REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 1:1 Prologue. The terms “revelation,” “show,” “made it known,” and “he saw” prepare readers for symbolic visions. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 1:3 BLESSED. The first of seven blessings (or benedictions; see chart) is given to THOSE WHO HEAR and KEEP (or obey) God’s Word. In the early church ONE would read ALOUD while others listened. THE TIME IS NEAR. See notes on 1 Thess. 5:2–3; 5:4. ⇐ ⇔... [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 1:4 This greeting identifies the author and recipients. THE SEVEN CHURCHES THAT ARE IN ASIA. Churches existed in other cities of Roman Asia (e.g., Colossae, Troas). Thus Christ’s selection of “seven” (symbolizing completeness) implies that he addresses the whole church... [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 1:7 COMING WITH THE CLOUDS. See note on 1 Thess. 4:16–17. Jesus is the Son of Man. He will have a universal kingdom (see Daniel 7:13). His subjects PIERCED him (Zechariah 12:10). WAIL. A reaction to judgment. The coming one is THE LORD GOD, ALPHA and OMEGA (first and la... [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 1:9 Body. John begins the main part of his letter with a vision of “one like a son of man.” This person praises and corrects his seven churches. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 1:10 IN THE SPIRIT. John was surrounded by the active presence of the Holy Spirit. THE LORD’S DAY. Sunday, the first day of the week, the day Christ rose. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 1:11 The order in which the churches are listed follows the route a courier would have taken from Patmos. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 1:13 Jesus often calls himself SON OF MAN in the Gospels (see Mark 14:61). See notes on Dan. 7:13–14; John 1:51. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 1:14 HAIRS... LIKE WHITE WOOL represent divine wisdom (Daniel 7:9; compare Leviticus 19:32; Proverbs 16:31; Proverbs 20:29). Jesus’ eyes LIKE A FLAME OF FIRE see everything clearly. He can truly say to each church, “I know all about you” (e.g., Revel [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 1:15 Christ’s feet, LIKE BURNISHED BRONZE (compare Revelation 2:18), are strong and stable. They will crush all enemies. ROAR OF MANY WATERS. Compare Ezekiel 1:24. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (v [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 1:16 TWO-EDGED SWORD. God’s Word, which searches hearts and judges rebels (compare Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 19:15). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElement [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 1:17 THE FIRST AND THE LAST. The Son of Man affirms his eternal existence, echoing the Lord’s boast over idols (Isaiah 44:6). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 1:18 I DIED... I AM ALIVE FOREVERMORE. John and the churches must “fear not” (v. Revelation 1:17), because Jesus has conquered death forever. On Christ’s resurrection, see 1 Corinthians 15:42. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img... [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 1:19 Jesus’ command to WRITE introduces the book’s main divisions. The letters (royal edicts) to the churches (chs. Revelation 2:1) address the things THAT ARE. John’s visions then turn mainly to things THAT ARE TO TAKE PLACE AFTER THIS (see Revelation 4:1). ⇐ ⇔... [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 1:20 ANGELS OF THE SEVEN CHURCHES. Perhaps human messengers, human pastors, or literal angels sent as messengers. They are probably symbols of each church’s character. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]