John’s Apocalypse is a magnificent and wonderfully designed message of the salvation that is available in Jesus Christ. The book blesses all who ponder it and sternly warns those who oppose Christ and the Good News and those whose Christian walk is shallow. The unfolding drama of the book stretches the imagination while bearing witness to God’s supreme power. Its visions describe the plight of …
1La revelación de Jesucristo, que Dios le dio, para manifestar a sus siervos las cosas que deben suceder pronto; y la declaró enviándola por medio de su ángel a su siervo Juan,
2que ha dado testimonio de la palabra de Dios, y del testimonio de Jesucristo, y de todas las cosas que ha visto.
3Bienaventurado el que lee, y los que oyen las palabras de esta profecía, y guardan las cosas en ella escritas; porque el tiempo está cerca.
4Juan, a las siete iglesias que están en Asia: Gracia y paz a vosotros, del que es y que era y que ha de venir, y de los siete espíritus que están delante de su trono;
5y de Jesucristo el testigo fiel, el primogénito de los muertos, y el soberano de los reyes de la tierra. Al que nos amó, y nos lavó de nuestros pecados con su sangre,
6y nos hizo reyes y sacerdotes para Dios, su Padre; a él sea gloria e imperio por los siglos de los siglos. Amén.
7He aquí que viene con las nubes, y todo ojo le verá, y los que le traspasaron; y todos los linajes de la tierra harán lamentación por él. Sí, amén.
8Yo soy el Alfa y la Omega, principio y fin, dice el Señor, el que es y que era y que ha de venir, el Todopoderoso.
9Yo Juan, vuestro hermano, y copartícipe vuestro en la tribulación, en el reino y en la paciencia de Jesucristo, estaba en la isla llamada Patmos, por causa de la palabra de Dios y el testimonio de Jesucristo.
10Yo estaba en el Espíritu en el día del Señor, y oí detrás de mí una gran voz como de trompeta,
11que decía: Yo soy el Alfa y la Omega, el primero y el último. Escribe en un libro lo que ves, y envíalo a las siete iglesias que están en Asia: a Éfeso, Esmirna, Pérgamo, Tiatira, Sardis, Filadelfia y Laodicea.
12Y me volví para ver la voz que hablaba conmigo; y vuelto, vi siete candeleros de oro,
13y en medio de los siete candeleros, a uno semejante al Hijo del Hombre, vestido de una ropa que llegaba hasta los pies, y ceñido por el pecho con un cinto de oro.
14Su cabeza y sus cabellos eran blancos como blanca lana, como nieve; sus ojos como llama de fuego;
15y sus pies semejantes al bronce bruñido, refulgente como en un horno; y su voz como estruendo de muchas aguas.
16Tenía en su diestra siete estrellas; de su boca salía una espada aguda de dos filos; y su rostro era como el sol cuando resplandece en su fuerza.
17Cuando le vi, caí como muerto a sus pies. Y él puso su diestra sobre mí, diciéndome: No temas; yo soy el primero y el último;
18y el que vivo, y estuve muerto; mas he aquí que vivo por los siglos de los siglos, amén. Y tengo las llaves de la muerte y del Hades.
19Escribe las cosas que has visto, y las que son, y las que han de ser después de estas.
20El misterio de las siete estrellas que has visto en mi diestra, y de los siete candeleros de oro: las siete estrellas son los ángeles de las siete iglesias, y los siete candeleros que has visto, son las siete iglesias.
TYNDALE OPEN STUDY NOTES
I
Versículo 1
I. 1:1-11 Revelation opens with a three-part introduction, including a prologue (1:1-3), a letter in…
1:1-11 Revelation opens with a three-part introduction, including a prologue (1:1-3), a letter introduction (1:4-8), and a historical introduction (1:9-11).
1:1 The word revelation (Greek apokalupsis) introduces the book’s visionary nature as apocalyptic writing (see Revelation Book Introduction, “Apocalyptic Writing”). God communicates his inspired message through mysterious symbols, numbers, and word pictures. • from (or of) Jesus Christ: He is both the source and the main subject of the book. • the events that must soon take place: Cp. 3:11; 22:6-7; Luke 18:8; Rom 16:20.
II
Versículo 2
II. 1:2 reported (Greek martureō) . . . testimony (Greek marturia): These closely related Greek words…
1:2 reported (Greek martureō) . . . testimony (Greek marturia): These closely related Greek words indicate an authentic witness and emphasize that the sacrificial witness of Jesus and the authentic testimony of John are the basis for the revelation.
III
Versículo 3
III. 1:3 God blesses: Revelation contains seven promises of blessing (1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 2…
1:3 God blesses: Revelation contains seven promises of blessing (1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7, 14). • listen . . . and obey: Authentic hearing entails obedience.
IV
Versículo 4
IV. 1:4-8 The second introduction (see study note on 1:1-11) is in the style of a Greek letter.
1:4-8 The second introduction (see study note on 1:1-11) is in the style of a Greek letter.
1:4 To the seven churches does not mean that there were only seven churches in the Roman province of Asia but that these seven churches represent the entire group. Grace and peace is a typical Christian greeting (see study notes on 2 Cor 1:1-2; 2 Thes 1:1-2). The order of the two words is consistent in the New Testament, suggesting that peace follows from God’s grace. • who is, who always was, and who is still to come: God controlled the past, will surely control the future, and is sovereign over every present crisis (see also Rev 1:8; 4:8; 11:17; 16:5). • the sevenfold Spirit (literally the seven spirits): Some argue that the “seven spirits” are seven angels, but the phrase fits between references to God the Father (1:4) and to God the Son (1:5), making this passage a description of the Trinity (see Matt 28:19; John 14:26; 15:26; 2 Cor 13:14; 1 Pet 1:2). The number seven acknowledges the Holy Spirit’s perfection (cp. Zech 4:2, 6, 10).
V
Versículo 5
V. 1:5-6 In this doxology, John gives reasons for praising Jesus. • Doxologies often conclude with t…
1:5-6 In this doxology, John gives reasons for praising Jesus. • Doxologies often conclude with the confessional Amen (see Rom 11:36; Phil 4:20), which expresses affirmation.
1:5 John gives three descriptions of Jesus Christ. (1) As the faithful witness, Jesus is our model for proclaiming the Good News of salvation (1:2). (2) The truth that Jesus was the first to rise from the dead is foundational to Christian faith (1 Cor 15:14, 17). (3) As ruler of all the kings of the world (see also Rev 17:14; 19:16), he is the absolute Lord of everything. Inhabitants of the Roman world were expected to declare Caesar as absolute lord; many early Christians died for their conviction that Jesus alone holds that position.
VI
Versículo 8
VI. 1:8 I am is the name of God in the Old Testament (Exod 3:13-14; 6:2; Deut 6:4). Jesus applied thi…
1:8 I am is the name of God in the Old Testament (Exod 3:13-14; 6:2; Deut 6:4). Jesus applied this name to himself (cp. John 4:26). Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet; they signify that God’s actions are all-encompassing. God is fully in control.
VII
Versículo 9
VII. 1:9-11 This third introduction (see study note on 1:1-11) is historical; it shows God communicati…
1:9-11 This third introduction (see study note on 1:1-11) is historical; it shows God communicating with humanity in historical events. God gave John a significant mission while in exile.
1:9 your brother and your partner: Though separated from other Christians by his imprisonment, John shared a sense of community with them in suffering, based on hope in God’s Kingdom and a willingness to endure. • The Roman fortress on the island of Patmos housed prisoners and exiles. Patmos was in a group of islands that protected the thriving seaport of Miletus. • for preaching . . . and for my testimony: In typical Semitic parallelism, the second statement means essentially the same as the first. By John’s time, Jews were persuading Roman authorities that Christianity was different from Judaism and therefore not an authorized religion.
VIII
Versículo 10
VIII. 1:10 the Lord’s Day: This designation was used in the Roman world to refer to celebrations in hon…
1:10 the Lord’s Day: This designation was used in the Roman world to refer to celebrations in honor of Caesar, but Christians used it to refer to their weekly worship, celebrating Jesus’ resurrection. The earliest Christians worshiped in Jewish synagogues on the Sabbath, the last day of the week (Acts 18:4), but by the time of Revelation, they were excluded from synagogues and gathered on the day that commemorated the resurrection, the first day of the week (see study note on Luke 24:1; see also Acts 20:7). • The loud voice like a trumpet blast was an announcement of the Lord’s coming.
IX
Versículo 11
IX. 1:11 Write . . . and send: God authorized John as a prophet and herald of his revelation (see 22:…
1:11 Write . . . and send: God authorized John as a prophet and herald of his revelation (see 22:8, 10; cp. Isa 6:8-9; Jer 2:1-2; Ezek 2:1-3; 34:1-2).
X
Versículo 12
X. 1:12-20 John’s first vision is a symbolic picture of Christ as the wise, secure, and powerful age…
1:12-20 John’s first vision is a symbolic picture of Christ as the wise, secure, and powerful agent of God who always cares for his people.
1:12 I turned to see who was speaking: This statement refers to the loud voice of 1:10. • seven gold lampstands: The lighted menorah was a symbol of God’s presence among his people (Exod 27:21; Lev 24:1-4) and of his all-seeing eyes in the world (Zech 4:10).
XI
Versículo 13
XI. 1:13 the Son of Man (or a son of man.): Son of Man is a title Jesus used for himself (see Dan 7:1…
1:13 the Son of Man (or a son of man.): Son of Man is a title Jesus used for himself (see Dan 7:13; Matt 8:20; 9:6; 16:13; Mark 2:28; 9:9; 14:41; John 1:51; 3:13; 5:27). • The long robe and gold sash give Christ an authoritative appearance (see Rev 19:13-16; Dan 10:5). The robe was a priestly garment symbolizing purity and holiness.
XII
Versículo 14
XII. 1:14 White hair represents wisdom and maturity; this vision reflects Daniel’s vision of the Ancie…
1:14 White hair represents wisdom and maturity; this vision reflects Daniel’s vision of the Ancient One (Dan 7:9). • His eyes . . . like flames of fire pierce through pretense; the One who knows everything will judge everyone (see Dan 10:6; Heb 4:13).
XIII
Versículo 15
XIII. 1:15 Refined or hardened bronze in the feet implies stability, firmness, and security (cp. Dan 10…
1:15 Refined or hardened bronze in the feet implies stability, firmness, and security (cp. Dan 10:6). • The thundering voice suggests God’s power—when he speaks, he will be heard (cp. Ezek 43:2).
XIV
Versículo 16
XIV. 1:16 The seven stars represent the complete church. The church is secure in the right hand (i.e.,…
1:16 The seven stars represent the complete church. The church is secure in the right hand (i.e., in the acceptance and blessing) of the Son of Man. • The sharp . . . sword coming from his mouth is his effective message and his judgment (see 19:15; Gen 3:24; Eph 6:17; Heb 4:12). Jesus proclaims both grace and judgment, but here the emphasis is that he carries out judgment (see Rev 2:12, 16; 19:15, 21; cp. Isa 11:4).
XV
Versículo 17
XV. 1:17 When I saw him, I fell . . . dead: Terror and a dead faint, if not death itself (see Exod 33…
1:17 When I saw him, I fell . . . dead: Terror and a dead faint, if not death itself (see Exod 33:20), frequently result when someone sees God (see Isa 6:1-5; Matt 28:4). The Lord graciously responds by the touch of his right hand (cp. Matt 25:34) and the words “Don’t be afraid!” (cp. Luke 1:13), indicating both grace and acceptance. • I am: The phrase identifies Jesus as God (see study note on Rev 1:8).
16
Versículo 18
16. 1:18 the living one: Because the Son of Man (1:13) has conquered death, he holds the keys of deat…
1:18 the living one: Because the Son of Man (1:13) has conquered death, he holds the keys of death and controls the outcome of our greatest fear (see 20:14; Heb 2:14-15). Jesus has complete authority to provide hope in a hostile world. • the grave: Greek Hades. See study note on Rev 6:7-8.
17
Versículo 19
17. 1:19 Write: In the vision, God gives instructions for what John is to do on his behalf (see Isa 6…
1:19 Write: In the vision, God gives instructions for what John is to do on his behalf (see Isa 6:9-10). This vision’s purpose is to help the church (Rev 1:20) understand the present and the future from God’s perspective.
18
Versículo 20
18. 1:20 John is to record what he sees because Revelation is an instructive word for the churches. •…
1:20 John is to record what he sees because Revelation is an instructive word for the churches. • The angels (or messengers; Greek angelos) of the seven churches could be (1) the guardian angels of these churches (cp. Matt 18:10; Acts 12:15); (2) the leading officials of the churches (cp. Matt 11:10, where “messenger” is angelos); or (3) a personification of the ethos of the church. The best understanding is probably a combination of 1 and 3.
Nuevo Testamento
Revelation — Capítulo 1
John’s Apocalypse is a magnificent and wonderfully designed message of the salvation that is available in Jesus Christ. The book blesses all who ponder it and sternly warns those who oppose Christ and the Good News and those whose Christian walk is shallow. The unfolding drama of the book stretches the imagination while bearing witness to God’s supreme power. Its visions describe the plight of …
Texto — Reina-Valera 1960
1La revelación de Jesucristo, que Dios le dio, para manifestar a sus siervos las cosas que deben suceder pronto; y la declaró enviándola por medio de su ángel a su siervo Juan,
2que ha dado testimonio de la palabra de Dios, y del testimonio de Jesucristo, y de todas las cosas que ha visto.
3Bienaventurado el que lee, y los que oyen las palabras de esta profecía, y guardan las cosas en ella escritas; porque el tiempo está cerca.
4Juan, a las siete iglesias que están en Asia: Gracia y paz a vosotros, del que es y que era y que ha de venir, y de los siete espíritus que están delante de su trono;
5y de Jesucristo el testigo fiel, el primogénito de los muertos, y el soberano de los reyes de la tierra. Al que nos amó, y nos lavó de nuestros pecados con su sangre,
6y nos hizo reyes y sacerdotes para Dios, su Padre; a él sea gloria e imperio por los siglos de los siglos. Amén.
7He aquí que viene con las nubes, y todo ojo le verá, y los que le traspasaron; y todos los linajes de la tierra harán lamentación por él. Sí, amén.
8Yo soy el Alfa y la Omega, principio y fin, dice el Señor, el que es y que era y que ha de venir, el Todopoderoso.
9Yo Juan, vuestro hermano, y copartícipe vuestro en la tribulación, en el reino y en la paciencia de Jesucristo, estaba en la isla llamada Patmos, por causa de la palabra de Dios y el testimonio de Jesucristo.
10Yo estaba en el Espíritu en el día del Señor, y oí detrás de mí una gran voz como de trompeta,
11que decía: Yo soy el Alfa y la Omega, el primero y el último. Escribe en un libro lo que ves, y envíalo a las siete iglesias que están en Asia: a Éfeso, Esmirna, Pérgamo, Tiatira, Sardis, Filadelfia y Laodicea.
12Y me volví para ver la voz que hablaba conmigo; y vuelto, vi siete candeleros de oro,
13y en medio de los siete candeleros, a uno semejante al Hijo del Hombre, vestido de una ropa que llegaba hasta los pies, y ceñido por el pecho con un cinto de oro.
14Su cabeza y sus cabellos eran blancos como blanca lana, como nieve; sus ojos como llama de fuego;
15y sus pies semejantes al bronce bruñido, refulgente como en un horno; y su voz como estruendo de muchas aguas.
16Tenía en su diestra siete estrellas; de su boca salía una espada aguda de dos filos; y su rostro era como el sol cuando resplandece en su fuerza.
17Cuando le vi, caí como muerto a sus pies. Y él puso su diestra sobre mí, diciéndome: No temas; yo soy el primero y el último;
18y el que vivo, y estuve muerto; mas he aquí que vivo por los siglos de los siglos, amén. Y tengo las llaves de la muerte y del Hades.
19Escribe las cosas que has visto, y las que son, y las que han de ser después de estas.
20El misterio de las siete estrellas que has visto en mi diestra, y de los siete candeleros de oro: las siete estrellas son los ángeles de las siete iglesias, y los siete candeleros que has visto, son las siete iglesias.
TYNDALE OPEN STUDY NOTES
Versículo 1
I. 1:1-11 Revelation opens with a three-part introduction, including a prologue (1:1-3), a letter in…
Versículo 2
II. 1:2 reported (Greek martureō) . . . testimony (Greek marturia): These closely related Greek words…
Versículo 3
III. 1:3 God blesses: Revelation contains seven promises of blessing (1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 2…
Versículo 4
IV. 1:4-8 The second introduction (see study note on 1:1-11) is in the style of a Greek letter.
Versículo 5
V. 1:5-6 In this doxology, John gives reasons for praising Jesus. • Doxologies often conclude with t…
Versículo 8
VI. 1:8 I am is the name of God in the Old Testament (Exod 3:13-14; 6:2; Deut 6:4). Jesus applied thi…
Versículo 9
VII. 1:9-11 This third introduction (see study note on 1:1-11) is historical; it shows God communicati…
Versículo 10
VIII. 1:10 the Lord’s Day: This designation was used in the Roman world to refer to celebrations in hon…
Versículo 11
IX. 1:11 Write . . . and send: God authorized John as a prophet and herald of his revelation (see 22:…
Versículo 12
X. 1:12-20 John’s first vision is a symbolic picture of Christ as the wise, secure, and powerful age…
Versículo 13
XI. 1:13 the Son of Man (or a son of man.): Son of Man is a title Jesus used for himself (see Dan 7:1…
Versículo 14
XII. 1:14 White hair represents wisdom and maturity; this vision reflects Daniel’s vision of the Ancie…
Versículo 15
XIII. 1:15 Refined or hardened bronze in the feet implies stability, firmness, and security (cp. Dan 10…
Versículo 16
XIV. 1:16 The seven stars represent the complete church. The church is secure in the right hand (i.e.,…
Versículo 17
XV. 1:17 When I saw him, I fell . . . dead: Terror and a dead faint, if not death itself (see Exod 33…
Versículo 18
16. 1:18 the living one: Because the Son of Man (1:13) has conquered death, he holds the keys of deat…
Versículo 19
17. 1:19 Write: In the vision, God gives instructions for what John is to do on his behalf (see Isa 6…
Versículo 20
18. 1:20 John is to record what he sees because Revelation is an instructive word for the churches. •…