Introduction continued.
John wrote the letter to the Churches in Asia Minor from Ephesus after his release from the prison on the island of Patmos. He uses the past tense when he says “was” on the island of Patmos. This indicates that it is after the Patmos. The letter was then copied and sent to the seven churches in Asia. Also, the first three verses could have been written by those who copied the book of Revelation and sent it out to the churches in Asia Minor. In verse four, John introduces the letter’s subject to the churches. The letter’s title to the Churches can be translated as “Revelation from Jesus.” However, because Jesus Christ is the central subject of the book of Revelation, “Revelation about Jesus Christ” is the most probable and appropriate translation. The book of Revelation gives us an expanded picture of Jesus. It reveals to us who Jesus is and why He is Christ. Accordingly, this series of blogs will always refer to the book of Revelation as “Revelation about (of) Jesus.” It is about him and him only.
The assertion that Jesus Christ is the central subject of the book of Revelation raises a question. Why did Jesus need to explain the truth about him to the first-century Christians? The same need does exist today in various displays. Jesus, after his resurrection, unrecognizably joined the two apostles on the road to Emmaus. He explained to them everything the Scripture says about the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Luke 24:25-27. Also, before Jesus ascended to heaven, he expounded the Scriptures to the apostles and opened their minds so they would understand the Scriptures. Luke 24:44-48. He promised to come back to them. Accordingly, apostles preached that Jesus would return to earth in their time, the first century AD. Appropriately, the converts to Christianity expected Jesus to return during the first century of the Christian era while the Roman Empire still ruled. Their hope was high.
The first century, however, was almost at its end. The eyewitnesses to Jesus, except John, were already dead or had been martyred; however, Jesus had not returned yet. Moreover, the Christian church was experiencing severe persecution under the Roman Emperor Domitian. Accordingly, many questions and doubts arose in the minds of believers. Is Jesus really who he said he was? Is he at the right hand of God? Does he see their difficulties? Will the Kingdom of God triumph over evil? These were the expected questions and doubts. Therefore, the believers needed to know the events that must transpire between Jesus’ coming as the Messiah and his return as the King of kings. Also, they needed reassurance that Jesus would keep his promise no matter what. Accordingly, Jesus again reveals the truth about him. He assures the churches that he is with them and seas their troubles. He tells them that he will return to earth as promised at just the right time. Jesus came as Messiah at just the right time. Therefore, no one should doubt that he will also return as the King of kings at the right time and bring unimaginable rewards to those loyal to him.
How should we read Revelation? Read the next blog.
