October 15, 2021 – Friday
Revelation 1:1 NIV
1The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John
Revelation 1:1 ESV
The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,
Revelation 1:1 RGT
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him, to show to his servants things which must shortly be done; which he sent and showed by his angel to his servant John;
Revelation 1:1 AKJV
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
Comment.
Most books of the Bible in the New Testament are given names from their author or to whom they are addressed. Acts and Revelation are exceptions. The first words in the book give Revelation its name as you may see above.
Revelation could just as easily been named Apocalypse as the Greek apokalypsis translated revelation here is where we get our word apocalypse. It has frequently been called The Apocalypse of John. However, it may also be translated as an uncovering or unveiling. I like the unveiling as then we have The unveiling of Jesus Christ (as in most translations above) and Jesus is revealed as we have never seen Him before. But the book is more than an unveiling of Jesus Christ. It is as the NIV puts it The unveiling from Jesus Christ as much more is unveiled than Jesus Christ.
Christ is revealed in this book, but so is the future, what is popularly known as the end times. If you would like a summary or an outline of the book of Revelation you could use Bible Project’s videos, the first video is on the first 11 chapters and the second video is on the final 11 chapters. Both are less than 12 minutes.
The book of Revelation is the only book in the New Testament that is entirely prophetic in character. The Zondervan Illustrated Bible Dictionary tells us, It belongs to the class of apocalyptic literature in which the divine message is conveyed by visions and dreams. It also says, Unlike many apocalyptic books that are either anonymous or published under a false name, Revelation is ascribed to a man named John, evidently a well-known person among the churches of Asia minor. He described himself as a brother of those who were suffering persecution (Revelation 1:9), and traditionally he has been identified as John the apostle, son of Zebedee.
Consider also how much information is found in the first verse alone. The revelation of or from Jesus Christ is given to Him by God, His Father. The purpose is to show the servants or followers of Jesus what will take place soon (in God’s own timeframe) between the first and second coming of Jesus as well as His second coming. The timing seems to be a reference to Daniel 2:28-29 and 45. It is interesting to note this Revelation comes to us in the following manner: From God the Father to the Son/Jesus to an Angel to John to Jesus’ servants/us.
With the effort to get this message (Revelation) to us we would do well to read it or as verse 3 says, Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for The Revelation of Jesus Christ and/or The Revelation from Jesus Christ. You have shown us so much of the future and what is to come to prepare us and we are grateful. – In Jesus’ Name. Amen
RileyD, nwJ
Riley D. Driver – PastorCalvary Chapel of Daytonin Beavercreek