The reality of Christ’s presence in the church by His Spirit reminds us of His awareness of all that goes on within it. Are we as aware of His presence as He is aware of the state of our hearts?
– G.K. Beale on Revelation 1:9-20 in Revelation: A Shorter Commentary
The Christians were a pitiably small remnant, persecuted by mighty foes. To all outward appearance their situation was hopeless. But it is only as Christ is seen for what He really is that anything else can be seen in its true perspective. So for these persecuted ones it was important that first of all the glory and the majesty of the risen Lord be brought out.
– Leon Morris on Revelation 1:12-20 in The Revelation of St. John (TNCT)
In 1:9-20, the risen Christ appears in glory to capture the imagination and constrain the obedience of John’s audience, and we are part of that audience. The risen Christ in glory summons forth obedience from his churches.
– James M. Hamilton, Jr. on Revelation 1:9-20 in Revelation (PTC)
The essential thing about a priest is that he mediates. He speaks to God on behalf of men and to men on behalf of God. Believers are assigned this responsible task by their God. They are to pray to God for the world. And they are to witness to the world of what God has done.
– Leon Morris on Revelation 1:6 in The Revelation of St. John (TNTC)
Are you living like you belong to the kingdom of Jesus? Does your life attest that dominion belongs to Jesus? Do you live like he is your Lord? Is he Lord over your Internet usage? Is he Lord over your money? Is he Lord over your ambitions for your children? Is he Lord over your conversations?
– James Hamilton on Revelation 1:6 in Revelation (PTW)
In spite of the persecution and suffering that the saints are enduring, John wants them to know that they already inhabit a high position with Christ before God. The world is now in seeming control, but Christ has already entered the world and as a result of his “love” has “freed” them from the burdens of their sins and made them part of his kingdom, in which they are both royalty and priests.
– Grant Osborne on Revelation 1:5-6 in Revelation (BECNT)
Death is the tyrant that threatens all creation with irreplaceable loss and ultimate meaninglessness. But the One who brings this prophecy has dealt with death and rendered death helpless by becoming the firstborn from the dead.
– Paige Patterson on Revelation 1:5 in Revelation (NAC)
Point your whole life toward that glorious consummation, and let everything you do between now and then be informed by that moment when Jesus will come. Live for him now so that you will enjoy him then. Meditate on these texts until the blazing purity of the Lord Jesus is more desirable to you than the filthy pleasures that are nothing more than twisted parodies of his good gifts. And do everything you can to make sure that your day-to-day activities are done in a way that honors the King.
– James M. Hamilton Jr. in Revelation
One of the main goals of the book, therefore, is to exhort believers to remain faithful to Christ in spite of present sufferings and in spite of the temptations to engage in idolatry represented by compromise with the world-system, because this faithfulness will eventually be rewarded in the heavenly kingdom.
– G.K. Beale in Revelation
Nothing is more refreshing to the soul (except communication with God himself), than the company and society of a friend.– Esther Edwards Burr
Brian J. Mikul 