John’s Vision of Christ

I have a series of Bible study books by a scholar named, Irving L. Jensen, so below are a few outline notes from the one on the Revelation. Why the Revelation? My church has an adult Bible study where we just started a study in this book. This is an outline of Jensen’s work with a few of my own additions.

Revelation 1:1-20

1. Title paragraph (Revelation 1:1-3) He reveals to us.
   1. What is meant by “revelation”? (Luke 2:32)
   2. Angels appear. What is angelic ministry? (Hebrews 1:4-14)
   3. Reference to time. (Compare 2 Peter 3:8).
2. General Salutation (Revelation 1:4-7) He gives himself to us.
   1. Is the trinity referenced here?
   2. Compare the grace and peace (unto you) with glory and dominion (unto him).
   3. He is coming quickly.
3. Lord’s testimony (Revelation 1:8) He describes himself to us.
   1. Language changes from HE to I, compare to Revelation 22:13.
   2. Why is this recorded here at this point?
4. John’s vision experience (Revelation 1:9-20)
   1. He commissions us (Revelation 1:9-11)
      1. How does John relate to his reader?
      2. Why is he on Patmos?
      3. What is meant by, “I was in the spirit”?
      4. Are these the only churches in Asia Minor?
   2. He stands with us (Revelation 1:12-16)
      1. Son of Man was Jesus’ favorite title of himself (Luke 7:34, John 5:27).
      2. What is your impression of this representation of Jesus?
      3. What are the symbols in this vision of Christ?
         1. His person (Revelation 1:13, 20) his location and clothing.
         2. His character (Revelation 1:14) his head, hair, and eyes.
         3. His activity (Revelation 1:15-16a) his feet, voice, hand, mouth.
         4. His glory (Revelation 1:16b) his countenance.
   3. He consoles and inspires us (Revelation 1:17-20)
      1. What is John’s reaction?
      2. How did Jesus console or inspire John?