THE INTRODUCTION TO REVELATION

The writer introduces this book as 'the revelation of Jesus Christ...to his servant John.' Another word for 'revelation' is apocalypse--unveiling or disclosure. This revelation is about Jesus Christ and it is from Jesus Christ. God gave this revelation to Jesus for his servants--all believers. Jesus made it known by sending his angel to John. John the Apostle also wrote the Gospel of John and the three Epistles of John. He calls himself 'the disciple whom Jesus loved.' He served the church in Ephesus, lived to be an old man and spent his last days as an exile on the Isle of Patmos.

He wrote this letter to believers who were suffering in the fires of persecution. The seven churches of Asia Minor represent the whole Church. John speaks about suffering, the kingdom and patient endurance. He proclaims the victory of the Sovereign God over the powers of evil.

Outline

1. Jesus' words to the 7 churches (1-3)

2. The throne, the scroll and the Lamb (4-5)

3. The 7 seals (6:1-8:1)

4. The 7 trumpets (8:2-11:19)

5. The dragon, the beasts and the Lamb (12-14)

6. The 7 bowls (15-16)

7. Babylon the prostitute (17:1-19:5)

8. Hallelujah! God Almighty reigns (19:6-22:21)

1. Blessed are those who read (1-3)

The words of this book were given by God to all believers to encourage them in times of suffering and persecution. Jesus sent his angel to his servant John to show him what must take place. John testified in this book to what he saw--that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. A blessing is promised to those who read this book, and a blessing to those who hear and take it to heart.

2. Jesus, the Alpha and the Omega (4-8)

Jesus is the beginning and the end. All things were made through him. He was and is and he is to come. He is the faithful witness who died and rose and who will come again in clouds of glory. He loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood so that we may serve God as a kingdom of priests. He freed us, so we are truly free. It is our priestly duty to bring the knowledge of God and of the saving work of Christ to a sinsick world. (Ro 15:26;1Pe 2:9)

Application: Lord, thank you for the love and grace of Jesus who set us free from sin by his blood. Make us a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
One Word: A kingdom of priests