Exposition of Revelation 1:1 and Its Significance
Revelation 1:1 introduces the book as "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John" (NASB) [1]. The King James Version similarly renders it "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" [2]. This verse serves as a prologue, establishing the origin and purpose of the entire book [4, 5].
The Greek word apokalupsis, translated as "revelation," signifies an "unveiling" or "uncovering" [4, 6]. This term immediately signals the visionary and apocalyptic nature of the writing, where God communicates through symbols, numbers, and word pictures [4]. Matthew Henry notes that the entire Bible is a revelation of Jesus Christ, but this book is especially so, as Christ, acting as King and Prophet of the church, reveals the methods of his governance and "the things that shall be hereafter" [3].
The verse outlines a chain of communication: God the Father gives the revelation to Jesus Christ, who then sends it through an angel to his servant John [1, 3]. John, in turn, is to show these things to God's "bond-servants" [1]. This hierarchical transmission underscores the divine authority behind the message. The phrase "of Jesus Christ" indicates that Christ is both the source and the primary subject of the book [4].
A key phrase in this verse is "the things which must soon take place" [1]. This emphasis on imminence is repeated throughout Revelation (e.g., Revelation 3:11, 22:6-7) [4]. Adam Clarke suggests that the opening of the seals in Revelation is not merely a declaration of future events but an exhibition of purposes already being accomplished [8]. The book's introduction, including this verse, sets the stage for the subsequent visions, letters to the seven churches, and the overarching narrative of Christ's kingdom [4, 6, 7].
Sources
- Revelation “Revelation 1:1 (NASB) — The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John,”
- Revelation of John “Revelation of John 1:1 (KJV) — 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 (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Revelation 1:1: Here we have, I. What we may call the pedigree of this book. 1. It is the revelation of Jesus Christ. The whole Bible is so; for all revelation comes through Christ and all centres in him; and especially in these last days God has spoken to us by his Son, and concerning his Son. Christ, as the king of his church, has been pleased thus far to let his church know by what rules and methods he will proceed in his government; and, as the prophet of the church, he has made known to us the things that shall be hereafter. 2. It is a revelation which God gave unto Chris”
- Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 1:1: 1:1-11 Revelation opens with a three-part introduction, including a prologue (1:1-3), a letter introduction (1:4-8), and a historical introduction (1:9-11). 1:1 The word revelation (Greek apokalupsis) introduces the book’s visionary nature as apocalyptic writing (see Revelation Book Introduction, “Apocalyptic Writing”). God communicates his inspired message through mysterious symbols, numbers, and word pictures. • from (or of) Jesus Christ: He is both the source and the main subject of the book. • the events that must soon take place: Cp. 3:11; 22:6-7; Luke 18:”
- 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).”
- Revelation (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Revelation 1 (introduction): 1TITLE: SOURCE AND OBJECT OF THIS REVELATION: BLESSING ON THE READER AND KEEPER OF IT, AS THE TIME IS NEAR: INSCRIPTION TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES: APOSTOLIC GREETING: KEYNOTE, "BEHOLD HE COMETH" (Compare at the close, Rev 22:20, "Surely I come quickly"): INTRODUCTORY VISION OF THE SON OF MAN IN GLORY, AMIDST THE SEVEN CANDLESTICKS, WITH SEVEN STARS IN HIS RIGHT HAND. (Rev. 1:1-20) Revelation--an apocalypse or unveiling of those things which had been veiled. A manifesto of the kingdom of Christ. The travelling manual of the Church for the G”
- Revelation (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Revelation 1 (introduction): The preface to this book, and the promise to them who read it, Rev 1:1-3. John's address to the seven Churches of Asia, whose high calling he particularly mentions; and shows the speedy coming of Christ, Rev 1:4-8. Mentions his exile to Patmos, and the appearance of the Lord Jesus to him, Rev 1:9-11. Of whom he gives a most glorious description, Rev 1:12-18. The command to write what he saw, and the explanation of the seven stars and seven golden candlesticks, Rev 1:19, Rev 1:20. The Revelation of St. John the divine. To this book the inscriptions ar”
- Revelation (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Revelation 6:1: When the Lamb opened one of the seals - It is worthy of remark that the opening of the seals is not merely a declaration of what God will do, but is the exhibition of a purpose then accomplished; for whenever the seal is opened, the sentence appears to be executed. It is supposed that, from Revelation 6:1-11:19, the calamities which should fall on the enemies of Christianity, and particularly the Jews, are pointed out under various images, as well as the preservation of the Christians under those calamities. One of the four beasts - Probably that with the face of”