Revelation 1:11-16

The One Who Told John to Write

The one who is the beginning and end of all things, our Lord, told John to write what he saw in a book and send it to the seven churches. We will say more about each of these in the next two Chapter s. John turned to see the source of the powerful voice and saw seven golden lampstands. Gold was the metal used to plate many of the vessels in the tabernacle and in vessels of diving service. The tabernacle was lighted by a single lampstand with seven lamps on it.

Now, each church is a lampstand with a lamp shining for the Savior. In the middle of the stands is Jesus robed in the flowing robes of one in high office. The one like the Son of man is a familiar figure from the Old Testament prophecy of Daniel (7:13-14). There, He came to the Ancient of Days, whose hair was as wool, to receive a kingdom and dominion. Here He is ruling in the midst of His churches. Notice, each church is an independent lampstand and Christ is right there with them (Revelation 1:11-13).

White snow is so pure it reflects light and is nearly blinding. Jesus is pictured in the same manner as Daniel pictured the Father, thus He is God. His eyes are able to penetrate and discover the thoughts and intents of the heart. His feet flow as metal still in the crucible. Such would be hot and burn all they touch. Hailey says this reminds us of the promise God made to His people in Malachi 4:3. His voice is powerful like great waves crashing against a rocky shore (Revelation 1:14-15; Ezekiel 43:2).

The right hand is the hand of power (Psalms 110:1; Hebrews 1:3-4). The stars the hand holds will be talked about more in verse 20. Here, it should be observed that they are under His control and protection. The sharp two-edged sword proceeding out of His mouth must represent judgement (Revelation 1:16; Revelation 2:12-16; Revelation 19:15; Revelation 19:21). Man cannot look on His face because it shines like the sun.