Revelation 1:19
Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse isn't just a command to record events; it's a tripartite structure of God's unfolding plan. John is told to write what he saw (the vision of Christ), what is (the present reality of the churches), and what is about to take place—a profound emphasis on how the eternal Christ is intimately involved in both the present and the future.
Following a glorious vision of the exalted Christ among seven lampstands, John is commanded to record what he has seen, what the present realities represented by the lampstands are, and what future events will unfold. This directive divides the rest of the book into three main sections: the vision itself (chapter 1), the messages to the seven churches (chapters 2-3), and the unfolding future from chapter 4 onward.
John's vision of Christ in chapter 1 is not just a historical event; it's the foundation for everything that follows. What exactly did he see, and why was it so crucial?
The first part of Jesus' command to John, 'Write the things that you have seen,' refers specifically to the glorious, awe-inspiring vision of Christ described at the beginning of Revelation (chapters 1:10-18).
A Vision of Majesty
This vision wasn't just a fleeting image; it was a profound revelation of Jesus' exalted nature:
This initial vision served as a powerful reassurance to John, who was overwhelmed by the glory. Jesus tells him, 'Do not be afraid,' establishing His presence and authority before dictating the message.
The command to write extends beyond past visions to what is 'now.' What was happening in the churches that needed to be addressed?
The phrase 'and the things that are' directs John to write about the present condition of the churches. This wasn't a generic message, but specific, timely instruction for the seven churches of Asia Minor that John was pastoring.
Immediate Concerns
These messages reveal the spiritual state of these congregations:
Revelation 1:19 is Jesus' command to John, given while John is in exile on Patmos. This specific historical moment frames the entire book as a divine message of hope and future judgment to a church under duress.
c. AD 95— this verse
John exiled to Patmos
The Apostle John is exiled to the island of Patmos under the Roman Emperor Domitian, likely for his Christian faith. While there, he receives the apocalyptic visions recorded in Revelation.
Late 1st Century AD
Roman Empire's pressure on early Christians
The early church faced increasing persecution and pressure from the Roman Empire, which demanded emperor worship. This historical context likely fueled the need for God's message of hope and judgment.
c. AD 96
Domitian's death and Nerva's succession
Emperor Domitian is assassinated, and Nerva becomes emperor. While Nerva's reign brought some relief, the underlying tensions and dangers for Christians persisted.
This verse highlights God's sovereignty in revealing future events, mirroring Revelation 1:19's command to record what 'is to take place after this'.
Jeremiah 1:7The prophet Jeremiah was commissioned to speak all that God commanded, just as John was told to write all that he had seen and would see, emphasizing the divine origin and completeness of the message.
John 16:13Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would guide His followers into all truth and declare what is to come, aligning with the prophetic revelations John was instructed to record in Revelation 1:19.
Exodus 25:9God gave Moses specific instructions for the tabernacle, mirroring the detailed commands given to John in Revelation 1:19 to write down both symbolic visions and future events.
Isaiah 46:10This passage declares God's ultimate control and foreknowledge, directly supporting the command in Revelation 1:19 to record future events that are already known and planned by God.
ellicottRevelation 1:19: "Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;"
(19) Write the things which thou hast seen (better, sawest ) . —It is well to notice the small connecting word “then,” which has been omitted in the English. It gives the practical thought to the whole of the previous vision. This vision is to be described for the benefit of the Church of Christ, that she may never forget Him who is the foundation on which she rests; the…
clarkeRevelation 1:19: "Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;"
Write the things which thou hast seen - These visions and prophecies are for general instruction, and therefore every circumstance must be faithfully recorded. What he had seen was to be written; what he was about to see, relative to the seven Churches, must be also written; and what he was to see afterwards, concerning other Churches and states, to be recorded likewise.
This verse isn't just a command to record events; it's a tripartite structure of God's unfolding plan. John is told to write what he saw (the vision of Christ), what is (the present reality of the churches), and what is about to take place—a profound emphasis on how the eternal Christ is intimately involved in both the present and the future.
Following a glorious vision of the exalted Christ among seven lampstands, John is commanded to record what he has seen, what the present realities represented by the lampstands are, and what future events will unfold. This directive divides the rest of the book into three main sections: the vision itself (chapter 1), the messages to the seven churches (chapters 2-3), and the unfolding future from chapter 4 onward.
Following a glorious vision of the exalted Christ among seven lampstands, John is commanded to record what he has seen, what the present realities represented by the lampstands are, and what future events will unfold. This directive divides the rest of the book into three main sections: the vision itself (chapter 1), the messages to the seven churches (chapters 2-3), and the unfolding future from chapter 4 onward.
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These present realities were not just historical footnotes but crucial warnings and encouragements meant to guide the churches towards faithfulness and purity.
The final part of the command points to the future. What does 'what is to take place after this' encompass?
The command to write 'and the things that are to take place after this' launches John into the prophetic future of God's redemptive plan. This is the heart of the book of Revelation, detailing events and ultimate outcomes.
A Timeline of Eternity
This section of the prophecy covers a vast sweep of time and events:
This future-oriented aspect of the message assures believers that God is in control, His promises will be fulfilled, and ultimate justice and peace will prevail.
"Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this." — This verse isn't just a command to record events; it's a tripartite structure of God's unfolding plan. John is told to write what he saw (the vision of Christ), what is (the present reality of th…
