Exegesis of Revelation Chapter 1 Verse 1
Exegesis of Revelation Chapter 1 Verse 1
Revelation 1:1 introduces the Book of Revelation, stating, "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" [1].
The phrase "The Revelation of Jesus Christ" is understood by some as a subjective genitive, meaning the revelation that comes from Jesus Christ, while others see it as an objective genitive, referring to the revelation about Jesus Christ. The Reformed tradition, as represented by Calvin, tends to emphasize the subjective genitive, understanding the verse to mean that Jesus Christ is the source of the revelation [2].
The verse highlights the chain of revelation: God gave the revelation to Jesus Christ, who then communicated it to John through an angel. This chain is seen in various biblical passages, such as Daniel 2:28 and Amos 3:7, which emphasize God's disclosure of future events to his servants [1].
The phrase "things which must shortly come to pass" has been interpreted in different ways. Some see it as referring to events that would occur soon after John's time, while others understand it as indicating that the events are imminent from a theological perspective, regardless of the actual time of their occurrence. The Greek word "tachos" (shortly) and its derivatives are used in the New Testament to convey a sense of urgency or nearness [1].
The role of the angel in signifying the revelation to John is also noteworthy. The use of an angel as a mediator is consistent with other biblical accounts, such as Daniel 9:21, where the angel Gabriel is sent to explain a vision to Daniel [1].
The exegesis of Revelation 1:1 is closely tied to the overall interpretation of the Book of Revelation. According to Matthew Henry, a Nonconformist/Puritan commentator, this verse serves as a general preface to the whole book, declaring its original and design [3].
In understanding Revelation 1:1, it is essential to consider the broader context of apocalyptic literature and the biblical theme of revelation. The verse sets the stage for the rest of the book, emphasizing the divine origin and purpose of the revelation communicated to John.
The significance of Revelation 1:1 is further underscored by its connection to other biblical passages that discuss the nature of revelation and the role of prophets and angels in communicating God's message to humanity. As such, the verse provides a crucial foundation for interpreting the rest of the Book of Revelation.
Sources
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Revelation 1:1 cross-references: Psalms 25:14, Daniel 2:28, Daniel 8:16, Daniel 9:21, Daniel 9:23, Amos 3:7, John 3:32, John 8:26, John 12:49, John 15:15, John 17:8, Romans 16:25, Galatians 1:12, Ephesians 3:3, Revelation 1:3, Revelation 1:9, Revelation 1:19, Revelation 4:1, Revelation 21:2, Revelation 22:6, Revelation 22:16”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1 (Gen 1-23), section 28.1: Index of Scripture References Genesis 1:1-6 1:1-31 1:2 1:28 1:29-30 2:1 2:1-25 2:15 2:19 3:1 3:1-24 3:7 3:16 4:1 4:1-26 4:7 5:1 5:1-32 6:1 6:1-22 6:11-16 7:1-24 7:11 8:1-22 9:1 9:1 9:1-29 9:2 9:24 10 10:1 10:1 10:1-32 10:21 11:1 11:1 11:1-32 11:28 12:1 12:1 12:1 12:1-20 12:4 12:4 12:6 13:1 13:1-20 14:1-24 15:1-21 15:7 16:1-16 16:2 16:8 17:1 17:1 17:1 17:1 17:1-27 18:1 18:1 18:1-33 18:19 19:1-38 20:1 20:1 20:1-18 21:1-34 21:15 22:1-24 22:18 23:1-20 24:31 25:1 25:13-16 35:7 48:1 Exodus 6:3 12:40 Leviticus 7:18 17:4 18:25 Numbers 6:2”
- Revelation (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Revelation 1 (introduction): This chapter is a general preface to the whole book, and contains, I. An inscription, declaring the original and the design of it (Rev 1:1, Rev 1:2). II. The apostolic benediction pronounced on all those who shall pay a due regard to the contents of this book (Rev 1:3-8). III. A glorious vision or appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ to the apostle John, when he delivered to him this revelation (Rev 1:9 to the end).”