“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near” Revelation 1:3
How many times have you read and heard sermons about this passage? I have heard it many times. I have also heard the phrase, “Context is King.” Although I spent most of my adult life learning how to read and preach the Scriptures, I am reminded how easy it is to detach a verse from its original context. The principle, ‘Context is king,’ helped me understand a Bible passage this afternoon.
Have you ever wondered why it says, “the one who reads ALOUD the words of this prophecy”? I haven’t until recently. The context of this book is a letter that travels to seven different churches. The one who reads aloud would naturally be the Elder or Pastor. When John writes, to the “angel,” he is referring to the pastor or elder. Wow! Now this makes so much sense. The pastor would read it, and the congregation would listen and KEEP the words. Those who do, will be blessed. I guess this would be one of the main purposes of church attendance… not to get our ‘praise on.’ I didn’t think I would find it in The book of Revelation, but I am glad I did.
Brian L Spivey D.O.C.
Coffee Rings 