The Revelation was without doubt written by the apostle John, the writer of the Gospel and the three Epistles bearing his name. It is not known who banished John to the isle of Patmos: some suppose it was Claudius (A.D. 41-54); others Nero (A.D. 54-68), and others attribute it to Domitian (A.D. 81-96). It is generally held that all John's writings are of a later date than any other parts of the New Testament. The Revelation is usually assigned to the date of Domitian (A.D. 95 or 96.)
There are fewer Greek uncial manuscripts of this book than of any of the others, and some of these had not been discovered when the Authorized Version was made, which makes the various readings now introduced very numerous.
The book clearly divides itself under three heads: ‘things which thou hast seen’: ‘things that are’; and ‘the things which shall be after these’ (Rev. 1:1919Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; (Revelation 1:19)). The things he had seen are those found in Rev. 1; ‘the things that are’, embrace the church on earth, viewed in the seven churches which then existed (Rev. 2, 3.), and 'the things after these' are contained in Rev. 4. to the end.
Rev. 4 shows the saints—the four and twenty elders in heaven—and the church is not seen on earth in the following chapters.
In Rev. 5 Christ is declared worthy to open the book of God's secret counsels as to the earth. It was a roll with seven seals so placed that a portion could be unrolled between each seal.
Six of the seals are opened, and then intervenes a parenthetical chapter (Rev. 7), which gives the sealing of the 144,000 of Israel, and the gathering of a great multitude of saints from the Gentiles.
The seventh seal is opened, which introduces the seven trumpets. Six trumpets are sounded, and another parenthesis occurs (Rev. 10-11:13).
Rev. 15, 16 the seven vials of direct judgments.
Rev. 17-19:10 papal Rome is judged, and the marriage of the Lamb follows. Christ is declared King of kings and Lord of lords.
Rev. 19:11-20:15, Christ comes in power to judge His enemies. Satan is bound for a thousand years—the millennium; then he is loosed for a season and cast into the lake of fire. The judgment of the wicked dead follows.
Rev. 21:1-81And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Revelation 21:1‑8) is the eternal state. Rev. 21:99And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. (Revelation 21:9) to 22:5, the millennium, and the church in connection therewith.
Rev. 22:6-21 Conclusion.
are introductory. The Revelation was of Jesus Christ given by God to show Christ's servants future things. A blessing is pronounced on him that readeth, and they that hear and keep the things written.
John greets the seven churches which are in Asia with grace and peace from Him who is, and who was, and who is to come; and from the seven spirits which are before His throne; and from
Jesus Christ the faithful Witness, the first begotten from the dead and Prince of the kings of the earth. John breaks out in praise at the mention of this name.
Rev. 1:88I 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 1:8) brings before us the A and Q, the beginning and end of all the ways of God, the Jehovah of Israel, and the almighty God, who made the promises to the patriarchs.
John in the isle of Patmos, being in the Spirit on the Lord's day, is directed to write the vision and send it to the seven churches.
John sees seven golden lamps, and the Lord in the midst as the Son of man, not arrayed for service, but as one ready to execute judgment (which commences on the church as responsible on earth).
John falls at His feet as dead; but is told not to fear, He is the first and the last (Jehovah); He was dead, but is alive, and has the keys of death and of hades.
John is to write (1) the things he had seen; (2) the things which are (the state of the church as described in the seven addresses); and (3) the things that should be after these (after the church is ‘caught up’).
The seven stars are the angels (administrative representatives) of the assemblies; and the lamps are the assemblies.
Rev. 2
Address to EPHESUS. These things saith He that holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lamps. He knew their works and faithfulness, but they had left their first love, and this is accounted a fall, and repentance is called for or their lamp would be removed. They hated the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which He also hated.
(To leave their first love was the first step downward. The spring of devotedness and service was thus lacking.)
He that had an ear was to hear what the Spirit said unto the churches.
To the overcomer Christ would give to eat of the tree of life in the paradise of God.
Address to SMYRNA.
These things saith the first and the last, who became dead and lived. He knew their tribulation and poverty and the railing of those who falsely said they were Jews (claimed to be God's hereditary people—Judaizers). The devil was about to cast them into prison and into tribulation: they are exhorted to be faithful unto death, and Christ would give them a crown of life.
He that overcame should not be hurt of the second death.
(Persecution characterizes this church: historically it followed the first period. The ‘ten days’ of verse 1 may refer to the ten persecutions from Nero to Diocletian, or to the persecution of ten years' duration under Diocletian.)
Address to PERGAMOS.
These things saith He that has the sharp two-edged sword. He knew their works and that they dwelt where Satan's throne was (the church and the world united); they had held fast Christ's name and had not denied His faith; but they were tolerating those who held the doctrine of Balaam (cf. Num. 31:1616Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the Lord in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the Lord. (Numbers 31:16)) and that of the Nicolaitanes.
They are called to repent, or Christ would come and fight with the sword of His mouth those who held those doctrines.
To the overcomer Christ would give of the hidden manna, and a white stone in which would be written His new name (secret communion and approval).
(Historically this church is characterized by profession, when the Roman emperor Constantine professed Christianity, and when there was great conflict over creeds.)
Address to THYATIRA.
These things saith the Son of God, who hath His eyes like a flame of fire, and. His feet like fine brass (judgment).
He knew what was worthy of commendation among them, and their works are twice mentioned; but He also knew that Jezebel was permitted to seduce the saints. Judgments awaited her. Those who had not that doctrine were encouraged to hold fast what they had till Christ came (the only hope amid the apostasy).
To the overcomer power would be given to rule the nations with a rod of iron. And to him would be given the morning star.
(Historically this answers to Popery. Jezebel, the mother of corruption, has children born therein; but in the midst of Jezebel's corruption there were works recognized by Christ.)
Rev. 3—Address to SARDIS.
These things saith He that hath the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars. He knew their works, that they had a name to live (renown) but were dead—lifeless profession and worldliness, and the little that remained was likely to die away.
If they did not watch, Christ would come upon them as a thief (as He will come in judgment on the world: cf. 1 Thess. 5:22For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. (1 Thessalonians 5:2)). The overcomer should be clothed in white raiment: his name should not be blotted out of the book of life (the register of profession, agreeing with a name to live), but should be confessed before the Father and His angels.
(Historically it represents Protestantism.)
Address to PHILADELPHIA.
These things saith He that is holy and He that is true (titles not named in Rev. 1. They are what Christ is in Himself, with administrative power to shut and open)
He knew their works. He set before them an open door, for they had a little strength, and had kept His word and had not denied His name. They are loved and owned of Christ in the face of religious assumption.
Christ would come quickly: they are exhorted to hold fast what they had that no man took their crown.
The overcomer would be made a pillar in the temple of God, and would bear the name of God and of the new Jerusalem, and the new name of Christ. (Note the word ‘my’; disowned by religious pretension they are identified with Christ.)
(Historically it may be taken to represent faithfulness in the last times of the church's sojourn on earth.)
Address to LAODICEA.
These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God (Christ's own personal character).
He knew their works, and that they were neither cold nor hot (complete indifference); because they were lukewarm He was about to spue them out of His mouth.
They prided themselves on their supposed resources, but were in reality wretched, poor, naked, and blind.
They were counseled to obtain divine righteousness from Him with purity of character and spiritual eyesight.
Christ rebuked and disciplined those He loved, and exhorted them to be zealous and repent.
Christ is outside, knocking for admittance. If any one opened, He would come in and sup with him, and he with Christ.
The overcomer should sit on Christ's throne, as He had overcome and was sitting on His Father's throne.
(Historically it represents faithlessness in the last times of the church's history.)
The last four phases of the church continue till the Lord comes to fetch His saints, but Laodicea and Popery and Protestantism may continue as mere profession even later, until judgment falls upon apostate Christendom.
Rev. 4
The course of the church being now ended on earth, John is called up to heaven to see the things that will be after the matters related as to the church in chapters 2, 3.
Round the throne are four and twenty thrones (not ‘seats’), and elders sitting thereon clothed in white and with crowns of gold as kings. The number 24 signifies completeness of priesthood, and they are glorified and clothed in righteousness. They symbolize all saints to the rapture as royal priests.
Tokens of judgment proceed out of the throne, and before the throne are the seven Spirits of God (to bring to light and judge what does not suit the throne).
Before the throne is a sea of glass (as the laver of the tabernacle and the sea of the temple; but now fixed, accomplished holiness), and in the midst of the throne and round it were four living creatures, emblematical of God's power, firmness, intelligence, and rapidity of execution in creation and in providence (cf. Ezek. 1).
They celebrate Jehovah Elohim, Shaddai thrice holy, which was, and is, and is to come. And, when they ascribe glory, honor, and thanksgiving, the four and twenty elders worship Jesus as Jehovah and Creator.
Rev. 5 –
This chapter exhibits the glory of the Lamb and His victory in redemption (as in Dan. 7:13,1413I 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. 14And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. (Daniel 7:13‑14))
When He, as the slain Lamb, had taken the book, the living creatures and the elders, who act here as priests and present the prayers of saints, sing a new song—the song of redemption, the worthiness of the Lamb to open the book, for He has redeemed to God. (The word ‘us’ in verse 9 is omitted by most editors.)Rev. 5:11, 1211And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. (Revelation 5:11‑12). The angels ascribe praise to the Lamb.
Rev. 5:13, 1413And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. 14And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever. (Revelation 5:13‑14). Every creature renders praise to Him that sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb. The living creatures add their Amen to the utterance of creation, and the elders worship.
Rev. 6 –
The First Seal discloses one on a white horse, to whom a crown was given (imperial conquest).
Second Seal. One on a red horse: he took peace from the earth (civil war).
Fifth seal. Souls of martyrs are seen under the altar (slain for the word of God and the testimony which they held. They are specially those martyred during the first half of the seventieth week of Dan. 9), they cry for vengeance on the earth dwellers; but they must wait a little while until others are also martyred.
Sixth seal. There is a great earthquake, and the sun, moon, and stars are affected (the break-up upon earth of government as ordained from heaven). Those in authority call upon the mountains and rocks to fall on them, and hide them from the face of God, and from the wrath of the Lamb, saying in their affright that the great day of the Lamb's wrath had come; but these are only preliminary judgments
Rev. 7
–A parenthetical chapter before the seventh seal. Further judgments are stayed till a perfect number (144,000) of the twelve tribes of Israel are sealed. (The spared ones of all Israel, cf. Rom. 11:2626And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: (Romans 11:26).)
Rev. 7:9-179After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; 10And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. 11And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, 12Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. 13And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 14And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. 16They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. (Revelation 7:9‑17). A great multitude of all nations, peoples and tongues stand before (not ‘around’ here) the throne, and ascribe salvation to their God and unto the Lamb. They have come out of the great tribulation (not the same as ‘Jacob's trouble’, Jer. 30:7,7Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it. (Jeremiah 30:7) though it may go on at the same time): cf. Rev. 3:1010Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. (Revelation 3:10). This company is the result of the everlasting gospel which is to be preached after the present period of the church is ended. They are rewarded with the consolations of God in His temple forever.
Rev. 8
The seventh seal introduces the seven trumpets. There is silence in heaven for half an hour. Much incense is given to an angel (Christ) to offer with the prayers of all saints at the golden altar; and fire from the brazen altar is cast upon the earth; the prayers of the saints are answered in judgments. (Compare Psa. 18:6-156In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. 7Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth. 8There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it. 9He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet. 10And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind. 11He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies. 12At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire. 13The Lord also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire. 14Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them. 15Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O Lord, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils. (Psalm 18:6‑15).)
(The first four 'trumpet' judgments affect the western parts of the Roman empire, and cover the latter half of Daniel's seventieth week. They refer to the state and circumstances of men: the last three trumpets affecting the persons themselves).
First trumpet. All human prosperity is burnt up.
Second trumpet. A great mountain burning with fire is cast into the sea. A great power already under the judgment of God affects the surging masses of people with deathful influence; commercial intercourse is destroyed by it.
Third trumpet. A great star falls (a power of the heavens become apostate), and corrupts the moral sources.
Fourth trumpet. The governmental powers are disorganized and are in darkness.
A great eagle cries, Woe, woe, woe, upon those who make the earth their home, because of the judgments yet to follow.
Rev. 9
(In the fifth and sixth trumpets the scene is in the east, the judgments are on the people themselves.)
Fifth trumpet. A star fallen from heaven. Moral darkness and the influences of Satan are let loose. They are not to destroy general prosperity, but to torment for five months those that have not the seal of God in their foreheads. (Cf. Rev. 7:6-8: this shows that those affected are principally Jews.) Those tormented desire to die, but death flees from them. (Compare Jer. 8:33And death shall be chosen rather than life by all the residue of them that remain of this evil family, which remain in all the places whither I have driven them, saith the Lord of hosts. (Jeremiah 8:3).)
(The symbolic description involves imperial power, with feigned righteousness and subjection to God, but cruel, pitiless, and deceptive.)
Sixth trumpet. Eastern forms of Satanic wickedness, hitherto held in check at Euphrates, the boundary of the east, are let loose. The third part of men are killed by plagues. The adverse hosts of the ‘king of the north’ (cf. Dan. 8:23-25; 11:40-4523And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. 24And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. 25And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. (Daniel 8:23‑25)
40And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over. 41He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon. 42He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape. 43But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps. 44But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many. 45And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him. (Daniel 11:40‑45); Isa. 10) come as a scourge from God on the Antichrist and on the Jews.
Rev. 10
He swears that there shall be no longer delay; but in the time of the seventh trumpet the mystery of God shall be complete, as was declared to the prophets.
John is told to eat the book. It was sweet to know what God had revealed, hut it was bitter to reflect on the judgments. The christian prophet has to take up again O.T. prophecy.
Rev. 11
John is now told to measure the temple (that is, the inner shrine), the altar, and the worshippers (the faithful Jewish remnant), but not the outer court, for that was given to the Gentiles: public worship is suppressed by Gentile power. The holy city is to be trodden down 42 months (the last half-week of Daniel).
Their word is a word of judgment by which men are killed if they seek to hurt these witnesses. They will have power to withhold rain, to smite the waters, and the earth with all plagues. (Compare 1 Kings 17:11And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word. (1 Kings 17:1); 2 Kings 1:10,1210And Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, If I be a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And there came down fire from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty. (2 Kings 1:10)
12And Elijah answered and said unto them, If I be a man of God, let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And the fire of God came down from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty. (2 Kings 1:12); Ex. 7:1919And the Lord spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and that there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood, and in vessels of stone. (Exodus 7:19).)
The joy of the earth-dwellers at the death of the witnesses is turned into fear when they see them alive again and ascending to heaven. At the same time a great earthquake destroys a tenth part of the city, killing seven thousand. The remnant give glory to the God of heaven, not yet to the God of the earth.
The second woe is past: the third cometh quickly.
Rev. 11:15-1815And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. 16And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, 17Saying, 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. 18And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. (Revelation 11:15‑18). Seventh trumpet. The world-kingdom of Jehovah and His Christ is come. Under this trumpet the Lord takes His power and administers judgment on His enemies which causes great joy and worship in heaven.
The prophetic history in general closes at verse 18, reserving the history of the beasts. Verse 19 belongs to chapter 12.
Rev. 12
There is here a going back, even to the incarnation, and the Jewish nation is more distinctly in view: the principles and sources of the events of Daniel's last half-week are portrayed.
The temple of God is opened in heaven, and in the temple is seen the ark of His covenant, that which secured everything for Israel—Christ Himself the true ark in heaven; symbols of judgment accompany the vision.
A great sign is seen in heaven: a woman (Israel) invested with authority and rule derived from heaven. She brings forth a man-child (Christ), who is to shepherd the nations with a rod of iron. A great red dragon (Satan's power in form of the Roman empire) seeks to devour the child (as did Herod); but He is caught up to heaven (without here speaking of the redemption He wrought). The woman (now the Jewish remnant) flees into the wilderness, and is nourished by God for 1260 days (last half: week of Daniel).
There is war in heaven, and the devil and his angels are cast out.
There is woe on earth and the sea, because of the wrath of the devil, for his time is now short (only three and a half years).
He persecutes the woman (Israel), but she flees into the desert, where she is nourished for the whole half-week.
He casts a flood (peoples, armies) after the woman, but his efforts are nullified by the earth (organizations of men). He therefore persecutes the remnant of her seed (those left in Palestine).
Rev. 13
A beast rises out of the sea (the mass of the Gentile people. It is the Roman empire comprised of ten kingdoms, but having the characteristics of the three previous empires: cf. Dan. 7:7-97After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns. 8I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. 9I 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. (Daniel 7:7‑9).)
Satan gives him his power and his throne and great authority (the ‘powers that be’ will then be, not as now ordained of God, but of Satan—political apostasy).
One of his heads (imperial form of government) was slain, but was healed (a resurrection-beast), and the whole earth wondered after the beast, and worshipped the dragon and the beast, extolling his power. Authority was given him for forty-two months (three-and-a-half years, half-week of Daniel).
He blasphemes God, and His tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven (embracing all the saved) and makes war with the saints (on earth), and has authority over all nations. All the dwellers on earth (those who had been professing Christians) worship him.
Another beast comes out of the earth (the sphere of God's ordered dealings). He does not manifest his true character until he speaks: then it is seen to be Satanic by those who have discernment: it is the false Christ, the Antichrist, king of Judea.
He causes the dwellers on earth to worship the Satanic Roman empire, and deludes them by working miracles and signs, so that he brings down fire from heaven; and orders all in his dominion (Jews) on pain of death to worship an image of the first beast, to which he has given power to speak; (others yield this power voluntarily: see vers. 3, 8.) None are allowed to buy and sell but those who are marked with the name of the beast or the number (666) of his name.
Rev. 14
While the above evil things are being enacted, the prophecy turns to what God is doing.
The Lamb is seen on mount Zion, and with Him 144,000, having His name and His Father's name on their foreheads (open confession).
A song is sung in heaven (by the martyred portion of the Jewish remnant): only the 144,000 on earth could learn it. Purity had characterized them when surrounded with evil. They have a special place of association with the Lamb before the establishment of the glory.
Another angel declares that Babylon is fallen.
Christ then as Son of man reaps the earth, which is ripe for judgment (on the Gentiles). The vine of the earth, which should have produced fruit, is cast into the wine-press of God's wrath (judgment of apostate Jews). And the blood reached 1600 furlongs (200 miles, that is, the extent of the land of Israel, which shall become an Aceldama, a field of blood).
Rev. 15
Chapters 15 and 16 are the wrath of God in public government. Seven angels appear in heaven, with the seven last plagues, which complete the wrath of God (not of the Lamb here).
Those that had obtained the victory over the beast stand on a sea of glass mingled with fire (fixed purity reached through tribulation).
They sing the song of Moses (triumph by judgment), and of the Lamb (exaltation of the rejected One), celebrating the works and the ways of God as the King of nations.
Rev. 15:55And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened: (Revelation 15:5). The temple of the tabernacle of witness is opened in heaven and seven angels come forth with seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God. No intercession can be made therein till these plagues are fulfilled.
Rev. 16
(The portion of the worshippers of the beast.) The first bowl being poured out, causes grievous misery upon those who had the mark of the beast and on those who worshipped the image.
The second bowl is poured out upon the sea (the peoples), bringing moral death upon them.
The third bowl is poured out upon the rivers and fountains (sources of influence and action) and they become blood.
God is praised, who thus judges those who had poured out the blood of the saints and prophets.
The fourth bowl is poured out upon the sun (supreme authority), and it has power to greatly oppress men as by fire; but they repent not to give God glory.
The fifth bowl is poured out upon the throne of the beast, and his kingdom becomes full of confusion and misery without any resource.
The sixth bowl is poured out upon the great river Euphrates, and its waters are dried up, and a way made for the kings from the east (led by the king of the north, the ‘Assyrian’ of the last days).
A trinity of evil spirits go forth to influence the kings of the whole earth, to gather them to the battle of the great day of Almighty God at Armageddon (that is, the ‘mountain of Megiddo’, with reference perhaps to the defeat of the Gentile kings in Judg. 5).
The seventh bowl is poured out on the air, with thunders and lightnings, and a great earthquake. The great city is divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fall, and great Babylon comes into remembrance for judgment. There is a general break up of commonwealths, and direct final judgments from God, introducing the reign of Christ.
Rev. 17
A detailed vision concerning papal Rome, and her connection with the beast. Judgment on the great harlot that influences many peoples. (Ver. 15.) A woman is seen sitting upon a scarlet colored beast (imperial power which supports her, and which she controls) full of the names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
She is greatly adorned (in contrast to the white raiment of the church); her idolatry is the source of ecclesiastical and moral wickedness. She is seen drunk with the blood of saints and of martyrs.
In verse 8 the Roman empire, which was, but is not now in existence, is seen to re-appear from a diabolical source.
'The seven heads are seven mountains,' on which the woman sits. It is Rome's well-known situation.
And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is and the other is not yet come. (Six forms of Roman government: 1, Kings, B.C. 753; 2, Consuls, 509; 3, Dictators, 498; 4, Decemvirs, 451; 5, Military Tribunes, 444; 6, Imperial, B.C. 31, the one existing when John wrote; the seventh is still future.) It is also an eighth, but is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. (It is seventh numerically, but eighth as being a new kind and resurrection number.)
Verse 12. It will be a federal empire, to the head of which ten kings will give their power and strength.
They will make war with the Lamb, but He will overcome them, being Lord of lords and King of kings.
The kings will be used of God to punish and make desolate papal Rome, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.
Rev. 18
The fall and destruction of Babylon as a city is dwelt upon, and the mourning of those who have been enriched by her.
Verse 4 is a call to the saints then on the earth to come out of her and not to be partakers of her sins, that they may not receive of her plagues. There is a call for recompense and torment for her.
Rev. 19:1-51And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God: 2For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. 3And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever. 4And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia. 5And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. (Revelation 19:1‑5).
The judgment of the great harlot causes joy and praise in heaven. Her smoke rises up forever and ever.
Rev. 19:6-106And 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. 7Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9And 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. 10And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Revelation 19:6‑10). The harlot's day being over, the marriage of the Lamb and the bride is celebrated. She hath made herself ready, and is arrayed in fine linen, which is the righteousnesses of the saints. Blessed are they that are called to the marriage supper. The spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus.
Rev. 19:11And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God: (Revelation 19:1)1 John sees one called Faithful and True on a white horse. His eyes bespeak judgment, and on His head are many diadems. He had a name which none knew but Himself (His divine glory). He wears a raiment dipped in blood, and is called the Word of God.
He comes, with armies of heavenly saints following Him, to (1) smite the nations; (2) to rule them with a rod of iron; and (3) to tread the winepress of the righteous vengeance of God the Almighty. He is visibly manifested to be King of kings and Lord of lords. (Cf. Rev. 17:1414These 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 17:14).)
The beast (the Roman emperor) and the kings of the earth (European powers) are overcome by Him, and their armies slain, and the beast and the antichrist are cast alive into the lake of fire.
Rev. 20
The dragon, the ancient serpent, which is the devil and Satan, is bound and cast into the abyss (not the lake of fire yet) for a thousand years.
The souls of those martyred (cf. Rev. 6:9-119And 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: 10And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? 11And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. (Revelation 6:9‑11)) and of those killed under the beast (cf. Rev. 13:7, 15-177And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. (Revelation 13:7)
15And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. 16And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. (Revelation 13:15‑17)) are raised to life again, and reign with Christ a thousand years.
This is the first resurrection; but the rest of the dead are not raised until after the thousand years. Over those that have part in the first resurrection the second death (see Rev. 20:1414And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (Revelation 20:14)) has no right: they shall be priests of God and of the Christ and reign with Him a thousand years (the details of the reign on earth are found in the Old Testament; the Revelation gives more the heavenly part of the kingdom).
When the thousand years are expired, Satan is loosed and deceives the nations in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog (symbolic of the opposing nations, as in the prophecy of Ezekiel), to gather them to battle (a final test of man in the flesh, is seen in the millennium; at its close the nations at once follow Satan).
They compass the camp of the saints and the beloved city: and fire comes down from God, and devours them.
The devil is cast into the lake of fire where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night to the ages of ages.
And death and hades pass away forever: as the powers of Satan, seen in the wicked dead, they are cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death.
Whosoever is not found in the book of life is cast into the lake of fire.
Rev. 21:1-81And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Revelation 21:1‑8).
The new Jerusalem comes down from heaven adorned as a bride. God will tabernacle with men, and they shall be His people. He will remove every trace of sorrow, and all things are made new. Two things belong to this eternal state: thirst is quenched from the fountain of the water of life, and the overcomer inherits all things. The Lamb and all dispensational names now cease. God is all in all.
Rev. 21:9-279And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. 10And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, 11Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; 12And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: 13On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. 14And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 15And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. 16And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. 17And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. 18And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. 19And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; 20The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. 21And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. 22And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. 23And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. 24And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it. 25And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. 26And they shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it. 27And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. (Revelation 21:9‑27) go back to the millennium. (A vision of the church in the kingdom is given, just as there was a vision of Babylon, the false church. The symbols are similar to those describing the earthly Jerusalem in Isa. 60 The church's place in the millennium is to reign with Christ over the earth)
Its measurements are vast and perfect: it is a cube, finite perfection. The wall of jasper is divine glory; and the city is pure gold like glass, divine righteousness and holiness. The foundations of the wall are adorned with varied rays of divine glory.
The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple; the glory of God lightens the city, and the Lamb is the light-bearer.
The nations shall walk by its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory to it. Its gates shall not he shut by day, for night shall not be there.
No evil can enter the holy city: only those written in the Lamb's hook of life can have entrance there.
the millennium continued. The river of God refreshes the city, and the tree of life constantly yields its fruit is leaves are for the healing of the nations (blessings to the earth).
The throne of God and of the Lamb is the source of blessing: there is no more curse. His servants shall serve Him, and enjoy His constant presence, and bear His name: they shall reign forever and ever.
Rev. 22:6-216And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. 7Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. 8And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which showed me these things. 9Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. 10And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. 11He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. 12And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 13I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 14Blessed 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. 15For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. 16I 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. 17And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. 18For 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: 19And 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. 20He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 21The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. (Revelation 22:6‑21) are a summing up of the whole hook.
The angel declares the truth of the prophecies, and that God had revealed them unto His servants. Then there is a personal word from Christ, Behold I come quickly. Blessed is he that keepeth the words of this prophecy.
The savings were not to be sealed, for the time was near. (Cf. Dan. 12:4,94But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. (Daniel 12:4)
9And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. (Daniel 12:9).) When its testimony is closed, man's state will be unalterable either for judgment or blessing. Christ is coming with His rewards to render to every one as his work shall be.
He announces Himself as the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end: Jehovah.
The redeemed cleansed ones can enter the city and feed upon the tree of life. The defiled and idolaters are without.
In closing the hook addresses are given to the overcomers in the churches. The Lord is divested of His judicial aspects, and says simply, “I, Jesus”, the One who has title to earthly glory, and who is also the heavenly hope of the church. The Spirit and the bride respond ‘Come’. He that heareth is also invited to say, 'Come,' and there is the gospel for the poor world during the interval. A solemn warning is added as to maintaining this prophecy in its entireness.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with all saints, is the closing salutation, leaving, as the last words of Jesus for the heart, His assurance that He will come quickly: the true saint heartily responds, Amen, Come, Lord Jesus.