Greetings and Glory

Revelation is a letter, and like any letter in the first century, it begins with a formal greeting. John speaks on behalf of the triune Lord to a group of churches under profound pressure, and in all their hardship he announces to them grace and peace. More than that, we have to think he is giving them an example to follow when he praises God and gives him the glory, addressing him in a way that reminds the churches of their unshakable identity and of their eventual vindication in the return of Christ.