Chapter 1

STUDY:

• What is a revelation?

• Whose revelation is this?

• Why has this revelation been given to John?

• How is Jesus described in verse 4?

• When Jesus returns, who will see him?

• What does Jesus say about himself in verse 8? What does this mean (verse17)?

• Where is John when he wrote this book?

• What is the description of the "one like a son of man"?

• What does the seven stars represent?

• What does the seven lampstands represent?

NOTES:

• John was to share this revelation with 7 churches. Within the meeting of these churches, someone would have read this book aloud to the congregation. In verse 2, it says: "Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near."  Blessing comes to those who not only hear but obey.  

• The number 7 used in this chapter, and throughout the book is used to show completeness and perfection.  So when this chapter refers to 7 churches, it means that the whole church (completeness) is being addressed through them.  In verse 4, we read about 7 spirits which is symbolic of the Holy Spirit in His perfect nature.

• I love that Jesus recognized as the one: WHO IS, WHO WAS, and WHO IS TO COME.   The Bible shows that Jesus was- He came to the earth.  The Bible teaches us the Jesus is, because He is presently reigning in heaven.  The Bible also teaches that Jesus will return one day!

• Verse 7 says, "EVERY EYE WILL SEE HIM".  Halleluiah!  It won't just be the people who love Him that will see Him, but also the people that reject Him.  At that moment, the promise of God- that Jesus will return- will come to pass and be known to all people.  Nobody will have to "persuade" others' that Jesus returned because He will reveal Himself to all!\

• Jesus calls himself the Alpha and Omega. This in greek means first and the last, also; the beginning and the end.  Jesus was part of Creation and will also be part of the end of the earth.

• John writes that he is a brother and partner of the tribulation to come because he was banished to the island of Patmos as a punishment for sharing the gospel.  During this time, he heard from Jesus and wrote this book of his revelation from Jesus.

• The hairs on Jesus' head being white as snow signifies ultimate and perfect wisdom. 

• Verse 16: "In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength."  The seven stars represent as verse 20 tells us, are angels of the seven churches.  My study notes say that the angels here might literally mean angels sent as messengers, but also could mean human messengers or human pastors.  The two-edged sword shows us that the Word of God searches hearts and also judges rebels. 

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REMEMBER:

Verse 8

• "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."