RevelationNotes: An Inspirational Commentary on the Book of Revelation

By Greg Hinnant

"Impossible!" "Indiscernible!" "Too mystical!" "Beyond us!" These are just some of the discouraging comments typically made about the Book of Revelation. Yet every believer, pastor, and scholar needs to understand this vital book that consummates the Bible and all its prophecies. And everyone can - given the right interpretation. This commentary provides it. In lay-friendly terms and with informational entries, thought-provoking footnotes, and inspirational "additional gleanings," it walks the reader through each chapter and verse of John's apocalypse, explaining its context, language, and principles for Christian living. Anyone who reads it with an open mind will come away with a clear, life-changing understanding of John's awesome vision of Jesus, Jesus' timely messages to this Church Age, and the wondrous Kingdom Age and Eternal World yet to come. And, with delight, they will realize Revelation is . . . "Possible!" "Discernible!" "Not too mystical!" "Not beyond our grasp!"

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gatekeeper Press
• Release date: Oct 23, 2019
• ISBN: 9781642377323

Book preview

Part One

A VISION OF CHRIST IN HIS GLORY

The things which thou hast seen—Revelation 1:19

SURPRISINGLY, THE OPENING chapter of Revelation is the most important.

The Spirit inspiring John’s apocalypse would first impress us, deeply and lastingly, with the supreme authority of the glorified Christ. Sufficiently awed, we will then study Christ’s instructions to the churches with the utmost attention (Rev. 2-3)—and obey them! Perseverance in this inspired instruction and obedience will prepare us to ponder the last things (Rev. 4-22) and, in God’s fast-approaching time, experience them. Our human curiosity would reverse this order.

We want to skim over John’s vision of Christ and Christ’s instructions to the churches to speculate over the last things, often becoming entangled in endless conjecture about Revelation’s many unrevealed details. But Revelation is for preparation, not speculation.

So first things first. Let’s study well the vision that inspires our personal preparation for the last things.

Chapter One

JOHN’S PROLOGUE, VISION, AND COMMISSION

CHAPTER ONE PRESENTS John’s prologue (1:1-8), his vision of the glorified Christ (1:9-18, 20), and his commission to write Revelation (1:19). Again, His vision of Christ’s glory is most important.

One can know every scintillating detail about the Rapture, the Tribulation, the Millennium, and the eternal world and yet miss entirely the reason God ordered John to write this scroll: He wants to motivate not just biblical research but faith-inspired obedience, to prepare us for eternity. Here we find the inspired thought-stuff that motivates mortals to give the Immortal what He wants.

John’s Prologue: Opening the Revelation (1:1-8)

By Verse . . .

1:1 The apostle John began by classifying his writing as a revelation, or apocalypse,¹ an unveiling of hidden things given to inspire hope in God’s people during times of hardship or persecution (such as John’s day, 1:9).² Chiefly it is a revelation of Jesus Christ, as never before seen, in His full divine glory and power—a sharp contrast to the gospels’ presentation of Him in His humiliation. Thus, Revelation’s description of Jesus counterbalances the gospel accounts and confirms the high view of Him in Acts (Acts 2:33; 7:55-56) and the epistles (Eph. 1:20-22; Col. 1:15-19; 2:9; 2 Thess. 1:7-10). We cannot fully know Christ without the Revelation.

This vision’s source is God the Father: The revelation…which God [the Father] gave unto him [Jesus] (1:1). Its supernatural couriers are angels: He sent…by his angel[s]. Angels play a key role throughout Revelation (cf. 5:2; 10:8-11; 11:1; 17:1; 19:10; 22:16). It is addressed to all Christians, his servants, but especially to encourage those who are becoming His devoted disciples—deeply serious, irrevocably committed, self-disciplined, student-followers of Christ. Undoubtedly, He also wants all people to read it. Its message is timely. It must shortly come to pass because its "time is at hand" (1:3). Shortly and at hand reveal Revelation’s viewpoint is heavenly, or God’s perspective. Only God considers a millennium no different than a day (Ps. 90:4; 2 Pet. 3:8-9), both being at hand, or so close He can reach out and touch them.³ So John’s book is relevant to Christians in every generation (22:10).⁴

Its fulfillment is certain for two reasons. First, the divine Spirit declares it imperative: it must…come to pass. Second, it was signified, or authorized and confirmed by a miraculous sign, in this case two: John’s vision on Patmos of the glorified Christ (1:9-20) and his subsequent catching up to heaven, where he received numerous additional visions (4:1-2; 22:8). Thus, Revelation’s initial human recipient and transcriber is his servant, John.

1:2 John affirmed he was accurately reporting what he personally experienced: John, who is now declaring [in writing] the word of God and the testimony given by Jesus Christ, as many things as he saw (Wuest). The word of God refers to Revelation’s general content. The testimony of Jesus speaks of everything Jesus said to the seven churches of Asia Minor (Rev. 2-3) and to John (22:7, 12-13, 16-20a). As many [amazing] things as he saw refers to the wonders John saw while gripped by the Spirit, specifically: the glorified Christ (1:10-18); paradise, or God’s throne in heaven (Rev. 4-5); and numerous glimpses of the Tribulation, the Millennium, and the new world, especially New Jerusalem (4:1 – 22:5). Thus Revelation is not the ravings of a random seer of questionable authority. It is the personal testimony of one of Christ’s leading, intimately trained apostles, whose Gospel we know and trust (cf. Jn. 21:20, 24).

1:3 As if sensing some would fear to study the stunning events foretold in his scroll, John pronounced a blessing (the first of Revelation’s seven beatitudes) upon all who merely read or hear it.⁵ (See Additional Gleaning 1:3, The Beatitudes of Revelation.) And especially blessed are those who keep it—by devotedly studying and recalling its instructions, warnings, and exhortations (pay attention, Phillips; lay to heart, WNT) and by obeying them. He added, The time is at hand, implying Revelation’s new perspective of Christ (Rev. 1), corrective messages (Rev. 2-3), and future hope (Rev. 4-22) are intended to bless the churches immediately.

So rather than fear John’s scroll, we should love it, learn it, and long for its fulfillment: Even so, come, Lord Jesus! (22:20, NKJV). Instead of creating doubts and fears of the future, Revelation dissolves them by assuring us ultimately all despots (beasts) will fail and Christ alone—Jesus Christ the Victor (Greek, Iesous Christos Niké)—will rule the universe…forever! This leaves us blessed—so deeply assured of the future consummation that we can calmly face all present challenges.

1:4 John declared he was addressing the seven churches which are in [the Roman province of] Asia. To them, and to us, he extended the New Testament’s signature salutation: Grace be unto you…and peace. Indeed Revelation’s vision of the glorified Christ terminating history victoriously is given us by God’s grace. This unmerited favor comes from the holy Trinity, whom John described in verses 4-5: God the Father, Him who is, and who was, and who is to come; God the Holy Spirit, the seven spirits [sevenfold Spirit]…before His throne (cf. 4:5); and God the Son, Jesus Christ (1:5).

1:5 John further described Jesus. He is the faithful witness, whose testimony of eternal truth is utterly accurate and trustworthy. He is the first begotten of the dead, since His resurrection occurred before that of any righteous person, thus initiating the new, redeemed human race.⁶ He is the prince of the kings of the earth—Sovereign over all sovereigns, then, now, and forever (19:16).⁷ He loved us so much He washed [purged and liberated] us from our sins by His atoning death. How can we not love Him? Sin-cleansing comes only by his own blood, not our good works, religious rites, church attendance, charitable gifts, or sacrifices. Are we quickly washing ourselves in His cleansing blood whenever we sin (1 Jn. 1:7, 9)?

1:6 Christ our Sovereign hath made us a kingdom of priests unto God…his Father (cf. 5:9-10; 1 Pet. 2:9). Thus, the church (body of believers worldwide) constitutes a kingdom in which all believers are priests. This states succinctly the great Reformation doctrine of the priesthood of all believers.⁸ For this kingdom and our priesthood John attributed all praise, honor, and authority to Christ: To him be glory and dominion forever and ever (cf. 5:11-14). He concluded his doxology, Amen, or it is so!

But is it so with us? Are we praising and honoring Christ for making us believer-priests with full access to God’s throne anytime anywhere concerning any need (Heb. 10:19-22)? Are we making use of our privileged access by interceding for others daily?

1:7 After describing the blessedness of the saved (1:6), John turned his attention to the sorrows of the lost—specifically, judgment at Christ’s second coming! Behold, he cometh with clouds, and every eye shall see him, and they also who pierced him. This is not the secret coming of the Bridegroom to steal away His true church and initiate the Tribulation (Matt. 25:10; 1 Thess. 4:13-18). Rather, it’s the climactic end of the Tribulation, Christ’s return to earth as Conqueror and Judge (in power and great glory, Matt. 24:30) to render justice to they also who pierced him, and all kindreds of the earth that continue stubbornly rejecting Him (19:11-16; cf. 2 Thess. 1:6-10). While the redeemed worship in heaven (Rev. 4-5; 19:1-4), these impenitent rebels and apostates (9:20-21; 16:9b) will wail on earth. John responded to this disturbing specter with quiet acquiescence, Even so, Amen. (1:7; 22:20). Why? He understood it is better for Christ to restore divine order, even if by tumultuous judgment, than to leave this world in Satan’s misleading and oppressive control (22:20). Thus, before we study the Tribulation’s beginning (Rev. 6), we are reminded of its end (Rev. 19; cf. Isa. 46:9-10).

Perhaps you need this reminder. Behold, he cometh in power to you today—to end your personal tribulation, to answer your fervent prayers, to save you from danger or loss, to release you from injustice or oppression. Gaze at Him, trust in Him, hope in Him, and rest in Him. He cometh!

1:8 Here John recorded the first words Jesus spoke to him were, I am Alpha and Omega,⁹ or the beginning and the ending, a truth Revelation emphasizes by repetition (cf. 1:8; 1:11; 1:17; 21:6; 22:13). This title affirms Jesus begins and ends all God’s work. He is the Creator and Terminator of all things—the cosmos, world history, Israel, the Church, redemption, our lives, our tests of faith, and the last things. Jesus gave John’s Revelation in the beginning of the age (AD 95) and will perform all its prophecies in the End Times. To begin and end all things, one must control them throughout. So Jesus is really claiming to be the Controller and Coherer of everything (cf. Col. 1:17). That He remains so from beginning to end implies He is also immutable (cf. Heb. 13:8). Jesus’ words emphasize His eternality, who is, and who was, and who is to come, and His omnipotence, the Almighty. The latter is heavily emphasized in Revelation. Nine of the ten New Testament uses of Almighty (Greek, pantokratōr, the all-powerful One) are found in Revelation (2 Cor. 6:18; Rev. 1:8; 4:8; 11:17; 15:3; 16:7, 14; 19:6, 15; 21:22).¹⁰

Here is more comforting news. Has the Alpha started your season of testing and faithfully kept you through it? Pray He will mercifully intervene to end it—to begin a new season of fulfillment and wider service: Thou broughtest us into…affliction…thou broughtest us out (Ps. 66:11-12).

Additional Gleanings . . .

1:1 Know Revelation Jesus? Jesus, not any despotic ruler or period of unprecedented worldwide trouble, is the central theme of Revelation. It is The revelation of Jesus Christ… While many awesome events and colorful characters grace its pages, the Revelation at core is all about Jesus—Jesus no longer limited by human flesh, Jesus no longer suffering and dying, Jesus no longer deferring His will, Jesus no longer yielding to His enemies, Jesus as you’ve never seen Him before! While the gospels present Christ in His humiliation, the Revelation unveils Him in His inimitable divine glory—overwhelming John (1:9-17), critiquing and commanding His churches (2:1 – 3:22), receiving worship in heaven (5:1-14), controlling world events (6:1-8), leading heaven’s armies (19:11-16), crushing Antichrist¹¹ (19:19-21), ruling a thousand years on earth (20:4), judging the dead (20:11-15), illuminating the new world (21:1-21, 22-23; 22:5), and being worshiped and served there forever (21:22 – 22:5). After revealing this awesome, glorified Christ, Revelation closes by urgently warning its readers three times that this same awesome, all-powerful Jesus will return soon (22:7; 22:12; 22:20).¹² Thus this book is shining, beaming, radiating with the glory of Jesus. I see a danger here.

Many Jews failed to recognize Christ at His first coming because He came in humiliation and their rabbis’ teaching had consistently emphasized His coming in glory, not suffering (Lk. 24:25-26). Today many Christians are making a similar mistake: expecting Jesus to come in meekness, not might. Why? Too often our ministers present Him only as the suffering Savior and not the King of Glory. We need a substantial dose of Revelation to restore us to a healthy, complete view of Christ. Ready for your dose?

Do you know Revelation Jesus? Or Gospel Jesus—your knowledge of Him derived only from the gospels? The next time this world sees Jesus, He will appear exactly as Revelation presents Him—glorified, not crucified; revered, not rejected; ruling, not overruled; judging, not judged. It’s time we get to know Revelation Jesus.

1:1 A must read! If we feel a book’s importance, timeliness, or excellence is compelling, we proclaim it a must read. If ever there was a must read, John’s scroll is it. Not only is Revelation vital because of its profound topic—Jesus presented in His full and eternal divine glory—but also because it’s certain and timely. In John’s words, it must shortly come to pass.

It is certain because it is God’s inspired Word and His faithfulness compels Him to fulfill its every syllable. Jesus repeatedly asserted every Bible prophecy would be fulfilled (Mk. 14:49; Jn. 10:35; Matt. 24:35). Similar pledges appear in both Old and New Testaments (Num. 23:19-20; 1 Ki. 8:56; Ps. 105:8-11, 44; Isa. 40:8; Matt. 8:8).

It is timely for two reasons. First, the two thousand years that have passed since John inscribed Revelation are to God but a short time (2 Pet. 3:8). Second, our times are clearly the last, as the signs of the End Times in the church, world, and Israel are upon us in profusion. Thus Revelation’s amazing story not only must occur, but will do so shortly.

Few things promised or predicted must come to pass. A doctor’s prognoses, a pundit’s predictions, a scientist’s hypotheses, a head of state’s promises, a business partner’s assurances, an advertisement’s claims, even a contract’s warranties, all these are somewhat uncertain and none absolutely sure. But not Revelation. It’s inspired, certain, and timely. It must come to pass, and soon.

So you must read it. And you must encourage others to do so. Must!

1:1 Reserved for His servants. John opened Revelation by saying Christ sent it to his servants. He repeated this when closing Revelation (22:6). While broadly addressing all Christians, his servants specifically describes those committed to serving Christ’s will. Revelation is reserved for them.

Only Christ-servers, therefore, will fully grasp its message and application. Self-servers—unbelievers, carnal Christians, and apostates—need not expect to decipher Revelation’s mysteries (Jn. 7:17).¹³ Want full insight into John’s apocalypse so you’ll be fully prepared as the End Times draw near?

Be Christ’s servant!¹⁴ Seek Him daily through prayer, worship, Bible reading. Aim to please Him in every decision, word, action, and reaction. Serve His will, not yours, even when you’re misunderstood and misjudged for it. Serve Him by serving His people, as He did (Matt. 20:28; 15:24) and asked (Jn. 21:15-17). Serve Him wholly, willingly expending all your energy in His service. Serve Him humbly, in duties, ministries, and acts of charity seen only by Him (Mk. 12:41-44). Serve Him sacrificially, when your visible blessings are stripped away for a season and you have nothing to show for your service—only the private reassurances of His peace, joy, presence, and anointings (Job 13:15; Hab. 3:17-19; 1 Ki. 17:2-7).¹⁵ Then you’ll be his servant in the fullest sense. And He will open His Revelation to you with the fullest illumination as you study, obey, and share it. Why?

It’s reserved for you.

1:3 The Beatitudes of Revelation. John’s statement, Blessed is he is a beatitude. Though biblical in concept, the word beatitude is not found in the Bible. It is our word describing biblical verses that describe someone in a state of supreme blessedness or happiness.¹⁶ This blissfulness isn’t a random occurrence.

It comes from God. Biblical beatitudes pronounce or promise His blessing upon individuals who possess what they describe; for instance, those possessing hunger for righteousness, meekness, mercifulness, purity of heart, awareness of spiritual need [God-dependence], grief over God’s neglected will, suffering for righteousness’ sake, and so forth. If we possess the conditions described we may expect the blessedness promised. Scripture is filled with beatitudes.

We are most familiar with Jesus’ Beatitudes (Matt. 5:3-12). But many others are scattered throughout the Bible (Num. 24:9; Prov. 8:32; 8:34; Isa. 30:18; 56:2; Jer. 17:7-8; Dan. 12:12; Matt. 11:6; 21:9; 24:45-47; Lk. 1:45; 11:28; 14:15; Jn. 20:29; Jas. 1:12). Beatitudes abound in the Psalms (1:1; 32:1-2; 33:12; 34:8; 41:1-3; 65:4-5; 84:5-7; 94:12-14; 106:3; 112:1, 2-10; 119:1; 119:2; 128:1, 2-6).

As stated earlier, this verse (Rev. 1:3) is the first of seven beatitudes found in Revelation (1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14). In it John promised all who read or hear and subsequently keep its instructions¹⁷ and hope will be blessed. Why? They’ve grasped God’s essential purpose for giving it: Revelation is for preparation! That is, God has revealed the future so we may prepare in the present. He reveals things to come (Jn. 16:13) so we’ll be ready when they come. So if we’re preparing, we’re blessed—blessed to live daily in a state of readiness.

Perhaps the chief blessedness Revelation offers is the assurance that ultimately Jesus wins over the worst Satan, Antichrist, and sinners can do. The glorious sight of Christ triumphing over the Great Tribulation and tribulator, and then ruling for a thousand years, dispels our fears and emboldens us to endure our tribulations now during the final years of this Church Age.¹⁸ In need of some of this blessedness?

Comply with the conditions specified in all the Bible’s beatitudes and expect the blessedness promised to overtake you (Deut. 28:1).

1:4 The sevenfold Spirit. The seven Spirits who are before his throne (KJV)—this statement, the first of John’s repeated references to the seven spirits of God, begs explanation (1:4; cf. 3:1; 4:5; 5:6). It describes not seven different Holy Spirits but the sevenfold Holy Spirit. The seven features of His divine character are seen most clearly in Jesus of Nazareth, who, as a man, was utterly filled with the Spirit and consistently responsive to Him.

Isaiah 11:2-4, a Messianic prophecy, details these seven aspects of the Spirit’s presence and work in Jesus. I list them below with references to their manifestations in Jesus’ life and teaching.

The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of:

1. Wisdom – or excellent decision-making (Isa. 11:2; cf. Lk. 2:47)

2. Understanding – or insight (11:2; cf. Jn. 5:6)

3. Counsel – or excellent advice, guidance (11:2; cf. Jn. 21:6)

4. Might – or courage and boldness (11:2; cf. Matt. 23:13-33)

5. Knowledge of the Lord – intimate, experiential fellowship (11:2; cf. Jn. 8:26-29)

6. Fear of the Lord¹⁹ - deep, awe-struck respect (11:2; cf. Lk. 12:4-5)

7. Righteous judgment – fair and unbiased justice (11:3b-4a; cf. Jn. 7:24; 8:11)

But this isn’t the end of the story. God wants these characteristics of His Spirit seen in every Christian. How?

Follow the pattern seen in Jesus of Nazareth. Receive Him and the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Then consistently respond in obedience to God’s Word and the Spirit’s guidance. The result? The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon you more every day, in wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge of the Lord, fear of the Lord, and righteous judgment. Impossible?

Quite possible! In the early church, even deacons manifested the sevenfold Spirit: And they [the church] chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit…and they [Stephen’s enemies] were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke (Acts 6:5, 10).

1:4 Why all the sevens? Twice in this verse John used the word seven. He used it frequently in Revelation.

For instance, there are: seven churches (1:4, 11, 20); seven Spirits (1:4; 3:1; 4:5; 5:6); seven lampstands (1:20); seven stars (1:20); seven seals (5:1, 5, 6); the Lamb’s seven horns (5:6); the Lamb’s seven eyes (5:6); seven angels (8:2); seven trumpets (8:2); seven thunders (10:3); seven thousand slain (11:13); the dragon’s seven heads (12:3); the dragon’s seven crowns (12:3); the beast’s seven heads (13:1); seven last plagues (15:1); seven golden vials (15:7); seven mountains (17:9); seven kings (17:10); and, as previously stated, seven beatitudes (1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14). That’s a sevenfest! Why so many sevens? The reason isn’t stated, but we’re not left completely in the dark.

Generally the Bible uses seven, a perfect or indivisible number, to denote completion, wholeness, or perfection. Its repeated use in John’s apocalypse tells us Revelation:

• Caps all Bible prophecy, perfecting and thus closing the message of the spirit of prophecy (19:10)

• Completes the New Testament’s message, rendering it whole and perfect

• Concludes the Bible’s message, making it sufficient and complete

• Completes God’s unveiling of Himself in His Son, who is Revelation’s prime theme (1:1) and whose enduring glory and power it features (5:13-14; 19:11-16)

• Completes the story of redemption, finishing in New Jerusalem (Rev. 21-22) the salvaging of creation God began in Eden (Gen. 3:21)

• Completes the story of Satan’s rebellion, which started in heaven before time (Isa. 14:12-15) and will end in eternity in the lake of fire (Rev. 20:10)

• Finishes the story of Israel’s conflicts with Gentile nations, which began in Egypt and will end at Armageddon

• Completes the history of human warfare, which stretches from Chedorlaomer’s attack on Sodom (Gen. 14) to Antichrist’s international aggression (Rev. 6:1-8; 13:4, 7)

• Finishes God’s judgments on sinners, which began in Eden (Gen. 3:16-19) and will end at the Great White Throne (Rev. 20:11-15)

• Terminates the long line of tyrannical leaders defying God’s people and will, from Pharaoh to Antichrist

• Completes the story of the sufferings of God’s messengers, from Enoch and Noah (Gen. 5-8) to the two witnesses (Rev. 11:3-12)

• Closes the preaching of the gospel, which began with John the Baptist’s preaching on earth and will end with the preaching of angels from heaven (Rev. 14:6-7)

• Completes the tragic history of idolatry and false religion, stretching from Cain’s self-appointed worship (Gen. 4:3, 5) to Antichrist’s image (Rev. 13:14-15)

Thus Revelation is a sermon of sevens—completing, closing, finishing, making whole, and perfecting these and other issues. It is truly God’s last Word. Nothing need, can, or will be added to it and nothing should be taken from it (Rev. 22:18-19).

So study John’s sermon of sevens. Let Revelation’s deep life lessons be the last word in your life.

1:4 The shifting centers of the Spirit’s work. By addressing His messages to the seven churches which are in Asia, Jesus hinted that at that time (AD 95) the churches in the Roman province of Asia [modern Turkey] were the hub of Christian activity—or the place where the Spirit was working most dynamically among believers worldwide.²⁰ Christ’s work among His people has always seemed to center in one or another nation or region. Acts and church history confirm this.

Christ’s work began in Jerusalem, making Judea the initial hub of church activity (Acts 1-7). With the birth of the church in Antioch, and its divinely blessed evangelism and apostolic teaching (Acts 11:19-26), that city eventually became a center of Christianity. By AD 95, as stated above, Asia became the hub of God’s work. After this North Africa, particularly Alexandria, arose as a major center of Christian life and theology. This was followed by the rise of the Roman church, whose long predominance began under Constantine (312). But this didn’t last. When the Roman church corrupted itself by seeking power and wealth in lieu of truth and righteousness, Christ shifted the hub of His work.

Beginning with the Reformation (1517), Saxony (Germany), Switzerland, and the Netherlands became Spirit-blessed centers for the three major forms of Protestantism (Lutheran, Reform, Anabaptist). A century and a half later, the Spirit’s work reemerged again in Germany among the Pietists (1670s) and later the Moravians (1720s). Simultaneously England was becoming a prolific haven for true Christianity, first among the Puritans and Separatists (1600s) and later during the Wesleyan Revival (1700s). Finally, America became the place God’s Spirit chose to work dynamically, most notably during three Great Awakenings occurring between the 1740s and the 1850s, and in the following Pentecostal, Evangelical, and Charismatic movements of the twentieth century. But in recent decades another shift in divine activity seems to have occurred.

After enduring severe persecution during the mid-twentieth century (1966-1976), the Chinese church exploded with new growth as the century closed. Almost simultaneously many spiritually strong churches have emerged in previously non-Christian, Catholic, or Communist regions, such as Africa, Latin America, and Russia. Will one of these nations or areas become the Spirit’s next hub? Or will God break out again in America? These are open questions.

But this much we know. Unlike the Old Testament era in which God eventually centered His work in only one nation (Israel) and worship center (Jerusalem), the New Testament era has witnessed God shifting the center of genuine, Bible-centered, Spirit-led Christian activity numerous times, favoring first one nation and then another.

Let’s pause and ponder three implications of this pattern of divine action:

1. Divinely favored nations are not superior. No respecter of persons, God will use any nation that fears Him as a hub of His Spirit’s saving work (Acts 10:34-35). So His use of a nation—for a decade, century, or millennia—doesn’t prove He considers it above other nations.

2. God’s favor is conditional, not permanent. In His sovereignty, God has eventually set aside every nation He has specially used when they turned from righteousness to sin. So He extends His favor conditionally—based upon that nation’s spiritual and moral condition (Ps. 33:12; 144:15)—never permanently. His use of our nation today does not guarantee He will use it indefinitely.

3. God’s favor doesn’t exempt a nation from His righteous judgments. Righteousness exalteth a nation, but just as truly sin brings reproach (dishonor, declining divine favor) to any people; and, if continued, judgment (Prov. 14:34). Even the chosen nation, Israel, has suffered severe judgments for sin.²¹ All the nations specially used by Christ noted above, after apostasy set in, experienced divine discipline or judgments.²² And America is presently going the same way—barring a sweeping genuine revival.

These truths are undeniable—and humbling. One vital question remains.

Will we humble ourselves and fear the Lord? Nationalistic pride must not control us. It should not matter to us which nation God chooses to work through, just that He works!²³ Our love of country, however, should remain. We should fervently desire that Christians in our nation walk so closely with God and pray so persistently that His judgment is turned away and favor restored—without comparing His work in our nation with that in others.

Are we willing to pray, Lord, ‘Thy kingdom come,’ wherever you choose to work? Are we ready to humbly obey 2 Chronicles 7:14 in our personal lives and local churches so God can save our nation—and, if He pleases, use it again as a hub of the Spirit’s saving work worldwide?

1:5 The faithful and true Witness. In this verse John called Jesus the faithful witness. Thus everything Jesus said in this world was wholly true, accurate, and therefore trustworthy (19:11). This points to Jesus’ key mission as He Himself described it and John duly recorded it in his gospel:

To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth.

—John 18:37

So Jesus came to us to tell us what is truth—accurate, enduring reality as opposed to what is unreal, inaccurate, or transitory—spiritually, morally, and materially. He is, therefore, our Great Philosopher, since philosophers (lit. lovers of wisdom) have for centuries wondered, reasoned, and searched for truth.

During Jesus’ earthly life He declared these general truths: that there is a God, who God is (and therefore isn’t), what He’s like (His character), His will, His message to us (the Bible, then the Old Testament), and who His chosen people are (the Jews). But His witness didn’t end there.

He delivered to us an entirely new body of truth, the New Testament, beginning with His teachings given during His ministry (gospels) and continuing (posthumously) with the New Testament epistles, which were inspired and dictated by Him, the Head of the church, through selected writers. And there’s more.

He revealed the truth to the seven churches of Asia in Revelation 2-3—their true condition, true sufferings, true errors and sins, true path of recovery, true rewards for obedience and losses for disobedience. Still He wasn’t finished.

In the New Testament, especially Revelation, He revealed to us all, the truth about the last things: the Rapture of His bride church, the Tribulation, Antichrist’s rise and fall, His (Christ’s) millennial reign, the destruction of the heavens and earth, the creation of a new earth and heavens, and the eternal abode of the redeemed and the unredeemed. Yet even this didn’t end the testimony of the true Witness.

He’s still witnessing to the human race daily. His inspired teachings and testimonies recorded in the Bible witness to all the above-mentioned truths. His continuing grace, faithfulness, acts of compassion and power, and heaven-sent revivals bear witness that He’s alive, unchanged, and still active in the church (Heb. 13:8). His Spirit bears an internal witness to our true spiritual condition today, convicting us of sin, converting us to faith, calling us to service, confirming God’s guidance, correcting our faults and errors, and convincing us Christ and His truth are still real and trustworthy. All these truth-facts are released to us by Christ, God’s faithful witness to mankind (Rev. 3:7, 14; 19:11; 22:6). They continue to confirm the truth despite the confusing chorus of contradicting philosophical and religious voices we hear daily. Paul urged Timothy to guard the precious truth entrusted to him by the faithful Witness and avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called ‘knowledge’ (1 Tim. 6:20, ESV).²⁴ Are we heeding Paul’s warning?

Are we receiving all the faithful witness is offering us? His words are utterly reliable—but are we relying on them? They’re fully trustworthy—but are we trusting them? They’re accurate, enduring realities—but are we ashamed of them because our culture discredits them? Have we abandoned Christ’s witness for the false truth claims of secular humanists, atheistic philosophers, scientific theorists, the founders of false religions (Mohammed, Joseph Smith, etc.), or others?²⁵ And most importantly, are we letting Jesus live in us and witness to the truth through our Christlike acts and speech in this unchristlike world? It all begins with repenting of sin and receiving the Faithful Witness in our hearts: As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the children of God, even to them that believe on his name (Jn. 1:12).

If you know the Faithful Witness and His truth, I challenge you: Be His faithful witness—facing the truth, loving it, studying it, living it, sharing it!

1:7 Those who pierce Him. John said every eye will see Jesus’ return to earth, including they also who pierced him (1:7; cf. Matt. 24:29-30). Who are these who pierced Jesus?

Originally, these piercers were members of the Roman execution detail that drove spikes through Jesus’ wrists and feet and pierced His side with a spear while crucifying Him.²⁶ But they didn’t act alone. The real criminals were the apostate first-century Jewish leaders who rejected Jesus’ witness, falsely accused Him of a capital crime (insurrection), and insisted before Pilate He be executed. Pilate also pierced Jesus by yielding to their demands—and threats (Jn. 19:12)! To his eternal shame Pilate authorized Jesus’ execution, though he knew Jesus was innocent of all charges²⁷ and the Jews were motivated by not justice but envy (Matt. 27:18). Yet not Pilate or the Jews but Judas was the worst piercer, who for thirty pieces of silver betrayed his loving Master (and faithful brethren) (Jn. 19:11). These were the historic piercers who will wail (1:7) the loudest when Jesus returns to establish His earthly kingdom. But other enemies pierced Jesus’ heart.

The scribes and Pharisees pierced Jesus when, while He persistently tried to draw and save them they persistently rejected and slandered Him as a demonic deceiver (Mk. 3:22; Matt. 23:37-38). Saul of Tarsus pierced Jesus by cruelly persecuting His church (Acts 26:9-11; 1 Tim. 1:12-15). Jews who despite twenty centuries of Christian witness still reject Jesus as their Messiah grieve His Jewish heart.²⁸

Surprisingly, even Jesus’ friends pierced His heart. Mary and Martha pierced Jesus by losing confidence in His goodness when He delayed their brother’s healing (Jn. 11:32-35). Peter pierced Jesus when he denied Jesus three times on the eve of His crucifixion—and Jesus look of disappointment pierced Peter even more poignantly! Thomas pierced Jesus when he refused to believe his brethren’s report, insisting on seeing physical evidence before believing Christ had kept His promise to rise again (Jn. 20:19-29). Even John the Baptist pierced Jesus when after a season in Herod’s prison John began doubting Jesus, who had not rushed to deliver His faithful forerunner, was indeed the Messiah (Lk. 7:19-23). And the piercing goes on.

The final piercers will be the Jews and Gentiles of the Tribulation who receive and worship Antichrist despite having seen the powerful, Christlike witness of a raptured church, revived Israel, and throng of faithful martyrs in the last days (Matt. 24:29-30; Jn. 5:43). Jesus gave and did so much to save them, yet they preferred to remain lost!

These biblical examples reveal the things that not only pierced Jesus historically but also continue to hurt or grieve Him. Succinctly, they are: unbelief, rejection of Jesus’ claims and teaching, offense at His delaying answers to prayer, refusing His salvation or help, abandoning or betraying Him (and our brethren; cf. Heb. 10:24-25), denying Him in the heat of trial, wronging other Christians (Matt. 25:40, 45), demanding evidence before believing His promises, or any other form of stubbornness, unbelief, disobedience, treachery, unkindness (Eph. 4:30 – 5:2), or ongoing sin. All these things pierce and grieve Jesus’ tender heart. It’s examination time.

Are we piercing Jesus in any way? Or are we pleasing Him by faithfully and humbly walking closely with Him? This text (Rev. 1:7) reveals whoever pierces Jesus now will be pierced by His second coming—and wail with unrelieved grief. Let’s stop piercing and start pleasing Him: Well done, thou good and faithful servant (Matt. 25:21, 23). Then, when He returns, instead of wailing, we’ll worship…forever!

John’s Vision of Christ Glorified (1:9-18, 20)

By Verse . . .

1:9 John identified with his readers by describing his current situation. He was their brother, and companion in tribulation (Emperor Domitian’s persecution, AD 81-96), and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, or the patient endurance to which Jesus calls us as subjects in His kingdom (1:9, NLT). So John, like his readers, was a kingdom-minded Christian patiently enduring tests of faith while hoping for Jesus’ return. This must have struck a chord with the suffering churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia, and the remnant in Thyatira, who were keeping the word of his [Christ’s] patience (3:10; cf. 2:10; 2:24-26; Jas. 1:4; Lk. 8:15; 2 Tim. 2:3; 1 Pet. 1:6-7; 2:20).

John was on the Isle that is called Patmos,²⁹ exiled by Domitian for faithfully preaching the word of God (Christ and His gospel and teachings) and giving testimony as to Christ’s deity, Saviorship, and Lordship. And without compromise! Like many of his readers, John refused to submit to Domitian’s vain demand to be addressed our lord and god. So Christ sent this awe-inspiring vision of Himself to a man suffering for his uncompromising faithfulness so he could send it to others suffering for their uncompromising faithfulness. There’s a powerful suggestion here. If we remain loyal to Christ in adversity, He will reveal Himself to us in a new way—if not supernaturally, then spiritually, by opening His Word with a new depth of insight, or causing us to sense His Spirit and voice (1:10) with a new clarity and assurance. This will give us new testimonies, exhortations, and messages to write…and send (1:11) to others who are loyally enduring adversity for Christ’s sake. So stay faithful so Christ can help other faithful ones through you (cf. 2 Cor. 1:3-6).

1:10 Though his circumstances were as bad as it gets—deprived of Christian fellowship and ministry, old, lonely, (probably) weary from laboring in Roman mines, and without natural prospects of release—John’s spiritual condition was as good as it gets. I was in the Spirit. He received his vision of Christ on the Lord’s day, or the first day of the week, so called because early Christians eventually met on this day to honor Christ’s resurrection.³⁰ Denied human fellowship John clung to His divine fellowship…without self-pity! When many would have been in the flesh—offended, sorry for themselves, fearful, or rebellious—John was in the Spirit, peacefully worshiping in full, close communion with Christ.³¹ John therefore modeled for his readers what Jesus repeatedly challenged them to become and what many Tribulation saints will become: master overcomers, believers who persist in trust and obedience until they rise above every challenge and challenger God sets before them (2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21)! In this condition John heard Christ’s voice: I heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet. It is the same voice we will hear if we, too, discipline ourselves to remain in the Spirit when things get as bad as they can get. Is it your aim to become a master overcomer?

1:11 Jesus immediately assured John the voice he heard was His, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last. Explicit instructions followed, as Jesus authorized John to write³² what he see[s] in the current and subsequent visions (the Book of Revelation) and send it to seven churches in the Roman province of Asia: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. By reminding John He is the Alpha and Omega, Jesus seemed to suggest, Because I am the enduring One this book you write will endure. And so it has and will endure.

The seven churches named were almost certainly planted during Paul’s amazingly fruitful three-year ministry in Ephesus decades earlier (Acts 19:1-20, 26; 20:31; 1 Cor. 16:8-9). They had more recently grown and matured under John’s apostolic supervision, also headquartered in Ephesus. They very likely constituted the strongest concentration of Christianity in the Roman world at this time (AD 95), since Christ chose to address them and not the churches of other provinces. The order in which they are addressed reflects the order in which their letters were delivered by John’s messenger, who landed at the port of Ephesus and then walked by Roman roads to the other cities listed.³³

1:12 John began describing in detail his vision, which presented Jesus not literally but symbolically.

When he turned to see the source of the voice speaking behind him, he saw seven golden lampstands. These represent the seven churches of Asia (1:20) who, because the Light of the world (Christ) walked (lived) among them (2:1), radiated the spiritual light of God’s truth, love, and righteousness to their sin-darkened cities (Matt. 5:14-16; Rev. 2:1, 5). If the lampstands John saw were Jewish menorahs, the symbolism was a rebuke to the Jews: By identifying the churches as lampstands, John claims that the Jesus movement is the true form of Judaism, no matter what many synagogue officials were claiming (2:9; 3:9).³⁴ Since heaven sees churches as lampstands, shouldn’t we pray, Lord, please increase the light of your Word, righteousness, and love shining through our church until our city and nation are free from darkness and full of light. Can’t be done?

Nonsense! The early church’s witness in Jerusalem was so bright their enemies were forced to concede, Ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine (Acts 5:28). The beacon of Paul’s work in Ephesus was so powerful it dispelled the dark fog of idolatry. His enemies exclaimed, Not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are no gods which are made with hands (Acts 19:26). Consider these examples, believe them, and let your light shine!

1:13 Immediately John recognized the Son of man, a title by which he described Jesus of Nazareth twelve times in his gospel (Jn. 1:51). Thus John ensured we will not mistake Him. Jesus was standing in the midst of the seven lampstands. This position reveals Jesus is perpetually present in all His churches, ever examining and correcting them as He would soon the Asian assemblies (Rev. 2-3) and never abandoning them (Matt. 28:20; Heb. 13:5). Are we asking Christ to help us recognize He is present in our assemblies, working by His Spirit to sanctify and mature us to better represent Him?

Jesus’ robe was full length, or down to the foot, with a golden sash, or girdle, tied high around His chest rather than His waist. This was a priestly garment. Thus John saw Jesus the…High Priest of our confession (Heb. 3:1, NAS). Additionally, His robe (surely spotlessly white) represents His righteousness (Isa. 61:10) which He gives us—believer-priests in His heavenly order of intercessors and worshipers (1 Pet. 2:5; Heb. 10:19-23; 13:15)—when we believe in His death for our sins and resurrection for our justification (Heb. 4:15; Rom. 4:20-24). The golden sash covering His chest shows His heart was girded with gold—He loved and was filled with God’s truth, or the true knowledge and wisdom of God which are more valuable than gold (Ps. 119:127; Prov. 8:10). Some suggest that since workmen typically wore their sashes around their waists (tucking their robes under it, thus girding up their loins for freedom of movement), the sash’s location around His chest and not waist indicates His work was finished (Jn. 4:34; 19:30).³⁵ Are we believer-priests conforming to this image of Christ our High Priest?

In our daily thoughts and actions, are we robed with the righteous ways of Christ or the unrighteous habits of our old nature? Are we filling and girding our hearts with the tin trivia of this world or the golden truth of God? Stand, therefore, having your loins girded about with truth (Eph. 6:14; 2 Tim. 2:15; Jas. 1:22-25). Are we pursuing our God-given work with unflagging commitment until we finish it?

1:14 Jesus’ head and hair were white, like wool, as white as snow. The whiteness of Jesus’ head and hair symbolizes His ancientness (eternality), honor (Lev. 19:32; Prov. 16:31), wisdom, and purity. It also identifies Him as the Son, and thus true Image (Col. 1:15; Heb. 1:3), of the ancient Father-God whom Daniel saw, the Ancient of days (Dan. 7:9). His eyes were like a flame of fire. His burning eyes represent the zealous, penetrating discernment with which He purifies us. No sin, external or internal, can be hidden from His fiery gaze. He sees all our sins and brings them to our attention for confession and repentance, or if we’re stubborn, chastening (Heb. 12:5-15), so we may become fully sanctified, spiritually mature, living demonstrations of His holiness (Heb. 12:10). So as fire is used to purify gold, Christ’s burning discernment purifies us.

Are His searing eyes convicting your heart today? If so, surrender, abandoning the selfishness or sin He detects, and rest in the peaceful fruit of righteousness (Heb. 12:11)—and the Ancient of Days will conform you to His image, honorable, wise, and pure.

1:15 Jesus’ feet shined like bronze glowing in a furnace (NIV). Bronze (or brass) speaks of divine judgment.³⁶ So this vision depicts Jesus standing as Judge of all, ready to evaluate and pass sentence upon first His church (Rev. 2-3; cf. 2 Cor. 5:10; 1 Pet. 4:17) and second the world (2 Tim. 4:1; Rev. 19:11; 20:11-15). Thus John saw Jesus’ glory (honor, authority) standing, or being founded, upon His judgment. This tells us His righteous judgments lift Him up and establish His authority. We see this symbolized early in Solomon’s reign (1 Ki. 2:12-46) and demonstrated early in the Church Age (Acts 5:1-11).

Are we preparing for Christ to evaluate our lives and churches as He did those of Asia? Do we realize that He must judge and restore divine order to our assemblies before doing so in the world (1 Pet. 4:17)? Do we understand that only through His righteous judgments (the Tribulation judgments, and Armageddon; cf. Dan. 2:34-35, 44-45) can His peaceful authority (the Kingdom) be established worldwide?

The sounds in John’s vision were as stunning as the sights. Jesus’ voice, which initially sounded like a piercing trumpet (1:10), now sounded as thunderous as the sound of many waters (1:15). The trumpet speaks of Christ’s gospel. Like a piercing trumpet it calls all with strong, clear notes to come hear His saving sayings (as when a trumpet called Israel to hear their Savior speak at Sinai, Exod. 19:16). The gospel trumpet also warns and summons converts to prepare for impending battle (Matt. 5:11-12; 10:16-23; 24:9-1).³⁷ Those who respond soon experience spiritual warfare in their personal lives (Eph. 6:10-18). The greatest clash between spiritual darkness and gospel light will occur during the Tribulation, as described in Revelation 6-19. Many waters (1:15), or a great waterfall (Phillips), speaks of the powerful rivers and cataracts of truth in God’s voice—all His sayings, the Bible!—sent to sustain us with the water of life (cf. Ps. 1:2-3; Ezek. 43:2). The largest of these powerful spiritual streams is Revelation, the Amazon and Victoria Falls of Bible prophecy.

Have you discerned the sharp warnings of Christ’s war trumpet? Are you preparing for and enduring spiritual warfare well? Are you drinking often from the rivers and waterfalls of life that gush from the Scriptures?

1:16 Jesus held seven stars in His right hand. He subsequently identified them as angels (1:20), or more accurately messengers (Wuest).³⁸ The messengers to the seven churches of Asia were their ministers (pastors or presiding elders), who delivered messages from Christ to them regularly (and, secondarily, the messenger[s] conveying John’s writings from Patmos to Asia). The use of the word star to represent people isn’t unprecedented. Moses used the term to describe the twelve sons of Israel (Gen. 37:9) and Daniel used it to symbolize priests (Dan. 8:10) and later, wise ones and evangelists (Dan. 12:3). These ministers were in his right hand, or fully subject to Christ’s control³⁹ and under the power of His Spirit.⁴⁰ In his hand further suggests they were: under His instruction (His teaching hand), subject to His correction (chastening hand), used by Him (ministering hand), surrounded by His protection (protecting hand), comforted by Him (reassuring touches), provided for by Him (providing hand), guided by Him (directing hand), and placed by Him in pastorates, offices or fields of service (planting hand).

Jesus had a sharp, two-edged sword protruding out of his mouth. Since words come from Christ’s mouth, this sword represents His sharp, quick-working, soul-piercing Word (Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12). Its two cutting edges of truth pierce unbelievers and believers, the former with saving conviction (Acts 2:37), rage (Acts 7:54) or judgment (Rev. 19:15), and the latter with conviction, correction, deliverance, goading, or chastening (Rev. 2:16).

Are we living our lives in Christ’s hand, earnestly seeking more of His power and joyfully submitting to His multifaceted benevolent control? Have we felt the cutting edge of God’s Word convicting us of sin lately? Or correcting us when we’ve strayed from God’s instruction or guidance? Or delivering us from the bonds of fear? Or prodding us to press on with our kingdom work?

Jesus’ face beamed with sun-like rays of overwhelming light, as the sun shineth in its strength. Physically, this was the awesome brilliance of the visual glory of God (Jn. 1:14; 2 Cor. 4:6). It demonstrates Jesus is the spiritual Light of this world (Jn. 8:12)—and the physical light of the world to come (Rev. 21:22-24; 22:5)! He is the Sun of Righteousness arising with healing in His sunbeams (Mal. 4:2; cf. Ps. 84:11) to bless His people—or convict His enemies with the inescapably hot conviction of His Spirit (Ps. 19:6b) or, if they stubbornly resist, consume them (Mal. 4:1, 3).

This vision of Christ the mighty Sun of Righteousness confirmed the revelations of Christ’s glory previously experienced by the apostles on the Mount of transfiguration (Matt. 17:1-2) and Paul on the Damascus road (Acts 26:13)—and directly contradicts the view held by many today that Christ is still only a meek, suffering servant of God who never enforces His will. Are we ready to have our view of Jesus radically altered? Do we realize the next time the world sees Jesus it will be in this same glorious, all-powerful Christ John witnessed on Patmos?

As the sun shineth in its strength affirms Christ is as powerful, ministerial, and dominant in our lives as the sun is on earth. The sun’s constant manifold ministry to earth reflects the many blessings Jesus radiates into our lives daily. For instance: eternal life, spiritual illumination, energy, new days and seasons, guidance, spiritual growth, fruit of the Spirit, the reassuring warmth of His presence, and hope after every stormy night of trial. Are you expecting the Sun of righteousness to faithfully rise today to give you one of these sustaining blessings?

1:17 The impact of this vision overwhelmed John. Unable to stand, he collapsed as dead. Though John had been so close to Jesus during His earthly ministry, and had communed with Him by the Spirit since Pentecost, he seemed not to know this awe-inspiring figure and fell prostrate before Him.

Anytime anyone anywhere sees—truly, fully beholds—Jesus in His glory, he or she will also become as dead. They will die to the sins, allurements, and false gods of this world, seeing no man as great but Jesus only exalted above all (Mk. 9:8; Acts 9:5-9), struck dumb from all boasting and without appetite for fleshly indulgences (Acts 9:9). We need to see this Jesus so our pride and sins may be struck down and the Christ life in us raised up. Surely this is why Christ ordered John to record this vision for the churches, so Christians everywhere could share John’s vision vicariously—and its overwhelming impact.⁴¹ But not to leave us broken.

Jesus immediately restored John, strengthening him with a touch and a word.⁴² He touched John with His mighty, power-infusing right hand and uttered His signature remedy for panic: Fear not. Then He reminded him again He was the Alpha and the Omega, I am the first and the last.

John’s overwhelming vision of the glorified Christ was like Daniel’s visions of Christ in His pre-incarnate glory. Like John, Daniel saw Christ with similar features (Dan. 10:5-6), as an agent of the white-haired Ancient of days (Dan. 7:9-10, 13-14, 22), was overwhelmed by His presence (Dan. 10:8), and was subsequently strengthened by His touch and word of encouragement (Dan. 10:18-19).

So John confirmed Jesus hasn’t changed since Daniel’s time. He never will! O Lord, overwhelm us with the sight of your unchanging glory and then graciously restore us for greater use in this world. Amen.

1:18 Jesus continued conforming His immutability and authority. He reminded John He was the same divine Person John met, sat under, lived with, and ministered with in Galilee some sixty-five years earlier: I am he that liveth and was dead [crucified]. And now He will never die again! Behold, I am alive for evermore. Furthermore, He—not Domitian or any other despotic leader!—has the keys of (authority over; cf. Rev. 3:7) hades and death. That is, He controls the realm of the dead and all matters pertaining to death—who dies, when and how they die, and who goes to perdition or paradise. Thus all authority over life and death, this world and the next, is now His, as He said when John last saw Him (Matt. 28:18). What a comfort this was, and is, to Christians who are persecuted, especially unto death (Rev. 2:10), to know Jesus has all authority over all authorities and everything relating to our death. It is also a warning to Christians who sin willfully, as we will see later (2:23).

1:19 See John’s Commission—and Revelation’s Outline (1:11, 19), p. 40.

1:20 John closed his vision of Christ and introduction to Revelation by interpreting two symbols used in the vision, which he called mysteries, or previously undisclosed divine secrets. As already stated, the seven stars are seven messengers and the seven lampstands the churches to which they are sent. As stars bring physical light to the dark cosmos, so ministers (God’s messengers) bring spiritual light to their churches and communities in this sin-darkened world (Dan. 12:3). Churches are spiritual lampstands releasing the saving light of Christ and His gospel, teachings, and hope to their respective communities. And Christ, as seen here, is ever among His churches (Rev. 2:1), examining and correcting their members (Rev. 2-3) so they will more consistently walk in the light as he is in the light (1 Jn. 1:7; cf. 1:5-10).

Additional Gleanings . . .

1:9 The tribulation we share. John identified with his readers by assuring them he was your brother and companion in tribulation. The tribulation he described was Domitian’s persecution (AD 81-96), the same trouble his readers were experiencing. It’s important that we realize our tribulation, like John’s, is to occur now in this Church Age, not in the seven-year Tribulation that follows. Layers of biblical, historical, and personal evidence support this view.

Christ prophesied tribulation or persecution would arise in the true disciple’s life because of the word, or due to his (or her) study, obedience, or spreading of God’s Word (Matt. 13:21). Paul informed the churches at Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia that such spiritual conflicts are a part of the normative, pre-kingdom Christian experience: We must through much tribulation enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22; cf. Phil. 1:29). Considering the context—Paul’s rejection, slander, and stoning during his first mission among them (Acts 13:44 – 14:21)—it seems clear he was using his own recent sufferings as an example of the tribulation they should expect in this age. The Book of Acts confirms this by showing the early church triumphing not apart from but amid periodic persecutions for their powerful gospel ministry. Church history amens Acts by showcasing every significant reformation, revival, church plant, or mission experiencing strong tribulation stirred by backslidden church leaders, the advocates of false religions, dictators, atheistic governments, or sinful societies bent on stopping the new work God was doing through willing Christians. This pattern has been constant and undeniable throughout the Church Age. We should recognize this universal principle in our own lives.

Anyone, anywhere, anytime who earnestly seeks and obeys Christ’s teachings will soon meet some form of opposition stirred by the demonic rulers of the darkness of this world (Eph. 6:12). If we continue in the Word as faithful disciples and pursue our ministry callings, more difficulties will come because we’re receiving and releasing spiritual light—and thus invading and diminishing the darkness of Satan’s kingdom. Some trials will be mild and short. Others will be severe or long, requiring an enduring faith, the patient endurance to which Jesus calls us (Rev. 1:9, NLT), requiring us to keep the word of my patience [patient endurance] (3:10), or exercise steadfast courage under unjust sufferings,⁴³ thus buy[ing] gold tried in the fire (3:18). Every one of us, if faithful, will experience this.

Indeed suffering Christians everywhere share a strong conviction they are enduring their tribulation now and therefore don’t need the special seven-year period of Tribulation divinely designed to test (believing) Israel (Dan. 9:24, 27; 12:1; Jer. 30:6-7) and afford the unbelieving nations a final chance to receive Christ (Rev. 3:10). Jesus assured the overcoming (or successfully tested) Christians of Philadelphia, and thus all overcomers, that He would keep them from the Tribulation period, or the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world, to test those who belong to this world (Rev. 3:10, NLT). While Israel will be kept in the Tribulation, overcoming Christians and churches are kept from it, thus being protected or insulated from it, kept separate and apart, and having no contact with it. (Thus, John doesn’t mention the word church in the chapters describing the Tribulation, Rev. 6-19.) The apostle Paul, who was expertly informed on the last days, repeatedly assured the Thessalonian Christians that it is not God’s intention to subject His Church to the wrath that will be so distinctly poured out during the Tribulation (1 Thess. 1:10; 5:9-10).

Therefore, the tribulation John spoke of in this text is the same we now share. It is not the Tribulation yet to come for the world but the tribulation that has come for the Word. So, freed from fearing the future Tribulation (Rev. 6-19), let’s focus on overcoming our present tribulation.

1:10 In the Spirit. John testified he was in the Spirit.⁴⁴ Do we understand this experience? Let’s explore it further.

Being in the Spirit reveals John was not in the flesh. Not his old, carnal nature but his new, spiritual one was in the upper or controlling position. More specifically, he was in the Spirit’s presence, fellowship, fullness, flow, utterance, power, and influence:

1. IN THE SPIRIT’S PRESENCE. Biblically taught, John knew how to draw near God: with singing, thanksgiving, praise, and by blessing His name (Ps. 100:2, 4; 29:1-2). As John drew near, so did the Spirit (Jas. 4:8). Soon John’s physical senses detected the Spirit’s presence surrounding and infiltrating him with God’s deep, penetrating peace (cf. Phil. 4:7) or other true manifestations.

2. IN THE SPIRIT’S FELLOWSHIP. As John continued drawing near, he entered into fellowship (communion, oneness) with the Spirit, interfacing fully with Him, spirit to Spirit, mind to mind.

3. IN THE SPIRIT’S FULLNESS. The more John worshiped in his mother tongue and prayer language,⁴⁵ the more the Spirit infiltrated him, moving on and stirring his soul until John sensed he was completely refilled: I knew myself inspired by the Spirit (Phillips); or I found myself rapt in the Spirit (Moffatt).

4. IN THE SPIRIT’S FLOW. After refilling John, the Spirit overflowed—and the powerful, reviving river of the Spirit was loosed (Ezek. 47:1-12; Jn. 7:37-39). As John remained in the Spirit’s flow (river), the Spirit continued overflowing. New blessings were imminent.

5. IN THE SPIRIT’S UTTERANCE. As the Spirit kept flowing, John began receiving God’s blessing, in this case, utterance—thoughts, words, phrases, and messages from God for His people (cf. Exod. 24:12). He recorded these inspired communications in Revelation.

6. IN THE SPIRIT’S POWER. With the Spirit’s fullness and flow came His power (Acts 1:8). He refilled John with divine strength—rock-solid confidence in Christ, fortitude in adversity, fervor in prayer, boldness in speech and action, and physical vigor.⁴⁶

7. IN THE SPIRIT’S INFLUENCE. Now John was fully under the Spirit’s influence or control. God’s very hand was upon him to guide, correct, speak, or use him as He wished (1 Ki. 18:46; Ezek. 37:1; Acts 11:20-21), in this case, again, to write prophecy and exhortation with inspiration. (As a prophet, John also experienced prophetic trances or a visionary state⁴⁷ such as those experienced by Ezekiel in Babylon [Ezek. 3:14] and Peter in Joppa [Acts 10:10]. See Rev. 4:2; 17:3; 21:10.)

Do we know this experience?⁴⁸ Have we learned how to get into the Spirit not only in triumph but also, as John, in tribulation? The latter is far more challenging than the former, yet numerous saints met this challenge.

Paul and Silas were in the Spirit in Philippi’s jail, as was Joseph in Potiphar’s prison, David during his years in the Judean wilderness, Jesus on the eve of His crucifixion, and Daniel while on God’s shelf, deprived of his governmental ministry position for many years (Dan. 5:11-12). Willing to follow their footsteps?

While studying Revelation, remain as consistently in the Spirit as the man who wrote it. In trial and triumph, regularly ask the Spirit to help you experience the reality of His presence, fellowship, fullness,