Berean Baptist Church

SEMESTER 6

491 – John’s Vision on the Isle of Patmos

COURSE: BIBLE SURVEY VI LESSON # 91

JOHN’S VISION ON THE ISLE OF PATMOS

Read Revelation 1:1-20

INTRODUCTION:

1. John, a brother and companion, in tribulation on Patmos in exile for preaching. (Rev. 1:9)
2. Persecution for Christ had not alienated, but consecrated him. (Rev. 1:10)
3. It appears he, even in solitude, gave a preference to the first day.
4. It is in this situation that the Scripture’s most comprehensive vision is given.

I. THE REVELATION IS OF CHRIST, NOT JOHN

1. The revelation of Christ is given through the angel, then through John. (Rev. 1:3)
2. This revelation is of imminent fulfillment in the second coming. (Rev. 1:3)
3. It is a promised blessing to them, who read, hear and attend to it. (Rev. 1:3)
4. The whole revelation is to the seven churches of Asia, and indirectly to us. (Rev. 1:4)

II. DESCRIPTION OF THE CHRIST OF THIS REVELA­TION

1. He alone is the faithful witness and first begotten of the dead. (Rev. 1:5)
2. He is the (singular) prince of the kings of the earth, superseding all. (Rev. 1:5)
3. He washed us from our sins in His own blood (definite atone­ment). (Rev. 1:5)
4. He made us kings and priests, and deserves all glory. (Rev. 1:6)
5. His coming (revelation) is with clouds, in the air, as He went. (Rev. 1:7, Acts 1:10-11)

III. CHRIST’S SYMBOLIC SELF-REVELATION TO JOHN

1. A great voice as of a trumpet (clear and strong). (Rev. 1:10)
2. He identifies Himself as the beginning and end, first and last letters of Greek alphabet. (Rev. 1:11)
3. He is the creator of all things, (Jn. 1:1-5) immanent, yet tran­scendent of His creation.
4. He is Christ, the “Son of man,” yet adorned in the garment of a king. (Rev. 1:13)
5. His head’s appearance portrayed purity and antiquity (white like wool, as white as snow). (Rev. 1:14)
6. His eyes portrayed both omniscience and omnipotence. (Rev. 1:14)
7. His feet (the symbol of conquest) were like brass, the symbol of judgment, but finest brass, i.e., perfectly pure judgment. (Rev. 1:15)
8. His voice as the sound of many waters (speaking effectually to all nations and tongues).
9. Out of his mouth goes a sword. He speaks irrevocable judg­ment. (Rev. 1:16 and Rev. 19:21)
10. The candlesticks, among which He walks, symbolize His churches which He has ordained to light the world with His gospel. (Rev. 1:12-13, Rev. 1:20)
11. The stars, which encircle the earth, symbolize His messengers, His preachers.
12. The number seven signifies completeness, and represents all His true churches, with all their faults and problems as signified by the seven churches of Asia.

IV. HIS VERBAL DECLARATION OF HIMSELF

1. To John (His own) “Fear not!” This is He who loved us. (Rev. 1:5, 17)
2. To the world who hated Him, He says, “I am alive evermore.” (Rev. 1:18, Dan. 2:34-35, 45)
3. To those who, “Would not have Him rule over them,” He says, “I have the keys of hell and death.” (Rev. 1:18)
4. John is to write these things down, which thou has seen, for they are soon to come to pass. (Jn. 1:19)