Day 361 Reading Schedule: Revelation 1 -4

Revelation 1: The Revelation of Christ 

[Overview]

In the introduction, John declares that he testifies to the revelation of Jesus Christ (vv. 1-3). He then greets and blesses the seven churches of Asia Minor and proclaims the second coming of Christ (vv. 4-8). Now, John begins his book of Revelation by describing the glorious appearance of Jesus Christ that he had seen in the past (vv. 9-20).

The book of Revelation records the revelation that the apostle John received from God on the island of Patmos. God gave John a detailed vision of what would happen in the future, but this chapter is characterized by the fact that John himself records the introduction to the entire revelation he received. It also reveals the appearance of Jesus when he appeared to John and spoke to him.

Revelation 2: Words for the Churches in Asia Minor (I) 

[Overview]

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ to four of the seven churches. He proclaims to the church of Ephesus to repent and do the first works (verses 1-7). He comforts the church of Smyrna by saying that they will be faithful until death and receive the crown of life (verses 8-11). He exhorts the church of Pergamum not to be deceived by the teachings of the Nicolaitans and to repent (verses 12-17). He rebukes the church of Thyatira for tolerating the false prophet Jezebel and exhorts them to hold fast to the beginning until the end (verses 18-29).

In chapter 1 of Revelation, after explaining the outline of this book, the apostle John now writes letters to the churches he was interested in and involved with in this chapter and the next. This was done under Jesus’ instruction to deliver the words appropriate for the church, and it is a word that is absolutely necessary for our churches today.

Revelation 3: Words for the Churches in Asia Minor (II) 

[Summary]

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ to the remaining three churches among the seven churches. The church of Sardis is sharply rebuked for having a name that is alive but in reality dead, and receives a stern warning to repent. However, some who have maintained the purity of their faith are praised (verses 1-6). The church of Philadelphia is praised for their faith that obeyed the Word despite their small ability. And they are promised that their crown will never be taken away (verses 7-13). The church of Laodicea is rebuked for their actions that are neither cold nor hot, and is urged to repent. And they are exhorted to open their hearts and receive the Lord (verses 14-22).

Chapter 3 of Revelation is John's letter to the remaining three churches among the seven churches in Asia Minor, following chapter 2. Likewise, in Jesus’s appearance, praise, rebuke, and promises toward these churches, we should be able to see Jesus’ concern and passion for our Korean churches today, and for the individual churches we belong to.

Revelation 4: God's Glory 

[Overview]

John, moved by the Holy Spirit, sees the throne of God (vv. 1-3). He also sees twenty-four elders sitting around the throne, wearing white robes and wearing golden crowns (vv. 4-5). Also, around the throne were four living creatures. The four living creatures each had the appearance of a lion, a calf, a man, and an eagle, and each had six wings and eyes all around and inside (vv. 6-11).

Starting from this chapter, the apostle John records the full-scale visions and prophetic scenes that God has shown him. In this chapter, the apostle John shows the vision of the heavenly scene that he saw, along with the praises of the four living creatures and the praises sung by the twenty-four elders in heaven, filled with the glory of God. This chapter and chapter 5 show the throne and judgement of God, the sovereign of the judgment that will come.