Revelation Study

Revelation 1

In Revelation, there are seven spirits, angels, churches, seals, trumpets, bowls, beatitudes, and doxologies. Because the number seven is a sign of perfection, the seven letters could represent Jesus’ perfect revelation to His people (Bauckham, Theology, 26–27). Brendon R. Witte, “Seven Churches,” in The Lexham Bible Dictionary, ed. John D. Barry et al. (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).

v.5 “AND from Jesus Christ” points to Jesus being separate from God the Father.

v.6 points to Jesus being glorified as a fully divine being.

v.7 makes reference to what has already been prophesied 500 to 600 years before Jesus was born

Zechariah 12:10 ESV

“And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn.

Revelation 1:10 in the spirit Probably describes a visionary state (compare Acts 10:10; 2 Cor 12:2–4). John’s visions are framed by his four experiences in the Spirit (Rev 1:10; 4:2; 17:3; 21:10). John D. Barry, Douglas Mangum, et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Re 1:10.

v. 17 being in the presence of the Lord will cause one to collapse. To see Jesus in all His glory would be quite unimaginable. “do not be afraid” is a common saying throughout all of scripture. Repeatedly God tells us that we should not be afraid.