The book of Revelation is actually John’s letter to the Seven Churches of Asia Minor and derives its title from the first words of his epistle. The authorship is likely attributed to John, the disciple, although there is a prevailing consensus that it may have been penned by another prophet named John, taking into account the relatively late period in the century when it was written, around 95 AD. It is worth mentioning that several denominations do not include the Book of Revelations within their accepted biblical canon.
The Setting
Notably, this epistle stands as the sole apocalyptic book within the New Testament. Patmos, a diminutive island situated in the Aegean Sea, served as a place of exile for those banished by the Roman emperor Domitian. In the opening of his letter, John states that he found himself on the island of Patmos as a result of his dedication to the word of God and scriptures and his unwavering testimonies concerning Jesus (Revelation 1:9) thus leading to the assumption that he too was exiled by the emperor.
The Purpose
John received a divine Revelation from Jesus Christ probably while serving his exile on the Isle of Patmos. This Revelation encompassed events that had transpired and those that are yet to unfold. Subsequently, he diligently penned this extraordinary Revelation in the form of a letter addressed to the seven churches in Asia Minor (present-day Turkey). The purpose of this epistle was twofold: to admonish the congregations about the impending trials and tribulations they would face and to inspire them with unwavering encouragement to remain steadfast on the righteous path of Christ, even in the face of the most severe persecution that lay ahead.
Although frequently regarded solely as apostolic literature, serving as a means for individuals to ascertain the chronology of the imminent eschatological events, it is imperative to comprehend that this epistle transcends such restrictive interpretations. Undoubtedly, it is a profound prophetic revelation directly from Jesus Christ with the power to revitalise and fortify our faith as we witness its challenging content gradually unfolding in the world around us.
Greetings and Doxology
Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
Revelation 1:4 (NIV)
John greets the churches of Asia with Grace and Peace from Jesus and from the seven Spirits before His throne. Most Bible scholars believe that John could have been alluding to Isaiah’s prophecy regarding Christ as the branch of Jesse’s family tree.
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—
Isaiah 11:2-3 (NIV)
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of might,
the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD—
and he will delight in the fear of the LORD.
However, the above verse talks about only six fruits associated with the Spirit. It is worth noting that the number seven, which holds a symbolic significance denoting completeness, may indeed serve as a means to elaborate upon the concept of the Spirit’s perfection. In the Septuagint, the term “sevenfold Spirit” conveys the idea of perfection in the works of God’s Spirit.
I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
Revelation 1:9 (NIV)
Though John talks about his exile to the isle of Patmos as suffering, it can be seen as a form of separation. When God chooses to work through someone, He often sets them apart from the rest of the world. In John’s case, he was brought to this island in order to be separated from others and receive this divine revelation. Instead of perceiving his time in Patmos as a period of suffering, John viewed it as a reward. What we must remember during our challenging period is that our inheritance does not lie in a temporal kingdom but in our patient endurance through our faith in Jesus.
When contemplating hardship, believers must consider their perspective. If we possess a sincere love for the truth and prioritize the Word of God and find solace in Him, then we will view hardships not as suffering, but as a means to achieve our ultimate goal. Just like a dedicated athlete who does not count the pain experienced during exercise as suffering, but rather as a necessary path to achieve their desired outcome, believers should take their hardships as a badge of honour. However, it is important to note that as Christians, we cannot wear this badge to gain sympathy, for it is Jesus who has already won the war on our behalf. It is not our victory, but His.
Vivid Imagery
And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.
Revelation 1:12-16 (NIV)
What is the weapon coming out of the mouth of the Son of Man?
The term commonly used to refer to the word of God is that of a double-edged sword. Although readers may initially anticipate the depiction of a formidable warrior king, the narrative in this epistle takes an unexpected turn, portraying a wounded sacrificial lamb as the guiding force uniting people of God from every nation.
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
The symbolism behind the image of this double-edged sword coming out of the mouth of the son of man serves to emphasize the profound significance of the word as a powerful instrument of change through the teachings of Christ, which permeate the entire book. A similar prophecy was written down by Daniel several hundred years ago,
In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
Daniel 7:13-14 (NIV)
While reading through this prophetic letter, similar to the above comparison of the prophecy of the Son of man with the old testament book of Daniel, we must look for context in the writings of the prophets and the kings of the old testament while linking it also with the teaching of Jesus.
We are advised to patiently await the interpretation of certain parts that may not be immediately apparent. For example, within the same conversation, Jesus revealed the enigma surrounding the seven stars and the seven golden lampstands that were shown to John at the start of the chapter. The symbolic meaning behind the seven stars signifies the divine guardianship bestowed upon the angels responsible for the well-being of the seven churches and the seven lampstands represent the very essence of these seven churches. But this might not be the case always and we must patiently continue reading the epistle keeping aside its vivid imagery and understanding the purpose of the word for our lives.
Discussion Questions
- What was the purpose of this letter, written to the seven churches, and its relevance for readers today?
- Is John believing that his current situation is caused by the suffering he has to bear because of his belief in Christ?
- Should believers be concerned about enduring hardships for the sake of Christ?
- How to interpret the vivid imagery in this book?
- What is the weapon coming out of the mouth of the Son of Man?
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