The One Revealed – Revelation 1 

The other articles in this series can be found in “The Bride” folder. 

In beginning this study for my upcoming book the Lord shared with me the reason that He has asked me to take on the task. He showed me that there those who will not read the Book of Revelation because either they fear they won’t be able to understand it or that they are afraid of what it says. Those who do read the book primarily do so for the prophecy that it sets forth.  In both of these cases the most critical part of the book never gets read; the first three chapters. 

Chapters 1 through 3 set the full purpose for the book and clearly define the One who is relating it to John.  While chapters 4 through 22 are by no means to be ignored, they follow the critical messages that Christ Himself — at the direction of the Father — delivered to His bride. These are epistles that come directly from the lips of Jesus and those who fail to read them are missing one of the greatest blessings in the Bible. 

While the messages to the seven churches in Asia are our focus it is important that we examine a portion of Chapter 1 as it relates to the subject, purpose and meaning of the Book of Revelation. To that end there are a few verses for us to consider as they impact what we are going to have revealed to us in chapters 2 and 3. 

When we read this fascinating vision we must be on the alert to not get wrapped up in the “pictures” our minds will conjure up but focus on the message that is revealed. To do that we need to view this book with an eye to not only see the portrayal of God’s character but in a similar fashion we will be introduced to ourselves; our own worth, the meaning of our lives and the task we have at hand while living in this world. 

Now, as we begin our journey down the old Roman Postal Route in Asia, the first five words of Revelation Chapter 1 tell us all we need to know — it is a Messianic book. The prophecy contained in the book is important but we need make no mistake about the primary subject: 

Rev 1:1(a) The Revelation of Jesus Christ … 

The word Revelation (apokalupsis) is singular and is the radical discovering, unveiling or uncovering of something that was previously hidden. And we are immediately told that this surprising and radical breakthrough comes in the revelation of our bridegroom; Jesus Christ. We have seen Jesus come as a lamb to be sacrificed with His glory veiled, but here we see Him come as our sovereign Lord to be crowned the King of Kings. He first came to be judged but when He comes again it will be “to judge.” He walked among us enduring shame but the next time we see Him it will be in His full splendor, no longer redeeming as a servant but reigning as the sovereign of all. And so we move from the gospels as related by man to this incredible message delivered directly to us from the lips of none other than the Lord of all. 

As we explore just a small part of this wonderful book we will be blessed not only by the revelation of His message to us but also by the revelation of Jesus Himself. It is a message from God the Father to the Son, sent by the archangel to His witness John for delivery to us, His servants (doulois). Doulos in the Greek and ebedh in Hebrew mean both mean bond-slave; one who is free to go but chooses to stay with his master. That meaning is clearly expressed for us in the words of Peter to our Lord at a time when many felt it was too hard and walked away: 

John 6:67-69 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. 

Truly — to who else could we go but to the one who gave His life for us. Therefore if we are His bond-slaves then this message is for us. It was to John that the mystery was revealed so that he might “show” those things which must shortly come to pass to us (His servants): 

Rev 1:1-2 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants — things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. 

First we need to note in this verse that God’s purpose was “to show His servants;” this is not a sealed book; it is to be understood by all who read and hear it.  Next, one of the things that have confused many in reading this book are the words “must shortly take place.” The Greek translation is die en tachos, which means that “it is necessary that something will happen quickly or suddenly.” This is not to be confused with “happening soon or immediately.” Put in context it means that when the first event begins, things are going to follow rapidly. But note that these words are preceded by “must” (dei; necessary, binding). There is no option, no maybe, no perhaps and no “if this then that.” He also “signified” (semaino; sign or token) or rendered into signs those things which must take place. And it was John who “bore witness” (martureo; bared the record, gave a good honest report, testified) to the revelation of Christ. 

Next we are told that this book is a blessing for us “if”… 

Rev 1:3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. 

The word blessed (makarios) as used here means more than happy, fortunate or well off. In the Hebrew it is the word ashar, which means to “find the right pathway in the face of false pathways.” Here we have presented to us the “blessed” pathway that is Jesus Christ — “if” we are obedient to what follows. 

There are three conditions to receiving this blessing: 1) We must read (anaginosko; to know again), 2) we must hear (akouo; understand) and 3) we must keep (tereo; hold fast, observe or watch – keep like a full military line) the word of this prophecy (profeeteias; the foretelling of divine events by inspiration). The point is to understand the word “blessed” in this biblical context. If we do then perhaps we might not use it quite as casually as we walk down the “pathway” that Jesus has set before us. But we must not miss the note of urgency as the word “time” (kairos) means opportunity or season; our opportunity to read, hear and keep is near. Dietrich Bonheoffer (one of the few church leaders who stood in courageous opposition to Hitler and the Nazis) expressed the same urgency this way: We live each day as if it were our last, and each day as if there was a great future because of Jesus Christ.

Now as we move to verse 4 we see that these messages are directed to “real people” and not institutions as some would limit the context. The word for churches is ekklesia and it refers to “gatherings” or a “community of Christians.” In other words, real people in real places: 

Rev 1:4-5 John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, 

The other important concept to grasp here is that these messages are from the trinity: The Father (Yahweh; I Am that I Am), the Holy Spirit (the seven Spirits before the throne represents the “fullness” of the power and Holy Spirit) and the Son (the faithful witness). And how encouraging to see the Holy Spirit, who created the church (Acts 2) and has sustained her ever since, is clearly shown here standing alongside and within the seven churches as He is today in His “sevenfold fullness;” seven being the number of perfection (the divine #3 combined with the earth’s #4). His sevenfold fullness represents the earth “crowned” with heaven (Isa 11:2): 

1.       Spirit of Yahweh
 Spirit of Wisdom
Spirit of Understanding
 Spirit of Counsel
 Spirit of Might
Spirit of Knowledge
 Spirit of the Fear of the Lord 

Now further note that “washed” (luo) as used here (lusanti) is to “set free” (loosed) and is in the past tense (aorist active in the Greek); done, finished. Remember the connotation of a bond-slave; one who is set free but chooses to stay. On the other hand, loved is actually in the present tense; the true meaning is agapoonti (that loveth). Jesus completed the act of “freeing” us by shedding His own blood and giving up His life and He continues to “love” us today and will in the future; something that can only be done by one who “is” alive. Yes Peter, to whom shall we go?  

The final part of John’s greeting is very important to understand because it tells us how Jesus views us; His bride, those He “set free.” It shows us the “lens” through which He directs His messages and as a result it sets the framework in which we are to respond. 

Rev 1:6 and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 

The kingdom of God in the New Testament is not viewed as a “territory” but rather a “relationship.” Because we as believers have “chosen” to use our freedom to serve Him we have become His kingdom here on earth and as such He has made us “kings and priests” in His kingdom; referencing what God to Moses: 

Ex 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. 

Through His sacrifice Jesus has given us royalty as the true sons of God. However, consider for a moment that the term kings most importantly means that we have been made kings first and foremost to God; kings on His account. As such we first must rule over our own appetites and govern our own spirit according to the Word of God before we consider our ministry of reconciliation or governing the world to come. And to help in that area He has given us direct access to Him. As priests we have been given free entry into the Holy of Holies — the Holiest Place — to offer up spiritual sacrifices, but unlike the chief priest who could enter only once each year, we may enter at anytime. And in the capacity of priests we need to bear in mind Paul’s words to the Roman Christians: 

Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 

This is what the prophet Isaiah saw in his vision for Israel and Peter’s admonition for the church: 

Isa 61:6(a) But you shall be named the priests of the Lord … 

1Peter 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 

Note that lively stones in the original is lithoi zoontes; living millstones or stumbling blocks. We are to be to the world around us the same stumbling block that Jesus was to the Jews. We are, after all, His ambassadors (kings and priests) here on earth and are to fully represent His authority. Consider that in the Old Testament there were only two places from which kings and priests could come; Kings from the tribe of Judah and Priests from the tribe of Levi. Now take that a step further and note that there were only 3 people in the Bible that were both kings and priests: 

1.       Melchidazek
Jesus
 Believers in Christ 

That puts us in pretty select company, making Rom 12:1 a very critical requirement in our life. Now, in that capacity, let us consider three more verses before we begin looking at the messages to the seven churches. 

First look at verse 10 concerning the critical time period into which Paul was to be taken: 

 Rev 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day … 

It is important to understand that, as termed here, the “Lord’s Day” is not the first day of the week (Sunday) nor is it the seventh day (Shabbat); it is correctly translated “The Day of The Lord.”  The word “Lord’s” is and adjective and this expression was never used in the Bible to refer to the first day of the week (Bible Knowledge Commentary). In the Greek it is en pneumatic en tee kuriakee heemera; by means of the Spirit on the Judgment Day or the Day of Judgment. This is the day that Joel prophesized; the “day of His coming;” a day in future time and space. 

Joel 1:15 Alas for the day! For the day of the Lord is at hand; It shall come as destruction from the Almighty. 

Joel 2:1-2 Blow the trumpet in Zion, And sound an alarm in My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; For the day of the Lord is coming, For it is at hand:  2 A day of darkness and gloominess, A day of clouds and thick darkness, Like the morning clouds spread over the mountains. 

John found himself “caught up” … 

Rev 1:11-13 saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.” Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 

What I want to be sure we don’t miss here is the primary reason for this book. First, and this is critically important, Jesus tells John to look; what you see, tell to the seven churches. And what is the first thing John saw; seven golden lampstands. They represent the seven churches in Asia; likened unto the candlestick (menowrah) in the tabernacle with seven lamps giving light in the darkness (Ex 25:31-37). In Rev 1:12 the word is luchnia (light bearer). These lampstands (not candlesticks) are bearers of light against the darkness, but they are not light in and of themselves; it is Jesus’ light that they carry. 

John 9:4-5 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. 

Jesus left this world and “night” (spiritual darkness) will continue until He returns. Therefore in His absence the lampstands are to bring His light into the world; our role in life and our challenge. However, read on and in verse 13 we find the key to meeting this challenge. 

Jesus is standing, not on the outside or on the perimeter, but in the “midst” of His church (mesos; before, between, among, in the middle). And He is standing there in all His glory. The term Son of Man (used some 70 times in the Bible as in Dan 7:13) speaks of Jesus as the “God-man” walking on this earth; the Messiah. And He stands there in His priestly robe (Ex 28:4) girded about the chest with a golden band; His righteousness. 

What a picture of our soon coming bridegroom. Jesus told John to look and see Him in the midst of His churches, clothed in a priestly robe of majesty and righteousness. These are not the clothes Jesus wore when He travelled through the hills of Galilee or on His journey to Jerusalem or on the cross. These are not the clothes of a suffering servant but those of a king, a king who is in the midst of the churches, observing, watching over, helping, protecting and defending; right where He is today.  

It is from this position in the midst of the churches that Jesus delivered His messages; messages that are connected just as His presence in the midst of the circle connects the churches together; the whole church. He is the “only” common center or common source of life; the very common center and source of life that holds His church together in the 21^st century. It is from His position in the center that He sent these seven messages, and they are focused on our obedience to Him as “our” center and that is how the churches (His bride) will be judged.

This is how the Saviour of the Gospels now presents Himself to His bride. It is not only a message of confidence in His leadership but also a warning of the growing signs of corruption and apostasy, which He “will not” tolerate in His bride; a warning and loving word to the wise. 

In His love for His bride Jesus delivers seven messages that we need to view as warning signs as we watch and wait for His “midnight call.”  These are mid-course corrections that are necessary to get us back on track; putting our house in order. These are clear warnings to deal with our spots (spilon; blemish), wrinkles (rutida; decay) and blemishes (amomos; fault or sin). The church that Jesus desires to present to the Father is to be “holy” (hagios; morally pure, blameless, ceremonially consecrated). 

Eph 5:25(b)-27 … even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 

So here we have in Chapter 1 the “person” of the book. And now we are ready to explore what He had to say in the first century to these seven actual churches in Asia; what He is still saying today to those who would be His bride. 

Rev 1:19 Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.  

What John “saw” was Jesus in His full glory, those things “which are” refers to the seven churches and “which take place after this” is all that follows “after” the churches; chapters 4-22 (after the rapture of the church).  The term in the King James is “hereafter” and translates as meta tauta; after these things (the things relating to the churches). Incorporated in what John has seen, is seeing and will see is the certainty of Jesus return; the past, the present and the certain future that will take place. 

In each of the seven messages in front of us is the demonstrated love of Jesus for His bride. He has not forsaken her nor has He abandoned her. To Him she has priceless value (seven golden lampstands) as the bearer of His light. However, she needs to be reminded that one day when it is least expected the Father will send Him forth to call for His bride. The question is … will she be ready or will she have failed to trim her wick or run out of oil like the “foolish virgins?” Take a moment here and read Matt 25:1-13 and keep that picture ever in the forefront of your thoughts as we progress through our journey. 

We have not been left without a warning. Jesus said when all these things “begin” to come to pass — false messiahs, wars and rumors of wars, famines and pestilences, earthquakes in diverse places, false prophets and deceivers, increased iniquity and apostasy — “then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” At this moment in history we all need to lift up our head and watch but never forget where we’re planted and what we’re to be doing. I truly believe that our “house” is almost finished and we cannot fail to tend our lamps! 

So, with the foundation set, next time we will begin our journey of discovery with our first stop along the ancient postal route in the Roman Province of Asia at its chief city, Ephesus … The First Love.