Q. 1. What do the “stars” of the seven churches represent? (Rev. 1:20.)
2. Who are they who rest from their labors and their works do follow them? (Rev. 14:13.)
W. de R. B.
A. 1. The “stars” of Rev. 1; 2 & 3 are symbols of those who rule in the assemblies subordinately to Christ. They are called “angels,” because they represent, in the way of moral responsibility, the sphere in which they are called to act for Christ, and are thus identified, each, with the state of the assembly in which he may be thus set.
2. Rev. 14:13 announces the blessedness henceforth of those that die in the Lord. There is no more dying thus. The end of such suffering as well as of the testimony that exposed to it is come. Hence we have the Lord's coming in judgment immediately consequent. The special reference is to the Apocalyptic martyrs for His name.