How Revelation Really Begins — and Why It Matters 💌

What is the book of Revelation in the Bible? Sounds like a weird question. Everyone knows what it is, don’t they? But how many of you have read and really figured out the opening sections: the Prologue and the Greeting? For that matter, how many realize there’s no “s” on the end of Revelation? It’s one revelation, not a whole bunch of them.

The Book of Revelation, often misunderstood, is an unveiling of divine truths rather than a mere foretelling of apocalyptic events. It opens with a prologue and greeting that emphasize the importance of truly reading and understanding its contents, as well as clarifying common misconceptions.

The adjacent image is like a modern-day hi-tech version of the opening verses in Revelation.

He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John

So, let’s continue to follow the path. We got this revelation from John. Now we find out John got it from an angel of God.

Sure, we want to know who’s the angel that delivered this revelation to John. Was it Gabriel? Maybe Michael? Maybe even Jesus, since Christians believe some of the mentions of an Angel of The LORD in the Old Testament were in fact Jesus.

However, God’s revelation doesn’t tell us who this angel was. No doubt, for good reason. If that’s the case, then let’s not spend more time on it other than to say it’s likely not Jesus – since He’s specifically mentioned. If there was something to be learned by knowing the angel’s identity, God would’ve told us.

So let’s just acknowledge that the message was delivered to John by an angel.

Who are “him”, “his”, and “He”

I don’t like it when there’s so many third-person references that it’s impossible to tell who’s who. It’s like the old Abbott and Costello “Who’s on first” skit. In fact, if you need a comedy break right now, the full skit is right here on YouTube.

Anyway – let’s move on to who’s who in the Revelation Prologue. It’s a bit messy, so I turned to a feature in the software I use for research. It breaks out sentences into related pieces and then identifies individual words and relationships. Here’s an image of the first 2 verses in Revelation 1.

Is it the evelation of Jesus Christ or the revelation from Jesus Christ?

We have all the he/him/his issues worked out now. Even the identity of He, Him, and His. But there’s still one question left. Is this the revelation of Jesus Christ or the Revelation from Jesus Christ? It probably seems trivial. It’s not. It’s also a problem made more difficult by the many translations of the Bible available to us.

Lost in transation

Maybe you’ve never noticed the differences across the various Bible translation. If you have noticed, do you know why that happens? I’ll try to explain it briefly but clearly.

In my digital library I have more than 50 English translations. Why? In my case, they’re what came with various study/research packages. I don’t need all of them, but I use many of them. Each has its purposes: denomination, different time periods with language usage of the time like old English, literal word for word translations, reading level needed to understand, ease of reading, multiple versions of the same translation due to updates over time, etc.

All of that makes a hard task even more difficult. Because of everything above, different words must be chosen. Over time, words come in and out of common usage. Some words won’t be understood by some audiences. Therefore, the number of words used gets reduced, forcing concepts and thoughts from multiple words to be condensed into one.

Each translation had or has its purpose. And every one of them went through scrupulous examination to try to be as true to the original text as possible, given the selected goals of that translation.

Sometimes, as we’re about to see, it raises question like the one we’re going to examine: Is it the revelation of Jesus Christ or the Revelation from Jesus Christ?

NIV 2984 – NIV 20122 – ESV 2016 – and others

Just in the one subtopic, I’ve used three different versions. Depending on the Bible translation you use, you maybe saw yet another wording for the first portion of verse 1.

I’m using the 1984 NIV in the body of this piece. The image above uses the 2016 version of the ESV. But if you’re using something like the 2011 NIV, you see:

The revelation from Jesus Christ, …

What’s the big deal – one says, “The revelation from Jesus Christ” and the other says, “The revelation of Jesus Christ”.

It’s a really big deal. I asked Copilot to research this question: do you have anything on why the NIV changed the first verse in Revelation from The revelation of Jesus Christ to The revelation from Jesus Christ when updating from the 1984 version to the 2011 version?

The answer was interesting.

Best laid plans = simpler can make life harder

First off, the 2011 NIV isn’t the only translation to use the word “from”. You may use a different translation and still see “from”. However, is using “from” really clarifying and/or using the best translation?

Of course, I’m not going to say they are 100% wrong. That’s not my place. However, I do feel it’s my place to ask questions so we can be sure we know why we believe the things we believe.

Here’s the issue:

If we follow the train of “ownership” on who did what in the first verse of Revelation, here’s what we find, according to the sentence breakdown we saw earlier.

The revelation of/from Jesus Christ, which God (The Father) gave Him (Jesus) to show His (The Father’s) servants the things that must soon take place. He (The Father) made it known by sending His (The Father’s) angel to His (The Father’s) servant John, who bore witness to the word of God (The Father’s word – with the word (Logos) being Jesus) and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he (John) saw.

How are we supposed to deal with all these differences?

Before we can realize what that “ownership trail’ means, we should also consider the relative placement of Jesus and The Father. To do that, we must remember all the times when Jesus said things like the passage below, where Jesus prayed to The Father about His disciples (the twelve then and all of us now).

Jesus Prays for His Disciples

Jn 17:6 “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

Jn 17:13 “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.”

Remember, that prayer was to The Father. Everything Jesus says and does is from the Father. The disciples. The words. Yes, Jesus and The Father are both God. However, we cannot/should not ignore the clearly stated Father/Son relationship. And so, the places in Rev 1:1 that refer to Jesus must also refer back to The Father. It makes sense in terms of the overall message in the Bible.

Given that, I’d say the best translation, from a clarity of the respective positions of The Father and Jesus, is that the first phrase in Rev 1:1 should read: The Revelation of Jesus Christ.

After all, if everything Jesus said, did, taught, was from The Father, and everything Jesus said, did, taught, was for the glory of The Father, then doesn’t it follow that the revelation – in that context – is from the Father and of/about Jesus?

Support for “The Revelation of Jesus Christ“

I know that wasn’t necessarily easy, especially if you’re relatively new to reading the Bible. If the logic was difficult to follow, perhaps this excerpt from a Warren Wiersbe commentary will help:

I want to point out something else in there in addition to the Father-Son relationship.

John’s prophecy is primarily the revelation of Jesus Christ, not the revelation of future events. You must not divorce the Person from the prophecy, for without the Person there could be no fulfillment of the prophecy.

Wiersbe compare the revelation of Jesus to future events. That isn’t our goal. However, we are looking at the revelation of Jesus in concert with the events and the relationships that exist, didn’t exist, or should have existed leading up to and during those events. In both cases, the key is this: John’s prophecy is primarily the revelation of Jesus Christ

So, now we know who’s who in the opening 2 verses of this amazing book.

Rev 1:1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Now, since we know who’s who, and we understand the importance of the Father-Son relationship, we can get into Revelation knowing what’s important – and what are the weeds that we have to watch out for.

Let’s look at Wiersbe’s 2 sentences one more time:

John’s prophecy is primarily the revelation of Jesus Christ, not the revelation of future events. You must not divorce the Person from the prophecy, for without the Person there could be no fulfillment of the prophecy.

Therefore, as we read the book, remember, it’s a Revelation of Jesus. Yes, there are events foretold. But they aren’t the thing we should focus on. As we’ll see, the more important part of the events is how they affect our relationship with Jesus – or not – if we’re unfortunate enough to still be alive then.

But the present is also important. This book, and the view it gives us of the times that must come, can aid us in helping people see where the world is now, where it’s going, and how to avoid the perils by believing now. Before these events take place. After all, the prophecy in the Old Testament has been unsealed. We have the ability, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to understand it now. At some point, as these events unfold, if not before then, all believers will be gone. Now is when we must act for the benefit of family, loved ones, friends, and yes – even strangers.

That sobering though brings is to the next question. Exactly what blessing can/do we receive by “reading” Revelation?

Are we really blessed just by reading Revelation?

Before we close this piece, let’s look at verse 3, since it’s also part of the Prologue.

Rev 1:3 Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.

Question – Do you see the guy sitting on a park bench in the adjacent image? He’s off by himself in the park. There’s no one anywhere near him.

Further, the park is on the edge of the city. More isolation from people.

Sure, it’s important to have alone time to relax and be with God.

But what if this guy reads Revelation, then goes home and does nothing with what he read?

The verse says: Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy… But is reading it all that’s asked of us? Is it all that’s needed to be blessed?

As you can imagine, I’m going to say no, that’s not all that’s needed.

I know – you’re thinking, maybe screaming, but it says Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy!

Yes, it does say that. In English. Sorry to say, the inspired word of God didn’t come to anyone in English. And John didn’t write Revelation in English. What we have in the NIV and the vast majority of our English Bibles is a translation from Greek. Sadly, the translation from Greek to English loses a lot of nuance and meaning in the process. Things really do get lost in translation.

Before we get into the details – not minor details but important details, I want to share some of what I found on an AI inquiry to see what people, knowledgeable or otherwise, think about this verse.
To that end, I asked Copilot: Is Revelation 1:3 the only place in the bible where people are blessed by merely reading the bible?

While we might like to believe reading is all that’s required, it seems that among those who put things out on the web, that’s not the most common interpretation. And it shouldn’t be. Notice especially the final one:

While Revelation 1:3 is the only verse that specifically mentions a blessing for reading the words of the prophecy, the Bible as a whole encourages engaging with God’s Word and promises various blessings and guidance to those who do.

Context! Even if we manage to convince ourselves that one part of one verse says we only need to read Revelation, it’s certainly not compatible with the overall context of the Bible.

Worse yet, it’s not even compatible with the context of this one verse!

Here’s another sentence breakdown, again from the ESV:

Notice the following:

• It’s one sentence, about who is blessed
• There are two bullet points under the one thought of who is blessed
  • one who reads (aloud and almost certainly to someone)
  • those who hear
  • and who keep what is written in it.
• For the time is near is about the one thought. (we’ll come to that in a moment)

The question then is this: are the one who reads, those who hear, and those who keep what is written three different sets of people? Or one? Or is it a mix-and-match to fit our desires?

A Jewish version of Rev 1:3

I know this is the New Testament. However, John, the author was Jewish. He wrote it for Jews and non-Jews alike. Therefore, we should consider a Jewish viewpoint when we read it. Here’s one that’s addressed to both Messianic and non-Messianic Jews:

Hear/read, understand, act. Just like John 3:16 is more than believe, but believe so much that it’s life-changing. That’s the message of verse three that the Jewish people in John’s time heard and understood.

For Christians today, even non-Calvinists like me can understand John MacArthur’s succinct explanation that answers the current question and segues into the question of what the time is near means.

Of course, this isn’t the only Biblical text that comes with a blessing. Obviously, the Beatitudes are a series of blessings. But it is the one spot where there’s a blessing for reading, understanding and following the words in the Book of Revelation.

As we saw, the time is near doesn’t have to mean the time is coming soon. There’s an element of quickness to the Greek word. It’s difficult to get the point across with technical markups and such for true students of language. So, I asked Copilot to give me something in more common English to explain: why is the Greek word ἐγγύς sometimes translated as quickly in Rev 1:3, which is often used in place of “near” in verse 3.

Putting it all together then, for how to view “the time is near”, is this. In John’s time, they took the most common usage of the word ἐγγύς, meaning soon. As MacArthur points out, “soon” didn’t happen. Now, we may feel like it’s never. But then, we must remember something Peter wrote about The Day of The Lord:

For completeness, the entire passage is included here. The first portion is the introduction.

The Day of The Lord – 2 Peter

2Pe 3:1 Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. 2 I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.

Now we get into the so-called issue with the question of whether the Day of The Lord – the prophecy regarding the End Times/Judgement is “near” as in soon, or whether it may be far off but when it comes it will come “quickly”. Pay attention to what Peter wrote to those who thought it was imminent.

2Pe 3:3 First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” 5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

2Pe 3:8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

2Pe 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.

That should answer the question for it. However, if we take John’s revelation out of the context of other things said in the Bible, it can appear to be a problem. Remember, Jesus also spoke of the thief in the night that we need to watch for.

And what should we do in the meantime?

2Pe 3:11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.

2Pe 3:14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 15 Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. 16 He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.

2Pe 3:17 Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

Of course, we won’t do those things.

The seven letters to the seven churches, coming up beginning in chapter 2, address situations that Jesus tells us will take place covering all sorts of the things we’ll need to work on. As usual, the warnings will also come with ways to avoid the outcome that is certain if we make no changes.

We should expect this. After all, it is a Revelation of Jesus – the One God sent that we may be saved.

Conclusion – What is the book of Revelation in the Bible?

Not to repeat it too often, but it is the Revelation of Jesus. A revelation of things that were foretold in the Old Testament, but that were sealed for a time, or the people were blind for a time, but is now revealed.

And yet, not revealed to all. Without the Holy Spirit, Revelation is a scary book. Or an awesome end-of-the-world movie to make millions of dollars off of. Or something to put the “fear” of God into us.

But then, the “fear of God” was supposed to be the “awe of God”. When we realize that, when we have the Holy Spirit in us, and pay attention to Him, then – and only then – can we realize that Revelation is a book of incredible hope. Hope for those who read/hear it. Who utilize the power of the Holy Spirit to try, as best we can, what this book says. And who change our lives to try to do the things in this awesome Revelation

And so, that’s what we’re going to focus on. Jesus. What Jesus said. The bad and the good. And the ways to see the end in Heaven.

We have a choice. We can spend forever without God. Or, we can spend forever with Him.

This book is a warning to those who think the first choice is a good one. Like people I know who think Hell’s going to be where the “fun” people go. One problem with that thinking is this: God created fun. Satan corrupted that fun. The truly “fun” people will be in Heaven. Those who have a warped sense of what’s fun won’t be there.

How about you? Not sure yet? Do you know people who aren’t sure? This book really sets it straight. But it also tells us, if we’re open to switching from the devil to the Lamb, how to do it.

So, is it good news or bad news? That depends on your point of view. The way I see it, the Lamb wins, and that’s great news, since we can share in His victory.

Do I need to point out, the alternative is sharing in Satan’s agonizing defeat.

As you’ll see, there are all sorts of good things for those who choose wisely. Come, let’s find out as we travel through the Revelation of Jesus.

Footnotes:

• 1
  Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 566). Victor Books.
• 2
  Stern, D. H. (1996). Jewish New Testament Commentary : a companion volume to the Jewish New Testament (electronic ed., Re 1:3). Jewish New Testament Publications.
• 3
  MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (Re 1:3). Thomas Nelson Publishers.