It is essentially Jesus Christ’s Revelation. God gave it to Him, and He, by His angel, gave it to the Apostle John, who put it into the hands of Christ’s servants. These are to be found in the church, which has been in building nearly two thousand years, and is nearing completion.
The Apostles of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ were special servants; all saints, however, in the days of the church, whether men or women, are servants. In Amos 3:77Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. (Amos 3:7) we read “surely the Lord God will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets.” True to His word, God has let us into the secret of “things which must shortly come to pass.” This Revelation, be it noted, is “the word of God,” and it is written “the word of our God shall stand forever” (Isa. 40:88The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. (Isaiah 40:8)).
That the godly remnant of the Jews will also read it after the church is gone, is clear from Revelation 13:1818Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. (Revelation 13:18). The number of the beast—666—will be discernible to those who will have the understanding when he is revealed. That they will read both the Old and New Testament is certain. Not only will they see their position clearly outlined in the Psalms but they will also be guided by the Lord’s own words—“when therefore ye shall see the abomination of desolation which is spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in [what is a] holy place (he that reads, let him understand:) then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains” (Matt. 24:15-1615When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) 16Then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains: (Matthew 24:15‑16)).
John, chosen by the Lord to write the Revelation, was a fisherman who had no formal theological training, or educational distinction. He obtained his spiritual education by companying with his Master for three and a half years. When called to follow Him, the Lord surnamed him “Boanerges,” meaning “a son of thunder.”
Feeling righteous indignation at the treatment meted out to Jesus by the Samaritans, he sought permission to command fire to come down from heaven to consume them. Before long he imbibed the Spirit of the Lord, and in the end we find him leaning on Jesus’ breast, and he is referred to as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 21:2020Then 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? (John 21:20)). Love is a predominating feature of his first epistle, yet he is the Holy Spirit’s penman for what is preeminently a book of judgment.
The Book of Revelation is unique in respect of the blessing which attaches to those who read it (Rev. 1:33Blessed 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 1:3)). It is sad to think that some have not sought this special blessing through indolence or lack of willingness to apply themselves to the study of the book. Forbearance is needed in our discussions, but the conversational Bible reading is the theological training ground for the Christian.
The things written in the prophecy are to be kept as a secret in the family of God. The great white throne judgment (Rev. 20:11-1511And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:11‑15)), may legitimately be mentioned in the preaching of the gospel, but it is written “those things which are revealed belong unto us, and to our children forever” (Deut. 29:2929The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. (Deuteronomy 29:29)). It is no doubt for this reason that in the Revelation we are not given details of the judgments which will fall on the earth after the church is gone, in their historical sequence. It is my belief that God wrote it in such a way as to elude the curiosity of the natural man. Men of the world do read it. For example, the late W. L. M. King, frequently Prime Minister of Canada, whose occult proclivities were notorious, frequently referred to “the new heavens and the new earth.” “The time is at hand” for bringing to pass the things written in the prophecy. “The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision” (Ezek. 12:2323Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord God; I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but say unto them, The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision. (Ezekiel 12:23)). If the time was at hand in John’s day, surely “now is our salvation nearer than when we believed” (Rom. 13:1111And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. (Romans 13:11)). In the book of Revelation, I think we see that God has before Him the glory of Christ, and oh! matchless grace, the place and blessing of the church, with the predominating theme of judgment on those opposed to such thoughts. The church too, we may bear in mind, is the church of God “which He has purchased with the blood of His own” (Acts 20:2828Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. (Acts 20:28) JND). The reader is referred to the fifth chapter of Revelation for the glory of Christ; the twenty first and twenty second chapters for the God given glory of the church.
The events to take place are mostly within what is now known as “the West,” a term describing what men once universally called “Christendom.” Within this sphere we have the judgment of the professing church, Babylon, the Beast, and the ten kings and their armies (the revived Roman Empire) and the Antichrist. The judgments to fall particularly on the Roman earth are to be found here. The reason for this takes us back to Psalm 2. There we read “the kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against His anointed” (Psa. 2:22The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, (Psalm 2:2)). This conspiracy of the Jew and the Roman took place at the cross. God has other thoughts and says “yet have I set My king upon My holy hill of Zion” (Psa. 2:66Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. (Psalm 2:6)). To do this God must raise up for judgment the powers which conspired against Christ and crucified Him. These powers are the Jew and the Roman. This explains the general site of the judgments as the land of Israel and the lands controlled by the old Roman Empire. Other and stupendous judgments are to take place at the time of the end, but as these do not relate to Christ and the church they are not given in the Revelation.
John’s Message to the Seven Churches
John, then, addresses “the seven churches which are in Asia.” Asia, or Asia Minor, the Turkey of today, was the especial sphere of the apostolic labors of Paul and his companions, and there were many more churches than seven in Asia when John wrote. The number seven represents completeness, and in addressing seven churches his word was to convey the mind of the Lord completely respecting them of which more hereafter. The salutation of grace and peace is not from God the Father. That special relationship of saints in the Christian era is not found in the book. We find God represented as “Him which is, and which was, and which is to come.” This is the One of whom it is written “from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God” (Psa. 90:22Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. (Psalm 90:2)). Seven spirits are before His throne—plenitude of divine power for the work contemplated in Revelation. “A short work will the Lord make upon the earth” (Rom. 9:2828For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth. (Romans 9:28)).
The saints, having been “reconciled to God by the death of His Son” (Rom. 5:1010For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (Romans 5:10)) are not objects of judgment. Rather the message of grace and peace comes to them from the One about to pour out judgments on the earth. The salutation comes from Jesus Christ. The mention of His name brings a threefold testimony concerning Himself:
First—“The faithful witness.” We find this faithful witness in Psalm 40:99I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest. (Psalm 40:9)—“I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained My lips, O Lord, Thou knowest.” And again in 1 Timothy 6:13,13I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; (1 Timothy 6:13) “Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession.”
Thirdly—“The Prince of the kings of the earth.” Risen from the dead, Jesus said to His disciples “all power is given unto Me, in heaven and in earth” (Matt. 28:1818And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (Matthew 28:18)). In 1 Peter 3:21-2221The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: 22Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. (1 Peter 3:21‑22) we read “Jesus Christ, who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto Him.”
The presentation of Jesus Christ completely overwhelms the heart of John, who breaks forth into that much loved and well known ascription of praise “to Him who loves us, and has washed us from our sins in His blood, and made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father, to Him be the glory and the might to the ages of ages. Amen.”
Christ indeed has loved us and “given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor” (Eph. 5:22And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savor. (Ephesians 5:2)). That was the past, undying expression of His love which many waters could not quench. He loves us in the present and says “continue ye in My love” (John 15:99As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. (John 15:9)). We shall bask in the sunshine of His love, throughout eternal days, for Jesus Christ is “the same, yesterday, and today, and forever” (Heb. 13:88Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. (Hebrews 13:8)).
“And when with Him beyond the skies,
Though raptures new my spirit thrill,
This well-known song shall ever rise,
He loved me and He loves me still.”
“Behold, He cometh with clouds ... ” (v. 7). This is the fulfillment of the Lord’s own words to Caiaphas “hereafter shall ye see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven” (Matt. 26:6464Jesus 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. (Matthew 26:64)). It will also be the fulfillment of Zechariah 12:1010And 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. (Zechariah 12:10)—“and they shall look upon ME whom they have pierced.” The Rabbis have sought in vain to find a pretext for changing “ME” into “HIM” but without success. The Jews used the Romans for their purpose, but Jesus said to Pilate “he that delivered Me unto thee hath the greater sin” (John 19:1111Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. (John 19:11)). What a sight will that be in the heavens—the Son of Man with power and great glory, come out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity. Well might they wail! Even so, Amen.
The Alpha and Omega of verse 8 is the “I AM” of Exodus 3:14,14And 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. (Exodus 3:14) who appeared to Moses in the bush which burned yet was not consumed. He is Jesus who said to the Jews—“before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:5858Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. (John 8:58)).
John, although an Apostle, and one who enjoyed the special favor of the Lord, humbly takes his place with the rest of the saints as their brother “and fellow-partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and patience in Jesus” (v. 9). He was a prisoner in the island of Patmos for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus. All are not agreed as to which Emperor banished him, but in any case he was only unwittingly accomplishing the will of God, who had a special work for John to do. He “became in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day” It was not that he did not have the Holy Spirit indwelling always, but the special power of the Holy Ghost was felt, regardless of his solitary situation, on the Lord’s Day—that is “the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread” (Acts 20:77And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. (Acts 20:7)). He was in a suitable moral condition to receive communications from the Lord, and did so, hearing behind him a great voice, as of a trumpet, saying “What thou seest write in a book.” This was to be sent to the seven churches in Asia, which are now specifically mentioned. Turning to see the voice that spoke, he sees seven golden lamps. Of these we will write later.
John’s Vision of Christ as Judge
Our attention is now focused on the majestic Person appearing in the midst of the golden lamps. He was “like unto the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the foot.” It was the garment of judicial authority, worn now by the Son of Man—a Judge! Thus had Jesus said in John 5:2222For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: (John 5:22)—“for the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.” He is “girt about at the breasts with a golden girdle” that is to say divine righteousness is holding in His affections! A Savior once, a Judge now! How solemn. “His head and hair white like white wool, as snow.” He is “the Ancient of Days” of Daniel 7:99I 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 7:9).
At this point we might ask ourselves whom or what He is judging. Clearly not believers, for there is no condemnation “to them who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:11There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:1)). Just as clearly not the lost who are judged at the beginning (Matt. 25) and the end of His Kingdom (Rev. 20). It is rather the thought that judgment must begin at the house of God (1 Peter 4:1717For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? (1 Peter 4:17)). Christ is seen as judge on earth. He is also seen in the midst of seven candlesticks so clearly He is judging that collective thing which professed to give light to man on earth in His Name. This is the key. It is the judgment, not of the whole church of God (although included) but of the entire professing church, which includes believers and unbelievers. He is judging those who professed His Name in the world whether that profession be feigned or real. The parable of the grain of mustard seed explains this. Christianity began like a grain of mustard seed—the least of all seeds. When grown “it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof” (read Matt. 13:31-3231Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: 32Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. (Matthew 13:31‑32)). Now the work of responsible man, making a great outward profession in the world, must be weighed in the balances, so to speak, to see if it be found wanting. With this clearly understood we can continue.
“His feet like fine brass, as burning in a furnace”—stamping iniquity out of the universe of God.
“His voice as the voice of many waters”—Awesome! Overpowering!
“Having in His right hand seven stars.”—In verse 20 we were told that the seven stars are the angels (or representatives) of the seven churches. The One who holds the ocean in the hollow of His hand, has also room there for those “angels” who represent the church. This representation is the individual responsibility of each and every Christian. Good to know, therefore, that we are at all times “in His right hand.”
“His countenance was as the sun shineth in its strength”—who can gaze on the sun?
John wrote that “grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:1717For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. (John 1:17)). To see Him now as a Judge deeply affected the Apostle so much so that he fell at His feet as dead. How wonderful to feel the right hand of power saying “fear not.” The prophet Daniel describes a similar experience (read Dan. 10:7-107And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. 8Therefore 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. 9Yet 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. 10And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. (Daniel 10:7‑10)). To John the Lord says further “I am the first and the last, and the living One, and I became dead, and behold, I am living to the ages of ages, and have the keys of death and hades.” That He “became dead” and lived brings to mind that wondrous portion “therefore doth My Father love Me, because I lay down My life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of My Father” (John 10:17-1817Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. (John 10:17‑18)). Christ the living One, has the keys “of death and hades.” So for the believer “whether we live, we live unto the Lord, or whether we die, we die unto the Lord” (Rom. 14:88For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. (Romans 14:8)). We are to share in Christ’s triumph over death which He has abolished (2 Tim. 1:1010But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: (2 Timothy 1:10)). In whatever state a man may be found when death overtakes him, in that state will he remain forever. “He 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” (Rev. 22:1111He 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. (Revelation 22:11)). “In the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be” (Eccl. 11:33If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be. (Ecclesiastes 11:3)).
John then (v. 19) is to write, giving the three well known divisions of the Book of Revelation. Since an understanding of these divisions is vital to the proper understanding of the revelation, they have been emphasized in these notes by a three part presentation corresponding to the three divisions John gives us. These divisions are:
“The things which thou hast seen”—John has seen Christ in the aspect of a Judge.
“The things which are”—The history of the church as a responsible witness for God in the earth.
“The things which shall be hereafter” or “The things that are about to be after these”—These are the things to take place after the day of the church is over.
Finally, in the last verse of the first chapter the mystery of the seven stars and the seven candlesticks is given. We have already alluded to the seven stars. The seven candlesticks, or lamps, were the seven churches. In verse 12 we see they were golden lamps. Light bearers in the world these churches were intended to be, and on God’s part they were originally set in divine righteousness. This is plainly seen in the first epistle to the Thessalonian church, which was “in God the Father, and in the Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 1:11Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 1:1)). A golden lamp, surely!