Revelation 1

The Revelation of Jesus Christ

The island of Patmos was mainly a Roman prison camp. Christians were greatly persecuted during the last part of the first century. John himself was banished to the Isle of Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ (see Revelation 1:9). Even in those circumstances, however, John sought the Spirit “on the Lord’s day” (Revelation 1:10) and had a marvelous vision of Jesus Christ, which we read about in Revelation 1.

Understanding the Scriptures

Revelation 1

Signified it (v. 1)Revealed or delivered it

First begotten of the dead (v. 5)First to be resurrected

Dominion (v. 6)Authority, rule, to rule over

Alpha and Omega (vv. 8, 11)The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet; name title of the Savior

Tribulation (v. 9)Trials and troubles

The Lord’s day (v. 10)The Christian Sabbath (Sunday), the day of the week the Lord was resurrected

Girt about the paps (v. 13)Wrapped around the chest

His countenance (v. 16)Appearance, especially the expression on the face

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A and B as you study Revelation 1.

1. A Revelation of Jesus Christ

   In your notebook, list what you learn about Jesus Christ from Revelation 1.

   1. Answer one of the following two questions: What did you learn about Jesus Christ in Revelation 1 that you did not know about Him before? What most impressed you about Jesus Christ as you read what John wrote about Him?

   2. Why do you think it is important to know these things about Jesus as you begin reading Revelation?

2. Interpreting Important Symbols

   Find the following symbols in Revelation 1 and write what you think each symbol represents and what it teaches us. In the Joseph Smith Translation for Revelation 1 and in Revelation 1:20 the Lord explained the meaning of some of the symbols that John saw. (You may want to read again “Look for Types and Symbolic Meanings,” p. 5, for help with interpreting symbols.)

   • Seven golden candlesticks (see Revelation 1:12–13, 20; see also 3 Nephi 18:24)

   • The white appearance of the Savior (see Revelation 1:14; see also Alma 13:24)

   • Seven stars in the right hand of the Savior (see Revelation 1:16, 20; see JST, Revelation 1:1–8, 20 and note the change in the word angels)

   • The Savior’s tongue is compared to a two-edged sword (see Revelation 1:16; see also Helaman 3:29)

   • The face of the Savior glowing like the sun (see Revelation 1:16; see also D&C 88:7)