(1) The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: (2) Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. (3) Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
This is most properly assigned to Jesus Christ, the revelation herein given to John. For as none was found worthy to open the book and to loose the seals, but Christ himself as Mediator, so all revelation, primarily and effectually, must be in him and from him. And I beg the Reader by the way, not to overlook in this relation given of Christ, how very fully it proclaims, his eternal power and Godhead, since none but one that hath foreknowledge, could foretell future events. And although in this place, Christ is here spoken of, as the Christ of God, the Mediator, yet such powers demonstrate, what all the scriptures, with one voice declare, that Christ is both God and Man, in this most blessed character. No sooner was Christ set as Jehovah's Ring in Zion, than he instantly acts in that high office, and saith, I will declare the decree. Compare Revelation 5:6 and Revelation 5:8 with Psalms 2:6-7
By the phrase of things which must shortly come to pass, can mean no more, than their beginning to be accomplished. For very certain it is, that we are now arrived into the opening of the nineteenth Century; and though much hath been fulfilled, much remains yet to be accomplished. But the commencement of the predictions and events then delivered to John, were shortly to be accomplished in part, and thus go on from generation to generation, until the whole were finished.
John was specially chosen, to have these sacred things brought before him, and to deliver them to the Church, for he had enjoyed a more than ordinary acquaintance with the Person of his Lord, during his ministry upon earth. And under the Holy Ghost, had borne a most decided testimony to the Lord Jesus and his office - character, as the uncreated Word and the Christ of God, Joh 1:14; 1 John 1:1-3. Reader! do not overlook the blessedness pronounced on reading, hearing, and keeping in remembrance the glorious records, here given to the Person, and Ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a great encouragement to be diligent in our attention, to this most precious book of God. Oh! may the Holy Ghost open its blessed contents to my view, and write them in my heart; that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ.