John here sees the Lord Jesus as a Son of Man in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks. He is there to judge and has everything needed for that judgment (vs. 12-16). The chapter may be divided as follows:
Vs. 1-3—Introduction.
1—It is the Revelation of Jesus Christ introduced to John by His Angel.
2—Leave out the word "and", as all that John saw and heard is the Word of God.
3—The blessing pronounced on reader and hearers, the time being near.
Vs. 4-6 — The Greeting.
4—God presented in His own absolute being: "Who is", then in His character as Jehovah, "Who was and Who is to come". Next the Holy Spirit in His perfect but varied ways of government— 'the seven Spirits" (Isa. 11:1-3).
5-6—Presentation of Jesus Christ produces praise. Believers vested with royalty and priesthood.
Vs. 7-8 — The Purpose of the Book.
Christ coming in power and glory.
Vs. 9-20 — The vision of Christ as Judge with all attributes and power required. Quotations from another:
12. SEVEN GOLDEN CANDLESTICKS-(Lamp-stands). Responsible vessels of light on earth in their totality.
13. GARMENT DOWN TO THE FOOT. -Garb of priestly discrimination, not now in service, but judging.
GOLDEN GIRDLE.—Divine righteousness and faithfulness. (Is. 11:5).
14. WHITE LIKE WOOL. —The divine glory of the ancient of days, viewed in that character. (Dan. 7:9)
EYES AS A FLAME OF FIRE. —Attribute of searching, intelligent judgment; judicial discernment.
15. FEET LIKE FINE BRASS.—Righteousness in dealing with man in his responsibility.
VOICE AS THE SOUND OF MANY WATERS.—Overwhelming power and majesty. (Ezek. 1.24; 43:2.)
16. SEVEN STARS.—Completeness of subordinate authority under Christ in light.
SHARP TWO-EDGED SWORD.—Searching judgment of the word of God. (Isa. 49:2; Heb. 4:12.)
17. COUNTENANCE AS THE SUN.—Splendor of supreme authority.
18. KEYS OF DEATH AND OF HADES. —Power over death and the departed state.
20. ANGELS OF THE SEVEN CHURCHES.—The moral representatives of the responsibility of the assemblies. A symbolical representation of the assembly viewed in those responsible in it.
(Symbols of the Apocalypse)