Introduction-
A few years ago a friend asked me what I thought was the most important book of the Bible for our own day and age. My answer to him was a resounding, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” It is because, I believe, we are getting nearer and nearer to its literal fulfillment every day. (This is the one great portion of scripture that deals chiefly with the prophetic future.) The subject of this writing is, of course, the Lord Jesus Christ, as the title indicates. In it we are given the most brilliant picture of our glorified Saviour in Chapter 1. But, throughout the book, we find Him revealed some 28 times, as “the Lamb (who had been slain).” This is an expression exclusive to John the apostle in his gospel. Thus, without any doubt or argument, he is the writer and “the Revelator” of this powerful prophecy. This truth of Jesus as “the Lamb of God” became very real to me a number of years ago, when my wife bought me a lamb-skinned coat. It became symbolic to me of my covering and protection. (What a beautiful example of how Jesus saved me by His blood, and how He protects me from anything the world, the devil, or the flesh can throw at me.) As we begin in Chapter 1, verse 1, I am reminded of this fitting verse which Peter the apostle wrote, in his first epistle: “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (I Peter 1:13).
Verse 1
The Revelation of Jesus Christ- The meaning of the word revelation is “revealing, uncovering, unveiling, laying bare, making naked” [Gr. APOKALUPSIS]. It is of something that has been hidden from view, which has now been opened to our understanding, such as a mystery or secret not perceived by the human senses. It is of a person, “the Man, Christ Jesus” (I Tim. 2:5), who comes into view and is now revealed to us here in this book, as He was truly meant to be, and as He now stands: “The faithful witness” (vs. 5), “He (who) cometh with clouds” (vs. 7), “The Son of God” (2:18), “A lamb as though it had been slain” (5:5), “Another mighty angel” (10:1), “The Word of God” (19:14), and “The Lord God Almighty” (21:22). It is a writing penned by a man, John, the evangelist, about a Man, who is also the One, true living God revealed to all of mankind and to His creation.
Which God gave unto him- This revelation is given to Jesus, the Son, by God, the Father, and came forth out of His Holy Spirit. This is a deep truth of scripture: that the Lord would be revealed to us as the triune (three-in-one) God. Jesus said this to the religious Pharisees of His day: “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I proceeded and came forth from God” (John 8:42). He also said these words to His disciples about the Spirit of God, who would be sent to His followers after His death, resurrection and departure from them: “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from My Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me” (John 15:26). This is what takes place throughout this writing. Kind of like a court scene, with the Father sitting as judge, the Son standing as the defense lawyer, and the Spirit taking the witness stand, and reporting all that he has heard and seen. They will present a solid and indisputable case in the final Judgment.
To shew unto his servants- It is interesting that the word shew [Gr. DEIKNUO] has the meaning “to expose to the eyes,” as “to give evidence, or proof of a thing.” The disciples truly did testify of the Son to their fellow man, not just in the words they said, but also with their very lives. John said this in his first epistle about Jesus, “who came in the flesh” (See I John 4:2, 3): “We have heard (him)… have seen (him)… we have looked upon (him)… and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life” (I John 1:1). Peter said these words about his encounter with the Christ: “(We) were eyewitnesses of his majesty” (II Peter 1:16). These men were given the opportunity and awesome responsibility of giving forth the gospel, which is “the Good News.” They paid dearly for their witness to the world. They left behind all that they had, for a righteous, heavenly Kingdom, which has no end.
Things which must shortly come to pass- This speaks of the fact that when these things begin to take place, they will come about in rapid succession. The word shortly means “speedy.” We get our word tachometer from it. Thus, when these things that are revealed in this writing of John’s, begins to come to pass, they will come about speedily, and accelerate faster and faster. It will be as when Jesus said this, to His disciples: “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption [our complete and ultimate salvation, when we go to be with Him] draws near” (Luke 21:27). He was talking to them about what conditions would be like at the time of His second coming. Know that this prophecy will come to pass, just as numerous others already have. If the various verses (of which there are many we could cite here) concerning Jesus’ first coming have precisely come to pass, know of a certain that those of His second coming will also truly be fulfilled, as we will see in this writing.
And he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John- These series of visions contained in this book were given (made known) to John “the beloved” by a heavenly messenger. Like every important prophetic message, they will always have an other-worldly (not from ourselves) inspiration and origin. Peter said, “For prophecy came not by the will of man, but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (II Peter 1:21). The Prophet Daniel would be another good example of this, as God’s angel came to him to give prophetic insight into the future dealings of His people. (See Dan. 8:19) John, being a servant [Gr. DOULOS], a bond slave of the living God, would be that ‘acceptable vessel’ that He could use, to pass this very message on to God’s own people in his day. Not only that, but these words have been preserved for us, to convey this same truth to us, down through the centuries in our day.
Verse 2
Who bare record of the word of God- Although this was something given specifically to John, he did not keep it to himself. He gave witness [Gr. MARTUREO] to the fact that the things that he had heard and seen from God were for a distinct purpose. It is important for us to realize that the message given to a man of God is the Word of the Lord. God has chosen certain individuals for this purpose in His divine plan from long ago. (See Jer. 1:4, 5) It will become just like a fire that cannot be contained. As Jeremiah had once said, “But His Word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding back, and I could not” (Jer. 20:9). The Word of God is mentioned 5 times in the book of Revelation. (Rev. 1:2, 9; 6:9; 19:13 and 20:4) This is what John called Jesus in his gospel: “…the Word was with God, and the Word was God…and the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…” (John 1:1, 14).
And of the testimony of Jesus Christ- This is the witness that God wants to bring to the world, as the apostle Paul put so matter-of-factly in these words: “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness; God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory” (I Tim. 3:16). This is the testimony of all true saints of God, as well. (See I Cor. 1:4-8) We are to witness to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and to become more and more like Him in the process, in our lives here on earth, before He can take us to be with Him, and to become just like Him. John said, “Beloved, now are we the children of God; and it has not been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is” (I John 3:2).
And of all things that he saw- No wonder the religious Pharisees were so angry with Jesus. He spoke with great authority, and told them where that authority came from. Jesus told the Jews these words: “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son does in like manner” (John 5:19). His words and actions all emanated from His having been with His Heavenly Father, as He had told them: “I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you have seen with your father” (John 8:38). Jesus was speaking to them about their having the attributes of the devil, and the fact that they were doing his desires. (See John 8:44) This is the ultimate challenge that is brought forth in this book: to see which side we will wind up on (into which kingdom we will eventually reside in), God’s or Satan’s. It is the Spirit of God’s goal to bring every human being into the realm of the eternal Son’s glory, and it is the spirit of antichrist that seeks to keep everyone possible from experiencing this Kingdom, which is “(a building of God) not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (See II Cor. 5:1).
Verse 3
Blessed is he that readeth- “Happy, blessed, fortunate, well-off” is the one who reads, and digs into these prophetic scriptures presented here. They give hope, patience, comfort, and direction for a future that is not always clear to us. The Old Testament did such to bring these things about (Rom. 15:4), and the New Testament does the same. (See I Pet. 1:13) This is really a book of blessings, not only of curses, as some have unwittingly commented on concerning over the past two centuries. Seven blessings are mentioned in the book. (Rev. 1:3, 14:13, 16:15, 19:9, 20:9, 22:7 and 22:14) It starts with a blessing for those who read the words of this book, and it ends with: “Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book” (Rev. 22:7).
And they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein- It is clear from this statement that this is a writing that is prophetic. It is meant to be read aloud, as all prophetic utterances have been. What God reveals to His prophets, He wants spoken in the hearing of others. (See Amos 3:7, 8) The true work of a Prophet is to 1) Stay in God’s counsel, and to 2) Cause God’s people to hear His words. It is given for this one distinct purpose: “Then they would have turned them from their evil way and from the evil of their doings” (Jer. 23:22). John was a true Prophet of the living God. God was alive to him, and God was alive in him. There is a “blessing” for us when we keep God’s Word. (See Luke 11:28) The word keep [Gr. TEREO] means “to take care of, to guard, to attend to, to observe.” More than anything, as God’s children, we are kept by His Word and power, because we believe in Him. Peter wrote that we as believers are those “who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (I Pet. 1:5). Jude said, “Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy” (Jude 24).
For the time is at hand- According to the apostles, we are already in the last days. (See Acts 2:17 and Heb. 1:1, 2) John said, “Little children, it is the last time; and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists, whereby we know that it is the last time” (I John 2:18). Peter said, “…But the end of all things is at hand” (I Pet. 4:7). The apostle Paul said, “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand…” (Rom. 13:11, 12). If they sensed that Jesus’ coming was close at hand, how much nearer do suppose it is to us now? Perhaps “even at the doors,” as Jesus suggested, after certain signs would come about in ‘the last days.’ (See Matt. 24:33)
Verse 4
John to the seven churches which are in Asia- Four times the author identifies himself as John. (Rev. 1:1, 4, 9:22:8) Without getting into a lengthy discussion, or looking into various views on who this John is, I only wish to cite some early Christian writers, as well as, the aforementioned internal evidence (that the apostle John said that Jesus was “the Lamb of God”) contained within the book of Revelation. There are a number of second century witnesses to the apostle John’s authorship, which include Irenaeus, Justin Martyr, Clement of Alexandria, and Tertullian. Some of these men even ministered with John in the church at Ephesus. They held to John’s apostolic authorship. These churches of Asia are listed in verse 11, and fuller comments are given concerning them when we get to Chapters 2 and 3 of the book.
Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come- This is the typical greeting given by the apostles to the recipients of the letters written to them. As Paul wrote to the Ephesians (Eph. 1:2), as in Peter’s epistles (I Pet. 1:1, II Pet. 1:2), and as John mentions (II John 3), with the added word “mercy” sandwiched between the two. Grace is God’s unmerited favor, or as the acronym states, that it is God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. The peace mentioned here is a peace that can only be extended to another, from one who has received it from God. (See John 14:27 and Phil. 4:7) It comes from “him which is, and which was, and which is to come,” namely, the Lord Jesus Christ. This expression is mentioned 4 times in the book. (Rev. 1:4, 8: 4:8; 11:17) In Chapter 11 the “who is to come” is omitted from the Majority Text, and seems to indicate that the Lord has come for His own, by this point. (This is a subject that we will delve into when we get to the middle chapters of the book.)
And from the seven Spirits which are before his throne- The Spirit of God is often presented to us in the Bible as having a sevenfold function in His ministry to the saints. Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit. (See Isaiah 11:2) The Spirit is also represented in “the seven candlesticks” here in the book of Revelation, and is alluded to by the Prophet Zechariah in his writings. (Zech. 4) We will see more of this in our further studies in the chapters ahead. (Rev. 3:1, 4:5 and 5:6) He has come to “reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8).
Verse 5
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness- John indicates here that the origin of the Revelation (which he writes to the saints in the churches) is extended to him from Jesus Christ, who received it from His Father. (See on verse 1) The Son of God is the “faithful witness.” He was a witness of God while here on earth, but more so now, because He remains in heaven. (See Job 16:19, Is. 55:4 and Heb. 9:24) He appears before God’s throne on our behalf, and stands as our “advocate” (I John 2:1). He is not only a lawyer in our stead, but also a faithful High Priest for us in God’s presence. The book of Hebrews says this of His status for us today: “Therefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing that he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such a high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens” (Heb. 7 25, 26).
And the first begotten from the dead- Out of this statement we find the distinction of Jesus being the “first born” [Gr. PROTOTOKOS] out of the dead. This is an indication that He is the preeminent one, the only one who is the rightful heir to the throne. The Bible states plainly that God, the Father raised Jesus from the dead (Acts 13:30), that Jesus truly raised Himself (John 10:17, 18), and that it was also the Holy Spirit’s power that raised Him (Rom. 8:11). From Psalm 2, we see a prediction by King David, under the inspiration of the Spirit, that Jesus would be raised from the dead. God said, “I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee” (Psalm 2:7). Paul, in preaching to the early Church, mentions this same verse out of the Psalms, when he made his point to them about the resurrection. (See Acts 13:33)
And the prince of the kings of the earth- Prince means “chief” or “first in rank.” We are told in Isaiah that there is only One God and Saviour, and that “every knee will bow” to Him eventually. (See Is. 45:21-23) Paul said this concerning Jesus: “Wherefore God hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:9-11). Jesus is revealed in this book as “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (19:16), and that “the kings of the earth” will one day “bring their glory and honour” into the Kingdom of God’s Son, when they shall all bow before Him. (See Rev. 21:24) But, it will only be those kings and rulers whom the Father has saved, and who have been delivered from darkness, and have been translated into “the kingdom of his dear Son” (Col. 1:13).
Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood- I don’t think we truly realize how deep this particular passage actually is! We have here the One was the first to come up out of the grave after having been dead, and never having to pass through death a second time, saying to us that He loves us (present tense) and that He has washed us (past tense) of our sins in His very own blood. Having our sins “washed” refers to a removal or dissolving, as a stain that has been thoroughly cleansed out of a garment. Let this thought sink in a little while! His love [Gr. AGAPAO] is deeper than any we can imagine: an everlasting love that has its origins in eternity past and will continue into eternity future. His love was extended to mankind in the very first scenes of man’s early existence in the Garden of Eden. The place that man initially rebelled against his Creator. The place God first mentioned the coming of a Redeemer. (See Gen. 3:15) The One who would come from the “Seed” of the woman, and would Himself be bruised in His heel. It is interesting that the mention of “the seed” here is that which comes from a father. Thus, the very blood that was shed on Calvary, and cleanses us of our sins, comes from “a man” whose bloodline comes from God Himself. It is a real blessing to know, as God’s redeemed people, that we are “the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). See also on Rev. 5:9, 7:14 and 12:11 about the blood of the Lamb.
Verse 6
And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father- As mentioned above, we have a great High Priest in the heavens who mediates for us before God. (See I Tim. 2:5, 6) We, as God’s people, are also called to mediate between man and God in our prayers. The idea of God’s people being “kings and priests” or literally, a kingdom of priests, probably comes from Exodus 19:5, 6, where God says to Moses, “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.” Peter also picks up on this thought in his writings to the church. He says, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (I Pet. 2:9). Prayer is one of the main functions of God’s saints, and runs throughout the first half of the book. (See on Rev. 5:8, 6:9 and 8:3, 4)
To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen- To give glory to God is the main reason for John’s writing, and is mentioned numerous times within the book. In the middle of the book, contained in the lines of “the song of Moses,” we find these words being sung: “Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify they name?” (Rev. 15:4) It is an eternal glory that we are to be partakers of, and to share in with Christ Jesus. (See I Pet. 5:10, 11) Because He is now seated at the right hand of God, Jesus is “far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come” (Eph. 1:21). The “Amen,” which means so be it, or verily, is added to this great expression, because it is an unchanging reality. “Amen” is used ten times in this book to confirm God’s trustworthiness in all things.
Verse 7
Behold, he cometh with clouds- Jesus, we are told, left with clouds, and He will return with clouds. (See Acts 1:9-11, Matt. 24:30 and I Thess. 4:16, 17) These words here are obviously taken from Daniel’s great vision of the Lord, in his seventh chapter, where he says: “I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him” (Dan. 7:13). Jesus Himself said these words at His trial before the high priest, when asked if He was the Christ, the Son of God: “Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven” (Matt. 26:64). Revelation 10:1 tells also of a “mighty angel” who “came down from heaven clothed with a cloud.” This speaks of the shekinah glory of the Lord that is mentioned in the Old Testament. We are told that “the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud” in the wilderness (Ex. 16:10), “like devouring fire” on Mt. Sinai (Ex. 24:17), in the tabernacle (Ex. 40:34), and also in Solomon’s temple (I Kings 8:11).
And every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him- This statement is comforting to Christians, because it is our great hope to see Jesus! But, at the same time, to the unbelieving this will become a devastating thought, to stand face to face with the King and Judge of the Universe. We will all give an account at His seat or before His throne one day. (See II Cor. 5:10 and Rev. 20:11, 12) Those who are guilty of killing (piercing) Him, the Jews and heathen alike, will see Him. Those who deny Him even to this day, with their passive or open hatred of Him, will some day behold Him, make eye contact with Him, and will be speechless before Him. This thought of being pierced is taken from the Prophet Zechariah, where the Lord speaking through him says, “And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced…” (Zech.12:10). Hebrew scholars for years have noted how that there is a two-letter addition inscribed between the words “me” and “whom” in the original language of this text. Zechariah curiously, if not mysteriously, adds Aleph and Tev right in the middle of the passage. Interestingly, these are the first and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet. (We will hopefully see the significance of this in the verses ahead.) According to John, this was fulfilled at the cross (John 19:37), and will be fulfilled as a double-prophecy at Jesus’ second coming, as stated in this seventh verse.
And all kindreds of the earth will mourn for him. Even so, Amen- Zechariah continues in the same verse mentioned above, giving us the complete picture of its fulfillment in the future. To finish the verse, he says: “and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.” All peoples the world over will mourn and be in anguish over the fact that they have rejected Him once and for all, and will think that they finally have no hope at all. But, for some, they will come to an inevitable death, in choosing to make a last-minute stand for the Lord during the reign of antichrist. (This is a thought that will carry on throughout our study in the book, especially when we get into the eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth chapters, and beyond.) Again, to confirm His faithfulness in these words, John finishes with an “Amen.”
Verse 8
I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord- Here we find the first words of Jesus to John in the Revelation. It is another of the “I am” expressions of the Lord, which we see throughout His great sayings in the New Testament. These are obviously alluding to the awesome God “Jehovah” who appeared to Moses. (See Ex. 3:14 and 6:3) In His words, we hear Him mention the rank of importance that He possesses. As in the book of Isaiah: “Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no God” (Is. 44:6). The first and the last letters of the Greek alphabet are employed in this passage out of our reading, as if to connect the thought of the previous verse: this is the One, true and only God speaking! I hope that it will be clear to every reader at the outset of this commentary, that Jesus Christ is God Almighty. “Alpha and Omega” (A and Z) is spoken 3 times by Jesus in the book. (Rev. 1:8, 16 and 22:13) He is also “the beginning and the ending.” God was there in the beginning of His creation, and He will be there at the ending of all things.
Which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty- John emphasizes again the one “which is, and which was, and which is to come,” and to punctuate the point, he adds that Jesus is “the Almighty.” 8 times “God Almighty” is mentioned within the pages of the book. (Rev. 1:8, 4:8; 11:17; 15:3; 16:7, 14; 19:15 and 21:22) To sum it all up, we must conclude that God is supreme over all events and all persons contained in John’s writing. We, as God’s people, must lean on His strength and power more and more, and desire to be closer to Him, as the tumultuous (and yet hopeful) days of the Lord’s coming are quickly approaching.
Verse 9
I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ- Apostle John, the evangelist (who is dubbed “the Revelator” by some), was the pastor of the church at Ephesus. He is given a personal vision of the Lord Jesus Christ, a number of years after His ascension into heaven. He gives to us a unique description of our great High Priest ministering in the midst of the churches. Throughout the book, he gives us pieces of a puzzle that gives a fuller picture of Christ, than depicted anywhere else in scripture. This encounter of John’s was the inspiration that led to these words, and are reserved for us here, that they might have an impact on us, as well! May each one of us catch a glimpse of the Lord, as those in the distant past have, that truly will make a change of our lives. Examples, such as Isaiah (in chapter 6 of his book), and as Daniel and Ezekiel, can be noted as persons who had life-changing experiences when they saw Christ. As a matter of fact, John said that it was Jesus whom Isaiah saw in “his glory” when he had his vision. (See John 12:41) And, as noted in verse 7, Daniel saw “the Son of man,” who is Jesus Christ. Read also about Ezekiel’s great exposition (in the first chapter of his writings) on his experience with the Lord. John here calls himself a “brother… and (a) companion” of ours. This is because of what we all have to share in and to endure together in this life. Jesus told him and the other disciples: “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Those in the early Church tell us: “that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). Apostle Peter tells of the greatest troublemaker that we will ever face, our “adversary the devil.” He says: “Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” (See I Pet. 5:8-10)
Was on the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ- Because of John’s stand, history records that he was tried and sentenced to be executed by being boiled in hot oil. But, he miraculously survived that, so the Romans had to send him off somewhere to shut him up once and for all. Finally (so they thought), John was banished and exiled to the isle of Patmos, a penal colony of Rome. The island is a rocky, barren, crescent-shaped, 10-mile long, 6-mile wide, stretch of land in the Aegean Sea, about 24 miles off of the southwestern coast of what is modern-day Turkey. He was sent there because he was making a great impact with the gospel in Asia Minor and the surrounding regions. This was opposed to the Caesar’s “I-am-god-you-must-worship-me-only” rulership. The time of this would be during the reign of Domitian, around 94-96 A.D. This later date, as same commentators have suggested, would have given the churches sufficient time to develop, and for some of them to grow more and more corrupt under the worldly, Roman system. John would later be released, around 98 A.D. by emperor Nerva, and therefore would allow this message to be distributed to the saints in the churches.
Verse 10
I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day- It is believed, by some, that this grand vision was received by John in the confines of some cave on Patmos. There are various caves on the island, and one of them is guessed to be the place where this transpired. John said he was “in the Spirit,” and it is He who is revealing these truths of Jesus to him. Concerning the Spirit, Jesus said: “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he will not speak of himself: but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come” (John 16:13). It was “on the Lord’s day” that this occurred. This would be the first day of the week, our Sunday, the day that the early Church met for their services of worship to the Lord. (See Acts 20:7) Due to his treatment and other extenuating circumstances, the saints were undoubtedly praying for John’s release at this time, but obviously the Lord thought otherwise of his stay there. Some writers have indicated that this might possibly have been “the day of the Lord,” where John is transported to in the future, which actually happens within the tribulation period. But, we will see in our further studies that this cannot be the case. That which the Old Testament Prophets had anticipated, concerning “the day of the Lord,” will not finally be realized until within the writings contained here in the Revelation. This we will delve into in the latter chapters of the book.
And heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet- John heard a clarion call that rang out loud and clear in his being. This would be a wake-up call for him, which would shake him to such an extent, that he could not keep silent concerning all that he had heard and seen. He heard “a great voice, as of a trumpet,” that turned him around. The word great [Gr. MEGAS] means “high, large, loud, mighty.” This word is used more than 70 times in the book. He listens to the words of that great voice (that sounded like a loud trumpet), and then he sees his vivid and glorious vision of Jesus Christ.
Verse 11
Saying, I am the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last- Again, we find the Lord repeating the fact that He is ‘the A and the Z’ of all things. (All that is worth saying, or could be spelled out of the letters of the alphabet, is contained in Him!) Jesus also says, He is “the first and the last” of everything. (All that is worth adding or multiplying together can be summed up in Him!) From the beginning of His creation, when He set time, matter and energy in motion, until He comes back again, to recreate the heavens and the earth, He has, and will reign supreme. We are told from the book of Hebrews, that we are to be “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2).
And, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia- These words of John’s, are not so much a dictation of what he had heard in his hearing, but were true, heavenly visions given to him from, and of, Jesus Christ. He was to relate this grand manuscript to the living saints, which were of his company. Although John was hidden away (for a time, and for a reason), he would one day be allowed to send these words to those followers of Christ, just as he had been assured of here by the Lord Himself. These seven churches (in seven different cities) were places that John had ministered in, before he was taken to Patmos. And even though he is not told of his own release, he knew that the message he was given would eventually be sent and released to the believers on the mainland.
Unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea- Ephesus was not only the closest to John’s heart emotionally, but in proximity, as well. It was directly across the sea to the northeast of where he was located. The other churches, upon traveling north of there, and then to the east along the Roman roads, would take you on a circuit to each locality. These churches were on, what was referred to as, the royal postal route, where the first-of-its-kind messenger service was instituted by Rome. (We will discuss each church, with their geographical location, and other details of note, when we get to Chapters 2 and 3 in the book.)
Verse 12
And I turned to see the voice that spake with me- Here is the beginning of what John would describe in his wonderful vision of our great, eternal High Priest. He hears that voice (“as of a trumpet”) and turns himself to see who is there, and without hesitation, he takes a glimpse. As a matter of fact, he is so in awe of what entails, that he spends a great amount of time, and goes into much detail over what he sees, before he records any of the glorious words that follow these descriptions. As mentioned above, this vision can be comparable to those of Isaiah, Daniel and Ezekiel. The splendor and majesty of their words, as compared with that of John’s, are without controversy, equal in brilliance and clarity.
And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks- It goes without saying, that John is picturing for us in heaven, what was described by God to Moses at Mt. Sinai. (See Ex. 25:40) Jesus is “the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises” (Heb. 8:1-6), and is our “high priest of good things to come” (Heb. 9:10). He stands here in this vision, in the middle of “the seven golden candlesticks,” which were inside the holy place in the tabernacle, where the altar of incense, and table of shewbread were also contained. This was the place that the high priest would enter through to the Holy of Holies (only once a year) to make atonement for the people of God. Obviously, John recognized this, because of his posturing. (See ahead on verse 17) The “candlestick [of] pure gold” is described in Exodus 25 and 37.
Verse 13
And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man- It is obvious from this description that the apostle John sees Jesus standing among the lampstands, which represents the seven aforementioned churches, and is seen as the sustainer of the light and witness of His body of believers on earth. (See on verse 20) The reference to Christ as “the Son of man” indicates His representation of mankind before God’s throne. While on earth, Jesus used this expression of Himself, as He did in these words, before He went to the cross: “Now the Son of man is glorified, and God is glorified in him.” (John 13:31) This title is mentioned more than 80 times in the gospels concerning Him.
Clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle- Here in this passage we see Him described in terms that can only relate to the high priest in his long-flowing formal attire, as they did in times of old during the day of atonement. (See Lev. 16:1-4) Concerning this, the New Testament tells us this of Jesus: “Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people” (Heb. 2:17). The long, flowing robe that John saw, was accented with a golden sash across the chest. This, of course, was typical of the high priest, except that their sashes were of linen. Here we see Jesus taking on their role in the heavenly realm, which was represented by them here in the earthly. This added feature can be attributed to the fact that Jesus is, not only standing as our Priest in the heavenlies, but also that He is a King before God’s throne ruling over all of His creation. Even Isaiah recognized this when he saw the Lord clothed in His priestly robes, and proclaimed His glory: “For mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts” (Is. 6:5).
Verse 14
His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow- This does not depict (as some have said) a figure of someone with graying hair on the head and face, but that of a white-hot penetrating brilliance of light emanating from out of Jesus. As when the glory of the Lord shined upon Moses’ face, and had made such a great impact on him, that it changed his whole countenance. (See Ex. 34:29-35) Daniel speaks of God, whom he referred to as “the Ancient of days” in the same glowing terms, as he saw Him seated on the throne: “whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool” (Dan. 7:9). Ezekiel saw an equally grand vision, when he proclaimed these words: “I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about… This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord” (Ezek. 1:27, 28). The New Testament records another incident of similar magnitude, in the transfiguration of Christ before His disciples. Mark, the gospel writer, records these words when he relates what these men had seen there on that mount with Him: “and his raiment [clothing] became shining, exceeding white as snow, so as no fuller [launderer] on earth can white them” (Mark 9:2). Matthew, another gospel writer, says that “his face did shine as the sun” when he wrote his retelling of their encounter. (See Matt. 17:2) Peter told of this scene in his writings, as well. (See II Pet. 1:16-18) We also must remember how Luke mentioned the circumstances concerning Paul’s conversion. He said, as the Lord got his attention, that Saul had seen this: “and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven.” And then it says that “he fell to the earth,” and afterwards heard the voice of the Lord call to him. (See Acts 9:1-9) Oh, how we need to behold Him in His glory! I am sure if we were to truly catch just a small glimpse of Him, that we would all be much different people in our conduct and speech at all times.
And his eyes were as a flame of fire- His eyes, we are told here, appear as laser-piercing beams of light that can see right into the depths of one’s being. This is what is really meant in what John experiences, as he senses this gaze that tries his own heart and reins. The prophet Jeremiah wrote these words that speak of the Lord’s inner searching of our hearts, and of how He will reward us for what is contained there: “I the Lord search the heart. I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings” (Jer. 17:10). Jesus told all the members of his church the same thing in the forthcoming chapter: “and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and the hearts: and I will give to every one of you according to your works” (Rev. 2:23). This is what He will do for everyone who is in anticipation of His coming, as He acknowledges at the end of the book, as well. He says, “And, behold, I come quickly: and my reward is with me, to give to every man according as his work shall be” (Rev. 22:12). To the believer, the Lord will come to repay us for our service to Him, as one would receive wages on payday for a job well done. But, to the unbelieving He will return judgment upon each head, as we are told in the book of Isaiah: “For, behold, the Lord will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire and by his sword will the Lord plead with all flesh: and the slain of the Lord shall be many… [And they] shall be consumed together, saith the Lord. For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I shall gather all nations and tongues: and they shall come, and see my glory” (Is. 66:15-18). When the Lord is finally revealed to all of mankind, and all His saints are relieved at last from all their troubles, here is what will take place, as told by the apostle Paul (and notice, if you will who he says will be revealed as God): “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day” (II Thess. 1:7-10). Remember, this is who the title of the book tells us is being, and shall be revealed. All eyes will see the unveiling of our Lord, and we will all behold the One who gave us the sight to do so in the first place!
Verse 15
And his feet like unto brass, as if they burned in a furnace- The Brass here speaks of the Judgment of God He will initiate, that will certainly be meted out before His entire created world. This is typical of what the “brazen altar” represents (Ex. 38), which was outside in the court of the wilderness tabernacle, and always speaks of judgment upon sin. As we get further into the book, notice, if you will, the movements of Jesus in heaven described in each chapter along the way. It is much like that of the high priest, except for the fact that he comes from the brazen altar, and then he enters through the holy place from the open courtyard. In Revelation, after Jesus ministers in the heavenly temple, He goes outside into the courtyard (so to speak), to judge sin at the fiery altar; i.e.- “the wrath of God.” (See Rev. 11:18) It will be a trying, as if in a furnace, like a smelting pot that separates the dross (impurities) from the metal, and makes it pliable for the craftsman’s use, to be shaped and molded as he pleases. There is coming a day that He will “put all enemies under his feet” (I Cor. 15:25), and we are told that we ourselves will conquer our arch-enemy in the same fashion. Paul told the Roman believers to be “simple concerning evil… and the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly” (Rom. 16:19, 20). What victory we have in the Lord, if we rely wholly on Him through every trial and testing that may come along in this life! The Prophet Malachi said these words about the process of refining that will take place before the Lord’s return: “But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: and he shall sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver…” (Mal. 3:2, 3). The book of Hebrews tells us: “Wherefore we [are] receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: for our God is a consuming fire” (Heb. 11:28, 29).
And his voice as the sound of many waters- His voice, like that of a trumpet, came cascading down upon the apostle, just like a mighty ocean or waterfall that would inundate or envelope someone. The melody of the horn (as mentioned in verse 10) reminds us of the awakening call of the Lord’s, and of our being drawn near unto Him. While the descending motion of the waters speaks to us of our being overwhelmed, engulfed and immersed by the flow of God’s Spirit within each believer in Him. Not only is God’s voice as strong as the “mighty waves” of the sea, because it emanates out from Him, He is considered “mightier” than they are: “The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea” (Ps. 93:4). These scenes and sounds are majestically interspersed together here in John’s exposition of his vision of Christ, and are articulated in such a way to us, that their truths might have the same impact on the hearers, as it had on him. All his senses are deeply enveloped by this uncovering of his Lord that he experiences. May we have such an encounter with God, that all of our being would be caught up with Him, and that we would remain in awe of this grandeur that has been revealed to us, of the Maker of our souls.
Verse 16
And he had in his right hand seven stars- Jesus holds more than ‘the whole world in His hand.’ In this scene, He holds in His “right hand seven stars” (bright illuminating objects). The fact that they are in His right hand tells of His authority, and of the right of rulership that He has over all of creation. These seven stars, as we shall see, represent the seven angels, which are ‘the messengers’ to the churches, who will be sent with this message from John. (See on verse 20) These cannot be the flying-winged angels that we see throughout the Bible, because they have never been depicted as those who are ministers to, or leaders of, the church in any capacity at all in the scriptures. This light that emanates from these “stars” is descriptive of the fact that these messengers are ‘light bearers.’ (See Dan. 12:3)
And out of his mouth went a two-edged sword- This expression is distinctly referring to the Word of God and its powerful affect upon an individual’s life. Just as the sound of Jesus’ voice was that of a loud melodic trumpet in John’s ears, and as a mighty rushing of waters over him, it was also described as a piercing, “two-edged sword” that cuts right through a person’s being. This is a key feature mentioned throughout the whole book: as of that which judges the believers in the churches (2:12, 16), and that which will judge the unbelieving at the Lord’s return (19:15), as well. It is just like a sword that cuts two ways: it cuts deep, and it penetrates to the soul. It was the weapon of choice used by the Roman armor-clad troops in their imperial conquests. As John was captured and taken by the Emperor and his soldiers, and was undoubtedly held at knife-point by them, here we see him held captive (so to speak) by the cutting sword of our Lord, in a loving, heart-opening surgical procedure performed by Him. The Word of God is ‘living’ and does just that, as we are told in Hebrews: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and open to the eyes of him with whom we have to do” (Heb. 4:12). John had realized from this encounter, that He who looked upon him with eyes that beamed down as a flame of fire, and who’s mouth could slice into him as this two-edged sword had (one that cut right into his inner depths), was the One who knew him intimately from top to bottom, inside and out.
And his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength- The Psalmist wrote this about the Lord [Jehovah] God: “For the Lord God is a sun and a shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly” (Ps. 84:11). The Prophet Malachi tells us that the day is coming when the Lord will deal with all the proud and all that do wickedly, and then the Lord through him says this: “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings…” (Mal. 4:1, 2). Jesus said this to His fellow disciples: “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). While Jesus ministered, He was to John and the rest of disciples an incandescent light on earth, and to this day His words remain as that luminous “light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in [our] hearts.” (II Pet. 1:19) See Dan. 8:5-8, and also on verse 14 above.
Verse 17
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead- We come to perhaps the zenith of all the heavenly visions mentioned in all of scripture, although they all contain the some overall panorama of the One, eternal God who created all things, and is thoroughly acquainted with every aspect of each and every one of His creatures. John recognizes this, as did those in the past, who gave witness to this in the written Word of God. Isaiah, who was touched by an angel of God, by a live coal from off of the altar in heaven, was dramatically changed by all that transpired. (See Is. 6:5-7) The Lord Himself, we are told, touched Daniel, in one of his visions. (As a matter of fact, it is mentioned three times in the same chapter that he was touched by the triune God, in similar fashion as John had been.) In this tremendous passage, he recalls an equivalent experience as that of our beloved evangelist, as he notes in these words: “Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground. And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. And he said to me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. Then said he unto me, Fear not Daniel…” (Dan. 8:9-12). I have quoted an extensive portion here, to show the great and wonderful corresponding relationship that our God of the Old Testament has with the God of the New Testament. It is astounding to me that both of these men recited (almost word for word) the same contact with their eternal, gracious Maker. Another man, who had a fabulous change made in his life when the Lord apprehended him, was Jacob. The bottom line was that God knew Jacob (the supplanter) through and through, and that he, because of his ‘wrestling’ experience, would know Him deeply, as well. (Read, if you will, Gen. 32:24-28) There is no getting around the fact that the Almighty God is well aware of each one of our doings, as David in the Psalms reminds us, when he says to Him: “Thou compasseth my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways” (Ps. 139:3).
And he laid his right hand upon me- Now, with the same “right hand” that held the seven stars, he touches John, and he is calmed and comforted. If ever there was time that he needed to be consoled and given reassurance, it was here, with Jesus close by him. I am sure, as he made his abode on that desolate isle, he often called to mind the times when he was leaning on Jesus’ bosom and was loved by Him. (See John 13:23) This hand that healed many during His earthly mission, reaches out and extends it to the apostle as a gesture, to commission him, to send forth this fruitful message “for the healing of the nations” (Rev. 22:2). In the fifth chapter of the book Jesus holds in the same hand a book that is sealed with seven seals. This indicates his sovereign power and authority over the earth, as He is given the title deed, if you will, and begins to open the seals one by one, and unfolds His final redeeming of the inhabitants of the planet. Even though judgments are meted out at this time, they are sent with the intention that many would turn to the Lord and repent, not that they would perish and be banished from Him forever. His hand is ever calling, and saying, “Come unto me… and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). I am reminded of what the Lord said through Isaiah: “Fear thou not: for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee: yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness… For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not: I will help thee” (Is. 41:10, 13).
Saying unto me, Fear not: I am the first and the last- It is as if the apostle hears an echo reverberating in his ears, and finally his fears are brought to a tranquil resolve, by these soothing words of Jesus. It has been said that “fear not” is an expression used 365 times in the Bible, that there is one for every day of the year. That is a great thought, and really speaks of our Lord’s concern for us every single day. But, I believe if you were told once by the Lord not to fear, in perhaps the most perilous or life-threatening situation you’ve ever faced, that would be enough to calm you for the rest of your days. Knowing that He is with you all along the way! “…For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Heb. 13: 5, 6). John knew where his help and strength came from, as the Psalmist said: “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth” (Ps. 121:1, 2). See on verse 11 about Jesus saying that He is “the first and the last.”
Verse 18
I am he that liveth, and was dead: and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen- For years, many have championed the cause that “God is dead,” especially in our generation today. (Friedrich Nietzsche, whose philosophies probably gave rise to Hitler’s Nazi Germany, is one noted example.) But, according to Jesus’ words to John, God was dead, meaning that He did indeed die at the hands of sinful man, at the cross of Calvary. When we get to the fifth chapter, we will discover that the One who is speaking, still has the wounds in His hands and side and feet. The ones that He endured there as “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). For those of us who ‘know the rest of the story,’ He did not stay dead for very long, because just as He Himself had predicted, and the scriptures have confirmed, He rose from the dead and is alive! The risen Saviour had even told certain men who were not-yet-followers of His, that this would happen exactly as He had said, in this exchange: “These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me” (Luke 24:44). ‘Christ Jesus,’ we are told, ‘came into the world to save sinners’ (I Tim. 1:15), and He is the ‘one mediator between God and men’ (I Tim. 2:5), because of the fact that He ‘ever liveth to make intercession’ for us before His Father in heaven (Heb. 7:25). This exclamation of “Amen” again punctuates the fact that there is a forever for those who are trusting in the One who lives, now and “for evermore.”
And have the keys of hell and of death- It has been said, “the one who holds the keys is the one who unlocks the treasure house,” and this is true of the authority that Jesus has in His power. (Just as one would have access to, and would be placed in charge of, another’s possessions: house, car, safety deposit box, etc.) In this case, we see Him as the guardian to the door “of hell and of death.” Only He can open and He can shut that passage into what many have called “the great unknown.” (See Rev. 3:7, 8) But, the Lord told His disciples that hell was a real place, and that it was not initially made as a place to send rebellious man. Jesus said that hell [Gr. HADES] is as “everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:41). His main goal in His saving work is to deliver many, by ‘pulling them out of the fire,’ and to be victorious over and to destroy death, ‘the last enemy,’ once and for all! (See Jude 23 and I Cor. 15:26) The apostle Paul said that it is “our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (II Tim. 1:10). It should be very clear to the reader of the book of Revelation, that God wants to show each one the reality of an eternal hell, and no doubt, ultimately, of that supernal place called heaven!
Verse 19
Write the things which thou hast seen- John, again, is instructed to write down, and to dictate all that he had seen and heard concerning this vision to God’s people. It was a tremendous high calling for him to be able to pass on his most intimate and personal experiences with the Lord. (Remember, he ministered side by side with Jesus while He was on earth, so, John was obviously utterly awed by hearing Him speak to him, and by His showing of Himself to him once again!) The evangelist first had to deal with his ‘Master in heaven,’ who would take and use the empty canvas of his life, and would allow him to masterfully paint this wonderful portrait of the glorious God-man, before he would become “the Revelator” of Him on earth. Our own lives are to be read by others, as Paul mentions in the second letter to the Corinthians. He told them: “Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men… the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God: not on tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart” (II Cor. 3:2, 3). The things that John had seen, relate to those intricate details that were revealed to him here about Jesus Christ. We can consider all this that he saw, as ‘A Vision For God’s People.’
And the things which are- Many Bible expositors have suggested that this particular verse gives the outline for the entire book. (Much in the same way that Acts 1:8 in Luke’s setting in the Acts of the early church does.) We see a reaching forth from the past (the vision), to the then-present state (of the churches), on down to future events foretold in the rest of the Apocalypse (victory for the saints of God and vengeance for the unbelieving world). I believe that the big mistake that a majority of these commentators make, is that they believe “the seven churches in Asia” represent seven successive stages of the church in general, from its early beginnings on through to the end of history. While it does give us clues as to some of the attributes of these assemblies, I believe it is more representative of the different types of churches that have existed down through the ages. This would include, of course, the prevalent doctrines that they have taught over that stretch of time. (We will discuss this some more in Chapters 2 and 3.) If anything, John would have a direct and sound message to give to each one of the pastors of these churches, straight from Jesus, who remains ‘the head of the church.’ The Christian believers in Colosse were taught that Jesus is “the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the first born from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence” (Col. 1:18). In our outline of this verse, let us consider these messages from Jesus to them, as ‘A Voice For God’s People.’
And the things which shall be hereafter- Before we finish this chapter, and get into its last verse, I would like to briefly discuss the four main schools of interpretation on the book of Revelation. There are basically four differing views as far as extrapolating the meaning and intent behind John’s writing. They are commonly known as: 1) The Preterist View- the idea that all was fulfilled during the time of the Roman Empire, and that certain events and persons living at that time were actually prophesied about within the book. 2) The Historical View- the idea that the book has the entire scope of history contained in it, from the time of the church’s beginning up until the time of the very end of it. 3) The Futurist View- the idea that the things mentioned from chapters 6-22 are yet future, and that they literally and symbolically describe actual people and events yet to come on the scene. 4) The Idealist View- the view that it is only attempting to allegorically depict the timeless struggle between the cosmic forces of good and evil, heaven and hell. John was also told to write concerning “the things which shall be hereafter.” Some interpret this to mean those things that will happen after the church is no longer present on earth. Their reasoning is because the word church is not contained in the scenes within the tribulation setting. (We will discuss this in fuller length as we delve into the pertinent verses and chapters that will give us more light on this subject.) I see mention of ‘prayers,’ ‘saints,’ ‘martyrs,’ ‘servants,’ and ‘prophets’ within the context of the first portion of the book. So, my question has always been: “Who are these?” It seems that they are God’s very own people on earth during the start of the troubles that will come in the tribulation period. (We will speak more on this ahead.) There is a true heaven coming to those who are His, but we must also endure some hardships in this life before we will be ready for such a place. We have an inheritance and a heavenly home awaiting us, just as the scriptures say: “But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect” (Heb. 12:22, 23). In conclusion of this topic concerning the overcoming church, we must concede that it will become and will continue to be, as ‘A Victory For God’s People’
Verse 20
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks- Here we find Jesus doing the interpreting of the symbols that John saw in his luminous vision. It is wonderful to see that as a person begins to piece together (what appear to be) puzzles in the scriptures, that you will actually find the Bible itself to be its own best commentator. (This is what I have attempted to present in my comments on The Revelation, and I will endeavor to continue down this same path in the up and coming passages.) “The mystery” [Gr. MUSTERION] that the Lord Jesus speaks of here is of ‘something that was hidden and is now in view.’ Paul told the church at Ephesus that their being joined to Christ was “a great mystery,” (Eph. 5:32) and the Bible actually tells us when it will be completed. (See Rev.10:7) We will get more in-depth on these verses when we get into other chapters of the book.
The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches- These “seven stars” represent the “seven angels,” [Gr. ANGELOS] which are ‘the messengers’ or pastors to the churches, who will be sent with this prophetic message. (See on verses 11-16) Even the priests of old who taught God’s law, were considered His representatives to the people, as the Prophet Malachi states: “…He is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.” (See Mal. 2:7)
And the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches- Again, we see in the light of Jesus’ words the true interpretation of what John actually saw. Hopefully, you will notice in the upcoming two chapters concerning these churches, that the Lord relates the aforementioned characteristics of Himself in the details of His instruction to each one of them. Above all things, they were to be lights (which are to be reflections of Him) in this world, to model those same attributes that He presented on earth before others, and to display this incredible and awesome vision of the man from heaven, as seen here by John. Jesus told His disciples: “Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:14-16). He also said to them: “Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning” (Luke 12:35). To have ‘your loins girded about,’ as Jesus mentions, is to tie up your garment in such a way, as you walk or run, that you may make sure not to drag it around your ankles, causing you to trip or stumble. (Peter spoke about this very same thing concerning ‘your mind.’) Also, that the ‘lights’ in our own lamps may be constantly filled with the oil of God’s Spirit, and always ‘burning.’ May we, in our lives, live up to these admonitions that are given to every disciple of His! In conclusion of this first chapter, the only words that I can think of that conveys what John saw, is that this is perhaps the most intense and picturesque scene recorded in all of the Bible. This vision must have been a truly incredible sight to behold!
