The Ministry of John, 1.9-11
John/us: We are in this together- partners (teammates), brothers (family)
Tribulation/kingdom/ patient endurance (perseverance) are three key ideas linked by one article
Being identified with Christ is the basis for the trials they are confronting, helps endure those trials
Beale cites this as a theme: Believers will conquer by refusing to compromise in the face of trials, by suffering as John Himself did, and by pursuing Christlike character.
Patmos- tribulation is a present reality- for John, too!
Testimony carries the idea of a court testimony
Judgment is coming for the world and for believers who compromise with the world
Lord’s Day- anticipating celebration of Christ’s final victory
Vision develop themes of suffering, kingdom, priesthood and introduces Christ as judge
In the Spirit- borrows from Ezekiel’s imagery there
As Ezekiel was in exile yet the Spirit present, so too John
Heard a trumpet- like Moses in Exodus 19
Loud voice: Christ speaking
Write: a message of judgment
The order of the churches mentioned is the same as in chapters 2 & 3 and the logical order of visiting- the postal route out of Ephesus followed this

The Majesty of Jesus Christ, 1.12-18
Overwhelming glory
Description comes from Old Testament sources
Old Testament reference: Daniel 7.13-14. Christ is judge/ruler of the churches & the universe
This picture of Jesus key to the message of Revelation
Christ’s appearance and armor anticipate the battle
Christ’s face shining like the sun points back to Judges 5.31

About his attire… (taken from Vern Poythress)
The special term used for Christ’s long robe probably suggests a priestly robe, underlining his purity. Purity is required of churches and Christians if they are to remain in his presence (1:13, 20; 2:5. As priest he takes care of the lampstands in God’s temple.
The sash (Daniel 10:5) is the sash/waistband of the high priest (Exod. 28:8), a normal piece of men’s clothing. Golden signifies the beauty, wealth, and exalted status of the one who wears it. The wealth of human beings is only a puny reflection of the majesty of God.
White head and hair correspond to the white of the Ancient of Days in Daniel 7:9, suggesting both purity and the wisdom associated with old age. Note that Christ shares the attributes of the FatherHis eyes blaze with fire, as in Daniel 10:6. Fire accompanies the appearance of God (theophany) in many cases in the OT (Dan. 7:9; Ezek. 1:4, 13, 27; Exod. 19:18; 3:2; Gen. 15:17; etc.). God’s eyes see the secrets of human hearts (2:18, 23; Heb. 4:12-13), burning away sin and impurity.
His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace. The purifying power of the fiery eyes carries over its associations to the feet, which have a fiery glow. Gleaming metal picks up Old Testament bright metal appearing in the presence of God, as in Ezekiel 1:4, 7, 27; Daniel 10:6
The picture of Christ achieves its effect, not by limiting itself to some specific attribute of God, but by suggesting connections to many attributes, and by showing Christ as the original of which earthly splendors and earthly judges are only pale imitations.
Christ’s voice like the sound of rushing waters: loud, authoritative voices from God, as in 1:10 Cf. Daniel 10:6; Ezk 1:24; Exodus 19:16, 19.
In Christ’s right hand were seven stars, signifying the angels of the seven churches(1:20). He has control over the whole heavenly host
A sword (verse 16) comes out of his mouth. It signifies the sword-like capability of Christ’s powerful word to bring punishment or reward (see 19:15, 21; Heb. 4:12-13; John 12:47-50; Matt. 7:24-27; Isa. 11:4).
His face was like the sun, continuing to emphasize the brilliant, bright majesty of Christ’s appearance. (cf. Rev 21:22-25; Isa 60:1-3, 19-20; Revelation 10:1; Ezekiel 1:27
John is overwhelmed, 17
Fear not… First and last- echoing God’s own words from Isaiah (41.4, 44.6; and 48.12)- this is consistent with Jesus saying the words of 1.8.
Complete sovereignty over human history: beginning to end
Has turned back the power of death- I am the living one! I died, and am alive forevermore
Won the ultimate victory
Keys to Death and hades- Jesus can determine who else can be liberated!

The Ministry of Jesus Christ
First thing he sees: Seven golden lampstands.
A lampstand was in the temple in the Holy of Holies to provide light
In Zechariah 4.2-6 the Spirit to provide power to build the temple, God’s dwelling place- now, the church is the temple and his dwelling place is in us. So the seven lampstands… we are told in verse 20 explicitly that they represent the seven churches
Going from one to seven: the people of God is not just Israel but people from all nations.
Lampstands- light-bearing churches- what lamps/lights in the temple anticipated
Christ walks among them as Lord and Shepherd even as the presence of God in the glory cloud first in the wilderness and then in the tabernacle/temple; as the priest cared for the temple; now the church
Whatever comes to be, we have Christ as our warrior, our Savior.
Now he is again given his mission with this new vision of Christ in all his glory, 1.19
Write what you have seen… and those that are to take place in the future.
And a reminder: you are writing for the churches
Christ stands in authority among the churches undergoing tribulation and even apparent defeats

Embrace the Mystery, 1.20
Mystery: His rule and reign and the church’s tribulation co-exist.
It’s a mystery that Christ triumphed by a cross and death is the way to live
It’s a mystery that Jewish expectations of an earthly kingdom have given way to the spiritual kingdom
It’s a mystery that revelation is a book of both judgment and comfort

So What About Us?
On the Isle of Patmos… In the Spirit
Overwhelmed by the Majesty
Embracing the mystery