REVELATION 1.9 I John, your brother and partner with you in the oppression, Kingdom, and perseverance in Christ Jesus, was on the isle that is called Patmos because of God’s Word and the testimony of Jesus Christ. 1.10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, like a trumpet 1.11 “What you see, write in a book and send to the seven assemblies (or churches): to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”
1.12 I turned to see the voice that spoke with me.
Having turned, I saw seven golden lamp stands. 1.13 And among the lamp
stands was one like a son of man, clothed with a robe reaching down to his
feet, and with a golden sash around his chest. 1.14 His head and his hair
were white as white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire. 1.15 His
feet were like burnished brass, as if it had been refined in a furnace. His
voice was like the voice of many waters. 1.16 He had seven stars in his
right hand. Out of his mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword. His face was
like the sun shining at its brightest.
1.17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead
man. He laid his right hand on me, saying, “Don’t be afraid. I am the first and
the last, 1.18 and the Living one. I was dead, and behold, I am alive
forever more. Amen. I have the keys of Death and of Hades.
1.19 Write therefore the things which you have seen,
and the things which are, and the things which will happen hereafter;
1.20 the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and
the seven golden lamp stands. The seven stars are the angels of the seven
assemblies. The seven lamp stands are seven assemblies (or churches.) -WEB Bible
In this opening scene, John sees Jesus in glory. As one of the 12 Disciples, John had had a close relationship with Jesus and was one of three men who were chosen for special leadership. But when John saw this vision of Christ, the glory and majestic power that was revealed caused John to faint. Jesus had to revive him and reassure John of who He was.
IMAGE CREDIT: Saint John the Evangelist Called to Write the Revelation, date 1797, by Benjamin West (1738–1820.)
