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I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet (Revelation 1:10, ESV).
Let’s discuss the key to understanding the Book of Revelation — the Holy Spirit. I believe that we depend too much upon intellect, study, and opinions, all of which cause endless debates about the content of this book.
The Apostle John “was in the Spirit” on the Lord’s day. Let’s consider other New Testament experiences with the Spirit…
- When the church began: In Acts 2, we read Revelation-esque phrases, “Suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind … and divided tongues of fire rested on their heads … And they were filled with the Spirit and began to speak in tongues.”
- With the gospel first preached to the Gentiles: In Acts 9, we read, “While Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word … all who had come with Peter were amazed because the gift of the Spirit was poured out on them and they were hearing them speak in tongues.”
- With those who had not heard of the Spirit: In Acts 19, Paul, “Did you receive the Spirit?” Response, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Then Paul placed his hand on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.”
It’s not a coincidence that the greatest revelation in history came while John was “in the Spirit,” the same Spirit offered to all believers. Peter preached in Acts 2, “Repent and be baptized for the remission of sins and the gift of the Spirit.” Jesus taught the Spirit will teach us all things (John 14:26), and Paul added that we should seek to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18b).
The Book of Revelation began with the Spirit, and in fact all Scripture comes from the Spirit…
For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21).
Revelation — both written Scripture and the application for our personal needs — comes from the Spirit, as Paul prays, “May God give you [us] the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation” (Ephesians 1:17). John saw Jesus through the Spirit on the Isle of Patmos, and we can see Jesus today in our devotions. That’s the role of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “He [the Spirit] will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you” (John 16:14).
I’ve read dozens of commentaries on the Book of Revelation, but none of them indicate that we should first ask the Spirit to reveal truth and insight before reading this Book. Today, the Holy Spirit continues His ministry of glorifying Jesus as the Sovereign King of the Universe to those who read the Book.
We don’t see a suffering servant; instead, we see a resurrected Jesus, the General of God’s heavenly hosts, and the victorious end of all things. This revelation comes personally to those who ask! We should be in the “in the Spirit” as we read the Book of Revelation!