Most scholars feel confident that the author of this amazing book is none other than the Apostle John, the brother of James, the “one Jesus loved.”

The timing of the writing of this book is approximately A.D. 95. By now, John is nearly 90 years old and the only surviving member of the original 12 disciples who lived with and learned from Jesus.

During the reign of Domitian, severe persecution broke out against Christians. Many were martyred, including Paul and Peter. But John was sentenced to work the rock quarries on an island off the coast of Asia Minor called Patmos.

Imagine for a moment what life must have been like for this old man. Yet it was amid these brutal conditions that John received the most extensive revelation ever given of the victory-filled future awaiting God’s people.


The Symbolism in Revelation

When reading the book of Revelation, it’s necessary to understand that is written in a literary style known as “apocalyptic.” Apocalyptic literature is highly symbolic. The drama between God and Satan, this evil age and the age to come, is played out in spectacular imagery.

Apocalyptic symbolism uses objects, creatures, and numbers. We’ll see all of that throughout the book of Revelation.

We begin to see some of that symbolism in chapter 1 with an incredible vision of the risen Jesus.


The Savior in Revelation

Each element described – from His robe and sash to His white hair; His blazing eyes and feet like bronze, the sword in his mouth, voice like an ocean, and face like the sun - symbolized Jesus’ position as priest and king, His eternal wisdom and all-seeing power. They portrayed Jesus’ justice and authority, His Lordship and glory.

What does all this mean for us today?

1.     All of us end up on Patmos sooner or later.

Patmos is the place of disappointment. When you’re confused, alone or disillusioned. Patmos is a place of pressure and pain. We’ll all end up there eventually and when we do, all we want to do is get out!

But God’s plan was not to take John off Patmos but to meet John right there.

2.     Patmos was the place where Christ was unveiled.

You can never be in so forsaken a place that the Lord can’t seek and find you. Christ is with you - in the midst of your crisis.  Jesus is closer than you think.

3.     Christ is seen by those who turn to Him and touches those who fall at His feet.

All too many never see Jesus because they’re so wrapped up in their crisis that they never turn to see who is with them. This is one reason why worship is such an important part of this book. Those who turn in worship see that Jesus is with them after all.

4.     His words to us are still the same:

• Stop being afraid.
  
  
• Pass on the truth.

Text: Revelation 1:9-20

Originally recorded on January 16, 2000, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN.