Revelation.
When you hear that word, what comes immediately to mind?
Is it something positive or negative?
Does the word make you feel hopeful or skeptical?
In Christian circles, this word often recalls the Book of Revelation.
This book often stirs controversy, frustration, and even obsession with predicting the return of Christ.
But if we take time to study the first eight verses, I believe we learn God chose to reveal something other than controversy, frustration, or even obsession.
What God Chose to Reveal
A Study of Revelation 1:1-8 | The Context
The Apostle John was exiled to the island of Patmos because of his faith. (See Revelation 1:9)
While there, John received the contents of the book of Revelation with the instructions to send it to fellow believers in the seven churches in the province of Asia. (See Revelation 1:4 and 1:10-11)
The first eight verses include what editors describe as a prologue, greetings, and doxology.
These verses also reveal the purpose of the rest of the Book of Revelation.
What God Chose to Reveal
A Study of Revelation 1:1-8 | The Passage
1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place.[i]
Who are the characters named in this sentence?
What is the purpose of this revelation?
He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.[ii]
The “he” refers to God from the first verse. Who did God send to John? Why?
3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. [iii]
What are we to do with this revelation? Why?
4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia:
Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. [iv]
John transitions from stating the purpose of his writing to greeting his initial intended audience.
Who is the one “who is and who was and who is to come?” (See Revelation 1:8)
Why are the seven spirits before his throne? (See Revelation 5:6)
Who do the seven spirits represent? (See Isaiah 11:2-3, Luke 24:49, and Acts 2:1-4)
How is Jesus Christ described?
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.[v]
The “him” refers to Jesus Christ. What has Jesus Christ done for us? How? Why?
7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. [vi]
8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” [vii]
Why is Jesus Christ “coming with the clouds?” (See Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 24:27-30 and 26:64)
Who will see him when he comes?
How will the people mentioned respond to his coming? Why?
What does God reveal and confirm about himself in verse eight? Why?
What God Chose to Reveal
A Study of Revelation 1:1-8 | Application Questions
Next to the following names, describe what was revealed about them from these verses and the suggested cross-references.
God
Holy Spirit
Jesus
Now, put yourself in the place of the first recipients of the book of Revelation.
If they, like John, were at risk of being persecuted for their faith, how would these verses encourage them?
Are these verses positive and hopeful or negative and skeptical revelations? Why or why not?
How do these verses help you to live faithfully as a Jesus follower?
Who in your life needs similar encouragement to hear what God chose to reveal? How will you share this with them?
Review the following words of Jesus.
18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” [viii]
How do the first eight verses of the Book of Revelation confirm John was obedient to Jesus’ command?
What does making disciples look like in your context?
What God Chose to Reveal
A Study of Revelation 1:1-8 | A Prayer Response
Heavenly Father, the Alpha and Omega, Almighty One!
Thank you for giving us this revelation of Jesus Christ to encourage us.
Thank you for John’s faithfulness in following your instructions while in a difficult situation.
Thank you for preserving these words so that we can study them today.
Thank you, Jesus, for freeing us from our sins to enable us to serve in your kingdom.
We humbly receive the grace and peace offered to us through You, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit to bring us wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge, and reverence for our creator.
Your initiative reveals to us your amazing love.
May we humble ourselves and serve you faithfully.
Amen.
Warmly,
Barbara Lynn
[i] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 1:1.
[ii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 1:1–2.
[iii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 1:2–3.
[iv] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 1:4–5.
[v] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 1:5–6.
[vi] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 1:7.
[vii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 1:8.
[viii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Mt 28:17–20.