Revelation 1:1-20 - Christ's Glorious Appearance and Revelation
The opening verses of Revelation introduce the book as "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass" (Revelation 1:1 KJV). This establishes Jesus Christ as both the source and the primary subject of the book, which is characterized by its visionary and apocalyptic nature, communicating through symbols and word pictures [9]. The initial section of Revelation (1:1-11) functions as a three-part introduction, comprising a prologue, a letter introduction, and a historical introduction [9].
John, the author, states he was "in the Spirit on the Lord's day" (Revelation 1:10 KJV), a phrase that some interpret as referring to Sunday, the day of Christ's resurrection [3, 10]. He then hears a loud voice and turns to see its source, encountering a symbolic vision of Christ [8]. This vision portrays Christ as a powerful and wise agent of God who consistently cares for his people [8].
The description of Christ includes several key elements:
- Seven golden lampstands These represent the churches, as explicitly stated in Revelation 1:20 [1, 2]. The lampstands symbolize God's presence among his people and his all-seeing nature [8].
- One like the Son of Man This figure is "clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle" (Revelation 1:13 KJV). This imagery evokes priestly and royal authority [4].
- Hair white as wool, eyes as a flame of fire, feet like fine brass, and a voice as the sound of many waters (Revelation 1:14-15 KJV). These details emphasize Christ's ancient wisdom, penetrating gaze, steadfastness, and powerful voice [4].
- Seven stars in his right hand and a sharp two-edged sword out of his mouth (Revelation 1:16 KJV). The seven stars are identified as the angels (or messengers) of the seven churches [1, 2]. The sword represents the powerful word of God, capable of judgment and discernment [7].
- Countenance as the sun shineth in his strength (Revelation 1:16 KJV). This highlights Christ's divine glory, a theme also seen in other biblical passages describing God's majesty [5]. The glory of God is also exhibited in Christ, as seen in his miraculous signs [6].
Upon seeing this vision, John falls "as dead" (Revelation 1:17 KJV), to which Christ responds, "Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death" (Revelation 1:17-18 KJV). This declaration underscores Christ's eternal nature, his victory over death, and his ultimate authority [4]. The passage concludes with Christ instructing John to write down what he has seen, what is, and what will take place thereafter (Revelation 1:19 KJV), setting the stage for the subsequent prophetic visions of the book.
Sources
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Revelation 2:1 cross-references: Ezekiel 28:13, Ezekiel 46:10, Matthew 18:20, Matthew 28:20, John 5:35, Revelation 1:11, Revelation 1:16, Revelation 1:20, Revelation 2:8, Revelation 2:12, Revelation 2:18, Revelation 3:1, Revelation 3:7, Revelation 3:14, Revelation 8:10, Revelation 12:1”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Revelation 1:20 cross-references: Zechariah 4:2, Malachi 2:7, Matthew 5:14, Matthew 13:11, Luke 8:10, Philippians 2:15, 1 Timothy 3:14, Revelation 1:12, Revelation 1:16, Revelation 2:1, Revelation 2:8, Revelation 2:12, Revelation 2:18, Revelation 3:1, Revelation 3:7, Revelation 3:14”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Revelation 1:10 cross-references: Matthew 22:43, John 20:19, John 20:26, Acts 10:10, Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2, 2 Corinthians 12:2, Revelation 4:1, Revelation 10:3, Revelation 17:3, Revelation 21:10”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Excellency and Glory of Christ, The — As God -- Joh 1:1-5; Php 2:6,9,10. As the Son of God -- Mt 3:17; Heb 1:6,8. As one with the Father -- Joh 10:30,38. As the First-born -- Col 1:15,18. As the First-begotten -- Heb 1:6. As Lord of lords, &c -- Re 17:14. As the image of God -- Col 1:15; Heb 1:3. As creator -- Joh 1:3; Col 1:16; Heb 1:2. As the Blessed of God -- Ps 45:2. As Mediator -- 1Ti 2:5; Heb 8:6. As Prophet -- De 18:15,16; Ac 3:22. As Priest -- Ps 110:4; Heb 4:15. As King -- Isa 6:1-5; Joh 12:41. As Judge -- Mt 16:27; 25:31,33. As Shepherd -- Isa 40:10,11; Joh”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Glory of God, The — Exhibited in Christ -- Joh 1:14; 2Co 4:6; Heb 1:3. Exhibited in His name. -- De 28:58; Ne 9:5. His majesty. -- Job 37:22; Ps 93:1; 104:1; 145:5,12; Isa 2:10. His power. -- Ex 15:1,6; Ro 6:4. His works. -- Ps 19:1; 111:3. His holiness. -- Ex 15:11. Described as Great. -- Ps 138:5. Eternal. -- Ps 104:31. Rich. -- Eph 3:16. Highly exalted. -- Ps 8:1; 113:4. Exhibited to Moses. -- Ex 34:5-7; 33:18-23. Stephen. -- Ac 7:55. His Church. -- De 5:24; Ps 102:16. Enlightens the Church -- Isa 60:1,2; Re 21:11,23. Saints desire to behold -- Ps 63:2; 90:16. God”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 2:11: 2:11 Jesus had offered his first miraculous sign. In it, he revealed the glory of God (see also 1:14; 11:4, 40).”
- Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 19:11: 19:11–20:15 The drama moves into its climactic scenes: God’s enemies are defeated and punished in two episodes (19:11-21; 20:7-10). Meanwhile, the faithful experience a 1,000-year resurrection (20:1-6) followed by the final judgment (20:11-15). 19:11-16 Then I saw: John describes a new vision of Jesus Christ as the holy warrior and conquering King (see 14:1; see also Exod 15:1-7; Pss 24:8; 78:49-50; Isa 59:16-17). 19:11 The rider is both a judge and a righteous warrior (see Isa 11:1-5). He is named Faithful and True: He embodies God’s authenticity and reliabi”
- Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 1:12: 1:12-20 John’s first vision is a symbolic picture of Christ as the wise, secure, and powerful agent of God who always cares for his people. 1:12 I turned to see who was speaking: This statement refers to the loud voice of 1:10. • seven gold lampstands: The lighted menorah was a symbol of God’s presence among his people (Exod 27:21; Lev 24:1-4) and of his all-seeing eyes in the world (Zech 4:10).”
- 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:”
- John (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on John 20 (introduction): This evangelist, though he began not his gospel as the rest did, yet concludes it as they did, with the history of Christ' resurrection; not of the thing itself, for none of them describe how he rose, but of the proofs and evidences of it, which demonstrated that he was risen. The proofs of Christ's resurrection, which we have in this chapter, are I. Such as occurred immediately at the sepulchre. 1. The sepulchre found empty, and the graveclothes in good order (Joh 20:1-10). 2. Two angels appearing to Mary Magdalene at the sepulchre (Joh 20:11-13). 3. C”