The Revelation of Jesus Christ opens with John, exiled on Patmos for his testimony, receiving a vision on the Lord's Day when a voice like a trumpet commands him to write to the seven churches of Asia. Turning to see the voice, John beholds One like the Son of Man among seven golden lampstands, clothed in a long garment with a golden sash, His hair white as wool, eyes like flames, feet like burnished bronze, voice like many waters, holding seven stars and with a two-edged sword proceeding from His mouth. The risen Christ identifies Himself as the First and Last, the Living One who was dead and is now alive forevermore, holding the keys of Death and Hades.
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Read Revelation Chapter 1 Summary
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Characters in This Chapter
Places in This Chapter
Ephesus
View on MapEphesus was a major city in Asia Minor and home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Paul spent over two years there establishing a church that became influential throughout the region. The riot of silversmiths threatened Paul's life. The book of Ephesians and the letter to the church of Ephesus in Revelation were written to this congregation.
Thyatira
View on MapThyatira was an ancient city in Asia Minor (modern Akhisar, Turkey) and one of the Seven Churches addressed in Revelation. Known for its trade guilds and production of purple dye, it was the home of Lydia, the seller of purple goods who became Paul's first European convert. Christ's letter to this church commended their love and service but warned against tolerating the false prophetess Jezebel.
Position in Book
Vision of ChristChapters 1
The glorified Christ among the lampstands.
Letters to ChurchesChapters 2-3
Heavenly ThroneChapters 4-5
JudgmentsChapters 6-16
Babylon's FallChapters 17-18
Christ's ReturnChapters 19-20
New CreationChapters 21-22
