We are beginning this amazing book of Revelation (singular). It reveals, unveils, Jesus in His glory and power. This book calls itself prophecy seven times, 1:3, 11:6, 19:10, 22:7, 10, 18, & 19. It is also apocalyptic literature. The Greek word for "revelation," is the word, apocalupsis, which means unveiled, uncovered, or revealed. Jesus Christ is revealed in all His glory. This book is also a letter, which the Lord commanded John the apostle to write to the 7 churches, Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and to Laodicea. This book was written to believers in Jesus. Historically, it is believed that John was on the Isle of Patmos because of his faith. The book's layout is there are Seven Sequences of Seven, which Peter Gentry pointed out in his book, "How to Read and Understand the Biblical Prophets." These includes seven letters, seals, trumpets, visions of warfare, final plagues, visions of victory, and then the seven visions of the end of the age and the new creation. Verses 9-20 of chapter 1, John sees a vision of the Son of Man, which represents Jesus Christ, and He is standing in the midst of the churches. John was to write the things which he has seen (past tense), and the things that are (present tense), and the things which will take place after these things (future tense.) One thing that is clear in chapter one is that Jesus is no longer the Baby in the manger, or the suffering servant of Isaiah. When He comes again, it will be with glory and power, for He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. He is the almighty, which means no one or nothing is stronger. Believers in Jesus who hear His words and do them, are blessed, and we do not need to be afraid.
