The Book of Revelation

Chapter 1

Introduction:

This particular chapter is important in that it not only introduces us to this important book but also it contains the key verse for the whole book (letter).Revelation 1:19 give us an outline by which we can divide the Book of Revelation into 3 distinct parts.

I. “The things thou hast seen” Chapter 1

II.“The things which are”Chapters 2-3

III.“The things which shall be hereafter.”Chapters 4-22

Outline:

I. THE PROLOGUE 1:1-8

A.The Superscription1:1-3

B.The Salutation1:4-8

II. “THE THINGS WHICH YOU HAVE SEEN” 1:9-20

A. Circumstances of the Vision 1:9-20

B.Content of the Vision1:9-11

C.Consequences of the Vision1:17-20

NOTES:

1:1 – “shortly” = This word does not indicate that the events described in this book will necessarily occur soon, but that when they do happen, they will come to pass swiftly.The same Greek word is translated speedily in Luke 18:8.

1:4 – “seven”The number 7, occurring 54 times in the book appears more frequently than any other number.In the Bible it is associated with completion, fulfillment, and perfection.It is God’s number.In Revelation there are:

7 churches and 7 spirits(1:4)

7 lampstands (1:12)
7 stars(1:16)
7 seals on the scroll(5:1)
7 horns and 7 eyes of the Lamb (5:6)
7 angels and 7 trumpets (8:2)

7 thunders(10:3)

7 heads of the dragon(12:3)
7 heads of the beast(13:1)
7 golden bowls(15:7)
7 kings(17:10)

1:3 – “blessed” – There are 7 beatitudes in Revelation.This is the first; the others are at 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7, 14

This book was to be read aloud in the churches.

1:12 – “candlesticks” (lampstands) – represent the 7 churches in v. 11.

1:16 – “stars” – the pastors of those 7 churches.

Words such as “like” or “as” in descriptions show us these are figures of speech. (similes)In other words, John used the best description he could to describe the things he saw