Soon!

Here is a link to last week’s study in Revelation, “Soon”.

I turned to see who was talking to me. I saw seven gold lamps. Revelation 1:12

Reading God’s Word, including the hard or mysterious parts, helps you grow closer to the Savior and fosters a sense of sacred humility.

So here we go. Let’s explore verses 9-11. Be sure to grab your Bible.

Revelation 1:9

• Who is John talking to?
• The first thing John does is to claim Jesus. Why is that important?
• John tells us that he is having trouble. What kind of trouble? How do we know?
• Why is John on the Island of Patmos?

John speaks to believers, emphasizing their shared faith and his bond with them as a brother in love for Christ. He highlights the unity among believers facing persecution for testifying about the Savior. Their suffering connects them with Christ, who also endured hardship. 1 Peter 4:13

“I belong to Jesus.” True belief means confessing Him openly. Romans 10:9 Our love for Jesus should be joyfully expressed through worship, prayer, and even in silent moments. Just say that beautiful name.

Although most scholars believe John is the only disciple not martyred, he certainly faced persecution. In verse 9, John indicates he is suffering alongside his brothers in faith. It’s believed he was arrested in Ephesus, thrown into boiling oil but survived.

John leaves no doubt about why he was on the island of Patmos. “On account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.” The details of his death are unknown.

Revelation 1:10

• What do you suppose John means about “I was in the Spirit.”?
• Why did John mention the Lord’s Day?
• What was the loud sound he heard?

All believers receive the Spirit at salvation, but this verse shows that John was profoundly impacted by the Holy Spirit’s presence. It was significant for someone who had already experienced the transfiguration, the trial of Jesus, and being at the foot of the cross. John’s numerous experiences are worth exploring in the Gospel.

From my readings, John’s mention of “the day of the Lord” likely refers to a day of worship. This is not to be confused with the Sabbath, nor is it the “Day of The Lord” in Revelation’s end-time prophecies, according to reliable scholars.

The loud sound as a trumpet was a simile; he didn’t hear a trumpet but the voice of the Savior.

John had a breathtaking sense of the Holy Spirit surrounding him, likely preparing him for Jesus’ voice.

Think of the times the Spirit has been the helper and comforter, doing so much for believers.

Revelation 1:11

• What was the first instruction Jesus gave John?
• Where was John to send the letter?

John was told to write down everything that he would see. Then he is to send what he writes to the seven churches. Here is an outline of the churches. We will learn more about the churches later in the coming weeks.

• Ephesus – left its first love
• Smyrna – the persecuted church
• Pergamum – the heretical church that needed to repent
• Thyatira – the church that had a false prophetess
• Sardis – the sleeping church/the dead church
• Philadelphia – the church that endured with Christ
• Laodicea – the lukewarm church

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