The Revelation of Jesus Christ

Summary

The class began Revelation under the title Tribulation and Victory. The slides first collect the names and titles given to Jesus across the whole book, from Faithful Witness and Alpha and Omega to Lion of the tribe of Judah, King of Kings and the bright and morning star, and place the book in its first-century setting: the Roman emperors from Nero to Domitian, and the island of Patmos.

In the prologue (1:1–3) the slides note that “soon” translates a Greek phrase used elsewhere in the New Testament for things that happen quickly or shortly, and list the seven beatitudes of the book, beginning with the blessing on the one who reads aloud and those who hear and keep its words. John then greets the seven churches of Asia (1:4–8) with grace and peace from the one who is, was and is to come.

John’s vision of the Son of Man (1:9–20) is read in full: the voice like a trumpet, the golden lampstands, the white hair, the eyes like fire, the two-edged sword, and Jesus’ words, “Fear not, I am the first and the last.” The slides connect the sword to Hebrews 4:12, and close with the key themes of the chapter: divine revelation, Christ’s majesty and authority, his encouragement, and his role as priest and king.

The shape of chapter 1

The chapter moves from the prologue to the vision.

Key themes of Revelation 1

The slides name four themes: