Revelation 1:1 Bible Teaching

Revelation’s Nature and Purpose

In a teaching session on Revelation 1:1-2, the focus is on understanding the nature and purpose of the book of Revelation. The session begins with a prayer, song, and moment of silence, setting a reflective tone. The passage is examined through various interpretative lenses: Idealist, Historicist, Preterist, Futurist, and Omitist, each offering a unique perspective on the text.

The discussion highlights eight key points from the passage, emphasizing that the book is a singular “Revelation of Jesus Christ,” meant to be understood as a complete unveiling rather than segmented into distinct time periods. The term “apocalypse” is clarified as meaning an uncovering or revealing, rather than a catastrophic end.

The teaching explores the implications of the revelation being given by God to Jesus, then to an angel, and finally to John. This chain of communication underscores a mediatorial relationship between God and Jesus, even in the heavenly realm. The revelation is intended to be shown to Jesus’ servants, suggesting it was meant to be understood clearly by its recipients.

The phrase “which must shortly come to pass” is examined, with emphasis on the immediacy and necessity of the events described. The teaching also delves into the role of the angel in signifying the revelation to John through symbols, leaving room for interpretation on how these symbols were conveyed.

The identity of John as the author is discussed, with references to his previous testimonies in the Gospel of John, supporting the idea that he is a credible witness to the revelation. The session concludes with a reflection on the blessing promised to those who read, hear, and keep the words of the prophecy, emphasizing the urgency and relevance of the message. The teaching invites further exploration and discussion in the following session.