New Testament

Revelation 1:19

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Revelation 1:19, John is instructed to document three distinct categories of visions: what he has already witnessed, the current events of his time, and future occurrences that are yet to unfold.

Author: John the apostle
Written: Around AD 95
Genre: Apocalyptic prophecy
Original Audience: The seven churches of Asia Minor

CBTClear Bible Translation

So write down what you have seen, what is happening now, and what will take place after this.

KJVKing James Version

Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Revelation 1:19, John is instructed to document three distinct categories of visions: what he has already witnessed, the current events of his time, and future occurrences that are yet to unfold. This verse serves as a structural guide for the entire book of Revelation, indicating that it will encompass past, present, and future revelations. The command to write emphasizes the importance of recording these divine messages for the benefit of the church and future generations. By categorizing the visions, John sets the stage for a comprehensive understanding of God's plan and the unfolding of history from a spiritual perspective. This verse highlights the significance of prophecy and the assurance that God is in control of time and events, providing hope and encouragement to believers facing trials. It also invites readers to reflect on the continuity of God's message throughout time, reinforcing the relevance of biblical teachings in their lives today.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 1:19 to your life

This verse encourages us to document our spiritual experiences and insights, recognizing their importance in our faith journey. By reflecting on what God has done, what He is doing, and what He promises for the future, we can strengthen our faith and share our testimonies with others, fostering hope and encouragement in our communities.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 1:19 mean?

Revelation 1:19 means that John is instructed to write about three categories: what he has seen, the current events of his time, and future events. This structure helps readers understand the progression of God's revelations throughout history.

What is the significance of writing in Revelation 1:19?

The act of writing in Revelation 1:19 emphasizes the importance of recording divine messages. It ensures that these revelations are preserved for the church and future generations, highlighting their relevance and significance.

What are the three categories mentioned in Revelation 1:19?

The three categories mentioned in Revelation 1:19 are: what John has seen (past visions), what is happening now (current events), and what will take place after this (future prophecies). This categorization provides a comprehensive view of God's plan.

How does Revelation 1:19 relate to prophecy?

Revelation 1:19 relates to prophecy by outlining the structure of the book, which includes past, present, and future revelations. It underscores the importance of prophecy in understanding God's control over time and events.

Book Summary

The Book of Revelation

Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.

Revelation 2: Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira The Lord dictates letters to four of the seven churches. To Ephesus He commends their labor and patience and their rejection of evil men, but charges that they have left their first love, calling them to repent and do the first works. To Smyrna, suffering tribulation and poverty yet rich, He warns of coming imprisonment and bids them be faithful unto death to receive a crown of life, promising the overcomer shall not be hurt by the second death. To Pergamos, dwelling where Satan's seat is, He commends their holding fast His name but rebukes those holding the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans, promising the overcomer hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. To Thyatira He commends their charity and works yet rebukes their suffering the woman Jezebel to teach and seduce His servants, declaring He will cast her into a bed of tribulation and that He searcheth the reins and hearts; the overcomer shall have power over the nations and the morning star. Revelation 3: Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea The Lord continues to the remaining three churches. To Sardis He declares they have a name that they live but are dead, urging them to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, yet noting a few who have not defiled their garments who shall walk with Him in white. To Philadelphia, who has kept His word and not denied His name, He sets before them an open door which no man can shut, promising to keep them from the hour of temptation that shall come upon all the world, and that the overcomer shall be a pillar in the temple of God. To Laodicea He rebukes their being lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, so that He will spue them out of His mouth; they think themselves rich and increased with goods, but are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, and He counsels them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire. He declares that He stands at the door and knocks, and if any man hear His voice and open the door, He will come in to him; the overcomer shall sit with Him in His throne.

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