Revelation: Fear Not

Revelation 1:9-20

The Revelation of Jesus Christ is from Jesus and about Jesus. In today’s passage, we see a picture of him in all his splendor. The image of Jesus was so brilliant that John fell to the ground as though dead. But Jesus, full of brilliance and majesty, laid his hand on John and said, “Fear not…” (Rev. 1:17). Let’s work our way through the passage. John begins by explaining where he was when he saw this magnificent vision. 

Revelation 1:9
I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

Early church historians say that the apostle John led a church in Ephesus during the reign of Domitian (AD 81-96). Domitian demanded to be addressed as “Lord and God.” When Christians refused, they were persecuted.  

In John’s case, persecution resulted in exile to the small, rocky island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea. The island, which is ten miles long and six miles wide, was used at that time to confine political prisoners. John states that he was there “on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.” He wrote Revelation while facing hardship because of his faith. 

On “the Lord’s Day,” that is, a Sunday, John was “in the Spirit” (Rev. 1:10). “Spirit” could refer to the Holy Spirit or a human spirit. But in either case, John was in “a state of spiritual exaltation best described as a trance”[1] when he heard a loud voice that sounded like the blast of a trumpet, saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea” (Rev. 1:11).

When John turned around to see who was speaking, he saw “seven golden lampstands” that represented the seven churches (Rev. 1:11, 20). These seven churches to which the letter is written were real historical groups of believers. We will see that they represent all churches throughout history. Lampstands represent the churches because they are meant to give off light in a dark world (Matt. 5:14-16).

Standing among the lampstands was Jesus. Here’s how John described the Lord.

• He was “one like a son of man” (Rev. 1:13a).
  It seems that John is using “son of man” to suggest that Jesus is appearing in human form. However, he could also be using this as a title for Jesus. The term “son of man” was used in Daniel 7:13 to refer to Christ.

• He was “clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest” (Rev. 1:13b).
  These were the garments worn by the high priest. Designed by God, they were meant to convey dignity and honor (Ex. 28:2). The robe served as a symbol of distinction, and the sash represented royalty. The high priest's sash was embroidered with gold thread; however, the sash around Jesus was made of pure gold. John saw the eternal High Priest, who made atonement for our sins and mediates between the holy God and sinful man.[2]

• “The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow” (Rev. 1:14a).
  In Daniel 7, the prophet describes God the Father as the “Ancient of Days” (Dan. 7:9, 13, 22). These same attributes of absolute purity are now attributed to Jesus.  

• “His eyes were like a flame of fire…” (Rev. 1:14b).
  Jesus' eyes were like a blazing fire, symbolizing his judgment on the unbelievers. No one can escape the piercing, holy eyes of Jesus.  

• “His feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace… (Rev. 1:15a).
  This description may symbolize the trials Jesus faced during his time on earth, culminating in his crucifixion. Because of these trials, Jesus “learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him” (Heb 5:8-9). 

• “His voice was like the roar of many waters” (Rev. 1:15b).
  If you've ever stood near Niagara Falls and heard the 600,000 gallons of water rush over the falls every second, you might understand what John experienced. Jesus’ voice was a powerful and mighty force. 

• “…From his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword…” (Rev. 1:16a).
  The Word of God is described here as “a sharp two-edged sword.” God’s Word serves as the foundation for all judgment. The writer of Hebrews states, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give an account” (Heb. 4:12-13). 

Can you even imagine turning around to see such a vision of Jesus? John was so overwhelmed by the glorious appearance of Christ that it was too much for his mind and body to handle. The apostle physically collapsed at Jesus’ feet “as though dead” (Rev. 1:17a). 

Let’s consider Jesus’ response. 

Jesus laid his hand on John and said, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades” (Rev. 1:18). Then Jesus told John, “Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this” (Rev. 1:19). This verse serves as a general outline for the book:

• The things you have seen (Rev. 1:9-20).
• The things that are (Rev. 2-3).
• The things that are to take place (Rev. 4-22).

This passage contains many details, but let’s focus on one moment of interaction. The vision of Jesus was so intense that John was both physically and emotionally overwhelmed. And Jesus, in all his glory, reached down and said, “Fear not.” He is the Lord of all glory and the God of all love. 

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Revelation 1:9-20, focusing on the vision of Jesus.

Talking to God: How do Jesus’ words “Fear not” speak to your current fears or challenges?

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