Prologue

1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God ^(A)gave him ^(B)to show to his servants^[a] the things that must soon take place. ^(C)He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,

¹² Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw ^(A)seven golden lampstands, ¹³ and in the midst of the lampstands ^(B)one like ^(C)a son of man, ^(D)clothed with a long robe and ^(E)with a golden sash around his chest. ^14 (F)The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. ^(G)His eyes were like a flame of fire, ^15 (H)his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and ^(I)his voice was like the roar of many waters. ^16 (J)In his right hand he held seven stars, ^(K)from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and ^(L)his face was like the sun shining ^(M)in full strength.

^17 (N)When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But ^(O)he laid his right hand on me, ^(P)saying, “Fear not, ^(Q)I am the first and the last, ¹⁸ and the living one. ^(R)I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and ^(S)I have the keys of Death and Hades.

²⁰ He who testifies to these things says, “Surely ^(A)I am coming soon.” Amen. ^(B)Come, Lord Jesus!