Revelation 1:1 — The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse opens the final book of the Bible. It tells us where the message comes from, who it’s for, and how it was delivered. First, it’s called a revelation. That word means an unveiling — like pulling back a curtain to show what’s behind it. What’s being shown here? It’s a message about things that are going to happen, things that matter deeply to God’s people.
The source is Jesus Christ. But even more than that, it says God gave it to him. That reminds us that Jesus, even though fully God, was sent by the Father with a message for His people. Jesus then sent this message by an angel to John — the same John who followed Jesus when He walked the earth. John would be the one to write everything down for others to read.
This isn’t just a mysterious vision for a few spiritual experts. It’s for his servants — regular followers of Jesus — so they can understand what’s coming and live faithfully in the middle of it all.
Historical Context
Revelation was written near the end of the first century, likely around A.D. 95, during the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian. At this time, Christians were facing growing pressure, persecution, and confusion. Some were being killed for their faith, others were being tempted to give in to the world around them. They needed hope, clarity, and a reminder that Jesus was still in charge.
The Apostle John was in exile on the island of Patmos when he received this vision. He had been sent there as punishment for preaching the Word of God. From this lonely place, God gave John a heavenly message that would become a great comfort and challenge to the early church.
Theological Implications
This verse reveals the chain of communication from God to His people: God → Jesus → angel → John → us. It reminds us that God speaks. He is not silent. He doesn’t leave His people in the dark. And when He speaks, it is for our good — to prepare us, strengthen us, and encourage us in a hard world.
It also shows us the closeness of the Father and the Son. Though Jesus is King, He still receives from the Father — a beautiful picture of their unity. And the fact that God wants His servants to know what must soon take place shows His care. He doesn’t keep secrets from His people.
Literary Analysis
The word “revelation” comes from the Greek word apokalypsis, which is where we get the word apocalypse. But in Scripture, it doesn’t just mean destruction or chaos — it means an unveiling of divine truth. This verse sets the tone for the whole book of Revelation: it’s not meant to confuse but to reveal.
Also, the phrase “must soon take place” doesn’t necessarily mean immediate timing but points to the certainty and nearness of these events from God’s eternal perspective. God’s clock isn’t like ours. What matters is that His plan is moving forward and we’re called to be ready.
Cross-References
- Daniel 2:28-30 – Daniel receives a vision about the future and tells the king that it’s not his own wisdom, but God who reveals mysteries.
- John 15:15 – Jesus says, “I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”
- Hebrews 1:1-2 – God spoke in many ways in the past, but now has spoken through His Son.
- Amos 3:7 – “Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Revelation 1:1 reminds us that God hasn’t forgotten us. He has given us a message to help us navigate the future. We don’t have to guess what’s coming. While we may not understand every symbol or detail in Revelation, we know this: God wins. Evil won’t last forever. Jesus is coming back.
It also teaches us to listen. Just like John, we’re meant to receive God’s word, treasure it, and pass it on. The message isn’t just for us to keep — it’s for us to live by and share.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
A loving God doesn’t leave His people in the dark. He speaks, reveals, and prepares us. God could have kept the future hidden, but instead, He sent Jesus, who then passed along this revelation — because He loves His servants. He doesn’t want us to be afraid or confused. He wants us to be ready, comforted, and faithful.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse directly names Jesus as the source of the revelation. It is “the revelation from Jesus Christ.” That means everything we read in Revelation must be viewed through the lens of Jesus — His life, death, resurrection, and coming return.
In John 5:19, Jesus said He only does what He sees the Father doing. Here, again, Jesus is carrying out the Father’s will, now as the risen and glorified King. In Matthew 28:18, Jesus declared that all authority in heaven and on earth had been given to Him. So when He speaks in Revelation, we should pay close attention.
This verse also points us forward to the final picture in Revelation: Jesus victorious, Jesus with His people, Jesus wiping away every tear (Revelation 21:4).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does knowing that Revelation is a message from Jesus affect how you read the book?
- What does this verse tell us about God’s character?
- In what ways do you think God still speaks to His people today?
- How can you live in a way that shows you’re listening to what God has revealed?
- Are there areas in your life where you need to trust more in God’s plan for the future?