The Revelation of Jesus Christ to St. John, or The Apocalypse, is the only prophetic book in the New Testament. Written by John, one of the apostles of Christ, the book is addressed to the seven Christian churches in Asia Minor, whose members were being persecuted by Roman officials. The images and allusions of The Revelation are difficult for us to understand today; but to the persecuted members of the seven churches, John’s message is clearly one of hope, courage, and faith in times of trouble; it proclaims that on the Lord’s day the faithful will be greatly rewarded.

Revelation 1

1:4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;