Revelation 1–5
Common Theme
God reveals His sovereign rule over history through the risen, glorified Christ, who stands among His churches and reigns from heaven. The vision moves from Christ’s authority on earth to His worthiness in heaven as the Lamb who alone can unfold God’s redemptive plan.
Questions
- What does the way Jesus is revealed in these chapters teach us about His authority and holiness?
- Why is the Lamb’s worthiness central to God’s plan for history and redemption?
God Shot
God is sovereign, holy, and enthroned, ruling history with absolute authority and perfect justice. He reveals Himself as both the Almighty on the throne and the Lamb who was slain, worthy to receive all worship because He has accomplished redemption.
Deeper
Revelation 1
The prologue of the Book of Revelation introduces the revelation of Jesus Christ, conveyed to John through an angel. It emphasizes the importance of reading and keeping the prophecy, as the time is near. John addresses the seven churches in Asia, extending grace and peace from God and Jesus Christ, who has freed believers from sin and established them as a kingdom. He foretells Christ’s return, stating that every eye will see Him. John, exiled on Patmos, receives a vision of the Son of Man amidst seven golden lampstands, symbolizing the churches. The vision describes Christ’s majestic appearance and reassures John of His eternal life and authority over death, instructing him to write what he sees.
Revelation 2
The text contains messages to four churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira.
To the Church in Ephesus, the speaker acknowledges their hard work and endurance but criticizes them for losing their initial love. They are urged to repent and return to their former deeds, with a warning of losing their lampstand if they do not.
The Church in Smyrna is recognized for their tribulation and poverty, yet they are reminded of their spiritual richness. They are encouraged to remain faithful despite impending suffering, promising them the crown of life.
The Church in Pergamum is commended for holding fast to their faith despite living where Satan dwells. However, they are admonished for tolerating false teachings and are called to repent, with a promise of hidden manna and a new name for the conqueror.
Lastly, the Church in Thyatira is praised for their love and service but criticized for tolerating a false prophetess, Jezebel. They are warned of severe consequences unless they repent, while the faithful are assured of authority and rewards for their perseverance. Each message concludes with a call to listen to the Spirit.
Revelation 3
The text addresses three churches: Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. To Sardis, it warns that despite their reputation for being alive, they are spiritually dead and need to wake up and strengthen their faith. A few remain faithful and will be rewarded. To Philadelphia, it acknowledges their perseverance and promises protection from upcoming trials, urging them to hold fast to their faith. To Laodicea, it criticizes their lukewarmness and self-sufficiency, advising them to seek true wealth and spiritual insight. The message emphasizes the importance of repentance, faithfulness, and the promise of rewards for those who overcome. Each church is called to listen to the Spirit’s guidance.
Revelation 4
In this passage, the author describes a vision of heaven, featuring an open door and a throne with a radiant figure seated upon it. Surrounding the throne are twenty-four elders in white garments with golden crowns. The scene is filled with flashes of lightning and seven torches representing the seven spirits of God. Four living creatures, resembling a lion, an ox, a man, and an eagle, continuously proclaim the holiness of God. The elders worship the figure on the throne, acknowledging His worthiness as the creator of all things.
Revelation 5
In this passage, a scroll sealed with seven seals is presented, and no one is found worthy to open it, causing great sorrow. An elder reassures the weeping John, revealing that the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Lamb who was slain, is worthy to open the scroll. The Lamb, depicted with seven horns and eyes, takes the scroll, prompting worship from the living creatures and elders. They sing a new song, praising the Lamb for redeeming people from all nations and establishing them as a kingdom. Angels and all creatures join in worship, declaring the Lamb’s worthiness.