Revelation Chapter 1 Explained: John’s Vision of Jesus Christ

Updated 8-18-26

This is a Bible study of the book of Revelation. This is Revelation Chapter 1 – a verse-by-verse Bible study complete with review questions.

Revelation 1:1-The Single Revelation

“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:” (KJV)

The Book of Revelation is a single “revelation.” This book is not called, nor should it be referred to as, “Revelations.”

This book, and all that is contained in it, was given by God to His Son, Jesus Christ, Who in turn, via an angel, gave it to the Apostle John to write it. Through God’s preserving of His Word we have the revelation of Jesus Christ today. The purpose of this book is to reveal future events to God’s servants.

Revelation 1:2-The Writer

“Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.” (KJV)

John specified he faithfully recorded God’s word, all that God told him to write, which was the testimony of the Son of God. Also, John recorded all the things that he saw.

Revelation 1:3-The Blessing

“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” (KJV)

The Book of Revelation is the only book of the Bible that has a direct blessing associated with it. All of God’s Word is for us to read and study, and by reading God’s Word we will be blessed. But this book has a special blessing attached to it.

Revelation 1:4-Greeting to the Seven Churches

“John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;” (KJV)

Originally, this book was a letter addressed to seven, distinct local assemblies in the Roman province of Asia Minor, now part of the modern country of Turkey. John started his salutation to these churches alluding to all three Persons of the Godhead. John called God the Father, “him which is, and which was, and which is to come.” I believe the seven Sprits that John referenced here refers to the Holy Spirit, but John is using figurative language to indicate seven different characteristics of this single Entity.

Revelation 1:5-Blessing of Jesus Christ

“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,” (KJV)

Then lastly, John introduced the second Person of the Triune Godhead – Jesus Christ. He is the focal point of the entire Book of Revelation. It is only because of His work there is a beautiful future. It is just as if John is building up a crescendo, saving the best for last, in his introduction of these Persons of the Godhead. John himself was most closely associated with Jesus Christ when Jesus was on the Earth. John praised Christ when he referenced His resurrection — “the first begotten of the dead.” John also reminds his readers the reason why Jesus died was to cleanse us of our sins with His own sinless blood.

Revelation 1:6-Future and Present Glory

“And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” (KJV)

John continued his praise of God by faith, knowing that in the future Jesus will make His followers both kings and priests. Because of Jesus’ triumphant work, He alone deserves eternal glory and dominion.

Revelation 1:7-Coming With Clouds

“Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” (KJV)

John looked forward to Christ coming back to Earth “with clouds.” The reference to “clouds” may not be white, fluffy clumps of condensation, but rather, groups of believers that Christ had taken seven years before to heaven in what is called “the Rapture.” Nevertheless, this verse in not referring to the rapture, but to the second half of Jesus’s second coming back to Earth. When Jesus returns, as John described in this verse, He will be coming to rule and reign over the entire globe for 1,000 years. This is called The Millennial Reign of Christ.

Revelation 1:8-Alpha and Omega

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” (KJV)

The Lord Jesus identified Himself as “Alpha and Omega,” which is the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Of all the world’s alphabets, He singled out the Greek alphabet to identify Himself as such. Since He chose the Greek alphabet to identify Him with, it would be wrong to refer to Christ something like “the A to Z,” or use any other alphabet. Jesus Christ, “the beginning and the ending,” also reiterates that He fills all three periods of time: present, “which is”; past, “which was”; and future, “which is to come.” It should be not surprising that with such an introduction, He, and He alone, is worthy to be called “the Almighty.”

Revelation 1:9-John’s Location

“I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (KJV)

John had already introduced himself as the writer of this book. Now, in this verse, he refers to himself as “your brother,” and told where he was when he saw this vision. John was on the Greek Island of Patmos because of his participation with the work of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 1:10-The Lord’s Day

“I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,” (KJV)

John wrote down what day of the week he received this heavenly vision. It was “on the Lord’s Day.” This day is what we commonly call Sunday, the first day of the week. The term “Lord’s Day” is a reference to the day of the week when Jesus arose from the dead. John also said he heard a voice that sounded like a trumpet. In the Old Testament, trumpets were used to get the children of Israel’s attention.

Revelation 1:11-The Message Begins

“Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.” (KJV)

Now John wrote the words he heard. The Voice introduced Itself as “Alpha and Omega” and “the first and the last.” He told John to watch, then record the things he saw. John was to send his written narrative to seven specific local churches in Asia.

To better understand the Book of Revelation is to know to whom the book was originally written to be read. In this case, it was addressed to churches, rather than to a specific individual. But then, as now, a local church is an assembly of people, of individuals. This letter was delivered to the churches to be read by the people who attended these churches.

Within every Christian assembly, every local “church,” there are true Christians and unbelievers. When Jesus chose His twelve apostles, handpicked by Him, this was His assembly. In a sense, these twelve men were Jesus’ church. But among this “church” there were eleven individuals who believed on Him, and there was the unbeliever, the traitor Judas. Yet, only Jesus knew what was really in Judas’ heart, that is, until Judas openly betrayed Him.

The Book of Revelation is addressed to the “churches,” not to individuals, because Jesus Christ wanted all people who professed faith to read this very important epistle. Some of those who read Revelation in John’s time were true believers, true Christians. Others, like Judas, were impostors; they pretended to be believers, but were not.

This book both gives wonderful promises of God to those who have put their trust in God for salvation, but it is also a warning, and a loving call, to the pretenders within the churches. The Book of Revelation tells the future both for the saved and for the lost. This book is a call to action for those who are not saved to put their trust solely in Christ to save them from eternal damnation in hell.

Revelation 1:12-The Vision Behind the Voice

“And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;” (KJV)

Since this trumpet voice was coming from behind him, John turned to look at the Speaker. The first thing John saw was seven golden candlesticks.

Revelation 1:13-15 The Description of the Son of Man

“And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.” (KJV)

Then he saw the Speaker, the One with the trumpet-like voice. John recognized Him as “the Son of man.” This was Jesus, John’s close friend, but vastly changed from the man that John had last seen on Earth. Jesus was clothed with a long garment, including a golden breastplate around his “paps.” The word “pap” means “nipple.” This girdle was around His chest.

The way He was dressed was in the attire of an Old Testament high priest. His clothing, as He appeared to John, showed both John and us today that Jesus our intercessor, doing the work of the Old Testament high priest. He, like they did long ago, took the prayers and cares of His people to God the Father.

John saw the Jesus’ head and hair were white, which indicated age and wisdom. Christ’s eyes looked like a fiery flame, showing He was angry and would bring judgment.

John saw Jesus’ feet had the color of burning brass, and His voice was strong, like ocean waves.

Revelation 1:16

“And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.” (KJV)

Christ was holding seven stars in His right hand, and a two-edged sword came out of His mouth, a reference to God’s Word, the Bible, which is a two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). Christ’s face (countenance) was as bright as the sun — so bright that John could not look at Him directly.

Chart of How John Described Jesus Christ

Feature	Symbolic Meaning
Head and hair white as wool and snow	Represents eternal wisdom, purity, and age — the dignity of the Ancient of Days.
Eyes like a flame of fire	Piercing, all-seeing judgment that discerns hearts and motives.
Feet like fine brass, burning in a furnace	Refined strength and steadfastness, ready to execute righteous judgment.
Voice like the sound of many waters	Powerful, commanding authority that cannot be ignored or drowned out.
Seven stars in His right hand	Christ personally holds and protects the angels (or messengers) of the seven churches.
A sharp two-edged sword from His mouth	The Word of God, which discerns, judges, and divides truth from error (Hebrews 4:12).
Face shining like the sun	Overwhelming, radiant glory and majesty — so bright John could not look at Him directly.

Click here to download a printable PDF of this chart.

Revelation 1:17-John’s Response

“And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:” (KJV)

This vision of Christ was so overwhelming, and also with John knowing with Whom he was facing, caused John fell into a dead faint. But Christ, using His right hand, the one holding the seven stars, gently touched this overwhelmed, aged apostle, and comfortingly said the beautiful words, “Fear not.”

Revelation 1:18-Words of Comfort

“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” (KJV)

Not only did Christ tell John that He was the first and the last, He also assured John that He is alive, although He did once die. But He reminded John that now He is alive, never to die again. Because of His triumph over death, He holds the keys of both hell and death and has power over them.

Revelation 1:19-Christ’s Command

“Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;” (KJV)

This marvelous Being told John to write about past, the present, and future events. John obeyed. Today, because of John’s obedience to Christ’s directives, we have the inspired and preserved Book of Revelation.

Revelation 1:20-The Meaning of the Seven Stars

“The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.” (KJV)

Christ told John the seven stars He was holding were angels, each one assigned to each of the churches, the members who would be the first to read this epistle. The seven candlesticks are the churches themselves. The work of a local church is to shine God’s light to both those who attend and to the community surrounding them. A church is a collection of Christians who are to reflect the light of Jesus Christ. It is no surprise the symbol of a candlestick represented a church.

Revelation Chapter 1 -Bible Study Review Questions:

Revelation Chapter 1 – Personal Reflection Question

If you identify yourself with a local church, are you a genuine believer in Jesus Christ or are you not sure? Be honest with yourself as you answer this question to yourself.

Revelation Chapter 1 -Behind the Scenes Stuff

If you have ever been confused or even fearful about reading and learning the Book of Revelation, this verse-by-verse study is for you. I began teaching the Bible in 2008, and I have found that many people view this final book of the Bible with a combination of fascination and even a bit of fear. I have also been told this book is hard to understand.

I created this verse-by-verse study of Revelation to walk alongside you and explain every verse. I want to you not only read this book but get a clearer understanding of what God wants people to know about the end of this world and the beginning of the next. This is the only book that God specifically states He will give a blessing just for reading it. Even if you don’t understand everything, I want you to have that blessing.

Whether you are new to Bible study or have been studying the Bible for years, I hope that within this study you will find insights that will help you understand this book of the Bible better. At the end of each chapter, I have included review questions to help you understand what we went over together. Sometimes, I add a personal reflection question to help you apply some aspect of the chapter to your daily Christian walk.

One of the unique aspects of this verse-by-verse study of Revelation is that I have introduced the verse itself before my explanation. I did this for several reasons. I want you to have the explained verse fresh in your memory, and close by to refer to it. Also, I wanted to make sure this Bible study use the King James Version of the Bible (KJV) because this version is what I use and is the basis of what I explain in this Bible study.

My blogging coach, who teaches Christian women how to blog, encouraged us NOT to use the KJV. The common argument is that the modern versions are easier to understand. I immediately saw a challenge. I wanted the Bible that my mother read to me every evening, the King James Version, to be easily understood by all of my readers.

Since I only use the King James Version of the Bible, this fact separates me from most of the Bible study bloggers. Personally, I don’t want to “fit in” with all the other Christian women Bible study bloggers and authors. I want to stand out! If you think the King James Version is too hard for you to understand, according to the Flesch-Kincaid scale, the language of the King James Bible is on a fifth grade reading level, and that is before I explain the verses to you.

 Thank you for joining me. I am honored and humbled that you are here.

The Complete Revelation Bible Study Series

Chapter	Summary
Revelation Chapter 1: John’s Vision of Jesus Christ	John’s vision of the risen Christ standing among seven golden candlesticks on the island of Patmos; Christ identifies Himself as the Alpha and Omega.
Revelation Chapter 2: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos & Thyatira	Christ’s messages to four of the seven churches of Asia: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira.
Revelation Chapter 3: Sardis, Philadelphia & Laodicea	Christ’s messages to the remaining three churches: Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.
Revelation Chapter 4: John’s Vision of God’s Throne in Heaven	John is caught up to heaven and sees God’s throne room, the twenty-four elders, and the four living creatures.
Revelation Chapter 5: The Lion of Judah and the Lamb Who Was Slain	God holds a seven sealed book; but only Jesus Christ, Who is both the Lion of Judah and the Lamb Who was slain, is worthy to open it.
Revelation Chapter 6: The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse	The Lamb opens six of the seven seals, releasing the Four Horsemen, the cry of martyrs, and cosmic disturbances.
Revelation Chapter 7: The 144,000 and the Great Multitude	An interlude: 144,000 are sealed from the twelve tribes of Israel, and a great multitude in white robes stands before God’s throne.
Revelation Chapter 8: Meaning of the Seven Trumpets	The seventh seal is opened, bringing silence in heaven, followed by the first four trumpet judgments.
Revelation Chapter 9: The Locusts of Abaddon and the 200 Million	The fifth and sixth trumpets release demonic locusts led by Abaddon and an army of 200 million horsemen.
Revelation Chapter 10: The Little Book and the Seven Thunders	A mighty angel gives John a little book; the words of seven thunders are sealed; the book is sweet, then bitter.
Revelation Chapter 11: Who Are the Two Witnesses of the Apocalypse?	The ministry, death, and resurrection of the two witnesses; the seventh trumpet sounds.
Revelation Chapter 12: The Woman, the Dragon, the Angel Michael and War in Heaven	A woman, a great red dragon, and a man child; war breaks out in heaven as Michael defeats Satan.
Revelation Chapter 13: The Mark of the Beast and 666 Explained	Two beasts rise — one from the sea, one from the land — introducing the mark of the beast, 666.
Revelation Chapter 14: The 144,000, the Three Angels, and the Harvest of Wrath	The 144,000 stand victorious on Mount Zion; three angels proclaim their messages; the wheat and grape harvests.
Revelation Chapter 15: The Sea of Glass and Song of Moses	Seven angels prepare the seven last plagues; the redeemed sing the song of Moses and the Lamb beside a sea of glass.
Revelation Chapter 16: The Seven Vial Judgments and the Battle of Armageddon	The seven vial (bowl) judgments are poured out; the Euphrates dries up, gathering the nations to Armageddon.
Revelation Chapter 17: The Woman on the Beast	A vision of “Mystery, Babylon the Great,” a woman riding a scarlet, seven-headed beast.
Revelation Chapter 18: The Fall of Babylon the Great	The sudden fall of Babylon the Great; kings and merchants mourn her destruction while heaven rejoices.
Revelation Chapter 19: The Marriage Supper of the Lamb and Christ’s Return	The Marriage Supper of the Lamb; Christ returns as King of Kings and defeats the beast and false prophet.
Revelation Chapter 20: The Millennium, Satan’s Doom, and the Great White Throne	Satan is bound for a thousand years; the Millennium; Satan’s final rebellion; the Great White Throne judgment.
Revelation Chapter 21: The New Jerusalem Described	A new heaven and a new earth; the heavenly city of New Jerusalem descends from God, adorned like a bride.
Revelation Chapter 22: The River of Life and the Bible’s Final Invitation	The river and tree of life; the Bible’s final invitation and the promise and warning; “Surely I come quickly.”

Download a printer-friendly PDF of this Revelation Bible study chapter by chapter guide here.

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