God's Purpose in Selecting John for Revelation
God's Purpose in Selecting John for Revelation
The Book of Revelation begins by stating that it is "the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon come to pass" [1]. This revelation was communicated to John, who is identified as the recipient of this divine disclosure. The purpose behind God's selection of John for this task is rooted in the apostle's role and relationship with Christ.
The author of Revelation is widely accepted to be John the apostle, based on both internal and external evidence. The text itself names John as the author (Revelation 1:1, 4, 9; 22:8) [1, 2]. Historically, the early Christian tradition also supports John's authorship. The date of the writing is generally fixed around A.D. 96, during the reign of Domitian [2].
According to Matthew Henry, the revelation given to John is a demonstration of God's plan to communicate His purposes to His servants through Jesus Christ [5]. This understanding is supported by the Protestant academic perspective, which views the scroll in Revelation 5 as detailing God's plan for the world [4]. The selection of John for this task underscores the significance of his role as a servant of God and a witness to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
John's background as one of Jesus' twelve apostles, and particularly his close relationship with Christ, made him a suitable candidate for receiving this revelation. As the "beloved disciple," John was part of Jesus' inner circle, along with Peter and James [3]. This proximity to Jesus, both during His earthly ministry and in the post-resurrection community, positioned John to receive and understand the divine revelation.
The purpose of Revelation, as stated in Revelation 1:1, is to show God's servants "what must soon come to pass." This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God communicating His plans to His people through chosen vessels. In the view of John Chrysostom, an Eastern Orthodox father, God's calling of individuals like John is a demonstration of His providential ordering of events [6].
The content of Revelation, including its visions and prophetic messages, serves to confirm faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the true Messiah. Matthew Henry notes that the Gospel of John, also attributed to the same author, aims to establish this faith [7]. The connection between the Gospel and Revelation highlights John's role in testifying to Christ across different genres and theological themes.
The selection of John for the Revelation underscores the continuity between the earthly ministry of Jesus and the ongoing life of the Christian community. As a witness to Jesus' life and teachings, John is entrusted with communicating the divine plan for the future. This task is not limited to foretelling events but involves revealing the significance of Jesus Christ in the unfolding of God's purposes.
Sources
- Revelation of John “Revelation of John 1:1 (BSB) — This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon come to pass. He made it known by sending His angel to His servant John,”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Revelation, Book of — =The Apocalypse, the closing book and the only prophetical book of the New Testament canon. The author of this book was undoubtedly John the apostle. His name occurs four times in the book itself (1:1, 4, 9; 22:8), and there is every reason to conclude that the "John" here mentioned was the apostle. In a manuscript of about the twelfth century he is called "John the divine," but no reason can be assigned for this appellation. The date of the writing of this book has generally been fixed at A.D. 96, in the reign of Domitian. There are some, howev”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: John — (1.) One who, with Annas and Caiaphas, sat in judgment on the apostles Peter and John (Acts 4:6). He was of the kindred of the high priest; otherwise unknown. (2.) The Hebrew name of Mark (q.v.). He is designated by this name in the acts of the Apostles (12:12, 25; 13:5, 13; 15:37). (3.) THE APOSTLE, brother of James the "Greater" (Matt. 4:21; 10:2; Mark 1:19; 3:17; 10:35). He was one, probably the younger, of the sons of Zebedee (Matt. 4:21) and Salome (Matt. 27:56; comp. Mark 15:40), and was born at Bethsaida. His father was apparently a man of some wealth (”
- Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 5:1: 5:1-14 John introduces the Lamb, Jesus Christ, the central figure of Revelation and God’s chosen agent for accomplishing his purposes. 5:1 The scroll, like a dramatic script, details God’s plan for the world (Ps 139:16). • The right hand represents God’s gracious authority and power (see Rev 1:17, 20). • The writing on the inside and the outside means that God’s plans for history are full and complete. • sealed with seven seals: God has put his purposes for history in an impermeable safe (Isa 29:11-12; Dan 8:26). His purposes will be completed only when the sea”
- Revelation (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Revelation 1:1: Here we have, I. What we may call the pedigree of this book. 1. It is the revelation of Jesus Christ. The whole Bible is so; for all revelation comes through Christ and all centres in him; and especially in these last days God has spoken to us by his Son, and concerning his Son. Christ, as the king of his church, has been pleased thus far to let his church know by what rules and methods he will proceed in his government; and, as the prophet of the church, he has made known to us the things that shall be hereafter. 2. It is a revelation which God gave unto Chris”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: will fully gather from a perusal of that volume. 29 29 [Vid. Hom. de Mut. Nom. t. iii. p. 98. Ed. Ben.—G.A.] At present let us pursue the thread of our discourse, and consider the proof he now adduces that no natural event had befallen him,—that God Himself had providentially ordered the occurrence. “And called me through His grace.” God indeed says that He called him on account of his excellent capacity, as He said to Ananias, “for he is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings,” ( Acts ix. 15 .) t”
- John (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on John 1 (introduction): The scope and design of this chapter is to confirm our faith in Christ as the eternal Son of God, and the true Messiah and Saviour of the world, that we may be brought to receive him, and rely upon him, as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and to give up ourselves to be ruled, and taught, and saved by him. In order to this, we have here, I. An account given of him by the inspired penman himself, fairly laying down, in the beginning, what he designed his whole book should be the proof of (Joh 1:1-5); and again (Joh 1:10-14); and again, (Joh 1:16-18). II. The”