CHAPTER ONE
THE VISION ON PATMOS
There is much confusion today regarding the Revelation. It is a great loss to the Church that this book is bypassed as without significance, or as a book that no one understands. Much of this error is due to a lack of understanding the first chapter. Here we find the answers to most, if not all, of the false views of this great book.
The Purposes of the Book 1:1-3
[i] To Reveal Jesus Christ. – verse 1
[ii] To Reveal The Course of History. verse 1
[iii] To Finish The Testimony of John. – verse 2.
[iv]. To Bless Those Who Study. – verse 3
1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
KEY WORDS
Revelation Apokalupsis An Uncovering
Jesus Iesus Shepherd
Christ Christos Commissioned
God Theos God
Gave Didomai To Give [Aorist Active Indicative]
Shew Deiknuo Show [Aorist Active Infinitive]
Servants Doulos Body Slave
Must Deo Must, Should [Present Active Indicative]
Shortly Tachei With Speed (once it starts it will unfold quickly)
Come to pass Ginomai Come into being [Aorist Middle Infinitive]
Sent Apostello To Send Away [Aorist Active Participle]
Signified Semaino To Signify [Aorist Active Indicative]
Angel Aggelos Messenger, Agent
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
“Apokalupsis” is in the singular and has no definite article which gives great emphasis to it. It means to uncover, not create confusion. It is an unveiling of the truth, not a veiling of it. This book is meant to be understood by the generation that needs to understand it. This word which is translated “revelation” is from “apo” (away from) and “kalupto” (a veil, cover). Therefore, the object of the book is to unveil/reveal many things, the most important being the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is the revelation/unveiling of the climax of the Lord’s earthly ministry and service – His Second Advent and Rule. It is the word from which we get the word apocalypse, but the modern usage of the term tends to sensationalize and catastrophize its meaning. It is a word also used for the Rapture and the Second Advent in 1 Peter 1:7-13.
This is not a sealed book as Daniel was when it was written – Revelation 22:10 cf Daniel 12:9. Daniel is more fully revealed in light of Revelation, although its final meaning will only be revealed by the Holy Spirit directly to those who go through the last years of the Great Tribulation period. Daniel 12:9-13. Keep remembering the “need to know” principle, for only those who truly “need to know” will have the truth revealed to them by the Spirit, not arrogant commentators.
In Luke 2:32, The Lord is called, “A light of revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of Thy people Israel”. In this book, Jesus Christ is revealed as the focus as well as the one who controls the course of history. Jesus Christ is written in the Greek genitive case. This means the unveiling “belongs to” Jesus Christ. All this is about “Him”, and we get our directions and our perspective from HIM and HIS PLAN alone.
The phrase “which must shortly take place” is misunderstood to mean things which happened in John’s time. The same words are found in Revelation 22:6, after John is shown things from the eternal state (Revelation 21:1-22:5).
The word “must’ shows that these events will take place; God guarantees it, so it will happen. The word translated “shortly” does not mean at once or our use of the word “shortly”, but means that once the day for fulfilment comes there will be no delay in its execution. It tells us, God is in charge of history or ‘His Story,’ and that all will occur as in the Plan and that once God begins the final acts of history, the Lord’s arrival is “soon”. It has been the habit of some recent “scoffers” (2 Peter 3:1ff) to say, “Oh the Lord could come back in a hundred years…” This verse tells us that once the expected prophetic elements line up, the final events will unfold very quickly. Check out EBCWA book 128.
We therefore know that God is simply reminding us that our life is “a vapour that appears for a while” (James 4:14), and that “a thousand years are as one day” with God (2 Peter 3:8), and our job here and now is to orient ourselves to His Plan for our lives and do what is required of us. As we see events unfolding we are to increase alertness, and that should already be our position in 2018.
REVELATIONS MEDIATED THROUGH ANGELS
Many times revelations from God were mediated through angels –
[i] The Law of Moses -, Exodus 3:2 , Galatians 3:19, Acts 7:53, Hebrews 2:2
[ii] Prophetical announcements to Daniel – Daniel 7:16, 8:16-26, 9:20-27, 10:1-12:13
[iii] Prophetical announcements to Zechariah – Zechariah 1:9, 2:3, 4:1,5, 5:5, 6:4,5
[iv] Announcement of the Birth of John to Zacharias – Luke 1:11-20
[v] Announcement of the Birth of Jesus to Mary – Luke 1:26-38, and Joseph – Matthew 1:20-21
Angels will play an important role in this book, not only revealing prophecy to John but carrying some prophecies out.
Old Testament prophets were called servants of God, a name which John adopts. The word for servant is “doulos”, and it means bond slave. It was the lowest form of slave who was bonded to the master for the rest of his natural life.
The angel “communicated” or “signified” it to John. The word used here, “Semion”, means to give a signal or sign. The lessons of the book are taught in symbols. John will ask at times for their meaning, but at other times he will understand immediately from the context of Ezekiel, Daniel or Zechariah’s use of the same symbol/sign/image.
The sequence of revelation is God the Father – Jesus Christ – Angel – John – the rest of us as His Servants also. Paul has already spoken of the danger of worshipping or praying through angels in Colossians, so John doesn’t have to remind his hearers of this truth. Angels serve the Lord and so do we! They are our servants also, so we do not worship them, but we ought to respect them greatly. Hebrews 1:6-9, 13-14.
APPLICATION
God the Father, who is the author of the plan of salvation, gave this revelation to our Lord to show those who believe in Him the course of history from the time of the Apostle John to the end of time. It is the Lord Jesus Christ’s revelation and he has given it to us. This also shows that God is all knowing, and not only knows future history but knows of our problems and their solution. He knows all things in detail. We can have confidence in Him. Romans 8:26-28, 31-39, 1 Corinthians 10:13.
It also shows that God wishes us to know His Son, and not to be ignorant of the plan of God for our future and the end of this temporary world and universe. He is a God who cares and has sought out man rather than man seeking God.
1:2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
KEY WORDS
Bare record Martureo To bear testimony or witness [Aorist Active Indicative]
Word Logos Word, Speech, Manner, Reason
Testimony Marturia Witness, testimony
Saw Eidon To know, To be acquainted [Aorist Active Indicative]
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
This message was sent by God to the Apostle John by a teaching angel (cf. Revelation 22:9). This had occurred with Daniel also, and so was not a surprise to John. Daniel 8:17ff, 8:21ff, 10:10ff.
This is the same John who “bore witness to the Word of God” (cf. John 1:1-3; 1 John 1:1-4). The verb “martureo” is in the aorist, active indicative third person singular showing that the messenger in verse 1 at a point of time in A.D. 96 gave witness or testimony which was a reality to John.
John “saw” the book visually and recorded “all that he saw”. The verb used here is “eidon” which means to know or to be acquainted with. Many of the words John uses are indications that he visually saw what he recorded and found at times great difficulty in expressing things he had little or no frame of reference to fully understand.
Witness is specifically a legal term. At this time Christians were being betrayed by paid informers to Roman law courts, but in the context of Revelation, “witness” is the Christian proclamation of knowledge about the Lord Jesus Christ, providing evidence in the light of the court of God’s final judgment.
The Revelation is a picture book based on the rest of the Word of God. The signs and symbols of the book are found elsewhere in Scripture. Many have said it is “hard to understand”, but it rests upon the other 65 books and if these are well known then the understanding is easier. Both Dr Moses and Dr McEwan did not teach this book until they had been believers for over forty years; that time frame is probably a good one for teaching and writing upon this book.
APPLICATION
We see that Revelation is a book for people who love the Word of God and study it in depth from front to back. Superficial study is the greatest cause for misunderstanding the book. It is therefore of the utmost importance that the book is looked at in detail.
We need to know the meanings of the signs and symbols used in other books of the Bible to be able to interpret the Revelation. It is the 66th book for a reason, and if you know the previous 65 the meaning of things makes sense!
1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
KEY WORDS
Blessed Makarios Inner Happiness
Readeth Anaginosko To Know Well [Present Active Participle]
Hear Akouo To Hearken, To Hear [Present Active Participle]
Words Logos Word
Prophecy Propheteia Prophecy, Public Exposition
Keep Tereo Hold Fast, Keep [Present Active Participle]
Written Grapho To Be Written [Perfect Passive Participle]
Time Kairos A Fixed Time Or Season
At Hand Engus Nigh Or Near
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
Obviously God does not offer a blessing to those who understand, if no one is capable of understanding.
Blessings are common in the Old Testament and Jewish literature. However the best known is in the New Testament – Matthew 5:1-12. We call them the “Beatitudes” and they complete and link together the Mosaic revelation and the Lord’s words, for it was HE who spoke to Moses on the mountain, and on another mountain completes, fulfils and moves beyond what he said to Moses. It is God’s Plan and it is moving onwards, and so are we to keep moving forwards.
It should be noted that “anaginosko” is in the Greek present tense, which reinforces the fact that it is a thorough knowledge of the Book of the Revelation that is required of all believers. It is “written” with eternal results for all; both those who reject this book and those who accept it. God’s Word is “written” for serious study and our attitude to the Word and the need for serious study has eternal consequences.
The word “kairos” which is used here means a fixed time or definite period rather than “chronos” which means a space of time whether short or long. He is saying that a fixed time is at hand or imminent. This use of “kairos” implies that God has fixed a time which is certain to happen, but it is going to happen on His timing not on man’s speculation.
Blessed is in the singular for those that read but plural for those that hear and keep. The singular for read indicates that it is publicly read or preached. The early church read the scriptures aloud at each meeting; a practise we should copy.
BEATITUDES
1. The Blessing of Salvation – Matthew 5:3
2. The Blessing of Suffering – Matthew 5:4
3. The Blessing of Humility – Matthew 5:5
4. The Blessing of Spiritual Desire – Matthew 5:6
5. The Blessing of Grace in Action – Matthew 5:7
6. The Blessing of Single-mindedness – Matthew 5:8
7. The Blessing of Witnessing – Matthew 5:9
8. The Blessing of Persecution – Matthew 5:10-12
BLESSINGS IN THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION
1. Blessing for teaching, studying, believing and obeying all that is in Revelation. (1:3)
2. Blessing to martyrs. (14:13)
3. Blessing to those who are awake, alert/active and so are keeping their robes pure. (16:15)
4. Blessing to those invited to the Marriage Feast. (19:9)
[a] Friends of the Bridegroom (Old Testament saints). (John 3:29)
[b] . Friends of the Bride (Tribulation saints). (Matthew 25:1-10)
5. Blessing to those in the first resurrection (believers of all dispensations). (20:6)
6. Blessing to those in the Tribulation who apply the doctrines of the Revelation. (22:7)
7. Blessing to those who wash their robes by faith in Jesus Christ (regeneration). (22:14)
APPLICATION
If the fixed time mentioned in this verse is near we should take careful note of what is happening in the world as it is of great importance to believers if we are rightly going to define what is happening and help others to do so. There are enough signs in this book to be able to specifically assist others once the events begin to unfold.
There is a threefold blessing which comes from reading, hearing and keeping;
The blessing is to the pastor (“he who reads”) and the congregation (“those who hear”) who both understand and obey its teachings (“heed the things which are written in it”). James 2:18-26.
The book of Revelation involves seven blessings or beatitudes as noted earlier. This book promises spiritual happiness and blessing to those who take the time and study to receive its truths. While blessings are available for the study of God’s word in general a unique blessing is available through the study of this particular book.
Those believers who love and look for his return are promised a special crown as a reward. The rewards are in the form of “victor’s crowns” which are presented by the Lord to believers for actions performed during their Christian walk. They become the heart of eternal worship, as casting them at the Lord’s feet enhances worship forever! Why are we not taught this? Eternal rewards enhance worship forever. Revelation 4:8-11. Why do we not really study and strive to win eternal crowns in our earthly service? I suspect it is because pastors have failed to teach this truth!
The original text implies continual reading, hearing and observing so that this is a book to be studied and not neglected. It is neglect of the truth that encourages slackness by the Lord’s people. Let’s not be slackers or scoffers, 2 Peter 3:1-7!
THE AUTHOR OF THE BOOK 1:4-8
Though John acts as the secretary, the author is God Himself.
He greets in the name of the Trinity the seven churches of Asia where he had a circuit ministry:-
[i]. From God the Father – verse 4.
[ii] From God the Holy Spirit – verse 4
[iii] From God the Son – verse 5
1:4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;
KEY WORDS
Seven Hepta Seven
Churches Ekklesia That Which Is Called Out
Grace Charis Grace, Graciousness
Be – Not In The Original
Peace Eirene Peace, Unity, Concord
Are Eimi Constantly
Throne Thronos Throne, Seat
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
John is writing to the seven actual churches in Asia which are specifically stated in chapters 2 and 3 as Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. Remember – that none have survived as actual churches until today, and most were gone by the 7th century in the Moslem Invasions. If we do not grow we die! When we spiritually die we are removed by the Lord from the earth. We are here for a limited time, but that time may be even more “limited” by our slackness and disobedience. This book was written “to them”, but is not “for them” alone.
John sends greetings from the Godhead to the believers of all ages. The named churches are now gone and yet the message applies to us all now, and until the end – let us see below how that is a crucial point for interpreting this book.
The standard Greek greeting was “greetings” [chairein gk] a Greek term related to [charis gk]. The Jewish people greeted one another with “peace” and Jewish letters often began with “greetings and peace”.
John adopts this greeting in a Christian form used by the apostle Paul in many of his epistles, showing it was from God that the grace and peace came. “By their fruit you know them”. Matthew 7:20. Satan’s people produce hatred, malice, lust, and violent evils of all sorts, but if anything is from God it is characterized by love, grace, mercy, and peace.
The preposition “from” speaks of ultimate source, of the Holy Spirit of God.
The phrase “which is, and which was, and which is to come” in the Greek is “ho on ho en ho erchomenos” which contains eimi in the imperfect tense, and means, “the one being and the one that was and the one coming, that is, the Eternal One”. This cannot be stated in any stronger way.
The “Him” here is the eternal God, who is timeless and eternal. It is God’s desire that through the grace of the Cross mankind might experience true and eternal peace.
From him who is, who was and is to come especially reflects a Greek exposition of the Old Testament name I AM. [Exodus 3 :14].
The “seven Spirits” here speak of the completeness and fullness of the Holy Spirit, it is the task of the Holy Spirit to reveal the Son. (John 16:13-14; Revelation 3:1).
He is seen in Revelation. 4:5 and 5:6 in connection with the Son. This figure is taken from the Old Testament in Isaiah. 11:1-2 and Zechariah 4:10.
Seven speaks of that which is complete and that which is representative of the complete plan of God. For instance the Sabbath, circumcision, and worship are all associated with the seventh day.
In the Old Testament we notice among other things that Jericho was compassed seven times, Naaman was instructed to bathe seven times, Nebuchadnezzar was seven years under the discipline of God. There were seven feasts of Israel and seven articles of furniture in the Tabernacle.
In the New Testament there are seven beatitudes, seven petitions in the Lord’s Prayer, seven parables in Matthew 13, seven loaves fed the multitudes and the Lord spoke seven times from the Cross.
It is of interest that there were not only the seven churches in the area mentioned but many other established churches such as those at Colosse, Miletus, Hierapolis and Troas. John leaves us in no doubt about the meaning of “seven”.
PEACE
Three types of peace are referred to in the bible.
(a) Peace on Earth:- The unlimited peace when Jesus Christ establishes his millennial reign on the earth. (Isaiah 9:6, 7, Isaiah 11:1-12, Luke 2:14)
(b) Peace with God:- Which comes when a believer is born again as a result of justification by faith. (2 Peter 1:1,2, Ephesians 2:14-17, Philippians 4:9). Reconciliation.
(c) Peace of God:- Which is the peace of believers in their soul and spirit who have cast all their cares on the Lord. (1 Peter 5.7, Philippians 4:6,7). The Spirit filled life.
THE SEVEN SPIRITS OF GOD
1. There is only one Holy Spirit.
2. In Isaiah 11:1, 2 we are told of the Branch of the Lord – the Messiah – Jesus Christ on whom the seven fold spirit of God will rest.
3. The seven fold spirit is pictured in the golden lampstand in the tabernacle made of gold – deity and with seven candlesticks.
4. Seven is the perfect number – God’s number.
5. The Seven Spirits of God – is the Holy Spirit.
(a) The Spirit of the Lord.
(b) The Spirit of Wisdom.
(c) The Spirit of Understanding.
(d) The Spirit of Counsel.
(e) The Spirit of Might.
(f) The Spirit of Knowledge.
(g) The Spirit of the Fear of the Lord.
6. (Revelation 1:4)
Grace be unto you, and peace from him which is, which was and which is to come, and from the Seven Spirits which are before the throne.
Greetings come from a person, so the Seven Spirits is the Holy Spirit. He is a person not a force. Seven indicates his perfection as stated in point 4.
I AM
There are seven “I am’s” in the Bible.
1. I am the Bread of Life (John 6:35) – only the Lord can answer the hunger of mankind.
2. I am the Light of the World (John 8:12) – the only true light to live by is the Lord’s Light.
3. I am the Door to the Fold (John 10:7) – the only way into the Plan of God is though the person of Christ.
4. I am the Good Shepherd (John 10:11) – the only true caring, faithful One is the Lord.
5. I am the Way ,the Truth and the Life (John 14:6) – the only Life is in Christ.
6. I am the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25) – Eternal life is in Christ alone: to reject Him is to face eternal existence in the Lake of Fire.
7. I am the Vine (John 15:5) – the only true production in Life is in full fellowship with Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
THE TRINITY
1. The Trinity is defined as one God subsisting in three modes of existence. (2 Samuel 23:1-3, Isaiah 48:16, Isaiah 63:7-10, Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:33, 2 Corinthians 13:14, 1 Peter 1:2)
2. Affirmed in the Old Testament by the use of the plural pronoun ‘US’ for God in (Genesis 1:26, 3:22, 11:7). Also the use of the plural Hebrew word ELOHIM (Deuteronomy 6:4) and the Tetragrammaton JHWH or JEHOVAH, referring to a single member of the Godhead.
3. Each member of the Trinity has identical essence but is a separate person as illustrated by light. (1 John 1:5)
(a) Father – Actinic – not seen, not felt.
(b) Son – Luminiferous – both seen and felt.
(c) Spirit – Calorific – not seen but felt.
4. When the Bible refers to God as One it always refers to essence or uniqueness. (Acts 17:29, Romans 1:20, Colossians 2:9)
5. When the Bible distinguishes between members of the Godhead, it refers to the activity or function of a specific person. viz. Father, Son or Holy Spirit. (1 Peter 1:2, 3)
6. The Bible assigns to each Person in the Godhead a different function in salvation.
(a) Father – planned salvation (Isaiah 14:27, John 4:34, 5:17, 12:44, 1 Corinthians 8:6a, Ephesians 3:11)
(b) Son – executed salvation (John 4:34, 5:17, Hebrews 10:7)
(c) Spirit – reveals salvation (John 16:8-11)
7. Each person in the Trinity performs a different function in the Plan of God.
(a) Stage 1 – salvation – Jesus Christ (Romans 5:6-8)
(b) Stage 2 – believer in time – Holy Spirit (John 16:13, John 16, 14, 1 Corinthians 2:10)
(c) Stage 3 – believer in eternity – Father (John 14:1, 2)
8. Jesus Christ is the only visible member of the Trinity. (John 1:18, 6:46, 1 Timothy 6:16, 1 John 4:12)
APPLICATION
Whilst John is writing to seven historic churches in Asia Minor the number seven is seen as a concept of God’s completeness. So when John addresses the seven churches he is signifying that he is writing to the whole church.
Grace always precedes peace, because only when we receive the provisions of grace do we have peace with God (Romans 5:1). God’s power first – love received – sound mind results. 2 Timothy 1:7.
John was directed to write to only seven named churches because he was giving the complete history of the church as well as typical representative churches which will be seen in chapters 2 and 3. This book is for all churches of all time until the Lord comes, and even then it tells what occurs after his return and gives us a glimpse of eternity itself.
1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
KEY WORDS
Faithful Pistos Faithful, Steady
Witness Martus Witness
First Begotten Prototokos First Born
Dead Nekros Dead
Prince Archon Chief, Prince
Kings Basileus King
Earth Ge Earth, World
Loved Agapao Love [Present Active Participle]
Washed Louo Wash, Cleanse, Bathe [Aorist Active Participle]
Sins Harmartia Sin, Error, Sin Offering
Blood Haima Blood
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
Here Christ is revealed as Prophet (faithful witness), Priest (“firstborn” speaks of the O.T. right of the firstborn, which was the right of priesthood, inheritance, and rule), and King (ruler of kings of earth) – Psalm 89:27-29.
He is the one “always loving us”, as the present participle shows eternal love. He is he who “released us once for all”, shown in the culminative aorist, from our sins.
This same Christ will return and reign forever (cf. Daniel. 7:13; Zechariah. 12:10, 13:6).
The Seven Titles of Christ
In this and the following verse seven titles are given to the Lord Jesus Christ.
[a] Faithful witness – He is the only trustworthy witness to the facts of this book.
[b] First begotten of the dead – “prototokos” – has to do with the resurrection. He is the first to rise from the dead to die no more.
[c] The Prince of the Kings of the earth – speaks of his ultimate position during the Millennium.
[d] Unto him that loved us – this is in the present tense and emphasises his constant attitude towards his own.
[e] He who has loosed us from our sins in his own blood.
The last two are in verse 6.
[f] He who has made us kings and priests which allows us to approach God direct with our confession.
[g] He who has the dominion unto the ages of ages. All things were not only made by Him but all things were made for Him. The universe exists for Him.
PROPITIATION
1. The mercy seat in the Tabernacle was the place of propitiation.
2. The concept of the mercy seat must be understood in the light of the ark of the covenant. (Exodus 25:10-22, 37:1-9)
3. The ark of the covenant was a wooden box (45″ x 27″ x 27″) constructed of acacia wood (the humanity of Christ) overlaid with gold (the Deity of Christ)
4. Contents of the ark, the golden pot of manna, the tablets of stone and Aaron’s rod that budded. (Hebrews 9:4). The tablets of stone represented man’s transgressions against God’s perfect standard, the rod that budded stood for man’s rebellion against established authority, the pot of manna showed man’s rejection of divine provision.
5. The content of the ark is a picture of Christ bearing our sins in His body on the tree. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
6. The mercy seat was a solid gold lid which fitted over the ark and bore two golden cherubs, one on each end representing God’s holiness. (Hebrews 9:5)
7. Once every year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest entered twice into the Holy of Holies with a bowl of blood (once for his own sins and once for the sins of the people) (Hebrews 9:7). He sprinkled the blood on the mercy seat. God’s righteousness and justice were satisfied. His holiness was not compromised in this manner and God was propitiated or covered.
8. Because of propitiation, or satisfaction of His holy character, God is free to love the believer.
9. The mercy seat represented propitiation with emphasis on the person of Jesus Christ, our own great High Priest.
10. The New Testament mention of the words “mercy seat” in Hebrews 9:5 has the same concept as the word propitiation (Hilasterion) in Romans 3:25.
11. Propitiation is used to express the true and perfect love of God for all believers regardless of their status. (1 John 4:10)
12. Propitiation is used to relate the person of Christ and the “covering” of God’s character. (Romans 3:25)
REDEMPTION
1. DEFINITION: The purchase of a slave from the slave market of sin and the act of setting him free.
2. The principle of redemption is found in (John 8:31-36).
3. Christ paid the ransom for sin on the cross. In other words, He purchased our redemption. (Psalm 34:22; Galatians 3:13; 1 Timothy 2:6; 1 Peter 1:18,19).
4. Redemption is a doctrine which the believer can apply in times of pressure and catastrophe (Job 19:25,26), thereby finding both blessing and happiness.
5. Redemption results in adoption (Galatians 4:4-6).
6. Redemption provides the basis for the believer’s eternal inheritance (Hebrews 9:15).
7. The blood of Christ is the ransom money or the purchase price of redemption (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14; 1 Peter 1:13,19; 1 John 1:7).
8. Redemption includes forgiveness of sin (Hebrews 9:22).
9. Redemption provides the basis of justification and immediate cleansing at salvation (Romans 3:24).
10. Redemption is the basis of our cleansing from sin during our Christian walk. (Leviticus 4:5; 6:1-6; 1 John 1:7,9).
BLOOD
1. Ever since the earliest recorded time God has required a blood sacrifice for sin. It is implied by the coats of skin provided by the Lord in the garden after Adam and Eve had attempted to clothe their nakedness by fig leaves. Their progeny in the form of Abel brought a lamb for a sacrifice which unlike Cain’s bloodless offering was acceptable to God.
2. The requirement for blood sacrifices was continued with Noah after the flood, the near sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham and was established as a requirement not only by the Passover lamb but also in the Levitical offerings.
3. When recording the will of God for Israel in the matter of food and the abstinence from eating “any manner of blood” Moses states “For the life of the flesh is in the blood; and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.”
4. It is clear from the above that the life of an innocent victim, in the case of the Levitical offerings the perfect animal, acted as a satisfactory type of sacrifice in those times until the once and for all payment was paid with the blood of Christ.
5. There is an absolute necessity of the unique sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ as indicated by the phrase “the blood of Christ”. (Romans 3:25, Ephesians 1:7 , Hebrews 9:22)
6. Up to the time of the once and for all sacrifice the sins of believers were set aside adjacent to them (gk. para) but since the cross they have been taken fully away.
7. The twelve elements of grace which involve the blood of Christ are as follows:-
(a) The New Covenant. (Hebrews 8:8, 9:20-21)
(b) The blood is the life. (John 6:53)
(c) Purchase and Redemption. (Acts 20:28, Ephesians 1:7, 1 Peter 1:18-19)
(d) Propitiation. (Romans 3:25)
(e) Justification. (Romans 5:9)
(f) Sanctification. (Hebrews 13:12)
(g) Cleansing. (Hebrews 9:14, 1 John 1:7, Revelation 7:14)
(h) Victory. (Revelation 12:11)
(i) The blood of sprinkling. (Hebrews 10:22, 1 Peter 1:2)
(j) Made nigh. (Ephesians 2:13)
(k) Peace. (Colossians 1:20)
(l) Boldness to enter. (Hebrews 10:19)
8. It is of interest that the resurrection body consists of flesh and bone but apparently no blood.
CLEANSING
1. There are two concepts of cleansing in the Scriptures.
(a) Of a sinner from the guilt of sin by the blood or hyssop viewpoint – this is salvation cleansing.
(b) Of a believer from the defilement of sin by the water viewpoint.
2. Under grace, the sinner is cleansed by blood when he believes (Matt 26:28; Hebrews 1:3; 9:12; 10:14).
3. Both types of blood cleansing and water cleansing are given in (John 13:10) and (Ephesians 5:25,26).
4. Once you have been cleansed by the blood you need repeated washing of the water for daily fellowship with God using (1 John 1:9). The concept is also given by the use of the brazen laver in the Tabernacle by the Levitical priests.
APPLICATION
Having mentioned the Father and the Holy Spirit in verse four here we have the Lord Jesus Christ. We therefore have the three members of the Trinity involved here. A faithful witness is always a reliable one. [Proverbs 14:5, 25; Isaiah 8:2, Jeremiah 42:5] We can therefore rely on Him completely. He is not only all powerful and King of Kings, Lord of lords, but He is our Saviour, and He has freed us from our sins by his sacrifice on the Cross.
Jesus Christ loved us when he went to the Cross and he still loves us with that intensity today.
Here we see the first and second advents together.
1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
KEY WORDS
Made Poieo To Make [Aorist Active Indicative]
Kings Basileus King
Priests Hiereus Priest
God Theos God, Object Of Worship.
Father Pater Father, Ancestor
Glory Doxa Glory
Dominion Kratos Strength, Power
For Ever and Ever Eis Aion Aion To The Ages Of All Ages
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
In the second half of verse five and this verse John praises the Lord because:-
[i] He loved us
[ii] He loosed us from our sins by his blood
[iii] He made us to be a kingdom
[iv] He made us to be priests unto God the Father
[v] To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.
It is of interest that after God redeemed Israel from Egypt he called them a “kingdom of priests” [Exodus 19:6] indicating that all were holy to him. We are all holy and now (through Christ), and royal priests also. 1 Peter 2:9-10.
PRIESTHOOD OF THE BELIEVER
Definition:- A priest is a man/woman who represents themself or others before God.
1. Until the Law was given the head of each family was the priest for that family. (Genesis 8:20, 26:25, 31:54)
2. When the law was proposed the whole nation of Israel was to be “a kingdom of priests unto God”. This was possible because those who were involved were those who had indicated their belief only shortly before by relying on the blood of the sacrificial lamb to protect them from judgement. (Exodus 19:6)
3. The nation of Israel however failed so God appointed Aaron of the tribe of Levi as the founder of a specialised priesthood which legitimately ministered until the giving of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. (Exodus 28:1)
4. Since Pentecost all believers have become a kingdom of priests (1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 1:6)
5. The chief privilege of being a priest is to be able to approach God direct.(Hebrews 4:14-16, 10:19-22
6. In their role as a priest the believer offers:-
(a) Their own body. (Romans 12:1, Philippians 2:17)
(b) Praise to God. (Hebrews 13:15-16)
(c) Their possessions. (Romans 12:13, Galatians 6:6)
7. The priest since Pentecost is also an intercessor. (Colossians 4:12, Timothy 2:1)
APPLICATION
By faith in Him we are made a “Royal Priesthood” (1 Peter 2:5-10). As royal priests we have access directly to God. This is why our prayers are offered to the Father through the High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit. We are able to come directly, due to our new position In Christ”, before the Father to make any request.
Worship is the appropriate response to great blessing. We have been truly “lifted up” in our new position in Christ Jesus, sharing his kingship, his Lordship, and his priesthood. We are forever lifted up above the angels.
1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
KEY WORDS
Cometh Erchomai Appear, Come [Present, Middle Infinitive]
Clouds Nephele A small or Thin cloud
Eye Ophthalmos Eye
See Horao To see, Discern, Take Heed [Future Middle Indicative]
Pierced Ekkenteo To pierce or Stab through [Aorist Active Indicative]
Kindreds Phule Tribe/Clans
Earth Ge Earth, Land
Wail Koptomai To cut, Smite or Beat the breast [Future Middle Indicative]
Background and Analysis
Like Matthew 24:30 this verse blends Daniel 7:13, ‘coming with the clouds on the day of the Lord’, with Zechariah 12:10, ‘those who pierced him’. The Daniel 9:26 (cut off) and Zechariah 12:10 reference (pierced) reminds us that the Second Advent occurs only after Israel’s repentance and acceptance of the Lord Jesus as their Messiah. The Lord returns because Israel asks Him to return as their only true Messiah-Saviour-King, but the carnage is horrific (2/3rd perish).
The clouds themselves may not be normal clouds, or only normal clouds, but this may be the reference to the myriad of believers arriving, accompanying the Lord in white garments. “Tribes of the earth” extends the image beyond the tribes of Israel – Zechariah 12:12 to all peoples. Cities in the Greek East at the time of writing were still divided into “tribes or clans”. It may also indicate that those who have died in unbelief, from hell itself, get a glimpse of their certain judgment, as they see the one they despised arriving to judge and rule the earth. All who ever lived appear to see this event.
The language of Acts 1:9-11 states that Christ was received by a cloud at His Ascension [verse 9] and will return in like manner. [verse 11]. At that time he disappeared from them into clouds, while at his Second Advent he will appear to the believers waiting for him from the clouds. He went into heaven and from heaven he returns.
CLOUDS
1. Clouds portray great armies or people. ‑ Revelation 1. They are used for armies Isaiah 60:8, Jeremiah 4:13.
2. Clouds disappearing represents the blotting out of sin Isaiah 44:22
3. The day of clouds is one of catastrophe and diviner judgment Lamentations 2:1, Ezekiel 34:12, Joel 2:2.
4. The cloud represent things that are transitory such as happiness. ‑ Job 30:15
5. Clouds without rain are human promises without fulfilment Isaiah 18:4, 25:5, Jude 12
6. Clouds portray false teachers 2 Peter 2:17
7. Clouds also portray divine presence Exodus 16:10, 33:9 Numbers 11:25, Job 22:14, Psalm 18:11,12, Isaiah 19:1
8. Cloud formations represent the power and wisdom of God. Psalm 135:6,7, 147:8, Proverbs 8:28
9. Clouds are used to illustrate man’s ignorance :‑ Man cannot number the clouds ‑ Job 38:37, He cannot account for their spreading ‑ Job 36:29, He cannot balance the clouds ‑ Job 37:15,16
10. Clouds close the scene of the incarnation Acts 1:9, of the Transfiguration ‑ Matthew 17:5,
11. Clouds are used to represent the church coming with the Lord Jesus Christ
12. There are clouds of darkness at the Second Coming ‑ Isaiah 13:9,10, Ezekiel 32:7,8, Joel 2 :10,11, 3:15, Amos 5:18, Zechariah 14:6, Matthew 24:29, Luke 21:25‑27, Revelation 6:12.
APPLICATION
This gives us the theme of the entire book of Revelation, which is the Second Coming of Christ. From these introductory verses it is clear that this book deals with events immediately preceding the Second Coming, the Second Coming itself, and what will then follows that event, through into the eternal state. Genesis began when eternity touched time and the space-time universe began, and Revelation takes us to the point where the space-time universe ends and eternity is all in all.
This shows that His coming will be a physical and bodily appearance at the Second Advent. This is in contrast with the Rapture of the Church in which the Lord does not return to touch the earth. The world wide viewing of this may well require international television [as we saw in The Gulf War], but may be the result of refraction of light due to the immense tectonic events described in the book. We don’t need to speculate upon this, as at the time it will be clear.
He is coming back bodily to physically and personally establish his kingdom on earth for the Millennium.
Before He returns the Jewish people will have for the first time recognise Him as their long rejected Messiah. They will mourn as they gaze on the One who they rejected some 2000 years ago. Zechariah 12:10ff. They will mourn, because they realise then that all the suffering of the Israeli people through the centuries flow from this rejection. At that point however through their tears they believe and prepare to meet their king!
1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
KEY WORDS
Am Eimi Absolute Status Quo [Present Active Indicative]
Beginning Arche Beginning
Ending Telos End
Come Erchomai To Come [ Present Middle Participle]
Almighty Pantokrator All Powerful
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
This verse shows again that Jesus Christ is God, as his title is the first and the last.
The Old Testament had already called God the first and the last – Isaiah 41:4. This is the powerful point of calling him the first and the last of the Greek Alphabet. None at this time would doubt John’s point; Jesus was God Eternal.
Some Jewish teachers called God, “Aleph – mem – tav” – which they said were the first middle and last letters of the Hebrew Alphabet showing God was eternal and ruled over all time.
ETERNITY PAST
1. Jesus Christ existed before the foundation of the world in glory with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. (John 1:1 -2; 17:5,24).
2. In eternity past the Godhead agreed to permit sin to become manifest in the world of men before being eliminated forever from the universe. (Hebrews 9:26).
3. In eternity past the Son of God agreed to come to earth as a human being to destroy the works of the devil. (1 John 3:8).
4. In eternity past it was. ordained that Christ would be slain for the ungodly. (1 Peter 1:18-20 Hebrews 10:5-10).
5. In eternity past the world and stars were created by Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:10; Colossians 1:16).
6. Man was placed on the earth to be made “a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. (1 Corinthians 4:9).
7. In eternity past believers were chosen in Christ (Ephesians 1:4). Christ is chosen, we share as believers his election.
8. In eternity past a book was written containing the names of those who would believe and survive the destruction of the universe. (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 17:8; 20:15).
However, whilst God knew who would believe, he did not coerce human free will.
PROPHECY – HIS PRE EXISTENCE Micah 5:2
1 . Micah, a contemporary of Isaiah, prophesied between 750 and 710 BC. The specific prophecy was given in 710 BC, just two years after the fall of the northern kingdom of Samaria to Assyria, and the dispersion of the ten tribes.
2. This prophecy showed that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem of Judea to rule over all Israel.
3. In addition the ruler is shown to have everlasting life and therefore be both man, a king, and God. This prophecy therefore would have given great confidence to those who remained in those troubled times.
FULFILMENTS
1 . In numerous passages the Lord Jesus Christ is seen as having pre existed space-time itself. – John 1:1,2 says, “In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God, the same was in the beginning with God”. He is Creator-God, and the universe is made by Him.
2. Jesus Christ is also seen in the form of Christophanies, some animate such as in the man who wrestled with Jacob (Genesis 32:24-32); some inanimate like the burning bush which Moses encountered on the backside of the desert at Mount Horeb (Exodus 3:1-6), and the rock from which water flowed into the desert (Numbers 20:8).
3. These manifestations of Jesus Christ ceased once Jesus was born in human form.
4. It is clear that Jesus pre-existed time and is therefore God.
5. He will fully fulfil Micah’s prophecy at his Second Advent as King of the Jews.
6. In this verse he is seen as alpha and omega
APPLICATION
Jesus Christ describes Himself as the eternal one encompassing the beginning and the end. He is the overall sovereign God who is in control of history and will bring to pass the events described in the Revelation.
This also coincides with the division of the Book of the Revelation, “that which was” – chapter 1, “which is” – chapters 2 and 3, and “that which is to come” – chapters 4-22. The beginning and the ending refers to the eternity of the Son and his being unchangeable – Hebrews 13:8.
The constancy of the Lord is again shown in
[a] “which is” – what he is now,
[b] “which was” – the Saviour at the First Advent and
[c] “which is to come” – Christ at the Second Advent as Sovereign over the whole earth.
We note that he loves us in verses 4-8, so we are not to be afraid of anything that is to follow. There is no limit to Christ’s Almighty power, and so there is no limit to his ability to keep his people in the midst of the events that are to be described. Colossians 1:17, Philippians 4:7, Jude 21-25.
THE VISION OF JOHN 1:9-16
1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
KEY WORDS
Brother Adelphos One of the same womb, A brother
Companion Sugkoinonos A joint companion
Tribulation Thlipsis Pressure, Affliction
Kingdom Basileia Kingdom
Patience Hupomone Endurance
Was Ginomai Came to be [Aorist Middle Indicative]
Isle Nesos Island
Word Logos Word, Speech, Matter, Reason
Testimony Marturia Witness, Testimony
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
John, even though he was not with the churches was still under pressure where he was, and so was sharing their ordeal.
John describes for his congregations and for us the conditions of this vision. He was an exile on the volcanic isle of Patmos, a gulag where slaves worked under the Roman lash. Some prisoners were treated respectfully, but others were worked to death. John was a prisoner in his late 80s at least, possibly 90’s! Domitian exiled him because of his effective ministry as a leader of the Church and his teaching of the Word.
Governors of various provinces could exercise their own discretion as to whether those charged and found guilty would be banished to an island, executed, or enslaved. Those of a higher social status often received lighter punishment, but John’s banishment is a mystery, however we can expect the authorities in Ephesus and Rome hoped he would die. Later older leaders like Polycarp would be executed by burning – by then they take no chances of any “miracles”.
John was banished rather than executed – cf Antipas whose execution is recorded in Revelation 2:13. Exile was either on account of his age, the clemency of the local governor, or the expectation that he would die naturally and so avoid “martyrdom” and encourage the church thereby. The Roman Authorities hoped he would “disappear” from the church’s mind and from history itself, but it was them who “disappeared”, and the fruit of John’s suffering is Revelation.
Banishment was in two forms:-
[a] deportatio – including removal of property and civil rights which could only be imposed by the emperor and
[b] relegatio – without such provisions which could be imposed by the governor.
The most common places for banishment were to one of the rocky Aegean islands called the Cyclades which included Patmos. Patmos was not deserted, it’s main city included a gymnasium and a temple to Artemis, the island’ s patron deity.
John recognizes the time of trouble which is a characteristic of the entire present age for believers. Romans 8:35, 12:2, 2 Corinthians 1:4, Ephesians 3:13, 2 Timothy 1:4. This is in contrast with the future Tribulation period which is distinct from all previous times of trouble in its unique pressures upon believers and judgments upon the evil ones. Matthew 24:21.
APPLICATION
Christian testing is able to be borne and God has made provision for the Christian at such times. 1 Corinthians 10:13.
It should be noted that “tribulation, and kingdom, and perseverance”, are three of the realities for those “in Christ.”
Testing is essential for spiritual growth 1 Peter 1:6,7. We are to be persistent/persevering in the Christian life.
In this world if we have an antagonistic government it is possible that we could be imprisoned because of the Word of God and evangelism. Passing of religious vilification laws could cause this to happen, but these things are simply satanic “dry runs” for the later days. Those saved in the Tribulation period will experience the full malice of satanic governments.
It may get to the stage where one cannot “legally” say that Jesus Christ is the “only way” and devious satanic people will entrap believers into saying that just to see them arrested. John 14:6. If this happens in our own day, before the Tribulation, we should remain open to the Word of God, and The Lord’s requirements upon our life. John reminds us all in his next book, that we should not be surprised when we are attacked as our Lord was. John 15:18ff.
1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
KEY WORDS
Was Ginomai To become something [Aorist Middle Indicative]
Spirit Pneuma Spirit
Day Hemera Day
Heard Akouo To hear, Hearken, To Give Ear [Aorist Active Indicative]
Behind Opiso Behind, Backward
Great Megas Great
Voice Phone Voice, Sound
As Hos Like
Trumpet Salpigx Trumpet
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
It is noted that John became to be in the Spirit. Ginomai means to become something that you were not before. It is apparent that John was therefore distracted/carnal or even out of fellowship beforehand, possibly simply due to the suffering, stress and impact of privation in his old body. This is a great encouragement to us, and reminds us that these great men, were men just like us! We all stumble, but the Lord receives us and uses us, and does so immediately we pray to Him seeking restoration. John’s restoration came with immediate revelation.
He would have confessed any sin as per 1 John 1:9 so that he could worship again in spirit and in truth. The Lord’s Day is Sunday, the day of the Lord’s resurrection, and the day of regular worship for the early church. John was isolated on Patmos, without Christian fellowship, but at the time the church met he was in prayer with them, and the revelation of this book came in a wave of visions.
THE LORD’S DAY
1. The Sabbath was the remembrance day of the old creation, of the old covenant. (Exodus 20:10-11, 31:12-17, Hebrews 4:4)
2. The Lord’s Day (Sunday), is the remembrance of the new creation, the new birth in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 6:15, Hebrews 9:15, 10:20)
3. Saturday belongs to Israel; Family of God. Sunday belongs to the Church; Royal Family of God. (Matthew 28:9)
4. The Lord’s Day is:-
(a) the day of the resurrection. (Matthew 28:1)
(b) the day of the first meeting. (John 20:19)
(c) the day for new instructions. (Luke 24:36-39)
(d) the day the early church met. (Acts 20:6-7)
(e) the day they gave offerings. (1 Corinthians 16:2)
5. In the Old Testament period it was the day of new beginnings. (Colossians 2:11)
6. Sunday is the day of grace to remember the victory at the Cross. (Hebrews 4:1-12)
7. It has been blessed by God: if the Church has been wrong for 1900 years then the Lord has not judged their “Sabbath” breaking as He did in the Old Testament.
8. No command was given in the New Testament to keep the Sabbath, all days are as unto the Lord. ( Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 4:1-3)
APPLICATION
On this lonely island, the Spirit of God was John’s companion and comforter. We are never alone in Christ Jesus.
It is absolutely essential that a believer be filled with the Holy Spirit in order to worship God and to benefit from his teaching every day. There is no worship, fellowship or service apart from the filling of the Holy Spirit.
Confession of sin is essential for the believer so that he can be effective for the Lord. You need to be under the control of the Holy Spirit to discern spiritual things. 1 Corinthians 2:14-16.
1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
KEY WORDS
First Protos First, Foremost
Last Eschatos Last
Seest Blepo To See, Understand, Perceive [Present Active Indicative]
Write Grapho To Write, Inscribe [Aorist Active Imperative]
Book Biblion Book, Scroll
Send Pempo To Send [Aorist Active Imperative]
Seven Hepta Seven
Churches Ekklesia That which is called out – the group of people, not a place
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
The voice of the resurrected Christ “as a trumpet call” commanded John to write to the seven churches all which we see in Chapters 2 and 3. Seest – “blepo” is in the present tense which means a constant action, active voice meaning John has to do the seeing, indicative mood is the mood of reality. John was to report what he sees in as real a manner as he can given the limitation of human words.
Write – “grapho” – aorist tense, active voice, imperative mood which means that John must write at that point of time and at each point in time the visions arrive. He is to take no chances with human memory he is to record thing as they are revealed to him. John was to write all that he saw, and the whole book was to be communicated to all the seven churches.
A messenger delivering John’s book would arrive in Ephesus first and then the other churches would be reached on foot in the sequence given which conformed to the geographic layout of the connecting Roman roads. The distance between the churches concerned generally varied from 50 to 70 kilometres.
CHRIST IN REVELATION
The book of the Revelation is the only book of the Bible where the Lord Jesus Christ personally describes himself.
1. “I am the alpha and omega, the first and the last” – Jesus Christ knows all things (1:11)
2. “I am the first and the last” – He is eternal (1:17)
3. “I am he that liveth and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forever more, Amen; and have the keys of hell and death ” – He became the God – man and died for us conquering death and saving us from an eternity in hell (1:18)
4. “These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks.” – He has the ministers of the church in his hand and is present in the churches. (2:1)
5. “These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive.” – He combines eternally with his sacrificial death. (2:8)
6. “These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges.” – He is and has the Word of God. (2:12)
7. “These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass” – He is not only Saviour but is also Judge. (2:18)
8. “These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars.”- He gave the church the Holy Spirit so that the church can function (3:1)
9. “These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth and no man openeth.” – He is holy true and has authority. He also gives opportunities to enable us to serve. (3:7)
10. “These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God”; – He has the final authority and is the revelation of God and the source of God’s creation. (3:14)
11. “Behold I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” – He calls to man but does not coerce the freewill of man. (3:20)
APPLICATION
We are related through salvation to the one who is “alpha and omega” and should always bear this in mind. The character of God is a critical doctrine on which we must meditate. God knows and always has known everything that would happen in history. His prophecies are totally accurate. God is the one at the beginning and the end of creation. His revelation alone makes sense of this temporary space-time universe, and our role within it in our place and time in the flow of history. We do not have to play any other part than our own, but our eternal destiny depends on playing our assigned part! Hebrews 12:1-3. We must hear the Word, understand the Word, accept its authority over us, and follow our part in God’s Plan.
We are indebted to the Apostle John who had prepared himself by becoming in the Spirit in the previous verse and even though he was over awed and likely exhausted by the situation he found himself in, he obediently followed the instructions given to him meticulously. He is our mentor – through suffering and privation he obeyed and all are blessed!
We need to be prepared so that we can share with others about the Scriptures and follow what the Bible tells us to do meticulously.
1:12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
KEY WORDS
Turned Epistrepho To turn over, Upon or Unto [Aorist Active Indicative]
See Blepo See, Glance [Present Active Infinitive]
Voice Phone Noise, Sound, Voice
Spake Laleo To talk, Speak, Tell [Imperfect Active Indicative]
Turned Epistrepho To turn over, Upon or Unto [Aorist Active Participle]
See Eidon To See, Be Acquainted [Aorist Active Indicative]
Golden Chruseos Golden, Of gold
Candlesticks Luchnia Lampstand
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
John hears a voice like a war trumpet and it spoke to him.
He turned and glanced [blepo], the voice sounded and having turned he saw [eidon] the source of the voice. It is noted here that the “act of turning” as shown by the aorist, active, participle, preceded that of the main verb “seeing”, or being acquainted with the source of the voice.
The seven branched menorah or candle stick was one of the most common symbols for Judaism and synagogues of antiquity. The strong message here is not replacement theology, but continuity, and hope for Israel when they truly see the one who was indeed their Messiah, and is yet to be their Saviour, Priest and King. By identifying the churches with lampstands the Holy Spirit shows the Jews that Christianity is the true and “completed form” of Judaism, irrespective of what the synagogue leaders were saying. The Lord will return with his Church, for his people Israel and the saved of all nations from the Tribulation Period. The Church accompanies the Lord, and celebrates His Victory in delivering Israel!
THE GOLDEN CANDLESTICK
The Gold Candlestick (Exodus 25:31-40)
The golden candlestick was in the Holy Place, the larger of the two compartments in the Tabernacle.
The candlestick represents Christ as the light of the world. There were seven candlesticks with a central stick, the other six branching off the central stick, three on either side. Six is man’s number, seven is God’s number – the perfect number.
Analogy – Man is made perfect in Christ.
The candlestick was the only light in the Holy Place. The fuel in the candlestick was oil. Oil represents the Holy Spirit. Oil in the centre stick represents Christ being empowered and relying on the Holy Spirit during his incarnation. Oil in the other lamps shows the Christian way of life walking in the Spirit. (Galatians 4:19, 5:22, 23) The six candlesticks branching off the central stick represents the Christian in union with Christ and fellowship between Christians.
The candlestick weighed 21 kg [48 lbs]. and was beaten out of one piece of gold. It was very valuable and shows the preciousness of Christ. The candlestick was fashioned by beating and represents Christ suffering for the sins of the world. On the top of the centre candlestick they had knops or pomegranates representing the eternal life and perfection of Christ. There were also almond buds opening up representing Christ being the fount of all life.
Flowers occurred on all seven candlesticks. The flowers represent the beauty of the character of Christ which we produce when we are filled with the Spirit. Each lamp had a wick which drew the oil up through the lamps. The wick has to be soaked in oil before it burns otherwise it emits smoke. Light – divine good or production. Smoke – human good or production.
Application If the believer is empowered by the Holy Spirit he produces works which are noticeably different from the unbeliever. If he is controlled by the sinful nature he clouds the issue. The burnt wick represents work for the Lord Jesus Christ. The priest used to collect the burnt wick and put it in a snuff box. God remembers our works for Him. (1 Corinthians 3:12-15)
An alternate interpretation of the candlestick likens the seven stems as the seven spirits of God as found in (Isaiah 11:2, Revelation 1:4). It symbolizes the spirit of the Lord, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge, and of the fear of the Lord.
APPLICATION
When the Lord Jesus Christ comes from heaven to remove His church from the earth He will come with a shout, the voice of the Archangel and the “trumpet of God” – 1 Thessalonians 4:16.
This will be the voice of Jesus Christ Himself as he raises the Christian saints from the dead.
This is also called the “last trumpet” in 1 Corinthians 15:52.
The last trumpet is also the feature of the Feast of Trumpets where after 99 trumpet blasts of three different forms the last trumpet is unique. It was called “the last trumpet” and identifies the Rapture prophetically with the Feast of Trumpets. All the believers of the Church Age are thus in heaven throughout the Tribulation Period, as we will see below, but we all return to celebrate the return of Israel to a central place upon the earth at the Second Advent. Israel’s greatest day, we believe, is yet to come – in the Millennial Kingdom – Romans 11, Revelation 20.
1:13 And 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.
KEY WORDS
Midst Mesos Middle, Midst
Seven Hepta Seven
Candlesticks Luchnia Lampstand
Like Homoios Like
Son Uihos Son
Man Anthropos Man
Clothed Enduo To go into [Clothes] [Perfect Middle Participle]
Garment down to the foot Poderes Joining or Touching The Feet
Girt Perizonnumi To gird round about [Perfect Middle Participle]
Paps Mastos Breast
Golden Chruseos Golden
Girdle Zone Girdle, Belt
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
When John turned he saw the Jesus he knew and loved, but now in resurrected glory as God-Man, High Priest for ever, Lord of all lords and King of all kings forever. (Compare Daniel. 7:9-14.) Again, this symbolism is taken from Scripture. Christ wears the garment here of the Jewish High Priest, as HE is our High Priest forever. Hebrews 4:14-5:10.
The workmen wore their belts or girdles around their waist while working so a position around the breast would signify that his work was complete. The perfect tenses in this verse underline the completed nature of the Lord’s work for salvation – with everlasting results for glory to all who believe – but with eternal judgment secure for all who mocked and ignored the truth in time.
Christ is seen in the centre of the candlesticks or churches. He is at the centre of the Church, as he is the centre of the Plan and purposes of God from eternity past. He is our focus, and His Glory is our objective in all worship and service.
JESUS CHRIST AS KING – PRIEST – PROPHET
1. JESUS THE KING
At the second advent Jesus Christ will come as King, as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (1 Timothy 6:15)
(a) His Kingdom – On earth (Psalm 72:7, 8 Jeremiah 23:5, Daniel 7:13, 14, Revelation 19:11-16. His kingdom is called the kingdom of heaven, because of its heavenly character, but it is clearly on earth.
(b) His Capital – Jerusalem (Psalm 2:6)
(c) Its Extent – The whole world. (Psalm 72:6-11, Isaiah 2.-2, 3, Daniel 7:13, 14, Zechariah 8:20-23)
(d) When – He will deliver the remnant after the Great Tribulation and will reign on earth for 1,000 years. (Revelation 19:11-16, Jeremiah 23:5, 6, Zechariah 14:1-4, 9. Revelation 20:4, 6)
(e) Characteristics:-
(i) Universal Peace (Isaiah 2:4, Micah 4:2, 3)
(ii) Universal Prosperity (Micah 4:4-7)
(iii) Righteous and Just rule (Psalm 72:2-7, Isaiah 11:9)
(iv) Worldwide in extent (Psalm 72:6-8)
(v) Glorious (Psalm 72:17-19)
(vi) Everlasting (Daniel 7:13, 14, Luke 1:32, 33, Revelation 11:15)
(vii) Uplifting of the under privileged (Psalm 72:2, 4, 12-14)
(f) Termination – Christ’s rule on earth will terminate with the Great White Throne Judgment of (Revelation 20:11-15). He delivers the kingdom to the Father, (1 Corinthians 15:24) thus commencing the eternal rule of Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:28)
2. JESUS THE PRIEST
Definition:- A priest is a man who represents other men before God. He is the person who acts as a go between, so that sinful man can have relationship with a holy God. The priest made propitiation for the sins of the people. (Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 10:12) and also made intercession for the people. (Hebrews 7:23-5)
Characteristics:-
(a) He was divinely appointed (Hebrews 5:6)
(b) He is perfect (Hebrews 7:26-28)
(c) He is merciful and faithful (Hebrews 2:17)
(d) He is sympathetic (Hebrews 4:14-16)
(e) He is everlasting (Hebrews 7:23-25)
(f) He is our advocate (1 John 2:1
3. JESUS THE PROPHET
Moses predicted the coming of a perfect prophet, (Deuteronomy 18:15, 17-19). Jesus was this person as stated by Peter in Acts 3:22-23. Jesus claimed he was a prophet. (John 7-16, 8:28, 12:49, 50, John 14:24)
4. FULFILLED PREDICTIONS
(a) His death and resurrection (Matthew 16:21, Matthew 20:18, 19, John 2:19)
(b) The destruction of Jerusalem (Matthew 24:1, 2, Luke 19:41-44)
(c) The Gentile domination of Israel (Luke 21:20-24)
(d) The Jewish dispersion but their survival (Matthew 24:34, Mark 13:30, Luke 21:32)
(e) That the Scriptures would survive (Matthew 24:35)
PRIESTLY GARMENTS
1. General Scripture:- (Exodus 28)
2. The priestly garments of the High Priest of Israel consisted of seven items.
(a) The linen garments
(b) The robe of the Ephod
(c) The Ephod
(d) The Urim and Thummim
(e) The Girdle
(f) The Crown
(g) The Breastplate
3. The priestly garments were designed by God and every detail points to the person and work of Christ. In Exodus 28 the garments are called Holy (v2) fine linen (v5) pure gold (v 4) precious stones (v l 7-20) anointed with costly ointment (v 4) made by the wise hearted (v3) . This speaks that the garments are made of the very best materials by the finest craftsmen.
4. The Linen Garments (Exodus 28:39-43)
All the priests wore fine twined linen clothes. The fine twined linen shows the absolute perfection of Christ. The garments of the High Priest were built up and covered the white linen clothes.
Principle: All works in the Christian life are based on the work of Christ on the Cross. We stand justified by his righteousness alone.
The Material-. Fine twined linen was an art which died with the Egyptians. The only linen of this type in existence today covers mummies in museums. The fine twined linen was finer than the finest muslin.
Principle: Only the finest material can speak of his holiness and righteousness. The fabric was embroidered with colour. (v39). Two words are used for embroidery in the bible.
One to add colour to a basic garment the other to weave into the base garment a design as an integral part of the garment. The latter is used in this verse. From afar the coat looked like a white garment. Close up however the garment appeared beautifully coloured and exquisite.
From afar Jesus may appear as a great teacher or prophet. Close up however he is revealed in his full beauty as the Son of God.
The Coat: The word for coat is used in only one other location in the bible – in Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve were covered by a coat of skin (singular) – one death sufficed for Adam and Eve.
Analogy: The death of Christ availed for all mankind.
The High Priest on the Day of Atonement: On that day the High Priest wore a linen coat, hat and trousers when he offered his sacrifice in the Holy of Holies.
Analogy: Christ in his human body (the linen coat) offered once and for all the sacrifice of his body for the sins of the world.
Having been judged satisfactory by God he put on his High Priest’s garments- the resurrection body.
5. Robe of the Ephod. (Exodus 28:31-35)
The robe of the Ephod was of blue with golden bells and pomegranates around the hem. The robe, unlike the coat, signifies an office. The placing on of the robe was appointment or commissioning to a high calling.
Analogies: Our High Priest was commissioned to be a High Priest for us. Christ means commissioned one. The robe is almost always associated with royalty in the bible. Christ is a royal priest after the order of Melchisedec. (Psalm 110:4). We also are of the royal priesthood because of our union with Christ.
The holiness of Christ (the linen coat) is covered by the blue robe of the Ephod (the deity of Christ). This has its counterpart in the Tabernacle where the broken tablets of stone in the Ark of the Covenant was covered by the solid gold (deity) of the mercy seat.
The robe of the Ephod was woven in one piece. It had neither beginning nor end.
Analogy: The deity of Christ is eternal, it has no beginning nor end. (Revelation 1:8). All the grace covenants are eternal in nature.
The binding around the neck was as strong as chain mail thus making the robe untearable.
Analogy: Our salvation is secure through the power of God.
Fruit Symbols: Pomegranate – peace. Grape – joy. Apple – love.
These three fruits are often found together in the Old Testament. The New Testament equivalent is (Galatians 5:22). Love, Joy, Peace as the first three characteristics of the fruit of the spirit.
The robe with the pomegranates show the King of peace – Melchisedec was the King of Salem (peace).
Principle: The Melchisedec priesthood is shown within the Aaronic priesthood. The bells represent interceding prayer. They continuously rang individually as he moved about in the Holy Place – Christ is constantly interceding for us.
6. The Ephod (Exodus 28:6-14)
The Ephod was made of blue, purple, scarlet and white linen. The colours were interlaced by gold representing the deity of Christ binding together the various facets of the person of Christ.
Blue – Godward – Gospel of John. Purple – Kingly – Gospel of Matthew. Scarlet – Saviour – Gospel of Mark. White – man – Gospel of Luke. (see the Four Gospels)
In the book of Exodus these colours are repeated 24 times.
7. The Urim and Thummim (Exodus 28:30)
(a) Urim – lights
(b) Thummim – perfection
It appears these were placed in a pouch in the breastplate. It is not known what they were but it is thought that they could have been the white and black stones used in voting either yes (white) or no (black) in the ancient world. (Revelation 2:17)
God’s will would therefore have been given by a yes or no answer to questions asked. A cheek in the Old Testament of the use of Urim and Thummim reveals that it was always positive or negative, never conversational. Our Urim and Thummim today is the Word of God as a completed canon which represents the total revelation of God to man necessary to successfully live the Christian life. (1 Corinthians 2:16)
8. The Girdle (Exodus 28:8)
This was a strip of fine twined linen worked in blue, purple and scarlet. It was around the waist of the High Priest tied tightly so that the garments became an inseparable part of the priest.
The girdle was used in three different ways:-
(a) Working – The Lord washing the disciples feet.
(b) Walking – Exodus generation. (Exodus 12:11)
(c) War – The Girdle of truth. (Ephesians 6:14)
In 1 Peter 1:13 we are commanded to gird up our mind.
9. The Crown. (Exodus 28:36-38)
This was a plate of pure gold inscribed ‘Holiness to the Lord’ . It was tied to the mitre by a blue ribbon and was positioned on his forehead. This is immediately in front of the thinking part of the brain and over the soul of the High Priest of Israel. (Joshua 1:8)
10. The Breastplate (Exodus 28:15-29)
The Breastplate was made of blue, purple and scarlet on white and had twelve precious stones set in it. Each represented one of the twelve tribes with the exception of Levi.
It was 20 cm. square, doubled forming a pocket for Urim and Thummim. It was secured from above by chains of gold to the shoulder stones and at the base by ribbons of blue to the Ephod.
The Stones and Tribes were in order
Sardis – Judah; Topaz – Issachar; Carbuncle – Zebulun; Emerald – Reuben; Sapphire – Simeon; Diamond – Gad; Lizure – Ephraim; Agate – Manasseh; Amethyst – Benjamin; Beryl – Dan; Onyx Asher; Jasper – Naphtali.
On the Two Shoulder Stones – two onyx stones (Exodus 28:9, 10) the names of the tribes were written again with Ephraim and Manasseh being replaced by Joseph and Levi.
The Shoulder Stone names were according to their birth (Exodus 28:10) – representing Salvation – the two stones are the same – Salvation is the same for everybody.
The Breastplate Stone names were according to their precedence in the tribes. (Numbers 10:14-27) all stones are different – representing a variety of spiritual gifts and the Christian Walk – all have different talents for serving the Lord.
Principle: All the stones in the breastplate were precious. We are all precious in his sight and important in God’s service. We are all necessary as members of the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12) . We have diversity without inferiority.
APPLICATION
We need to consider the Lord as he is revealed here – as the Great High Priest – as he stands in the midst of the local churches, judging and evaluating them. The Scriptures tell us that the Lord of the Church has three ministries today. Remember HE is our Lord today and – Pastors – REMEMBER – he evaluates all your work for HIS people!
[a] The intercession of Christ [Hebrews 7:25]
[b] The intervention of Christ where he steps outside the Holy Place to the laver. There he washes the feet of those who are His own, those who have confessed their sins. [1 John 1:9, 2:1]
[c] The ministry of inspection. He is walking and working in and amongst the lampstands. The priest would trim the wicks [c.f. prune the vine – John 15:1-8], put in the oil, and snuff out the candles at times.
These actions represent the refining of the believer, the provision of the Holy Spirit for power and light, and the removal of the light when the job is done on earth, or divine discipline ends the role. The Lord is “trimming” us for greater light, and he will remove us when we fail repeatedly without confession! John 15:1-17.
He is the one who pours out the oil which represents the Holy Spirit. He is the One who sent the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is doing what the Lord Jesus Christ sent Him into the world to do and we are to welcome the Spirit’s inspections and challenges into our soul – for that is His Role – to make us better.
Christ as head of the church wants His light to be seen by all through the ministries of the local churches.
Snuffing out of the candle represents the sin unto death for the individual and for the individual church. 1 John 5:14-21.
1:14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
KEY WORDS
Head Kephale The Head
Hairs Thrix Hair
White Leukos White
Wool Erion Wool
Snow Chion Snow
Eyes Opthalmos Eye
Flame Phlox Flame
Fire Pur Fire
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
The white head and hair speak of holiness and dignity according to age (Daniel. 7:9-10).
His flaming eyes reveal the omniscience and purity of God’s judgment (Daniel. 10:6; Zechariah 4:10).
The flame of fire talks about the Lord being a refining fire in judgment. John 16:8-11, Revelation 20:10-15.
APPLICATION
We need to look at the whole character of God and not just his perfect love. He is perfectly holy as well as loving.
While God so loved the world that he gave His Son to save all that believed on Him, the holy wrath of God remains on those who reject Him. John 3:16, 36.
He also knows everything from beginning to end and is infinitely wise.
He is the one from whom no secrets are hid.
1:15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
KEY WORDS
Feet Pous Feet
Fine Brass Chalkolibanon Fine Brass
Burned Puroomai To be on fire [Perfect Passive Participle]
Furnace Kaminos Furnace
Voice Phone A Voice, Sound
Sound Phone A Voice, Sound
Waters Hudor Water
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
The feet of bronze could allude to the bearer of God’s throne – Ezekiel 1:7 as well as the angel of Daniel 10:6. Fine brass represents God’s holy judgment upon man’s sin. His feet were seen to be on fire. God is not mocked by man’s sin and evil. “Our God is a consuming fire”. Hebrews 10:30-31, 12:28-29. To receive his kingdom he needs to burn away all that is evil and polluted by sin so that no imperfection enters the earth he is to rule over. The brass or brazen altar outside the tabernacle proper represents Christ’s work on earth when he died on the Cross.
The greatest problem in humanity is to truly accept grace as fallen man always wants to do something. The great battle for the heart and mind of man centres in this; will each stay with their pride and self satisfaction, or accept God’s grace provision for salvation. Evil must be eliminated, or there is no purity, and finally there is no heaven.
APPLICATION
The human nature that man has will purr like a pussy cat when flattered but bristle like an echidna/porcupine when failure to do a job is noted. It is pride and arrogance that joins any person with Satan and if they remain so joined, they must accept Satan’s fate as their own. The issue is, who do we wish to spend eternity with? Whose company do we desire for eternity?
This is the reason that the present position of Christ and His contemporary work of inspection is largely ignored by the church. People don’t like being audited and inspected, and the Lord’s command to “examine ourselves” lest we be judged is ignored at our peril. 1 Corinthians 11:28, 2 Corinthians 13:5-6. Also Psalms 4:4, 26:1ff, Proverbs 17:3.
He occupies the position of Judge of the church and does not flatter us – He is always truthful – for the Lord wants our best. He does not ignore what He sees, nor shut his eyes to sin and wrongdoing, and he consistently wants us to deal with sin, never ignore it. His constant command to His own is to repent. – 1 John 1:5-10, Revelation 2:5
1:16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
KEY WORDS
Right Devios Right
Hand Cheir Hand
Seven Hepta Seven
Stars Aster Star
Mouth Stoma Mouth
Went Ekporeuomai To Go Forth [Present Middle Participle]
Sharp Oxus Sharp, Swift, Accurate
Two-edged Distomos Double Edged
Sword Rhomphia Sword, Sabre
Countenance Opsis Sight Appearance
Sun Helios Sun
Shineth Phaino To Cause to Appear To Shine [Present Active Indicative]
Strength Dunamis Power, Ability
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
The seven stars are the complete perfection of the creation, spoken into existence by the “words of God”, the two-edged sword of his mouth is the Word of God (Hebrews. 4:12; Revelation. 19:15).
His shining face is the glory of the “Sun of Righteousness” (Malachi. 4:2).
The mouth could be represented as a weapon, as shown in Isaiah 49:2.
THE SWORD
1. THE SWORD of the Spirit is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17).
2. The Word of God is sharper than any two edged Sword (Hebrews 4:12).
3. THE SWORD is the most frequently mentioned weapon in the Bible being used many times as analogies to judgment of war or for the Word of God.
4. TYPES OF SWORD – Two types of sword are mentioned in the New Testament.
(a) The Machaira – this was the sword with which the Romans conquered the known world. It was short, approximately half a metre (18 inches) in length. It had a point and two sharp edges and is the sword of (Hebrews 4:12). Compared to other swords in the ancient world it was by far the most effective weapon of its day. (John 18:10-11, Romans 8:35, Ephesians 6:17, Hebrews 4:12).
(b) The Rhomphaia – occurring mainly in the book of the Revelation the rhomphaia was a large broad sword some 1 to 11/2 metres in length. Invented by the Thracians it had one cutting edge and was used for hacking blows (Luke 2:35, Revelation 1:16; 19:15, 21).
(c) Other swords in use at the time of the New Testament but not mentioned in the Scripture:-
(i) The Dolon – a hidden sword encased in a riding whip or cane. The blade of the dolon was generally brittle and often used to break when used in combat.
(ii) The Akinakes – the ceremonial sword of the Persians with high ornamentation, often jewel encrusted not unlike the ceremonial British swords of state. As a weapon of war it was totally useless.
(iii) The Xziphos – the rapier shaped sword had a sharp point and could only be used for thrusting. It was rounded and as with the Dolon was brittle and tended to break in battle. Eventually this sword like the akinakes became of sign of rank.
5. In the Old Testament CHEREB is used on over four hundred occasions for a sword commencing in Genesis 3:24 with the sword wielded by the cherubim through to Zechariah 13:7.
APPLICATION
This shows that the Lord controls the universe, for he is its creator; the creator of time-space itself, and He will be its judge and the “imploder” of the present universe and the creator of the eternal one (it may already be there – we are creatures of space-time and so cannot know what is beyond our limits). John sees it – it may already be there…. Don’t pause and reflect too long or your mind will unhinge. We are not presently made to comprehend anything beyond our thinking limits of space-time.
The Messiah’s just decrees of judgment would be the weapon of his mouth. Isaiah 11:4.
You cannot look upon the sun and you certainly would not be able to look on the Creator of the sun, the One who is the glorified Christ. It is His glory that is portrayed here.
INTERPRETATION AND OUTLINE 1:17-20
Though John was “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 21:7), this was not the Jesus he had known “after the flesh” (2 Corinthians 5:16). John’s response to the Lord showed something of the reverence we must have for the risen and glorified Christ instead of our modern and often disgraceful superficial familiarity.
Because of the cross, Jesus holds the key to release the hold of death or to lock the door of hell forever. This key to each individual’s fate is belief in Him or rejection resulting in Judgment. The issue is always each person’s exercise of their free will. We see in verse 19 the book’s outline which must be followed in order to understand its contents.
A. What you have seen – the vision of Chapter 1.
B. The things which are – Chapter 2 and 3, The Church Age.
C. After these things – Chapter 4 through the end of the book. This history follows the Rapture of the Church (4:1).
The 20th verse interprets the symbols of the previous vision, which often happens in the Revelation whenever the symbols differ from standard Old Testament usage.
The seven stars are “angels” or literally “messengers” (pastors) of the seven churches which are represented by the seven lampstands.
Jesus walks in the midst of the churches (verse 13) and holds pastors of those churches in His right hand (verse 16). He must be the central figure of all true churches–and the ultimate authority over every pastor. Every pastor needs to remember this fact.
1:17 And 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:
KEY WORDS
See Eidon To See, Be Acquainted [Aorist Active Indicative]
Fell Pipto To Fall
Feet Pous Foot
Dead Nekros Dead
Laid Epitithemi To Put or Place Upon [Aorist Active Indicative]
Right Devios Right
Hand Cheir Hand
Saying Lego To Say [Present Active Participle]
Fear Phobeo To Cause Fear, To Terrify [Present Middle Imperative]
Am Eimi Absolute Status Quo [Present Active Indicative]
First Protos First
Last Eschatos Last
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
Terror was common during genuine visions [Genesis 15:12, Daniel 7:28], amongst those who received revelations of God [Ezekiel 1:28] or suddenly see the truth about God. For example Thomas, John 20:24-29. A genuine vision from God comes into space-time from eternity and is always going to be mind-blowing. Fake visions from the great deceiver alone are calm and relaxing!
Angels [Daniel 8:18, 10:9,15] in the Old Testament brought messages also, and prophets often fell on their faces unless the revealer touched and strengthened them [Daniel 8:18, 10:10]. This is the posture that indicates total worship.
God often had to assure his servants not to be afraid [Deuteronomy 3:2, Joshua 8:1, Jeremiah 1:8] sometimes when he spoke to them [Genesis 26:24]. Fear is man’s normal response to the abnormality of glimpsing into eternity!
“Fear not” should be translated “stop fearing”, it is a command that indicates the person is in terror/fear at that moment.
APPLICATION
John who had been a close friend of the Lord on earth did not go up and shake His hand but fell at his feet as if dead. The effect of the vision upon John was nothing short of paralysing. We don’t cuddle the Lord; we worship Him. John 20:26-31. Let us learn from Thomas not from “goofy” people who speak of “dear jesus” – HE is the Lord of all!
Even one of the most mature Christians that ever lived had a moment of fear, but with the Lord’s words it went.
When we get into the presence of the Lord we will not act in any casual or familiar way – we will fall at His feet.
We should be far more aware of Christ as God and not have a low view of our Creator and Saviour.
To be a friend of Jesus Christ we have to worship and obey Him – John 15:10-14 .
1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
KEY WORDS
Liveth Zao To Live, Have Life [Present Active Participle]
Was Ginomai Became [Aorist Middle Indicative]
Dead Nekros Dead
Am Eimi Absolute Status Quo [Present Active Indicative]
Evermore Eis Aion Aion To the Ages of Ages
Have Echo To Have and to Hold [Present Active Indicative]
Keys Kleis Key
Hell Hades Hades
Death Thantos Death
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
In the Old Testament and in Jewish literature “the gates of Hades” referred to the realm of the dead, and thus the power of death, that once the “gates close” you are trapped there forever. Psalm 9:13, 107:18. The total defeat of death by the Lord is the focus of this verse, for the Lord has the “keys” and death is defeated for all “in Christ Jesus”.
The one who held the keys to these realms thus ruled over them.
The word “hades” deals with the abode of the dead and was biblically divided into three sections:-
[a] Torments – the abode of the unbelieving dead.
[b] Tartarus – the prison of fallen angels.
[c] Abraham’s Bosom, or Paradise, the former residence of the believers prior to the Session of Christ.
Since the glorification of Christ, paradise has been empty, as at that time the Old Testament saints were transferred to heaven, to where we now go directly when we die. 2 Corinthians 5:8.
THE ROCK AND KEYS
1. SCRIPTURE Matthew 16:18-19
v 18 “And 1 Say unto thee, that thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of bell shall not prevail against it. “
v 19, “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. “
2. Apparent Problem
Peter as the foundation of the church. What are the keys of heaven and who has them?
3. Evaluation
Jesus is talking to Simon Bar-jona who is renamed Peter in this passage. His Aramaic name is Cephas which is noted in some Scriptures. Peter has just identified the Lord as the Son of God – in order to do this one must be spiritually born again.
4. v.18 The Rock
(a) “And I say unto thee thou art Petros (Peter) – PETROS is a stone a piece of a rock, a piece of stone that fell off the mountain but not the mountain itself.
(b) “Upon this rock” – PETRA – this is the mountain or rock from which the stone comes the PETRA is Christ.
(c) “I will build my church future tense shows that the church is future. We are in union with Christ we are part of the mountain. The Lord did not found his church on a human being Peter, but on the God-man, Jesus Christ. (d) “and the gates of bell shall not prevail against it Once you are in the mountain, hell has no opportunity to take you away – ETERNAL SECURITY. (Romans 8:38,39)
5. v.19 The Keys to the Kingdom
(a) “And I will give unto you the keys of the kingdom of heaven
(b) “I shall give ” – relates to the future tense of I will build my church.
(c) “unto thee ” – thee is plural, the keys of the kingdom are not therefore given to Peter, they are given to all believers.
(d) “the keys of the kingdom this is the prerogative of witnessing for Jesus Christ.
(e) In v. 19 we do not have to worry about the gates of hell but we have the key to the gate of heaven.
(f) In John 20:23 we have “Whosoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them and whosoever sins ye retain, they are retained”.
This deals with declaring the gospel regarding the remission of sins.
(g) “Whosoever” – third class condition – maybe yes maybe no.
(h) “sins ye remit ” – aorist tense – at the point of time they believe.
“are remitted unto them ” – perfect tense – they are remitted forever.
(I) “sins ye retain” – deals with the other alternative ie. those who reject. The alternative to heaven is eternal judgment.
v.19b
(j) “and whatsoever (maybe yes, maybe no) – third class condition.
(k) “thou shalt bind on earth decisions for Christ aorist tense – point of time of decision.
(l) “shall be bound in heaven perfect tense – eternal security in heaven. We have as ambassadors for Christ the right to tell people having made a decision for Christ are eternally saved.
(m) “and whatsoever” – (maybe yes, maybe no) – third class condition.
(n) “thou shalt loose on earth ” – this is use of the Holy Spirit during the Church Age.
(o) “shall be loosed in heaven ” – more literally shall be loosed from the sphere of heaven.
6. Conclusions
1. Peter is not the foundation of the church nor has he the monopoly on the keys of heaven.
2. As witnesses we have rights to tell people we witness to of the results of their decisions.
OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST
Instances of the Lord’s perfect obedience to the Father’s Plan under Satanic pressure are:-
(a) The Lord’s temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), where the Lord resisted the temptation in His humanity to use His divine power outside the Father’s will (Philippians 2:5-8, Hebrews 10:7)
(b) In the Garden of Gethsemane the Lord resisted all temptation to the contrary but set His face firmly to go through with the horror of the cross (Matthew 26:38-46, Mark 14:34-36, Luke 22:41-44)
(c) During the provocations of the trials the Lord stood firm and resolute. Although He had the power to resist arrest, as shown briefly in (John 18:6), He voluntarily went with the troops, even chiding Peter for his sword play (Luke 22:49-51). Although abused (Matthew 26:67-68), struck (John 18:22), scourged (Matthew 27:26), mocked and beaten (Matthew 27:27-31), and finally crucified the Lord calmly accepted this all as part of the Father’s Plan, resisting any temptation to rebel at the injustice, cruelty and callousness of those who perpetrated this evil. Rather He prayed for them, acknowledging to Pilate that all this was part of His role as Saviour (Luke 23:34, John 18:37)
(d) When miracles were demanded by Herod Antipas (Luke 23:8-11) the Lord resisted any temptation to instantly judge that evil man and his court but saying nothing set His face to the cross on which He would bear even the sins of Herod Antipas (1 John 2:2)
(e) When He stumbled on the road to the cross He did not call on divine strength but Simon of Cyrene had to be pressed into service to carry the cross. (Matthew 27:32, Luke 23:26)
(f) When reviled by the crowds as He hung on the cross, taunted to do things which He could have done, He resisted all temptation to step down from the cross but stayed there to bear the sins of all. (Matthew 27:39-44, Mark 15:29-32, Luke 23 :35-39)
(g) Finally, having done all that was necessary for our salvation, having finished the full payment for our sins He calmly announced His victory in one word “Tetelastai” – it is finished, and dismissed His own spirit.
APPLICATION
Jesus Christ has the keys, and has conquered death, and is alive forever more. He therefore has the power over the timing of the death of all people. Because He lives we shall live also and the gates of hell will not prevail over us. We do not “see death”, we see Jesus. John 8:51-58, Acts 7:55-60.
Those who believe in Him will not be affected by the Second Death, the eternal separation from God.
He is sovereign over the life to come. Christ’s power over death as one who has risen not only encouraged his followers now facing possible death, but should encourage us all, as we all have to face the possibility of dying.
In verses 17 and 18 the Lord gives four reasons not to fear and we should gain encouragement from them:-
[a] He is the first and last – He is God the Creator.
[b] He is the one that lives and was dead – He has conquered death and has been resurrected.
[c] He is alive for evermore – In His humanity He has eternal life, and all “in relationship” with Him share this.
[d] He has the keys of hell – He has power over death – we need not fear death. Psalm 23:4
1:19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
KEY WORDS
Write Grapho Write [Aorist Active Imperative]
Things Tauta These Things
Seen Eidon To Know, Be Acquainted [Aorist Active Indicative]
Are Eimi Keep on Being [Present Active Indicative]
Shall Be Mello+Ginomai Are About to Occur [Aorist Middle Infinitive]
Hereafter Meta Tauta Hereafter
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
Prophecy in the Old Testament involved speaking God’s message, and was not thus restricted to predicting the future; it was foretelling and forth-telling. [1 Corinthians 14.] Any doubt that this book is “mystical”, “symbolic”, “allegorical” must be put aside at this point. This is not “apocalyptic symbolism”, nor “a standard apocalyptic genre statement”, it is a plain announcement that this is a prophetic vision that John is to record, and the detail is to be correct, for the fulfilment will be precise. God is a precise God and God’s time tables are accurate and precise. Remember, in 1945 nearly all of Revelation looked impossible to be fulfilled, but today in 2019, all of it can be!!!
John is told to write the things that
[a] He has seen – the glorified Christ – chapter 1
[b] The things that are – the things pertaining to the church – chapters 2-3
[c] The things here after – the church in heaven, the Tribulation, Second Advent, Millennium and Eternity future – chapters 4-22.
APPLICATION
This gives the outline of the book of the Revelation – it is a prophetic announcement of God’s Plan in advance – not an apocalyptic piece of nonsense Roman literature!
We should be confident that God knows all the detail of His story, both past, present, and future and we must rest upon the truth revealed and rely upon the Scriptures for our guidance and encouragement. 2 Peter 1:19-21.
The more we know of what the authors of Scripture have written down the more we will be able to discern his will.
The Bible is inspired and totally accurate. 2 Timothy 3:14-17, Hebrews 4:7-13.
1:20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
KEY WORDS
Mystery Musterion What is Known Only to The Initiated
Seven Hepta Seven
Stars Aster Star, Luminous Meteor
Sawest Eidon To Know, Be Acquainted [Aorist Active Indicative]
Right Devios Right
Hand Cheir Hand
Golden Chruseos Golden
Candlesticks Luchnia Lamp Stand
Angel Aggelos Messenger, Angel.
Churches Ekklesia Set Apart Ones
Are Eimi Keep on Being
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
Jewish texts often portrayed angels as stars but we must be cautious and let the text here speak to us [Revelation 12:4].
There are four main views of the “angels” of the churches
[a] Messengers bearing the scrolls to the churches.
[b] Public readers or preachers in each congregation.
[c] Guardian angels of each congregation.
[d] Representations of the heavenly significance of the churches as with the lampstands.
The stars represent the position/authority of the churches. In Jude 13 apostates are called “wandering stars”.
MYSTERY
1. Definition: The secret or specialised practices or ritual peculiar to an occupation or a body of people. The Greek word MUSTERION, or “mystery”, is derived from the Greek MUSTES meaning an initiate of a secret fraternity of the ancient world. This was the way the word was used by Jesus in Matthew 13:11, Mark 4:10, 11
2. In the New Testament epistles, the technical use of the word “mystery” refers to some aspect of the Church Age. (Ephesians 3:2-6)
3. Mystery doctrines of the Church Age were not revealed in the Old Testament. (Romans 16:25, 26, Colossians 1:26, 27)
4. Part of the mystery doctrine, including the blindness and hardness of Israel during the Church Age was also part of the dispersion. (Romans 11:25)
5. The mystery was a part of the divine plan ordained in eternity past. (1 Corinthians 2:7)
6. The pastor is responsible for communication of the word of God. This is called the stewardship of the mysteries of God. (1 Corinthians 4:1)
7. The rapture of the Church is part of the mystery. (1 Corinthians 15:51)
8. The mystery is always related to the Dispensation of the Church and only the Church Age. (Ephesians 1:9, 3:2)
MINISTERS
1. Used for political leadership in a nation. (Romans 13:4).
2. Used as the pastor of the local church. (Ephesians 3:7; Colossians 1:23,25; Col 4:7; Ephesians 6:21; 1 Timothy 1:12).
3. Used for all believers. (2 Corinthians 3:6; 4:1; 6:4).
4. Origin – in the classical Greek the word was used for those who rowed in the lower decks, the place of greatest toil on a ship – a servant or slave. Principle – The minister should see himself as the servant as well as leader of his flock.
APPLICATION
It is clear that whether the minister or public reader in the church, or the messenger going to the church, or the angel protector of the church, is in view here, that God has them in His right hand – they are protected.
They are therefore protected and supported as long as they represent Him. We are all in the hand of God, but especially if we stand for truth and preach the Word we are under the Lord’s special protection. John 10:27-30