SUMMARY. We conclude with a brief resume of the contents of The Revelation. Chapter I is the introduction, fixing the circumstances, human writer, and divine Revealer. Chapter II and III are addressed to the seven churches of Asia; simple plain messages, and not allegorical or symbolical propheci... [ Continue Reading ]
In the opening clause we are told what the book is, A Revelation. It is not derived from natural sources, from history, from nature, from intuition, from the ratiocination of man, from any human or natural spring. But it is a revelation from God through Christ. The words "of Jesus Christ" refer to t... [ Continue Reading ]
"Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear." Some would read and some would hear. Of printed Bibles there was none, and manuscripts were scarce. It was customary to have manuscripts read to the churches and frequently to circulate them among a group of churches; so that there would be many more... [ Continue Reading ]
These verses must be held together, and grasped comprehensively to get the proper view-point. "John to the seven churches which are in Asia." What he writes, he writes to those seven churches; and this includes the whole book rather than the two Chapter s of special messages. In the closing passage... [ Continue Reading ]
"I, John, your brother and companion in tribulation," that was a winsome address. He stood with them on common ground. Every hardship they bore, he endured. Every prospect of martyrdom they faced, he had already contemplated. He was even in the vanguard bearing the first baptism of fire and blood. T... [ Continue Reading ]
"In the spirit." We cannot describe this psychological state other than to suppose that all the channels of his being were open toward God, ready for the reception of any divine communication. Had he not been "in the spirit," but spending the holy day after the modern fashion, it is needless to say... [ Continue Reading ]
"What thou seest," evidently the visions which were about to be disclosed, "write in a book", this book we are now considering. "And send unto the seven churches," and here the specific seven churches of Asia Minor are given by name. The book had some special application to the churches named, and... [ Continue Reading ]
"Seven golden candlesticks." We are told in plain language that these are symbols of the seven churches. Ezekiel 4:1-14 gives us the same symbolism; and Christ declared: "Ye are the light of the world.... [ Continue Reading ]
"In the midst one like unto the Son of Man." Christ is in the midst of his church. He is its life and power. He is not an absentee Lord. He is an abiding presence and personality. "Lo, I am with you alway even unto the end of the world." Unless Christ is in the midst, the church is dead and shorn of... [ Continue Reading ]
"His head as white as snow." Not age with its weakness and senility; but maturity and wisdom, purity and goodness. "Be ye holy for I am holy." "His eyes as a flame of fire." No night so dark as to dim his vision. No path so tortuous and crooked that he cannot follow it. No secret so hidden that it d... [ Continue Reading ]
"Feet like molten brass." Strength and majesty are in his going forth. Feet swift to girdle the earth; tireless to stride down the centuries; strong to trample down all his enemies. "His voice as the sound of many waters," Sweet and low as the brook that sings its way through the meadow, or filled w... [ Continue Reading ]
"In his hand seven stars." We are told what they mean; the messengers or ministers to the churches. "Out of his mouth went a sharp two edged sword." Observe that the sword was in his mouth, not in his hand. Christ's weapons, by which he conquers the world, are spiritual; not carnal. Christ conquers... [ Continue Reading ]
John fell at his feet as dead; and Christ said: "Fear not I am the first and the last, he that liveth and was dead, and behold I am alive for evermore." I was dead; but I am dead no more. I have "the keys of hell and of death." Nothing can happen without me. Splendid encouragement! Who would not be... [ Continue Reading ]
"Write things seen, things which are, things hereafter." The events which this book contains were, some of them, already transpiring; some in the very near future; some in a distant and far distant future.... [ Continue Reading ]