Revelation 1:10

Letters to the Faithful - Revelation 1:10

Berean Standard Bible

On the Lord’s day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet,

King James Bible

I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

Greek Text:

ἐγενόμην ἐν πνεύματι ἐν τῇ κυριακῇ ἡμέρᾳ, καὶ ἤκουσα ὀπίσω μου φωνὴν μεγάλην ὡς σάλπιγγος

Transliteration:

egenómēn en pneúmati en tē̂ kyriakē̂ hēmérā, kaì ḗkousa opísō mou phōnḕn megálēn hōs sálpingos

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On the Lord’s day

This phrase is traditionally understood to refer to Sunday, the first day of the week, which early Christians observed in commemoration of Jesus Christ's resurrection. The term "Lord's day" is distinct from the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday) and reflects the shift in worship practices among early Christians. This day became significant for gathering, worship, and breaking bread, as seen in Acts 20:7 and 1 Corinthians 16:2.

I was in the Spirit

Being "in the Spirit" indicates a state of spiritual ecstasy or prophetic vision, where the Holy Spirit enables a deeper level of revelation. This experience is similar to those of Old Testament prophets, such as Ezekiel (Ezekiel 2:2) and Daniel (Daniel 10:7-10), who were also transported into a divine realm to receive God's messages. It suggests a heightened awareness and receptivity to divine communication.

and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet

The "loud voice like a trumpet" signifies authority and urgency, often associated with divine revelation. In biblical times, trumpets were used to announce significant events or to gather people (Exodus 19:16, 19; 1 Thessalonians 4:16). This imagery connects to the theophany at Mount Sinai, where God's presence was accompanied by trumpet sounds. The voice's position "behind" John may indicate the unexpected nature of the revelation, drawing his attention to turn and see the source of the message.

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Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Beloved, I stand before you today, stirred by the Spirit, to proclaim the truth of God’s Word as revealed to John on the isle of Patmos, where, on the Lord’s Day, he found himself in the Spirit and heard a voice like a trumpet, resounding with divine authority, calling him to behold the glory of the risen Christ. This moment, recorded in Revelation 1:10, is not merely a historical note but a living summons to every one of us—to be attentive to the voice of God, to be open to His Spirit, and to stand in awe of the One who holds all things in His hands.

Consider John, exiled and alone, surrounded by the barren rock of Patmos, cut off from the fellowship of the church he loved. Yet, on the Lord’s Day, the day of Christ’s resurrection, the day set apart for worship and remembrance, John was not abandoned. He was in the Spirit, caught up in communion with the living God. What does this teach us, dear ones? That no circumstance—no isolation, no trial, no hardship—can separate us from the presence of God. The Spirit of God seeks those who worship Him in spirit and in truth, whether in a grand assembly or a lonely cell. The Lord’s Day is not merely a tradition but a divine appointment, a sacred moment to draw near to God, to hear His voice, and to be transformed by His glory.

John heard a voice like a trumpet, clear and commanding, piercing through the silence of his exile. So it is with us: God’s voice still speaks, cutting through the noise of this world, the clamor of our fears, and the distractions of our hearts. But are we listening? Are we, like John, in the Spirit, attuned to the whisper of God’s Word, ready to receive what He would reveal? Too often, we fill our lives with lesser things, chasing fleeting pleasures or bowing to the pressures of this age. Yet the Spirit calls us to lift our eyes, to fix our gaze on Jesus, the Alpha and the Omega, who stands among the lampstands, His eyes like a flame of fire, His voice like the sound of many waters.

The vision John received was not for him alone but for the churches, for all who have an ear to hear what the Spirit says. Revelation is not a riddle to be solved or a puzzle to be pieced together; it is a revelation of Jesus Christ, a unveiling of His majesty, His authority, and His coming triumph. When John turned to see the voice that spoke, he saw the Son of Man, clothed in glory, holding the stars in His hand, walking among His churches. This is the Christ we serve—not a distant figure, not a mere teacher or prophet, but the living Lord who reigns over all creation, who knows His people intimately, and who speaks with authority to guide, correct, and encourage.

Beloved, what does it mean to be in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day? It is to set aside the cares of this world, to quiet our hearts, and to seek the face of God. It is to gather with His people, to break bread in remembrance of His sacrifice, to sing His praises, and to hear His Word proclaimed. But it is also a call to live every day in the Spirit, to walk in step with Him, to be sensitive to His leading, whether we are in the sanctuary or the marketplace. The Lord’s Day is a rehearsal for eternity, a foretaste of the day when we will stand before the throne, joining the chorus of the redeemed, crying, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!”

Yet I must warn you, as John’s vision warns us: the voice of Christ is not always gentle. Like a trumpet, it demands our attention; it calls us to repentance, to holiness, to faithfulness. The churches to which John wrote faced trials—persecution, compromise, false teaching—and so do we. The world tempts us to conform, to soften the edges of the gospel, to blend in with its ways. But the voice of Christ calls us to stand firm, to hold fast to the truth, to be a light in the darkness. He walks among His churches, His eyes searching our hearts, knowing our deeds, our love, our faith, and also our failures. He calls us to overcome, to persevere, to cling to Him who is faithful.

To those who have not yet bowed the knee to Christ, hear this: the One who spoke to John speaks to you. His voice is not confined to the pages of Scripture or the walls of a church; it echoes through the ages, calling all to repentance and faith. He is the First and the Last, the One who died and is alive forevermore. He holds the keys of death and Hades, and He offers life to all who will come. Do not delay, for the day of His coming draws near. Turn to Him, trust in Him, and you will find forgiveness, hope, and eternal life.

And to the church, I say, let us be a people in the Spirit, not just on the Lord’s Day but every day. Let us be a people who listen for His voice, who tremble at His Word, who walk in His truth. Let us be a church that shines as a lampstand, reflecting the light of Christ to a world in desperate need. Do not grow weary, do not lose heart, for the One who walks among us is faithful. He will strengthen what remains, He will perfect what is lacking, and He will bring to completion the work He has begun in you.

Now to Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood, who has made us a kingdom and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

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O Almighty God, the One who is and who was and who is to come, the Alpha and the Omega, we bow before Your throne of glory, lifting our hearts in reverent prayer, awed by the majesty of Your Son, Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. We come, inspired by the vision of Your servant John, who, on the Lord’s Day, was in the Spirit and heard Your voice like a trumpet, resounding with divine authority, calling him to behold the glory of the risen Christ. O Lord, make us a people attuned to Your Spirit, ever ready to hear Your voice and to respond with worship, obedience, and faith.

Father of all mercy, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, who walks among the lampstands, His eyes like a flame of fire, His voice like the sound of many waters. We praise You that no exile, no trial, no loneliness can separate us from Your presence, for You are near to all who call upon You in truth. On this Lord’s Day and every day, draw us into the Spirit, that we may hear Your voice clearly, that we may see Your glory, and that we may be transformed by the revelation of Your Son. Let Your church be a holy dwelling place, a sanctuary where Your Spirit moves freely, where Your Word is proclaimed boldly, and where Your name is exalted above all.

We pray for Your people, scattered across the earth, yet united as one body in Christ. Keep us, O God, from the distractions of this age, from the voices that seek to drown out Your truth, from the temptations that lure us away from Your path. Like John on Patmos, may we be found faithful, even in the face of hardship, persecution, or isolation. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, that we may be sensitive to Your leading, quick to obey Your call, and steadfast in our devotion to the gospel. Let Your voice, like a trumpet, awaken our hearts, calling us to repentance, to holiness, and to a deeper love for You and for one another.

O Lord, we intercede for those who have not yet heard Your voice or seen the glory of Your Son. Open their ears to hear the call of the gospel, the good news that Jesus Christ, the slain Lamb, is alive forevermore, holding the keys of death and Hades. Break through the darkness that blinds them, shatter the chains that bind them, and draw them to the cross, where forgiveness flows freely and eternal life is found. Send forth Your laborers, O God, to proclaim the revelation of Jesus Christ to every nation, tribe, and tongue, that all may know the One who is worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.

We lift up those among us who are weary, who feel the weight of the world’s pressures, who face trials that test their faith. Strengthen them, O Lord, by the power of Your Spirit. Remind them that You are the First and the Last, that You hold the stars in Your hand, that You walk among Your churches, knowing their deeds, their struggles, and their victories. Comfort the afflicted, uphold the weak, and restore those who have stumbled. May they hear Your voice, calling them to overcome, to persevere, to hold fast to the hope that does not disappoint.

We pray for unity in Your church, that we may stand together as a radiant testimony to Your love and truth. Guard us from division, from false teachings, from the pride that sets brother against brother. Teach us to walk in humility, to speak in love, and to shine as lampstands in a world shrouded in darkness. May our worship, our prayers, and our lives be a sweet fragrance to You, rising as incense before Your throne. Let the Lord’s Day be a holy rhythm in our lives, a time to gather, to remember, to rejoice, and to prepare our hearts for the day when we will see You face to face.

O God, we long for the return of Your Son, when every eye will see Him, when every knee will bow, and when Your kingdom will be established forever. Until that day, keep us vigilant, keep us faithful, keep us in the Spirit. Let us be a people who listen for Your voice, who tremble at Your Word, who live for Your glory. May our lives proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. And may all we do, in word and deed, bring honor to the name of Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Now to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever. We offer this prayer in the matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, our Lord, and our coming King. Amen.