Survey of Revelation

Revelation 1:9 is the beginning of the first of John's seven visions. Before reading those visions, we will briefly identify them.

Vision #1 (Rev 1:9 - 3:22) Son of man dictates letters to the saints in seven churches

   Vision #2 (Rev 4:1 - 8:1) The Lamb opens seven seals

      Vision #3 (Rev 8:2 - 11:18) Angels sound seven trumpets

         Vision #4 (Rev 12 - 14) Enemies oppose God and his people

      Vision #5 (Rev 15-16) Angels pour out seven bowls filled with God's wrath

   Vision #6 (Rev 17:1 - 21:8) The king of kings defeats God's enemies

Vision #7 (Rev 21:9 - 22:5) The saints dwell in the new heavens and new earth

The first and last vision deal with the saints, first in the midst of their struggles on earth and finally when they have gained the victory and dwell in the presence of God and the Lamb. Each of the visions 2-5 deals with a situation faced by the saints on earth and ends with God's judgment of the nations on their behalf.  This suggests that they run parallel to each other, not consecutively.