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| Volume 27 Number 10 October 2025
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Page 4 |
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| Volume 27 Number 10 October 2025
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Page 4 |
Gary C. Hampton
The author of a first century letter began by identifying himself and the party or parties to whom he wrote. “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants” (Revelation 1:1) identifies the Father as the author, with Jesus Christ being the one through whom the letter was conveyed.
Jesus is “the faithful witness” of God’s will and the first one to be raised from the dead to die no more (Revelation 1:5; John 3:31–32; Colossians 1:18). This would be a source of great encouragement since Antipas had already died for the faith and others would soon follow (Revelation 2:13). Knowing that God can raise the dead should give Christians courage, even in the face of death (Romans 8:11). Christ is likewise the Ruler over all who are in authority on the earth (Romans 13:1). It might have seemed that no one could control Rome, but the Lord was in authority and would judge them for their misdeeds (John 19:10–11).
No one has ever loved any of us more than Jesus does (John 5:13; Romans 5:6–8). That love motivated Him to give His blood so that our sins might be washed away (Hebrews 9:14, 28). All who are a part of the King’s blood-bought body will rule over all (Revelation 1:6; Ephesians 1:22–23; Philippians 2:9–11). Members of Christ’s body have been made a priesthood to offer up sacrifices of praise to God’s name (1 Peter 2:5–9; Hebrews 13:15). John broke forth in praise to God’s name at the very mention of the Father, much like Paul had done in Ephesians 3:20–21.
The apostle of love was there when the men in white apparel promised that Jesus would return like he left (Acts 1:9–11). Every eye shall see him come again, including those who pierced him and all the families of the earth. John reported they will wail when they see the King coming, realizing they are unprepared. Jesus is eternal, and His saints need not fear temporary powers like Rome because He is also Almighty (Revelation 1:7–8).
