CHAPTER 1
Revelation is the last book of the Bible and a very important and exciting one. In Scripture God has graciously revealed Himself to all who will read it. We can learn that God created all things, that Christ died for all men, and that the Holy Spirit lives in all believers today. However, in Revelation God gives us even more, an exciting picture of His future plans. Think of God telling man what He is going to do! The Lord Jesus often did this when He was here with His disciples. These disciples were not only His servants, but He called them His friends. Because of this, He told them many things that would happen later, John 15:15 (KJV) Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. He gave them some details of His coming in Matthew Chapter 24, and the apostles were given more about this by the Holy Spirit in their writings, Paul in 1 and 2 Thessalonians and 1 and 2 Corinthians, and Peter in his second letter.
The Spirit had revealed a great deal about God's plans to the Old Testament prophets from Isaiah to Malachi, especially Isaiah and Daniel, also some more in the Psalms. But the book of Revelation ties all this together and adds much more. The apostle John wrote it and he often used language from the Old Testament without saying where it came from. Some other New Testament writers did the same but other times they quoted the original writer, David or Isaiah, by name, as in Romans 4:6 (KJV) Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Romans 10:20 (KJV) But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. But in Revelation John joined together the words from the prophets and from the Lord as part of what he was saying. For example, Christ will come with clouds, Revelation 1:7 (KJV) Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen, as Daniel and the Lord had said, Daniel 7:13 (KJV) I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him; Matthew 24:30 (KJV) And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory; and all Gentiles will see Him and mourn as Zechariah had said, and John had quoted in his gospel, Zechariah 12:10 (KJV) And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn; John 19:37 (KJV) And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced. We will notice more examples as we read this book of Revelation.
The one chosen to write this great book was the youngest of the twelve apostles. His father was Zebedee, his brother, James. All three, father and sons, were fishermen until the Lord Jesus called John and James with Peter to follow Him, Matthew 4:21 (KJV) And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. Later the Lord called these three and nine others, and named them apostles, Matthew 10:2 (KJV) Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother. These three men, Peter, James, and John, had a special place close to the Lord, Luke 8:51 (KJV) And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden; Luke 9:28 (KJV) And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray, and special work to do. But they had a lot to learn first. The Lord had called James and John the sons of thunder, Mark 3:17 (KJV) And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder. They seemed very quick to call down judgment on others, Luke 9:49,54 (KJV) 49 And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? These two brothers went to the Lord to ask Him for the highest place in His kingdom The Lord refused, Mark 10:35 (KJV) And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. Yet He still chose them for special work, Mark 13:3 (KJV) And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately; Mark 14:33 (KJV) And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy.
John knew that he had a place close to the Lord. Five times, he called himself the disciple whom Jesus loved, John 13:23 (KJV) Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved; John 19:26 (KJV) When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!; John 20:2 (KJV) Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him; John 21:7,20 (KJV) 7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. 20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? He was one of the three chosen to see the glorified Lord on the mountain. He leaned on Jesus' breast when they ate together. He took care of Mary after the Lord had died, and he and Peter saw the empty grave and believed that Christ had risen from death.
They were both important in the early church, Acts 1:13 (KJV) And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James; Acts 3:1 (KJV) Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour; Acts 8:14 (KJV) Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John; Galatians 2:9 (KJV) And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision, and suffered for the name of Christ, Acts 4:3,13,19 (KJV) 3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. 13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. At the very beginning of this book, we see a wonderful verse. God the Holy Spirit promised a blessing to all who read or hear the book of Revelation and keep these things, Revelation 1:3 (KJV) Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. So we are part way into blessing already! But also at the end of the book, He warned of punishment to any who try to add or take away anything from it, Revelation 22:18-19 (KJV) 18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. This tells us how serious God thinks it is to change words, and how important He considers Revelation. There are three main sections in Revelation:
1. What John had seen, the vision of Christ, Revelation Chapter 1
2. The things that are, the conditions in the churches, Revelation Chapters 2,3
3. Future things, Revelation Chapter 4-22
To understand prophecy it is necessary to live a holy life. You cannot disobey God's laws and expect to understand His plans. The first half of the book of Daniel tells how he and his three friends obeyed God and suffered for it. The second part gives us God's great revelations about the future. The book of Revelation is the same in that the first three chapters, give us Christ's messages to seven churches, and the rest of the book tells us what God is going to do in this world. The study of prophecy should make us live holier lives, 1 John 3.3.
LESSON 1 - THE PRESENT AGE
READ: Revelation Chapters 1 to 3
In the first part of Revelation, there are two sections:
1. John and his Lord, Revelation Chapter 1
2. Messages to seven churches, Revelation Chapters 2 and 3
1. JOHN AND HIS LORD, CHAPTER 1
The first chapter contains the Introduction, verses 1-3;
The writer and his prayer, verses 4-8;
And John's vision of Christ, verses 9-20.
INTRODUCTION, Revelation Chapter 1:1-3
Revelation 1:1 (KJV) The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: - This book is a revelation of Jesus Christ and His coming in glory. The disciples had wanted to know when the Lord would restore the kingdom. But He had told John and the other apostles that they were not to know the time of His coming again. The Father had put this in His own authority, Acts 1:7 (KJV) And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. This is not to say that Christ is less than God is, but the Lord Jesus always gave honour to His Father, John 8:29-49 (KJV) 29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. 49 Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me. So here, we find God revealing things to us and the order of the revelation of this book is:
God
Jesus Christ
His Angel
John
God's Servants
Christ is revealed in all Scripture, Luke 24:27 (KJV) And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself, but the word revelation (apocalypse, unveiling) is used of His return in glory, 1 Corinthians 1:7 (KJV) So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; 2 Thessalonians 1:7 (KJV) And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels; 1 Peter 1:7,13 (KJV) 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 1 Peter 4:13 (KJV) But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. The book of Revelation also reveals the glory of the Lord Jesus; He is mentioned forty-eight times in the book.
When would these things take place?
Revelation 1:1 (KJV) The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John -was written nearly 2000 years ago and it says soon. But we must remember that a thousand years is with the Lord as one day, 2 Peter 3:8 (KJV) But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
Today we can surely hope that the Lord will soon return. God has decreed that the events of Revelation must come to pass. And God's word will never fail, so how soon it must be now! God often used angels to speak to His people. He revealed Moses His covenant with Israel by angels. He spoke to Hagar Abraham, Manoah and his wife, Elijah and others by an angel. Here we see angels are prominent again in Revelation; they are mentioned sixty-two times.
In the last chapter, Jesus said that He had sent His angel to reveal these things through John to the churches Revelation 22:16 (KJV) I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. John saw and heard many strange and wonderful things in Revelation and we must look for the meaning. Many verses in the Bible are like this. For example, before He died, the Lord Jesus said that He would be "lifted up"; this meant that He would die on a cross, John 12:33-34 (KJV) 33 This he said, signifying what death he should die. 34 The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? So in Revelation; everything has a meaning. Even though we do not understand it at first, the Lord is telling us something. Pray that the Holy Spirit will help you to understand.
Revelation 1:2 (KJV) Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw - John was a faithful witness and recorded in this book words God said to him about Jesus Christ. He also wrote what saw in visions. However, he was commanded not to write down some things that he heard, Revelation 10:4 (KJV) And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not. Paul also was told not to write what he heard in the third heaven, 2 Corinthians 12:3-4 (KJV) 3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. God had special revelations for these men and they obeyed God by not writing them down.
Revelation 1:3 (KJV) Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. - First God gave John the wonderful promise of blessing for all who read the words of this prophecy. The promise is also to those who listen to someone else read it. But it is necessary to keep these words to get the promised blessing. It is possible for us read and then forget, James 1:23 (KJV) For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass. Keeping God's Word means obey, Revelation 14:12 (KJV) Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus, and we should remember that the time the Lord's coming is near, so let us read, listen to, and keep the Word.
In Matthew Chapter 5, the Lord Jesus on earth gave nine promises of blessing called the "Beatitudes.” In Revelation, from Heaven, He adds seven more: Revelation 1:3 (KJV) Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand; Revelation 14:13 (KJV) And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them; Revelation 16:15 (KJV) Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame; Revelation 19:9 (KJV) And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God; Revelation 20:6 (KJV) Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years; Revelation 22:7,14 (KJV) 7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. 14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. One of the interesting things about Revelation is the number different names used for God.
The following list gives twelve different names and lists how often they appear in each chapter:
Names of God in Revelation
Lord, ten times
Lord God, ten times
God, eighty-six times
Son of God, one time
Holy Spirit, nineteen times
Son of Man, twice
Jesus, six times
Jesus Christ, six times
Lord Jesus Christ, once
Lord Jesus, once
Christ, four times
Lamb, twenty-eight times
THE WRITER AND HIS PRAYER, REVELATION 1:4-8
Revelation 1:4 (KJV) John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne - John stated that he was the writer and that the message was for seven churches in the province of Asia in the old Roman Empire, now called Turkey. All thirteen of Paul's letters begin in the same way and give first the writer's name; James, I and 2 Peter and Jude are the same. In all of these except James, the writers ask that God might give grace or mercy and peace to the readers. Here John asked for grace and peace from God and the seven Spirits, Revelation 1:4 (KJV) John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, Revelation 1:8 (KJV) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty; God, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, see also 2 Corinthians 13:14 (KJV) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
Grace comes from the God of all grace, 1 Peter 5:10 (KJV) But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you, and is the basis for our salvation and justification, Romans 3:24 (KJV) Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; Ephesians 2:8 (KJV) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.
We also have peace from the God of peace, Romans 5:1 (KJV) Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, and His own peace to keep us, Philippians 4:7 (KJV) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
God is the eternal One, He always was and always will be, Exodus 3:14 (KJV) And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you; Deuteronomy 33:27 (KJV) The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.
There is only one Holy Spirit, Ephesians 4:4 (KJV) There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; and the words the seven Spirits refer to the Holy Spirit in all His fullness, Isaiah 11:2 (KJV) 2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. The Holy Spirit is mentioned ten times in Revelation Chapters 1 to 3, and nine times in the rest of the book. Here He is before the throne of God. The throne of God is mentioned forty times in Revelation, only ten times in all the rest of the New Testament. This teaches us that God will still rule in the end.
Revelation 1:5 (KJV) And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood - John also prayed that grace and truth might be given to the churches from Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus is described here as:
The faithful Witness
Isaiah 55:4 (KJV) Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people; John 8:14 (KJV) Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. The Lord Jesus always told the truth, even when it meant that He would be put to death, Psalm 15:4 (KJV) In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not; Matthew 26:64 (KJV) Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. We too should be faithful witnesses, Acts 1:8 (KJV) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Revelation 1:9 (KJV) I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ; Revelation 6:9 (KJV) And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held; Revelation 12:11 (KJV) And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
The Firstborn from among the dead
Christ rose from death and some day all men will rise from death, John 5:29 (KJV) And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. Christ will be the supreme Man in the new world, Colossians 1:18 (KJV) And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. "First-born" does not mean the first in time, it means the first in position. Others were raised from death before Christ, 1 Kings 17:22 (KJV) And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived; 2 Kings 4:35 (KJV) Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes; Matthew 9:25 (KJV) But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose; Luke 8:54 (KJV) And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise; John 11:44 (KJV) And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go, but He is the Head of all. This is His title at present.
The Prince of Kings
The Lord Jesus Christ will be the most important King; He will be called King of kings, Revelation 17:14 (KJV) These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful; Revelation 19:16 (KJV) And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
Jesus Christ:
In the past, the faithful Witness
In the present, Firstborn from death
In the future, Prince of all kings
These words tell us who He is, and the next words, what He has done for us.
Revelation 1:6 (KJV) And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
1. He loves us. This has always been true, Jeremiah 31:3 (KJV) The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. He loved us before we were born, He surely loves us now and always will.
2. He has set us free from sin and cleansed us from all evil. Sin is like slavery, we are chained by sin and cannot free ourselves, only the Son can set us free, John 8:36 (KJV) If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. Sin is also like filth, we cannot wash it away, only the blood of Christ can make us clean, John 13:10 (KJV) Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all; Hebrews 10:22 (KJV) Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
3. He has made us to be a kingdom of priests. This is what God offered to all Israel, He wanted them to be a special people for Himself, Exodus 19:6 (KJV) And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, but they failed, and only the men of the tribe of Levi were allowed to serve as priests. But the Holy Spirit taught Peter that now all Christians born from above are priests. How are we priests? A priest in the Old Testament offered sacrifices and worshipped God. But today all Christians may and should worship God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Peter 2:5,9 (KJV) 5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. Christ is the King of kings and He is also our Great High Priest, Hebrews 1:8 (KJV) But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom; Hebrews 4:14 (KJV) 14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
In the past: He loved us and shed His blood.
In the present: He loves us and makes us worship as priests to God.
(It is important to know that Christ has made US priests; not other men to be priests for us.)
In the future: He will still love us when He appears as King of the world. We will give Him the glory and He will rule forever and ever.
Revelation 1:7 (KJV) Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen - So we see God and the Holy Spirit in Revelation 1:4 (KJV) John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; and the Son of God in Revelation 1:5-6 (KJV) 5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Two more verses tell us what Christ is ready to do, and who He is. We have read that the time is near, Revelation 1:3 (KJV) Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand, and here He is already coming. He will come with clouds as Daniel prophesied, Daniel 7:13 (KJV) I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him; Matthew 24:30 (KJV) And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. He went up to heaven first when only His disciples saw Him, but when He returns every person will see Him. Those who hate Him, those who reject Him, will suddenly see the Son of God coming back. John wrote that all men will mourn at that time, as Zechariah had prophesied, Zechariah 12:10 (KJV) And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. No wonder they are afraid! Revelation 1:7 (KJV) Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen, - is a good example of how John used words from Old and New Testament prophecy, and added more details as given to him by the Spirit of God.) We say Amen because we know that God will judge sinners and we want Christ to get the glory.
Revelation 1:8 (KJV) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty - Now the Lord speaks and declares that He is the Alpha and Omega. These are the first and the last letters of the Greek alphabet. Christ is the Logos, the Word of God, and everything we know about God has come to us through Christ. The words of the Bible are made up of the different letters of the alphabet, so the title Alpha and Omega means that Christ is the complete revelation of all that God is. He is the exact representation of God's inner nature, Hebrews 1:3 (KJV) Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. Some Bibles add the word God in Revelation 1:8 (KJV) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. In Revelation it is sometimes difficult to be sure who is speaking, God or the Son of God, because what is said is true either way.
In Revelation 1:4 (KJV) John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne - God is described as the Eternal One who always was and always will be. He is the Lord who is, who was, and who is to come. In Revelation 1:8 (KJV) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty, the Son of God uses these same words about Himself. These words "is to come" say more than just that He always will exist in the future. We may say that God, as the coming One, is the Son of God. He came once, He is coming again.
The Lord also said He is the Almighty. The Almighty is the God of all power without any limit. Such power was needed to create the world, to redeem sinners, and to overcome God's enemies as in the book of Revelation. God is called the Almighty nine times in Revelation: Revelation 1:8 (KJV) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty; Revelation 4:8 (KJV) And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come; Revelation 11:17 (KJV) Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned; Revelation 15:3 (KJV) And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints; Revelation 16:7,14 (KJV) 7 And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments. 14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty; Revelation 19:6,15 (KJV) 6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God; Revelation 21:22 (KJV) And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it; (only once in the rest of the New Testament, 2 Corinthians 6:18 (KJV) And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty).
JOHN'S VISION OF CHRIST, REVELATION CHAPTER 1:9-20
This book is the revelation of Jesus Christ and Christ Himself is here revealed to John. The apostle described what he saw and heard.
1. John himself, Revelation Chapter 1:9,10
2. The Voice, Revelation Chapter 1:11
3. The Vision, Revelation Chapter 1:12-16
4. The Words, Revelation Chapter 1:17-20
1. The apostle John, Revelation Chapter 1:9,10
Revelation 1:9 (KJV) - I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ - None of the apostles set himself up as a ruler over the Christians. Peter called himself an elder like those to whom he was writing, 1 Peter 5:1 (KJV) The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed. John did the same, 2 John 1:1 (KJV) The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; 3 John 1:1 (KJV) The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Here John called himself a brother writing to brothers. The Christians were having trouble because of persecution from the government and John shared in that too. The believers had Christ as their King and they were waiting with patience for Him to come. The little island of Patmos is in the sea near the city of Ephesus and John was sent there as a prisoner. His crime? He preached the Word of God and gave his testimony that he believed in Jesus Christ. When Joseph was unfairly cast into prison, God gave him a special ability to interpret dreams, Genesis Chapter 40. Daniel was a slave when he was used to explain the king's dream, Daniel Chapter 2. Here John was given this great revelation when he was a prisoner on Patmos. God has His own purposes in everything.
Revelation 1:10 (KJV) I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, - Some people mistakenly assume that, when the apostle John wrote that he “was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day” , he was worshipping on Sunday and experienced the vision on that day. But nowhere does the Bible define “Lord’s Day” as the first day of the week. If this were referring to a day of the week, we would have to conclude that John meant the seventh day, since God calls that day His “holy day…the holy day of the LORD” (Isaiah 58:13). Jesus Christ said He was the “Lord of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:28), not some other day of the week (compare Isaiah 58:13).
However, the context of John’s vision shows that he wasn’t referring to a day of the week at all. Instead, he wrote that the vision transported him forward into that time the Bible elsewhere calls the “day of the LORD”, “day of the LORD Jesus Christ” and “day of Christ” (Jeremiah 46:10; Zephaniah 1:14; Acts 2:20; 1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Corinthians 5:5; 2 Corinthians 1:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 2 Peter 3:10).
These terms are not speaking of a specific 24-hour period. Instead, they refer to the end-time events surrounding the return of Jesus Christ, when He will personally and directly intervene in human affairs. Thus these terms indicate the end of the age of man’s rule and the beginning of the age of Jesus Christ. This is the theme of the book of Revelation and “the Lord’s Day” John saw in vision.
2. The Voice, Revelation Chapter 1:11
Revelation 1:11 (KJV) Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. - It was the voice of the Lord Jesus and He commanded John to write in a book everything which he was about to see. He was to send this book to the seven churches of Asia Minor, Revelation 1:4 (KJV) John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne. These churches are now named.
3. The Vision, Revelation Chapter 1:12-16
Revelation 1:12 (KJV) And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks. - John turned to see the Speaker. At first, he saw seven gold lamp stands. Moses made a gold lamp stand with seven lamps for the Holy Place in the tabernacle, Exodus 37:17,23 (KJV) 17 And he made the candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work made he the candlestick; his shaft, and his branch, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, were of the same: 23 And he made his seven lamps, and his snuffers, and his snuff dishes, of pure gold.. Solomon made ten lamp stands for the temple, 1 Kings 7:49 (KJV) And the candlesticks of pure gold, five on the right side, and five on the left, before the oracle, with the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs of gold. These were taken by Nebuchadnezzar, Jeremiah 52:19 (KJV) And the basons, and the firepans, and the bowls, and the caldrons, and the candlesticks, and the spoons, and the cups; that which was of gold in gold, and that which was of silver in silver, took the captain of the guard away, and perhaps one of them was in the king's palace when the fingers wrote on the wall, Daniel 5:3,5 (KJV) 3 Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them. 5 In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. In a vision, Zechariah saw a lamp stand with seven lamps, Zechariah 4:2 (KJV) And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof. Here the seven lamp stands are pictures of the seven churches, Revelation 1:20 (KJV) The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches, and Christ is standing among them.
Revelation 1:13-16 (KJV) 13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. - The One John saw made him think of the Lord Jesus, the Son of Man. Daniel called the Messiah the Son of Man, Daniel 7:13 (KJV) I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. The Lord Jesus often called Himself Son of Man, and John had heard Him do so many times.
Here John recorded nine things about the Lord Jesus.
1. He wore a long robe down to His feet like what a priest or a king would wear, Exodus 28:4 (KJV) And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office; 1 Kings 22:10 (KJV) And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah sat each on his throne, having put on their robes, in a void place in the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them. The Lord Jesus is both our High Priest and the King of kings.
2. The girdle around His chest was made of gold, which speaks of His deity. John the Baptist also had a girdle, made of leather, which he wore lower down, around his waist. Christ's breasts speak of His tender care for all God's children, even when He has to warn them.
3. His head and His hair were as white as wool, as white as snow. Here John used the same words that Daniel used to describe the Eternal God, Daniel 7:9 (KJV) I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. Christ is equally God.
4. His eyes were like a flame of fire. God can see everything and know everything. With the fire, He will judge whatever is not according to His holy will. In the letters to seven churches, He says seven times, "I know your works." The word fire is used twenty-five times in Revelation, mostly for God's judgment.
5. His feet were like fine bronze in a hot furnace. This too speaks of judgment because He is ready to judge and stamp out all that is opposed to God's will. God's throne was like fire in Daniel 7:9 (KJV) I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
6. His voice was loud enough to swallow up all other voices and sounds, like the sea roaring. It was very frightening, Ezekiel 1:24 (KJV) And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings; Ezekiel 43:2 (KJV) And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.
7. In His right hand, He held seven stars. His hands had been pierced with nails and still had the marks, Luke 24:39 (KJV) Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. The Son upholds all things, Hebrews 1:3 (KJV) Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high, but here the stars stand for these seven churches, Revelation 1:20 (KJV) The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
8. The sharp sword is a picture of the Word of God, Hebrews 4:12 (KJV) For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, which comes from the mouth of Christ, the Logos, the Alpha and Omega.
9. His face shone as bright as the sun. John had seen this before, Matthew 17:2 (KJV) And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. Also, see Ezekiel 8:1-2 (KJV) 1 And it came to pass in the sixth year, in the sixth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I sat in mine house, and the elders of Judah sat before me, that the hand of the Lord GOD fell there upon me. 2 Then I beheld, and lo a likeness as the appearance of fire: from the appearance of his loins even downward, fire; and from his loins even upward, as the appearance of brightness, as the colour of amber.
The Lord loved both Daniel and John and He gave them these visions of Himself, Daniel 10:5 (KJV) Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz, Daniel 6:11,19 (KJV) 11 Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. 19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions; Revelation 19:11-15 (KJV)
11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
They described Him in the same way; they were both impressed with the brilliant light shining from His eyes and face, and with the thundering sound of His voice.
Here are their visions of Christ:
VISIONS OF CHRIST
| Daniel 10 | Revelation 1 | Revelation 19 | |
| garment | linen | down to the feet | dipped in blood |
| girdle | gold, on the waist | gold, on His breast | |
| head and hair | white as wool, as snow | Many Crowns | |
| eyes | lamps of fire | flame of fire | flame of fire |
| feet | and arms, bronze | bronze, in a furnace | |
| voice | like many people | like many waters | |
| hand | holding seven stars | ||
| mouth | sharp sword | sharp sword | |
| face | like lightning | like the sun | |
| body | like a beryl |
In Daniel Chapter 10, the Son of God was in conflict with wicked spirits, Daniel 10:13 (KJV) But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. In Revelation Chapter 1, He was ready to judge His people, and in Revelation Chapter 19, He defeated His enemies, Revelation 19:15 (KJV) And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. In the Song of Solomon, also the Bride describes her Beloved from head to foot, Song of Songs 5:10-16 (KJV) 10 My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand. 11 His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven. 12 His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set. 13 His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh. 14 His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires. 15 His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars. 16 His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem. This is our vision as we think of His love to us. We should however remember that He must judge everything, which is not according to His will.
4. The Words, Revelation Chapter 1:17-20
Revelation 1:17 (KJV) And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last. - The glorious visions of Christ had a great effect on Daniel and John, Daniel 10:8-9 (KJV) 8 Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. 9 Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground. Imagine John suddenly hearing a voice like a trumpet blast behind him saying I am the First and the Last. What you see write in a book. He turned and saw a Person who at once reminded him of the Lord Jesus. He wore a long white robe with a gold band around His breast. This Person had head and hair as white as wool or snow. His eyes looked like flames of fire, His face shone like the sun, His feet like brass. His voice sounded louder than a huge waterfall or the roaring sea. He held seven stars in one hand and there was a sharp sword in His mouth. His face shone so brightly that it was like looking into the sun at noon. No wonder that John fainted! John fell at the Lord's feet as if he had died. The Lord had been holding seven stars in His right hand, but now He laid His right hand on John and spoke to him words of comfort, no doubt more softly than in Daniel 10:15 (KJV) And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb.. The Lord Jesus often comforted people by touching them with His hands: Matthew 8:3,15 (KJV) 3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them; Matthew 9:25,29 (KJV) 25 But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. 29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you; Matthew 17:17 (KJV) Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me; Matthew 19:15 (KJV) And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence; Matthew 20:34 (KJV) So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.
Mark 1.31; 6.5; 7.33; 8.22; 9.27; 10.13 Luke 4.40; 13.13; 22.51. And He allowed His disciples to touch Him, 1 John 1.1. The Son of God laid aside His glory when He became man and even little children were not afraid of Him, Mark 9.36; 10.16. John himself leaned on Jesus' breast, John 13:23 (KJV) Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.Why then was John now afraid? We have no idea of the glory of the Lord. It is not a word, which we can really understand. John was here suddenly faced with this glory and it made him terribly afraid. John had known and believed in Christ when He was here, but it was a terrifying sight to see Him in His glory. The apostle was overcome by the sight of the glory of the Son of God. No man can bear to see God in all His glory, Exodus 33:20 (KJV) And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live; 1 Timothy 6:16 (KJV) Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen, so the Son veiled most of His glory when He became Man. Now the Lord told John not to be afraid even though the Eternal God was speaking to him. He is the First and the Last; from eternity to eternity He is God, Psalm 90:2 (KJV) Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. Isaiah revealed God as the First and the Last, Isaiah 44:6 (KJV) Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God; Isaiah 48:12 (KJV) Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last. This means He existed before anyone else, there is no other God, and no one will exist longer than He.
Revelation 1:18 (KJV) I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. - He was alive, but He had been dead. Now He was alive and would never die a second time. He is alive forever and ever and the keys of everything are in His control. He is in charge of death and the place where dead people are. He is the eternal, all-powerful Son of God. This is what the Lord told John.
Revelation 1:19 (KJV) Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter. - Then He commanded John to write down the vision, they that are, and the things to come. This verse gives us an outline of the book of Revelation.
1. What John had seen, the vision of Christ, Revelation Chapter 1
2. The things that are, the conditions in the churches, Revelation Chapters 2,3
3. Future things, Revelation Chapter 4-22
Jehovah knows all the future, Isaiah 45:21 (KJV) Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me; Daniel 2:28 (KJV) But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these.
Revelation 1:20 (KJV) The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. - We cannot understand all the pictures of Revelation, but times we can get help from the Old Testament. Here the Lord explained the meaning of two things that John had seen:
The seven stars (Revelation 1:16 (KJV) And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength) are the angels of the seven churches
The seven lamp stands (Revelation 1:12 (KJV) And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks) are the seven churches.
Stars stand for angels in Job 38:7 (KJV) When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? and Isaiah 14:13 (KJV) For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north. The stand gives light in a dark place and so the church gives light world of darkness, Matthew 5:14-16 (KJV) 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven; Acts 13:47 (KJV) For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. The churches should shine like stars. Who are the angels of the churches? In chapters 2 and 3 see that there are seven messages to the seven angels’ churches, but Christ spoke directly to the people in the church. Some books teach that these angels are spirits and every church has a spirit being who looks after it. It is true that angels have been sent to take care of us, Hebrews 1:14 (KJV) Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?; Acts 5:19 (KJV) But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said; Acts 8:26 (KJV) And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert; Acts 10:22 (KJV) And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee; Acts 12:7 (KJV) And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands; angels watch the churches to see if people obey God's Word Acts 11:10 (KJV) And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven; Ephesians 3:10 (KJV) To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God; 1 Peter 1:12 (KJV) Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into; 1 Timothy 5:21 (KJV) I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. But the word angel also means messenger and is used that way seven times: Matthew 11:10 (KJV) For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee; Mark 1:2 (KJV) As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee; Luke 7:24,27 (KJV) 24 And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind? 27 This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee; Luke 9:52 (KJV) And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him; 2 Corinthians 12:7 (KJV) And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure; James 2:25 (KJV) Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?. Many people could not read in the days and the apostle Paul wanted his letters to be read and understood, Colossians 4:16 (KJV) And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
We may think of the messenger of the church as one who read letters to the church and wrote letters for the church, perhaps also taking them himself as there was no postal service. Today he would be called the secretary of the church.
