Revelation 1:1-3 Commentary and Meaning
Introduction
The opening words of Revelation are not a mystery box but a declaration: this is a revelation of Jesus Christ, given for the church.
From the very start, John reminds us that these visions are not his invention. They come from Christ, through an angel, to John, and finally to the servants of God. The chain of transmission signals authority, and the very word revelation (Greek apokalypsis) means an unveiling, not a puzzle to be hidden away.
Revelation 1:1–3 sets the tone for the whole book. The passage tells us where the message comes from, what it is for, and what is promised to those who hear and keep it. At the heart is blessing: this is a book meant to be read aloud in worship, heard with open ears, and lived out in faithful endurance.
Verse by Verse Commentary and Explanation of Revelation 1:1–3
Revelation 1:1 Explained
Revelation 1:1 — “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place.”
This verse begins with clarity: Revelation is “of Jesus Christ.” It can mean a revelation from him and a revelation abouthim — both are true. The visions come by God’s will, through Christ, by an angel, and to John. That layered pattern of communication underscores both heavenly authority and human responsibility.
The phrase “what must soon take place” has troubled readers. It does not mean John miscalculated history. The wording echoes Daniel 2:28–29, where God reveals to Nebuchadnezzar “what must take place in the latter days.” John’s choice signals continuity with the prophetic tradition. God’s promises unfold in God’s time, and the church is called to live in readiness (Koester, ch. 1).
Revelation 1:2 Explained
Revelation 1:2 — “who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.”
John identifies himself as a witness. He testifies to the Word of God and to Jesus’ testimony. The language is courtroom language — bearing witness under oath. In Revelation, testimony will become a costly word, as martyrs hold fast even to death. John frames his visions as faithful testimony, not speculation.
“All that he saw” reminds us that Revelation is a book of visions. It is truth conveyed in images. Just as Ezekiel or Daniel spoke through symbols, John will communicate divine reality through a tapestry of sight and sound (Mounce, ch. 1).
Revelation 1:3 Explained
Revelation 1:3 — “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of the prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and who keep what is written in it; for the time is near.”
This is the first of seven blessings in Revelation. From the beginning, the book is set in the rhythm of worship. Someone reads aloud, others hear, and all are called to keep the words. Revelation is not meant for private speculation but for communal life.
The closing phrase, “the time is near,” again echoes the prophets. It is not about setting calendars but about urgency. God’s reign presses close, and the faithful are called to live alert. The blessing comes not from decoding symbols but from keeping the Word.
Revelation 1:1–3 Meaning for Today
Revelation begins not with beasts or battles but with blessing. The whole book is framed as a gift from Christ for his people. To approach it in fear or avoidance is to miss its intent. This is a book to be read in worship, heard in community, and obeyed in daily life.
The promise of blessing comes with a reminder of nearness. We live in the in-between time, the space where God’s promises have broken in but not yet fully come. The call is to stay awake, to keep faithful, and to trust that God’s Word is reliable.
FAQ: Revelation 1:1–3
What does Revelation 1:1 mean by “soon take place”?
It connects to Daniel’s prophecy, showing that God’s promises are sure. “Soon” does not set a timetable but emphasizes urgency and faithfulness.
Why does John stress testimony?
Because Revelation is about witness — both John’s and the church’s. To testify is to confess Christ openly, even under pressure.
Why is there a blessing attached to reading?
Revelation assumes worship gatherings. A reader proclaims, the church listens, and together they keep God’s Word. The blessing is communal.
What does “the time is near” mean?
It signals that God’s kingdom presses close. Believers are not to live in complacency but in alertness and hope.
