Chapter Study & Analysis
Overview
Revelation 1 introduces the vision given to John on the isle of Patmos. It presents Jesus Christ as the Alpha and Omega, the first begotten of the dead, appearing in glorious majesty among seven golden candlesticks, holding the keys of hell and death.
CONTEMPORARY APPLICATIONS
1. The Sovereignty of Christ: Jesus is the "prince of the kings of the earth" (v. 5). No matter how chaotic earthly politics become, He remains the ultimate authority over all rulers.
2. Victory Over Death: He was dead and is alive for evermore, holding the keys of hell and death (v. 18). For the believer, death is no longer a prison, but a door whose key is in the hands of the Savior.
3. The Blessed Reader: A specific blessing is promised to those who read and hear the words of this prophecy (v. 3). We should approach this book with expectation rather than fear.
Practical Lessons
FORMAL PRAYER
O Lord, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending: we worship Thee who art, and wast, and art to come. We thank Thee that Thou hast washed us from our sins in Thine own blood; grant us to behold Thy glory and to live in the light of Thy sovereignty. Amen.