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World English Bible: Revelation

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This is the opening chapters (1–4) of the Book of Revelation, the final book of the Christian New Testament, belonging to the apocalyptic literary tradition. The text presents itself as a prophetic vision received by John on the island of Patmos, conveyed through an angel of Jesus Christ, and addressed to seven specific churches in Asia Minor (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea). The core content of these chapters consists of two parts: individualized letters to each of the seven churches, in which the risen Christ evaluates their faithfulness, corrects their failings (such as abandoning their "first love," tolerating false teachers, or being spiritually "lukewarm"), and promises rewards to those who "overcome"; and an inaugural heavenly throne-room vision featuring the enthroned God, four living creatures, and twenty-four elders in ceaseless worship. A distinctive feature is the highly symbolic visual register — the Christ figure described with white hair, flaming eyes, and a sword proceeding from his mouth — drawn from the Hebrew prophetic tradition, particularly Daniel and Ezekiel. The text makes an urgent claim about imminence ("the time is at hand," "I am coming quickly"), framing the visions not as distant mythology but as immediately relevant warnings and promises for communities under pressure.

World English Bible: Revelation

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