VERSE ONE
Greek interlinear:
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INTRODUCTION
The first verse in the book of Revelation is a perfect introduction to the entire scroll. Therefore, I will go into depth with the first two words of verse one.
"1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must [quickly, swiftly] shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John" (NKJV)
Starting with the beginning of Verse 1:
"The Revelation" (G 602 BlueLetter) - (G 602 Strong's)
As you can learn at the two links above, the original Greek word translated into "Revelation" is used in other scriptures. It carries the thought of an introduction of information previously hidden... a conceptual illumination... an epiphany of reality... a manifestation of something previously hidden... a deciphering of a mystery... a spiritual perception (by holy spirit)... a vision which discloses divine knowledge... an unveiling.
Here are some other verses, where that Greek word is used:
Related Hebrew word:
עֶרְוָה (ʿervah), Strong's H6172: This Hebrew word, which means "nakedness," "shame," or "indecency," is sometimes listed as an equivalent to G 602 in some lexicons, though it is not an exact synonym. It shares the concept of "uncovering" but adds an additional concept and context, referring to the "uncovering" of private parts.
- Although this Hebrew word may seem unrelated to the book of Revelation, the scroll of Revelation is very much about an uncovering of private parts that were previously hidden. That uncovering is an examination of one's spiritual purity / chastity, or lack thereof
(Nahum 3:5; Rev.17:2,16; Eze.16:37; Lam.1:8; Hosea 2:10; Eze.23:29; Rev.18:4).
(Heb.4:13; Luke 8:17; 12:2; 2Pet.3:10; Ecc.12:14; Rev.3:17-18; 2Cor.5:2-3,4; John 3:18-19,20-21; Rev.16:15; 17:16) <scriptures pop up on Web Version
Link to above scriptures: ( LINK )
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Not all nakedness is shameful. Before the fall of Adam and Eve into sin, there was no reason for shame (Gen.2:25). It was only after their sin which broke their covenant with God (Hosea 6:7), that shame overtook them (Gen.3:6-7,8-9,10-11; 2:17). Gen.3:7,10-11 refer to shame based upon the flesh. Their shameful awareness was a result of guilt. Guilt is the knowledge of good and bad, a loss of innocence resulting from being directed by the fruit of the forbidden tree. That is the meaning behind it's name (Gen.2:17).
Link to scriptures: ( LINK )
(Judges 9:11; Prov.27:18; Isa.34:4; Rev.6:13; Nahum 3:12; 1Pet.5:8; Rev.12:4)
There also exists a shame that results from spiritual forms of unfaithfulness: fornication, adultery, bestiality, and prostitution.
Those are the symbolic terms that God Himself uses to describe the significance of defiling alliances... (Jer.3:20; Eze.16:26,28-29,30,35-36,37; 23:5,7-8,29-30,35) (Scripture LINK )
...and idolatry /prostitution committed against Him by His people in covenant with Him
(Ex.34:12-13,14-15,16-17; Lev.17:6-7; 20:4-5,6; Deut.31:16; Judges 2:17; 8:33; 1Chron.5:25;
Isa.1:21; Eze.6:9; 16:20-21; 43:7-8,9; Hosea 4:12,17-18,19; 5:3-4; 6:10) Hebrews 4:13
( Scripture LINK )
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...forgiveness is possible, if there is repentance
(Jer.3:12-13,14,17-18; Hosea 2:1-2,3-4,5-6,7-8,13-14,15-16,17,19-20,21-22,23; 1Pet.2:9-10) ( LINK ).
Isa.55:7 ( LINK )
Yet upon God's final judgment of both sorts, change will then be futile... too late to change one's mind or ways
(Rev.22:11; 20:12-13; 22:12,14-15) ( LINK ).
When betrayal against God is uncovered, shame rightly results when such unfaithfulness toward God, is exposed. But often, those who should be ashamed, are not
(Jer.3:6,3,8-9; 13:27; 6:15; 8:12; Rev.2:20-21,22) ( LINK ).
The scroll of Revelation does contain and disclose the betrayal toward God by His own people.
As the scriptures above metaphorically depict such betrayal as sexual sin; Revelation is consistent in using that same symbolic depiction. Therefore, the Hebrew term for uncovering spiritual private parts, is appropriate for the general message contained within the scroll of Revelation
(Rev.16:15; 17:1,5,16; 19:2; Isa.47:3; Eze.16:37; 23:29; Nahum 3:5; 2Pet.3:10,7)
( LINK )
Those who are spiritually pure and loyal to God and Christ, are in a spiritual sense, virginal. Their uncovering is not one of shame
(2Cor.11:2-3; Rev.14:1-2,3-4,5; Eph.5:25-26,27; 1:4; Col.1:21-22;
Phil.2:15; 1Cor.1:4-5,6-7,8; 1Thess.3:12-13; 1Tim.6:11-12,13-14; 2Pet.3:14). When the faithful sons of God are revealed, creation can be set free... released from futility and bondage to sin and death (Rom.8:19,21).
( LINK )
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The word "Revelation" also contains the meaning and purpose of revealing further things written throughout scripture, in addition to the contrast between those faithful and unfaithful to their God. It will also bring to light, many of God's mysteries and divine, prophetic secrets that have long been held sealed. Before considering some of those sacred secrets, I'd like to address some basic questions about Revelation.
How are the seals in Revelation opened?
Jesus is given the scroll and the right to open it, from God (John 5:20; Dan.7:13; Rev.5:1-2,3-4,5-6,7; John 6:27). Then we are told that Jesus gives that information to his messenger, so that this chosen angel will provide and share that wisdom toward all seven of Christ's churches (Rev.1:1,11; 22:6,16; John 16:13-14,15; 1Cor.2:10).
The sharing of the opened seals by Christ's messenger and the divine wisdom those seals contain will reveal what is to soon take place in the time of the end (Rev.22:6; John 16:13e).
Revelation tells us, that "a mind with wisdom" will be needed and provided, to open up this scroll's mysteries and secrets
(Rev.17:9; 13:18; Dan.11:33; 12:3-4,8-9,10).
How will the required wisdom be given, and who will be endowed with it?
Jesus said; "12 “The one who *conquers I will make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will never go out again.' (Rev.3:12).
What does it mean to be "a pillar in the temple" of God?
Proverbs 9:1 reads; "Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars.".
The wisdom needed to interpret the signs in Revelation, is given to the seven pillars of God's temple... those who *conquer the world (1John 5:4; Rev.15:2; 3:12).
The wisdom needed to interpret the signs in Revelation, is given to the seven pillars of God's temple... those who *conquer the world (1John 5:4; Rev.15:2; 3:12).
A pillar is a part of a building that provides greater support, stability, and strength to a structure in comparison to each stone. From Rev.3:12 above, we see that such a conqueror would be made into a pillar, by Christ himself.
These spiritual pillars provide leadership (1Tim.3:15; Eph.2:20; 2Tim.2:19). For the one given this position and wisdom in the time of the end, they would bear the responsibility to provide the interpretations of Revelation to Christ's congregations (Rev.17:9; 13:18; Dan.11:33; Rev.1:3; John 13:17).
The unfaithful anointed who do not conquer the world but rather, desire to form defiling alliances with it, will not receive insight into God's sacred secrets (Matt.13:13,14,15). For them, Revelation will remain veiled (Isa.29:11; Dan.12:10,4; Amos 8:12; Isa.1:9) (Rev.11:8).
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Eph.1:17; Prov.29:18; Rev.22:7; 13:18; 17:9; Hab.2:2-3 (see NIV);
( Rom.16:25; Eph.5:32; Rev.22:19 B )
( Jesus/the Logos, was the tree of life: Link: two-trees.html )
Gal.1:12; Eph.3:1-2; Isa.2:2,3; Eph.3:3-4,5-6,9-10,11; 5:31-32; 1Cor.6:17)
The Revelation is about the administration and eternal kingdom of Jesus (the tree of life) and New Jerusalem (the holy city).
The scroll of Revelation reveals those who are found worthy to receive that kingdom, and those found unworthy to receive it.
(Rev.5:1; 22:7,6,19; 1Pet.4:13; 5:1; Rev.21:2; Phil.3:20)
(Matt.22:2,8; 25:6,10-11,12,5; Dan.12:2; Rev.19:7,9; Matt.8:12)
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Regarding the faithful who fulfill the promise/covenant of New Jerusalem;
God's entire temple is made up of living stones... the hearts of God's faithful anointed priests
(1Pet.2:5,9; 1Cor.3:16; John 14:2; Rom.5:5; 2Cor.1:22).
Jesus Christ is the builder of God's spiritual temple
(John 2:19,21; 2Sam.7:12-13,16; Luke 1:32; 1Chron.17:14-15,16; Rev.22:16) (Link: raise-it-up.blogspot.com)
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(John 6:70; Rom.1:1; Acts 1:2; Eph.2:20; Rev.21:14; Zech.4:9; Rev.22:16; Zech.4:10; Rev.5:6; Matt.6:22; Rev.4:5; John 5:35; Rev.3:1; 1:20; 22:16; 15:7; Heb.1:7,14; Ps.104:4; John 3:8; Matt.5:14-15; Zech.4:10,11,12,14; Rev.11:3-4)
-- (see: what-are-seven-spirits-of-god.html)
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As regards who are representatives of the two roles assigned God's priests; please compare Luke 9:32,30; Zech.4:1-2,11,13-14; Rev.11:3-4.
From these previous verses, we learn that God's priests / "witnesses" are expected by God to fullfil the roles of Moses and Elijah. Moses was God's lawgiver, which law was expected to be written on the heart of God's people (Heb.10:16,22; Deut.11:18).
Elijah the prophet worked to restore a pure and faithful worship when God's nation was steeped in idolatry.
In the time of the End, both roles must be fulfilled.
In the time of the End, both roles must be fulfilled.
Why?
During the Great Tribulation and Armageddon; God's laws are forgotten by the leaders of God's people. The stewards neglect to teach and uphold God's commands. Instead, all worship an Idol (Rev.13:8,7; Dan.12:1,7-8,9-10; 8:12),... the image of the sea beast that was installed into its position over the anointed, by that unfaithful steward and false prophet (Rev.13:11-12,13-14,15; 19:20).
See:
See:
(Ps.115:5-6,7-8; Matt.13:14-15; 2Cor.4:4; 2Thess.2:9-10,11-12)
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Historically, the temple which had God's approval and was built by Solomon, had two primary pillars (1Kings 7:21). They were named Jachin ("He will establish") and Boaz ("In Him is strength").
Pillars provide spiritual strength to God's abiding place. The name "Jachin" highlights the need for God's messengers to have faith in the temple's completion, as well as a sure fulfillment of God's covenant with his priests. The name "Boaz" teaches that all is accomplished by faith and reliance on God's spirit. That requires that no other alliances are formed. Through faith and reliance on our heavenly Father, we stand victorious, as pillars of God's spiritual temple.
Pillars are also a symbol for spiritual legs upon which we stand, (Song of Solomon 5:15; Rev.10:1) and for wisdom (Prov.9:1; Rev.3:12; 13:18).
Both pillars of Solomon's temple were made of bronze (1Kings 7:15; Eze.1:5; Eze.1:7 ESV). The spiritual standing of the four living creatures (each depicted as having two legs/pillars of bronze), is their faith in the strength of God and His establishing and fulfilling His Kingdom promises (Rev.4:8).
Therefore,
the mind required to open Revelation would have been given wisdom from Christ, would be in a leadership position of apostle or prophet, would have solid faith in the power and purpose of God, would be a conqueror of Christ's enemies, and indications are that they may also belong to the four living creatures
[Rev.3:12; 1Kings 7:15; Eze.1:7 (ESV)].
The apostle Paul was such a leader and herald. He was sober as regards his assignment (1Cor.9:16) as are all four faithful heralds/watchmen.
(Rev.13:18; 17:9; 21:9; 17:7)
Eph.1:17; Rom.16:25; Gal.1:12; Eph.3:1-2,3-4,5-6,9-11; 5:31-32; 1Cor.6:17; Rev.22:19,7; Hab.2:2-3
[Prov.29:18; 2Cor.4:3-4; 2Thess.2:9-10,11-12]
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"1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must [quickly, swiftly] shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John"
Jesus Christ is the one who possesses the information contained in the scroll of Revelation (Rev.5:7). It was given to him by God his Father (John 12:49)
(Dan.7:9,10,13; Rev.5:1,2,5,7,12; Dan.7:14,21; Rev.13:7; Dan.7:22,27,18; John 16:12,13,14,15; 5:20; 3:35; 8:38,28)
The divine information is sealed behind seven seals (Rev.5:1).
Jesus opens those seals in the time of the end...
(Dan.12:4,9,10; Mal.3:3; Matt.13:11; Isa.29:11; Rev.22:10; Hab.2:2)
(Dan.7:9,10; Rev.20:12; John 12:48; 14:15; 2Cor.5:10)
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(Dan.11:33; Rev.13:10; Luke 21:24; Col.2:8; Acts 20:30; 1Tim.4:1; Rev.13:11; Matt.24:24,25; Rev.20:10; Dan.7:11; 8:25; Zech.4:6; 2Thess.2:8; Dan.7:26)
(2Cor.8:21; 2Tim.2:15; Luke 6:45,43; Rev.13:11; Matt.12:37)
...with a purpose...
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"1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must [quickly, swiftly] shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John"
(John 16:13; 1Cor.2:10; Rev.10:7; Amos 3:7; John 15:15; 14:21; Matt.11:27; 13:11; John 17:7,8; Ps.25:14; Mal.3:1,3)
--- to be continued ---
