The book of Revelation has fascinated and puzzled Christians for nearly two thousand years. It’s filled with vivid imagery, mysterious symbols, and dramatic prophecies about the end of the age. But before we even get past the first three verses, we encounter a question that has divided Bible scholars for centuries:
What did John mean when he said these things would happen “soon”?
Here at Higher Praise, we believe in studying Scripture honestly—even when that means wrestling with difficult questions. And Revelation 1:1-3 presents one of the most challenging interpretive puzzles in all of Bible prophecy.
Let’s look at the verses in question:
“The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John.” — Revelation 1:1 (NIV)
“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” — Revelation 1:3 (NIV)
“Soon take place.” “The time is near.”
If Revelation was written around AD 95 (the traditional date) or even AD 65 (the early date some scholars prefer), we’re now nearly 2,000 years removed from John’s writing. Can 2,000 years honestly be called “soon”?
This is the question we’ll explore in this Higher Praise Bible study. We’ll examine the major viewpoints, look at the original Greek, and consider how faithful Christians have understood these verses throughout church history.
The Two Major Interpretive Camps
Before we dive into the specific language of Revelation 1:1-3, it helps to understand the two primary ways Christians have interpreted the book of Revelation as a whole.
The Preterist View (Past Fulfillment)
Preterists believe that most or all of Revelation was fulfilled in the first century—primarily in the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 and the fall of the Roman Empire. In this view, “soon” means exactly what it sounds like: these events were about to happen in John’s lifetime.
Strengths of this view:
- Takes “soon” and “near” at face value
- Connects Revelation to historical events John’s audience would have understood
- Explains why the seven churches would care about the message
Challenges with this view:
- Requires explaining how the new heaven and new earth have already come
- Must account for passages that seem to describe Christ’s visible, bodily return
- Struggles with the binding of Satan and the thousand-year reign
The Futurist View (Future Fulfillment)
Futurists believe that while Revelation had relevance for its original audience, the bulk of the prophecies (especially chapters 4-22) await future fulfillment. In this view, “soon” must be understood differently than our modern usage.
Strengths of this view:
- Takes the cosmic, global language of Revelation seriously
- Connects Revelation to other end-times prophecies in Daniel, Ezekiel, and Jesus’ Olivet Discourse
- Awaits a literal return of Christ and restoration of all things
Challenges with this view:
- Must explain why John said “soon” and “near” if he meant thousands of years
- Can seem disconnected from the original audience’s concerns
Both views are held by sincere, Bible-believing Christians. Here at Higher Praise, we want to examine the evidence honestly and let Scripture speak.
Understanding the Greek: “En Tachei” (ἐν τάχει)
The phrase “must soon take place” in Revelation 1:1 translates the Greek phrase “en tachei” (ἐν τάχει). This is where much of the debate centers.
The Standard Meaning
In most New Testament uses, “en tachei” means “quickly” or “soon” in terms of timing. Here are the other places it appears:
- Luke 18:8 — “He will see that they get justice, and quickly (en tachei).”
- Acts 12:7 — “Quick (en tachei), get up!”
- Acts 22:18 — “Quick (en tachei)! Leave Jerusalem immediately.”
- Acts 25:4 — “He himself was going there soon (en tachei).”
- Romans 16:20 — “The God of peace will soon (en tachei) crush Satan under your feet.”
In most of these contexts, the meaning is clearly “soon in time”—not thousands of years later.
The Alternative Interpretation
Some futurist scholars argue that “en tachei” can also mean “swiftly” or “rapidly”—referring not to when the events begin, but how quickly they unfold once they start.
Under this interpretation, Revelation 1:1 would mean: “The things which, when they begin, will happen in rapid succession.”
This interpretation has some grammatical support. The related word “tachos” can emphasize speed of execution rather than nearness of timing.
An Honest Assessment
Here at Higher Praise, we believe in intellectual honesty. The “rapid succession” interpretation is possible, but it’s not the most natural reading of the Greek. Most lexicons define “en tachei” primarily as “soon” or “shortly.”
However, this doesn’t end the discussion. We must also consider how prophetic language works throughout Scripture.
Understanding the Greek: “Engys” (ἐγγύς) — “The Time Is Near”
Revelation 1:3 uses a different Greek word: “engys” (ἐγγύς), meaning “near” or “at hand.”
This word is harder to reinterpret. It straightforwardly means “near in time or space.”
James uses the same word:
“You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near (engys).” — James 5:8 (NIV)
And Jesus Himself used it:
“When you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near (engys).” — Luke 21:31 (NIV)
This presents a genuine challenge for strict futurists. If “near” meant 2,000+ years, what would “far” look like?
How Futurists Respond: Five Key Arguments
Despite the linguistic challenges, futurists offer several thoughtful responses. Let’s examine them honestly.
1. God’s Timing Is Not Our Timing
The Apostle Peter addressed this exact issue—people questioning why Christ hadn’t returned yet:
“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.” — 2 Peter 3:8-9 (NIV)
Peter wrote this specifically to explain the apparent delay. God operates on an eternal timeline. What seems “long” to us is a breath to Him.
This isn’t a convenient escape hatch—it’s Peter himself giving us the interpretive key.
2. Prophetic Imminence vs. Immediacy
There’s an important theological distinction between imminence (could happen at any moment) and immediacy (will happen right now).
The New Testament consistently teaches that Christ’s return is imminent—it could happen at any time, and every generation should live in readiness. This isn’t the same as saying it will happen immediately.
“Soon” in prophetic language often means “the next major event on God’s calendar”—even if the calendar operates differently than ours.
3. The “Already/Not Yet” Kingdom
Many scholars recognize that biblical prophecy often operates in an “already/not yet” framework. The Kingdom of God has already been inaugurated through Christ’s death and resurrection, but it has not yet been fully consummated.
Similarly, Revelation may describe:
- Events that were “soon” for John’s audience (persecution, judgment on Jerusalem and Rome)
- Events that await future fulfillment (Christ’s visible return, final judgment, new creation)
This isn’t inconsistency—it’s how biblical prophecy often works. Isaiah’s prophecies moved seamlessly between near and far fulfillments. The same pattern appears in Revelation.
4. Old Testament Prophetic Precedent
The Old Testament prophets frequently spoke of events as “near” that took centuries or millennia to unfold:
“Wail, for the day of the LORD is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty.” — Isaiah 13:6 (NIV)
Isaiah 13 describes Babylon’s fall (which happened in 539 BC) but also contains language about cosmic upheaval that goes far beyond any historical event.
Joel, Zephaniah, and Obadiah all announced the “day of the LORD” as “near”—yet that day encompasses multiple fulfillments across history.
Prophets saw “mountain peaks” of God’s intervention without always seeing the valleys of time between them.
5. Relevance for Every Generation
Here’s a perspective that bridges the gap: “Soon” is genuinely true for every generation—because every person will meet the Lord at death if not before.
For John’s original readers facing Roman persecution, the message was urgent: Christ will vindicate His people. Stay faithful.
For us today, the message remains urgent: Christ is coming. Live ready.
The imminence isn’t deceptive—it’s pastorally true. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow.
What About the Preterist Challenges?
In fairness, we should also note that preterism faces its own significant challenges:
1. Where is the New Heaven and New Earth? Revelation 21-22 describes a new creation where there is no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. If this was fulfilled in AD 70, where is it?
2. When Did Christ Visibly Return? Revelation 1:7 says “every eye will see him.” When did this happen?
3. When Was Satan Bound? Revelation 20 describes Satan being bound for a thousand years. If this happened in the first century, when was he released? And when was he thrown into the lake of fire?
4. What About the Resurrection? Revelation 20:4-6 describes a resurrection of the saints. When did this occur?
Every interpretive system has tensions. The question is which tensions you can live with based on the whole counsel of Scripture.
A Balanced Approach: What Higher Praise Recommends
At Higher Praise, we encourage believers to hold their eschatological views with conviction but also with humility. Here’s a balanced approach to Revelation 1:1-3:
1. Take the “Soon” Language Seriously
Don’t dismiss or explain away the time references. They meant something to John’s audience. The early church genuinely expected Christ’s return in their lifetime—and Scripture doesn’t rebuke them for it.
2. Recognize Multiple Horizons of Fulfillment
Much of Revelation may have had genuine first-century application (especially the letters to the seven churches and judgments on persecuting powers) while also pointing to final, future realities.
3. Live with Imminence
Regardless of your eschatological position, the practical application is the same: live as though Christ could return today. Because He could. And even if He doesn’t return in your lifetime, you will meet Him at death.
4. Major on the Majors
Faithful Christians disagree on the timing and sequence of end-times events. But we all agree on what matters most: Jesus wins. Evil is defeated. God’s people are vindicated. Creation is restored. That’s the message of Revelation.
Conclusion: The Blessed Hope
Revelation 1:3 pronounces a blessing on those who read, hear, and keep what is written in this book. That blessing isn’t contingent on having the “correct” eschatological chart. It comes from encountering Christ—the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Living One who holds the keys of death and Hades.
Whether “soon” means the first century, the twenty-first century, or both—one thing is certain: Christ is coming. His kingdom will have no end. And every knee will bow.
Here at Higher Praise, we believe that’s the message John wanted his readers to hold onto. And it’s the message we hold onto today.
Be encouraged. The time is near.
Thank you for reading this Higher Praise Bible study. If this article helped you understand Scripture better, share it with someone who’s wrestling with the same questions. And come back for more daily devotionals and Bible teaching from Higher Praise.