Revelation

 •  33 min. read  •  grade level: 7
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.
Outline of the Book
The book clearly divides itself under three heads: ‘things which thou hast seen’: ‘things that are’; and ‘the things which shall be after these’ (ch. 1:19 JND). The things he had seen are those found in chapter 1; ‘the things that are,’ embrace the church on earth, viewed in the seven churches which then existed (chs. 2-3), and ‘the things after these’, are contained in chapter 4 to the end.
Chapter 4 shows the saints — the four and twenty elders in heaven — and the church is not seen on earth in the following chapters.
In chapter 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 (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 (chs. 10-11:13).
The seventh trumpet sounds. Christ and God reign, and this brings the prophecy to a close at the end of chapter 11:18.
Chapter 11:19 to end of chapter 14 rehearse again the prophecy from the beginning, with further detail. The birth of Christ, the resuscitation of the Roman empire; and the reign of antichrist.
Chapters 15-16. The seven vials of direct judgments.
Chapters 17 — 19:10. Papal Rome is judged, and the marriage of the Lamb follows. Christ is declared King of kings and Lord of lords.
Chapters 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.
Chapter 21:1-8 is the eternal state. Chapters 21:9 to 22:5, the millennium, and the church in connection therewith.
Chapter 22:6-21. Conclusion.
Chapter 1
Verses 1-3 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.
Verse 7 is the second advent of Christ.
Verse 8 brings before us the Alpha and Omega, 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.
Chapter 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. It should be noted that Christ bears a different character in each address; and the promises to the overcomer also differ in each. The overcomer is one who holds fast to Christ, in spite of the world, the flesh, and Satan. 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 Nicolaitans, which He also hated. This name cannot be definitely traced; they are characterized by evil works.
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 10 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 (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 Nicolaitans.
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. Note that in this and the three following churches the appeal to him that ‘hath an ear’ comes after the promise to the overcomer: no one now but an overcomer would have any ear to hear.
(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.)
Chapter 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: — 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 chapter 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.
Because they had kept the word of His patience He would keep them from the hour of the world’s trial (see ch. 12:14).
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 counselled 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 anyone 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.
Though these seven addresses describe what actually existed at that time in the seven assemblies to which John was told to send them (ch. 1:11), there can be no doubt that they also set forth prophetically seven phases of the professing church on earth. The mystical number ‘seven’ confirms this. Other assemblies existed in the province of Asia, but these were selected because their state agreed with and foreshadowed what would prevail at different periods of the church’s history. We have, then, here the Lord’s judgment and mind as to the church’s course on earth. It is His outline of church history, and how valuable it is!
Chapter 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.
One sits on the throne in appearance like precious stones (divine glory), and a rainbow encircles the throne (showing that God is faithful to His promise in creation, — Gen. 8:20-9:1720And Noah builded an altar unto the Lord; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. 21And the Lord smelled a sweet savor; and the Lord said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. 22While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. 1And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. 2And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. 3Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. 4But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat. 5And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man. 6Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man. 7And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein. 8And God spake unto Noah, and to his sons with him, saying, 9And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you; 10And with every living creature that is with you, of the fowl, of the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you; from all that go out of the ark, to every beast of the earth. 11And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth. 12And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: 13I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. 14And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: 15And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth. 17And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth. (Genesis 8:20‑9:17)).
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 (see Ezek. 1).
They celebrate Jehovah Elohim, Shaddai thrice holy, which was, and is, and is to come. And, when they ascribe glory, honour, and thanksgiving, the four and twenty elders worship Jesus as Jehovah and Creator.
Chapter 5
None is found worthy to open the book of the counsels of God as to the earth but the mighty One of Judah (Gen. 49:99Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up? (Genesis 49:9)), the Root of David (David’s Lord).
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.)
Verses 11-12. The angels ascribe praise to the Lamb.
Verses 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.
Chapter 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).
Third Seal. One on a black horse. He had a pair of balances in his hand (see Lev. 26:2626And when I have broken the staff of your bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver you your bread again by weight: and ye shall eat, and not be satisfied. (Leviticus 26:26)), famine in the necessities of life, not in the luxuries — as oil and wine.
Fourth Seal. One on a pale horse. His name was Death, and Hades followed him (affecting body and soul). He had power over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with God’s sore plagues (see Ezek. 14:2121For thus saith the Lord God; How much more when I send my four sore judgments upon Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the noisome beast, and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and beast? (Ezekiel 14:21)).
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 Daniel 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.This subversion of ‘the powers that be’ synchronizes with Satan being cast out of heaven (Rev. 12) and marks the beginning of the latter half week of Daniel, which embraces ‘the tribulation.’
Chapter 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, see 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).)
Verses 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): see chapter 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.
Chapter 8
(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. Compare Jeremiah 51:2525Behold, I am against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the Lord, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain. (Jeremiah 51:25); it corresponds to the fall of Babylon as detailed in Revelation 17; 18. 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. (T. R. reads ‘angel’ instead of ‘eagle’ with little authority.)
Chapter 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. (See ch. 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’ (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.
Chapter 10
Chapter 10 to end of chapter 11:13 is a parenthesis. Christ is seen coming in power to take possession of the whole earth and sea, and to judge His enemies. He has an opened, not a sealed book in His hand.
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.
The sealed book had been unopened till taken by the Lamb. It revealed the judgments consequent on the connection of Christianity with the powers of the world — this could be no part of O. T. prophecy: the open book was no fresh revelation, but what had been declared to the prophets.
John is told to eat the book. It was sweet to know what God had revealed, but it was bitter to reflect on the judgments. The Christian prophet has to take up again O.T. prophecy.
Chapter 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).
Christ’s two witnesses (that is adequate testimony by the Jewish remnant) will prophesy 1260 days (half-week) clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and two lamps that stand before the Lord of the earth (Zech. 4:3,11,143And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. (Zechariah 4:3)
11Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof? (Zechariah 4:11)
14Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth. (Zechariah 4:14)). The contest is about Christ’s rights to the earth, which Satan, the beast, and the false prophet, deny and oppose.
When their testimony to Christ’s authority is completed, the beast from the bottomless pit (the Roman emperor, ch. 17:8) will cause their death; but their bodies will remain three days and a half in the street of the great city Jerusalem, now called Sodom and Egypt.
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.
Verses 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.
Chapter12
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.
Verse 10 celebrates the coming in of the kingdom. The fact is proclaimed in heaven, consequent on the accuser of the brethren being cast down.
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 Israel).
Chapter 13
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 Judaea.
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 verses 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.
Chapter 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.
Verse 6 — The everlasting gospel is announced, not grace as now, but warning to all the earth to fear God, for the hour of his judgment is come.
Another angel declares that Babylon is fallen.
A third angel declares that if any worship the beast he shall come under the wrath of God, and be tormented forever. The patience of the saints is manifest in refusing to worship the beast.
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).
Chapter 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. (T. R. reads ‘king of saints’ in verse 3 with but little authority.)
Verse 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.
Chapter 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 Judges 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.
Chapter 17
A detailed vision concerning papal Rome, and her connection with the beast. Judgment on the great harlot that influences many peoples (verse 15). A woman is seen sitting upon a scarlet coloured 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.
Chapter 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.
This is the end of Christendom, first, as a corrupt and corrupting religious system (the woman); secondly, as a center of worldly wealth and civilization (the city): Christianity had ceased before this. Ecclesiastical corruption being no longer necessary to Satan, he openly rebels against God; the civil powers will become his great agents. It is God who judges Babylon, whoever may be the instruments employed.
Chapter 19
Verses 1-5. The judgment of the great harlot causes joy and praise in heaven. Her smoke rises up forever and ever.
Verses 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.
A detailed vision of the appearing of the Lord is now given. Verse 11 to chapter 20:3 are warrior judgments.
Verse 11. 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 (see 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.
Chapter 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 (see ch. 6:9-11) and of those killed under the beast (ch. 13:7,15-17) 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 verse 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.
Verses 11-15. The heavens and the earth pass away, and the wicked dead stand before the great white throne to be judged according to their works.
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.
Chapter 21
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.
Verses 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 Isaiah 60. The church’s place in the millennium is to reign with Christ over the earth.
The holy city is heavenly in character, and comes from heaven: it shines in divine glory as transparent jasper. It has security in its high wall, and angelic administration is connected with its twelve gates on which are written the names of the twelve tribes (see Matt. 19:2828And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Matthew 19:28)). The twelve apostles of the Lamb (see Eph. 2:2020And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; (Ephesians 2:20)) were in their work the foundation of the heavenly city.
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 be 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.
Chapter 22
Verses 1-5. The millennium continued. The river of God refreshes the city, and the tree of life constantly yields its fruit; its 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.
Verses 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 sayings were not to be sealed, for the time was near (see 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 book, 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.