Question 1

Who is John calling himself a brother and companion in tribulation with?

Accepted Answer

John calls himself a “brother and companion in tribulation” to the believers in the seven churches. He is reminding them that he is not above them but alongside them. They share the same faith, the same kingdom of Jesus, and the same suffering for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. John is exiled on Patmos for this testimony, and many of them also face pressure and hardship. This helps Christians see that suffering for Christ is not strange, but part of following Him and sharing in His kingdom.

Question 2

What does it mean that John was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day?

Accepted Answer

When John says he was “in the Spirit on the Lord’s day,” he is describing a special work of the Holy Spirit where his mind and heart were taken up to receive God’s revelation. The “Lord’s day” points to the first day of the week, when Christians remembered Jesus’ resurrection and met for worship. Even though John was exiled and alone, he was still worshiping. In that setting, God met him, showing that Christ can draw near to His people anywhere when they are turned toward Him.

Question 3

What is the meaning of the seven golden candlesticks and seven stars?

Accepted Answer

Jesus Himself explains this picture. The seven golden candlesticks are the seven churches, and the seven stars in His right hand are the angels or messengers of those churches. The lampstands show that churches are meant to hold up and shine the light of the gospel, but the light itself comes from Christ. The stars in His right hand show His care and authority over those who lead and serve. All of this reminds believers that Jesus is present in the middle of His churches and in control of their life and witness.

Question 4

Why does John fall at Jesus’ feet as dead, and why does Jesus say, “Fear not”?

Accepted Answer

John falls at Jesus’ feet as dead because the vision of Christ’s glory is overwhelming. He sees Jesus with a face shining like the sun, eyes like fire, and a voice like many waters. This shows Jesus’ holiness, power, and majesty. John cannot stand before Him in his own strength. Yet Jesus lays His right hand on John and says, “Fear not.” He reminds John that He is the first and the last, the One who died and is alive forever, with the keys of death and the unseen world. His glory is great, but He is gentle with His servant.

Question 5

What does Jesus’ appearance in this vision teach about who He is?

Accepted Answer

Every part of Jesus’ appearance points to who He is. His long robe and golden sash show Him as a royal and priestly figure. His white hair points to His purity and eternal wisdom. His eyes like fire show that He sees everything clearly and judges rightly. His feet like glowing brass show steady strength. His voice like many waters shows power and authority. The sharp two-edged sword from His mouth is His powerful word. His shining face shows His divine glory. Together this reveals Jesus as living, holy, wise, and ruling in the middle of His churches.

Question 6

What does it mean that Jesus has the keys of hell and of death?

Accepted Answer

When Jesus says He has “the keys of hell and of death,” He is saying that He has complete authority over death and the unseen world. Keys picture the right to open and close, to let in or keep out. Jesus died and rose again, so death could not hold Him. Now He rules over who dies, who lives, and the final outcome of every life. For believers, this is a deep comfort. Their lives and their deaths are not random. They are in the hands of the One who loved them, died for them, and now lives forever.

Question 7

Why did Jesus tell John to write to the seven churches in Asia?

Accepted Answer

Jesus tells John to write what he sees in a book and send it to seven churches in Asia because these churches needed to hear Christ’s words about their situation. They faced pressure, compromise, and suffering. Jesus walks among them, knows their works, and has messages of encouragement, correction, and warning. Writing the vision means the message can be carefully kept and shared, not just for those seven churches, but for all churches that face similar trials. It shows that Christ cares about real congregations in real places and speaks into their life together.

Question 8

How can John’s vision of Jesus among the candlesticks help believers today?

Accepted Answer

John’s vision shows that Jesus is not far away from His people. He is in the middle of the lampstands, among the churches. He knows their troubles, their faith, and their failures. He holds their leaders in His hand and speaks with clear authority. For believers today, this means Christ is still present with His church, watching, caring, and correcting. When churches feel weak, pressed, or small, they can remember that their Lord is risen, glorious, and walks among them. This should both comfort them and move them to stay faithful and keep shining His light.

Question 9

What is the significance of Jesus calling Himself the first and the last?

Accepted Answer

When Jesus calls Himself “the first and the last,” He is saying that He is eternal and in control of all history. He was there before anything began and will remain after everything else passes away. He also says He is the One who lives, who was dead, and is alive forever. So He ties His eternal nature to His death and resurrection. For John and the suffering churches, this means their troubles are not the whole story. The One who holds the beginning and the end is the same One who conquered death for them.

Revelation 1:9

I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

John’s Vision on Patmos

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Revelation 1:9

I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

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John’s Vision on Patmos

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