Revelation 1:2,3 - Blessed are those who hear it

1:2

“Who testifies to everything he saw”. The word “testify” is very common in John’s gospel, usually speaking of Jesus testifying. In 1 John 1:2 and 4:14 John speaks of himself testifying (or, rather “we testify”, including himself). Again we have the clear declaration that it is the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. We need to bear this in mind in reading this book. It is not an obscure book best ignored. It is the word of God and testifies to Jesus Christ. We need to keep these facts at the forefront of our minds.

1:3

In those days literacy was not that great, so the book would be read out in church. We have a very clear statement here that reading and listening to this message is a good thing! And that includes us studying the book today. It was never God’s intention that the book should be ignored! In the Bible “blessed” is a much richer term than it means in English. We need to take the message of the book to heart, and that does not include idle speculations. It is a book given for our instruction and encouragement, to enable us to triumph in the most difficult of circumstances, and to remain faithful to Christ. “The time is near”, this is not just a chronological phrase, it means that the events and nature of what is going on that is described in this book are imminent.