Robertson's Word Pictures of the NT

Revelation 1:20

The mystery of the seven stars

(το μυστηριον των επτα αστερων). On the word μυστηριον see on Matthew 13:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:7; Colossians 1:26. Here it means the inner meaning (the secret symbol) of a symbolic vision (Swete) as in Revelation 10:7; Revelation 13:18; Revelation 17:7; Revelation 17:9; Daniel 2:47. Probably the accusative absolute (Charles), "as for the mystery" (Robertson, Grammar, pp. 490, 1130), as in Romans 8:3. This item is picked out of the previous vision (Revelation 1:16) as needing explanation at once and as affording a clue to what follows (Revelation 2:1; Revelation 2:5).Which

(ους). Masculine accusative retained without attraction to case of αστερων (genitive, ων).In my right hand

(επ της δεξιας μου). Or "upon," but εν τη, etc., in verse Revelation 1:16.And the seven golden candlesticks

(κα τας επτα λυχνιας τας χρυσας). "The seven lampstands the golden," identifying the stars of verse Revelation 1:16 with the lampstands of verse Revelation 1:12. The accusative case here is even more peculiar than the accusative absolute μυστηριον, since the genitive λυχνιων after μυστηριον is what one would expect. Charles suggests that John did not revise his work.The angels of the seven churches

(αγγελο των επτα εκκλησιων). Anarthrous in the predicate (angels of, etc.). "The seven churches" mentioned in Revelation 1:4; Revelation 1:11. Various views of αγγελος here exist. The simplest is the etymological meaning of the word as messenger from αγγελλω (Matthew 11:10) as messengers from the seven churches to Patmos or by John from Patmos to the churches (or both). Another view is that αγγελος is the pastor of the church, the reading την γυναικα σου (thy wife) in Revelation 2:20 (if genuine) confirming this view. Some would even take it to be the bishop over the elders as επισχοπος in Ignatius, but a separate αγγελος in each church is against this idea. Some take it to be a symbol for the church itself or the spirit and genius of the church, though distinguished in this very verse from the churches themselves (the lampstands). Others take it to be the guardian angel of each church assuming angelic patrons to be taught in Matthew 18:10; Acts 12:15. Each view is encompassed with difficulties, perhaps fewer belonging to the view that the "angel" is the pastor.Are seven churches

(επτα εκκλησια εισιν). These seven churches (Revelation 1:4; Revelation 1:11) are themselves lampstands (Revelation 1:12) reflecting the light of Christ to the world (Matthew 5:14-16; John 8:12) in the midst of which Christ walks (Revelation 1:13).

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Robertson's Word Pictures of the NT

Revelation 1:20

Old Testament

New Testament