Rev 1

Read Revelation 1:1-3

apokalupsis = the radical uncovering or breakthrough of what was previously hidden; to show or expose to view

This book is the unveiling of Jesus Christ to all of us.

In one of the rare cases, John identifies himself by name and further by saying that he was a witness to the Christ. How exciting ... to think of Jesus' best friend writing this book!!!

John tells us that we are "blessed" if we hear and keep the message of this book. The word "blessed" appears 7 times in the Revelation and in Greek simply means "happy" but the Hebrew word that John was probably using here means to find the right pathway in the face of false pathways.

It has to do with finding meaning in the face of chaos.

John is saying that we will be on the right pathway when we get the meaning of our life and the pattern of our living from the character of God, from His holy will.

This book did not originate with John but came to him through a sequence of events ... the true source of the book of Revelation is God!

Read Rev 1:4-8

The trinity ... "from him who is, and who was, and who is to come."

The saluation: Grace and peace ... (What are grace and peace to you?)

Grace ... the surprise gift ... undeserved
Peace ... wholeness and health

Both come from God

This verse shows that the Trinity shares in the dispensing of grace and peace to man:
God the Father - from him who is and who was and who is to come
God the Spirit - and from the 7 spirits who are before His throne
God the Son - and from Jesus Christ

Isaiah 11:2 ... And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord ...

This is referring to Jesus ... the secon spirits is a reference to the sevenfold work of the Spirit revealed in this verse. The term "seven spirits" does not mean seven Holy Spirits but the seven ministries of the Holy Spirit.

verses 5, 6 and 7 describe the past, present and future work of the Christ:
...the faithful witness (John 14:9)
...the first begotten of the dead (1 Cor 15:23) (Christ is not the first one raised from the dead BUT He is the first One raised in his incorruptible body and His will never die again like the others).

... the prince of the kings of the earth ...
... to Him that loved us ... (denotes continual action. Not only did He give Himself for us, but today He continues to love us with an everlasting love ... all those who have received Christ Jesus by faith have been cleansed by His blood.

... and hath made us a kingdom of priests unto God and His Father!.

Amazing as it may be, Christ has made us kings and priests (and princesses). The day is coming when - because we are the children of God by faith - that we will rule and reign with Him if we have been born into His spiritual kingdom. For the present time, we are to do our work as priests, intervening and interceding on behalf of those who need Christ and cannot pray for themselves.