Revelation 1:9-20

In this passage is the first of four distinct visions recorded in Revelation.

1)    The Circumstances of the Vision, v9-11.

John is in prison on an island called Patmos for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.  He is our companion because tribulation is part and parcel for disciples of Christ (Mt. 7:14; Jn. 16:33; Ac. 14:22; 1 Th. 3:3f).  Belief in a pre-tribulation rapture (removing the Church before 7 years of tribulation) is not based on a desire to avoid tribulation.  It doesn’t avoid tribulation!

John was to write to churches in 7 nearby cities, beginning in Ephesus and going in a clockwise direction, ending at Laodicea.  These churches were chosen because they represented all churches in all times.  If you attend a church you can find your local church in this group of churches.  And likely each of the letters to these churches (Ch. 2-3) will have something that reminds you of your own.  

These churches also give us a glimpse of the visible church in the time between the ascension and return of Christ (i.e. Church History in advance).  This is not just prophetic hindsight, recognizing Biblical prediction after it occurs. But you may be surprised that the Bible supports this.  Here are a few of many passages on this subject: Jn. 2:17, 22; 12:16; 13:19; 16:4; 20:8-9; Luke 24:6-8; Acts 11:16.

2)    The description of the vision, v12-16. 

John sees behind him Someone who looks like a man standing among 7 golden lampstands.  He is a priest (the sash and long robe) with dignity (long robe, head and hair).  He is one with authority to judge (the eyes of fire, furnace-fired brass, mighty voice and sword coming from His mouth).  He holds in His hand 7 stars.

3)    The response to the vision, v17-18.

John falls at the feet of this One.  The Man reveals that He is the Lord Jesus Christ!  He is the First and the Last (the heir of all things).  He lives forever, though He had been dead.  He controls the destiny of humanity (having the keys of Hades and of Death).  What is your response to the Judge of the Earth?

4)    The command of the vision, v19.

John is commanded to write.  He is to write the things which you have seen (i.e. this vision of the Judge of the Earth).  He is to write the things that will take place after this.  Rev. 4:1 indicates this refers to everything from that point on.  Thus the things which are have to do with Rev. 2-3, the part of the book in between.  Again, it gives an indication that those letters to the churches related to the age in which John lived, the time of the Church, which continues to this day.

5)    The explanation of the vision, v20. 

Two mysteries are revealed.  The stars in Jesus hand are 7 messengers (that is the meaning of the Greek term angelos) which may refer either to angels or as some suggest, the pastors for those 7 churches.  The lampstands are the churches.  The picture is of the Judge of the whole earth walking among the churches.