Ques. What does “captivity captive” mean? (Eph. 4:8).
Ans. It means the Lord, by His Mighty work of atonement, has met every claim of God’s throne, and was victorious over every enemy (Col. 1:13), annulling him (Satan) that held us captive, and delivering us from our captivity to sin and death and Satan’s power in which we were held as children of men.
Ques. What do the symbols mean used in Revelation 1:13-16?
Ans. The seven candlesticks made of gold, represent the seven churches mentioned in verse 11.
The Son of Man is the Lord as Judge—to Him all judgment is committed (John 5:22,27; Acts 17:31).
“Clothed with a garment down to the foot,” is priestly discrimination (Lev. 13:2, etc.; also Luke 17:14).
“Girt about the breast with a golden girdle”—His affections can only flow out in divine righteousness: the breast, the place of affection; the gold, divine righteousness.
“His head and His hairs were white like wool, as white as snow,” this is the Ancient of Days, “the Great I Am” (Dan. 7:13,22).
“His eyes were as a flame of fire,” from which nothing can be hid, searching out and uncovering all sin and iniquity.
“His feet like unto fine brass as if they burned in a furnace”—His ability to judge everything according to divine righteousness.
“His voice as the sound of many waters”—irresistible power and majesty.
“He had in His right hand seven stars”—the authority belongs to Him. The stars are subordinate authority.
“Out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword”—He judges by the Word of God.
“His countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength,” supreme power and authority.