Revelation 1:17-20

John's Response To Jesus' Greatness

The vision of Jesus was so powerful and awe-inspiring that John fell down as if he were dead (compare Isaiah 6:5; Ezekiel 1:29; Daniel 8:17; Daniel 8:27; Daniel 10:8-10). Jesus does not want His followers to fear Him but be comforted by His presence. Jesus was there in the beginning of the world and will be there in the end (Isaiah 41:4; Isaiah 44:6; Isaiah 48:12). He had to die on the cross, but now is alive and able to give life to those who come to Him. He conquered death and opened up the way from the place of disembodied souls (Hades) so Christians need not fear the end of life on this earth (Revelation 1:17-18).

Jesus gave John his commission to write things which were, are and will be. There is really an element of all of these in the whole book. In this book, it is always wise to look for an inspired interpretation of the figures. In Revelation 1:20, the stars and lampstands are identified by Jesus. The stars are angels. Hailey says, "Jesus addresses each letter to 'the angel of the church...,' and concludes with the appeal, 'He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.' Whoever is addressed is to hear; the angels are addressed; the churches are to hear. It follows that the angels are that part of the church addressed which is to hear; this would be the spirit or active life of the churches."