# Revelation to John: Chapters 1‑3
*2019-06-21*

> Bill Young walks through the opening chapters of Revelation, reading the text, explaining the visions of the seven churches, and highlighting the call to repentance and perseverance.

## Opening of the Revelation

We begin with the prologue{—}the revelation of Jesus Christ, given by God to show his servants what must soon take place. An angel is sent to John, who bears witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ. "Blessed is he who reads aloud the words of the prophecy; blessed are those who hear and keep them, for the time is near." The greeting to the seven churches in Asia follows: grace and peace from the One who is, who was, and who is to come, from the seven spirits before the throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first to rise from the dead.

## John’s Vision of the Son of Man

John describes being on the island of Patmos when a loud voice like a trumpet commands him to write what he sees and send it to the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Turning, he sees a figure among seven golden lampstands—Jesus—clothed in a robe reaching his feet, a golden sash around his chest, hair white as wool, eyes like blazing fire, feet like refined brass, and a voice like a roaring waterfall. He holds seven stars in his right hand and a sharp, two‑edged sword comes from his mouth. His face shines like the sun. John falls at his feet, and the Son says, "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last, the Living One. I have authority over death and the dead." He explains the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the churches themselves.

## Message to the Church in Ephesus

To the angel of the church in Ephesus: "I know your works, your hard labor, and your perseverance. Yet you have abandoned the love you had at first. Return to the deeds you did at the beginning, or I will remove your lampstand from its place. Those who overcome will be granted the right to eat from the tree of life in God's garden."

## Message to the Church in Smyrna

To the angel of the church in Smyrna: "I know your tribulation and poverty, yet you are rich in spirit. Do not fear the coming persecution; the devil will test you, even imprisoning some for ten days. Remain faithful, even to death, and the reward of life awaits the victor, who will not suffer the second death."

## Message to the Church in Pergamum

To the angel of the church in Pergamum: "You remain true despite Satan’s throne being there, and you have not abandoned your faith even after the martyrdom of Antipas. However, some follow the teachings of Balaam, encouraging idolatry and sexual immorality, and others follow the Nicolaitans. Repent, or I will bring swift judgment with the sword that proceeds from my mouth. Those who overcome will receive hidden manna and a new name known only to the One who receives it."

## Message to the Church in Thyatira

To the angel of the church in Thyatira: "I know your love, faith, service, and patience, and that you have done more than at first. Yet you tolerate the false prophetess Jezebel, who leads my servants into sexual immorality and idolatry. She has been given time to repent, but if she refuses, she and her followers will face severe judgment. Yet those who overcome will be given authority over nations and a place as a morning star."

## Message to the Church in Sardis

To the angel of the church in Sardis: "You claim to be alive, but you are dead. Wake up, strengthen what remains, and repent. If you do not, I will come like a thief. Yet a few in Sardis have kept their garments white; they shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy. He who conquers will be clothed in white and will not have his name blotted out of the Book of Life."

## Message to the Church in Philadelphia

To the angel of the church in Philadelphia: "I have set before you an open door that no one can shut. Though you have little strength, you have kept my word and endured patiently. I will make those who claim to be Jews but are of Satan bow before your feet. Hold fast to what you have, for a crown awaits the victor, and I will write on you the name of God and of the New Jerusalem."

## Message to the Church in Laodicea

To the angel of the church in Laodicea: "You are neither cold nor hot—lukewarm—so I will spit you out. You think you are rich and self‑sufficient, yet you are wretched, poor, blind, and naked. Buy from me gold refined by fire, that you may be clothed in white garments and have true riches. Repent, be zealous, and open the door when I knock; I will dine with you, and the one who conquers will sit with me on my throne."

## Closing Thoughts

That concludes our reading of Revelation chapters 1‑3. Next week we’ll begin chapter 4. May the Holy Spirit guide us as we continue this journey through Scripture.

*The visions of Revelation call us to repent, remain faithful, and look forward to the promised victory and eternal life.*