Revelation 1:1
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The key insight here is that this isn't just a "revelation about Jesus Christ," but a revelation from Him, given by God to Him, and then by Him sent through an angel to John. This highlights Jesus' active role as the divine communicator, not just the subject matter, of this prophetic message.
The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse opens the book of Revelation, which is presented as a direct unveiling of Jesus Christ's message. God gave this message to Christ, who then passed it on through an angel to his servant John, revealing future events that were soon to unfold. The verse establishes Jesus Christ as the ultimate source and author of this prophecy, intended for his followers.
Ever felt like something was hidden, just out of reach? This book's very name promises to pull back the curtain.
The very first word, 'Revelation' (Greek: apokalypsis), means 'unveiling' or 'uncovering.' It's not about a mystery being created, but about something hidden being made known.
What's Being Revealed?
How does God communicate crucial future events? It's not a simple phone call, but a layered, symbolic process.
This revelation didn't just appear; it followed a specific chain of communication:
Ask a follow-up
The 'Signified' Method:
When God speaks of 'soon,' what does He mean? And why 'must' these things happen?
The verse emphasizes two crucial aspects of the events revealed:
Understand the original words
apokalypsis · Greek Noun
An unveiling or disclosure of that which was previously hidden. In a biblical context, it refers specifically to God making known divine truth, especially regarding future events or the nature of Christ.
doulos · Greek Noun
One who serves another, often denoting a bond-servant or slave. In the New Testament, it describes a believer’s total commitment and submission to the lordship of Christ.
This verse describes Jesus as the Word 'becoming flesh and dwelling among us,' full of grace and truth. Revelation 1:1 begins with 'The revelation of Jesus Christ,' echoing this foundational truth that Jesus himself is the ultimate unveiling of God to humanity.
Daniel 2:28-29Daniel speaks of God revealing mysteries in dreams and visions, showing Daniel what will happen in the future. This parallels Revelation 1:1 where God gives a revelation to Jesus to show 'things that must soon take place' to His servants.
1 Corinthians 1:7Paul mentions believers are 'waiting for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.' Revelation 1:1 also speaks of a 'revelation of Jesus Christ,' highlighting that Christ's unveiling is a continuous process, both in His present glory and His future return.
Hebrews 1:1-2This passage states that God 'in these last days has spoken to us by his Son,' who is the heir of all things. Revelation 1:1 emphasizes Jesus as the recipient and communicator of God's message, aligning with His role as the ultimate divine communicator.
1 Peter 1:10-12Peter discusses how Old Testament prophets inquired about the salvation revealed through Christ, a salvation the Holy Spirit now makes known. Revelation 1:1 shows this process continuing, with Jesus now revealing future events through an angel to John.
barnesRevelation 1:1: "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:"
The Revelation of Jesus Christ - This is evidently a title or caption of the whole book, and is designed to comprise the substance of the whole; for all that the book contains would be embraced in the general declaration that it is a revelation of Jesus Christ. The word rendered "Revelation"…
jfbRevelation 1:1: "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:"
CHAPTER 1Re 1:1-20. Title: Source and Object of This Revelation: Blessing on the Reader and Keeper of It, as the Time Is Near: Inscription to the Seven Churches: Apostolic Greeting: Keynote, "Behold He Cometh" (Compare at the close, Re 22:20, "Surely I come quickly"): Introductory Vision of t…
The key insight here is that this isn't just a "revelation about Jesus Christ," but a revelation from Him, given by God to Him, and then by Him sent through an angel to John. This highlights Jesus' active role as the divine communicator, not just the subject matter, of this prophetic message.
This verse opens the book of Revelation, which is presented as a direct unveiling of Jesus Christ's message. God gave this message to Christ, who then passed it on through an angel to his servant John, revealing future events that were soon to unfold. The verse establishes Jesus Christ as the ultimate source and author of this prophecy, intended for his followers.
This verse opens the book of Revelation, which is presented as a direct unveiling of Jesus Christ's message. God gave this message to Christ, who then passed it on through an angel to his servant John, revealing future events that were soon to unfold. The verse establishes Jesus Christ as the ultimate source and author of this prophecy, intended for his followers.
"The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John," — The key insight here is that this isn't just a "revelation about Jesus Christ," but a revelation from Him, given by God to Him, and then by Him sent through an angel to John. This highlights…
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Last reviewed October 2026
