Revelation 1:11

John’s Vision on Patmos · Revelation 1:9–20
Read Revelation 1

Translations

Modern
…saying, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”
Traditional
Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
Literal
…saying, “What you see, write in a book and send to the seven churches: to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamum, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”
Latin
…dicentis: Quod vides, scribe in libro: et mitte septem ecclesiis, quæ sunt in Asia, Epheso, et Smyrnæ, et Pergamo, et Thyatiræ, et Sardis, et Philadelphiæ, et Laodiciæ.

Original

Greek
English
…saying, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”

Notes

Write … and send: God appointed John as a prophet and messenger of his revelation (see Revelation 22:8, 10; compare Isaiah 6:8–9; Jeremiah 2:1–2; Ezekiel 2:1–3; 34:1–2).

This third introduction (see study note on Revelation 1:1–11) is historical. It shows God speaking to people through real events. While in exile, God gave John an important mission.

Revelation begins with a three-part introduction, including:

  1. a prologue (Revelation 1:1–3),

  2. a letter introduction (Revelation 1:4–8), and

  3. a historical introduction (Revelation 1:9–11).

Theme notes and profiles

The Written Word Visions

People

Alpha: A title of Jesus, signifying His eternal nature Omega: A title of Jesus, signifying His eternal nature

Places

Ephesus: Major city in Asia Minor; important center for early Christianity Laodicea: A city in Asia Minor Pergamum: A city in Asia Minor with a church Philadelphia: One of the seven churches in Asia Minor Sepharad: City in Asia Minor; destination of exiled Jews Smyrna: One of the seven churches of Asia Minor Thyatira: City in Asia Minor, home of the prophet Lydia

Glossary

Book of Revelation Pergamos, Pergamum Philadelphia Sardis Smyrna

Topics

Alpha: A Title of Christ Asia: The Congregations of Ephesus: The Congregation At I Am That I Am: A Name of Deity Inspiration: General Scriptures Concerning Jesus, the Christ: Appears to the Apostle John (On Patmos Island) Jesus, the Christ: Eternity of Laodicea: Message To, Through John New Age Omega: Alpha and Omega, the All-Comprehensiveness of Christ Pergamos: One of the |Seven Congregations| In Philadelphia: One of the Seven Congregations In Sardis: One of the Seven Congregations In Smyrna: One of the Seven Congregations In Thyatira: John Given a Message For Vision of John on the Island of Patmos of Christ and the Golden Lampstands Word of God: Inspiration of