THOUGHTS TO CONSIDER:

As you read this lesson, remember to keep your focus on Jesus, "...the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8).  Worship him even now as you consider who He is and what He has done! He truly is worthy!

In our last lesson we focused on Revelation 1:1-2 and the Revelation of Jesus Christ. This week we will focus on Revelation 1:3-5a. I realize that this is slow progress but we want to glean what we can from these early verses of the book.

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near (Revelation 1:3). John writes that a blessing is promised to those who do three things with the prophecy he has been given.

1) Those who read aloud the words of this prophecy

2) Those who hear the words of this prophecy

3) Those who keep what is written

The words "read aloud" are translated "read" in most versions. We learn in verse 4 that this prophecy is given "to the seven churches that are in Asia." It is likely that this prophecy would have been read aloud in these gatherings, a public reading of the Scripture. This was the Jewish custom of the day and the early church appears to have followed this example. It would make sense in light of the next phrase in verse 3, "and blessed are those who hear..." Hearing these words read would have been a comfort to these early believers who were facing severe persecution from the enemies of Christ. The third aspect of this blessing is for those "who keep what is written in it..."  To keep means to watch, to guard, to hold fast. It is not enough to read and hear God's Word, we must also keep it. James warns against being a "hearer" and not a "doer" of God's Word (James 1:22).

The final phrase in verse three "for the time is near" is understood in different ways. The word "near" or "at hand" is similar in meaning to the words in verse 1, "soon take place" (ESV) or "shortly come to pass" (KJV). Some understand it to mean that what is written will be fulfilled very soon, others believe what is written will begin to be fulfilled soon, but not necessarily all be completed soon. These different views represent what we mentioned in the first lesson regarding a preterist/idealist/historicist/futurist view of the book.

Regardless of which view you hold, it seems clear that John's message to the seven churches relates to them. In verse 4, John is clear, "John to the seven churches that are in Asia." Whatever application there is for others in history or for us today and those in the future, without a doubt, the message is given to these seven churches that existed in John's day. The location of each church is mentioned specifically, and can be seen on the map below. Also notice on the map the location of the Island of Patmos where John wrote the prophecy. It is essential then that the meaning in the Book of Revelation is applied first to these seven churches to whom it was given.

How would this prophecy be of help to these early believers? In addition to the specific commendations, condemnations, and exhortations given in chapter 2 and 3 to the seven churches, how would the remainder of the book be of encouragement to them? If our interpretation of Revelation overlooks the significance to these churches addressed by name, how can our understanding of the book be correct?

That's all for this third lesson. Keep reading Revelation and praying for wisdom.