1A. (1:1-3) The Nature of this Book

1B. (1:1-2) It provides vivid certainty for God’s people

• “What must happen” cf. 4:1; 22:6

  • (1:1-20) Christ

  • (2:1–3:22) Church

  • (4:1–22:21) Consummation

• Phrase is allusion to themes in Dan 2 (see 2:28-29 for use)

  • God is only revealer of the mysteries of the future (Dan 2:18-19, 28-29, 47)

  • God has predetermined all events of earthly history, i.e., “must” (Dan 2:21)

  • God’s kingdom will crush and sweep away all other kingdoms (Dan 2:44, 47)

2B. (1:3a) It promises blessing for attentive obedience 

• (“blessed” 1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14)

3B. (1:3b) It emphasizes imminency (anytime, without delay)

2A. (1:4-8) Themes of this Book

1B. (1:4-5a) The fullness of God: Father, Spirit, Son

2B. (1:5b-6) The fullness of God’s work

3B. (1:7) The focal point: The Coming of Jesus Christ

4B. (1:8) The authoritative foundation