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"1. The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to make known to his servants the things which must shortly come to pass and signified, sending by his angel to his servant John, 2 who hath given testimony to the word of God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ, what things soever he hath seen.

3. Blessed is he that readeth and heareth the words of this prophecy: and keepeth those things which are written in it. For the time is at hand."

1. The revelation (apocalypse) of Jesus Christ. The Greek word αποκαλυψις signifies a revelation; a making known. It also means the revealing of one's self, a coming. Both meanings are appropriate here. It is a revelation which Christ has made concerning His Coming in power and majesty. It is also a prophecy of events leading up to this second coming.

These things "must shortly come to pass." They comprise the whole history of the Church from the time of Christ until the end of the world. Hence their accomplishment was already beginning in the days of St. John.

This revelation has been confided to Jesus Christ by God the Father. Christ in turn sends an angel to impart it to His servant John. Angels are the natural intermediaries between God and man. They often fulfilled this mission before the time of Christ. Today their ministry