The Reason for Revelation
Revelation is not given merely as secret information for speculation among an elite group of Jesus followers. It is given to those who belong to Him, serve Him, suffer for Him, and must understand history under His lordship. The dative of Revelation 1:1 helps emphasize reception and responsibility:
The revelation is shown to the servants so that they may hear, keep, endure, worship rightly, and overcome.
That is, Revelation 1:1, τοῖς δούλοις αὐτοῦ is dative because the servants are the intended recipients of the revelation, not the direct object being revealed (accusative). Through the Scriptures God has made known His plan to His servants so that they can live effectively in His service.
In His grip by His grace,
Roderick L. Barnes, Sr.