Revelation 1:3
Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and obey what is written in it, because the time is near.
Blessed is the one who reads aloud
The word "blessed" in Greek is "makarios," which conveys a sense of happiness or divine favor. In the context of Revelation, this blessing is not just a superficial happiness but a deep, spiritual joy that comes from being in alignment with God's will. The act of reading aloud was significant in the early church, as many believers were illiterate, and the public reading of Scripture was a primary means of disseminating God's Word. This phrase emphasizes the importance of engaging with Scripture actively and communally, suggesting that there is a special grace imparted to those who proclaim God's Word.

the words of this prophecy
The term "prophecy" in Greek is "prophēteia," which refers to a divinely inspired message or revelation. In the biblical context, prophecy is not merely about predicting the future but is a message from God that calls for a response. The Book of Revelation is a prophetic text that reveals God's ultimate plan for humanity and the world. This phrase underscores the divine origin and authority of the message, inviting readers to approach it with reverence and openness to its transformative power.

and blessed are those who hear
Hearing, in the biblical sense, goes beyond the physical act of listening. The Greek word "akouō" implies understanding and obedience. In the ancient world, hearing was often synonymous with obeying, as true hearing involved a response. This phrase highlights the communal aspect of worship and the importance of being attentive to God's Word. It suggests that there is a blessing for those who not only hear the words but also internalize and act upon them.

and obey
The Greek word for "obey" is "tēreō," which means to keep, guard, or observe. It implies a careful and diligent adherence to what has been heard. In the context of Revelation, obedience is a key theme, as the book calls believers to remain faithful amidst trials and tribulations. This phrase emphasizes the necessity of living out the teachings of Scripture, suggesting that true blessing comes from aligning one's life with God's commands.

what is written in it
The phrase "what is written" underscores the authority and permanence of the biblical text. In the ancient world, written documents were considered binding and authoritative. This phrase reminds readers of the enduring nature of God's Word and its relevance across time and cultures. It calls believers to take seriously the teachings and warnings contained within the book, recognizing them as divinely inspired and eternally significant.

because the time is near
The Greek word for "time" is "kairos," which refers to a specific, opportune moment rather than chronological time. The phrase "the time is near" conveys a sense of urgency and imminence. In the context of Revelation, it serves as a reminder that God's plan is unfolding, and believers must be prepared for the fulfillment of His promises. This phrase encourages a posture of readiness and anticipation, urging Christians to live with an eternal perspective and a sense of expectancy for Christ's return.

Persons / Places / Events
1. John the Apostle
Traditionally believed to be the author of Revelation, John was exiled on the island of Patmos when he received this vision.

2. Patmos
A small, rocky island in the Aegean Sea where John was exiled and received the revelation.

3. The Seven Churches
The initial audience of the Book of Revelation, representing the churches in Asia Minor.

4. The Prophecy
Refers to the entire Book of Revelation, which contains visions and messages from Jesus Christ.

5. The Time is Near
A phrase indicating the urgency and imminence of the events described in the prophecy.
Teaching Points
The Blessing of Engagement with Scripture
Engaging with God's Word, whether by reading, hearing, or obeying, brings a special blessing. This underscores the importance of regular Bible study and meditation.

The Urgency of Obedience
The phrase "the time is near" serves as a reminder of the urgency in living out our faith. We are called to immediate and active obedience to God's commands.

The Role of Prophecy in the Christian Life
Prophecy is not just about predicting the future but is meant to encourage, instruct, and prepare believers for faithful living. Understanding and applying prophetic messages is crucial for spiritual growth.

Community in Scripture Engagement
The blessing is pronounced on both the reader and the hearers, highlighting the communal aspect of engaging with Scripture. This encourages participation in group Bible studies and church services.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the promise of blessing in Revelation 1:3 motivate you to engage more deeply with Scripture?

2. In what ways can you incorporate the practice of reading aloud and hearing God's Word in your daily life?

3. How does the urgency of "the time is near" influence your priorities and decisions as a believer?

4. What steps can you take to ensure that you are not only a hearer but also a doer of the Word, as encouraged in James 1:22-25?

5. How can you encourage others in your community to participate in the communal reading and study of Scripture, as suggested by the blessing on both the reader and hearers?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Emphasizes the importance of hearing and obeying God's Word, similar to the blessing in Revelation 1:3 for those who hear and obey.

Luke 11:28
Jesus pronounces a blessing on those who hear the word of God and keep it, paralleling the blessing in Revelation 1:3.

James 1:22-25
Encourages believers to be doers of the word, not just hearers, aligning with the call to obey in Revelation 1:3.
The Benediction on Ministers and People Who Observe the Sayings of This BookS. Conway Revelation 1:3
Advantage of RevelationBp. Williams.Revelation 1:1-3
Aspects of Human HistoryD. Thomas, D. D.Revelation 1:1-3
Aspects of Human HistoryD. Thomas Revelation 1:1-3
Christ's Cabinet CouncilJ. Trapp.Revelation 1:1-3
Divine RevelationsJ. S. Exell, M. A.Revelation 1:1-3
Keeping the Word of GodJames Young.Revelation 1:1-3
Prophecy, Though Difficult to Understand, Must Yet be StudiedH. A. Buttz.Revelation 1:1-3
Reading the RevelationCanon Furse.Revelation 1:1-3
The Apocalypse to be ReadJ. Trapp.Revelation 1:1-3
The Christianity of St. JohnJ. Foxley, M. A.Revelation 1:1-3
The Design of the Book and Reward for its StudyD. C. Hughes.Revelation 1:1-3
The PrefaceG. Rogers.Revelation 1:1-3
The RevelationR. Green Revelation 1:1-3
The Revelation of Jesus ChristJames Young.Revelation 1:1-3
The Seven Blesseds in the RevelationT. L. Cuyler, D. D.Revelation 1:1-3
Three Aspects of RevelationJames Young.Revelation 1:1-3
Timely WarningJas. Wells.Revelation 1:1-3
People
John
Places
Ephesus, Laodicea, Patmos, Pergamum, Philadelphia, Sardis, Smyrna, Thyatira
Topics
Aloud, Blessed, Blessing, Book, Close, Ear, Fulfillment, Happy, Hearing, Heart, Heed, Keeping, Lay, Listen, Nigh, Prophecy, Prophet's, Reader, Readeth, Reading, Reads, Therein, Written
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Revelation 1:3

     1427   prophecy
     1431   prophecy, OT methods
     4971   seasons, of life
     5175   reading
     5393   literacy
     5874   happiness
     8117   discipleship, benefits

Library
May 10. "I am Alive Forevermore" (Rev. I. 18).
"I am alive forevermore" (Rev. i. 18). Here is the message of the Christ of the cross and the still more glorious and precious Christ of the resurrection. It is beautiful and inspiring to note the touch of light and glory with which these simple words invest the cross. It is not said I am He that was dead and liveth, but "I am He that liveth and was dead, but am alive forevermore." Life is mentioned before the death. There are two ways of looking at the cross. One is from the death side and the other
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Glorious Master and the Swooning Disciple
If our conceptions of the Lord Jesus are very enlarged, they will only be his due. We cannot exaggerate here. He deserves higher praise than we can ever render to him. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high is be above our loftiest conceptions. Even when the angels strike their loudest notes, and chant his praises most exultingly on their highest festal days, the music falls far short of his excellence. He is higher than a seraph's most soaring thought! Rise then, my brethren, as on
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 18: 1872

10Th Day. Dying Grace.
"He is Faithful that Promised." "I have the keys of hell and of death."--REV. i. 18. Dying Grace. And from whom could dying grace come so welcome, as from Thee, O blessed Jesus? Not only is Thy name, "The Abolisher of Death;" but Thou didst thyself die! Thou hast sanctified the grave by Thine own presence, and divested it of all its terrors. My soul! art thou at times afraid of this, thy last enemy? If the rest of thy pilgrimage-way be peaceful and unclouded, rests there a dark and portentous
John Ross Macduff—The Faithful Promiser

Swooning and Reviving Christ's Feet.
AN ADDRESS DELIVERED AT THE CLOSE OF ONE OF THE PASTORS' COLLEGE CONFERENCES. "And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. And He laid His right hand upon me saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold. I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death."--Revelation i. 17, 18. SWOONING AND REVIVING AT CHRIST'S FEET. WE have nothing now to think of but our Lord. We come to Him that He may cause us to forget all others.
Charles Hadden Spurgeon—Till He Come

The Fear of God.
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as one dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying, Fear not; I am the first and the last and the Living one.'--Rev. i. 17, 18. It is not alone the first beginnings of religion that are full of fear. So long as love is imperfect, there is room for torment. That lore only which fills the heart--and nothing but love can fill any heart--is able to cast out fear, leaving no room for its presence. What we find in the beginnings of religion, will hold in varying
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

Catalogue of his Works.
There is no absolutely complete edition of Eusebius' extant works. The only one which can lay claim even to relative completeness is that of Migne: Eusebii Pamphili, Cæsareæ Palestinæ Episcopi, Opera omnia quæ extant, curis variorum, nempe: Henrici Valesii, Francisci Vigeri, Bernardi Montfauconii, Card. Angelo Maii edita; collegit et denuo recognovit J. P. Migne. Par. 1857. 6 vols. (tom. XIX.-XXIV. of Migne's Patrologia Græca). This edition omits the works which are
Eusebius Pamphilius—Church History

The First and the Last
This title is used in Rev. i. 11. It is used again in 1. 17, ii. 8, and xxii. 13, but is never found in connection with "the Church of God." On the other hand, it is a title closely associated with "the Jew and the Gentile," as the following Scriptures will testify. Is. xli. 4, 5: "Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I, Jehovah, THE FIRST AND LAST; I am He. The isles saw it, and feared; the ends of the earth were afraid." Is. xliv. 6: "Thus saith the Lord, the
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

The Lord's Day
In Rev. i. 9 we are told that John saw and received this revelation on "the Lord's Day." Leaving the former part of this verse for the present, let us notice the latter expression, "the Lord's Day." [4] The majority of people, being accustomed from their infancy to hear the first day of the week called the Lord's Day, conclude in their own minds that that day is thus called in Rev. i. 9 because that was the name of it. But the contrary is the fact: the day is so called by us because of this verse.
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

A Great Voice
This expression links on the book of Revelation to the book of Deuteronomy, especially if we regard it in the connection with the fire, with which it is associated in each case. Ten times is the voice of God speaking "out of the midst of the fire" heard in Deuteronomy: viz., chaps. iv. 12,15,33,36; v. 4,22(19) [36] , 23(20), 24(21), 25(21), 26(23). Here, in Rev. i. 10, John hears "a great voice," and it is connected with fire, for the eyes of the speaker were "as a flame of fire" (ver. 14) and his
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

Call to China and Voyage Hence
The known facts in regard to John Talmage's boyhood and youthful days are few. Of the known facts some perhaps are too trivial, others too sacred to bear mention. The sapling grew. Of the inner and outer circles of growth there is but brief record. He spent his boyhood at a quiet country hamlet, Gateville, New Jersey. On the ridge swung the toll-gate, and a little beyond might be heard the hum and rattle of the grist-mill. His father kept the toll-gate. John was a fine horseman, and found great sport
Rev. John Gerardus Fagg—Forty Years in South China

Within the Holiest
Gerhard Ter Steegen Rev. i. 5, 6 His priest am I, before Him day and night, Within His Holy Place; And death, and life, and all things dark and bright, I spread before His Face. Rejoicing with His joy, yet ever still, For silence is my song My work to bend beneath His blessed will, All day, and all night long-- For ever holding with Him converse sweet, Yet speechless, for my gladness is complete.
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

Moreover, to Give a Fuller Demonstration of this Point...
[2829] Rev. i. 5 [2830] 1 Cor. xv. 23 [2831] 1 Cor. xv. 42-4 [2832] animale. [2833] Phil. iii. 21
Various—Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.

The Fire of Love --Book I
Chapter I Note iii., p. 16--C. reads: for thai vnmanerly wyth warldly mone has armyd tham self.' But L. quia terrenas pecunias immoderate amauerunt'; which is probably correct, and which I have therefore followed. Note iv., p. 17--an omission in C. L., reads: Erumpit enim in ostensione operis feruor amoris.' Note v., p. 18--Another omission L. et qui ad amandum deum semper sunt auidi.' Chapter II Note vi., p. 20 The Bible references are to the Vulgate of Sixtus V and Clement VII, and where the
Richard Rolle—The Fire of Love

The Source of Power
'And the Angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep, 2. And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold, a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps which are upon the top thereof: 3. And two olive-trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. 4. So I answered and spake to the Angel that talked with
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Sight of the Crowned Christ
(Revelation, Chapter i.) "Since mine eyes were fixed on Jesus, I've lost sight of all beside, So enchained my spirit's vision, Looking at the Crucified." "The Lord Christ passed my humble cot: I knew him, yet I knew him not; But as I oft had done before, I hurried through my narrow door To touch His garment's hem. "He drew me to a place apart From curious crowd and noisy mart; And as I sat there at His feet I caught the thrill of His heart-beat Beyond His garment's hem. "Rare was the bread He broke
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation

Love's Complaining
Hence our Lord's fitness to deal with the churches, which are these golden lamp-stands, for no one knows so much about the lamps as the person whose constant work it is to watch them and trim them. No one knows the churches as Jesus does, for the care of all the churches daily comes upon him, he continually walks among them, and holds their ministers as stars in his right hand. His eyes are perpetually upon the churches, so that he knows their works, their sufferings, and their sins; and those eyes
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 32: 1886

Our Lord Appears after his Ascension.
^F I. Cor. XV. 8. ^f 8 and last of all, as to the child untimely born, he appeared to me also. [Since Paul reckons this among the bodily appearances of our Lord, we have included it in our work; but it borders upon those spiritual appearances which belong rather to apostolic history and may be classed with the vision of Stephen (Acts vii. 55) and John (Rev. i. 9-17), to which it was near kin. Accounts of the appearance will be found in the ninth, twenty-second and twenty-sixth chapters of Acts. For
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Living One
"I am He that liveth, and was dead" (i. 18). (...) (ho zon), THE LIVING ONE. Like the previous title, it is used as a special designation of the One whose unveiling is about to be shewn to John. Its use is peculiar to Daniel and Revelation. The two books thus linked together by it are linked as to their character and subject matter in a very special manner. It is used twice in Daniel:- Dan. iv. 34 (31 [19] ) and xii. 7; and six time in Revelation:- Rev. i. 18; iv. 9,10; v. 14; x. 6; and xv. 7. [20]
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

Lord God
In i. 8 the title "god" must be added to the word "Lord," according to all the Critical Greek Texts [14] and the R.V. In chap. xxii. 6 we have the same title. Thus at the end of the book and at the beginning we have this peculiar title, which seems to enclose all that the book contains, and stamp it all with that which the title signifies. What is signifies is clear from the place where we first find it, vix., in the second of the twelve divisions of Genesis (chap. ii. 4 - iv. 26). This division
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

Letter v. Yes, My Dear Friend, it is My Conviction that in all Ordinary Cases the Knowledge...
Yes, my dear friend, it is my conviction that in all ordinary cases the knowledge and belief of the Christian Religion should precede the study of the Hebrew Canon. Indeed, with regard to both Testaments, I consider oral and catechismal instruction as the preparative provided by Christ himself in the establishment of a visible Church. And to make the Bible, apart from the truths, doctrines, and spiritual experiences contained therein, the subject of a special article of faith, I hold an unnecessary
Samuel Taylor Coleridge—Confessions of an Inquiring Spirit etc

The Royal Priesthood
Gerhard Ter Steegen Jer. xxxiii. 18; Rev. i. 6 The race of God's anointed priests shall never pass away; Before His glorious Face they stand, and serve Him night and day. Though reason raves, and unbelief flows on, a mighty flood, There are, and shall be, till the end, the hidden priests of God. His chosen souls, their earthly dross consumed in sacred fire, To God's own heart their hearts ascend in flame of deep desire; The incense of their worship fills His Temple's holiest place; Their song with
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

Communion Again Broken --Restoration
Cant. v. 2-vi.10. The fourth section commences with an address of the bride to the daughters of Jerusalem, in which she narrates her recent sad experience, and entreats their help in her trouble. The presence and comfort of her Bridegroom are again lost to her; not this time by relapse into worldliness, but by slothful self-indulgence. We are not told of the steps that led to her failure; of how self again found place in her heart. Perhaps spiritual pride in the achievements which grace enabled her
J. Hudson Taylor—Union and Communion

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