The organizational structure of the Book of Revelation is similar to John’s previous work, The Gospel According to John. There is a beginning, and an ending, and everything between the beginning and the ending (Rev. 1:2). In chiasmus form, the structure appears as follows:
a) Ch. 1, The beginning
…..b) Ch. 22, The ending
c) Ch. 2-21, Everything between the beginning and the ending
For The Gospel According to John, the structure is:
a) Ch. 1, The beginning
…..b) Ch. 21, The ending
c) Ch. 2-20, Everything between the beginning and the ending
Here is Rev. 1:2 in chiasmus form
a) “Who bare record of the word of God,
…..b) and of the testimony of Jesus Christ,
c) and of all things that he saw.”
a) The Word of God is in John 1:1-5
…..b) The testimony of Jesus Christ is in John 21:20-25
c) And all things that John saw are between Verse 1:5 and 21:20
Likewise,
a) The Vision of the Savior is in Rev. 1:12-16
…..b) The testimony of Jesus Christ is in Rev. 22:16-21
c) And all things that John saw are between Verse 1:16 and 22:16
Thus, in Chapter 1, John saw the Savior in a vision. This vision is in Rev. 1:12-16. Then, at Rev. 1:17, the Savior is standing before John, at which time John falls at his feet.
Personally, I think the Savior was standing behind John in Rev. 1:10 when he first heard the Savior speaking. But in Rev. 1:12, as John turned, he was immediately caught in vision to see the Savior standing with his saints. Which, by the way, is what the golden candlesticks represent (Rev. 1:20). But John, true to form, loves to explain things artistically. And a work of art is what the prophecy became.
It is like reading Rembrandt, Monet, or vanGogh. Every word is a stroke of genius. Every phrase, a moment of luxury. How blessed we are to have this wonderful work of art.
Here is the vision of the Savior, verse by verse.
12And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 13And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 14His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. 17And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
WOW! Isn’t that beautiful?