfold, but when God will activate His judgments during the tribulation. John’s report is not tinted with personal commentary; it is a faithful commission from God, who foreknew every detail, even the eventual end-time judgment, since before creation began. In the same way, prophecies in Daniel 10-12, once sealed until the end of the age, now mirror events easily recognized in our modern world. The Lord uses His apostle, whom He trained for three years during His first advent, to deliver this message to modern man, in a way that they could easily understand. The following table illustrates John’s faithful execution of his commission.

John’s Actions	# of Times Repeated in Revelation, KJV
”I saw”	33
”I looked and behold”	4
”I heard”	22
”I looked”	5

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In Revelation 1:12-13, John turned to the sound and saw seven lampstands with the Son of Man among them, Daniel 3:25-26, 7:13. In the temple in the Old Testament, only the menorah, or candlestick, gave light inside the holy place, Exodus 25:31-37. The candlestick holder was a solid piece of gold, that was beaten out to make the lampstand. Every piece of temple furniture was significant in that they represented Christ Jesus. This passage describes the heavenly scene, with individual candlesticks. Each candle represents the churches, which are not unified yet, as the Lord is not sitting on the throne of David at that time. As with the persecution in the days of Saul, Jerusalem before and during the tribulation will not accept the Messianic congregations anywhere near their tribulation temple, Acts 11:19. Next John reveals all that he observed concerning the glorified Christ and His activities among His churches. Each candle represented one of the seven churches. Then, depending on the needs of each church, parts of the Lord's characteristics are revealed to them. This illustrates the intimate involvement with the churches then, as well as with all of the churches, congregations, and individual believers today. What John observed was the Lord who appeared with:

• A robe reaching down to His feet
• A golden sash around His chest
• Head and hair that were white like wool and white as snow
• Eyes that were like blazing fire
• Feet like bronze glowing in the furnace
• A voice like the sound of rushing waters
• His right hand holding seven stars
• A doubled edged sword that came from His mouth
• A face like the sun shining in all its brightness

The following table lists these characteristics with likely meanings, and related scriptural references.

Characteristic	Meaning	Scriptural Reference
Robe reaching down to His feet	Majesty and priestly office	Isaiah 6:1, Exodus 28:4, 31-32, Hebrews 7:14-17
A golden sash around His chest	Righteous and Faithful	Isaiah 11:5
Head and hair white like wool and white as snow	Pure, Ancient of Days, and judgment	Isaiah 1:18, Daniel 7:9, Revelation 20:11-12
Eyes were like blazing fire	Penetrating judgment	Hebrews 4:13
Feet like bronze glowing in the furnace	Sin is judged and atonement made	Exodus 29:36-46
Voice like the sound of rushing waters	Power and judgment	Jeremiah 25:30-31, Joel 3:16-17
Right hand held seven stars	Honor, power, and comfort	Genesis 48:13-14, Exodus 15:11-2, Psalms 139:7-10
A doubled edged sword came from His mouth	Judgment of the heart and soul	Hebrews 4:12, Isaiah 49:1-3
Face like the sun shining in all its brightness	Glory, honor and majesty	John 17:5, Matthew 17:1-8, 2Peter 1:16-18

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In Revelation 1:17-18, John beholds the splendor of the risen and glorified Christ, and his instinctive response is to fall at His feet. This act of awe and worship is not merely a personal reaction; it echoes the same overwhelming responses recorded by other great biblical figures such as Daniel, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Abraham, and Mary Magdalene. Although on two later occasions John will fall before an angel and was immediately rebuked, his response before the Lord is wholly appropriate. In that sacred moment, the Lord places His right hand upon John, offering comfort and strength. In doing so, He reaffirms His eternal nature, declaring Himself the "I AM," alluding to Exodus 3:13–15, and demonstrating His supreme authority, He holds the keys of Death and Hades. Ultimately, both Death and Hades will be consigned to the lake of fire after the great white throne judgment, Revelation 20:14.

Hades or Sheol

The terms “Hades” (Greek) and “Sheol” (Hebrew) describe the same realm of the dead. From the fall of man until the resurrection of Jesus Christ, all who died passed into this realm: the righteous found their place in the paradise portion of Hades, Luke 23:43, while the unrighteous were consigned to a place of torment.

Jesus used illustrations such as the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Luke 16:19-31, to highlight the stark differences in their destinies, until the resurrection of Jesus, in His response to the scoffing of the Pharisees toward Him and His teaching. The point of this discourse was not to describe Hades, but to warn the Pharisees against their love for money, and justification before man rather than God. Nevertheless, there are many interesting details to draw upon in understanding this place. Both the righteous and the unrighteous occupied Hades, but they were separated into two areas by a great chasm. The righteous were well provided for; it was paradise, Luke 23:43. The term paradise was used to describe both the area the righteous occupied in Hades prior to Christ's resurrection, and the third heaven as Paul describes in 2Corinthians 12:4. Unlike the church today that has the promise of being with Christ in heaven when absent from the body, 2Corthinians 5:8, the Old Testament saints looked downward to be in paradise after their death. This state of the Old Testament saints persisted until the resurrection of Jesus, Matthew 27:52-53. Then, as revealed in scripture, when the Lord ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men, Psalms 68:18-19, Ephesians 4:8-13. Voices that echoed across the pages of the Old Testament, from Job’s laments, Job 3:11-19, Job 17:12-16, Job 19:25-27, to David’s Psalms, Psalms 16:9-11, Psalms 116:3-4, and even the pleas of King Hezekiah and the prayer within Jonah’s account, offer insights into the condition and separation experienced in Sheol. These passages collectively underscore the temporary nature of this state for the righteous.

The unrighteous suffered torment in the side of Hades that they occupied. Many examples are found in scripture of Old Testament saints understanding of Sheol, such as the discourse between Job with his friends wishing he had died at birth and in the ground, Job 3:11-19. In death, Sheol would be his home, Job 17:12-16. Job then spoke of his resurrection, Job 19:25-27. David wrote in the Psalms prophetically about a future resurrection, Psalms 16:9-11, and of the anguish of going to Sheol, Psalms 116:3-4. King Hezekiah pleaded for lengthening his life Isaiah 38:17-19, and Jonah from inside the whale, Jonah 2:2, just to name a few instances that are recorded in scripture.

The Lord Jesus Christ is the Firstborn from the dead, as seen in Revelation 1:5, Matthew 27:50-53. His resurrection marks a decisive victory over death and serves as the turning point in redemptive history. At His resurrection, Paradise, the dwelling for the righteous in Hades, was emptied of the Old Testament saints. Christ Jesus ascended to be with the Father, taking all the righteous with Him, Ephesians 4:7-10. Throughout the Church Age and during the tribulation period, all who die in Christ will be present with the Lord. Paul had written to the Corinthians that to be absent in the body is to be present in the Lord, 2Corinthians 5:1-9. So then, every believer on the name of Jesus Christ, who calls upon His name, Romans 10:10-13, who die in this life, their body will be buried but their soul and spirit will be in the presence of the Lord who sits on the right hand of the Father, Acts 7:54-56.

The two resurrections

Scripture also distinguishes between two resurrections: The first resurrection is for the righteous to everlasting life, and the second resurrection is for the unrighteous unto eternal damnation, John 5:24-30. The first resurrection has three parts:

• Believers in Christ during the New Testament church age since the Lord’s resurrection: This includes the resurrection of those who have died in Christ and the rapture of those still living when the church is called, 1Corinthians 15:51-58, 1Thessalonians 4:13-18
• The resurrection of the two witnesses at mid-tribulation, Revelation 11:3-14
• Old Testament Saints: Referenced in Daniel 12:1-3, these are the faithful who awaited redemption before Christ’s resurrection
• Tribulation Saints: Those who suffer for their faith during the seven-year tribulation, seen before God in their robes of righteousness, Revelation 6:9-11, 7:9-17, 20:4-6

The Second Resurrection: This resurrection is reserved for the unrighteous, those who remained apart from the saving grace of God. After the millennium, following the final judgment before the Great White Throne, these individuals will arise for judgment and ultimately be cast into the lake of fire, a destiny underscored by their eternal separation from God and eternal torment in the lake of fire, Revelation 20:10-15, John 5:24-30.

Paul was the apostle to whom the Lord had revealed many mysteries, Ephesians 3:3-9, concerning the church such as the resurrection of the believers in Christ and the snatching away (rapture) of those still alive. Just as the Lord left this earth in the clouds, the disciples were told that He would return in like manner, Acts 1:9-11. This was directed to the Church Age. Christ Jesus will appear in the clouds to call up His church to be resurrected unto Him, and to be with Him forever more, 1Corinthians 15:51-58, 1Thessalonians 4:13-18.

In the book of Daniel, the Lord revealed to him that there would be a time of great trouble, that the world would have never known until then. This is when Michael will stand up for the children of Israel, and they will be delivered to the end of the tribulation. At the conclusion of the tribulation, and after the Lord's return, the Old Testament Saints will be in resurrected bodies and claim the promises that God had made to them as a people and nation concerning the land and the kingdom of David. Those whose names are written in the book (of life) will be resurrected, whereas those whose name is not written in the book will be reserved for judgment at the second resurrection, Daniel 12:1-3.

There are many who believe that the tribulation saints will not be resurrected until the end of the seven years of tribulation, when the Lord returns. However, an argument can be made that the tribulation saints who died during the “great tribulation” will be resurrected upon their martyrdom, as their numbers will continually increase through the tribulation, and they are seen before the throne of God in their robes of righteousness. They are assured to always be before the throne of God, Revelation 7:9-17, Revelation 20:4-6.

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In Revelation 1:19, John’s divine mandate is clearly reaffirmed: he is to record everything he has seen, as well as the conditions of the churches and the unfolding of future events. Every element of God’s revelation carries eternal significance, and the repetition of His instructions underscores the importance of complete and accurate documentation. John’s commission can be understood in three focused directives:

• Record What Has Been:
• John is to document the full span of divine revelation, tracing Christ’s first advent (His transfiguration and the manifestation of His glory, the empowering outpouring of the Holy Spirit during Pentecost), and now, the climactic vision of His majesty
• This is the glory that Jesus asked the Father to be restored to Him, John 17:5, when He prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, the night He was betrayed, Mark 14:32
• The Body-of-Christ will see the glory of Christ from heaven, which Jesus prayed for that night. He asked that those in Christ would be able to behold His glory, John 17:24
• Record What Is:
• He is to write in the book all the things he observes and hears concerning the seven churches, and deliver it to them. But God will reveal the heavenly things “that are,” Revelation 4, to John
• This record also serves both as a testimony to those Jewish churches that will be reestablished during the pre-tribulation period (see following note on the pre-tribulation) after the snatching away (rapture) of the New Testament church after the Lord’s resurrection. Five of the seven letters are corrective, in that the Lord Jesus identifies the errors of the churches, and provides corrections He wants them to make. The purpose is to prepare them for the tribulation they will go through, so that they will be spiritually right with Him
• Record What Shall Be:
• John is also tasked with detailing the prophetic future, covering the dramatic events that will transpire from Revelation chapters 5 through 22. These visions reveal the heavenly realities and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan

This comprehensive charge—encompassing the past, the present, and the future—emphasizes that God’s unfolding plan is timeless and meticulously orchestrated. Every Word from God accomplishes all that He pleases, and it prospers; His Word does not return to Him void, Isaiah 55:11.

The pre-tribulation

The graphic below delineates the pivotal epochs of prophetic history, stretching from the cross to eternal destiny. Notably, the pre-tribulation era, highlighted in tan, follows the snatching away (rapture) of the New Testament church and fulfills two essential roles. First, it marks the reformation of the Jewish churches as they existed in John’s time; second, it prepares these reformed congregations for their entry into the impending seven-year tribulation. Importantly, Scripture does not define a specific duration for this pre-tribulation period before the tribulation commences.

In a YouTube video of Jonathan Cahn's sermon on a major happening in May 2025, He pointed out that when God begins to Move, He calls His people to prepare, where:

• Preparation proceeds power
• Holiness proceeds harvest
• Readiness proceeds Revelation

Just as the people were prepared for war, coming before the Lord with sacrifices, the Lord too is preparing the Messianic churches during the pre-tribulation for the upcoming tribulaiton. In doing so, the believing remnant in each church will have a right standing with the Lord, being prepared for the wort time the world would have known, or ever know again, Matthew 24:21-22.