Revelation 1:1

 

This 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,
Revelation 1:1 Berean Standard Bible (BSB)
 
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:
Revelation 1:1 King James Bible (KJV)
 
The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must happen very soon. He made it clear by sending his angel to his servant John,
Revelation 1:1 New English Translation (NET)
 
The revelation of Jesus Christ
The word "revelation" comes from the Greek word "apokalypsis," meaning an unveiling or disclosure. This is not merely a revelation about Jesus Christ but a revelation from Him, emphasizing His divine authority and the unveiling of divine mysteries. In the context of the early church, this revelation was crucial for providing hope and assurance amidst persecution. It underscores the centrality of Christ in God's redemptive plan, affirming His role as the ultimate revealer of God's will.
 
which God gave Him
This phrase highlights the divine origin of the revelation. It was given by God the Father to Jesus Christ, indicating a divine hierarchy and the unity within the Trinity. This reflects the biblical theme of God as the source of all wisdom and knowledge, and it emphasizes the trustworthiness and authority of the message. Historically, this underscores the early Christian belief in the divine inspiration of Scripture, as the message is not of human origin but divinely ordained.
 
to show His servants
The term "servants" (Greek: "doulos") refers to those who are devoted followers of Christ, emphasizing a relationship of service and obedience. This term was often used by early Christians to describe their commitment to Christ, reflecting a life dedicated to His teachings and mission. The revelation is intended for those who are in a covenant relationship with God, highlighting the personal and communal aspect of receiving divine truth.
 
what must soon come to pass
The phrase "must soon come to pass" indicates the imminence and certainty of the events described. The Greek word "tachos" suggests speed or quickness, which has been interpreted in various ways, including the idea that the events will unfold rapidly once they begin. This urgency served to encourage the early Christians to remain faithful and vigilant, as they anticipated the fulfillment of God's promises. It also reflects the prophetic nature of the book, aligning with the biblical tradition of prophecy as a call to readiness and faithfulness.
 
He made it known
The Greek term "semaino" means to signify or communicate through signs. This suggests that the revelation is conveyed through symbolic language and imagery, which is a hallmark of apocalyptic literature. The use of signs and symbols would have been familiar to the original audience, providing a rich tapestry of meaning that required spiritual discernment. This method of communication underscores the depth and complexity of divine revelation, inviting believers to seek understanding through prayer and study.
 
by sending His angel
Angels are often depicted in Scripture as messengers of God, serving as intermediaries between the divine and human realms. The involvement of an angel in delivering the revelation underscores its heavenly origin and the importance of the message. In the biblical narrative, angels are seen as powerful beings who execute God's will, providing assurance to the recipients of the message that it is both authoritative and trustworthy.
 
to His servant John
John, traditionally understood to be the Apostle John, is identified as the recipient of the revelation. His role as a servant (Greek: "doulos") emphasizes his humility and dedication to Christ. As a leader in the early church, John's reception of the revelation would have carried significant weight, providing guidance and encouragement to believers facing trials. His personal relationship with Jesus, as one of His closest disciples, adds a layer of intimacy and authenticity to the message, reinforcing its divine origin and purpose.
 
Berean Study Bible
 
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The Revelation of Jesus Christ: This phrase indicates that what follows is a revelation or an unveiling about Jesus Christ. It could mean either that the revelation is from Jesus Christ or about Jesus Christ, though most traditionally interpret it as both - it's from Him and reveals His nature, His work, and future events related to Him.
 
Which God gave unto him: This suggests that the content of the Revelation was given by God the Father to Jesus Christ. It highlights the divine origin and authority of the message.
 
To show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass: This part indicates that the purpose of this revelation is to inform or show Jesus' servants (believers) about future events that are imminent or will soon occur. The term "shortly" might imply urgency or the soon-coming nature of these events from the perspective of divine prophecy, not necessarily in human terms of immediacy.
 
And he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Here, it's explained that the method of communication was through an angelic messenger, who conveyed this revelation to John, the author of the Book of Revelation. "Signified" suggests that the revelation might be communicated through symbols or signs, which is consistent with much of the symbolic imagery found in Revelation.
 
This verse sets the stage for the entire book by establishing its divine source, its purpose to reveal future events, and its method of transmission through John via an angel. The Book of Revelation is known for its apocalyptic and prophetic content, using symbolic language to describe visions of the end times, the final judgment, and the ultimate victory of Christ and His followers.
 
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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.
 
John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible
 
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Many have erroneously referred to this book as the Revelation of John, but it is the Revelation of Jesus Christ as recorded by John. The words John has recorded here are significant, words that we cannot afford to ignore or misunderstand. A lot of interesting ideas have arisen due to the things we find within this book, ideas that are probably more suited for science fiction and fantasy than they are for the actual truth. It is hoped that we will be able to discern the truth of the words that John has recorded for us and not fall into the trap of reading into these words the fantasies others have created.