V.12-16 These verses describe the Lord Jesus as He watches those who profess to be Christians. “Christendom,” as it is called, is made up of all the people who call themselves Christians. The Lord gives us details of how powerful and all-seeing He is. We do not see the Lord Jesus here in the way we generally know Him, that is, as Head of the body (Col. 1:18) or as the One Who is praying always for us (Heb. 7:25). But we see Him here as a Judge Who sees into every detail of the life of every true believer in Him. This should bring encouragement and confidence to each of us believers, for then we realize that, as we pass through difficulties because we are faithful to Him, He sees us and provides us with the necessary strength to keep on for Him (2 Cor. 12:9).
V.20 The seven golden candlesticks represent the seven assemblies in these seven cities to which he is now going to write, one by one.