For this lesson I am setting forth comments on each of the sections within the Horizon study, those subtitles which are printed in purple.

1. “What Kind of Book…..”

The author’s presentation of the types of writing within Revelation is very helpful.

2. “Meet the Author……”

There is no definitive answer to the question of who John, the writer of Revelation, was. I do not think it is beneficial to become too concerned with this. Scholars do not agree and the thing to remember is that it is a revelation from the Lord God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. John was chosen for this special and difficult task of putting into words what was shown to him in a vision. Think how difficult it would be to write down a dream which you have had.

3. “Write What You Have Seen”

Be careful that your group understands that when the author of the Horizon study  speaks of “his churches” in this section, it does not mean they were John’s churches. They are John’s only in the sense that the vision of Jesus has instructed him to write to them.

4. “Jesus’ Call…..”

Here and throughout the study, the author speaks of “Empire.” Be wary of this concept. Christians are to be witness in every time and place.

In chapter one, verse five, point out that this Jesus, in whose Name he writes, is more than faithful witness.  Read the scripture and discover what else is named. The first sentence of the final paragraph in this section should be eliminated. The emphasis must always be that what he writes is from Jesus.

5. “Christians as Priests……”

      The information in this section is helpful.

What more is important in chapter one?  The whole of chapter one is a grand proclamation. The number seven is important. It is not by chance that John is instructed to write to seven churches. They are depicted as seven lampstands and Jesus stands in the midst of them. Seven, means wholeness, John is seeing the whole Church of Christ and Jesus is in the middle of it. This is a bold statement and a lasting promise. Christ is always in the midst of His Church.  Do not fear, Jesus is right in the middle of whatever the Church or Christian encounters.

The details of the description of this figure who is Jesus, can be referenced in Old Testament texts. A good cross-reference Bible can give this information, if anyone is interested.