Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

What does Revelation Chapter 1 mean?

Written by the apostle John near the end of the first century, Revelation shows how events will play out in the end times: “the end of the world.” The title of the book, Revelation, is a translation of the Greek word apokalypsis, which means “an unveiling or a disclosure.” The book offers a blessing to everyone who reads it and a blessing to those who obey.

Revelation is John’s fifth and last New Testament book. In the Gospel of John, he wrote about Jesus as God’s Son and the Savior of all who believe on Him. In the letter 1 John, he offered several evidences of the believer’s salvation. In 2 John, he emphasized the importance of Christian love and sound doctrine. In 3 John he wrote about loyalty to the truth and the need to walk in the truth.

Revelation reveals how prophetic passages in the Old Testament that foretell yet future events will be fulfilled. It also shows how the events predicted in Matthew 24, Matthew 25, and 2 Thessalonians will come to pass.

The book of Revelation begins with John’s declaration that God had given him the revelation of Jesus Christ, and he extends a greeting like the apostle Paul’s greeting in his letters. John greets his readers with grace and peace from Jesus Christ, whom he identifies as trustworthy, eternal, and sovereign. He ascribes glory and power forever to Jesus because of His love and redemption. John views believers as appointed by the Lord to be a kingdom of priests to serve God and the Father (Revelation 1:1–8).

In the first chapter of Revelation we read that Jesus appears to the apostle John, who was banished by Rome to the Island of Patmos because of his faith. Jesus tells John to write about what he saw, about the present, and about what will take place in the future. John describes his personal circumstance when Jesus appeared to him and commissioned him to write seven letters to seven churches. He also describes Jesus in His glorified form—these descriptions suggest power, wisdom, and majesty (Revelation 1:9–16).

The churches are represented in this passage as individual lampstands, among which Jesus is standing (Revelation 1:17–20).

The following passages will describe Jesus’ message to each of these congregations.

Chapter Context
The apostle John begins this chapter by stating that he received the revelation of Jesus Christ by divine activity. God sent this vision to John while he was on the island of Patmos, likely as a punishment from the Roman government. This book follows John’s four prior messages contained in the New Testament: the Gospel of John and the letters 1, 2, and 3 John. Chapters 2 and 3 tell what Jesus dictated to seven churches in Asia Minor, while the rest of John’s message concerns future events.

Verse by Verse

Verse 1. The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,

Verse 1 identifies the entire book of Revelation as “the revelation of Jesus Christ.” The word “revelation” is from the Greek word apokalypsis, meaning “a disclosure” or “an unveiling.” The association of this term with John’s depiction of the end times is one reason we refer to “end of the world” occurrences using the term apocalypse. Scholars differ on whether the book of Revelation should be thought of as a disclosure about Jesus Christ or a disclosure from Him. Likely, it is both.

God gave the apostle John the book of Revelation to communicate events which will take place suddenly once they begin. He revealed these events to John through an angel. Although the angel is not named, it may have been Gabriel, who carried messages to Daniel, Mary, and Zechariah (Daniel 8:16; 9:21–22; Luke 1:5–19, 26–31).

John is referred to as God’s servant in Revelation 1:1. The Greek word translated “servant” means a slave. Just as a slave in ancient times did whatever his master told him to do, so John obeyed whatever God instructed him to do. In this case, God trusted John to communicate the revelation of Jesus Christ. The same Greek word, translated “servant,” identifies New Testament figures such as Paul, Timothy, James, Peter, and Jude (Romans 1:1; Philippians 1:1; Titus 1:1; James 1:1; 2 Peter 1:1; and Jude 1:1).

Context Summary
Revelation 1:1–3 is the prologue to the book of Revelation. It establishes the authority for the entire writing by stating that this uncovering—this ”revelation”—is from Jesus Christ, given by God to John. John testifies that what he saw was a message from and about Jesus Christ. He promises that all who read and obey the words of Revelation will be blessed.

Verse 2. who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.

In this verse John testifies that this account of his encounter with Jesus Christ has been recorded accurately. Further, he describes the substance of his testimony as the Word of God. The book of Revelation, therefore, is the product of divine inspiration and not the product of human imagination.

John had previously written the Gospel of John, introducing Jesus to the world as the Word, God’s message in human form. In his Gospel, John depicts Jesus as the Son of God and frames His work around seven key miracles. These are “signs” which show conclusively that Jesus is the Son of God. By recording these miracles John intended to persuade readers to believe in Jesus and thereby receive eternal life. He wrote in John 20:30–31: “Now Jesus did many other [miracles] in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

This revelation bears further testimony to the character of Jesus Christ.

Verse 3. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.

In this verse John promises a blessing to the person who reads aloud the words which have been written and a blessing to those who hear and respond in obedience to what they hear. This does not seem to imply a universal, tit-for-tat blessing on any person throughout all time who recites these passages. Rather, “the one who reads aloud” refers to the persons who originally read this message to a congregation; those who hear and obey its words refers to that congregation. Both the reader and the audience are blessed: literally, happy or fortunate. In a more general sense, this implies that there is great benefit to those who study and understand this writing.

When read and obeyed, the Word of God rejoices the heart. Jesus promised, “These things I have spoken to you…that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). First Thessalonians 1:6 reports that, when the Thessalonians “received the word in much affliction,” they did so “with the joy of the Holy Spirit.” The first Psalm describes the person who delights in God’s Word as “blessed” (Psalm 1:1–2). David, most likely the writer of Psalm 119, declared in verse 111: “Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.”

John concludes verse 3 by stating that “the time is near.” The Greek word translated “time” here refers to a period of time. In other words, John is predicting that the period described in this writing, when God wraps up history, is soon to begin.

Verse 4. John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne,

John greets the seven churches in Asia that are his designated audience. He employs the customary apostolic greeting, wishing his readers grace and peace. The two qualities are in an appropriate order: grace is mentioned first and is followed by peace. Grace is God’s undeserved favor from which everything good and necessary flows. Peace is the state of wellness of heart and soul. It is impossible to experience peace without first experiencing divine grace.

In this verse John identifies the triune God as the source of grace and peace. God the Father is viewed as eternal, existing in the past, present, and future. The reference to the seven spirits has generated some debate. Many believe this to be a unique reference to the Holy Spirit. These interpreters believe the number seven—a literal number often representing perfection in the Bible—describes the Holy Spirit as perfect. Others claim the Holy Spirit performs seven major ministries and those ministries are alluded to in the term “seven spirits.” And, the following reference to Jesus Christ seems to suggest that John is describing the entire Trinity, in turn.

John describes the seven spirits as being before God’s throne. The prophet Isaiah once depicted God as seated upon a throne in a highly troublesome time (Isaiah 6:1). Judah’s long-reigning king had died and the nation was at a very low point spiritually and morally. Also, enemy nations were pointing their swords at Judah. However, unsettled times cannot topple or shake God’s throne. He is all-powerful, sovereign, and eternal. Believers can trust Him, and experience His peace, at all times.

Verse 5. and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood

In this verse John describes Jesus Christ as “the faithful witness,” because He is the truthful, reliable source of what is recorded in this revelation.

Jesus conquered death and arose from the grave. He was the first to rise from the dead in a glorified, everlasting body. As such, He is referred to as “the firstborn of the dead.” His resurrection guarantees the resurrection of believers of the church age (1 Corinthians 15:12–28; Philippians 3:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16), the resurrection of tribulation martyrs (Revelation 20:4–6), the resurrection of Old Testament believers (Daniel 12:2), and the resurrection of the wicked dead of all periods of history (Revelation 20:12–13). Someday He will return to earth and reign over the nations. At that time every king will submit to His rule.

John points out that the ruler of kings is the believers’ redeemer. In His deep love for us He shed His blood on the cross to end sin’s tyranny over us.

Verse 6. and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Once we were helpless sinners, but now, as John explains in this verse, we are a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). Once we served sin; now we worship and serve God. We are a kingdom of priests. In Old Testament times, priests offered sacrifices on behalf of the people of Israel and stood as mediators between the people and God. Now we come directly to God through Jesus, and we offer ourselves and spiritual sacrifices to God (Romans 12:1; 1 Peter 2:5). Once we were in Satan’s domain; now we are in Jesus’ domain. Ephesians 2:2, 5 remind us that once we were followers of the prince of the power of the air—Satan—but our merciful and loving God made us alive together with Christ.

As John contemplates what God has done for believers by making us a kingdom and priests, he spontaneously offers praise to God. He ascribes glory and dominion. He concludes his doxology by saying, “Amen,” meaning, “Let it be so!” A similar praise for God’s grace and power on our behalf should arise from our hearts and lips.

Verse 7. Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.

In this verse John looks forward to the second coming of Jesus Christ. It is important not to confuse the second coming with the rapture. The rapture occurs when Jesus comes in the sky and catches up Christians from the earth to be with Him. The rapture is a secret event, in the sense that only those who are saved will see Jesus. On the other hand, the second coming is a public event. John declares that every eye will see Jesus at the second coming.

Also, the tribes of Israel will have undergone a national revival when Jesus comes again. There is no mention of such a revival before the rapture. John recalls what Zechariah had prophesied about Israel’s revival when Jesus comes to earth again. Zechariah 12:10 prophesies, “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn.” Likely, John remembers what the angel told him and the other apostles when Jesus ascended into heaven. The angel promised that Jesus would come again in the same way as He went into heaven. Then, Jesus ascended in a cloud from the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:11–12), and at His second coming He will return in the clouds to the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:4; Matthew 24:29–30).

John’s joyful anticipation of Jesus’ return to earth caused him to exclaim, “Even so. Amen” (Revelation 1:7). We, too, should eagerly anticipate the second coming, because Jesus will reign over the earth, and we will reign with Him (2 Timothy 2:12).

Verse 8. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

In this verse John identifies Jesus as the Alpha and Omega. These are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. The designation emphasizes Jesus as eternal—the beginning and the end. As someone correctly observed, “Jesus is the Alpha and Omega and everything in between.” In His address to the church at Smyrna, Jesus affirmed that His words were those of the first and the last (Revelation 2:8).

John further describes Jesus in Revelation 1:8 as the Lord God, “who is and was and who is to come, the Almighty.” The title, “Lord God,” reminds us that He is our ruler, who deserves our obedience. As God, He deserves our worship. Jesus has always existed and always will exist as the Almighty. Before the world was formed Jesus existed, and as John 1:2 and 3 point out, He was in the beginning with God, and He created everything. Because He is Almighty, nothing is too hard for Him. The latter part of Revelation depicts enemies marshaled against Jesus, but they cannot defeat Him. He destroys His enemies with the breath of His mouth (Isaiah 11:4). Because He is all-powerful, we can trust Him to accomplish for us what we could never do for ourselves.

Verse 9. I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

This is the second time in chapter 1 that John identifies himself directly. The first time (Revelation 1:4) he simply gives his name. Now, in verse 9, he writes that he is his readers’ “brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus.”

Although John could have called himself an apostle in verse 9, he chose to call himself simply a brother. The choice shows John’s humility and is a strong indication that he and his readers shared an equal standing in God’s family. Further, they were partners in suffering, as are all who live a godly life (2 Timothy 3:12). John tells his readers that he and they were patiently enduring tribulation with the hope of Christ’s kingdom in their hearts.

Tradition holds that the Roman Emperor Domitian had banished John to Patmos around AD 95. Later in that exile, also according to tradition, John was forced into hard labor in the mines. Finally, Roman officials sent him to an ancient version of a concentration camp, where God communicated the book of Revelation to Him.

Because of his proclamation of God’s Wordand his witness about Jesus, John was banished to lonely Patmos, but the Roman Empire could not silence John. His testimony about Jesus continued in the form of the inspired book of Revelation. By faithfully writing Revelation, John reached more people with the good news about Jesus than he could have if he had continued his pastoral ministry at Ephesus.

Context Summary
Revelation 1:9–11 explains why John is on the island of Patmos: ”the word of God and testimony of Jesus,” likely referring to some kind of persecution. He further explains that he was ”in the Spirit.” This possibly refers to a spiritual state of mind, a sense of being controlled by the Holy Spirit, or a feeling of overt communication from God. While in that condition, John heard the Lord command him to write on a scroll what he saw, and send it to seven churches existing in that era.

Verse 10. I was in the Spirit on the Lord ‘s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet

Here, John explains the circumstances surrounding his charge from God: to write to the seven churches. He was somehow “in the Spirit,” when he heard a loud voice behind that sounded like a trumpet. This might refer to a state of deep communication with God, or even an overt moment of control by the Holy Spirit.

Some scholars believe that by “Lord’s day” John was referring to the tribulation, the seven years of judgments that follow the rapture. It is true that the term “day of the Lord” is used in the Old Testament (Joel 2:1) and 2 Thessalonians 2:2 to refer to the tribulation. However, that does not seem to be what John means in this verse. In 2 Thessalonians 2:2 Paul wrote that the claim that the day of the Lord had already come was false. He declared it was still in the future, and would follow a rebellion—an apostasy—and the appearance of the “man of lawlessness.” Most likely, then, John’s use of “the Lord’s day” implies the first day of the week, when Christians gathered for worship (Acts 20:7).

John writes that he heard a loud voice that sounded like a trumpet. The word for trumpet used here specifically identifies a war trumpet. This would certainly have gotten John’s attention. It was definitely a commanding voice that must be heeded.

Verse 11. saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”

John is describing how he came to be given this revelation from Jesus. While “in the Spirit,” John is surprised with a loud, powerful voice, like that of a war trumpet. The person who spoke with this authoritative voice commanded John to write what he saw in a scroll and send it to seven churches. This is the first of twelve commands in the book of Revelation. The rest appear in Revelation 1:19; 2:1, 2:8, 2:12, 2:18; 3:1, 3:7, 3:14; 14:13; 19:9; and 21:5.

The churches listed in Revelation 1:11 were actual churches located in what is today the country of Turkey. Ephesus, Smyrna, and Pergamum lay along the coast of the Aegean Sea, with Ephesus being the closest city to the island of Patmos. Smyrna was north of Ephesus, and Pergamum was north of Smyrna. The other four churches were situated in the interior of the country. From south to north they were Laodicea, Philadelphia, Sardis, and Thyatira. Many interpreters see strong similarities between the exhibited characteristics of these churches and the historical characteristics of the worldwide Christian Church from Pentecost to the rapture.

Verse 12. Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands,

John is describing how he came to receive this Revelation, from Jesus Christ. While “in the Spirit” (Revelation 1:10), John heard a powerful voice commanding him to write a message to seven churches (Revelation 1:11). According to this verse, John turned around to see who was speaking in a loud voice like a trumpet.

Upon doing so, he saw seven golden lampstands. In the Old Testament, a single golden lampstand with seven lamps that burned with oil stood in the tabernacle and later in the temple (Exodus 25:31; Hebrews 9:2). An angel showed the Old Testament prophet Zechariah a golden lampstand with a bowl on its top and seven lamps on top of it (Zechariah 4:1–2). This single lampstand represented the nation of Israel, whom God had chosen to be a light to the Gentiles.

However, the apostle John saw seven individual lampstands. As Revelation 1:20 explains, the seven lampstands represented seven churches. Each individual church was supposed to shine her light into a spiritually dark world. Addressing the church at Philippi, the apostle Paul exhorted, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14–15).

Context Summary
Revelation 1:12–16 unfolds what John saw when he turned after hearing a loud voice command him. The speaker stood in the midst of seven golden lampstands. He was wearing a long robe and a golden sash around His chest. His hair was white. His eyes resembled a blazing fire. His feet were like bronze. When He spoke, His voice sounded like the roar of many waters. He held seven stars in His right hand. A double-edged sword protruded from His mouth, and His face shone like the noonday sun.

Verse 13. and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest.

John saw someone “like a son of man” in the midst of the seven lampstands. The Son of Man is a messianic term that relates Jesus to Israel, but it also reveals His humanity. He is truly man as well as truly God. The prophet Daniel predicts that dominion, glory, and a kingdom will be given to the Son of Man. John 5:27 testifies that God has conveyed Jesus authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man.

What follows John’s reference to the Son of Man is a symbolic description of the risen, glorified Jesus. He wears a long robe with a golden sash around His chest. The long robe depicts a judge or a priest or perhaps both, because Jesus is both judge (James 5:9) and high priest (Hebrews 4:14–16). The golden sash symbolizes Jesus’ purity (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:22; 3:18; Hebrews 4:15).

Verse 14. The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire,

In this verse John describes Jesus as having hair like white wool and snow. The prophet Daniel wrote that he saw the Ancient of Days, describing Him as having hair that resembled wool (Daniel 7:9). Seen as having such a resemblance to God the Father, Jesus is eternal. His white hair suggests He is wise, experienced, dignified, authoritative, pure, and glorious.

John writes that Jesus’ eyes were like a flame of fire. Nothing is hidden from His sight. As the all-seeing judge, He judges righteously, without partiality. Also, His judgments are pure and right. No one can feign innocence in Jesus’ presence and succeed with the hypocrisy (Romans 1:18–20). As Revelation unfolds, we see that Jesus sentences unbelievers to three series of judgments for their crimes. Those judgments are the seal judgments, the trumpet judgments, and the bowl judgments. Not one sinner can escape those judgments, and no one can rightfully claim He does not deserve to be punished.

Verse 15. his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters.

John describes Jesus further as having feet like burnished brass refined in a furnace. Likely, the reference is to brass that has turned white in the process of burning. The word for “burnished brass” is unique, and seems to only occur in the book of Revelation in all of ancient Greek literature (Revelation 2:18). It appears to be a compound of the Greek words for metals such as brass, and bronze, and the Greek term for frankincense, probably a reference to its whiteness. This makes sense of John’s explanation that the appearance was like something glowing in a furnace.

The bronze altar in the temple was used for making sacrifices for sin and for expressing in fire God’s judgment on sin. Jesus suffered on the cross to take upon Himself God’s judgment for our sin. First Corinthians 15:3 states plainly that Christ died for our sins. He alone is worthy to execute judgment on all sinners that reject Him.

The apostle Paul told the assembly on Mars Hill that God has “fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead” (Acts 17:31). Revelation 20:11–15 describes the final judgment of the wicked of all periods of history. If a person’s name is not found in the book of life, he or she is cast into the lake of fire.

John reports that Jesus’ voice was like the roar of many waters. Isaiah 42:13 associates a loud voice with that of a warrior shouting aloud as a mighty man against his enemies. So Jesus will show Himself mighty against His foes.

Verse 16. In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.

This verse tells us John saw Jesus holding seven stars in His right hand, and verse 20 explains that the stars are the angels of the seven churches to which John was commanded to write. The stars or angels may be the chief elders of the seven churches, actual angelic beings, or whoever received and sent messages on behalf of the churches.

It is helpful to realize that the Greek word translated “angels” may also be translated “messengers.” Even the Hebrew word for an angel, mal’ak, essentially means “a messenger.” This is why it’s possible that the reference here is to pastors or church members responsible for correspondence on behalf of their respective congregation, as well as “actual” angels.

What is especially noteworthy is the fact that Jesus holds the “angels” in His right hand. Although their work is challenging, the omnipotent Head of the church protects His servants. The fact that Jesus is holding the stars in His right hand may suggest that they belong to Him and are protected by Him. In His gospel, John quotes Jesus as affirming that no one is able to snatch His sheep—all believers—out of His hand (John 10:28).

John saw a sharp two-edged sword proceed from Jesus’ mouth (Revelation 1:16). The two-edged sword refers to the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12). The Romans used a two-edged sword to kill their enemies by stabbing. Jesus’ Word condemns the wicked and assigns them to the second death (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:14).

John also saw Jesus’ face. It shone like the sun at its brightest moment. John had witnessed a similar sight of this divine glory when Jesus was transfigured at the top of a high mountain (Matthew 17:1–2).

Verse 17. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last,

The appearance of Deity in the Old Testament brought humbling responses. When the Lord appeared to Moses from a burning bush, Moses hid his face because he was afraid to look at God (Exodus 3:1–6). When Isaiah saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, he cried out, “Woe is me! For I am lost…for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts” (Isaiah 6:5). When the prophet Daniel received a vision of the glorious Christ, his strength left him. He fell into deep sleep with his face to the ground. However, an angel touched him and told him not to fear (Daniel 10:8–12).

When the apostle John saw the glorified Christ, he fell at His feet as though dead (Revelation 1:17). However, the Lord responded by telling Him not to fear. He identified himself as He did in verse 8 as the first and the last. Because believers are united by faith to Him, who is eternal, they too have nothing to fear.

Context Summary
Revelation 1:17–20 reports John’s dramatic response to seeing the glorified Son of God and Jesus’ comforting actions and words. Jesus also describes Himself and repeats His command to John to write what he has seen, the present things, and what lay in the future. Finally, He explains the meaning of the seven stars and the seven lampstands.

Verse 18. and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.

In this verse we learn from Jesus that He is alive. He died, but death could not hold Him. He arose and is alive forevermore. The truth of the resurrection is unique to Christianity. All religions are based on a founder who died and did not come back to life. Christians know and serve a living Savior!

Jesus told John that He possesses the keys of Death and Hades. Death and the place of the departed dead are under the control of the risen Savior. The Christian need not fear death or Hades, because death ushers him or her into Jesus’ presence in heaven (1 Corinthians 15:51–57; 2 Corinthians 5:1–8; Philippians 1:21–23). Because Jesus possesses the keys to Death and Hades, He can open death’s door at any time to allow a believer to enter heaven, and He can open and shut the gates of hell to confine unbelievers there forever.

Verse 19. Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this.

In this verse we learn that Jesus instructed John to write what he had seen, the things that are, and those that are still future. The things that John had seen comprise an account of John’s experience at Patmos when Jesus appeared to him. The letters to the seven churches that were located in Asia comprise the “things that are.” The rest of the book of Revelation comprises the things that are to take place after this.

These three components provide a good working outline of the book of Revelation. Chapter 1 includes the things John saw to introduce his writing. Chapters 2 and 3 include the things that are. Chapters 4—22 describe the things which are yet to take place. Although there are divisions in each of these main parts of Revelation, the threefold outline provides a well-organized basis for studying the book of Revelation. Although no specific dates are given for the events described in Revelation 4—22, we gain a broad awareness of what lies ahead for humanity and the earth.

Verse 20. As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

In this verse Jesus explains the meaning of the seven stars and the seven golden lampstands. He says the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches. Some students of Scripture identify these angels as heavenly beings who serve as guardians of the churches. It is argued that individual believers have guardian angels, so perhaps individual churches might also have guardian angels. But why would Jesus instruct John to send letters to heavenly beings? And how would those letters be delivered?

It is helpful to realize that the Greek word translated “angels” may also be translated “messengers.” Even the Hebrew word for an angel, mal’ak, essentially means “a messenger.” The messengers referred to here may have been pastors or church members who were responsible to handle correspondence on behalf of their respective church. What is especially noteworthy is the fact that Jesus holds the “angels” in His right hand. Although their work is challenging, the omnipotent Head of the church protects His servants.

The seven golden lampstands, Jesus states, are the seven churches. A lampstand is an appropriate symbol for a church, because a church’s responsibility is to help enlighten its members regarding God’s will and to shed the light of the gospel into a spiritually and morally dark world.

End of Chapter 1.

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