Revelation begins much in the characteristic emphasis that John placed in the Gospels with the Godhead and its roles in rulership. The message was from Jesus Christ that God gave to him (apparently John) through an angel (unnamed). He who bore record (verse 2) shows John mentioning himself in the 3rd person; as to the written testimony of what he had seen and heard. Verse 3 shows a blessing for anyone who hears and KEEPS the things written in it; which shows that admonitions to persevere patiently and keeps themselves from aligning or falling into error which often comes into the church will be needed for this benefit.
Verse 4 and 5 show the seven churches in Asia and how they typify the sevenfold Spirit of God at the throne. This could be a template of the churches throughout the Church Age; or as some say chronologically roughly describing the state of the church; i.e. the Philadelphia church being the one that brought revival in the 1700s and through the early 1900's and the Laodicean one being the last days one of today which certainly seems to be the state the church is in today in general.
Verse 5 shows Christ's being the first begotten (or firstfruits) of the Resurrected dead; as well as the faithful witness Himself; and His position as the prince of the kings of the earth. Verse 6 clues us in about later passages in Revelation stating that we are made "kings and priests"
(that is those faithful believers today).
Verse 7 also alludes to later verses of the Second coming; as well as a preview of the sixth seal judgment. It also shows a foreshadow of Zechariah 12:12-14 when Israel as a whole finally realizes at the last moment before Christ returns that He is the true Messiah. Finally; the general observation of all those who will bow the knee ( Isaiah 45:23; Philippians 2:10-11)
is previewed. Verse 8 about the Alpha and Omega shows the boundaries of time for all things from a Godhead ruling outside time itself.
Revelation begins much in the characteristic emphasis that John placed in the Gospels with the Godhead and its roles in rulership. The message was from Jesus Christ that God gave to him (apparently John) through an angel (unnamed). He who bore record (verse 2) shows John mentioning himself in the 3rd person; as to the written testimony of what he had seen and heard. Verse 3 shows a blessing for anyone who hears and KEEPS the things written in it; which shows that admonitions to persevere patiently and keeps themselves from aligning or falling into error which often comes into the church will be needed for this benefit.
Verse 4 and 5 show the seven churches in Asia and how they typify the sevenfold Spirit of God at the throne. This could be a template of the churches throughout the Church Age; or as some say chronologically roughly describing the state of the church; i.e. the Philadelphia church being the one that brought revival in the 1700s and through the early 1900's and the Laodicean one being the last days one of today which certainly seems to be the state the church is in today in general.
Verse 5 shows Christ's being the first begotten (or firstfruits) of the Resurrected dead; as well as the faithful witness Himself; and His position as the prince of the kings of the earth. Verse 6 clues us in about later passages in Revelation stating that we are made "kings and priests"
(that is those faithful believers today).
Verse 7 also alludes to later verses of the Second coming; as well as a preview of the sixth seal judgment. It also shows a foreshadow of Zechariah 12:12-14 when Israel as a whole finally realizes at the last moment before Christ returns that He is the true Messiah. Finally; the general observation of all those who will bow the knee ( Isaiah 45:23; Philippians 2:10-11)
is previewed. Verse 8 about the Alpha and Omega shows the boundaries of time for all things from a Godhead ruling outside time itself.
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