Overview of Revelation 1-11

The book of Revelation is an unveiling of the person of Jesus Christ - He alone is the focus. This prophecy was given to the disciple John as a vision, and bears witness "to all that he saw" (1:2). It is understandable because a blessing is promised to anyone who reads, hears and heeds the things that are written in it (1:3) - God expects readers to understand and obey the message. Chapters 1-11 are more general, giving the big picture: a presentation of Christ's person (Ch. 1), a preparation of His creation for His return (Chs. 2-7), and a broad pouring out of His wrath (Chs. 8-11). They reveal His position, power, promises, praise, people, protection, patience, prophets and preeminence. Later we will look at chapters 12-22 which provide specific details to more fully explain the persons and events shown in this first half of the book, but chapters 1-11 are critical for laying the basic groundwork to the message, and are a wider manifestation of Jesus Christ Himself.