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Revelation Chapter 1
By Adam Bartlett
Chapter 1
1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
Revelation simply means, "To reveal" or "uncover" so we can see that God wants to expose what His plans are for the end of time regarding His church. He indicates that the things are coming "shortly" and we know that Jesus, through the parables and much of His teachings warned as if it was imminent. John the Baptist was announcing to the world of his time, "Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand." All throughout the New Testament the theme is always that the time is now. Even though to this day there are still debates on the timing of the rapture and end time events, rest assured God does want us to know when it is close, "even at the door."
All through history every major event or catastrophe was always thought to be what was ushering in this period of time. There are many that thought they would see it in their day and the people of Jesus' time were no different. There were some in Thessalonica that believed they had missed it and had to be reassured by Paul that it had not occurred yet, 2 Thessalonians 2:2. I believe it is the working of the Holy Spirit to keep this urge and unction in God's people so that they do not get lazy and complacent. Unfortunately churches today are full of those that are just as Peter described in
2 Peter 3:
3: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
4: And saying, where is the promise of his coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
There are large numbers that claim to be Christians that fall into this category and it is very unfortunate and should cause a burden to rise up in us to warn them of their condition before it is too late.
We also have to keep in mind that God knows no time and in fact created time for our existence. Time was not relevant until creation so we are confined to the time that we know but once in the spirit realm we will understand what eternity is. Psalms records this fact.
Psalm 90:
4: For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.
Peter made this reference also in his second book.
2 Peter 3:
8: But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Peter also explained that it was not due to the Lord forgetting what He was supposed to do or when He was supposed to be coming back. Many in the church today have apparently believed this to be true. God is waiting as long as possible because He loves all creation and does not desire that anyone go to hell but that all men be saved. So, when we see verses worded as they are in this first verse indicating a period of time that seems to be soon in its expectance, we must understand two things. We must keep in perspective that God is not bound by time as we are and that His love is what causes any time we may consider as a delay.
2: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
3: Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
John indicates three things that are important for all Christians to observe.
- He "bare record of the Word of God."- As Christians we should "know" the Word, yet we live in a country where the average Jehovah Witness or Mormon can turn most Christians into a spiritual pretzel due to lack of Biblical knowledge. In fact most Christians today hide when they come to the door or just send them away without trying to show them their error. How sad to answer for that one day, that because of our lack of Biblical knowledge we allowed one in a false teaching to continue and did nothing to help them. We are commanded to:
2 Timothy 2: 15: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
John bare record of this Word and it even caused him to be exiled. I find it hard
to understand how Christians can say "I love Jesus" and not love the Word. He Is
The Word made flesh. This Word is our weapon against the war we face
everyday. The 'church' has allowed their weapon to collect dust and become
useless to them. What a dreadful position to be in and not even realize it.
- He bare the testimony of Jesus Christ. - The biggest evidence of a Christian is what they do and how they act. We are representatives of Him and should be proclaiming His goodness. We are to be spreading the salvation message to all those we come in contact with. Jeremiah said in chapter 20: 9: Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay. Can we honestly say this in our lives? Do we see the majority of Christians displaying this attitude today?
- He bare record of all that he saw. - This is our witness to others and we can only testify of what we know. What we know is what He has done in our lives and how He changes us. In this very book it give the reason and importance of our testimony in chapter 12: 11: And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Christians everyday underestimate the power of their testimony. People out there are in despair and want to know that there is hope and want to hear of how there is a God that can and will change them. The evidence of your changed life is a powerful tool and should be used. Your testimony can change more than you think and there are many that need to hear it. One reason there are so few sharing their testimonies is because our lives should reflect our testimony. John also shows how these three things apply in 1 John 1: 1: That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2: (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3: That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4: And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
Here and again in 22:7 we are told that it is a blessing to read this book. One would think that Christians would spend more time in this book that offers a blessing to the readers. Yet we hear it very little and especially in the churches where we are to be instructed and given guidance in spiritual matters. Why is it that this book is so avoided? I believe it is because there are few that understand it and we do not like to admit that we do not have knowledge in a spiritual matter. I have no problem admitting that I have many questions about this book and many other spiritual things. There are many divisions over many things among Christians which is sad, but the unfortunate reality of free thinking and individual character. We may never have all the answers to this book and many of its mysteries but that is not a valid reason for avoidance. We pray and ask for the Holy Spirit to give us the understanding we need and He will give us peace regarding this and all other books in His Word. We will learn to "work out our own salvation with fear and trembling."
4: John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;
The seven churches or congregations are listed in vs. 11 and were located in Southeast Asia at that time which is known as Turkey today. Obviously there were more than these seven congregations at that time so the reason for the use of these specific churches would appear to be more symbolic. I believe that seven represents "totality" and that therefore God was speaking of the "church" as a whole when referring to these seven churches. That they were centrally located would make it easier to associate them to those of the area at that time. We will discuss them in more detail in the next chapter as they are addressed individually. The seven "Spirits" indicated I believe are spoken of in Isaiah 11:2, and again I believe represents the "totality" of God's Spirit. In Isaiah it gives what I believe are the seven characteristics of the "Spirit."
The word church in Greek is Ekklesia and means: Those called out; all who were called to and by Christ in the fellowship of His salvation; the Church worldwide of all times.
5: And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
6: And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Jesus is "the" faithful witness and we are "His" witnesses to the world. He has given us the command to go into the world and be His witnesses and to spread the Good News about Salvation through His Own Blood. He saved us, redeemed us, paid the price that we could never pay, and will soon return to take us home to be with Him eternally. He made us "kings" and "priests" as Peter also confirmed:
1 Peter 2:
9: But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
We should therefore be acting as such in this world. By acting in this manner it brings glory to Him and not us, which is the purpose for us obtaining this status. We are spiritual kings because we will inherit the Kingdom and also reign with Him on earth for 1,000 years.
We are priests because we have all the rights that only the priests previously had and now we can enter boldly into the throne room. Being a priest meant to be totally devoted to God and to purge yourself to be as close to Him as possible and to also show others the way to that place. A priest was just as concerned about his fellow brothers as himself.
Notice that it says we are priests "unto" God, which leaves no room for self glorification which we see so much of today with ministers. I was once given a piece of advice from a man I dearly loved and who was my pastor and always will be even though he is now walking the streets of Gold. He told me once to never trust a man that names a ministry after himself, because he was magnifying himself and not God. The "only" ministry that I can think of that has defied this logic is Billy Graham and he is truly one of a kind.
7: Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
8: I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
There is one certainty for all those that are Christians, Jesus will come again! As to the timing and all the disputes about the rapture it will all be answered soon. Many have used this verse as one of the reasons they say this all occurred in the 1st century because it says they that "pierced" him. I believe that this can be looked at in two ways: one being that we are all responsible for the need for His death by our sins, universal. Two being that it strictly refers to the Jewish people due to their rejection of Him being their Messiah to this day. Zechariah seems to support this view in chapter 12:10 through chapter 13. I believe that there is another thing very clear about this verse and that being the rapture obviously occurred before this. The reason I say this is because is says that everyone on the earth will be wailing because of His return. This is lamenting and not a joyous occasion therefore those raptured must be with Him at this point.
This also indicates that this book is not in a strict chronological order. I believe that there are many places where it speaks of an event and then later describes it in more detail. In other words it does not mean that this is proof that the rapture is before the rest of the things in this book. It is simply a matter of speaking of something in reference in passing but not necessarily in that order. He is saying that when Jesus does come this will be the situation; he is not indicating that he means Jesus is coming at that very moment. There are many scriptures that speak of this time but these fit particularly with vs. 7: Daniel 7:13-14, Matthew 24: 29-31, Zechariah 12: 8-14.
9: I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
John was banished to the island of Patmos for preaching the Gospel. The enemy thought that by placing him on a deserted island that he would stop him from proclaiming the Gospel and winning many to Christ. Little did he know that this banishment would lead to one of the most important books of the Bible. You see, when the enemy tries to stop you it could very well be that God is preparing you to do something great in His kingdom. There is also another very important message in this verse. The enemy will try to stop you if you are doing as John and making the message known to the world. If you are not doing anything to bother the enemy he will not bother you. Timothy specifies it even better:
2 Timothy 3:
12: Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
That would leave one to question this one thing: how much are you being persecuted by the enemy for your walk?
10: I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
11: Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
John was caught up in the spirit and received the revelation that he is writing about and the fact that he was actually caught up in an actual spiritual realm is evident in the things that he sees and by speaking directly with spiritual beings. Much like that of Daniel in 9: 3-21 and also Peter in Acts 10:10. I wonder at the people in churches today that say that God told them this or that and seem to have regular conversations with God. We don't even see that pattern in the Bible but there are some today that get messages everyday.
It is interesting that the voice of the Lord is as that of a trumpet. John is instructed to write these things and send it to the churches listed. Again, I do not believe that these were the only congregations at that time but this message was for a purpose.
I believe that these churches contained all the problems that we see in our churches today and it was an all inclusive message to be used as a lesson to all. Just as the letters Paul wrote were to specific churches at that time, they were passed around to other churches at that time just as we read of them today and learn from their experiences.
12: And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
13: And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
We know from vs. 20 that the seven candlesticks are the churches which represent the fact that Jesus is in the midst of His church. It would be wonderful if we could truly say that Jesus is the center of every church but we know that is not true. In fact the sad reality today is that few churches have Jesus placed in the forefront of their agenda. Regardless of what individual congregations do we are promised that He is in the midst of all those that truly believe and follow Him. Jesus promised:
Matthew 18:
20: For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
The candlestick is also representative of the Old Testament candlestick in the Tabernacle and Temple also called the Menorah. It had one main branch and then six other branches as described in Exodus 25:31 and the olive oil it burned was representative of the Spirit of God and His giving light to the world. (Zechariah 4:1-6). The fact that there are seven separate candlesticks represents that now we are each a "light" unto the world as Christ's representatives (Matthew 5:14-16).
The robe down to the feet would seem to represent a majestic ruler as the kings of that time wore as also did the priests which agrees with the "King and Priest" that He is and now has delegated us to be.
The "girt" about Him would indicate complete righteousness (Isaiah 11:5 and Ephesians 6:14).
14: His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
15: And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
These descriptions are much like that of Daniel in 7:9 and it is very interesting that there are no scriptures that describe the face of Christ even in His glory. We do have this great anticipation knowing that one day soon we will see Him. His hair was as wool indicating His pureness in thinking and all knowledge. His eyes as flames indicating that He sees all and looks right into the depths of the heart and knows all things even our intentions and motives. Nothing is hidden from the eyes and knowledge of God.
His feet being as brass could indicate a contrast to the beast in Daniel 7:7 in the sense that Jesus is about the judge the world through the tribulation. All the evil will be burned up and purged through His judgment just as if it was burned in a furnace.
His voice described as "the sound of many waters" could suggest the majesty and complete authority of His Word. We know the force of rushing water and the utter awesomeness of the vastness of the seas representing the power and majesty of God's power over this universe.
16: And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
It is very interesting that he groups the seven stars being in His right hand along with the power of His Word and His countenance. We know the power of the Word as described in Hebrews 4:
12: For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
We also know that Jesus will destroy the antichrist with the Word and His brightness;
2 Thessalonians 2:
8: And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
Now let's put this together and look as something relating this to the church. As I mentioned, it is interesting that he puts the stars in His right hand. We know from vs.20 that the stars represent the "angels" of the seven churches. I do not believe that these are actual angels but refer to the messengers of each church. Angels are the messengers of God and since the candlesticks represented churches I believe it is acceptable to relate these angels as those in leadership of the churches.
With that being the case, the messengers are in God's hand and should speak the unadulterated Word (sharp sword) and the radiance of Christ should be in the messenger as well as the congregation as they receive the Words of life.
Unfortunately today the majority of ministers are not in His hand and therefore their words are not full of power or life. They look for methods and gimmicks to build large crowds instead of relying on the power of God's Word and the convicting power of the Spirit to reach people. There are countless false teachings entering the churches today as a result of this type of thinking.
Paul was blinded by the power of God on the road to Damascus as were the disciples at the transfiguration so why in this last day is it not good enough anymore?
Acts 2:
37: Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
41: Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
We see here that the first church preached repentance and Peter had just told them how they were all in sin and needed to repent and seek Jesus. It says they were "pricked" in their hearts. Nowhere did Peter instruct them to recite the Jabez prayer or read The Purpose Driven Life or join a Purpose Driven Church. It was the power of the Holy Spirit and the conviction that comes when men of God preach in the power of anointing under the Spirit that men's hearts are changed. I pray that to my dying day I will always rely on the Biblical and proven method of the first church rather than methods and gimmicks from men.
17: And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
18: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
John was not able to stand in the presence of His Holiness and falls at His feet as dead. I have been in a lot of churches and seen a lot of things happen. It is not my place to judge individuals or if God moved in their life. I have seen many things that make me question whether or not a person was actually, as they call it, "slain" in the spirit or they were simply pushed and felt the compulsion to fall. I have seen people in prayer and you can watch the minister in these situations when the person does not fall immediately they get louder and louder and push their head back farther and farther. I notice in this verse that John was not touched at all before he fell. I also know that in 2 Chronicles 7 no one was touched. When Jesus revealed to the soldiers in the Garden who He was by saying "I Am" they fell backwards, He did not touch them.
I am not saying these people are wrong for laying on hands but I will say that God does not need any help and if He chooses to cause someone to fall He can do it without the hand of the minister against the person's head. Another thing I disagree with is the "catchers" in these services, catching people as they fall. I do not see this in the Bible, and none of those individuals that fell in scriptures was hurt in the process. Let me ask you a question. If God was going to cause a person to fall as dead in His presence do you think He would cause the injury in the process? If you want to cast off all doubt in your services then get rid of all the "catchers" and stop pushing on their heads as you pray for them.
19: Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
20: The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
John is here given the explanation to some of the things he seen. I have found that in scripture it is best to not try to explain something as fact unless you have other scripture verification or it is somewhere explained as it is here. There are many that do not use this standard and that is how teachings and doctrines are introduced and many errors.
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