THE CHURCH IN THE WORLD. CHAPTER S 1 - 3. (Matthew 28:20) [Chapter s 1 to 3 form the basic foundation of this entire book. Revelation is made up of "picture symbols," which, like "modern art," are intended to express an idea. Each of these picture-symbols presents _one_ central idea. Be careful not... [ Continue Reading ]
REVEALED. The curtain of both the present and the future is lifted (Revelation 1:19). Jesus Christ. It is his message (see _chapter_ 5). WHICH GOD GAVE HIM. God's Plan is behind it all. BY SENDING HIS ANGEL. Throughout this book, angels are given the messages to reveal. [See Hebrews 1:14; Revelation... [ Continue Reading ]
HAPPY IS THE ONE WHO READS. This refers to the "lector" who read the Scriptures aloud. This blessing is for the one who reads, those who listen and obey.... [ Continue Reading ]
JOHN TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES. This is to the Roman province called Asia. Ephesus was the capital. All seven churches are in that province. They are named in Revelation 1:11. There were other churches as well in Asia (Acts 20:17; Colossians 4:13). Seven is the perfect or sacred number, and these church... [ Continue Reading ]
AND FROM JESUS CHRIST. He is the faithful witness (John 8:14); the firstborn Son (Colossians 1:18); the ruler (Ephesians 1:21). HE LOVES US. Continuous love! DEATH. FREED US. Our sin-offering (see 1 Peter 1:18-19).... [ Continue Reading ]
LOOK, HE IS COMING. (Matthew 26:64; Acts 1:9-11_.)_ EVERYONE. All the dead will awake. THOSE WHO PIERCED HIM. National Israel (Zechariah 12:10). ALL PEOPLES OF EARTH. Because he is coming to judge the world (Acts 17:31).... [ Continue Reading ]
I AM THE ALPHA AND THE OMEGA. The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet - the beginning and the end (Isaiah 41:4). All things begin and end in God (The Father - see also Revelation 21:5-6. But notice Colossians 1:15-16).... [ Continue Reading ]
I AM JOHN. He mentions himself for the third time. [The fourth and fifth times are in Revelation 21:2; Revelation 22:8.] I SHARE WITH YOU IN SUFFERING. All the church was being persecuted. KINGDOM. ENDURING. Being part of Christ's Kingdom also means enduring patiently, ISLAND NAMED PATMOS. In some w... [ Continue Reading ]
I SAW SEVEN GOLD LAMPSTANDS. He saw this first. They symbolize the seven churches (Revelation 1:20).... [ Continue Reading ]
AMONG THEM. _"I will be with you always!"_ LIKE A MAN. (John 1:14; Romans 8:3) [Son of Man - Luke 22:69-70; Daniel 7:13.] A ROBE. A GOLD BAND. The robe of a high priest with the gold band of a king.... [ Continue Reading ]
HIS HAIR WAS WHITE. Not with age, but with heavenly glory! White symbolizes purity and victory.... [ Continue Reading ]
HIS FEET. HIS VOICE. Along with the _eyes that blaze like fire,_ these are symbolic of great power and authority (see Daniel 10:6; Ezekiel 43:2).... [ Continue Reading ]
SEVEN STARS. The "angels" of the churches (Revelation 1:20). SHARP TWO-EDGED SWORD. A symbol of God's word (Revelation 19:15; Ephesians 6:17). HIS FACE WAS AS BRIGHT. See the transfiguration (Luke 9:29).... [ Continue Reading ]
I FELL DOWN. Shock and fright! DON'T BE AFRAID. The old love (John 14:1-3). THE FIRST AND THE LAST. Compare Revelation 1:8. Note the similarity between God and Christ.... [ Continue Reading ]
I AM THE LIVING ONE! Killed, but alive forever! Note the stress on life. I have authority. Compare Matthew 28:18. He has authority even over death and Hades [the world of the dead]. He will raise everyone from death at his Coming! See John 5:27-29.... [ Continue Reading ]
WRITE. John is to preserve this vision so that all may share its message. NOW. Current events, dating from the First Coming of Christ. AFTERWARD. Those things which had not yet happened. The curtain of both the present and the future is lifted.... [ Continue Reading ]
SEVEN STARS. The "angels" of the seven churches. "Angel" means "messenger," and is used for both human and heavenly messengers in the Bible [in the original language]. "Angels" here must refer to the "evangelists" [preachers - see note on Ephesians 4:11] of the churches since John is to write to the... [ Continue Reading ]