Revelation 1:1–8

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Assistant Professor of Christian Ministries, University of MobileJesus’ Revelation

Revelation 1:1–8

Revealed (1–3)

John’s opening words set the tone for his letter: “The revelation of Jesus Christ” (v. 1). The entire book is about Jesus, the King who will come to crush His enemies and establish His reign upon the earth. This is the Kingdom to which Christians should look forward. No other government or political system can bring about the righteousness Jesus will establish. John says “the time is near” for His coming (v. 3).

While some think John may have been exaggerating or even mistaken, the time for Jesus to return has been ripe since the day He ascended to heaven (Luke 24; Acts 1). Ever since then His followers have been anticipating His arrival and the fulfillment of the Davidic kingdom (2 Sam. 7). The time is thus near for Jesus to take His earthly throne. Those who will reign with Him “hear and keep what is written” in John’s letter (Rev. 1:3).

Revered (4–6)

John now greets the first-century recipients of the letter, the seven churches in Asia (v. 4). He offers them grace and peace from the everlasting God and His Son, Jesus, the first to rise from the dead (1 Cor. 15:20) and the ruler over all kings (Ps. 2).

Such words brought comfort to early Christians. While pre-Constantine Rome tolerated many religions, they did not tolerate Christianity. Christians only worshipped Jesus, not a plethora of gods, and refused to comply with practices that compromised their ethical standards. Though they suffered for their disobedience, they knew their hope was not in this life. They were willing to suffer as Christians, believing they would be raised to dwell on a new earth, under the rule of King Jesus (Ezek. 36–37; Dan. 7; Rev. 20–21). At that time Jesus would reign over them in righteousness and crush their oppressors.

Not much has changed since then. Governments still oppress Christians, trying to coerce them to worship and live contrary to the values of Jesus — or face consequences.

Recent events have shown the same is true in our own country. We are not insulated from oppression. Believers should be ready to disobey when called to compromise the standards of King Jesus. Even if fines or imprisonments should follow, we know God sits in the heavens and laughs at those who set themselves against “the Lord and His Messiah,” having crowned Jesus as ruler over the entire earth (Ps. 2). Upon His return He will crush governments and kings that have persecuted His followers (Ps. 2; Rev. 20) and will resurrect His people to dwell in His everlasting dominion (Rev. 1:6, 21).

Returning (7–8)

Jesus’ return will be unmistakable. Every eye will marvel when He “comes on the clouds” (Rev. 1:7). This is exactly what the prophet Daniel promised: “I saw in the night visions, and behold, One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven” (Dan. 7:13). Jesus’ followers will rejoice at His coming. But His enemies will mourn, for their days of suppressing the truth and giving hearty approval to wickedness (Rom. 1:18, 32) will come to a swift end (Rev. 20).

Christians should take great comfort in knowing our King, the Lion of Judah, is returning. There is no reason to fear. As King Tirian, C.S. Lewis’ character in “The Last Battle,” so aptly said, “But courage, child: we are all between the paws of the true Aslan.” And though it seems He tarries, take courage — He is coming soon.