Revelation 1

Prologue

1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, a which God gave Him to show His servants - things which must 1 shortly take place. And b He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, 2 c who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things d that he saw. 3 e Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for f the time is near.

Greeting to the Seven Churches

4 John, to the seven churches which are in Asia:
Grace to you and peace from Him g who is and h who was and who is to come, i and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne,

5 and from Jesus Christ, j the faithful k witness, the l firstborn from the dead, and m the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him n who 2 loved us o and washed us from our sins in His own blood, 6 and has p made us 3 kings and priests to His God and Father, q to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, He is coming with r clouds, and every eye will see Him, even s they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

8 t "I am the Alpha and the Omega, 4 the Beginning and the End," says the 5 Lord, u "who is and who was and who is to come, the v Almighty."

Vision of the Son of Man

9 I, John, 6 both your brother and w companion in the tribulation and x kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10 y I was in the Spirit on z the Lord's Day, and I heard behind me a a loud voice, as of a trumpet, 11 saying, 7 "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last," and, "What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches 8 which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea."

12 Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned b I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 c and in the midst of the seven lampstands d One like the Son of Man, e clothed with a garment down to the feet and f girded about the chest with a golden band. 14 His head and g hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and h His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 i His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and j His voice as the sound of many waters; 16 k He had in His right hand seven stars, l out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, m and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.

17 And n when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But o He laid His right hand on me, saying 9 to me, "Do not be afraid; p I am the First and the Last. 18 q "I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, r I am alive forevermore. Amen. And s I have the keys of 10 Hades and of Death. 19 11 "Write the things which you have t seen, u and the things which are, v and the things which will take place after this. 20 "The 12 mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are w the 13 angels of the seven churches, and x the seven lampstands 14 which you saw are the seven churches.

  1. Cross References
    Acts 16:1
    Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek.
    Acts 16:2
    He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium.
    Romans 1:7
    To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
    2 Timothy 1:2
    To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
    Titus 1:4
    To Titus, a true son in our common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.
  2. Cross References
    Galatians 1:3
    Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.
  3. Cross References
    Acts 20:1
    After the uproar had ceased, Paul called the disciples to himself, embraced them, and departed to go to Macedonia.
    Acts 20:3
    And stayed three months. And when the Jews plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia.
  4. Cross References
    Romans 16:17
    Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.
    2 Corinthians 11:4
    For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted - you may well put up with it!
    Galatians 1:6
    I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel.
    Galatians 1:7
    Which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.
    1 Timothy 6:3
    If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness.
  5. Cross References
    1 Timothy 6:3
    If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness.
    1 Timothy 6:4
    He is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions.
    1 Timothy 6:20
    O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge -
    Titus 1:14
    Not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth.
  6. Cross References
    Romans 13:8 - 10
    Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.
    Galatians 5:14
    For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
  7. Cross References
    Ephesians 6:24
    Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
  8. Cross References
    1 Timothy 6:4
    He is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions.
    1 Timothy 6:20
    O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge -
  9. Cross References
    Romans 7:12
    Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.
    Romans 7:16
    If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good.
  10. Cross References
    1 Timothy 6:15
    Which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords.
  11. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 9:17
    For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship.
  12. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 15:10
    But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
  13. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 7:25
    Now concerning virgins: I have no commandment from the Lord; yet I give judgment as one whom the Lord in His mercy has made trustworthy.
  14. Cross References
    Colossians 1:25
    Of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God.
  15. Cross References
    Acts 8:3
    As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.
    1 Corinthians 15:9
    For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
  16. Cross References
    John 4:21
    Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father.
  17. Cross References
    Romans 5:20
    Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.
    1 Corinthians 3:10
    According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.
    2 Corinthians 4:15
    For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
    Galatians 1:13 - 16
    For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it.
  18. Cross References
    1 Thessalonians 1:3
    Remembering without ceasing your work of faith,...
    1 Timothy 2:15
    Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing ...
    1 Timothy 4:12
    Let no one despise your youth, but be an exampl...
    1 Timothy 6:11
    But you, O man of God, flee these things and pu...
    2 Timothy 1:13
    Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you ...
    2 Timothy 2:22
    Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousn...
    Titus 2:2
    That the older men be sober, reverent, temperat...
  19. Cross References
    1 Timothy 3:1
    This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.
    1 Timothy 4:9
    This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.
    2 Timothy 2:11
    This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him.
    Titus 3:8
    This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.
  20. Cross References
    Isaiah 53:5
    But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
    Isaiah 61:1
    The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound.
    Hosea 6:1 - 3
    Come, and let us return to the LORD; For He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up.
    Matthew 1:21
    "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins."
    Matthew 9:13
    "But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."
  21. Cross References
    Psalms 10:16
    The LORD is King forever and ever; The nations have perished out of His land.
  22. Cross References
    Romans 1:23
    And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man - and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
  23. Cross References
    Hebrews 11:27
    By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.
  24. Cross References
    Romans 16:27
    To God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.
  25. Cross References
    1 Chronicles 29:11
    Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, The power and the glory, The victory and the majesty; For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, And You are exalted as head over all.
  26. Cross References
    2 Timothy 2:17
    And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort.
    2 Timothy 2:18
    Who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.
  27. Cross References
    2 Timothy 4:14
    Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works.
  28. Cross References
    Acts 13:45
    But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul.
  29. Cross References
    Ezra 6:10
    That they may offer sacrifices of sweet aroma to the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king and his sons.
  30. Cross References
    Romans 13:1
    Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.
  31. Cross References
    Romans 12:2
    And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
  32. Cross References
    2 Timothy 1:9
    Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.
  33. Cross References
    Ezekiel 18:23
    Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked s...
    Ezekiel 18:32
    "For I have no pleasure in the death of one who...
    John 3:17
    For God did not send His Son into the world to ...
    1 Timothy 4:10
    For to this end we both labor and suffer reproa...
    Titus 2:11
    For the grace of God that brings salvation has ...
    2 Peter 3:9
    The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, a...
  34. Cross References
    John 17:3
    And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
  35. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 8:6
    Yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.
    Galatians 3:20
    Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one.
  36. Cross References
    Hebrews 9:15
    And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
  37. Cross References
    Mark 10:45
    "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
  38. Cross References
    Ephesians 3:7
    Of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.
    Ephesians 3:8
    To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.
    1 Timothy 1:11
    According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.
    2 Timothy 1:11
    To which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
  39. Cross References
    Galatians 1:15
    But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me through His grace.
    Galatians 1:16
    To reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood.
  40. Cross References
    Luke 23:34
    Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." And they divided His garments and cast lots.
  41. Cross References
    Psalms 134:2
    Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, And bless the LORD.
  42. Cross References
    1 Peter 3:3
    Do not let your adornment be merely outward - arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel -
  43. Cross References
    1 Peter 3:4
    Rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
  44. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 14:34
    Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says.
    Titus 2:5
    To be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.
  45. Cross References
    1 Timothy 6:9
    But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.
    2 Timothy 2:26
    And that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
  46. Cross References
    Ezekiel 44:21
    No priest shall drink wine when he enters the inner court.
  47. Cross References
    Matthew 25:21
    "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'
  48. Cross References
    John 1:14
    And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
    1 Peter 1:20
    He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you
    1 John 1:2
    The life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us -
    1 John 3:5
    And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin.
    1 John 3:8
    He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
  49. Cross References
    Matthew 3:16
    When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.
    Romans 1:4
    And declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.
  50. Cross References
    Matthew 28:2
    And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it.
New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
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