Revelation 1:1-3·~1 min

Prologue

John presents the book as the revelation of Jesus Christ, given by God for the sake of His servants and disclosed through angelic mediation. John himself stands as prophetic witness to what he saw, describing it as the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. The section culminates in a blessing on the public reading, hearing, and keeping of the prophecy, making clear that Revelation is meant for the gathered church and demands responsive obedience. The nearness of the time adds urgency to the whole introduction.

T¹his is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon come to pass. He made it known by sending His angel to His servant John, ²who testifies to everything he saw. This is the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. ³Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and obey what is written in it, because the time is near.

Section summaryJohn opens by identifying the book as the revelation of Jesus Christ, given by God to show His servants what must soon take place. The revelation comes through divinely ordered mediation: God gives it to Christ, Christ makes it known by His angel, and John bears witness to what he has seen as the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. A blessing is pronounced over those who read, hear, and keep the words of the prophecy because the time is near. The section presents Revelation not as curiosity but as urgent prophetic instruction meant to be received and obeyed.

Role in the chapterThis section introduces the book as divine revelation centered on Jesus Christ and calls the church to obedient hearing.