Chapter 1

Background: 

Revelation - unveiling Jesus Christ in glory (John MacArthur) hence the book is titled "The Revelation of Jesus Christ"

Apostle John - author of the Book of Revelation and four other books (one being the gospel of John and three being the epistles 1, 2, 3 John)

Word, Lamb, Witness - John's description of Jesus in the gospel and in Revelation

Last decade of the 1st century (near the end of Emperor Domitian's reign) - time when Revelation was written

The seven churches - churches in Turkey where John ministered. 

14 Titles Given to Jesus Christ in the Book of Revelation

1. The glorified Son of God ministering among the churches
2. The Alpha Omega, the Beginning and the End 
3. The One who is, who was and who is to come, the Almighty
4. The First and the Last
5. The Son of Man
6. The One who was dead but now is alive forevermore
7. The One who is holy and true 
8. The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God
9. The Lion of the tribe of Judah 
10. The Lamb in heaven, on the throne
11. The Messiah who will reign forever
12. The Word of God 
13. The majestic King of kings and Lord of lords
14. The Root and Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star

Revelation 1:8

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, says the Lord, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.

Island of Patmos (located in the Aegean Sea SW of Ephesus) - place where Jesus Christ appeared to John.

The Seven Churches in Asia

• Ephesus
• Smyrna
• Pergamos 
• Thyatira
• Sardis 
• Philadelphia 
• Laodicea

The seven stars = angels of the seven churches

The seven lampstands = seven churches