Revelation 1:10

I was in the spirit on the Lords day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Revelation 1:10 (KJV)

This verse is part of the opening chapter of the book of Revelation, which is the last book in the New Testament. The work has traditionally been attributed to the apostle John, who is said to have written it while exiled on the island of Patmos, although modern scholarship notes that the authorship remains a matter of debate. Revelation is a highly symbolic and prophetic book that provides a vision of the end times and the return of Jesus Christ.

In this particular verse, John sets the stage for the vision he is about to receive. He says that he was “in the Spirit” on the “Lord’s day.” Many commentators understand the phrase “in the Spirit” to suggest a state of spiritual receptiveness, possibly through prayer or meditation, in which he was open to receiving divine revelations. The “Lord’s day” is commonly understood to refer to Sunday, the day of the week on which Christians traditionally gather to worship and commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

While in this spiritual state, John heard a loud voice behind him that resembled the sound of a trumpet. The trumpet is often associated with important announcements or signals in biblical imagery. In this case, the loud voice signifies the divine message John is about to receive and the importance of the vision he is about to witness.

This verse sets the tone for the entire book of Revelation, as it highlights John’s spiritual receptiveness and his readiness to receive God’s revelation. It also serves as a reminder to believers to be spiritually attuned to the voice of God and to remain vigilant and expectant for the fulfilment of God’s promises, especially concerning the return of Jesus Christ.

Overall, Revelation 1:10 invites readers to approach the book of Revelation with a mindset of spiritual openness and attentiveness, recognising the significance of the divine message contained within it.