Revelation Chapter 1 (NIV)

John, the author of Revelation, is writing to seven specific churches in Asia Minor. According to Acts 18-20, the apostle Paul evangelized this area in the A.D. 50s. Apparently, John was intimately involved in these churches, and thus it is appropriate that he has a "vision" for these churches. But first, John gives us a glimpse of what Jesus Christ looks like today. It is NOT at all like the famous painting seen in many churches today. It also is NOT one of a Savior on a cross with a crown of thorns. This is the resurrected Lord, the First and the Last, and the One to be altogether worshipped prone on our faces!
There are four segments to this chapter: Theme , Salutation and Prayer , The Almighty , and the vision of the Son of Man .






































Revelation Chapter 1, Verse 1 (NIV)

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   1The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants, what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,
    The REVELATION of Jesus Christ
To reveal something is to bring to our knowledge that which was hidden. We have been given the accounts of Jesus in His human form in the gospels. Now the apostle John is shown by visions the eternal form of Jesus Christ. It is a picture, in the broadest sense, of a Bride (the body of true believers) and Her Bridegroom (Jesus Christ). The first five chapters of Revelation are about the Bride. The middle section is about the Bridegroom preparing for the Marriage to the Bride. From Revelation 19 on, they live happily ever after.

Visions of spiritual nature are not new. One example in the Old Testament was of the dream given to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and interpreted by Beltashazzar (Daniel) - Daniel 2:27-30 . The visions given to John are either left to us to interpret (from other symbols in the Bible) or are explained directly by an angel.

    which God gave him
In these four words, we are shown how God will be represented during these visions. Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus also contains all of God (Colossians 2:8-9-15). Yet here in the Revelation, Jesus is shown to be a separate person apart from God, the Father. The visions are passed from Father to Son.
    to show his SERVANTS,
These servants really was one, who after serving a master as slave to repay some indebtedness, could opt to remain as a servant to that master for the rest of his life. When that was agreed to by the master, a hole was pierced into the ear to indicate such a SERVANT status. This is described in Deuteronomy 15:12-18 . In the same manner, when we totally commit our lives to Christ, we become SERVANTS of His. Even more beautifully, Jesus Christ agrees to care for us for our ETERNAL life.
    what must soon take place.
Time is a relative entity. Anything in the future, since we can't see into the future, is "shortly" or imminent. Depending upon your interpretation of this phrase, "shortly" may have meant 'in John's day'; it may have meant 'from the writing of Revelation until now'; or it may mean 'from the writing and on forever'. Since much that is discussed in this book does not appear to have happened yet, most of the "shortly" remains to occur.
    He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,
Angels are right in the middle of this revelation process. They play an important role (over 60 times they are mentioned in Revelation alone), in explaining and carrying out the events to occur. To have a heavenly messenger to give the visions is known to occur before - Daniel 10:10-14, 20-21 .
    So the Revelation of Jesus Christ comes to us like this: 
       GOD
         |->Jesus
              |->angel  (see also Revelation 22:16)
                   |->John, a Bond Servant
                        |->all Bond Servants
                              (those who have accepted Christ)





































Revelation Chapter 1, Verse 2 (NIV)

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2who testifies to everything he saw -- that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. There is no doubt about it. This Revelation is a continuation of John's testimony of Jesus Christ. First, he closes his gospel, John 21:24-25 , with his bearing witness to the things Jesus Christ did. He continues in the beginning of his first letter to proclaim what he has seen and heard - 1 John 1:1-4 . And culminates his closeness to Jesus Christ with the Revelation of Jesus, Revelation 22:16 . This phrase "the word of God" is used so often...he is emphasizing that the book of Revelation is part of the Word of God. The "Word of God" even carries a prophetic tinge to it. Samuel, a prophet, told Saul to send his servant on ahead so that he might dish out the message from God directly to him, Saul - 1 Samuel 9:27 . In the same vein, John, too, stands us up alone (Revelation 19:10) and says, "Here comes the Word of God." This is serious stuff.....because in the next verse, we are to "heed" these words. Compare other instances of the use of 'God's Word', 'the Word of God', and 'word of their testimony' of God: John didn't leave anything out this time. He recorded everything meticulously, for us to read, hear, and heed. This is not a novel or science fiction book; it is what John actually saw (and heard) as he was transported divinely back to the future.

































Revelation Chapter 1, Verse 3 (NIV)

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   3Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. John clearly understood the way this, his prophesy ( = future events and present spiritual exhortations and warnings), was to be presented in the church. That is, one reads (and receives this special blessing) and the rest listen and understand what is being read, and receive a blessing from hearing it. Jesus, talking about himself, said in Matthew 13:16-17 , that the hearers were privileged to listen to Him even as many prophets of old and future generations of righteous would not. The reading of the Revelation, thus, makes Jesus Christ come alive to the hearer just as though He Himself were speaking the words.

Comparing the first three verses of this chapter with the conclusion in Revelation 22:6-21 , one gets the feeling that this Revelation should be read to the congregation in its entirety in one sitting. Perhaps this is the only way that the full blessing promised in this verse can be realized.

This verse contains the first of seven "Beatitudes" in Revelation:

     
  1. Revelation 1:3 - for the present day.
  2. Revelation 14:13 - related to the Great Tribulation period.
  3. Revelation 16:15 - related to the Great Tribulation period.
  4. Revelation 19:9 - deals with Armegeddon.
  5. Revelation 20:6 - points to the Millennium.
  6. Revelation 22:7 - Celestial City
  7. Revelation 22:14 - Celestial City
Christ's return and the fulfillment of the Judgment as told in Revelation 11:15-18 always has been imminent. We always are to be looking for His return - John 21:20-23 and Acts 1:9-11 .

If the TIME is near, why don't we see it arriving now. Because Christ is patient with the world and its inhabitants, 2 Peter 3:8-9 , and the believers are still being transformed into their glorified forms - 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 .

Compared to eternity or forever, any time period is NEAR, whether it is one second or 2000 years. Thus all the apostles except for Peter (John 21:20-23 and 2 Peter 1:12-15 ) had the hope of seeing the "TIME" even as we do today. Now that we are almost 2000 years closer, we definitely must get on with the "reading" (our effort in putting this into computerized form), the "hearing" (your effort to study this exposition), and the "heeding" (your actions which show that you paid attention to) the Revelation of Jesus Christ.


































Revelation Chapter 1, Verse 4 (NIV)

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   4John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, Seven is the number of completeness or perfection. So while this book (Revelation 1:11) is to seven churches - each with their own individual "letters" in Revelation chapters 2 and 3, it is in a broader sense to all churches and believers (Revelation 1:1). The area "ASIA" was the region of greatest missionary activity to both Jews and Gentiles. Paul explains why the Gentiles accepted the gospel while the Jews didn't (Romans 11:25-32). It will be interesting to discover how much of Revelation, especially the middle chapters, is based upon the Jewish tabernacle and traditions. Yet it is the Gentiles who receive the Word most readily. "GRACE" was the Greek way of greeting someone; "PEACE" the Hebrew way. Both can only come from God; man is only capable of receiving them.

It is GRACE which allows us to participate in and have God's riches. PEACE results from a close fellowship with Jesus Christ (see verse 5 ); He leaves it with us - John 14:25-27 . It removes trouble and fear.

This is a label for God, the Father. It is found in these Revelations (Revelation 1:8, Revelation 4:8, Revelation 11:17, Revelation 16:5 ). It is a paraphrase of the Hebrew word, YWYH, and equivalent to "I AM WHO I AM" - Exodus 3:13-14 .

We find God, the Son, described similarly in John 1:1-2 .

The completeness of the Holy Spirit is shown here. There is only one Spirit (Ephesians 4:1-6), yet He has several ministries. Some believe they are listed in Isaiah 11:1-2 .

In any case, the placement of this phrase between God, the Father and God, the Son (verse 5), clearly makes this God, the Holy Spirit. He has a prominent position before God's Throne meaning that the peace He brings is directly from God. See John 14:25-27 that the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, and Jesus Christ work closely together.

The Old Testament, in Zechariah 4:1-7 , prophesied of the sevenfold nature of the Holy Spirit and this close relationship to Jesus Christ, the Top Stone.





























Revelation Chapter 1, Verse 5 (NIV)

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5and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, We saw the Father and the Holy Spirit in the previous verse.  Now we see the Son. 
  1. who is the faithful witness,

    		2.
    Past - His earthly life of obedience as given in the gospels.
    Present - His witness to the condition of the churches both in chapters 2 and 3 and present day.
    Future - His finality when all things are consummated under His control.

    The world doesn't like His witness (John 7:7) because its the truth (John 18:37) in spite of religious or political leaders who crucified Him (1 Timothy 6:13).
       
  2. the FIRSTBORN from the DEAD,

    3. Christ was the first one to be raised from death and come back to LIFE...those of us who believe this have the same opportunity of resurrection - Revelation 7:13-14 .

    Paul was fond of using "firstborn" in Romans 8:29 , Colossians 1:15-20 , and Hebrews 1:6 . Christ conquered death in all its forms - creation, human, and even/especially spiritual.

    Rabbinic tradition also believes that Psalm 89:27 really refers to the Messiah even though it is written about David.   

  3. and the RULER of the KINGS of the earth.

    4. This is a key theme of Revelation. It is used in Revelation 11:15 , Revelation 17:14 , and Revelation 19:16 . Who are the kings of the earth? Perhaps: John is not clear which of the above he meant. Maybe all of them.

    At any rate, John is so overwhelmed by who Jesus is that he bursts out in PRAISE!!!   

    1. To him WHO LOVES US (present tense) Romans 8:37-39
    2. and has FREED us (past tense) Revelation 5:9 and Revelation 7:14  from our SINS by HIS BLOOD,

      3. We, as believers, do/will overcome the devil because of the BLOOD of the Lamb (Revelation 12:11). The devil can NEVER undo that act of SALVATION that Christ did at Calvary and His subsequent resurrection!!
































Revelation Chapter 1, Verse 6 (NIV)

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6. and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father -- to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. This verse indicates one of the greatest transformations that takes place in a Christian's life. While here on earth locked in our physical bodies, and at times not feeling very royal, Christ through His blood (see previous verse) and its release makes us into a priestly kingdom. The four living creatures and twenty four elders sing of it before the throne in Revelation 5:10 .

In our priestly function, we, as a group (kingdom), are to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God (1 Peter 2:4-10). One of these sacrifices is intercessory prayer. Is it a sign of the times that this kind of prayer is so seldom seem among believers today?

The result of our kingdom is to reign with Him for a thousand years - Revelation 20:6 .

In Old Testament times, after the children of Israel left Egypt, God promised the same kingdom and priestly function to the nation of Israel in Exodus 19:3-6 . Centuries later it was confirmed through the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 61:4-9). That is not to say that present day Christians replace the Israel kingdom; that promise was forever and irrevocible - Romans 11:28-29 .

Yet even though we are a priestly kingdom, we still are His servants. (Revelation 22:3).

As for the earth, Adam was given dominion over it - Genesis 1:24-26 . Adam with his wife Eve, in turn, sold out to the serpent (Satan) - Genesis 3:1-7 , and now John is saying it really belongs to God, and He is using POWER to reclaim it (Hebrews 2:5-10); in fact, that is what the book of Revelation is all about!


































Revelation Chapter 1, Verse 7 (NIV)

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This is an attention getter. John is saying, Listen up! I have something important to relay to you. This is the way Daniel saw it, Daniel 7:13-14 , and as Christ Himself said it will be, Matthew 24:27-30 . The cloud has always shielded mankind from the complete and awesome power and glory of God. We cannot look upon Him directly in our current human state. But He (God) has led His children of Israel from Egypt to the promised land using a cloud. Moses was the only one to go up into that cloud to talk with God. He saw flashes of lightning from His right hand (Deuteronomy 33:1-5) just like Christ said His return would be like lightning flashes from the east to the west. His coming will be visible worldwide...and what every eye will see is given in Revelation 19:11-16 . Jude in Jude 14-16 lists some of those whose eyes will see Christ's coming. He even says that as far back as Enoch (seven generations from Adam) this was prophesied. Daniel (Daniel 7:9-12) sees the coming in a spiritual light against the beast (devil).

While it is felt that the reference to "those who pierced Him" is an indictment against the Jews and Gentiles (Pilate, Annas, Caiphas, and the Jewish leaders of the Sanhedrin) directly involved with Christ's death, the immediately following phrase "and all the tribes of the earth" includes all of us in the "piercing" process.

The physical piercing of Christ's side by the Roman soldier must have made an impact on John. For he writes about it in John 19:31-37 and it shows up here in Revelation again. Whether John was aware of Zechariah's prophecy of Christ's return (Zechariah 14:4), of the wounds inflicted by "the house of my friends" (Zechariah 13:6) or of the recognition that the house of David was responsible and will mourn over Him (Christ) for having done this (Zechariah 12:10-14), is not known. At any rate, all our sins put Christ on the cross where He received this piercing; we all will mourn over Him.

















Revelation Chapter 1, Verse 8 (NIV)

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   8"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." Here we have the first words directly spoken by God in the Revelation. They impart the meaning that God is the Beginning and the Ending; Everything created, destroyed, transformed, brought to life, and submitted to death as far as we humans are concerned is within God's purview.

This phrase implies complete occupation of the time spectrum - Matthew 28:20 ; but God also occupies all physical space as well - Matthew 18:20

If this sounds familiar, it should be because it is used in verse 4 as the description of God, the Father. This phrase expands God out beyond just the Alpha and the Omega (alphabets are uniquely tied to human intellect; that is, it is our way to express concepts, ideas, feelings and emotion). This phrase says that existance of the spiritual is beyond ALL human knowledge and wisdom - Colossians 2:3 . Literally, this means `the One who has His hand on everything". The ALMIGHTY is used 10 times in the New Testament. Nine of them are in the Revelation...when judgment is pending, we need to know Who is in control:















Revelation Chapter 1, Verse 9 (NIV)

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   9I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. John could have claimed full rank and authority as the last apostle of the original twelve, but he humbly says that he is one of us, a brother.
  1. suffering and
Just because we are Christians and have the full power of God behind us doesn't mean we won't face tough times. Christ says we will have tribulations - John 16:33 ; Paul, after being stoned, could say we would pass through many tribulations on our way into the kingdom of God - Acts 14:19-23 ; Paul felt closer (more complete) to Christ if he could share His sufferings - Colossians 1:24-29 ; and just living the Christian life will bring persecution - 2 Timothy 3:12-15 .
  1. kingdom and
We all receive this kingdom when we are washed in the blood of Christ - Revelation 1:6 . But there is another kingdom of which we are a part - Revelation 20:4-6 and Revelation 22:5 .
  1. patient endurance that are ours IN JESUS,
It is this endurance which makes the tribulation bearable as we wait for the final kingdom. One of the best indicators if a person truly is a believer is if he/she has endurance. It is an important attribute for the "Church Age". To the church at Ephesus, `I know ... your hard work and your perseverance.' - Revelation 2:2 . To the church at Thyatira, `I know ... [your] perseverance - Revelation 2:19 . To the church at Philadelphia, ` ... you have kept my command to endure patiently.' - Revelation 3:10 . To those with their name written in the book of life of the Lamb (true believers), they can face captivity and/or death `... with patient endurance and faithfulness.' - Revelation 13:10 . To those who refuse the mark of the beast by keeping the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus, they `... have patient endurance.' - Revelation 14:12 .

Suffering tests and purifies the loyalty of a true believer. Furthermore, Christ's power is perfected in our weaknesses - 2 Corinthians 12:9 .

The compelling need of John to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior got him exiled to the island of Patmos. Patmos is a small volcanic and rocky island about 25 square miles located some 35 miles westsouthwest of Miletus in the Mediterranean Sea. Emperor Domitian sent John there in AD 95 and Emperor Nerva released him some 18 months later according to Eusebius, the historian.

These two reasons show one of the characteristics common to the "Church Age", i.e. the time from Christ's ascension until the 'rapture' of the Church (still to come). This characteristic is one of individual witnessing to the power of God's Word and to the acquisiton of eternal life through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.


































Revelation Chapter 1, Verse 10 (NIV)

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10. On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, John is saying that he was in that special state when one is entirely engulfed by the Spirit. This Spirit is the same Counselor Jesus said He would send back to help or comfort us after He returned to heaven - John 16:7-11. And as Jesus promised, this Helper would convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment. All three are main themes of Revelation.

This "in the Spirit" state also allows movement throughout the spiritual realm. John refers to being transported in this state - Revelation 4:2, Revelation 17:3, and Revelation 21:10. So, too, Paul is transported to the third heaven as he describes it in 2 Corinthians 12:1-4.

This "Spirit state" also appears to be the only way to receive visions. Paul describes one of his experiences in Acts 22:17-21 where he was given a warning to get out of Jerusalem.

This "Spirit state" is not limited to the New Testament; Ezekiel describes similar transport as it happened to him - Ezekiel 3:12-15 and Ezekiel 37:1-2 .

There are several views as to what "the Lord's day" may mean. They are listed here. 

  1. The first day of the week, that is, Sunday for us.
  2. The resurrection day or Easter Sunday.
  3. The "day of the Lord" or when the final judgment occurs.
As Paul points out, the day is the Lord's day if you live it for Him - Romans 14:1-8. The important point is that on this day, John was "in the Spirit". And in this state he says It is not an actual trumpet, but a voice that sounds like one. It must grab your attention because John heard this same voice in Revelation 4:1, and yet this same voice takes on the qualities of "rushing waters" in Revelation 1:15.

Note: there are "real" trumpets, seven to be exact, which are used in Revelation to summon a group of judgments upon the earth - Revelation 8:2.






























Revelation Chapter 1, Verse 11 (NIV)

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11which said: "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea." The trumpet-like voice behind John tells him to "Write on a scroll (this Revelation) of what he sees. He includes throughout what he hears; but it should not be mistaken that this is coming from John's imagination. It isn't. He actually saw it while in the Spirit.

At the end of Revelation, John testifies/verifies that he did as told - Revelation 22:18-19 .

On a philosophic note: This book concludes the existance of mankind not unlike Moses' book, Genesis, is a book of the beginning of mankind -

































Revelation Chapter 1, Verse 12 (NIV)

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12. I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, John, amazed at the sound of the voice, turned to see who was talking with him. How come the voice was behind John? Is it symbolic of our fleshly desire to go in a different direction than what God wants us to go? To get with God, we need to hear His voice, turn around (and leave our earthly selfish desires behind), and SEE the Lord - Psalm 34:8-14 . These lampstands are clearly identified in Revelation 1:20 as the seven churches. With seven denoting completeness and golden the symbol of the indwelling of God, this view shows seven distinct churches whose believers are filled with God - 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 .

At first glance, John may have thought of the Menorah of the Old Testament tabernacle - Exodus 25:31-39 , but the Menorah has seven branches on one stand. Symbolically, the Menorah is equivalent to Israel and the single stand, the tribe of Levi as priests for the whole nation. In John's vision, he sees individual lampstands with Christ in their midst (next verse) . The lampstand is only the holder of the light source...the source is none other than God Himself - Matthew 5:14-16 . And with the presence of Christ in the midst the light should be growing brighter every passing moment - Proverbs 4:18.

































Revelation Chapter 1, Verse 13 (NIV)

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13. and among the lampstands was someone "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. The `Son of Man' was Jesus' favorite expression in referring to Himself. Paul describes how humbling this must have been for One to come from heaven's glory to assume the form of man as Jesus did - Philippians 2:3-8 .

Now John sees Jesus 'like' the Son of Man...he still had a recognizable human form but somehow he was different. Perhaps that is why we get a description of the clothing of this Son of Man.

John uses this same expression for the One sitting on the cloud ready to harvest (pass judgment on) the earth - Revelation 14:14 .

Note the location of this Son of Man. It is in the middle of His churches. He still is among His churches today not so much in the role of supplier of the church's needs but as the disciplinarian and judge. He is testing and trying the loyality of His followers. See the comments this Son of Man makes about His churches in the next two chapters of Revelation.

The first article of clothing is His robe. Being fully clothed indicates absolute righteousness; recall that the one time His garments were taken from Him was when He was made naked for the cross - Matthew 27:27-36 . He took the sins of the world upon Himself during that nakedness. This is why He could reprimand Laodicean members about their nakedness - Revelation 3:18 .

Furthermore, this fully robed Son of Man looks like the High Priest of Moses' time. See Exodus 28:2-5 . Jesus Christ now is at the right hand of God, the Father, (Acts 7:51-60) standing there in absolute righteousness just as the High Priest was to do in performing his ceremonies.

This fully clothed Son of Man also speaks to the fact that the true inner nature of Jesus still is hidden. Jesus did not talk much of His role as Judge while He was on the earth...perhaps that is why this book is called the Revelation of Jesus Christ. It is appropriate that we see Him thusly clothed at the beginning of this book.

There are two views (both supported by Scripture) as to what this symbolizes. First, in ancient times, the sash was the symbol of strength and authority. Commoners wore tunics of loose-fitting clothing, but ones in authority wore the sash. See the judgment carried out in Ezekiel 9 .

The other view is that the sash represents His righteousness and faithfulness (Isaiah 11:1-5) in carrying out judgment. This is exactly how the breastpiece of the High Priest is described - Exodus 28:15-21 . The golden color denotes kingly judgment.

































Revelation Chapter 1, Verse 14 (NIV)

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14. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. The first thing that catches John's eye is the white head and hair of the One standing in the middle of the lampstands. This parallels the vision Daniel saw of the Ancient of Days - Daniel 7:9 .

Sadly, our youth-oriented market-driven society would wish to see a brown-haired pleasant-eyed `Head of Christ'....BUT that is NOT what Jesus looks like today. Nowhere in the New Testament is the physical appearance of Jesus given. We only see Him as He was transfigured (Matthew 17:1-3) and as John describes Him here. Perhaps, well-meaning churches are deceiving the congregation when they hang a portrait of the "Head of Christ" in their sanctuary and it doesn't look like what John is describing here.

The whiteness denotes purity....the only kind of purity which can change scarlet sins to white - Isaiah 1:18. Praise the Lord!

In many cultures, white hair denotes wisdom and is an honor to have. Solomon indicates such in Proverbs 16:31 and Proverbs 20:29 . Thus this image fits 'the Ancient of Days' - Christ.

When polling the class I taught on Revelation, this feature was the one most impressionable. What is it with the eyes? In oriental films, when deep emotion is to be expressed, a tight shot of the eyes is put on the screen. Psychologically, we humans judge most quickly a person's character by their eyes. We use the expression 'he has wild eyes' or 'he has big eyes' for a person's demeanor.

Nathaniel was so impressed that Jesus "saw" him under the fig tree, that he became a disciple (John 1:44-51).

Here, the import of these eyes is that they are very penetrating like as if His eyes shot fire. This is not surprising, particularly in light of what is going on in the model churches (next two chapters). In fact, this description is included in the 'who's speaking' part of the church at Thyatira (Revelation 2:18). Its these same eyes which are triumphant in battle (Revelation 19:12).

Daniel doesn't mention the eyes in his initial vision in chapter 7, but in his later vision (Daniel 10:6) the eyes are like flaming torches. It's the fire which is so penetrating. All things are laid bare before the EYES of the Lord - Hebrews 4:13 . See also Job 31:1-4 . It checks for good and evil in our lives: 1 Peter 1:7 , 1 Corinthians 3:13 ; and the light in 1 Corinthians 4:5 .

But let's not dispair. These same eyes also look for the GOOD. Hanani told King Asa that 'the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may STRONGLY SUPPORT those whose HEART is completely His'. - 2 Chronicles 16:9 . See also Proverbs 15:3 and Zechariah 4:10 .

When these EYES look at you, what do they see? Is it dark and dirty inside or white like snow? You can have those eyes see a person, YOU, cleansed from sin !!!!!


































Revelation Chapter 1, Verse 15 (NIV)

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15. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. His feet: 
  1. Ran and played as a child.
  2. Carried Him at age twelve to the temple where He was listening and questioning the teachers - Luke 2:41-51 .
  3. Were wetted by the sinful woman's tears and dried by her hair all in the quest for forgiveness - Luke 7:36-50 .
  4. Walked up Calvary's hill where they received the crucifixion nails - Luke 24:39-40 .
  5. Are foretold that they will trample His enemies - Psalm 110:1 and Isaiah 63:3 .
  6. Will someday stand on the Mount of Olives as triumphant Ruler - Zechariah 14:4 .
  7. In their bronze color denote judgment. See also Daniel 10:6 .
The church at Thyatira was to be judged (Revelation 2:18) for its immorality. The white hot glow typifies the indeterrable glory of God; nothing can withstand it - 1 Corinthians 3:12-17 . At times large bodies of water can be perfectly still. Perhaps this is why we don't hear God's voice today as described here. God wants us "to be still and know that He is God" (Psalm 46:10 KJV) because He is in His holy temple (Habakkuk 2:20).

BUT when it is time for judgment (as Revelation will tell us) then His voice becomes like MANY WATERS. That is the way voices are in heaven - Revelation 14:2 and Revelation 19:6 . His voice is powerful and majestic - Psalm 29:3-9 . His voice is mightier than the breakers of the sea - Psalm 93:3-5 . In that day the loud, booming sound of Satan's "Rock'n'Roll" will be TOTALLY drowned out by His voice.

We all will listen to Him, like it or not!!!

































Revelation Chapter 1, Verse 16 (NIV)

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16. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. The right hand in the hand of authority. We know from Revelation 1:20 that the seven stars are the angels Revelation 2:12 or messengers to the churches. Thus, this symbol indicates that all true believer congregations have a messenger from God to guide and protect them. The congregation may make choices of their own, but when the members choose to work with God on spiritual tasks, this messenger is there to help.

This type of support and guidance is not unusual. Job indicates that the "morning stars sang together" (Job 38:7) as a praise support. Daniel says those who are faithful witnesses to God will shine brightly like the stars - Daniel 12:3 .

It is important in Revelation to realize this angelic support. To the church at Ephesus, the "who's speaking" restates that the One who holds the stars is the One who walks in the midst of the lampstands - Revelation 2:1 . To the Sardis church in Revelation 3:1 , the seven Spirits are combined with the seven stars. This indicates support also from the Holy Spirit for God's churches.

The "who's speaking" to Pergamum (Revelation 2:12), emphasizes that while they have trouble distinguishing between the Truth and the false teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitians, the Word of God (or the sword) would separate the falsehoods from the truth. The Word of God is indeed a sword, Ephesians 6:17 gives the sword to the Spirit; Hebrews 4:12 uses the sword to get to our inner most thoughts and intentions.

Consider the strength of God's spoken word. No less than ten times in Genesis 1, God spoke and the universe, the sun, the earth and all contained therein were created. John clearly says the Word took on human form in the man called Jesus - John 1:14 . This Jesus spoke and demons fled (Luke 8:26-34), diseases were healed (John 4:46-54), and death reversed (John 11:38-44).

Now in the Revelation, we see that ultimately this same Word (in the form of the sword) will put the nations to submission (Revelation 19:15) and will kill the armies of the beast (Revelation 19:21).

With such a POWERFUL Word supporting us, why is it so difficult for Christians to SPEAK of their faith?

This is not the first time John saw Christ this way. He was there at the mountain when Jesus was transfigured - Matthew 17:2 . This probably caused John to recall what Christ had said earlier that "the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father" - Matthew 13:43 .

Others have experienced the brilliance of God's glory. Saul of Tarsus (later called Paul) saw Him and was blinded - Acts 9:3-9 .

So powerful was God's glory that Moses only could see the back of God ... otherwise he would have died - Exodus 33:18-23 .

There is such purity in God's glory, that, as John puts it, "when we see Him, we will see Him as He is." - 1 John 3:1-3 . He adds that that should be enough for us to want to purify ourselves.


































Revelation Chapter 1, Verse 17 (NIV)

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17. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. Everyone who has had a close encounter with Jesus Christ has fallen at His feet in total submission of self. Man is so unclean, so sinful, so unloving that when held to the vision of Christ as John saw Him, one can only fall as dead at His feet. See what others felt after their encounter: Job in Job 42:5-6 ; Isaiah in Isaiah 6:1-5 ; Ezekiel in Ezekiel 1:28 ; and Daniel in Daniel 10:2-9 .

All express some form of insignificance before God!

If this is true for the righteous prophets, what is it going to be like for those who reject Christ? They won't inherit the kingdom of God - Galatians 5:19-21 ; they won't even see the kingdom of God, Jesus said so - John 3:3 . They will try to hide but can't - Revelation 6:16 ; and they will be totally gripped with fear - Luke 21:26 .

Here we (with John) are at Jesus' feet - totally overpowered by His glory, and He comes and gently touches us with His right hand of authority (including the stars: angels of the churches) and speaks to John. Remember John knew Jesus as a beloved (John 13:23) friend, so this touch felt very familiar! The first "Don't be afraid" in the Bible (Genesis 15:1) was followed by an "I am" promise - the covenant with Abraham to make his seed a mighty nation. In fact, Jesus himself physically was part of that covenant.

The life of a Christian is not one of fear or timidity...it is of power, love, and discipline - (2 Timothy 1:7). John saw the power; he felt the touch; and he knew he was going to discipline himself to write this book, no matter what he was about to see or hear!!!

The fact that Christ says I am the First and the Last confirms His authority as God. This is one of the titles given to God as Isaiah points out in Isaiah 41:4 , Isaiah 48:12 , and Isaiah 44:6 .

The rest of the "I AM" follows in the next verse.

































Revelation Chapter 1, Verse 18 (NIV)

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18I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. Christ, in using this expression, indicates He is the same as the LIVING God.

Who is the LIVING GOD?

  • He led Israel under Joshua's guidance into the Promised Land - Joshua 3:10
  • He led the armies of Israel against Goliath and the Philistines - 1 Samuel 17:26
  • He is the One the Psalmist thirsted after - Psalms 42:2
  • He gave His seal to an angel to seal the 144,000 from destruction - Revelation 7:2


    • It is this LIVING GOD who is speaking here!

    This expression parallels the `first and last' idea of the previous verse, but here it specificly refers to Christ the Messiah. It was He who died on the cross and rose again to be ALIVE FOREVERMORE.

    This becomes a central theme throughout Revelation. See how many times the words "blood" and "Lamb" are used. This is fundamental to our living forevermore too. We have been bought with a price - 1 Corinthians 6:20 and we have the hope of glory because He was raised from the dead - 1 Peter 1:18-20 .

    Paul clearly explains that Christ's death was a onetime event. He doesn't have to die annually to make atonement for sins like the High Priests of Old Testament times made atonement - Hebrews 9:23-28 .

    Whoever has the keys to anything controls access to and from the area. Here Christ says He has the keys to both death, our end of the physical body, and Hades, the destiny of our souls. Hades of the New Testament is the same as Sheol of the Old Testament.

    They refer to "the nether region" or, as some say, the center of the earth. During the time that Christ was "dead" physically, Ephesians 4:7-10 says he descended into the lower parts of the earth. But God would not abandon Him there according to the prophesy given in Psalms 16:10 , but He ascended from there leading the ones who were held captive up to His high mountain - Psalms 68:18 .

    So what is this place, Hades? It is located in the heart of the earth - Matthew 12:40 and Numbers 16:30-33 . It is divided into two compartments or areas seperated by a large gulf - Luke 16:19-31 . One compartment is for nonbelieving departed souls and the other for believing or righteous souls to rest.

    There are gates or doors to these two compartments. Formerly, the keys to the gates were in satan's hand (Hebrews 2:14 and Matthew 16:18). But Christ when he descended into Hades took the keys away from satan - Acts 2:22-24 ; He conquered death (Romans 6:9) forever and when we now die, as believers, we are with Him (Philippians 1:23).

    The nonbelievers remain in Hades until judgment time (Revelation 20:13). Hades (Sheol) is like a wide open and ever widening mouth devouring these souls - Isaiah 5:13-17 .




































    Revelation Chapter 1, Verse 19 (NIV)

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    19. "Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later.










     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     




      

    Revelation Chapter 1, Verse 20 (NIV)

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    20. The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
    A mystery is something formerly held out of view but now revealed or identified. John uses this term referring back to when the STARS and LAMPSTANDS were previously given in this chapter (Revelation 1:12 and Revelation 1:16 ). John also uses it in Revelation 10:7 as the mystery of God and in Revelation 17:7 with respect to the mystery of the woman and the beast. As with all "mysteries" of Revelation, they are explained either in Revelation itself or elsewhere in the Bible.

    If one takes this verse literally, it is implied that each church has an angel assigned to it. Some believe that this is the pastor or elder, but the verse says an angel, so an angel it must be. This is supported by Scripture which indicates that this notion was accepted by Paul and Peter. See 1 Corinthians 11:10 , 1 Corinthians 4:9 , Ephesians 3:10 , 1 Timothy 3:16 , 1 Timothy 5:21 , and 1 Peter 1:12 .