
Revelation Study
By Rev Richard Puckett
Chapter 1
I want to start by saying there is no perfect interpretations of the Book of Revelation. I am only a country boy with only and Associates degree from a Junior Tech. College through I has been preaching for 28 years and I have grown up on the Bible. I have learned that the smarter I think I am, the dumber I get. So I will not try to out do anyone I will only point to the things that come to my attention as I pray and study. There are three sets of reference materiel used with each scripture beside the notes I write. These are Matthew Henry's concise commentary on the whole Bible, The Believers Study Bible, The disciples Study Bible, and on some occasion the new Scofield Study Bible and Strongs Concordance with Hebrew and Greek dictionaries. All these can be found and are copied from QuickVerse 4.0 Bible reference Collection. Some things may not agree with the popular beliefs, but they will have a reason and I'll try to express that all the way through. You too should read and pray for understanding, try to get out of the Bible and this book what God wants you to have. This study like all I've done is not to try to prove or disprove anyone doctrine it is only looking at the Word from my point of view. There have been many great men of God which have left us excellent tests to learn by, none so great as the word itself. I can not say enough that this is to take a look at the word from an everyday view just as you may read any other book. The difference is I will not approach anything with out prayer. There are many ways of looking at this book some see it all as spiritual, some see it as all physical things, some see it as things to come, some say it is things that have been. I see it just as the rest of the Bible it is made up past, present and future, it has a lot of physical things and every thing physical has a spiritual implication. It is not a history book nor was it meant to be so, it is a book to help us see Christ and to be prepared when he comes. I hope you find this as enjoyable as I have.
BASIC FACTS
HISTORICAL SETTING
The original readers were seven churches of Asia (Rev. 1:4) identified as the churches in Ephesus (2:1), Smyrna (2:8), Pergamum (1:12), Thyatira (2:18), Sardis (3:1), Philadelphia (3:7), and Laodicea (3:14). These were the leading cities of the province of Asia and were connected by a road on which one could make a complete circuit from Ephesus to Laodicea, passing through all seven cities.
John received Revelation while he was in exile. Patmos was a small rocky island in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Asia Minor, about thirty-five miles southwest of Miletus. The island served as a place of banishment during the time of Roman rule. The small mountainous island measures only six by ten miles. John had been exiled to the island as part of Domitian's persecution against the Christians.
During the period of Roman rulers from Nero to Domitian, emperor worship became the official policy of Rome. Not all the emperors took their divine honors seriously, but Domitian did and took steps to enforce them. He took the title of "Lord and God" and proclaimed his infant son a god and his mother, Domitia, a goddess. The Christians refused to worship Domitian and as a result were severely persecuted under his reign. It was probably the refusal of John to submit to the imperial decree of emperor worship that led to his exile on Patmos. The persecution of the believers during the reign of Domitian is reflected in the message of Revelation (1:9; 2:10, 13; 6:9). Eusebius recorded that the apostle John returned to Ephesus upon being released from exile after the accession of Nerva in A.D. 96.
AUTHOR
Tradition ascribes the authorship of Revelation to John the apostle. The author calls himself John (1:1, 4, 9; 22:8). The author received his revelation while on the island of Patmos where the apostle John remained until after the death of Domitian in A.D. 96. There are also many resemblances between Revelation and John's Gospel. Only in Revelation 19:13, John 1:1, 14, and 1 John 1:1 is "Word" used for the person of Christ. Jesus is referred to as the Lamb in John 1:29, 36 and twenty-eight times in Revelation (and implied as the Passover lamb by the constant mention of the Passover in John 11:55; 12:1, 20; 13:1; 18:28, 39; 19:14, 31, 42). The expression "springs of living water" or its equivalent is found only in Revelation 7:17; 21:6; and John 4:14; 7:38.
DATE
The weight of historical evidence points to a date toward the end of the reign of Domitian in A.D. 95 or 96. This later date allows for the growth and decline of the churches in Asia. The book reflects considerable persecution (Rev. 1:9; 2:10, 13; 6:9), and this certainly would have been the case during Domitian's rule. He initiated persecution against Christians who refused to worship him. Revelation is best dated toward the end of the reign of Domitian, around A.D. 96.
PURPOSE
The book of Revelation was designed to encourage believers under the shadow of Roman persecution by showing them the ultimate victory of Christ over his enemies and to warn churches of the dangers of spiritual disobedience. The book achieves this by bringing the Old Testament prophecy and promises to completion, showing how God will deal with the nations, judge sin on the earth, establish his kingdom, and bring in everlasting righteousness. Christ's glory in directing the churches, judging the world, and ruling his kingdom is the central feature of this book.
INTERPRETING THE BOOK OF REVELATION
Figurative imagery is only meaningful to the one who knows the future and the reality behind the figures used. Throughout history believers have matched God's prophetic promises with current events seeking to identify specific fulfillment's of prophecy. But only God can identify the meaning behind the images used in Revelation. But modern readers can, at least, appreciate the effect of specific symbols even if they cannot be certain of the reality behind the figures used. A number of different approaches to interpreting Revelation have been used throughout the church's history.
Contemporary-Historical
This approach takes the view that everything symbolized in the book of Revelation found its fulfillment in the downfall of Jerusalem (A.D. 70) or of Rome (A.D. 476). These position views the events symbolized in the book as having been fulfilled by events contemporary to its original readers in the first century A.D. The events were symbolic of the destruction of either Jerusalem or Rome and have all long been fulfilled.
Historicist
According to this approach, the events symbolized in Revelation began at the time John wrote the book, but they continue into the present. This was the view of people like Wycliffe and Luther. This approach interprets the book recognizing that the events recorded in Revelation reflect events throughout the ongoing history of the church as believers await the coming kingdom.
Futurist
The futurist view generally sees the majority of events in Revelation as happening in the future. Those who hold this view may find foreshadowing of the future judgments in present events, but they believe that Revelation 4-19 represents future events only.
There are three variations of this view. The first variation sees Revelation 1-3 as relating to the first century church. The seven seals of Revelation 4-19 refer to a future period of tribulation climaxed by the return of Christ.
The second variation also sees Revelation 4-19 as referring to future tribulation and judgment but views the seven churches in 1-3 as symbols of churches throughout the ages and as possible stages in church history.
The third variation views the churches in the first three chapters as real historical churches but with lessons from which churches of all ages can profit. This view's main distinction concerns when the seven seals are opened. It holds that the opening of the seven seals began in the first century A.D., continues into the present, and will end at the future return of Christ. It does not see the seven churches of Revelation 1-3 as symbolic, and it places the severe tribulations and judgments of Revelation 4-19 in the future.
Timeless and Symbolic
In this view the churches and seals refer to the ageless conflict between God and Satan. The book is not to be interpreted with reference to any one set of historical events. The book presents the ageless struggle of the kingdom of God with the kingdom of Satan, concluding with God's final and complete triumph.
The Book of the Revelation of St. John consists of two principal divisions. 1. Relates to "the things which are," that is, the then present state of the church, and contains the epistle of John to the seven churches, and his account of the appearance of the Lord Jesus, and his direction to the apostle to write what he beheld, Revelation 1:9-20. Also the addresses or epistles to seven churches of Asia. These, doubtless, had reference to the state of the respective churches, as they then existed, but contain excellent precepts and exhortations, commendations and reproofs, promises and threatening, suitable to instruct the Christian church at all times. [There is no difference between this book and any other book written in the Bible in the since that Paul wrote letters to the church yet every writing is put into days worship as if it was written to us. So should we apply the letters on this book RP] 2. Contains a prophecy of "the things which shall be hereafter," and describes the future state of the church, from the time when the apostle beheld the visions here recorded. It is intended for our spiritual improvement; to warn the careless sinner, point out the way of salvation to the awakened inquirer, build up the weak believer, comfort the afflicted and tempted Christian, and, we may especially add, to strengthen the martyr of Christ, under the cruel persecutions and sufferings inflicted by Satan and his followers. Bible Believers Study Bible
The Divine origin, the design, and the importance of this book
(Rev 1:1 KJV) The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
Revelation = 602. apokalupsis, ap-ok-al'-oop-sis; from G601; disclosure:--appearing, coming, lighten, manifestation, be revealed, revelation.
revelation (rve-lshen) noun 1. a. The act of revealing or disclosing. b. Something
revealed especially a dramatic disclosure of something not previously known or realized. 2.
Theology. A manifestation of divine will or truth. 3. Revelation Abbr. Rev., Rv. Bible.
[Middle English revelacion, from Old French revelation, from Latin revltio, revltion-,
from revltus, past participle of revlre, to reveal. See reveal1.] reveal (r-vl) verb,
transitive revealed, revealing, reveals 1. a. To make known (something concealed or
secret): revealed a confidence. b. To bring to view; show. 2. To make known by
supernatural or divine means: "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven" (Romans
1:18). [Middle English revelen, from Old French reveler, from Latin revlre : re-, re- + vlre, to cover
(from vlum, veil).] Christ = [Middle English Crist, from Old English Crst, from Latin Chrstus, from Greek
Khristos, from khristos, anointed, from khriein, to anoint.]
1:1 GOD, Sovereignty--The whole Book of Revelation is a message about the sovereignty of God who holds the future in His hands. The whole book also has a strongly trinitarian tone.
1:1 JESUS CHRIST, Ascension--The ascended Christ cares for His people by revealing to them helpful information about events "soon to take place.''
1:1-3 HOLY SCRIPTURE, Writing--John wrote what Jesus gave him through an angel. Angelic revelation is one of many features marking Revelation as an apocalyptic work like Daniel. The words had immediate meaning to the original readers dealing with things near at hand. At the same time the apocalyptic language pointed to the second coming. The writing is not simply an angel's testimony. It is a direct revelation of Jesus. John understood what he wrote as prophecy, both a proclamation of God's word for the present and a prediction of God's work in the future. His audience was to take to heart the message and change their lives, as the following letters to the churches indicate. John's emphasis was not on secret knowledge and schemes but on moral living in preparation of Christ's coming. Compare v 19.
- This first verse say's to me that God is removing the veil and allowing us (his servants) to see his son the anointed one. Not to see him as a man but as the son, and to see his presence in the things which are to come. It is not always easy to recognize the power of God when you are going through tribulation, trials and troubles. And it is not easy to see Jesus when every thing is going great either. God was trying to prepare us to see Christ in the things that had to happen before his return. Not to use this book as a sign or to try and figure out the day of his coming but rather to prepare us in faith and allow us an assurance that the last chapter of life has been written. So we know that if we are faithful we already have the victory. John had already seen his fellow disciples killed, and the church was under heavy persecution at the time of this writing, and that this is only the beginning. Wouldn't it make since when you look at the ways of God from Genesis to Revelation, how he took care of his people, that he would want to encourage John and us. So thus he says, hey John, Jesus is still alive and here is what he is doing and what he is getting ready to do, hold in there! It is like someone else said, if you want to see God look at the flowers or the sun. I say if you want to see Jesus take the blinders off and look at him around you in each of the things that are happening in our time, he is here and fulfilling a purpose so he can return. He is allowing things to happen that link to the purpose of his coming. This book isn't written to confuse you or be so hard that you can't gain strength or learning from it.
- Rev 1:1: Verses 1-3. This book is the Revelation of Jesus Christ; the whole Bible is so; for all revelation comes through Christ, and all relates to him. Its principal subject is to discover the purposes of God concerning the affairs of the church, and of the nations as connected therewith, to the end of the world. These events would surely come to pass; and they would begin to come to pass very shortly. Though Christ is himself God, and has light and life in himself, yet, as Mediator between God and man, he receives instructions from the Father. To him we owe the knowledge of what we are to expect from God, and what he expects from us. The subject of this revelation was, the things that must shortly come to pass. On all who read or hear the words of the prophecy, a blessing is pronounced. Those are well employed who search the Bible. It is not enough that we read and hear, but we must keep the things that are written, in our memories, in our minds, in our affections, and in practice, and we shall be blessed in the deed. Even the mysteries and difficulties of this book are united with discoveries of God, suited to impress the mind with awe, and to purify the soul of the reader, though he may not discern the prophetic meaning. No part of Scripture more fully states the gospel, and warns against the evil of sin.
(Rev 1:2 KJV) Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
- John's role is now given; he is the witness of the testimony [Middle English, from Old French testimonies, from Latin testimonium, from testis, witness. See testify.] Or the witness of Jesus the anointed and of the things that God shows him. We might point out here that this exactly what all the New Testament writers were doing, telling what they saw, or what God had revealed to them. This is what we are too do, tell the world what Jesus is doing to us, what his anointing is, by our lives and what we say.
- (Rev 1:3 KJV) Blessed is he that readth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
The first of seven beatitudes recorded in Revelation is in this verse. These beatitudes, which provide an index to the issues of life, are accorded the most serious importance. For example: (1) the blessedness of those reading, hearing, and keeping this prophecy, which emphasizes the importance of the Word; (2) the happiness of the dead who die in the Lord, which stresses the blessings of eternal life (14:13); (3) the enviable status of those watching, and keeping their garments, which portrays the anticipation of the Lord's return (16:15); (4) the delight of those invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb, which suggests the joy of Christ's presence (19:9); (5) the blessedness of the participants in the first resurrection, which emphasizes deliverance from death (20:6); (6) the joy of keeping the words of this prophecy, which stresses obedience to the Word (22:7); and (7) the happy result of washing one's robe and gaining access to the Tree of Life, which guarantees eternal sustenance (22:14).
- Consecrated or holy is he that reads and they that hear this Word of that which is to come and does those things that are written here. Why? Because the time is at hand, which means about to happen. This is the time of learning and preparation, this is the time to put oil in our lamps, and this is the time to do not sleep. [Middle English blessen, from Old English bltsian, to consecrate.], [Middle English prophecie, from Old French, from Latin prophta, from Greek prophteia, from prophts, prophet. [Middle English prophete, from Old French, from Latin prophta, from Greek prophts : pro-, before. See pro-2 + -phts, speaker (from phanai, to speak).]
- James 1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
- James 1:25 But who so looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
- The apostle John salutes the seven churches of Asia
(Rev 1:4 KJV) 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;
A lucid triunitarian formula (cf. 1 Pet. 1:2, note) identifies the actual author of the Apocalypse (vv. 4, 5). The enigma is found in the designation of the Holy Spirit as "the seven Spirits." This is probably a reference to the fullness of the Spirit, as indicated in Zech. 4:1-6, in which a seven-branched lamp stand illustrates that God accomplishes His work through the agency of the Holy Spirit. Further significance may lie in the fullness of the Spirit imparted to each of the seven churches addressed in the letters (cf. Isa. 11:2).
1:4,8 GOD, Eternal--God has no beginning and no ending. Thus He has authority and knowledge to warn the churches and describe the future hope. See note on Ge 1:1.
1:4-6 ELECTION, God's Purpose--God loves His elect. He has freed us from sin and forgiven us so we will fulfill His election purpose of serving as a kingdom of servants and priests. Compare Ex 19:3-6.
1:4-6 PRAYER, Blessing--Christian letters normally included an opening blessing and a closing doxology. Compare Jude 2, 24-25.
- We know that the book was written to the seven churches and a promise of Grace or unmerited favor with peace is the greeting. I wonder if God was addressing a letter to your church to day would he have is started out with words of favor and the wish for his peace to dwell there. This book and letters are from God [this would include Jesus and the Holy Spirit as you will note in the next verse] and the seven Sprits. Rather then dwell on the Sprits at this time I would rather us look at the importance of a letter being sent from God to us. I have seen people get excited when they receive a letter from the President or a movie star but here we have had a letter sent to us dictated by God, his host of angles, and the Spirit. What an honor, I believe that this letter just as other letters in the Bible is sent to guide us and lead us. Each letter written to the churches addressed the problems and issues at hand and that is exactly what is going to happen in this letter.
- Rev 1:4: Verses 4-8. There can be no true peace, where there is not true grace; and where grace goeth before, peace will follow. This blessing is in the name of God, of the Holy Trinity, it is an act of adoration. The Father is first named; he is described as the Jehovah who is, and who was, and who is to come, eternal, unchangeable. The Holy Spirit is called the seven spirits, [I agree that this is indeed the Holy Spirit and as we proceed I hope you will see that this is in representation to the personalities (or gifts) of the Spirit, we to have more than one personality, look in the mirror next time your happy or angry and see if your actions are the same. Test your different spiritual states as you go through stress or as you grow from childhood to adult. I point this out to remind you we are creations of God in his image so why be surprised to learn he has more than one kind of personality trait. This may not be the most educated way to phase this but it is simple. rp ] the perfect Spirit of God, in whom there is a diversity of gifts and operations. The Lord Jesus Christ was from eternity, a Witness to all the counsels of God. He is the First-born from the dead, who will by his own power raise up his people. He is the Prince of the kings of the earth; by him their counsels are overruled, and to him they are accountable. Sin leaves a stain of guilt and pollution upon the soul. Nothing can fetch out this stain but the blood of Christ; and Christ shed his own blood to satisfy Divine justice, and purchase pardon and purity for his people. Christ has made believers kings and priests to God and his Father. As such they overcome the world, mortify sin, govern their own spirits, resist Satan, prevail with God in prayer, and shall judge the world. He has made them priests, given them access to God, enabled them to offer spiritual and acceptable sacrifices, and for these favors they are bound to ascribe to him dominion and glory for ever. He will judge the world. Attention is called to that great day when all will see the wisdom and happiness of the friends of Christ, and the madness and misery of his enemies. Let us think frequently upon the second coming of Christ. He shall come, to the terror of those who wound and crucify him by apostasy: he shall come, to the astonishment of the whole world of the ungodly. He is the Beginning and the End; all things are from him and for him; he is the Almighty; the same eternal and unchanged One. And if we would be numbered with his saints in glory everlasting, we must now willing submit to him receive him, and honor him as a savior, who we believe will come to be our Judge. Alas, that there should be many, who would wish never to die, and that there should not be a day of judgment!
(Rev 1:5 KJV) 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,
(Rev 1:6 KJV) And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
- First this also is from Jesus the anointed one of God, [ anoint (e-noint) verb, transitive anointed, anointing, anoints 1. To apply oil, ointment, or a similar substance to. 2. To put oil on during a religious ceremony as a sign of sanctification or consecration. 3. To choose by or as if by divine intervention. ] Or the one that God had poured out his power on, which is the witness that can be trusted. You can trust the Lord in all things. We know that there is life after this life and that his promise of his coming is sure because he was the first begotten of the Dead. Now let me say that at first look this may seem contrary, for we know that Jesus raised several from the dead. We know that on the mount of transfiguration he saw Moses. In the Old Testament we see several that were raised from the dead. But that is not what death is. As you look at this book you have to learn a new meaning for death than what we are accustom to.
- 1:4,8 GOD, Eternal--God has no beginning and no ending. Thus He has authority and knowledge to warn the churches and describe the future hope. See note on Ge 1:1.
- 1:4-6 ELECTION, God's Purpose--God loves His elect. He has freed us from sin and forgiven us so we will fulfill His election purpose of serving as a kingdom of servants and priests. Compare Ex 19:3-6.
1:4-6 PRAYER, Blessing--Christian letters normally included an opening blessing and a closing doxology. Compare Jude 2, 24-25. See notes on Ro 1:7; 16:25-27.
1:6 THE CHURCH, People of God--From the very beginning, God intended to make for Himself a people. In Christ, God has made for Himself a people who serve Him and obey His will. This obedient people is the believing church, God's kingdom on earth waiting for the day of fulfillment. See note on 1 Pe 2:4-10.
- Mat 17:2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
- Mat 17:3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.
- 1 Pet 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
- 1 Pet 3:19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
- 1 Pet 4:6 For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
- Acts 2:27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
- Acts 2:28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
- Acts 2:29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
- Acts 2:30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
- Acts 2:31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
- Acts 2:32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
- 2 Tim 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
- Seems that God always speaks to me the most at night and I believe that Jesus appeared before his father and was given his inheritance long ago and we are that. Once when I was in school a gift that my parents had given me was taken out of my locker by another student. When I asked him to return it later while he was caught playing with it he refused and tried to call it his. After some bickering and my even telling him he could have it for a while but I wanted it back, he scoffed and went about his playing. Later that evening I went to his room and asked for my gift back when he again said it was his I gave him till the count of ten to give it up or suffer my wrath. When he made no effort at the count of ten through he was bigger and older I was determined to have what was mine. I let a war hoop, began to jump up and down turn in circles then I hit him just below the belt line with all the force and angry I had, he was caught completely by surprise and crashed in a heap on the floor. I took the toy with my word he had better never come at me or mine again. I made a believer out of him and most of the dorm as well at one time. Jesus is coming to take what God gave him and he said it would be by surprise and with a shout and hidden in the surprise of the cloud. Oh but you will hear and see his fury.
- Nahum 1:3 The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.
- 1:7 LAST THINGS, Return Promises, The return of Christ from heaven with clouds will be a reversal of the manner of His departure (Ac 1:9). His coming will have universal impact. Every eye shall see Him. Dispensationalists teach a "secret rapture'' of the church that will occur seven years before this appearing; this event is what they call the second phase of the second coming. (The first phase, the "rapture,'' is the catching up of living believers and the raising up of those already dead. After an interval of tribulation, according to this view, Christ will return visibly and in great glory for all to see.) Historical premillennialists place the one return of Christ at the end of the time of tribulation. They see Christ as coming back, catching up the church to meet Him in the air, and then continuing His return accompanied by His saints. They believe the church must endure the tribulation with disciples facing martyrdom. It is this unitary event of coming that will be universally apparent. Amillennialists and postmillennialists apply this text to Christ's return. Many of these see no literal tribulation period preceding it or a literal millennial kingdom following it. A basic issue is how one deals with the Bible's teaching on the unexpectedness of Christ's return. A related issue is what one expects to learn from the symbol-filled language of apocalyptic writing. For many alive at the time, Christ's return will be a dreadful event. It will be worthy of mourning and weeping due to the recognition that He is indeed Lord and they have rejected Him. For these, only judgment and eternal punishment will remain.
(Rev 1:8 KJV) 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.
- It all started with him and it will end with him.
- Declares when, where, and how, the revelation was made to him
(Rev 1:9 KJV) 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.
- We are not the only ones that go through tribulations and trials, but as Christians we are to do it with patience not for our selves but for a witness of Jesus.
- 1:9-19 JESUS CHRIST, Resurrection--This is a triumphant appearance of the Risen Lord. Jesus is Lord of all His churches. He stands in their midst confirming their faithfulness, as Judge of their witness, and as Comforter in affliction. As the resurrected One, He holds the keys to death and the realm of the dead.
- 1:9 EVIL AND SUFFERING, Endurance--John and other disciples needed courage and endurance to face persecution and suffering. Some would experience martyrdom when they persisted in faith.
- 1:9 THE CHURCH, God's Kingdom--The kingdom of God must be shared with other believers. Believers belong to the kingdom because of their submission to God through Christ Jesus. Life in the kingdom involves patient suffering waiting for the King to return.
- Rev 1:9: Verses 9-11. It was the apostle's comfort that he did not suffer as an evil-doer, but for the testimony of Jesus, for bearing witness to Christ as the Immanuel, the Saviour; and the Spirit of glory and of God rested upon this persecuted apostle. The day and time when he had this vision was the Lord's day, the Christian Sabbath, the first day of the week, observed in remembrance of the resurrection of Christ. Let us who call him "Our Lord," honor him on his own day. The name shows how this sacred day should be observed; the Lord's day should be wholly devoted to the Lord, and none of its hours employed in a sensual, worldly manner, or in amusements. He was in a serious, heavenly, spiritual frame, under the gracious influences of the Spirit of God. Those who would enjoy communion with God on the Lord's day, must seek to draw their thoughts and affections from earthly things. And if believers are kept on the Lord's holy day, from public ordinances and the communion of saints, by necessity and not by choice, they may look for comfort in meditation and secret duties, from the influences of the Spirit; and by hearing the voice and contemplating the glory of their beloved Saviour, from whose gracious words and power no confinement or outward circumstances can separate them. An alarm was given as with the sound of the trumpet, and then the apostle heard the voice of Christ.
(Rev 1:10 KJV) I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
- I see here the importance of the Lords day and our striving to be in his Spirit. For when we are lost in the Spirit we can draw in closer to God. If we will learn to listen we may even hear the trumpet. I can't always explain the way to understand Gods voice but let me put it this way. When I hear a trumpet player play a song I don't know the notes, I couldn't tell a B from a C but I can tell the song. And when the Saints Go Marching In is played the words form in my head and then to my mouth because I know the tune. That is sometimes the way it is in hearing God. Thus you need to know the words so when he plays the tune they fit together.
- 1:10 HOLY SPIRIT, Revelation--The Holy Spirit led John to write the letters which make up Rev 2:1--3:22. He did so while John worshipped on the Lord's Day, the first day of the week celebrating Christ's resurrection. The Spirit gave John the precise wording of the letters. See 2:1,8,12,18; 3:1,7,14.
(Rev 1:11 KJV) 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.
- Why write it in a book. He wanted what he said passed to all the ages and to be taught to our children. It is also important here to note that this appears to have gone out to all the churches at once. Not as just a few individual letters but as a book. I believe that is because what he writes here and the conditions that are in the writing that follows was for all of us today in our churches not just some point in history. If you have a lukewarm member it is for him, if you have a person who clams to be a Jew [Christian] but isn't really it is for him. Even in those churches it served as a warning not to fall in to any of the other states of the remaining churches. How often we try to take only the parts we want to fit and leave the rest out and convince our minds that is for those other people.
- His vision, in which he saw Christ appear
(Rev 1:12 KJV) And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
Rev 1:12: Verses 12-20. The churches receive their light from Christ and the gospel, and hold it forth to others. They are golden candlesticks; they should be precious and pure; not only the ministers, but the members of the churches; their light should so shine before men, as to engage others to give glory to God. And the apostle saw as though of the Lord Jesus Christ appeared in the midst of the golden candlesticks. He is with his churches always, to the end of the world, filling them with light, and life, and love. He was clothed with a robe down to the feet, perhaps representing his righteousness and priesthood, as Mediator. This vest was girt with a golden girdle, which may denote how precious are his love and affection for his people. His head and hairs white like wool and as snow, may signify his majesty, purity, and eternity. His eyes as a flame of fire, may represent his knowledge of the secrets of all hearts, and of the most distant events. His feet like fine brass burning in a furnace, may denote the firmness of his appointments, and the excellence of his proceedings. His voice as the sound of many waters, may represent the power of his word, to remove or to destroy. The seven stars were emblems of the ministers of the seven churches to which the apostle was ordered to write, and whom Christ upheld and directed. The sword represented his justice, and his word, piercing to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, Hebrews 4:12. His countenance was like the sun, when it shines clearly and powerfully; its strength too bright and dazzling for mortal eyes to behold. The apostle was overpowered with the greatness of the luster and glory in which Christ appeared. We may well be contented to walk by faith, while here upon earth. The Lord Jesus spake words of comfort; Fear not. Words of instruction; telling who thus appeared. And his Divine nature; the First and the Last. His former sufferings; I was dead: the very same whom his disciples saw upon the cross. His resurrection and life; I have conquered death, and am partaker of endless life. His office and authority; sovereign dominion in and over the invisible world, as the Judge of all, from whose sentence there is no appeal. Let us listen to the voice of Christ, and receive the tokens of his love, for what can he withhold from those for whose sins he has died? May we then obey his word, and give up ourselves wholly to him who directs all things aright.
(Rev 1:13 KJV) 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.
- Exo 25:31 And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same.
- Exo 25:32 And six branches shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side:
- Exo 25:33 Three bowls made like unto almonds, with a knop and a flower in one branch; and three bowls made like almonds in the other branch, with a knop and a flower: so in the six branches that come out of the candlestick.
- Exo 25:34 And in the candlestick shall be four bowls made like unto almonds, with their knops and their flowers.
- Exo 25:35 And there shall be a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, according to the six branches that proceed out of the candlestick.
- Exo 25:36 Their knops and their branches shall be of the same: all it shall be one beaten work of pure gold.
- Exo 25:37 And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it.
- Exo 26:35 And thou shalt set the table without the veil, and the candlestick over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south: and thou shalt put the table on the north side.
- Exo 35:14 The candlestick also for the light, and his furniture, and his lamps, with the oil for the light,
- It is my feeling that the candlestick as recorded in Exo. For the Tabernacle was of the same design seen in Rev. I have read and seen many pictures that would leave one to believe the candlestick was fed by oil and not wax the stick was of pure gold (some say this represents the purity of the church) and that one larger stick rose up the middle (some say this representing Christ) and tree branches all tide into oil bowls at the base off both sides. (Some say this could represent the total of the seven Sprits). I believe that you will find when you get to verse 20 that this will make more since and thus you will see why I make the following statements and disagree with the widely held before bracketed teaching. These are the churches, which are to be the light (candlesticks) to the World, and the oil is the Holy Spirit. The light it self-coming off is Jesus. For he said he is the light.
- John 1:6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
- John 1:7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
- John 1:8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
- John 1:9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
- John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
- John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
- John 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
- John 5:35 He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.
- John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
- He also says the church is the light,
- Mat 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
- Mat 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
- Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
- Now look close at Matthew for what he says is not really different than John. Ye are the light of the world means that you are the candlestick of the world. So let your light shine or let the presence of Jesus be seen in you by the world.
- (Rev 1:14 KJV) His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
- Wool like a lamb, white as snow like our sins that have been cleansed, eyes as a flame of fire like he said his ministers are to be.
- (Rev 1:15 KJV) And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
- Brass is a soft yet gold in color; it is durable and will strike against fragile surfaces with out damage. The feet of Jesus must go through this world and be of great force yet not causing damage to his sheep. To put it this way, it is foot that can kick and hurt but not kill, for it is of brass. The voice as the sound of many water, I have heard the sound of many people talking at once and at first it is hard to distinguish one from the other, to pick out the voice of a French men or an Englishman would seem impossible, Then upon listening closer the voices be come more distinct the longer you listen the more you hear till you can pick out the words and the voice. This to me is the way it is with God the more I learn to listen the more I hear.
- (Rev 1:16 KJV) And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
- Amos 5:7 Ye who turn judgment to wormwood, and leave off righteousness in the earth,
- Amos 5:8 Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD is his name:
- Verse 20 says that the seven stars are the seven Angles of the churches and what is supposed to be coming out of our churches but the word of God.
- Psa 149:5 Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.
- Psa 149:6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand;
- Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
- John 12:47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
- John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
- It was planned all along that we would use the Word of God to defeat sin in our lives and our churches. So out of the mouth of Jesus his word cuts and divides. And out of our mouths we shall be judged by our words.
- Mat 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
- (Rev 1:17 KJV) 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:
- In the presence of God is this like being what we call slain in the Spirit?
- (Rev 1:18 KJV) 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
Notice as the earlier discussion Jesus is unique in that he not only over came death he now has full power over death and hell. Do you realize that if we serve Christ with all our heart and he lives in us, we too have the keys over death and hell? They can not defeat us or even hurt us, we have no fear over what we control, do we?
- 1:18 HUMANITY, Death--Jesus Christ is Lord both of life and death. We have no reason to fear death or the afterlife if we trust and follow Him.
- 1:18 LAST THINGS, Intermediate State--See Isa 14:9; Lk 8:31; 16:19-26. Hades is the New Testament counterpart to Sheol in the Old Testament. Some interpreters believe Hades refers to the general realm of the dead. They believe the statement is that Christ holds the keys to death itself and to the realm of the dead. All people will appear before the great white throne, the only judgment, at which both believers and unbelievers will be judged. Death does not hold the last word about human existence. When it has closed its
- Heb 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
- Heb 2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
- Heb 2:16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
- Heb 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
- Heb 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
- 1 Cor 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
- 1 Cor 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
- 1 Cor 15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
- 1 Cor 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
- I believe that you will see that real death is not the destruction of the flesh but the destruction of the soul in an eternal lake of suffering. Death is for sinners. I believe that Jesus visited Hell and there preached to those that had died before his coming and offered them an opportunity to believe. Thus he over came death.
- (Rev 1:7 KJV) 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.
- He's coming and no one can hide from him and everyone will see him, all the nations and hidden places on the earth shall see him and there will be great crying because of him and his coming. Those, which are not ready, will stand in great fear, as you will see later. He's coming in clouds. Let's look at this just a moment, is it important to us? I think it is. I started in the New Testament to show you some important things. First Jesus promised that the promise of his coming in clouds and that all eyes should behold him. The promise of his coming in power and sitting with God. The promise of his coming in glory is important, he is coming back in the pride of Lordship to gather his elect, (the born again believers the chosen ones) them that are asleep (they are not dead you see, just a sleep) he is bringing with him. Those that are dead in Christ that is the church the born again believer is rising first. There is no question here the Word says it is so. And those of us that remain shall be caught up together with him. Look out merging traffic, I see it this way, those that have gone on such as Moses, Enoch. Look our here they come and as they descend the graves open and the born again believers under the law of Christ began to rise and those of us that are still living are caught up with them and we all meet in the air.
- Mat 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
- Mat 26:64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
- Mark 13:26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
- Mark 13:27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
- 1 Th 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
- 1 Th 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
- 1 Th 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
- 1 Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
- 1 Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
- 1 Th 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
- Deu 4:9 Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;
- Deu 4:10 Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children.
- Deu 4:11 And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness.
- Deu 4:12 And the LORD spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice.
- Deu 4:13 And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone.
- I sometimes find that God still speaks to me out of the darkness yet with a great fire that burns with in me. I know how when his anointing is upon you, you fill as if you are on fire and your vision is as if it is clouded and you began to see things other than the natural forms around you.
- Psa 97:2 Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.
- Psa 97:3 A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.
- Psa 97:4 His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.
- Psa 97:5 The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
- I some what picture this at the end of time, a great fire sweeping the earth, his clouds around him and us mixing in that cloud. The hills of the world dissolving under us and the cries of the wicked behind us.
- Jer 4:10 Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! surely thou hast greatly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall have peace; whereas the sword reacheth unto the soul.
- Mat 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
- Jer 4:11 At that time shall it be said to this people and to Jerusalem, A dry wind of the high places in the wilderness toward the daughter of my people, not to fan, nor to cleanse,
- Jer 4:12 Even a full wind from those places shall come unto me: now also will I give sentence against them.
- Jer 4:13 Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots shall be as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe unto us! for we are spoiled.
- Jer 4:14 O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?
- Jer 4:15 For a voice declareth from Dan, and publisheth affliction from mount Ephraim.
- Jer 4:16 Make ye mention to the nations; behold, publish against Jerusalem, that watchers come from a far country, and give out their voice against the cities of Judah.
- Jer 4:17 As keepers of a field, are they against her round about; because she hath been rebellious against me, saith the LORD.
- Jer 4:18 Thy way and thy doings have procured these things unto thee; this is thy wickedness, because it is bitter, because it reacheth unto thine heart.
- Is the warning cry any different today? Our sins have they not reached heaven and the promise the same as made here. He is coming and he brings judgment with him because we are a rebellious, wicked people, Our hearts are far from him.
- Dan 7:13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.
- Dan 7:14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
Christ still holds the keys to death and opens the way for believers into paradise. For believers, it is comforting to know Christ has the final word. Some see Hades here refer to the intermediate state for unbelievers, corresponding in this view to paradise for believers. Hades will yield to the authority of Christ and deliver up the dead therein to the judgment of the great white throne (Rev 20:13). According to this view, the Great White Throne is a judgment only for unbelievers (Rev 20:11). Mt 25:31-33; 2 Co 5:10; and Rev 20:4 are thought to describe separate and different judgments.
The translation "Hades" is informative. Hell is the proper translation of gehenna (Gk.), as in Matt. 10:28, in which the reference is to the place of eternal confinement for lost men. The word in this text is "Hades," which in most cases refers simply to the realm of the dead .
(Rev 1:19 KJV) Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
- Here in lies an important fact, the book is about the present time of John, and the future and as we have already seen the things which were.
- (Rev 1:20 KJV) 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.
Much of the difficulty in interpreting the Apocalypse is solved by the identification of the characters and symbols which comprise the pageantry of the book. One term and two symbols must be explained in this verse: (1) Mystery -- a truth which may not be discerned as a result of intellectual deduction or inquiry, but which may be ascertained only by direct, special revelation from God (cf. Eph. 3:3, note). (2) Seven stars -- identified as the angels of the seven churches. The Greek word translated "angels" (angli) carries a primary meaning of "messenger." A possible interpretation of these angels in the right hand of the Lord is that they are the pastors or shepherds of the seven historic congregations addressed herein. They are the "messengers" to the church. (3) Lampstands -- the oil lamp as a symbol for the church is logical and rewarding when it is remembered that oil is one of the symbols for the Holy Spirit. The lamps represent the churches, whose function of providing light to a darkened world is made possible by the indwelling Holy Spirit.
- As we come to the end of this first chapter we learn what John is to do. What the vision of Christ is to represent. We find that each church has an angel and that we all (The church) join together at the base by the design of the candlestick. We learn that Christ is in every role of the church, his word, his light, his forgiveness of sin and we see Christ in trials and tribulation. I hope you are just beginning to grasp what God has for us and it really isn't hard to see if use our minds, our prayers and his words.