Revelation Part I [1:1-3]

Well, well, well. The book of Revelation. I didn’t want to do it, but it has pushed itself to the forefront of my mind in recent studies. Not in the eschatological sense that you might think, but in common, every day ways. I’m looking at the book of Revelation in a way that can be applied to every day life rather than looking at it in an end times, prophetic sense that most people see it in. This is not to say that I won’t look at certain eschatological implications, but, by and large, I will look at it preteristically and idealistically.

I’m thinking about tackling this book chapter by chapter. During this study, I’ll probably switch between the King James’ Version and the Holman Christian Standard Bible. The latter is the version that my Apologetics Study Bible is in – a Bible which I am growing more and more fond of, I might add. It will be tempting to copy the study notes into this verbatim, but I will do my best to give it in my own words whenever possible.

I guess before I really delve into it, I should explain some words so I don't sound like such a smarty pants to those who aren't familiar with eschatology. I might as well start with that little nugget right there. Eschatology is the study of the end times. The preteristical view of Revelation is that the book depicts the time of its authorship (around 95 A.D., most likely). The idealistic view of Revelation is that the principles and ideas of the book are applicable across time. The futuristic view is that, as the name suggests, Revelation is a depiction of the future, and more specifically, the end times. There are numerous other words which I’ll define as we come across them (if we really do come across them…I’m not quite sure what I’ll be writing, yet).

To give a little background on the book, according to verse one, we know that the book is authored by John, most likely the apostle. As I said before, it is usually dated around 95 A.D. During this time, John has been banished to the island of Patmos by the Roman Emperor Domitian. If memory serves, this occurred after John had been thrown into boiling oil – and come out unharmed. What else can you do with a guy like that? Banishment is really the only option.

I guess since we have a bit of background, we can go ahead and scratch the surface. Keep in mind throughout all of this that these are just my studies. I am not a historian. I am not a theologian (by profession, at least). I am no specialist of the Word of God. I have no degree in any field (although I one day hope to have a DrApol). Study for yourself. I will always encourage you to do so. I’m a human; I can be wrong. This is why I put the Scriptures up as well: so that you can see it for yourself. Open your Bible and get the context of each verse. Have a time with Jesus.

Revelation 1:1 HCSB
The revelation of Jesus Christ that God gave Him to show His slaves what must quickly take place. He sent it and signified it through His angel to His slave John,

The purpose of this book is boldly stated within the first five words of chapter one. The book of Revelation is "the revelation of Jesus Christ." We are given this revelation so that we can see "what must quickly take place." Quickly, used here, is somewhat relative. When we are dealing with an infinite God who is Himself placed outside of Time, quickly could be five seconds or five years or five thousand years. We honestly can't know.

I've always found pleasure in the Bible's reference to Christians as God's slaves. We aren't servants in that we expect any payment from Him. We are slaves. Think about it. Jesus' blood cost thirty pieces of silver -- the price of a slave. We are bought with that blood. We have been purchased as a slave to God. We have surrendered all rights to the selfish life we used to live. We must now live selflessly following God's commands. That's just something you don't hear from the pulpit much. We hear about God's love all the time, which is important. He is our Love, our Father, our Friend that sticks closer than a brother, and our Master. We tend to leave out that last one. John thought it was important, though. He constantly referred to himself as a slave to God. He was glad to surrender his rights. We should learn from his example.

Revelation 1:2 HCSB
who testified to God's Word and to the testimony about Jesus Christ, in all he saw.

It's nice to know that he witnessed these things first hand. He is writing down things (God's Word) as God spoke them to him directly. Eh...the whole idea of God's Word is mind blowing to begin with. I mean, John 1:1-14 tells us that Jesus is the Word. How incredible is that? I mean, seriously. God's Words took on the shape of a human. It's mind blowing. There's no other word for it.

Revelation 1:3 HCSB
Blessed is the one who reads and blessed are those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep what is written in it, because the time is near!

You'll note that there are three actions taking place here: read, hear, and keep, respectively. Reading and hearing work together. That's something I remember my high school English teacher (a genius of a man, really) telling the class. Studies have shown that when you hear something and read it, you're far more likely to remember it. I can personally attest to this, as it is the only way I can study for a test. I have to read it, then listen to someone recite it. On top of this, hearing also implies letting it sink in. We have to absorb these words and apply them -- which brings me to the third action. We have to do more than hear; we must obey. As James 1:22 states, we must be doers of the Word, and not only hearers.

Man, that was more than I expected for just three verses and some background. Hopefully Ellen will be helping me out with the rest. I'm pretty excited about this. As always, feel free to journey with me as I try to understand God just a little bit more by subscribing to my blog.

Nathan.