I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, which said: "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches..." I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw...  Revelation 1:9-12

John, who is writing this book, is one of the dearest friends of Jesus and, according to history, the last living disciple. John is also a pastor. This book is a pastoral letter written to the seven churches that are mentioned. It's important to remember that John is talking to them about things that are happening real time. He's about to pastor, correct, comfort, encourage, and inspire those early churches with and extraordinary message. 

John is writing this after being banished to Patmos, about ten miles off the coast or Turkey, because he refused to bow and worship Caesar. He is writing to a persecuted Church.

Read Revelation 1:1-8:

What stands out to you?

What questions to you have that you hope will be answered during this series?

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last."  Revelation 1:17

John is taken aback by the power and the glory of this friend and savior. Jesus is more than even he could have imagined. 

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." Revelation 22:13

We have to start with the news at the end of the book. Jesus gets the last word. Jesus IS the last word. God wins. Hallelujah!

What does the word "apocalypse" mean to you? 

It actually comes from the Greek word "apokalupsis" which means to disclose, to unveil, to reveal. 

This book is about the present AND the future. There are warnings and encouragements. 

Reflect