1:11Revelation 1:11

The risen Jesus Himself declares that He is the eternal One, the beginning and the end, and charges His aged servant in exile to preserve in writing what is shown him and send it to the seven named congregations in Asia.AA 581.4–582.2+4 John, nearly one hundred years old and banished to desolate Patmos for faithful testimony, was in the Spirit on the seventh-day Sabbath when he heard the trumpet-like voice and turned to see Christ in glorified majesty standing among seven golden candlesticks.Ms 155, 1902, par. 10–11+4 The seven churches named stand for the complete church of God in every place and in every period of the Christian era to the close of earth's history.Lt 110, 1902, par. 9–10+4 The book so commanded is the direct word of God and of Christ, not sealed but unfolded to disclose what must shortly come to pass unto His coming in glory, and it is to be diligently studied, kept, and proclaimed straight and openly to every nation and community.Ms 46, 1904, par. 3–6+4 It assures His people that the same living Lord who strengthened John is present with them in loneliness, oppression, and persecution, and that exile and trial can become the gate of heaven for communion with Him.Lt 91, 1896, par. 2–6+4

The voice came to John in old age, when he was nearly one hundred years old, banished to the lonely, desolate, rocky isle of Patmos for the word of God and for faithful testimony to Jesus.Lt 91, 1896, par. 2–6+2 It was a time of fierce persecution and great darkness, when enemies sought to silence him and outwardly triumphed in exiling him.Ms 100, 1893, par. 2–3+2 His banishment was for his faithful witness to God as a brother and companion in tribulation and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ.Lt 91, 1896, par. 2–6+1

Though he was cut off from companions in the faith, from his labors in the gospel, and from the society of brethren, he was not cut off from God and could not be separated from Jesus.Ms 100, 1893, par. 2–3+2 The desolate place of exile became to him the gate of heaven.Lt 91, 1896, par. 2–6+1 His isolation prepared him to receive more communications from heaven than in all the rest of his lifetime, for God permitted the exile so Christ could give His faithful servant a more wonderful revelation of Himself to give to the world.Ms 94, 1897, par. 38–39+2 With heaven opened before him he was filled with unspeakable joy.Lt 91, 1896, par. 2–6+1

He was in the Spirit on the Lord's day when the voice came.Ms 155, 1902, par. 10–11+2 That Lord's day is the seventh-day Sabbath, the holy day which God had blessed and set apart as His own, instituted in Eden.Ms 150, 1899, par. 13–15+2 It was still precious to John in exile, with its promises repeated and claimed as the sign that God sanctifies His people.Ms 150, 1899, par. 13–15+1

In that state he heard behind him a great voice as loud as a trumpet, declaring Alpha and Omega, the first and the last.Ms 155, 1902, par. 10–11+2 The voice came in clear, distinct tones, and turning to see the voice he beheld his Master with whom he had walked and talked in Judea.Ms 155, 1902, par. 10–11+2 He saw seven golden candlesticks with one like the Son of man in the midst, clothed to the foot and girt about with a golden girdle.Ms 155, 1902, par. 10–11+2 His hair was white, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet as burning brass, His voice as many waters, with seven stars in His right hand, a sharp two-edged sword going from His mouth, and His countenance as the sun in its strength.Ms 155, 1902, par. 10–11+1

The voice that speaks is Jesus Christ Himself, the risen Lord, coming personally from heaven to John to give the Revelation.AA 581.4–582.2+4 He works through the Holy Spirit upon John, and through His highest angels, sending a mighty angel to make plain by symbols the things to come until His coming.Ms 139, 1903, par. 33–34+2 John receives the message while wrought upon by the Spirit, and Christ Himself tells him what to write.Ms 139, 1903, par. 33–34+1

He declares Himself to be Alpha and Omega, the first and the last.AA 581.4–582.2+4 That title identifies His eternal Godhead as the beginning and the end.Lt 110, 1902, par. 9–10+2 He is the One who lives and was dead and is alive forevermore, holding the keys of hell and of death.Ms 155, 1902, par. 10–11+1

He appears in heavenly glory and divine majesty and power.AA 581.4–582.2 He comes in glorified humanity as the divine Being who after His ascension entered the heavenly courts and the glory of the heavenly sanctuary.Ms 53, 1890, par. 46–47+1 This is in contrast to John's earlier view of Him in suffering and humiliation, hanging in human agony on the cross.AA 581.4–582.2+1

He is the Lord of the Sabbath who rules the earth and keeps the waters in their appointed channel.Lt 87, 1896, par. 3+1 The risen Christ still bears the nail marks in His hands and feet.Ms 94, 1897, par. 38–39 The mockers' charge that He saved others but Himself He could not save was true, for in His very death He was suffering the death penalty to make provision to save sinners, that they may take hold of His life and have a life that measures with the life of God.Ms 97, 1906, par. 55–56

His glory overwhelms John so that John falls as dead because humanity cannot endure the glory.Ms 150, 1899, par. 13–15+2 He lays His right hand upon John, tells him not to fear, and revives, raises and strengthens him to endure His presence and perform his task.Ms 150, 1899, par. 13–15+2 His revelation to John in glory thus strengthens the messenger for the work of making the message known to the churches.19MR 40.4–41.2+1

The voice commands John to write in a book what he sees and hears in vision, preserving the revelation in writing.Ms 155, 1902, par. 10–11+3 The writing is to set down what was seen and heard during the vision so that the churches may know what was to come upon the earth.Ms 155, 1902, par. 10–11+2 By being written the testimony is immortalized as present truth until all the foretold events come to pass.Ms 46, 1904, par. 3–6+2 The order to write proves the book contains the word of God.Ms 46, 1904, par. 3–6+1

The book when written was to be sent to the seven churches in Asia, namely unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.Ms 155, 1902, par. 10–11+4 The words spoken were not for John alone and not for those seven congregations alone.Ms 53, 1890, par. 46–47+2 But through those churches the inspired message was to come to God's people with powerful impression in every age to the close of this earth's history.Ms 53, 1890, par. 46–47+2

The command shows the book is the direct word of Jesus Christ, the revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave unto Him.Ms 46, 1904, par. 3–6+3 It is not a sealed book but a mystery unfolded, shown in figures with words of explanation.Ms 46, 1904, par. 3–6+2 It is wonderful, dignified, exalted, and solemn instruction, wonderful instruction given on Patmos.Ms 131, 1903, par. 11–15+2 It is a message exceeding in importance any other message ever entrusted to mortals, telling what is of greatest importance for the present and reaching from time into eternity.Ms 139, 1903, par. 33–34+2

The seven named congregations stand for all the churches in the world and for the complete church of God, for all who shall be saved.Lt 110, 1902, par. 9–10+2 The number seven signifies completeness and a perfect whole, so the message was not for those congregations only.Lt 110, 1902, par. 9–10+2 The names themselves describe characteristics found in every church.19MR 40.4–41.2

They symbolize the Christian church through different periods of the Christian era, with the symbols revealing the condition of the church in those periods.Ms 81, 1900, par. 49–53+2 Because seven is completeness, the messages extend to the end of time and remain in force today.Ms 81, 1900, par. 49–53+2 In this way the writing sent to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea reaches Christians across the ages.Ms 161, 1904, par. 14–16+2

What was spoken was not for John alone and not for those seven churches alone, but through those churches the inspired message was to come with powerful impression to God's people in every age to the close of earth's history.Ms 53, 1890, par. 46–47+2 It was meant to strengthen and enlighten the church through the end of time, making known the things which are and the things which shall be hereafter and clearly describing His coming.Lt 110, 1902, par. 9–10+1 Its light is therefore not to be hidden but to be studied, believed, taught to those unacquainted with truth, and preached openly, with its warnings intended to reach the churches widely and to be proclaimed today without ceasing.Lt 126, 1906, par. 5+2

Applied to the present, the direction to write to the seven churches is a message to a people in the last days who are making void the law of God.Ms 163, 1897, par. 2–5 Those churches have drunk deeply of the wine of Babylon and are to receive a startling message of truth that will reveal to them their true position.Ms 163, 1897, par. 2–5 The seven churches also represent the churches in the land, called under the banner of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus to proclaim the third angel's message and every experienced point of present truth wherever they go.Ms 188, 1905, par. 28–30 That proclamation rejects spiritualistic ideas that deny a personal Christ and a personal God, and holds fast to the sanctuary, to Christ Jesus and to the Father.Ms 188, 1905, par. 28–30

This command belongs to a symbolic revelation of events leading up to Christ's coming, disclosing what must shortly come to pass and what should be in the last days of earth's history through the ages to His coming with power and great glory in the clouds of heaven.Ms 105, 1906, par. 27–28+4 A mighty angel was sent to make plain by symbols to John the things that would happen until the coming of Christ, and John while in exile on Patmos was instructed to write what was revealed in a book for the seven churches in Asia and to communicate it to the churches.Ms 105, 1906, par. 27–28+4 That writing is preserved as the book of Revelation, which contains the message for the last days for later generations, though understood by only very few, and its prophecies deserve careful study and are to be dwelt upon much with Scripture explained by Scripture to hasten the coming of the King.Ms 105, 1906, par. 27–28+4

The message of the first three chapters standing at the opening gives an earnest warning to prepare to meet the Lord in the clouds of heaven, for He comes with power and great glory.Lt 386, 1904, par. 1+2 It rebukes indifference to the signs foretold and gives evidence that the end of the world is right upon us.Lt 386, 1904, par. 1+1 Those chapters give the history of Satan's effort through subtlety to bring dissension into the church and destroy much of the good that had been accomplished, a history that must be met today.Lt 386, 1904, par. 1+1 From its opening through its close the book unfolds solemn truths, including events just before Christ's return in power and glory.Lt 386, 1904, par. 1+1

The whole revelation from its opening through its close unfolds light from Jesus Christ intended to shine to the world, giving a bright view of the future and a wonderful view of His glory.18MR 77.1–2+4 It discloses events extending through the ages to Christ's coming, gives what is of greatest importance for the present, and reaches from time into eternity.Ms 175, 1903, par. 10+2 In exile on the desert island of Patmos, deprived of the society of brethren after enemies outwardly triumphed by banishing him for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus, John was not separated from Jesus but taught by Him, studying and communing with God while persecution could not separate him.18MR 77.1–2+2 God permitted the exile by an unseen hand so Christ could give His faithful servant a more wonderful revelation of Himself to give to the world, a great light shining from Christ to John concerning what was to come upon the earth in the last days, and the risen Saviour made His presence known on the holy Sabbath day and commanded him to write what he saw in a book for the churches, and that testimony then given is also given now to search the Scriptures that what will be may be known.18MR 77.1–2+2

The entire revelation Jesus Christ gave to John was already rehearsed by Moses in the Exodus and in the plagues brought upon Egypt.Ms 132, 1898, par. 1 It is in harmony with Scripture and is tested by Scripture, for there is no contradiction in the Word of God.Ms 132, 1898, par. 1 It is to be understood with Scripture explaining Scripture to hasten the coming of the King.Ms 105, 1906, par. 27–28+1 In exile John beheld his glorified Redeemer and saw more distinctly than ever before what was to be at the close of this earth's history, receiving special light for the church through faithfulness in witnessing to Christ.18MR 77.1–2+1 He saw the mercy, tenderness, and love of God blending with His holiness, justice, and power.Ms 38, 1905, par. 8 He saw sinners finding a Father in Him of whom their sins had made them afraid, where mercy and truth met together and righteousness and peace kissed each other, so that instead of fleeing from God because of sins, sinners flee to His arms for protection and pardon, and the throne terrible in unbelief becomes in repentance a place of refuge.Ms 38, 1905, par. 8

The visions given to be written down and delivered to the people are worthy of careful study, especially for what they teach about Christ's life, character, and mediatorial work.Ms 88, 1910, par. 3+1 The first, important, solemn chapter reveals the Lord Jesus in the correct representation as God designed, containing what Jesus was to give to all who will be alive on the earth to hear and receive it in truth and righteousness in words of warning.Ms 88, 1910, par. 3+1 It is to be clearly understood and its true meaning taken in, requiring a solemn, humble heart that is affected as the representation claims, with exact care to make no mistakes in interpreting Scripture.Ms 88, 1910, par. 3

The message given in the opening three chapters is to be heeded, studied, believed, and kept continually before the people.MWISDAP 61.5–62.1+3 Its study teaches those living in the last days to recognize their dangers and how to avoid them.Lt 408, 1907, par. 10–13 It must be known in order to escape the perils of the last days and to know where dependence lies.Ms 159, 1904, par. 5 The written instruction concerning the closing scenes of earth's history is to be studied carefully and prayerfully.20MR 150.3

It is a warning message for the world that calls for earnest, prayerful study, especially of the parts that bear on the present time.Ms 165, 1904, par. 3–5 The symbolic revelations written in a book for the seven churches were preserved for later generations and contain a message for the last days whose prophecies deserve careful study.Lt 376, 1906, par. 24 They are to be diligently searched now in view of the coming of Christ, dwelt upon much in prophecy, and made known so the world can understand them.ACSMHFP 3.7+1 That instruction for the church in these last days must be learned and spoken about more.Ms 129, 1905, par. 1–4+1

The light is not to be hidden but is to be taught to those unacquainted with truth, studied, believed, and preached openly today.Lt 110, 1902, par. 9–10+1 Proclaiming it is life, and God gives the power of His grace and the treasures of truth for proclaiming it, while the Holy Spirit makes the truth shine in its original luster.Lt 279, 1904, par. 19–20+1 It is to come to God's people straight, sharp, and clean from all mixture of human wisdom and tradition, and is to be preached just as the Lord gave it.Lt 279, 1904, par. 19–20+1 Not a pin or a pillar is to be removed from the foundation of faith in it, and thus preached it is powerful in the conviction of sinners.Lt 279, 1904, par. 19–20

Labor under this command is not to be confined to those nominally united with the church, and no single place is to be made a Jerusalem center.Ms 161, 1904, par. 14–16 The message with its warnings is to be carried to those who have never heard the truth in every nation on earth, to all nations, languages, and peoples, through every route and community.Ms 161, 1904, par. 14–16+1 Written instruction is to prepare people for the events of the world's closing scenes, reaching even those a living messenger could not reach, because the time is at hand and past history will be repeated.Lt 1, 1890, par. 3–7 God's angels prepare the way for it, with earnest seeking for the power of the Holy Spirit to act as faithful servants until the work of salvation is accomplished, and those entrusted with this light are responsible for ensuring that it is shared.Ms 161, 1904, par. 14–16+1

The written instruction guards against false theories brought by people who are not taught by the Holy Spirit and who seek to exalt themselves and overturn established truth.20MR 150.3+1 It guards against scientific scheming brought with increasing power against those bearing responsibility in carrying Christ's instruction to the churches under His supervision for the last days, lest that work be made of no effect.Lt 311, 1905, par. 5–7 Christian missionaries in training must not be deceived and led away by teaching that confuses minds and mixes specious scientific errors with scriptural instruction, but those truths must be kept pure.Ms 70, 1905, par. 6 Studying the Word with divine inspiration gives light that helps keep error from taking root.Ms 165, 1904, par. 6–8

The instruction calls for no gods made by men, but for worship of the Lord God with all the heart and mind and soul and strength, and love to neighbor as self.Ms 159, 1904, par. 5 These are the two great principles of love to God and love to man on which hang all the law and the prophets.Ms 159, 1904, par. 5

The same Jesus who appeared to John can be present with people in lonely places and show them His love and His Father's love.Lt 91, 1896, par. 2–6 The manifestation fulfills His promise to love those who love Him and manifest Himself to them, and He will likewise manifest Himself to all who remain faithful in warfare.Ms 21, 1895, par. 16–17 When His glory is revealed and their trial is over, He will likewise reveal His presence and sustain His persecuted, scattered people, and they will recognize their Redeemer who bought them with His blood.Ms 56, 1886, par. 14 The vision of the risen Christ shows that Christ is alive and gives the church living power, and assures God's people that Christ is with them in oppression and persecution, even in prisons and at the stake, where in the deepest darkness His glory shines most clearly.ST Mar 22, 1905

John's isolation prepared him to receive this revelation, and his enemies' persecution became a means of grace.Ms 94, 1897, par. 38–39 Even in isolation he could hold communion with God, for God did not forget or cast off him for putting trust in Him, but the Son of God met him there and filled his vision with scenes of immortal glory.Ms 165, 1904, par. 6–8+1 By constancy and obedience under trial he was spiritually enriched, and his example of submission, patience, and faith became a source of strength to others.PP 129.2 Even the trials that task faith most severely and bring feelings of being forsaken are to lead closer to Christ to lay all burdens at His feet and experience the peace He gives in exchange, for God's thoughts are peace and not evil.PP 129.2

The charge calls for the same teachable response John showed, for though beloved of God and advanced in age he was a human messenger whose humanity could not endure the glory, so that he fell as dead and Christ revived and strengthened him for his task.Ms 165, 1904, par. 12–13 Though he had erred in judgment, as when he wanted fire from heaven on those who refused Christ, he accepted Christ's reproof that the Son of man came to save lives not to destroy them and profited from the lesson.Lt 338, 1905, par. 7 Hearers are therefore to earnestly seek to understand and carry out every word of instruction Christ sends instead of becoming offended, trusting one's own judgment, and counterworking God's purposes.Lt 338, 1905, par. 7 A message from God is not to be rejected merely because it comes through human lips.Ms 165, 1904, par. 12–13

The command to write assigns writing as the appointed work, illustrating that a person given a specific task should devote himself to it rather than take on other work at the same time.6MR 179.1–180.1+1 It is a standing commission to make known to others what Christ has revealed and to write out faithfully what is seen so that the people may have the revealed light.Ms 63, 1906, par. 20+1 One given that writing work should concentrate all powers upon that work alone, giving self wholly to writing and not dividing strength by adding speaking and visiting.6MR 179.1–180.1+1 It means doing one thing at a time and likewise letting the pen rest in great measure when engaged in speaking and visiting to present new and startling truths whose reception involves a cross.8MR 328.2–329.1

Obedience to the repeated command brings the Lord's own enabling even when the hand is unsteady and writing seems physically impossible, steadying the hand so page after page can be written with ease.Ms 49, 1906, par. 24–25 With the command He gives words, a steady even hand, and blessing, so that trembling weakness and ruined nerves and lack of learning become a lifelong work of writing volume after volume reaching through the world.Ms 143, 1906, par. 8–11 When the servant comes into right relation with the Lord and gives self wholly to Him, miracle-working power attends the written words and deeds.Ms 49, 1906, par. 24–25 The writing preserves visionary instruction in the relation of Scripture to Scripture, so the truths of the third angel's message are set down point by point.SG2 60.1+1

John was exiled after he had grown old in the service of the Lord, and on that isle received more communications from heaven than during the rest of his lifetime.Ms 63, 1906, par. 12–13 Ministers who have faithfully done their work and have become old and feeble in health are therefore not to be forgotten or neglected, for God still honors them with great light, and those in positions of trust and conferences have the duty to care for their needs.Ms 63, 1906, par. 12–13 The message presented exceeds in importance any other message ever entrusted to mortals, telling what was to come upon the earth, and medical workers need to realize the importance of this message.Ms 136, 1902, par. 20