Verse
Context
Sermons
Leonard RavenhillLeonard RavenhillLeonard RavenhillLeonard Ravenhill
T. Austin-Sparks
Jacob PraschLeonard RavenhillSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Revelation of Jesus Christ - The word Αποκαλυψις, from which we have our word Apocalypse, signifies literally, a revelation, or discovery of what was concealed or hidden. It is here said that this revelation, or discovery of hidden things, was given by God to Jesus Christ; that Christ gave it to his angel; that this angel showed it to John; and that John sent it to the Churches. Thus we find it came from God to Christ, from Christ to the angel, from the angel to John, and from John to the Church. It is properly, therefore, the Revelation of God, sent by these various agents to his servants at large; and this is the proper title of the book. Things which must shortly come to pass - On the mode of interpretation devised by Wetstein, this is plain; for if the book were written before the destruction of Jerusalem, and the prophecies in it relate to that destruction, and the civil wars among the Romans, which lasted but three or four years, then it might be said the Revelation is of things which must shortly come to pass. But if we consider the book as referring to the state of the Church in all ages, the words here, and those in Rev 1:3, must be understood of the commencement of the events predicted; as if he had said: In a short time the train of these visions will be put in motion: - - et incipient magni procedere menses. "And those times, pregnant with the most stupendous events, will begin to roll on."
John Gill Bible Commentary
The Revelation of Jesus Christ,.... Either of which he is the author: for it was he that sent and showed it by his angel to John; it was he, the lion of the tribe of Judah, that took the book, and opened the seals of it, and which is a very considerable proof of his deity; since none but God could foreknow and foretell things to come, or declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet, as is done in this book: or of which he is the subject; for it treats much of his person, offices, and grace, and of Christ mystical, of the state of his church, in the several ages of time; or it is that revelation which was first made unto him, to which sense the following words incline: which God gave unto him; not to him as he is God, for as such he is omniscient, and foreknew whatever would come to pass, and needed no revelation to be made to him, but as he was man and Mediator; and this was given him by God the Father, and put into his hands, to make known as being a part of the administration of his prophetic office: the end of its being given him was, to show unto his servant things which must shortly come to pass: the Arabic version adds, "in future ages"; things that were to be hereafter, the accomplishment of which was necessary, because of the certain and unalterable decree of God, the good of his people, and his own glory; and these were to come to pass quickly, in a very little time; not that they would all be fulfilled in a short space of time, for there are some things not fulfilled yet, though it is nineteen hundred years ago and more, since this revelation was made; and we are sure there are some things that will not be accomplished till a thousand years hence, and more, for the millennium is not yet begun; and after that is ended, there is to be a second resurrection, and a destruction of the Gog and Magog army; but the sense is, that these things should very quickly begin to be fulfilled, and from thenceforward go on fulfilling till all were accomplished. Now to show, to represent these things, in a clear manner, as the nature of them would admit of, to the servants of Christ, all true believers, read and hear and diligently observe them, and especially to the ministers of the Gospel, whose business is to search into them, and point them out to and particularly to his servant John, was this revelation made by Christ, who immediately answered this end: and he sent, and signified it by his angel unto servant John; he who is the Lord of angels, and to whom they are ministering spirits, sometimes sent one angel and sometimes another; and by various emblems, signs, and visions, represented and set before John, a faithful servant, and a beloved disciple of his, the whole of this revelation.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here we have, I. What we may call the pedigree of this book. 1. It is the revelation of Jesus Christ. The whole Bible is so; for all revelation comes through Christ and all centres in him; and especially in these last days God has spoken to us by his Son, and concerning his Son. Christ, as the king of his church, has been pleased thus far to let his church know by what rules and methods he will proceed in his government; and, as the prophet of the church, he has made known to us the things that shall be hereafter. 2. It is a revelation which God gave unto Christ. Though Christ is himself God, and as such has light and life in himself, yet, as he sustains the office of Mediator between God and man, he receives his instructions from the Father. The human nature of Christ, though endowed with the greatest sagacity, judgment, and penetration, could not, in a way of reason, discover these great events, which not being produced by natural causes, but wholly depending upon the will of God, could be the object only of divine prescience, and must come to a created mind only by revelation. Our Lord Jesus is the great trustee of divine revelation; it is to him that we owe the knowledge we have of what we are to expect from God and what he expects from us. 3. This revelation Christ sent and signified by his angel. Observe here the admirable order of divine revelation. God gave it to Christ, and Christ employed an angel to communicate it to the churches. The angels are God's messengers; they are ministering spirits to the heirs of salvation. They are Christ's servants: principalities and powers are subject to him; all the angels of God are obliged to worship him. 4. The angels signified it to the apostle John. As the angels are the messengers of Christ, the ministers are the messengers of the churches; what they receive from heaven, they are to communicate to the churches. John was the apostle chosen for this service. Some think he was the only one surviving, the rest having sealed their testimony with their blood. This was to be the last book of divine revelation; and therefore notified to the church by the last of the apostles. John was the beloved disciple. He was, under the New Testament, as the prophet Daniel under the Old, a man greatly beloved. He was the servant of Christ; he was an apostle, an evangelist, and a prophet; he served Christ in all the three extraordinary offices of the church. James was an apostle, but not a prophet, nor an evangelist; Matthew was an apostle and evangelist, but not a prophet; Luke was an evangelist, but neither a prophet nor an apostle; but John was all three; and so Christ calls him in an eminent sense his servant John. 5. John was to deliver this revelation to the church, to all his servants. For the revelation was not designed for the use of Christ's extraordinary servants the ministers only, but for all his servants, the members of the church; they have all a right to the oracles of God, and all have their concern in them. II. Here we have the subject-matter of this revelation, namely, the things that must shortly come to pass. The evangelists give us an account of the things that are past; prophecy gives us an account of things to come. These future events are shown, not in the clearest light in which God could have set them, but in such a light as he saw most proper, and which would best answer his wise and holy purposes. Had they been as clearly foretold in all their circumstances as God could have revealed them, the prediction might have prevented the accomplishment; but they are foretold more darkly, to beget in us a veneration for the scripture, and to engage our attention and excite our enquiry. We have in this revelation a general idea of the methods of divine providence and government in and about the church, and many good lessons may be learned hereby. These events (it is said) were such as should come to pass not only surely, but shortly; that is, they would begin to come to pass very shortly, and the whole would be accomplished in a short time. For now the last ages of the world had come. III. Here is an attestation of the prophecy, Rev 1:2. It was signified to John, who bore record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. It is observable that the historical books of the Old Testament have not always the name of the historian prefixed to them, as in the books of Judges, Kings, Chronicles; but in the prophetical books the name is always prefixed, as Isaiah, Jeremiah, etc. So in the New Testament, though John did not prefix his name to his first epistle, yet he does to this prophecy, as ready to vouch and answer for the truth of it; and he gives us not only his name, but his office. He was one who bore record of the word of God in general, and of the testimony of Jesus in particular, and of all things that he saw; he was an eye-witness, and he concealed nothing that he saw. Nothing recorded in this revelation was his own invention or imagination; but all was the record of God and the testimony of Jesus; and, as he added nothing to it, so he kept back no part of the counsels of God.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:1-11 Revelation opens with a three-part introduction, including a prologue (1:1-3), a letter introduction (1:4-8), and a historical introduction (1:9-11). 1:1 The word revelation (Greek apokalupsis) introduces the book’s visionary nature as apocalyptic writing (see Revelation Book Introduction, “Apocalyptic Writing”). God communicates his inspired message through mysterious symbols, numbers, and word pictures. • from (or of) Jesus Christ: He is both the source and the main subject of the book. • the events that must soon take place: Cp. 3:11; 22:6-7; Luke 18:8; Rom 16:20.
Prologue
1This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon come to pass. He made it known by sending His angel to His servant John,2who testifies to everything he saw. This is the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Hebrews) 6-Noah
By Leonard Ravenhill15K1:16:04NoahGEN 6:132TI 3:16HEB 2:1HEB 3:1HEB 11:1HEB 11:6REV 1:1In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of faith in pleasing God. He emphasizes that without faith, it is impossible to please God. The speaker also highlights the concept of worshiping God by gazing upon His attributes and redemptive work in Jesus Christ. The sermon mentions the example of Enoch, who cried out to the people about God's judgment, but was ignored. The speaker concludes by reminding the audience that faith is what enables individuals to achieve great things and overcome challenges.
Worship (Part 3 of 3)
By Leonard Ravenhill9.5K1:16:02WorshipMAT 6:33REV 1:1REV 4:11REV 5:9REV 7:12REV 21:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the eternal consequences of our actions and the need to love and worship God wholeheartedly. He shares a personal story about being called by God to leave a comfortable life in Ireland and move to America. The preacher also highlights the significance of showing reverence and respect in our worship, comparing it to how we would behave in the presence of important figures like the Queen of England or the President of the United States. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to prioritize their love for God and approach worship with sincerity and reverence.
Revival Series 1 - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill7.4K42:20RevivalDAN 12:4ACT 2:1REV 1:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of prayer and the distractions that can prevent us from truly focusing on God. He highlights the materialistic and comfortable lifestyle that many people have, contrasting it with the spiritual poverty that can result from neglecting prayer. The speaker also mentions the global dominance of communism and the need for the church to rise up and rely on Jesus Christ for guidance and strength. The sermon references the story of Gideon from the Bible as an example of someone who initially doubted his own worth but ultimately embraced his calling as a mighty man of valor.
Acts of the Apostles
By Leonard Ravenhill6.5K1:01:28JDG 16:30DAN 6:16MAT 21:12ACT 2:3HEB 3:7REV 1:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not substituting service for worship with the Lord. He encourages the audience to remember the secret to a fulfilling spiritual life is discipline. The preacher suggests taking time to be holy and getting rid of any hindrances, such as television, that may distract from worship. He also highlights the need to prioritize following the Word of God over public opinion or the opinions of others, even if it means going against the views of pastors or relatives. The sermon references biblical figures like Peter and Jonathan Edwards to illustrate the power of preaching with conviction and the importance of preaching as if it were one's last opportunity. The preacher also discusses the story of the man at the beautiful gate and emphasizes the significance of expecting to receive something from God. Overall, the sermon encourages gratitude, humility, and a deep longing for revival.
Burning Fire of the Spirit - Part 5
By T. Austin-Sparks4.9K42:36Holy SpiritGEN 12:1MAT 6:33ACT 2:24ACT 10:38HEB 2:9REV 1:1REV 2:10In this sermon, the speaker discusses the general situation and the need for the Lord's intervention. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the greatness of Jesus Christ in order to have a strong spiritual life. The speaker uses examples from the Bible, such as Joshua and Abraham, to illustrate how these individuals overcame challenges by focusing on the greatness of God. The sermon emphasizes the need for a fresh revelation of Jesus' greatness as the key to recovery, renewal, and fortification in times of suffering.
Redefining the Gospel
By Jacob Prasch2.6K48:20GospelJOL 2:20MAT 16:24ACT 16:312TI 3:16JAS 2:17REV 1:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the negative impact of consumerism and media on the preaching of the Gospel. He highlights the obsession with instant results and the constant need for gratification in today's society. The speaker also criticizes the trend of turning Christianity into a consumerist religion, where people are encouraged to "name it and claim it" and focus on material possessions. He emphasizes the need to recontextualize the Gospel and bring it into the lives of people who are influenced by media, while cautioning against turning Christianity into an electronic religion that imitates the world.
What Does God Require of You
By Leonard Ravenhill2.6K1:00:03MercyEXO 15:21ISA 2:4JOL 2:28MIC 4:3MIC 6:3REV 1:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding what the Lord requires of believers. He challenges the idea that extravagant offerings or sacrifices can please God, stating that the most important question for believers is what the Lord requires of them. The preacher shares a personal testimony of a man who experienced conviction of sin for three years before coming to the Lord. He then discusses passages from the Bible that speak of God's judgment and restoration, highlighting the need for repentance and obedience. The sermon concludes with a reminder of God's past miracles and a call for believers to testify against any weariness or disobedience towards God.
Unholy Boldness
By Carter Conlon2.5K54:34BoldnessREV 1:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the responsibility of preaching the word of God is not limited to high-profile ministers, but extends to every believer in their daily lives. The speaker references Daniel 10:5, where God reveals to Daniel what will happen in the latter days. The unveiling of Christ's message first comes to the church, as judgment begins there. The speaker warns that some may face discomfort and upheaval as God works in their lives, but encourages believers to yield to what Christ is revealing in their hearts. The sermon concludes with the reminder that as genuine Christians, we are blessed if we read, hear, and keep the words of prophecy written in the Bible.
(Revelation) the New Heaven Earth Jerusalem
By Willie Mullan2.4K1:21:40New JerusalemREV 1:1REV 21:4REV 21:23REV 22:1REV 22:12In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the book of Revelation and its significance. He highlights that the first three chapters of Revelation reveal God's revelation of Christ in the midst of the churches. However, in chapter four, the focus shifts to God's revelation of Christ as the Lamb in the midst of the throne. The speaker then mentions a Jew named Herman Humark who has filmed and talked about the land of Palestine and its future. The sermon concludes with a call to accept Christ and warns against living a life of empty religion.
Revelation of Jesus Christ - Part 9 of 10
By T. Austin-Sparks2.0K47:21Jesus ChristREV 1:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that Christ is the central focus and standard of God in all aspects of life. The main focus is on the revelation of Jesus Christ and how it completely transformed the Apostle Paul's thinking and understanding. The speaker highlights the importance of the Church understanding their position and the testimony entrusted to them in these final scenes of the age. The sermon concludes with the question of what it means to be a Christian and emphasizes that living according to Christ should be the governing motive and object of every believer.
Final Judgment
By Paul Washer1.8K1:06:22JudgmentMAT 6:33MAT 7:13REV 1:1REV 4:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not avoiding the harsh realities of life and the dangers that exist. He argues that it is not loving to entertain people with pleasing words, but rather to confront them with the truth. The preacher then focuses on the concept of a utopia and explains that it is impossible to achieve as long as evil and sin exist. He highlights the need to eliminate evil, represented by Satan, in order to create a new creation of righteousness. The sermon concludes with a discussion of the judgment of Satan and the promise of extraordinary things after death.
The Arm of the Lord - Part 7
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K53:59God's WorkEXO 32:26ISA 53:10MAT 6:33ACT 26:23ROM 8:29REV 1:1REV 1:5In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the three titles of Jesus Christ mentioned in the book of Revelation: the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. These titles represent what Jesus has proven himself to be in his incarnation, triumph over death, and exaltation by divine vindication. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding Jesus not just through his teachings and actions, but by delving deeper into his heart, mind, and spirit. Jesus is described as embodying perfect love, both towards God the Father and in his relationship with humanity. He is also portrayed as a faithful witness to the truth, not hiding the reality of human nature.
The Horizon of Divine Purpose - Part 7
By T. Austin-Sparks1.6K1:01:49Divine PurposeEZK 3:17EZK 12:6EZK 33:7MAT 6:33ROM 8:28EPH 4:10REV 1:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the purpose and work of God in the lives of believers. He emphasizes that God is working to reproduce the image of Christ in every believer through new birth and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The speaker also highlights the importance of discipline, training, and various life experiences in the development of Christ-likeness. He acknowledges that the ways of God may be incomprehensible to us, but they ultimately produce a message and make believers messengers of life. The sermon concludes with a call for believers to embrace their responsibility as witnesses for God and to be watchmen who understand the times and convey God's purposes to others.
Judgment Mercy and 144,000
By Danny Bond1.6K45:06Mercy Of GodHAB 3:2REV 1:1REV 6:17In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the judgment restrained as described in Revelation 7:1. He highlights the presence of four powerful angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the winds of the earth. These winds are essential for sustaining life on earth through the hydrologic cycle. The preacher emphasizes the significance of God's involvement in creation and His mercy, stating that judgment is His strange work. The sermon also mentions the unfolding of events in Revelation, with the seventh seal being a turning point that leads to the trumpet and bowl judgments.
(Guidelines) Revelation
By J. Vernon McGee1.6K11:03GEN 1:1JOS 1:8JOB 28:28ISA 1:18MAT 22:29HEB 1:1REV 1:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that the words of Scripture are inspired by God. He shares a story about a girl who received praise for her singing but misunderstood the words used to describe her performance. The speaker then references the book of Revelation and the first chapter of Hebrews to highlight the fact that God has spoken to humanity through various means, including the prophets and ultimately through his Son, Jesus Christ. The sermon concludes with the assertion that if we did not have a written revelation from God, we could still expect him to communicate with us, as he has created us in his likeness and endowed us with intelligence.
(Revelation) the Church at Smyrna
By Willie Mullan1.5K1:05:07SmyrnaEXO 20:13MAT 5:9REV 1:1REV 2:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the joy, peace, and hope that believers have in their relationship with God. He describes this joy as being almost tangible and full of glory. He also highlights the richness of being a follower of Christ, even if one may not have material wealth. The preacher then transitions to discussing the book of Revelation, specifically focusing on chapters 2 and 3. He reminds the audience that the book is a revelation of Jesus Christ given by God and delivered through the Spirit to John. The preacher encourages the listeners to pay attention to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.
Church History - Session 7 (The Book of Revelation)
By Edgar F. Parkyns1.3K47:48MAT 6:33REV 1:1REV 5:9REV 6:2REV 7:9REV 7:17REV 21:4In this sermon, the preacher discusses the divine intervention on the human scene in judgment, specifically focusing on the seven angels with the seven trumpets. The first four trumpets are described, with each one causing destruction and devastation on the earth, sea, and rivers. The preacher suggests that these trumpets symbolically represent the actual historical events of the breakup of the Roman Empire. The sermon concludes with a warning of three more trumpets to come and the introduction of the next set of visions, the seven seals.
(Happenings Ahead) the Magnificence of the Master
By Willie Mullan1.1K1:07:55Jesus ChristREV 1:1In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Revelation, specifically chapter four. He emphasizes the importance of understanding that there is only one on the throne, who is both Lord and Lamb. The preacher highlights the worship and reverence given to God by the twenty-four elders, who cast their crowns before the throne. The sermon also touches on the judgment seat of Christ, where believers will stand and have their deeds evaluated, emphasizing the distinction between deeds and sins. The preacher concludes by discussing the seven lamps of fire before the throne, representing the perfection of the Holy Spirit.
The Time Preceding the Coming of the Lord
By Paris Reidhead90854:33Second ComingPSA 119:18MAT 6:33HEB 10:19REV 1:1REV 4:1REV 4:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unchanging nature of God's purpose and how it will ultimately prevail. He highlights the importance of being sensitive and open to God's leading, just as John was in the book of Revelation. The preacher encourages individual Christians to ask God to open their eyes to see His truth and the trends of the time. The sermon concludes with a reference to Revelation chapter 4, where John sees a door opened in heaven, symbolizing the ongoing relationship between God and His people.
The Living Word of Life
By Conrad Murrell76717:52JesusGEN 1:1MAT 6:33JHN 1:11JN 1:1REV 1:1The video emphasizes the importance of hearing the word of God for understanding and conversion. It suggests that visual aids, such as videos, may distract from truly hearing and comprehending the message. The speaker believes that words are the most efficient means of understanding and that pictures cannot fully convey the depth of truth. The sermon references biblical passages, including Genesis 1 and John 1, to support the idea that the word of God is the divine revelation of truth and life.
Visions of God - Part 2
By David Adams71537:23GEN 12:7EZK 1:12CO 12:1COL 2:3REV 1:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses how God reveals himself to different individuals in various ways. He mentions examples such as visions, trances, and direct visible encounters. The speaker also explores the story of Abraham and how God chose him despite his lack of personal ability or competency. The sermon emphasizes the selective grace and love of God in choosing individuals for his purposes.
The Testimony of Jesus
By Stephen Kaung69957:29REV 1:1This sermon delves into the book of Revelation, focusing on the visions experienced by John on the island of Patmos. It emphasizes the importance of the testimony of Jesus that the Church is entrusted with, highlighting the persecution faced by believers throughout history for their faithfulness. The sermon challenges listeners to consider their own faithfulness to the testimony of Jesus and the need for Christ to be at the center of the Church.
The Walk of Faith - Part 2
By Larry Ainsworth68958:26MAT 4:19MAT 6:33MAT 8:18MAT 8:22JHN 3:161JN 4:8REV 1:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a strong foundation in the Word of God. He observes that many Christians today lack guidance and fail to apply the teachings of the Bible in their lives. The preacher then introduces six biblical characters, including men and women, who serve as examples for the congregation to learn from. He highlights the lessons to be learned from each character, such as commitment, faith, and prioritizing God. The sermon encourages the audience to listen to the Word of God and not solely rely on the preacher's words.
Press Into Christ While We Can
By Robert B. Thompson6361:15:53MAT 6:33JHN 14:15EPH 5:15PHP 2:12REV 1:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of being prepared for the future and not being consumed by the distractions of the American way of life. He warns that those who do not make the most of their opportunities and talents will face an angry Christ. The preacher discusses the significance of technology and the United Nations, highlighting the scheming and lack of transparency in the world. He urges listeners to pray and seek God's guidance in navigating these challenging times and to prioritize their relationship with God over worldly pursuits.
Visions of God - Part 1
By David Adams57030:36GEN 1:11SA 3:21EZK 1:1MAT 5:8JHN 1:18REV 1:1REV 22:4In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story of a man who was persecuted for holding religious gatherings in his home. The man was taken away in the middle of the night, leaving his wife and nine children with very little. He was sentenced to five years of forced labor, during which he had no knowledge of his family's well-being. Despite the hardships, the man remained steadfast in his faith and continued to do God's work. The preacher then discusses the concept of seeing God, both through hearing His voice and through the vision of His person, emphasizing the importance of seeking and experiencing God's presence.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Revelation of Jesus Christ - The word Αποκαλυψις, from which we have our word Apocalypse, signifies literally, a revelation, or discovery of what was concealed or hidden. It is here said that this revelation, or discovery of hidden things, was given by God to Jesus Christ; that Christ gave it to his angel; that this angel showed it to John; and that John sent it to the Churches. Thus we find it came from God to Christ, from Christ to the angel, from the angel to John, and from John to the Church. It is properly, therefore, the Revelation of God, sent by these various agents to his servants at large; and this is the proper title of the book. Things which must shortly come to pass - On the mode of interpretation devised by Wetstein, this is plain; for if the book were written before the destruction of Jerusalem, and the prophecies in it relate to that destruction, and the civil wars among the Romans, which lasted but three or four years, then it might be said the Revelation is of things which must shortly come to pass. But if we consider the book as referring to the state of the Church in all ages, the words here, and those in Rev 1:3, must be understood of the commencement of the events predicted; as if he had said: In a short time the train of these visions will be put in motion: - - et incipient magni procedere menses. "And those times, pregnant with the most stupendous events, will begin to roll on."
John Gill Bible Commentary
The Revelation of Jesus Christ,.... Either of which he is the author: for it was he that sent and showed it by his angel to John; it was he, the lion of the tribe of Judah, that took the book, and opened the seals of it, and which is a very considerable proof of his deity; since none but God could foreknow and foretell things to come, or declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet, as is done in this book: or of which he is the subject; for it treats much of his person, offices, and grace, and of Christ mystical, of the state of his church, in the several ages of time; or it is that revelation which was first made unto him, to which sense the following words incline: which God gave unto him; not to him as he is God, for as such he is omniscient, and foreknew whatever would come to pass, and needed no revelation to be made to him, but as he was man and Mediator; and this was given him by God the Father, and put into his hands, to make known as being a part of the administration of his prophetic office: the end of its being given him was, to show unto his servant things which must shortly come to pass: the Arabic version adds, "in future ages"; things that were to be hereafter, the accomplishment of which was necessary, because of the certain and unalterable decree of God, the good of his people, and his own glory; and these were to come to pass quickly, in a very little time; not that they would all be fulfilled in a short space of time, for there are some things not fulfilled yet, though it is nineteen hundred years ago and more, since this revelation was made; and we are sure there are some things that will not be accomplished till a thousand years hence, and more, for the millennium is not yet begun; and after that is ended, there is to be a second resurrection, and a destruction of the Gog and Magog army; but the sense is, that these things should very quickly begin to be fulfilled, and from thenceforward go on fulfilling till all were accomplished. Now to show, to represent these things, in a clear manner, as the nature of them would admit of, to the servants of Christ, all true believers, read and hear and diligently observe them, and especially to the ministers of the Gospel, whose business is to search into them, and point them out to and particularly to his servant John, was this revelation made by Christ, who immediately answered this end: and he sent, and signified it by his angel unto servant John; he who is the Lord of angels, and to whom they are ministering spirits, sometimes sent one angel and sometimes another; and by various emblems, signs, and visions, represented and set before John, a faithful servant, and a beloved disciple of his, the whole of this revelation.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here we have, I. What we may call the pedigree of this book. 1. It is the revelation of Jesus Christ. The whole Bible is so; for all revelation comes through Christ and all centres in him; and especially in these last days God has spoken to us by his Son, and concerning his Son. Christ, as the king of his church, has been pleased thus far to let his church know by what rules and methods he will proceed in his government; and, as the prophet of the church, he has made known to us the things that shall be hereafter. 2. It is a revelation which God gave unto Christ. Though Christ is himself God, and as such has light and life in himself, yet, as he sustains the office of Mediator between God and man, he receives his instructions from the Father. The human nature of Christ, though endowed with the greatest sagacity, judgment, and penetration, could not, in a way of reason, discover these great events, which not being produced by natural causes, but wholly depending upon the will of God, could be the object only of divine prescience, and must come to a created mind only by revelation. Our Lord Jesus is the great trustee of divine revelation; it is to him that we owe the knowledge we have of what we are to expect from God and what he expects from us. 3. This revelation Christ sent and signified by his angel. Observe here the admirable order of divine revelation. God gave it to Christ, and Christ employed an angel to communicate it to the churches. The angels are God's messengers; they are ministering spirits to the heirs of salvation. They are Christ's servants: principalities and powers are subject to him; all the angels of God are obliged to worship him. 4. The angels signified it to the apostle John. As the angels are the messengers of Christ, the ministers are the messengers of the churches; what they receive from heaven, they are to communicate to the churches. John was the apostle chosen for this service. Some think he was the only one surviving, the rest having sealed their testimony with their blood. This was to be the last book of divine revelation; and therefore notified to the church by the last of the apostles. John was the beloved disciple. He was, under the New Testament, as the prophet Daniel under the Old, a man greatly beloved. He was the servant of Christ; he was an apostle, an evangelist, and a prophet; he served Christ in all the three extraordinary offices of the church. James was an apostle, but not a prophet, nor an evangelist; Matthew was an apostle and evangelist, but not a prophet; Luke was an evangelist, but neither a prophet nor an apostle; but John was all three; and so Christ calls him in an eminent sense his servant John. 5. John was to deliver this revelation to the church, to all his servants. For the revelation was not designed for the use of Christ's extraordinary servants the ministers only, but for all his servants, the members of the church; they have all a right to the oracles of God, and all have their concern in them. II. Here we have the subject-matter of this revelation, namely, the things that must shortly come to pass. The evangelists give us an account of the things that are past; prophecy gives us an account of things to come. These future events are shown, not in the clearest light in which God could have set them, but in such a light as he saw most proper, and which would best answer his wise and holy purposes. Had they been as clearly foretold in all their circumstances as God could have revealed them, the prediction might have prevented the accomplishment; but they are foretold more darkly, to beget in us a veneration for the scripture, and to engage our attention and excite our enquiry. We have in this revelation a general idea of the methods of divine providence and government in and about the church, and many good lessons may be learned hereby. These events (it is said) were such as should come to pass not only surely, but shortly; that is, they would begin to come to pass very shortly, and the whole would be accomplished in a short time. For now the last ages of the world had come. III. Here is an attestation of the prophecy, Rev 1:2. It was signified to John, who bore record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. It is observable that the historical books of the Old Testament have not always the name of the historian prefixed to them, as in the books of Judges, Kings, Chronicles; but in the prophetical books the name is always prefixed, as Isaiah, Jeremiah, etc. So in the New Testament, though John did not prefix his name to his first epistle, yet he does to this prophecy, as ready to vouch and answer for the truth of it; and he gives us not only his name, but his office. He was one who bore record of the word of God in general, and of the testimony of Jesus in particular, and of all things that he saw; he was an eye-witness, and he concealed nothing that he saw. Nothing recorded in this revelation was his own invention or imagination; but all was the record of God and the testimony of Jesus; and, as he added nothing to it, so he kept back no part of the counsels of God.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:1-11 Revelation opens with a three-part introduction, including a prologue (1:1-3), a letter introduction (1:4-8), and a historical introduction (1:9-11). 1:1 The word revelation (Greek apokalupsis) introduces the book’s visionary nature as apocalyptic writing (see Revelation Book Introduction, “Apocalyptic Writing”). God communicates his inspired message through mysterious symbols, numbers, and word pictures. • from (or of) Jesus Christ: He is both the source and the main subject of the book. • the events that must soon take place: Cp. 3:11; 22:6-7; Luke 18:8; Rom 16:20.