Why the Glorified Body of Jesus Matters for the Church Today
Bible Study Guide
(Verse 17) For a brief moment, John may have recognized the voice of his old friend and teacher. But as he turned and saw Him, John realized instantly—this was not the same Jesus he had once walked beside in Galilee. Before him stood the risen Lord in His glorified body, clothed with majesty and power beyond imagination.
At nearly ninety years old, John was still sustained by God for this divine assignment. Yet even the strongest man in his prime would have collapsed in the presence of such overwhelming glory. John did exactly that—he fell at Jesus’ feet “as though dead.” The sight of the glorified body of Christ shook him to his core, leaving him trembling and undone in the presence of holy majesty.
(Verse 18) But then came the touch. The same hand that once broke bread with John now rested gently upon him, and the same voice John had loved and trusted spoke words of peace:
“Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” (Revelation 1:17–18)
The glorified Christ, radiant in power, was also the same compassionate Savior who stilled John’s fear. He declared His eternal victory—alive forevermore, holding authority over death itself. In that moment, John was reminded that the One who conquered the grave is the same Lord who stands with His people, even in the face of death and eternity.
“Do Not Be Afraid”
After that fearful moment, an overwhelming feeling of joy may have filled John’s senses as he came to the reality that He was in the presence of his Savior, witnessing the glorified body of Jesus.
Jesus tells John not to be afraid because He is the One who was before all of creation and He is the One that will be after all creation passes away. He says to John not to fear because He has conquered death and “holds the keys of death and Hades.”
The Glorified Jesus Gives the Divine Outline
(Verse 19) Jesus doesn’t waste a moment. He gives John a direct command: “Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now, and what will take place later.” This isn’t a private vision for John alone, nor just for the seven churches of Asia Minor. It’s a message for all generations, so that every believer might discern the times and be ready for the end.
We know the weight of these words because Jesus closes every one of His letters with the same urgent call:
“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
(Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22)
In other words: Listen carefully. These truths matter. Read them. Reflect on them. Live them.
- “What you have seen” — This begins with John’s breathtaking vision of the glorified Christ in chapter 1.
- “What is now” — The letters to the seven churches of Revelation (chapters 2–3). These are both encouragements and warnings, timeless in their relevance. They speak to the Church in every age—right up to the rapture and the Second Coming.
- “What will take place later” — The prophetic future unveiled in chapters 4–22. These visions include the rapture of the church, the judgments of the Tribulation, the return of Christ, the Millennial Kingdom, and ultimately, the creation of a new heaven and new earth.
Revelation 1:19 is not just an outline of the book—it’s the key to understanding prophecy. It anchors us in the past, speaks into the present, and prepares us for the future.
Rapture vs. Second Coming of Christ Comparison Chart
It’s All About the Glorified Body of Jesus
It’s important that we understand where the words of Revelation come from. Revelation is not a compilation of John the apostles thoughts and ideas of the last days. John is the writer. He’s the one with the quill and the bottle of ink and the parchment laid out before him. His responsibility is to turn visions into words.
The words that come from the visions that John puts to paper are all from Jesus. From the first chapter of the Bible (Genesis 1) to the very last chapter of the Bible (Revelation 22) is from Christ, through Christ, and for Christ. Thus all the words written by John in Revelation come from Christ.
(Verse 20) John closes this passage with Jesus revealing what the seven stars represent. Remember Jesus spoke of the seven stars in verse 16. Here He explains that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches. There is one angel for each church. These are also known as the messengers of God, who remind us of His glorified body.
🙏Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, like John, when we behold Your glory, we fall at Your feet in awe. Yet You lay Your hand upon us and speak the words we need most: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One.”
Thank You for conquering death and holding the keys of death and Hades. Thank You that You are not a distant figure, but the risen and reigning King who walks among His churches and speaks with authority.
Give us ears to hear what the Spirit says. Help us to live in readiness, to obey Your Word, and to hold fast to Your promises as we await Your return. May the vision of who You are—the First and the Last, the One who lives forever—strengthen our faith, embolden our witness, and steady our hearts until the day we see You face to face.
In Your powerful name we pray, Amen.
“Rev. 1:11-16 “Jesus Appears to John” | “Intro to What Is the Church?” Revelation 2 >>