Revelation – Chapter 1

New Testament20 Verses

1The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to make known to his servants the things which must shortly come to pass: and signified, sending by his angel to his servant John,

2Who hath given testimony to the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, what things soever he hath seen.

3Blessed is he that readeth and heareth the words of this prophecy: and keepeth those things which are written in it. For the time is at hand.

4John to the seven churches which are in Asia. Grace be unto you and peace, from him that is and that was and that is to come: and from the seven spirits which are before his throne:

5And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead and the prince of the kings of the earth, who hath loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood

6And hath made us a kingdom, and priests to God and his Father. To him be glory and empire for ever and ever. Amen.

7Behold, he cometh with the clouds, and every eye shall see him: and they also that pierced him. And all the tribes of the earth shall bewail themselves because of him. Even so. Amen.

8I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, saith the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.

9I, John, your brother and your partner in tribulation and in the kingdom and patience in Christ Jesus, was in the island which is called Patmos, for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus.

10I was in the spirit on the Lord's day and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

11Saying: What thou seest, write in a book and send to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamus and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.

12And I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks:

13And in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, one like to the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the feet, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

14And his head and his hairs were white as white wool and as snow. And his eyes were as a flame of fire:

15And his feet like unto fine brass, as in a burning furnace. And his voice as the sound of many waters.

16And he had in his right hand seven stars. And from his mouth came out a sharp two-edged sword. And his face was as the sun shineth in his power.

17And when I had seen him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying: Fear not. I am the First and the Last,

18And alive, and was dead. And behold I am living for ever and ever and have the keys of death and of hell.

19Write therefore the things which thou hast seen: and which are: and which must be done hereafter.

20The mystery of the seven stars, which thou sawest in my right hand and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches. And the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.

Reflection for Today

Revelation Chapter 1 opens with a powerful vision of the risen and glorified Christ, establishing His authority and majesty before the detailed prophecies that follow. John's encounter with Jesus in His heavenly glory is both terrifying and comforting—terrifying because of Christ's power and holiness, comforting because He is the same Jesus who loves and cares for His people. This chapter reminds us that the Jesus we serve is not just a historical figure or a moral teacher, but the sovereign Lord of the universe.

The chapter also introduces the seven churches of Asia Minor, showing that Revelation is not just about future events, but about God's message to His people in every age. The fact that Jesus walks among the lampstands (representing the churches) demonstrates His ongoing presence and care for His Church. This chapter teaches us that Christ is intimately involved in the life of His people and that He knows our circumstances, our struggles, and our faithfulness.

John's response to this vision—falling as though dead—shows the appropriate human response to encountering God's holiness. Yet Jesus' gentle words "Fear not" remind us that God's power is always tempered with His love. Revelation 1 calls us to worship Christ in His majesty while finding comfort in His personal care for each of us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings