The Pulpit Commentary on Revelation 1:1-3

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

The revelation.

The interpretation of the Book of Revelation confessedly difficult, some portions in particular; hence many differing views. But the book designed for practical purposes; throughout it a rich vein of practical instruction. The homily seizes upon the practical truth—that truth which can be worked up into the practice of daily life.

I. THE ORIGIN OF THE REVELATION—GOD. It is the revelation "which God gave." Fountain of all truth; stamps its high character; to be received with becoming reverence, thankfulness, and obedience.

II. THE PROCESS OF THE REVELATION. Gradation of thought. "God gave" the revelation to "his servants" by Jesus Christ, "the Word of God," who "sent and signified it by his angel," who made it known unto the "servant John," who bare witness of "all things that he saw" unto all the "servants" of Jesus Christ. It is a word for the faithful bondservants, the true disciples of the Lord Jesus in all lands and in all ages.

III. THE SUBSTANCE OF THE REVELATION. It is "the Word of God," the out breathing of the Divine thought, the Divine will and purpose. Of this Word of God, Jesus is the Medium of testimony. This "Word," testified by Jesus Christ, was made to appear to John; all things that he saw. It was a holy vision.

IV. THE BLESSING PRONOUNCED UPON THE FAITHFUL RECEPTION OF THE REVELATION.

1. To "him that readeth."

2. To "them that hear."

3. To "them that keep the things that are written."

4. For its fulfilment is near; "The time is at hand." It brings the blessing:

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