Revelation 1:2

 

who testifies to everything he saw. This is the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 1:2 Berean Standard Bible (BSB)
 
Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
Revelation 1:2 King James Bible (KJV)
 
who then testified to everything that he saw concerning the word of God and the testimony about Jesus Christ.
Revelation 1:2 New English Translation (NET)
 
who testifies
The Greek word for "testifies" is "μαρτυρέω" (martyreō), which means to bear witness or to affirm that one has seen, heard, or experienced something. In the context of Revelation, this word underscores the apostolic authority and reliability of John's vision. Historically, the act of testifying was a solemn duty, often associated with legal proceedings. In a spiritual sense, it emphasizes the responsibility of believers to bear witness to the truth of the Gospel, even in the face of persecution.
 
to everything he saw
The phrase "everything he saw" indicates the comprehensive nature of John's vision. The Greek word for "saw" is "εἶδον" (eidon), which implies not just physical sight but also spiritual insight. This suggests that John's testimony is not limited to physical observations but includes divine revelations. The historical context of Revelation, written during a time of intense persecution for Christians, highlights the importance of this vision as a source of hope and encouragement for the early Church.
 
This is the word of God
The phrase "the word of God" is central to Christian theology, emphasizing the divine origin and authority of the message. The Greek term "λόγος" (logos) is used here, which in the New Testament context refers to the divine reason or plan. This phrase assures readers that the content of Revelation is not merely human speculation but is divinely inspired. Throughout history, the "word of God" has been a foundation for faith, guiding believers in truth and righteousness.
 
and the testimony of Jesus Christ
The "testimony of Jesus Christ" refers to the revelation given by Jesus and about Jesus. The Greek word "μαρτυρία" (martyria) is used, which is closely related to "μαρτυρέω" (martyreō), reinforcing the idea of bearing witness. This testimony is both about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and the prophetic revelation He imparts. In a historical context, this testimony served as a powerful affirmation of Jesus' divine authority and His role as the Savior, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith amidst trials.
 
Berean Study Bible
 
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Context: This verse is part of the opening of the Book of Revelation, which is the final book of the New Testament. It's traditionally attributed to John, often identified as John the Apostle, though the authorship is debated among scholars.
 
Bearing Witness: The phrase "bore witness" here refers to John's role as a witness. In biblical terms, to bear witness means to testify or give evidence to something. John is testifying to two main things:
The Word of God: This can be understood in several ways. It might refer to the Scriptures or more broadly to divine revelation. In Christian theology, "the Word" also directly relates to Jesus Christ (as seen in John 1:1, where Jesus is described as the Word).
 
The Testimony of Jesus Christ: This refers to the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It encompasses the gospel message that Jesus preached and the message about Jesus that was spread by the apostles.
 
All That He Saw: This clause points to the visions and revelations that John received, which form the content of the Book of Revelation. John is claiming to convey an accurate account of these visions as he received them from divine sources.
 
Significance: This verse establishes John's authority as a credible witness due to his direct experiences. It sets the stage for the rest of the book, which is filled with symbolic and apocalyptic imagery, positioning John not just as a narrator but as a divinely chosen witness to share these messages with the churches.
 
In summary, Revelation 1:2 underscores John's role as a faithful witness to both the teachings of Christ and the divine visions he received, which he is about to recount in the rest of the book. This establishes the authenticity and divine origin of the message contained in Revelation.
 
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Who bore record of the word of God,.... Of the essential and eternal Word of God, his only begotten Son; as John the apostle did in his Gospel, and in his epistles, and also in this book; and which is a clear evidence of his being the writer of it,
 
And of the testimony of Jesus Christ; that is, the Gospel, which testifies of the person of Christ, of the truth of his divinity, and reality of his human nature; of the union of the two natures, divine and human, his person: of his several offices, of prophet, priest and King; of what he did and suffered for his people; and of the blessings of grace which they receive by him:
 
and of all things that he saw; with his bodily eyes, as the human body of Christ, the miracles he wrought in it, the transfiguration of it on the mount, the crucifixion of it, and the piercing of it with a spear, and the resurrection of it from the dead; and also the visions recorded in this book; and such a faithful witness serves greatly to confirm the authority of this book, and to recommend the perusal of it. The Complutensian edition and the Arabic version read, "which are, and which shall", or "must be hereafter", as in Rev_1:19.
 
John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible