Revelation was given by God the Father to Christ to show His servants the things that must take place. Written in 96 A.D. by Apostle John, who was a disciple of John the Baptist, followed Jesus after the declaration of the Lamb of God, and was called by Christ along with his brother James as partners with Peter. John referred to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved and was told by Jesus he would live to old age, becoming the last apostle to die around 98-100 A.D.
The purpose of Revelation is to show servants of Christ what must soon take place, signified by an angel to John. John bore witness to the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. Blessed are those who read, hear, and keep the words of the prophecy. Christians are not appointed to wrath, so the Church should not fear the events described.
John received the message while exiled on the island of Patmos because of his testimony for Jesus, likely under Emperor Domitian (81-96 A.D.), who persecuted Christians for refusing to call him lord and god. Domitian, the last Flavian emperor, was assassinated in 96 A.D., after which Eusebius records John was released and returned to Ephesus.
The revelation comes from Jesus Christ, received from God the Father, for His servants, indicating things that must take place shortly—either in time or speed. John wrote what he saw and bore witness. Blessed are those who read and guard the words, as they bring contentment and the Church is protected from wrath.
The letter is written to the seven churches. It opens with God described as the One who was, who is, and who is to come—referring to Christ, who existed before incarnation, lives today through resurrection, and will return.
