What does Revelation 1:1 mean?
"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 1:1
Revelation 1:1-3 - "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: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand."
A detailed digital art interpretation of a scene from Revelation 1:1-3 in the Bible. The scene includes key elements like Jesus Christ receiving revelations from God, the transmission of these revelations via an angel to his servant John, and John witnessing and documenting these divine words and prophecies. Also incorporate elements that represent the acclamation of wisdom for those who read, hear, and adhere to the prophecy. Include a sense of urgency to signify the phrase 'for the time is at hand.' The art should capture the profound mystique and spirituality encircling the original text.
The verse Revelation 1:1 from the King James Version of the Bible reads: "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."
This verse serves as the introduction to the book of Revelation, which is known for its symbolic language and apocalyptic themes. The book was written by the Apostle John, who was exiled on the island of Patmos at the time of its writing. The book of Revelation is the final book of the New Testament and is considered by many to be a prophetic book, outlining the end times and the eventual triumph of good over evil.
The verse opens with the phrase "The Revelation of Jesus Christ," which immediately sets the tone for the entire book. The word "revelation" comes from the Greek word "apokalypsis," which means "unveiling" or "disclosure." This signals that the book will reveal hidden truths about Jesus Christ and the events surrounding his second coming. The purpose of this revelation is stated as being "to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass." This indicates that the events described in the book of Revelation will occur in the future, and they are intended to be revealed to and understood by the servants of God.
The verse also emphasizes the divine origin of the revelation, stating that it was given to Jesus Christ by God. This underscores the authority and importance of the information being revealed. The use of the word "signified" in the phrase "and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John" highlights the symbolic nature of the communication, indicating that the message will be conveyed through signs and symbols.
The book of Revelation is filled with vivid and often surreal imagery, including fantastical creatures, cataclysmic events, and cosmic battles. The symbolic language used in the book has been the subject of much interpretation and debate throughout history. Some scholars and theologians interpret the imagery in a literal, historical sense, while others see it as allegorical, representing spiritual truths and principles. The use of symbols in Revelation serves to convey deep and complex truths about the nature of spiritual warfare, the ultimate triumph of good over evil, and the sovereignty of God over all of creation.
The context of the book of Revelation is important to understand when interpreting this verse. The book was written during a time of intense persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire. The churches to which the book of Revelation was addressed were facing severe trials and tribulations, and the book was intended to provide them with hope and encouragement. The visions and prophecies contained in the book reassured the early Christians that God was in control of history and that the ultimate victory belonged to Christ.
In conclusion, Revelation 1:1 sets the stage for the dramatic and symbolic imagery that follows in the rest of the book. It introduces the divine origin and purpose of the revelation, highlighting its importance for understanding the events that must "shortly come to pass." The verse invites readers to engage with the symbolic language and prophetic visions that follow, leading them to reflect on the ultimate victory of Christ and the fulfillment of God's plan for the world.
Revelation 1:1 Artwork
Revelation 1:1-3 - "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: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand."
Revelation 1:1 - "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 21:1
Revelation 15:1-3
2 Corinthians 12:1 - "It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord."
Revelation 1:2 - "Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw."
Psalm 98:1
1 Peter 1:13 - "Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"
Galatians 1:12 - "For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Revelation 1:10 - "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,"
Revelation 12:1 – "A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet."
Revelation 8:1 - "And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour."
Revelation 1:19 - "Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;"
Revelation 22:1 – "Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God."
1 Peter 1:5 - "Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
Revelation 1:12 - "And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;"
Revelation 1:15 - "And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters."
Revelation 1:8 - "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty."
Revelation 1:3 - "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand."
Revelation 22:1 - "And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb."
Revelation 5:1 - "And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals."
Revelation 20:1 - "And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand."
Revelation 1:14 - "His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;"
1 Corinthians 4:5 “Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.”
Revelation 21:1 - "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea."
Revelation 1:18 - "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 1:6 - "And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."
Revelation 9:1 - "And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit."
Ephesians 1:17 - "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:"
Revelation 1:13 - "And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle."