John receives the divine revelation and introduces the prophetic visions that will follow. This chapter establishes the authority, purpose, and blessed nature of the entire book.
"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John,"
Revelation opens with a declaration of origin and purpose. Here, 'revelation' (ἀποκάλυψις, apokalypsis) literally means 'to remove the veil,' to highlight what was hidden and is now made explicit. The term, which appears 18 times in the New Testament, always indicates a divine act of revelation.
ἀποκάλυψις (apokalypsis) - unveiling, revelation; σημαίνω (sēmainō) - to make known by signs
This 'Revelation' is more than a prophecy about the end; it is a revelation of Jesus himself, where He explains in detail the plan of redemption. Therefore, many consider Revelation as the 'Fifth Gospel,' for in it all of God's promises converge and are fulfilled.
"who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw."
John presents himself as one who 'bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw.' The term 'testimony' (μαρτυρία, martyria) refers to the prophetic mission and commitment to revealed truth, even in the face of persecution.
μαρτυρία (martyria) - testimony, witness; ἐμαρτύρησεν (emarturesen) - testified, bore witness
The expression 'word of God' echoes Genesis 1 ('Let there be light') and John 1 ('In the beginning was the Word'), showing that revelation is creative and recreative. The central content is Christ, who acts as mediator and also as the theme of revelation.
"Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near."
Revelation begins with the first of seven beatitudes, highlighting the value of reading, hearing, and practicing the message. It is not enough to read superficially; it is necessary to listen carefully and obey, allowing the text to shape one's life.
μακάριος (makarios) - blessed, happy; τηρεῖν (terein) - to keep, observe, obey
'Keep' is a recurring verb throughout the book, indicating commitment to God's will even amid pressures. The blessing is for those who persevere, for 'the time is near': the point is not speculation, but readiness and faithfulness.