Revelation 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:

The Revelation {G602} of Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, which {G3739} God {G2316} gave {G1325} unto him {G846}, to shew {G1166} unto his {G846} servants {G1401} things which {G3739} must {G1163} shortly {G1722}{G5034} come to pass {G1096}; and {G2532} he sent {G649} and signified {G4591} it by {G1223} his {G846} angel {G32} unto his {G846} servant {G1401} John {G2491}:

This is the revelation which God gave to Yeshua the Messiah, so that he could show his servants what must happen very soon. He communicated it by sending his angel to his servant Yochanan,

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon come to pass. He made it known by sending His angel to His servant John,

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show unto his servants, even the things which must shortly come to pass: and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John;

Commentary

Revelation 1:1 serves as the foundational opening to the Bible's final book, immediately clarifying its divine origin, purpose, and the chain of revelation.

Context

Written by the Apostle John, traditionally believed to be while he was exiled on the island of Patmos during a period of intense Roman persecution (likely under Emperor Domitian in the late 1st century AD), the Book of Revelation is addressed to seven churches in Asia Minor. This verse establishes the book not as John's own thoughts, but as a direct message originating from God Himself, transmitted through His Son, Jesus Christ, to John via an angel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Origin: The commentary immediately highlights that this is "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him." This establishes the supreme authority and reliability of the prophecies contained within. It underscores that the unveiling of future events and the glory of Christ comes directly from the Father (John 5:19).
  • Subject is Jesus Christ: While often associated with the "end times," the book is fundamentally about Jesus Christ – His identity, His victory, and His ultimate reign. It is His "unveiling" to His servants.
  • Purpose of Disclosure: The revelation is given "to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass." This indicates a divine intention to inform and prepare believers for future events, providing warning, comfort, and hope amidst trials.
  • Chain of Communication: God the Father initiates the message, gives it to Jesus Christ, who then sends it via "his angel unto his servant John." This hierarchical transmission emphasizes the orderly and deliberate nature of divine communication (Daniel 8:16).
  • Imminence: The phrase "must shortly come to pass" stresses the urgency and nearness of these prophetic events from God's perspective. While not necessarily meaning "immediately," it conveys that these events are set in motion and will unfold according to God's precise timetable.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "Revelation" is apokalypsis (ἀποκάλυψις), from which we get the English word "Apocalypse." It literally means an "unveiling," "uncovering," or "disclosure." Thus, the book is not primarily about hidden mysteries but about revealed truths concerning God's plan and the ultimate triumph of Christ. The word "signified" (Greek: esēmanen) suggests that the message was conveyed through signs, symbols, and visions, preparing the reader for the rich symbolic language characteristic of the book.

Practical Application

Revelation 1:1 assures believers that God is sovereign over history and has a definite plan that will culminate in the victory of Jesus Christ. For those facing persecution or uncertainty, this verse offers immense hope and encouragement, reminding them that God has revealed His future purposes. It calls us to pay attention to prophetic scripture, understanding that its primary goal is to reveal Jesus and prepare His followers for His coming and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 22:16 (29 votes)

    I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star.

  • Revelation 22:6 (25 votes)

    ¶ And he said unto me, These sayings [are] faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

  • Galatians 1:12 (19 votes)

    For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught [it], but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

  • Amos 3:7 (15 votes)

    Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

  • Daniel 2:28 (15 votes)

    But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;

  • Daniel 2:29 (15 votes)

    As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came [into thy mind] upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass.

  • Ephesians 3:3 (10 votes)

    How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,