We learn more about Christ in chapters 1-3. At least seven aspects of Christ's power and authority may be noticed in these chapters, both in the first vision of Christ, and in the letters Christ has John write to he seven churches.
Jesus is "the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the end, the First and the Last... he who is and who was and who is to come (Rev 1:8,11,17, 2:8, 3:14). Time is under God's authority (Acts 1:7). Jesus rules time; it does not rule him. He has "dominion forever and ever"(Rev 1:6) and lives in eternity. The visions of Revelation represent time from that eternal perspective. We shall discuss this matter further in some of our lessons that focus on questions of times and seasons in prophecy.
2. Power over creation
Jesus claims to be "the beginning of the creation of God"(Rev 3:14). He is the Creator of all things that have been created (Jhn 1:1-3, Col 1:16-17).
3. Power over angels
"He sent and signified [the revelation] by his angel... To the angel of the church of Ephesus write..."(Rev 1:1, 2:1). In the book of Revelation, angels are seen to be servants carrying out orders from Jesus. The angels are inferior and are subject to Jesus Christ. They worship him (Heb 1:6-8, 13-14).
4. Power over death
Jesus is "he who lives, and was dead, and came to life, and behold I am alive forever more, Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death"(Rev 1:18, 2:8). The death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ is a basic doctrine in the gospel (Acts 2:23-24,31-33). The book of Revelation promises that Christ will also raise the dead and destroy death and Hades (Rev 20:11-15).
5. Power over destiny
Jesus is "he who is holy, he who is true, he who has the key of David, who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens"(Rev 3:7 Isa 22:22). Christ will judge the living and the dead (2Tm 4:1). He has the authority to decide which destiny shall be yours (Mtt 25:31-32,46).
6. Power over truth
Jesus is "he who has the sharp two-edged sword... eyes like a flame of fire... the Amen, the faithful and true witness"(Rev 1:14-16, 2:12,18, 3:14). The two edged sword represents the teaching of Christ, his gospel (Heb 4:12, Eph 6:17). The word Amen means "true". Jesus has the truth, and he decides what is true and what is false. He has not left us in the dark, but given us the revelation of the truth.
7. Power over the churches
Jesus is "he who holds the seven stars in his right hand and who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands" (Rev 1:13,16, 2:1). The stars are the angels of the churches, and the lampstands are the churches themselves (Rev 1:20). Christ, although in heaven, is in control of his churches on earth. He says, as he begins each message to the churches, "I know your works"(Rev 2:2,9,13,19, 3:1,8,15). All churches are answerable to him and should regard him as the Head (Col 1:18).