FocusA revelation to be heard and kept
Connection to the wholeThe introduction identifies the revelation's source, blesses those who heed it, and addresses the churches with testimony concerning Jesus Christ.
interpretation Revelation 1:5
KJVAnd from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
Read it in context
Introduction and Vision of the Son of Man
Start reading at Revelation 1:1 (Revelation 1:1 to Revelation 1:20).
The literary unit begins at the start of the chapter, encompassing the salutation, the declaration of Christ's identity, and John's initial vision of the glorified Son of Man.
- 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
- 1:2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
- 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
- 1:4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;
- 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
- 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
- 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
- 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
- 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
- 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
- 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
- 1:12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
- 1:13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
- 1:14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
- 1:15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
- 1:16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
- 1:17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
- 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
- 1:19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
- 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
Who
- Who wrote the book? John is the named writer. Early Christian tradition identifies him as John the apostle, although that further identification has been debated. Biblical references: Revelation 1:1; Revelation 1:9; Revelation 22:8. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Revelation 1:1–1:20): John addresses seven churches in Asia and recounts receiving the revelation on Patmos. The risen Jesus commissions him to write what he sees. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Seven churches in the Roman province of Asia: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. The message also calls on everyone with an ear to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Biblical references: Revelation 1:4; Revelation 1:11; Revelation 2:7. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main theme is the revelation of Jesus Christ, showing His servants 'things which must shortly come to pass'. It also emphasizes Christ's glory, dominion, and redemptive work in washing believers from their sins.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing 'things which must shortly come to pass' through Jesus Christ, signified by His angel to His servant John. This includes the identity and work of Jesus Christ as the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth.
- What is the literary style? The literary style is prophecy and apocalyptic.
When
- When was it written? The book was written around A.D. 95. book background
- When does the event take place? The initial vision and writing of the book occurred around A.D. 95. The prophecy itself concerns 'things which must shortly come to pass' (Revelation 1:1), indicating future events.
Where
- Where did it happen? The vision and writing of the book happened on the isle that is called Patmos. stated in the text
- Where was the author located? The author, John, was located on the isle of Patmos. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Introduction and Vision of the Son of Man (Revelation 1:1 to Revelation 1:20). Start reading at Revelation 1:1. The literary unit begins at the start of the chapter, encompassing the salutation, the declaration of Christ's identity, and John's initial vision of the glorified Son of Man.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? Revelation 1:5 is part of the opening salutation and introduction to the entire book. It establishes the divine authority and central figure of the revelation, Jesus Christ, by declaring His essential attributes and redemptive work. This sets the stage for the subsequent visions and prophecies concerning His ultimate triumph and kingdom. interpretation
- How does it point to Christ? Revelation 1:5 directly points to Christ by identifying Him with three glorious titles: 'the faithful witness,' 'the first begotten of the dead,' and 'the prince of the kings of the earth.' It also highlights His profound love and atoning sacrifice, stating that He 'loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,' which is the foundation of Christian salvation and the basis for His future reign. stated in the text
- How do I apply it today? Believers today can find profound assurance and hope in the truths declared about Jesus Christ in this verse. We are reminded of His unwavering faithfulness, His victory over death through His resurrection, and His ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers. The knowledge that He loved us and cleansed us from sin by His own blood should inspire worship, gratitude, and confidence in His redemptive work and coming kingdom. interpretation
Cited: Revelation 1:1, Revelation 1:4, Revelation 1:5, Revelation 1:6, Revelation 1:9, Revelation 1:11
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book names John four times as the one who saw and wrote these things.
Revelation 1:1Revelation 1:4Revelation 1:9Revelation 22:8
Early traditionEarly testimony, notably Justin Martyr and Irenaeus, names John the apostle.
What is debatedSome ancient and modern voices distinguish this John from the apostle because the Greek style differs from the Gospel.
Related passages
- who is Rev 3:14 Ps 89:36-37 Isa 55:4 John 3:11,32 John 8:14-16 John 18:37 1 Tim 6:13 1 John 5:7-10
- and the first Acts 26:23 1 Cor 15:20-23 Col 1:18
- and the prince Rev 11:15 Rev 17:14 Rev 19:16 Ps 72:11 Ps 89:27 Prov 8:15-16 Dan 2:2 Dan 7:14
- him Deut 7:8 Deut 23:5 John 13:1,34 John 15:9 Rom 8:37 Gal 2:20 Eph 2:4 Eph 5:2,25-27
- washed Rev 7:14 Zech 13:1 John 13:8-10 Acts 20:28 1 Cor 6:11 Heb 9:14 1 Pet 1:19 1 John 1:7
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Revelation 1
John addresses the seven churches in Asia and describes himself as their companion in tribulation and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ. These outlines follow the order of the visions without treating that literary order as a settled timetable or assigning symbols to modern nations or people.
Revelation 1:1 Revelation 1:4 Revelation 1:9
John's vision of the risen Christ
Revelation 1:9–20FocusThe command to write
Connection to the wholeThe vision on Patmos displays Christ's authority over death and His presence among the churches, preparing the messages in chapters 2–3.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Revelation
John addresses the seven churches in Asia and describes himself as their companion in tribulation and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ. These outlines follow the order of the visions without treating that literary order as a settled timetable or assigning symbols to modern nations or people.
Revelation 1:1 Revelation 1:4 Revelation 1:9
FocusThe risen Christ and His churches
Connection to the wholeThe opening locates the prophecy among its first hearers and presents the vision of Christ who commands John to write.
interpretation The messages to seven churches
Revelation 2:1–3:22FocusHearing, repentance, and overcoming
Connection to the wholeThe individual messages apply Christ's knowledge and authority to the churches' actual conditions, joining promises with rebukes and commands.
interpretation The throne and the Lamb
Revelation 4:1–5:14FocusHeavenly worship and the sealed book
Connection to the wholeThe throne scene and the Lamb's reception of the book establish the heavenly setting for the judgments that follow.
interpretation The seals
Revelation 6:1–8:5FocusJudgment, witness, and the sealed servants
Connection to the wholeThe opening of the seals includes scenes of suffering, judgment, and preservation, leading to the seventh seal and the preparation for trumpets.
interpretation The trumpets and accompanying visions
Revelation 8:6–11:19FocusWarning, witness, and proclaimed reign
Connection to the wholeTrumpet judgments are interwoven with John's renewed commission and the witnesses, culminating in the seventh trumpet's proclamation.
interpretation The conflict and contrasting allegiances
Revelation 12:1–14:20FocusThe dragon, beasts, and the Lamb's people
Connection to the wholeThe visions portray opposition and demanded worship alongside the Lamb's followers, proclamations, and harvest scenes.
interpretation The last plagues poured out
Revelation 15:1–16:21FocusGod's righteous judgments
Connection to the wholeThe heavenly preparation and seven vials develop the judgment sequence while retaining warnings and examples of refused repentance.
interpretation Babylon judged and heaven rejoicing
Revelation 17:1–19:21FocusThe fallen city and the victorious rider
Connection to the wholeThe explanation and fall of Babylon lead to heavenly praise, the marriage announcement, and the defeat of the beast and its allies.
interpretation Final rebellion and judgment
Revelation 20:1–15FocusThe thousand years and the throne
Connection to the wholeThe vision includes Satan's restraint and release, the final defeat of rebellion, and judgment before the great white throne.
interpretation The new creation and final appeal
Revelation 21:1–22:21FocusGod with His people
Connection to the wholeThe holy city and the removal of the curse bring the visions to their close, followed by commands, invitations, warnings, and the promise of Jesus' coming.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.