REVELATION CHAPTER 1

I'm currently writing a commentary on Revelation. Here's the first chapter. I'll post subsequent chapters as they are ready. God Bless.

REVELATION

CHAPTER I

“4 Iohn writeth his reuelation to the seuen Churches of Asia, signified by the seuen golden Candlestickes. 7 The comming of Christ. 14 His glorious power and maiestie.”

The Translators

Vs. 1 - 2

“1 The Reuelation of Iesus Christ, which GOD gaue vnto him, to shewe vnto his seruants things which must shortly come to passe; and he sent and signified it by his Angel vnto his seruant Iohn, 2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimonie of Iesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.”

“The Reuelation of Iesus Christ” refers to both the revealing of aspects of Christ’s person and his revelation of past, present and future things (v.19). The Revelation is not exclusive to things which would “shortly come to passe” relative to the time of John; rather it is inclusive of those things, as some revelations are exclusive to the distant future, and even now, some 2,000 years later, they have not yet come to pass (Revelation 21:1).

The Revelation was given to John by God and signified through God’s Angel. Both the Angel and John speak the word of God faithfully, and both have the testimony of Jesus Christ. The book of Revelation is the record of God’s revelation to John, and John faithfully bare record of all things he saw; that is to say he accurately wrote down what he saw.

V. 3

“3 Blessed is hee that readeth, and they that heare the words of this prophesie, and keepe those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”

Blessings come from reading and understanding the Revelation. This is no small task, as the richness of expression and the multitude of metaphors and spiritual language cannot be discerned but for the indwelling of the Holy Ghost. Apart from careful consideration, prayer and supplication, this book appears largely closed to most people. Truly, it is the pursuit and reward of the “workman.” (2 Timothy 2:15) Things learned through the greatest effort and sometimes suffering, usually bring the greatest blessings.

We “keepe” the things in Revelation by preserving them in our heart through meditation on the words and sharing them with others.

By “the time is at hand,” John does not mean all things in Revelation were about to be fulfilled; rather, he means that the time of understanding these things is at hand; and, of course, some prophecies were to be fulfilled shortly, while others over time.

Vs. 4 - 6

“4 Iohn to the seuen Churches in Asia, Grace be vnto you, & peace from him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from the seuen spirits which are before his throne: 5 And from Iesus Christ, who is the faithful witnessse and the first begotten of the dead, and the Prince of the kings of the earth: vnto him that loued vs, and washed vs from our sinnes in his owne blood, 6 And hath made vs Kings and Priests vnto God and his Father: to him be glory and dominion for euer and euer, Amen.”

Though written specifically to the “seuen Churches in Asia,” The “Grace and peace,” of which John speaks emanate from God; and, all his servants, angelic and earthly, speak the same Gospel. This divine blessing is showered upon all who are found in Christ. Revelation was not intended for their benefit only; the prophecies pertain to all believers. “Him which was and is to come,” refers to Jesus Christ’s incarnation and his second coming. Though the person of Christ is without beginning or end, these two events are unique to him and no other. By them we know he is Lord over all.

The “seuen spirits,” may refer to seven Angels, or seven heavenly beings appointed by God to minister to the seven churches in Asia. We cannot be certain, as the scripture does not specify; yet, we know they are “before his throne.” This denotes a special God-appointed ministry, which may refer to an aspect of the ministry of the Holy Ghost.

Jesus Christ is “the faithful witnesse,” not just one witness among many, but the fountainhead of the testimony of God. All he says is perfect and without equivocation and is equally witnessed by the Father and the Holy Ghost. There is no higher authority.

“First begotten of the dead,” refers to the death and resurrection of Christ. In this, the identity of Messiah is clearly established. Because of his sinless nature, death could not hold him; he is proof that sin and death have been conquered. No other may make this claim, but Jesus Christ. This is “the faithful witnesse.”

He is “Prince of the kings of the earth;” not meaning that is the entire scope of his dominion; rather, that in the temporal realm, there is no higher authority. While earthly kings cease to have authority beyond the grave, Christ’s authority is without beginning or end (v. 11).

“Vnto him that loued us,” refers to his sacrifice on the cross to save the souls of men and redeem creation. He said, “Greater loue hath no man then this, that a man lay downe his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) Jesus is the ultimate expression of God’s love toward mankind. So great is his love that he decreed this from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8).

“Washed vs from our sinnes in his owne blood,” refers to Christ allowing his blood to be spilled that we might be made righteous in him. While we were yet sinners he died for us (Romans 5:8). Only Christ died for the sins of all persons, rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. He alone is the fulfillment and conclusion of the Mosaic sacrificial system. Thus, through faith in him we are cleansed in his blood.

“Kings and Priests vnto God,” refers to the righteousness of Christ imputed to all who believe in Messiah. We become co-inheritors with Christ; he is King of Kings (Revelation 17:4) and the eternal High Priest (Hebrews 4:14); thus, he is our King and High Priest; and, we are a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) in his service for his glory.

V. 7

“7 Behold he commeth with clouds, and euery eye shal see him, and they also which pearced him: and all kinreds of the earth shall waile because of him: euen so. Amen.”

This is the same prophecy of Christ’s second coming found in Matthew 24:30. Every one will see him. At that time he gathers all believers from everywhere; the dead in Christ are raised, then the living in Christ (1 Corinthians 4:16-17). Thus, Revelation is the history of the church, including relevant events preceding it, its persecutions up through the ages, the binding of Satan and Antichrist, the first resurrection, the millennial reign of Christ, a brief release of Satan, Satan’s eternal imprisonment in the lake of fire and the restoration of all things by God.

All persons will know who is God, his redemptive provision in Christ, his perfect justice and the reality of heaven and hell.

V. 8

“8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.”

“Alpha and Omega,” are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet; together they are used as a title for the uncreated God who created all things. He is God Almighty who starts and finishes all things. No thing exists or ceases to exists except he wills it. There is no higher authority or power. Isaiah wrote, “…I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.” (Isaiah 44:6) And, “…there is no God else beside me; a iust God and a Sauiour; there is none beside me.” (Isaiah 45:21) Thus, Jesus Christ is the God and Savior declared in the Old Testament, and he is the Redeemer of all who believe. He “is,” meaning he is the “I AM,” (Exodus 3:14) independent of all creation, time included. Scripture declares him of Ancient days (Daniel 7:9, 13 & 22); It declares him of the present and of the future (“…which is to come.”). Though these things are revealed for our benefit, they do not intend to define the nature of God; for he is neither time nor spatially dependent. He simply “is.” Yet, he has revealed himself to us in ways we might understand aspects of the magnitude of his power and glory.

(Verses one through eight offer a brief overview or introduction to Revelation, after which John begins his narrative in verse nine, following.)

V. 9

“9 I Iohn, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdome and patience of Iesus Christ, was in the Isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimonie of Iesus Christ.”

John declares himself the brother of all believers, but perhaps in this context more specifically in reference to brothers and sister in the churches of Asia, where many like him also experienced persecutions. John’s patient endurance, as with all believers, was made possible by Jesus Christ, who sustains all martyrs in their trials and tribulations. He notes that he was exiled to Patmos for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, not because of any crime; for he committed none.

Vs. 10 - 11

“10 I was in the spirit on the Lords day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and what thou seest, write in a booke, and send it vnto the seuen Churches which are in Asia, vnto Ephesus, and vnto Smyrna, and vnto Pergamos, and vnto Thyatira, and vnto Sardis, and Philadelphia, and vnto Laodicea.”

“In the spirit,” may mean that John was in a deep state of prayer and meditation on scripture. “The Lords day,” does not mean the Jewish sabbath; for, if that was John’s intention the text would say so. Rather, “the Lords day,” refers to the day Jesus rose from the dead, which was the first day of the week. John heard a loud, clear voice from behind him, declaring “I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last;” this being the voice of Jesus Christ. John is commanded to write what he sees and send it to the seven churches in Asia. These were seven major cities where churches were established. Today, they are historic sites in Turkey and the churches are no more.

Vs. 12 - 13

“12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with mee. And being turned, I saw the seuen golden candlestickes, 13 And in the midst of the seuen candlestickes, one like vnto the Sonne of man, clothed with a garment downe to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.”

The voice came from behind him, so John turned to see who it was; and when he turned he saw seven golden candlesticks. The candlesticks may reference Exodus 25:37 where Moses was commanded by God to make seven lamps for the sanctuary.

(Following is a quote from my Commentary on Exodus 25: 31-37.)

“31 And thou shalt make a Candlesticke of pure gold: of beaten worke shall the candlesticke bee made; his shaft and his branches, his bowles, his knops, and his flowers shall be of the same. 32 And sixe branches shall come out of the sides of it: three branches of the candlesticke out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side: 33 Three bowles made like vnto almonds, with a knop and a flower in one branch: and three bowles made like almonds in the other branch, with a knop and a flower: so in the sixe branches that come out of the candlesticke. 34 And in the candlesticke shall bee foure bowles made like vnto almonds, with their knops and their flowers. 35 And there shal be a knop vnder two branches of the same, and a knop vnder two branches of the same, according to the sixe branches that proceede out of the candlesticke. 36 Their knops and their branches shall be of the same: all it shall bee one beaten worke of pure gold.“37 And thou shalt make the seuen lamps thereof: and they shall light the lampes thereof, that they may giue light ouer against it.”

God commanded Moses to make a candlestick beaten from a pure piece of gold, and all the branches and features were to be from the same. The scripture declares, “...all it shall bee one beaten worke of pure gold.” (v.36) Naturally we assert that the Candlestick and all it entails is more than a source of light, but affords symbolism, of which we cannot be entirely sure. Candlesticks feature prominently in certain visions of heaven, seen by the prophets Jeremiah, Daniel, Zachariah and John; yet, none of the heavenly candlesticks share the same exact features as the one described here in Exodus 25:31-37. So, we cannot say with certainty that Moses’ candlestick is a copy of a heavenly candlestick, though it may offer similar spiritual messages. It represents the light of God’s word, and perhaps it reflects the person of Messiah, who is, “...the light of the world.” (John 9:5b) The six branches on the sides of the candlestick are not fastened, but beaten from the same piece of gold as the candlestick; this may represent the unity of God’s word; things are not added and attached, but the entire world of God and his salvation flows forth from one source, uninterrupted. Thus, Messiah may be thought of as the candlestick from which the light of God’s word emanates, and the branches, the outpouring of that light into the world. The bowls (v.31) and knops (decorative features) were fashioned on the candlestick; their purpose is not clearly stated. The bowls were made after the fashion of almonds; this may represent the fruitfulness of the Law and the ministry of the Levites, as later in Numbers 17:8, Moses went into the tabernacle and Aaron’s rod had blossomed and yielded almonds. Almond were considered one of the finest fruits of the land of Israel, as per Genesis 43:11, “And their father Israel said vnto them, If it must bee so now, doe this: take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carie downe the man a Present, a litle balme, and a litle honie, spices, and myrrhe, nuts, and almonds.”

The knops were adorned with a flower that represented the budding and flowering of the almond tree, as per Numbers 17:8. Thus, God declares that the Law and the message of salvation, will produce fruit, as proclaimed in Isaiah 55:10-11, “10 For as the raine commeth down, and the snow from heauen, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring foorth and bud, that it may giue seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word bee that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not returne vnto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

As far as we can discern at this point, the lamps (v.37) were at the ends of the six branches. When lit, they were intended to light the “Arke” and the table of the “Shew-bread.” Traditionally, although not expressly stated here in the scripture, there were seven lamps, one for each of the six branches and one at the top of the candlestick. This may represent the seven Spirits of God, as per Revelation 4:5, “5 And out of the Throne proceeded lightnings, and a thundrings, and voyces: and there were seuen lampes of fire burning before the Throne, which are the seuen Spirits of God.” Earlier in Revelation, John refers to the seven churches of Asia Minor. (Revelation 1:11) And Revelation 1:20 mentions the seven stars, which are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven candlesticks which are the seven churches. Thus, Moses’ candlestick may prefigure the churches which would arise from Messiah’s ministry, bringing the light of salvation to Asia Minor through the seven churches.

(End of quote)

“The Sonne of man,” is Jesus Christ; (Revelation 1:13) for, he calls himself the Alpha and Omega (v. 11), a title only of God. Thus, this is not an angel or a representative of God, but God himself in the person of Christ.

“Clothed with a garment downe to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.” (v.13) Christ is presented in his priestly office, wearing garments commensurate with the priesthood of the Levitical High Priest. The golden gridle is akin to the Levitical breastplate of righteousness; it covers the heart and represents righteous judgment.

Following is a quote from my Commentary on Exodus 28:15-22).

“It is called “the brestplate of Iudegment,” because it represents the 12 tribes; and Aaron wore the breastplate over his heart; and he approached the “Mercie-seat,” representatively bringing the 12 tribes before the throne of God for atonement, or forgiveness of sins. Also, by wearing the breastplate, Aaron acknowledged his commitment before God to be just in his judgements of the people…Ultimately, the 12 tribes represent all believers in Messiah, regardless of genetics; Paul confirmed this when he wrote, “…For they are not all Israel which are of Israel:” (Romans 9:6). Though not expressly stated in Exodus 28, the LORD made provision for those outside the tribes of Israel, to be grafted into Israel; this is true in the Old Testament, where provision was made for non-Israelites to become part of Israel; and, it is further confirmed in the New Testament, “There is neither Iewe, nor Greeke, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Iesus.” (Galatians 3:28

(End of quote)

Vs. 14 - 15

“14 His head, and his haires were white like wooll as white as snow, and his eyes were as a flame of fire, 15 And his feet like vnto fine brasse, as if they burned in a furnace: and his voice as the sound of many waters.”

Verse 14 answers to Daniel 7:9, where Jesus is similarly described.

“9 I beheld till the thrones were cast downe, and the Ancient of dayes did sit whose garment was white as snow, and the haire of his head like the pure wooll: this throne was like the fierie flame, and his wheels as burning fire.”

(Following is a quote from pages 86 & 87 of my Commentary on the book of Daniel.)

“Daniel had a night vision or dream describing the fourth beast; it was dreadful, terrible and exceedingly strong. Scripture says more of the fourth kingdom than of the others, and Daniel enquires more of it, showing little or no interest in the previous three. Perhaps he could predict the logical succession of the two kingdoms succeeding Babylon, but the fourth he could not comprehend or speculate about. It is the same kingdom as that of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream describing the legs of iron and toes mixed with clay.

Roman armies were known for their expertise on the battle field. They broke countries into pieces and trampled them underfoot, until the people submitted to the Roman Caesar. Among the four beasts, it was diverse, not only assimilating cultures, customs, languages and religions, but also diverse in its ability to adapt and change. This became apparent when Caesarian Rome became Papal Rome, carrying with it all the cruelty of the caesars, but posing as a religion, yet controlling vasts armies, and torturing and murdering all who stood in her way.”

This kingdom, the fourth and last, endures until the Ancient of Days returns and destroys it. Before Almighty God all powers and principalities will bow. The last and final kingdom described by Daniel is the culmination of all previous kingdoms; all their wickedness and defiance of the Most High come to an end at the return of Jesus Christ. His appearance is like no other, and it will strike terror in the hearts of his enemies; for perfect knowledge and judgment proceed forth from his eyes like fire and a voice complete in wisdom temporal and eternal; he exudes purity and perfection from head to toe. The path he takes is pure and purified by his very presence and where ever he stands and moves.

V. 16

“16 And hee had in his right hand seuen starres: and out of his mouth went a sharpe two edged sword: and his countenance was as the Sunne shineth in his strength.”

Seven stars are the seven angels of the seven churches (Revelation 1:20) of Asia. These seven angels do Christ’s bidding and have been appointed to minister to the seven churches; not that we should conclude that there are only seven ministering angels; for, surely there were more than seven churches in the Roman Empire at the time John wrote the Apocalypse. However, Christ focuses on seven specific churches that he sets as examples for believers to emulate in certain ways, but not others.

The “two edged sword,” is the word of God pouring forth from the mouth of Christ. It cuts to the heart of truth in all matters (Hebrews 4:12). It searches the depths of one’s mind and soul; no fibre of creation remains untouched.

All creation is sustained by Christ; he is the Life. His face beams forth like the sun, declaring unfathomable power and brilliance. No aspect of Christ person is common; there is no vulgarity in him; no shallowness; no triviality; only profound, life-sustaining purity and power.

V. 17

“17 And when I sawe him, I fell at his feete as dead: and hee laid his right hand vpon me, saying vnto mee, Feare not, I am the first and the last.”

So overwhelmed by the appearance of Christ in his heavenly state, John collapsed at his feet, and lay there like a dead man. But, God who comforts his people, spake the words, “Feare not,” reassuring him that all was well; that indeed, John was in the presence of his Lord and Savior, the ultimate authority in heaven and earth. He is the Lord who precedes and exceeds all things; that any man, like John, who is found in Christ need fear nothing; for he is in the hand of Christ (Psalm 23).

V. 18

“18 I am hee that liueth, and was dead: and behold, I am aliue for euermore, Amen, and haue the keyes of hell and of death.”

Jesus declares that he is the same Lord and Savior that John walked with; who performed miracles; who died and rose from the dead. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life; and, John’s salvation for eternity; that he is the I AM of the burning bush; that he conquered sin and death and is alive forevermore.

Vs. 19 - 20

“19 Write the things which thou hast seene, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter, 20 The mysterie of the seuen starres which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seuen golden Candlestickes. The seuen Starres are the Angels of the seuen Churches: and the seuen candlestickes which thou sawest, are the seuen Churches.”

Jesus commanded John to write things past, present and future, until the end of the world and the renewal of all things. We are provided the interpretation of the seven stars and seven golden candlesticks; that we might understand their meaning here and in other scriptures (Amos 5:8; Revelation 1:16, 2:1 & 3:1, for example) Generally, seven is the number of completion; God created the heaven and the earth in six days, and rested on the seventh. Seven, in the context of stars and candlesticks, represents guiding the churches in purity of doctrine and conduct unto perfection. The churches and the candlesticks are in Christ’s right hand, symbolizing that he nurtures his people, and his ministering spirits are the angels appointed to minister to the saved (1 Hebrews 1:14). We might also regard this as part of the ministry of the Holy Spirit to the body of Christ; teaching, nurturing and correcting.

Yet, as we later learn, churches that ignore what the spirit is saying to the churches (Revelation 2:7) may be put out of the body of Christ (Revelation 2:5). They would no longer be regarded churches by Jesus Christ; their candlesticks having been removed.