What does Revelation 1:19 mean?
Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; Revelation 1:19
Explanation
Revelation 1:19 is a directive given by Jesus to John, the author of the Book of Revelation. This verse serves as an instruction for the structure of the entire book. John is commanded to write about three distinct time frames: the past (“the things which thou hast seen”), the present (“the things which are”), and the future (“the things which shall be hereafter”). The literal meaning is clear as it sets an outline for John’s revelation – recount his vision, describe the current state of the seven churches to whom the book is addressed, and reveal the events that are going to unfold in the end times.
Deeper interpretations suggest that the verse symbolizes the comprehensive nature of God’s message to humanity, spanning all of time. It underscores the omniscience of God, who is aware of all things past, present, and future, and it emphasizes the prophetic aspect of the Book of Revelation.
Historical Context
Revelation was written toward the end of the first century A.D., a time when Christians were experiencing persecution under the Roman Empire. John, traditionally believed to be John the Apostle, was exiled on the island of Patmos when he received this vision. The historical context is marked by social and political turmoil, and the early Christian communities were often under threat. The book was also written in apocalyptic language which was common in Jewish and Christian texts to describe the cosmic battle between good and evil and the ultimate triumph of God.
Theological Insights
Different theological perspectives approach this verse in varied ways. Preterists argue that the prophecies in Revelation, including the ones John was commanded to write about, were related to the immediate future of the early Christian communities and have already been fulfilled. Futurists believe that this verse speaks of events that are yet to happen in the end times. Historicists see Revelation as a sweeping overview of church history from John’s time until the Second Coming of Christ. Lastly, idealists view the verse as symbolic of the ongoing struggle between good and evil.
Practical Applications
Practically, Revelation 1:19 can encourage believers to reflect on their own lives in terms of past experiences, present circumstances, and future hopes. It can also serve as a call to be mindful and articulate about one’s spiritual journey, be aware of the context in which one lives, and to maintain hope for the future. It reminds believers to be witnesses to their faith throughout all phases of their lives.
Cross-References
- Revelation 1:11 – “Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book…”
- Revelation 4:1 – “After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.”
- Daniel 2:28 – “But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days…”
Language Study
The key phrase in the original Greek text is “ἃ εἶδες, καὶ ἃ εἰσίν, καὶ ἃ μέλλει γίνεσθαι μετὰ ταῦτα.” A brief lexical analysis of the key terms:
- “εἶδες” (eidēs) translates as “you have seen,” referring to past visual experiences or visions.
- “εἰσίν” (eisin) means “they are,” signifying things existing in the present.
- “μέλλει” (mellei) is translated as “is about to”, indicating imminent action or future events.
- “γίνεσθαι” (ginesthai) is a form of “γίνομαι” meaning “to become” or “to happen,” suggesting events that will come into being.
This combination stresses the continuity and progression of time from past through present to future.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
The structure of past, present, and future is not unique to Christian texts. Various ancient religious and mythological traditions had their own ways of interpreting time. In Greek mythology, for example, the Moirai or Fates governed the past, present, and future of mortal lives. Many ancient Near Eastern religions had prophetic traditions that recorded visions regarding the future of their people or the world.
Scientific Perspectives
From a scientific perspective, the verse challenges our understanding of time which, according to modern physics, is not as linear as it once seemed. Theories of relativity suggest that time is a dimension that can bend and curve in relation to gravity and velocity. While this verse speaks of a linear progression of time (past, present, future), scientific concepts like space-time continue to evolve our understanding of how time may function on a cosmic scale.
commentaries
Commentaries on this verse vary depending on the theological perspective. Many agree that this verse provides an outline for the structure of Revelation. For example, the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary suggests that the threefold division corresponds to the book’s content: the vision of the glorified Christ (past), the letters to the seven churches (present), and the prophetic revelations (future). Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the importance of prophecy in providing comfort and guidance to the church throughout all ages. Other scholars tie this verse to the genre of apocalyptic literature, which is rich with symbols and visions that often pertain to future events.
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