Strauss-' Comments
SECTION 44

Text Revelation 14:13

13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, Write, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with them.

Initial Questions Revelation 14:13

1.

Why are the dead in Christ called blessed in Revelation 14:13?

2.

Does this vs. show a personality trait of the Holy Spirit? If so, what?

3.

Are Christian works important (or necessary) for our salvation? (Study Romans, Galatians and James on Faith and works.)

Revelation 14:13

John's serious contemplation is broken by the command write (grapson - 1st. aor. imp. active). He was commanded by the heavenly voice to write - Blessed are the dead the ones dying in the Lord from now (ap arti is a difficult phrase - but it can hardly mean that the ones who die in the Lord from now on which would imply that those who died before were not blessed. This cannot be the meaning.) The Spirit says - in order that (hina - purpose clause) they shall rest from (ek - out of or away from) their weariness (or sorrow). The Greek word koptô means to strike or beat the beast in grief. When it is used in the sense of labor it always entails drudgery, and weariness of the soul (or sorrow). The Spirit promised rest from weariness for their works (erga - physical labor) follows with them. God promises to bless those who die in Christ with victory; give meaning to their suffering, and assures them that their work for Christ's kingdom is not in vain.

Discussion Questions

See Revelation 14:14-20.

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