The Fiery Christ (Ch 1)
The Fiery Christ (Chapter 1)
The Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, was a divine revelation granted to Saint John, one of the twelve apostles, commonly referred to as the beloved disciple. John held a special place among Christ’s inner circle, which included Peter, John himself, and John’s brother James the Greater. According to tradition, Saint John received this extraordinary vision while he was exiled on the island of Patmos and recorded it on a scroll.
The precise timing of when John received this revelation and transcribed it remains uncertain. It could have been a singular event or two separate occurrences separated by time. Tradition suggests that John penned it toward the end of his life in the AD 90s. However, the contents of the vision presuppose the existence of the Jerusalem temple, which was destroyed by the Romans in AD 70. This implies that the vision occurred before AD 70, placing its earliest date in the AD 60s and its latest in the AD 90s. Regardless of the exact date, tradition identifies the Apocalypse as the last book authored by the final living apostle, marking it as the ultimate and concluding piece of public revelation imparted by God to humanity, effectively completing the Bible.
Originally, John’s Apocalypse existed as a single scroll, and it makes mention of a heavenly scroll sealed with seven seals, which only the Passover Lamb, identified as Christ, could unseal. As we approach the Apocalypse, we must acknowledge our need for Christ’s guidance to interpret its profound meaning fully. Nevertheless, we should not shy away from reading it, as the book’s opening verse clarifies that God the Father entrusted the vision to Jesus Christ to share with His servants—Christians still residing on earth.
Jesus Christ’s Intent for Apocalypse
The Apocalypse represents an inner-Trinitarian gift, with God the Father bestowing this revelation upon His Son, Jesus Christ. The objective is for Jesus to communicate it to all His servants, namely, Christians. Jesus accomplishes this mission by dispatching His angelic messenger to guide the apostle John.
What sets the Apocalypse apart from other biblical texts is its opening promise: “Blessed 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” (Revelation 1:3). If one reads and heeds the teachings within this book, they are assured of receiving blessings.
Saint John Addresses His Audience
In his writing, John initially directs his message to seven specific churches located in Asia. He conveys grace and peace from three sources:
1. “from him that is, and that was, and that is to come”: Referring to God the Father.
2. “from the seven spirits”: Signifying the Holy Spirit, with the number seven symbolizing holiness.
3. “And from Jesus Christ”: Identifying God the Son, Jesus, who has cleansed and loved believers through His sacrifice, establishing them as a kingdom of priests to God the Father.
As John continues, he encounters a vision of Jesus Christ amidst seven golden candlesticks representing the seven churches.
The Apparition of Fiery Christ
To grasp the Apocalypse’s significance fully, it is essential to perceive Christ as He exists now, beyond His earthly incarnations. John’s vision of Christ in the Apocalypse presents a striking image:
Christ, resembling the “Son of Man,” stands amid the seven golden candlesticks, attired in a long garment and a golden chest sash, evoking the imagery of both a bishop and a priestly king.
His hair and beard are white, signifying purity and wisdom.
His eyes blaze like flames of fire, portraying His divine insight and judgment.
His feet appear as fine brass, akin to a burning furnace, symbolizing His unyielding strength.
His voice resonates like the sound of many waters, emphasizing His authority.
In His right hand, Christ holds seven stars, and a sharp, two-edged sword proceeds from His mouth, signifying His divine power.
John, who had walked alongside Christ, witnessed His crucifixion, and even conversed with the resurrected Christ, now confronts a vision of Christ in heavenly glory so awe-inspiring that it nearly overwhelms him.
John Falls as Dead
Upon witnessing this majestic vision of Christ, John falls at His feet as if dead. However, Christ reassures him, identifying Himself as the First and the Last, the One who was once dead but now lives eternally, possessing the keys to death and hell. Christ instructs John to record what he has seen, which includes both present-day events and future occurrences. This raises questions regarding the temporal nature of the Apocalypse—whether its prophecies pertain to the past, present, future, or a combination of all three.
The Apocalypse’s introductory passages establish the profound nature of this divine revelation, emphasizing its significance as the last book of the Bible and an inner-Trinitarian gift bestowed upon John, the beloved disciple. This vision of Christ in heavenly glory, revealed to John on the island of Patmos, initiates a series of prophecies that hold deep meaning for Christians throughout history.