Learn the Revelation

In the second chapter of Revelation, Jesus made a remarkable complaint against the congregation at Ephesus. “Nevertheless I have this against you”, He lamented, “that you have left your first love.”

Before we explore that complaint, however, let’s look back for a moment.

In about 95 AD, while imprisoned on the Isle of Patmos, the Apostle John was approached by Jesus and instructed to record the Revelation (see our article, “The Day the Revelation Came to

The Book of Revelation (or Revelation of Jesus Christ) is arguably the most complete future installment of God ever beheld by a man and subsequently addressed to the Church.

In this article, we will look at Chapter one, verse nineteen, and consider the instructions given by Jesus that virtually outlines the prophetic book.

It all began Sunday morning, 95 AD, somewhere on the small island in the Aegean Sea called Patmos. The Apostle John—having been banished to Patmos by Rome for his testimony of Jesus Christ—was in some remote corner of that island worshipping God. Then, as

It was Sunday morning, 95 AD, somewhere on the small island in the Aegean Sea called Patmos where the Apostle John—having been banished there by Rome for his testimony of Jesus Christ—was in some remote corner of that island worshiping God.

Though other days were undoubtedly consumed in the company of other prisoners doing hard labor inside the mines of the volcanic island, Sundays apparently allowed the old Apostle time to be alone and to rest. For “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day”, the Apostle said.

Little did he know, however, that on this given Sunday, as he

If you’re a Christian, then you must learn the Revelation. Why, because God wants you to learn the Revelation.

It’s true that the prophetic book is comprised of complex symbols and images that make it more than a casual reading. Nonetheless, it is God’s intention for the Church to read the Revelation. For it is clearly stated that it is that “which God gave…to show His servants” (Rev.1:1).

Before we dig in to the purpose for the prophecy though, it would be helpful to understand its origin.

Late in the first century, the Apostle John was