查經資料大全

 

| Back to Home Page | Back to Book Index |

 

Revelation Chapter One

 

I. Content of the Chapter

 

The Revelation of Jesus Christ

I. The process of the revelation (v.1): A. God gave Him; B. He sent His angel; C. the angel told His servant John; D. showing His servants.

II. The nature of the revelation (v.2): A. the word of God; B. the testimony of Jesus Christ; C. all things that John saw.

III. The aim and effect of the revelation (v.3): A. making men read hear and keep it; B. making men be blessed.

IV. The targets and blessing of the revelation (v.4-6): A. the seven churches in Asia------they represent all churches of all the past dynasties; B. greeting; C. blessing; D. praise.

V. The theme of the revelation (v.7-8): A. the Lord shall come again; B. God is the faithful one the Almighty.

VI. The witness of the revelation (v.9-11): A. John the apostle was on the island that is called Patmos; B. he was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day; C. he was asked to write a book in a loud voice.

VII. The sign of the revelation (v.12-16): A. the Son of Man stands in the midst of the seven lampstands; B. His majesty.

VIII. The commission of the revelation (v.17-20): A. John’s reaction after he had seen the sign; B. the Lord’s comfort; C. the Lord’s calling Himself; D. the Lord’s instructions.

 

II. Verse by Verse commentary

 

Rev. 1:1 “The Revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave Him to show His servants--things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John

   YLT: “A revelation of Jesus Christ that God gave to him to shew to his servants what things it behoveth to come to pass quickly; and he did signify [it] having sent through his messenger to his servant John ”

   Meaning of Words: “revelation”: appearing disclosure unveiling manifestation; “must”: behooved ought; “shortly”: suddenly quickly; “sent”: send out set apart; “signify”: indicate show.

   Literal Meaning: The Revelation of Jesus Christ” this sentences has two meanings: 1) Jesus Christ is the revealer and the revelation of this book is by Him; 2) Jesus Christ is the center of the revelation and the Lord Jesus Himself and what He is are revealed in this book.

    “Revelation” refers to disclosing the things that are formerly covered that we can see them. 

“Which God gave Him” it means that God is the source of revelation and it is God that gives the revelation of this book to Jesus Christ.

“To show His servants--things which must shortly take place.” “Must” refers to being unchangeable. “Things which must shortly take place” refers to things that cannot be delayed. “To show His servants” means that all believers are able to know because believers are all the Lord’s servants.

And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John” “His angel” the Holy Bible is handed to men by the hand of angel (See Acts. 7:53; Heb. 2:2) because angels are all ministering spirits (Heb. 1:14). “Signified” refers to manifesting what shall be revealed through various kinds of ways including various signs and visions. And it implies act. “His servant John” refers to John the apostle the author of this book.

This verse shows the nature and procedure of the revelation: the nature: 1) it is the revelation of Jesus Christ; 2) they are things which must shortly take place.

The procedure: 1) God gave Christ; 2) Christ sent His angel; 3) the angel spoke to His servant John; 4) the aim is showing His servants.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Jesus Christ is not only the revealer but also the center of the revelation. When reading the Book of Revelation we should look upon the Lord on one hand and on the other we should see all the aspects concerning the Lord Jesus.

2) The Book of Revelation is a book which has been opened for us. Though some places are abstruse and difficult they are really not unable to be read. And therefore we should search and read it well.

3) Though the Lord Jesus has been raised and taken up into heaven He still kept His own position and humbly received the revelation from God the Father. God resists the proud but gives grace unto the humble (James. 4:6; 1Pet. 5:6).

4) “Things which must shortly take place” this sentence shows the importance of the Book of Revelation: a) the word “must” refers to its certainty affirmation and credibility. b) the word “shortly” refers to its approaching quickness and urgency. c) the word “take place” refers to its nature of being fulfilled realized and accomplished.

5) What is written in the Book of Revelation is “the things which must shortly take place”. They shall take place quickly and they won’t be changed or delayed (See 2Pet. 3:9). Believers should never rely on luck and think that these things won’t take place upon us. 

6) We are all His servants and servants must understand what the master wants us to know that we will please the master. The Lord intends to let us know and keep (See v.3) and therefore we should not regard this book as unimportant.

 

Rev. 1:2 “who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ to all things that he saw.

   YLT: “who did testify the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ as many things also as he did see.”

   Meaning of Words: “bore witness”: testify.

   Literal Meaning: the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ” “the word of God” the word of God expresses the will and plan of God. The Bible is the word that God has written. The Lord Jesus Christ is the word that God lives out. What men see and hear is the word that God expresses through the Holy Spirit. “The testimony of Jesus Christ” on one hand refers to the witness that is born to Jesus Christ (See John. 5:31-32; 8:17-18) and on the other indicates that the being works and words of Jesus Christ Himself are His testimony (See v.13-18).

“Who bore witness toall things that he saw” “all things that he saw” refers to all things that John had seen by himself when he wrote the Book of Revelation. Actually these things refer to the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ instead of other things besides the previous two things. “Bore witness to” indicates that he had born witness to all that he had seen so that we can know. John can only bear witness to what he had seen and he cannot completely bear witness to the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Please note that some Bible exegetes held that the revelation of Jesus Christ included three things: 1) the word of God; 2) the testimony of Jesus Christ; 3) what John the apostle had seen. Though the editor did not agree with it it is still recorded here for the reference of readers.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) When we read “the word of God” besides the word recorded in the Bible we should also read out the word of God from the being and works of the Lord Jesus and what the Holy Spirit has said through circumstances.

2) If we want to “bear witness” to God we have to “see” and “hear” first. And therefore we should ask God to open our eyes (See 2Cor. 4:4-6) and give us the tongue of the learned (See Is. 50:4).

 

Rev. 1:3 “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.

   YLT: “Happy is he who is reading and those hearing the words of the prophecy and keeping the things written in it -- for the time is nigh!”

   Meaning of Words: “read”: read aloud; “prophecy”: the message of prophets; “hear”: hearer; “keep”: preserve; “blessed”: happy; “near”: nigh.

   Literal Meaning: he who reads the words of this prophecy” “read” refers to reading aloud and it means the words in this book are for men to read and understand. “Prophecy” refers to the words said for God and many of which express the things that will happen in advance. However to us who live in later generation it includes the things that have taken place and the things that are taking place.

  “Those who hear and keep those things which are written in it” “hearing” refers to hearing by “reading by oneself reading by others reading to each other and reading together” however probably some people are hearing but they do not hear (See Matt. 13:13). “Keep” if we only hear the word and do not do the word it does not benefit us and therefore the most important thing is to hear the words and do them (See Matt. 7:24-25). “Those things which are written in it” It means that the book cannot be added or taken away (See 22:18-19). Many believers do not keep what they should keep but keep “the tradition of men” (See Matt. 15:3-9).

Blessed is…for the time is near” “blessed” is the first one of the seven blessings in this book. “The time is near” indicates that the time of the Lord’s second coming is very near showing that we should make use of the time before the Lord’s second coming and seize the opportunity to keep the word of the Lord.

This verse shows the four reasons of “blessing”: 1) reading; 2) hearing; 3) keeping; 4) the time is near.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) It is a good practice that believers read the Bible aloud. However we should read the Bible no matter we read it aloud or not.

2) Many people read the Bible in order to understand the Bible or for others. We must know that we read the Bible in order to keep the words in the Bible and the more we keep the word the more we will know the word (See John. 7:17).

3) When the Lord’s servants interpret the Bible what they should avoid mostly is that they should not add men’s ideas into it or shun to declare all the counsel of God (See Acts. 20:27). And the common fault that believers make is that they listen to the word of men above that of God and honor men above God (See 1Sam. 2:29).

4) We are indeed blessed because we read search and hear this book so that we have the opportunity to know and keep the words in the book. And now the problem is that we should desire to do His will (See John. 7:17).

5) We believers in the last time are more blessed than the past men because the coming of the Lord is near at the doors (See Matt. 24:33).

 

Rev. 1:4 “John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne

   YLT: “John to the seven assemblies that in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is coming and from the Seven Spirits that are before His throne ”

   Meaning of Words: “who is to come”: who is in future and forever.

   Literal Meaning: John to the seven churches which are in Asia” “Asia” was a province in the Roman Empire at that time i.e. a part of Turkey today. “The seven churches” besides the seven churches (See v.11) there were other churches in the area of Asia at that time e.g. the church in Colosse (See Col. 1:2) the church in Hierapolis (See Col. 4:13) and etc. And therefore the seven churches were not the whole but the representative of that area. The number “seven” implies “perfection” in the Bible and therefore writing to these seven churches was equal to writing to all churches from ages and from generations.

  Grace to you and peace” “grace” indicates that men can enjoy what He has accomplished His own life and all His abundance. “Peace” indicates that we can be reconciled to God because we have enjoyed His grace and have peace in the depth of our hearts.

“From Him who is and who was and who is to come” “Him who” the honorable name of God shows that He is the living God (See Exod. 3:14; Prov. 8:22-23; Ps. 90:2) and He is the same forever.

“And from the seven Spirits who are before His throne” “the seven Spirits” does not indicate that there are seven Holy Spirits and it refers to the complete witness and work of the Holy Spirit before God. Some Bible exegetes held that “the seven Spirits” here referred to “the Spirit of Jehovah” in the Book of Isaiah because there are seven appellations there: “the Spirit of Jehovah the spirit of wisdom and understanding the spirit of counsel and might the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Jehovah” (See Is. 11:1-3). However this explanation was farfetched.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) What the Lord says to the seven churches is also said to us and therefore we should have the ear of the learned and pay attention to what the Spirit says to the churches (See 2:7 11 17 29; 3:6 13 22).

2) Grace is before peace. Grace brings in peace and peace confirms grace. In the world in which there is much tribulation as long as we have Christ as our grace naturally we will have peace in Him (See John. 16:33).

3) He is the same yesterday and today and forever (See Heb. 13:8). The world is always changing however God is the same and therefore His grace and peace are the same forever.

 

Rev. 1:5 “and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness the firstborn from the dead and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood

   YLT: “and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness the first-born out of the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth; to him who did love us and did bathe us from our sins in his blood ”

   Meaning of Words: “wash”: release.

   Literal Meaning: the faithful witness” refers to the work of the Lord Jesus on the earth------He was sent by God the Father to the world in order to bear witness to the truth (See John. 18:37) be faithful unto death and accomplish the great work of redemption.

“The firstborn from the dead” it indicates that He overcame the death and was risen from the dead and became the firstfruits (See 1Cor. 15:20) and gives His life of resurrection to all that believe in Him that we have the hope of resurrection.

Jesus Christthe ruler over the kings of the earth” He must reign in future (See 1Cor. 15:25). When He comes again the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever (See Rev. 11:15).

To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood” “To Him who loved us” refers to the reason why we are bestowed salvation. “His own blood” refers to His precious blood shed on the cross. “Washed us from our sins” indicates that the precious blood makes atonement for us so that we are no longer bound by sins.

  The word “love” in the original is in the present tense showing that He always loves us. “Wash” in the original is in the past tense showing that the problem of sins had been solved.

The fourth and fifth verses shows that the Holy Trinity God the Father the Holy Spirit and the Lord Jesus Christ work together upon us that we can enjoy grace and peace.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord Jesus was faithful to Him that appointed Him (See Heb. 3:2) and even died on the cross. We should “not love our lives to the death” (See 12:11) to be worthy of His witnesses (“witness” and “martyr” have the same root in original).

2) If Christ is not risen our faith is futile (See 1Cor. 15:17). Thank the Lord He is the firstborn from the dead and therefore we who are of the Lord shall also be made alive (See 1Cor. 15:23). And now we can overcome the power of death through Him (See Cor. 15:55-57).

3) The Lord Jesus shall reign in future. If we suffer with Him today we may be also glorified together in future (See Rom. 8:17).

4) The precious blood’s effect of atonement: the precious blood not only cleanses our sins but also saves us from sins (See Matt. 1:21).

 

Rev. 1:6 “and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

   YLT: “and did make us kings and priests to his God and Father to him the glory and the power to the ages of the ages! Amen.”

   Meaning of Words: “king”: nation kingdom.

   Literal Meaning: and has made us kings” “and” indicates that He has done two things in His love: 1) He has dealt with the problem of our sins in the negative aspect. 2) He promotes our relation with God in the positive aspect. “Has made us kings” in the original is “has made us kingdom” which refers to becoming a part of the kingdom of God or making us have the royal status in the holy nation of God (See 1Pet. 2:9).

“And priests to His God and Father” indicates that we are able to serve God before Him. The salvation that we have been bestowed makes us have two statuses: 1) kings; 2) servants. We still have these two statuses in eternity (See 22:5 9).

“To Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” “Glory and dominion” indicates that the praise to His being and works is based on the salvation that we have experienced.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The salvation that believers have received not merely makes us become a member of the kingdom of God and even makes us qualified to be kings. How honorable our status is and therefore we should honor ourselves in words and deeds.

2) Today our position is “priests to God” our regular occupation is serving God and our side job is working to support ourselves and our family for the sake of serving Him.

 

Rev. 1:7 “Behold He is coming with clouds and every eye will see Him even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so Amen.

   YLT: “Lo he doth come with the clouds and see him shall every eye even those who did pierce him and wail because of him shall all the tribes of the land. Yes! Amen!”

   Meaning of Words: “pierce”: transfix; “tribe”: race; “mourn”: to beat the breast in grief; “Even so”: yes.

   Literal Meaning: Behold He is coming with clouds” refers to the scene of the public coming in the second phase of His second coming (See Acts. 1:9-11). There are two phases concerning the second coming of the Lord: 1) the private coming (See 3:3; 16:15); 2) the public coming (See 14:14; Matt. 24:30).

“And every eye will see Him” It indicates all men shall see Him coming with power and great glory (See Matt. 24:30).

“Even they who pierced Him.” “They who pierced Him” refers to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem (See Zech. 12:10) i.e. the Jews. Though those who pierced Him were the Roman soldiers (See John. 19:34) speaking from the angle of prophecy it is the children of Israel that brought about this matter. And therefore it refers to the children of Israel (See John. 19:37; Ps. 22:16-17).

And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him.” “The earth” refers to the land of Palestine. “All the tribes” refers to all the tribes of Israel. “Will mourn because of Him” because they had abandoned Him. The whole sentence could be enlarged to indicate that all nations and all the tribes that had rejected to receive Him as their Savior shall mourn when the time comes because it is too late to regret.

Even so Amen.” The one word “yes” in the original and “Amen” are equivalent in meaning. However the former word is Greek and the latter is Hebrew. When the two words are put together they show that both the Jews and the Gentiles shall bear witness to the truthfulness of the prophecy.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) God desires that all men should be saved (See 1Tim. 2:4) and He is not willing that any should perish (See 2Pet. 3:9). However the door of grace will be shut up and there won’t be any chance when the Lord comes. Those who close their doors of hearts today shall be shut out of the door of grace by the Lord.

2) Those who insist looking upon the Lord by their “eyes” and are unwilling to look upon the Lord by “the eyes of their hearts” today shall see the Lord with their eyes however they shall mourn and be regretful for their hearts with tears.

 

Rev. 1:8I am the Alpha and the Omega the Beginning and the End says the Lord who is and who was and who is to come the Almighty.’”

   YLT: “`I am the Alpha and the Omega beginning and end saith the Lord who is and who was and who is coming -- the Almighty.'”

   Meaning of Words: “Alpha”: the first Greek letter; “Omega”: the last Greek letter; “the Almighty”: the Omnipotent.

   Literal Meaning: “‘I am the Alpha and the Omega the Beginning and the End says the Lord ” “the Alpha” refers to the beginning of all things. “The Omega” refers to the end of all things. When the two words are mentioned together they mean that He shall finish what He has initiated (See 21:6).

“‘Who is and who was and who is to come the Almighty.’” It means that He is the Almighty who lives and is the same forever.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord carries out an undertaking from start to finish. And He shall accomplish all the work that He initiates. He has loved His own He loved us unto the end (See John. 13:1) and therefore we can feel at ease to commit ourselves to Him.

2) Since the first and last Greek letters are Him it shows that every Greek letter is Him and He includes everything------He is able to provide us everything that we need more than enough.

3) He is the living Almighty------with men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible (See Matt. 19:26). He is also the Almighty who is the same. There is one thing that He cannot do------He cannot deny Himself (See 2Tim. 2:13).

 

Rev. 1:9 “I John both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

   YLT: “I John who also your brother and fellow-partner in the tribulation and in the reign and endurance of Jesus Christ was in the isle that is called Patmos because of the word of God and because of the testimony of Jesus Christ;”

   Meaning of Words: “tribulation”: pressure exhaustion; “companion”: co-participant; “is called”: be known as; “island”: isle.

   Literal Meaning: I John your brother” “your brother” John still called himself “your brother” after he had seen such a great vision showing his humbleness just as Paul did not dare to be exalted above measure after he had seen the vision of the third heaven (See 2Cor. 12:7).

“And companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ” “the tribulation of Jesus Christ” refers to suffering for the Lord. We cannot partake in the Lord’s tribulation when He bore sins for us on the cross however we can partake in the Lord’s suffering on the earth when He bore witness to the truth (See Acts. 14:22; 2Tim. 3:12). “Kingdom” the kingdom of Jesus is the kingdom of God. The aim that we suffer for the Lord is to realize the kingdom of God on the earth (See Matt. 5:10-12; Rom. 8:17). “Patience” tribulation works endurance (See Rom. 5:3). Patience is the experience that one must undergo when he suffers for the Lord through which the will of God shall be accomplished (See 2Thess. 1:4-5; Heb. 10:36). “Companion” means that I am your companion and experience various kinds of circumstances and lessons such as tribulation kingdom patience and etc. with you.

“For the testimony of Jesus Christ” refers to for holding fast to the name of the Lord and not denying the word of God (See 2:13; 3:8) i.e. for the sake of holding fast to the faith before men.

“Was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God” “was” shows that he had been set free when he sorted the Book of Revelation again and sent it out. “The island that is called Patmos” was an isle in the Mediterranean Sea used by the Roman Empire to exile and imprison felons and political criminals.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) We are all brothers and equally we should experience tribulation and patience for the Lord and His kingdom (See 1Pet. 5:9-10).

2) The cross is the inevitable test to enter into the kingdom and patience is the inevitable lesson to pass the test of the cross.

3) In Christians’ experiences there is one experience called “the island of Patmos”------being rejected by men and being lone and helpless however it is the best chance that we can be with the Lord and see the vision of the Lord (See v.12-16).

 

Rev. 1:10 “I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day and I heard behind me a loud voice as of a trumpet

   YLT: “I was in the Spirit on the Lord's-day and I heard behind me a great voice as of a trumpet saying ”

   Literal Meaning: I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day” “the Lord’s Day” does not refer to the Day of the Lord’s second coming but the first day of the week i.e. the day when the Lord rose from the dead (See John. 20:1). In the beginning of the church all the saints had a custom of gathering together on the Lord’s Day (See Acts. 20:7; 1Cor. 16:2).

“And I heard behind me a loud voice as of a trumpet” “a loud voice as of a trumpet” Because great events are going to be declared.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) We the Lord’s believers cannot ignore “the Lord’s Day”----the great day. Thomas almost missed the opportunity of meeting the Lord of resurrection because he was absent in the gathering on the Lord’s Day (See John. 20:19 26).

2) Only in the Spirit will we clearly hear and see the revelation of Jesus Christ because the Holy Spirit makes those who are spiritual know the things that are freely given to us of God (See 1Cor. 2:12 14).

 

Rev. 1:11 “saying I am the Alpha and the Omega the First and the Last and What you see write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus to Smyrna to Pergamos to Thyatira to Sardis to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.’”

   YLT: “`I am the Alpha and the Omega the First and the Last;' and `What thou dost see write in a scroll and send to the seven assemblies that in Asia; to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamos and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.'”

   Meaning of Words: “to”: send to mail to.

   Literal Meaning: “‘What you see write in a book” “write in a book” it becomes the Book of Revelation which we read today.

“And send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus to Smyrna to Pergamos to Thyatira to Sardis to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.’” “Ephesus Laodicea” were seven cities in the province of Asia at that time. In the churches’ early period the realm of city walls was the main basis for the constitution of churches. Today the so-called movement of restoring “one church in one place” is based on this historical allusion. However there are the following difficulties concerning one church in one place: 1) the recognition of the boundaries of places. 2) the recognition of the administrative system of the church. 3) the conflict between the oneness of the Spirit and the oneness of administration. 4) the conflict between the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit and the man-made authority. If the above-mentioned difficulties have not been solved only the name of the so-called “one church in one place” is restored. 

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) What we see in the Spirit is the good spiritual material to edify the church.

2) The headquarters of churches in various places is in heaven and each church receives instructions directly from the Lord and is not of any man’s direction and control.

 

Rev. 1:12 “Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands

   YLT: “And I did turn to see the voice that did speak with me and having turned I saw seven golden lamp-stands ”

   Literal Meaning: Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me.” Please note that John turned in order to see who talked to him.

And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands” according to the description of this verse what he saw first is “seven golden lampstands” instead of the speaker.

   Spiritual Meaning: seven golden lampstands” refers to the seven churches (See v.20).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Believers are saved because of the change of their mind (the original meaning of repentance). Today we still need the change in the Spirit in order to see visions and many former ideas and ways hinder us from clearly knowing the mystery of the church.

2) Churches are the “golden” lampstands (See v.20) and gold symbolizes the nature of God in the Bible. Apparently churches are made up by all the saints (See 1Cor. 14:34) however only the elements of God in you and me together are reckoned as churches that shall shine for God on the earth.

3) The normal church should be the manifestation of the Lord on the earth and everyone who wants to see the Lord can see Him through the church.

 

Rev. 1:13 “and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band.

   YLT: “and in the midst of the seven lamp-stands like to a son of man clothed to the foot and girt round at the breast with a golden girdle ”

   Meaning of Words: “clothed”: have put on; “girded”: gird all around; “band”: sash wide girdle.

   Literal Meaning: and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man” “like the Son of Man” indicates that he has the face and manner of man. After the Lord rose from the dead the image that He appeared to His disciples cannot be clearly identified (See John. 21:4 7).

“Clothed with a garment down to the feet” it is the garment of priest (See Exod. 28:4; 29:5; Lev. 16:4).

“And girded about the chest with a golden band” girding about one’s loins is the dress of a priest when he ministers unto God (See Exod. 28:4). However here the difference lies in “girded about the chest with a golden band” and it may refer to the dress of the royal family (See Dan. 10:5).

   Spiritual Meaning: and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man” it symbolizes that after the Lord rose from the dead He still has the humanity and walks in the churches.

“Clothed with a garment down to the feet” clothes symbolize righteous works in the Bible (See 19:8). Here “garment” symbolizes the perfect works of Christ.

“And girded about the chest with a golden band” “the chest” is the place where the heart is and it symbolizes love. “Girded” symbolizes working with power. “A golden band” symbolizes the divine power. The whole sentence symbolizes two meanings: 1) Christ takes care of all the churches by the divine power in love. 2) Christ judges the churches by righteousness and faithfulness (See Is. 11:3-5).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord is in the midst of the seven lampstands. We are not alone because the Lord had promised to be with us (See Matt. 18:20; 28:20).

2) Christ is the high-priest who makes intercessions for the church in heaven (See Heb. 7:25) on one hand and on the other He is the king who judges everything according to faithfulness and righteousness (See 19:11).

 

Rev. 1:14 “His head and hair were white like wool as white as snow and His eyes like a flame of fire;

   YLT: “and his head and hairs white as if white wool -- as snow and his eyes as a flame of fire;”

   Meaning of Words: “hair”: hairs; “white”: snow-white.

   Literal Meaning: His head and hair were white” white head and white hair are the marks of old men (See 1Kings. 2:6; Prov. 20:29).

“Like wool as white as snow” the whiteness of wool and snow is of their nature.

“And His eyes like a flame of fire” describes that the eyes are sharp and awesome.  

   Spiritual Meaning: His head and hair were white” symbolizes three meanings: 1) He is the Ancient of days (See Dan. 7:9). 2) He is the Holy and True (See 6:10). 3) With Him is wisdom (Job. 12:13).

“Like wool as white as snow” symbolizes that He is the source of holiness and wisdom.

“And His eyes like a flame of fire” symbolizes that He is the one who searches the minds and hearts (See 2:23) and He knows men’s inner intentions and outer works.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord is our wisdom righteousness sanctification and redemption (See 1Cor. 1:30). Only through Him will we know God and partake in the divine nature of God.

2) The eyes of the Lord like a flame of fire and He can search everything and refine all the impure things. May the Lord search us and know our hearts; try us and know our anxieties (See Ps. 139:23).

 

Rev. 1:15 “His feet were like fine brass as if refined in a furnace and His voice as the sound of many waters;

   YLT: “and his feet like to fine brass as in a furnace having been fired and his voice as a sound of many waters ”

   Meaning of Words: “furnace”: stove; “refine”: burn inflame.

   Literal Meaning: His feet were like fine brass as if refined in a furnace” “refined in a furnace” refers to undergoing the refinement of fire. “Fine brass” refers to fine and pure brass.

“And His voice as the sound of many waters” “the sound of many waters” describes that the sound is loud and powerful and rends the skies.

Spiritual Meaning: His feet were like fine brass as if refined in a furnace” “feet” symbolizes walkings. “Refined in a furnace” symbolizes that He had suffered tribulation. “Fine brass” symbolizes that after He had undergone the trial of tribulation His walkings were pure and bright.

“And His voice as the sound of many waters” it symbolizes that: 1) His word is full of prestige which can shake the hearts of men and make them fear. 2) His word is the origin of revelation and the revelation of God can be understood by His words.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord’s feet shall judge and tread on all the dirty and impure things that are searched by His eyes (See v.14).

2) When the Lord Jesus was on the earth He walked on the way of the cross. However He is set down at the right hand of the throne of God because He had endured the cross. Let us look upon Him and run with patience the race that is set before us (See Heb. 12:1-2).

3) The voice of the Lord like the sound of many waters and he who has an ear let him hear what He says to us (See 2:7 and etc.). However how many sheep of the Lord know the voice of the Lord and follow Him (See John. 10:3-4)?

 

Rev. 1:16 “He had in His right hand seven stars out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.

   YLT: “and having in his right hand seven stars and out of his mouth a sharp two-edged sword is proceeding and his countenance as the sun shining in its might.”

   Meaning of Words: “sharp”: keen; “countenance”: image face.

   Literal Meaning: He had in His right hand seven stars” “right hand” men are accustomed to using their right hands. “Stars” refers to the lighting objects set in the firmament of the heaven (See Gen. 1:16-17).

“Out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword” “a sharp two-edged sword” is easy to pierce and divide.

“And His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength” “countenance” represents one’s appearance.

   Spiritual Meaning: He had in His right hand seven stars” symbolizes that the angels of the seven churches (See v.20) are in His grasp and preservation (See John. 10:28).

“Out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword” “out of His mouth” symbolizes speaking. “A sharp two-edged sword” symbolizes that words can pierce men’s hearts (See Acts. 2:37) and discern everything (See Heb. 4:12).

“And His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength” “countenance” symbolizes His image. “Like the sun shining in its strength” symbolizes being extremely glorious (See 2Cor. 3:18).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) As long as those who take the spiritual responsibility in the church obey the Lord’s dispatching and directions the Lord shall be responsible for them.

2) The words out of the Lord’s mouth are believers’ sharp weapons in the spiritual conflicts (See Eph. 6:17) and He is also the standard of judging men (See John. 12:48).

3) The Lord Jesus is the brightness of God’s glory (See Heb. 1:3). He is the Sun of Righteousness that shall arise with healing in His wings (Mal. 4:2).

 

Rev. 1:17 “And when I saw Him I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me saying to me Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last.

   YLT: “And when I saw him I did fall at his feet as dead and he placed his right hand upon me saying to me `Be not afraid; I am the First and the Last ”

   Meaning of Words: “laid”: place.

   Literal Meaning: And when I saw Him I fell at His feet as dead.” It describes that the condition that he saw is to be feared.

But He laid His right hand on me saying to me Do not be afraid;” “laid His right hand on” refers to the kind appeasement and strengthening. “Do not be afraid” means that He is to be feared to the enemies and unbelievers however to those of Him He can be relied on safely. 

I am the First and the Last.” It means that He must take the responsibility for accomplishing what He has initiated.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Today the reason why believers lack of the attitude of fearing God is that they have not truly seen the Lord. If we have truly seen His glory we will never be random in our words and deeds.

2) The Lord is still with love in His majesty. His majesty makes us fear Him and His loving-kindness gives us consolation.

3) Our responsibility is obeying the words of the Lord doing according to His guidance and He shall take the full responsibility of us and do of His good pleasure upon us (See Pill. 2:12-13).

 

Rev. 1:18 “I am He who lives and was dead and behold I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

   YLT: “and he who is living and I did become dead and lo I am living to the ages of the ages. Amen! and I have the keys of the hades and of the death.”

   Meaning of Words: “lives”: is living.

   Literal Meaning: “I am He who lives” it refers to life which can be manifested by actions.

“And was dead and behold I am alive” It means that He was crucified by men however He had risen from the dead.

“Forevermore. Amen.” It means that death does not have power over Him and therefore whoever lives and believes in Him shall never die (See John. 11:26).

And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.” “Death” is a kind of power and Satan formerly has the power of death and it cows men who are afraid of death into submission and drives and enslaves them (See Heb. 2:14-15). “Hades” is the place where souls of men are imprisoned temporarily after their death. “Having the keys of Hades and Death” refers to overcoming the power of Death and Hades.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord Jesus tasted death for everyone and through death He might destroy him who had the power of death that is the devil and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage (See Heb. 2:9 14-15).

2) The Lord Jesus is alive now however through the behavior of many believers it seems that the Lord whom they believe is dead so that they lose courage and will.

3) The words of the Lord shows that fear not them which kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matt. 10:28). Since the Lord has the keys of Hades and Death in His hand whom shall we fear besides Him?

 

Rev. 1:19 “Write the things which you have seen and the things which are and the things which will take place after this.

   YLT: “`Write the things that thou hast seen and the things that are and the things that are about to come after these things;”

   Meaning of Words: “take place”: occur become.

   Literal Meaning: “the things which you have seen” refers to the vision that John saw in this chapter (See v.12-16).

“And the things which are” refers to the conditions of the seven churches when John wrote the Book of Revelation (See the second and third chapters of the Book of Revelation).

“Write…and the things which will take place after this.” “The things which will take place after this” refers to the things predicted from the fourth chapter to the twenty-second chapter in the Book of Revelation.

 

Rev. 1:20 “The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.

   YLT: “the secret of the seven stars that thou hast seen upon my right hand and the seven golden lamp-stands: the seven stars are messengers of the seven assemblies and the seven lamp-stands that thou hast seen are seven assemblies.”

   Literal Meaning: “The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand and the seven golden lampstands:” “Mystery” refers to the things which men cannot see or understand because they have not been revealed or interpreted.

The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches” “the angels” some Bible exegetes interpreted the angels into angels that protect the churches. However the Lord pointed out “you…you” again and again in the seven epistles to the angles (See 2:2 4 and etc.). It means that the angels represent the churches and are a part of the churches. And therefore the correct interpretation should be the corporate ones (“angel” in the second and third chapters is singular in the original) who spiritually bear the testimony of the church. They may not be the nominal elders deacons or fellow-workers but those who actually perform the function as “stars”.

“And the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.” “Lampstands” are the pedestals used to place lamps and they are beaten by pure gold (See Exod. 25:36). Pure gold represents the nature of God in the Bible and therefore only when the work of the cross works upon believers deals with the “self” and renews them into pure gold i.e. being filled with the nature of God will men be used as lampstands.

  Here it says that the seven lampstands are the seven churches. And therefore the church has the following particular features: 1) without the work of the cross there won’t be the real manifestation of the church. 2) The church is not the total amount of believers in a place. 3) The natural parts of believers cannot be used as the materials for building the church and they contrarily destroy the building of the church. 4) Please note that lampstands are not lamps but the pedestals supporting lamps. The Lamb and the Holy Spirit are the light (See 4:5; 21:23). 5) If the lampstands want to perform the function of shining Christ and the Holy Spirit must be manifested.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Every believer can be “star” and “the light of the world” (See Matt. 5:14). And therefore the responsibility of the church should not be laid upon the minorities. The normal state of the church is that all believers can be responsible to the Lord and shine for Him. 

2) If a lampstand loses the function that the Lord has expected it will be removed from its place by the Lord (See 2:5). And therefore the churches in various places should be rectified by the Lord and be filled by the Holy Spirit more. 

 

III. Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons

 

The Passing on and Reception of the Revelation of Jesus Christ

I. What God has done:

  A. God gave Christ (v.1b)

  B. Christ sent His angel (v.1b)

  C. the angel said to His servant John (v.1c)

  D. John bore witness to them (v.2)

  E. showing His servants (v.1b)

II. What believers should do:

  A. reading the words of this prophecy (v.3a)

  B. hearing and keeping those things which are written in it (v.3b)

 

The Origin Nature and Contents of the Revelation of Jesus Christ

I. The origin:

  A. the revelation of Christ (v.1b)

  B. the saying of the angel (v.1c)

  C. the bearing witness of John------writing them in a book (v.2 4)

II. The nature:

  A. the word of God (v.2a)

  B. the testimony of Jesus Christ (v.2b)

  C. all things that John saw (v.2c)

III. The contents:

  A. the things which you have seen (v.19a)

  B. the things which are (v.19b)

  C. the things which will take place after this (v.1 19c)

 

The Knowledge of the Holy Trinity

I. God the Father:

  A. God who is and who was and who is to come (v.4 8c)

  B. the Lord (v.8a)

  C. the Alpha and the Omega (v.8b)

  D. the Almighty (v.8c)

II. Christ:

A. Jesus Christ (v.1)

  B. the faithful witness the firstborn from the dead and the ruler over the kings of the earth (v.5)

  C. the First and the Last (v.17)

  D. He who lives and was dead and behold He is alive forevermore (v.18b)

  E. He has the keys of Hades and of Death (v.18c)

III. The Holy Spirit: the seven Spirits who are before the throne (v.4b)

 

The Knowledge of Believers

I. His servants (v.1)

II. The Lord washed us from our sins in His own blood (v.5)

III. Having made us kings (v.6a)

IV. Priests to God the Father (v.6b)

V. Brother (v.9a)

VI. Companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ (v.9b)

VII. Stars (v.20)

 

The Vision of Jesus Christ

I. In the midst of the seven lampstands (v.13a)------in the churches.

II. One like the Son of Man (v.13b)------He still has the humanity.

III. Being clothed with a garment down to the feet (v.13b)------He is the high-priest.

IV. Being girded about the chest with a golden band (v.13c)------He has the royal status and is also full of loving-kindness.

V. His head and hair were white like wool as white as snow (v.14a)------His nature is holy and righteous.

VI. His eyes like a flame of fire (v.14b)------His penetrates everything and destroys evil and dirtiness.

VII. His feet were like fine brass as if refined in a furnace (v.15a)------He judges and refines and purifies.

VIII. His voice as the sound of many waters (v.15b)------His words have the heavenly power.

IX. He had in His right hand seven stars (v.16a)------He holds and keeps believers who shine.

X. Out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword (v.16b)------His words can damage the enemies and discern everything.

XI. His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength (v.16c)------He is the brightness of God’s glory.

 

── Caleb HuangChristian Digest Bible Commentary Series

   Translated by Sharon Ren