Apocalipse 1

David Guzik · Citado em PreceptAustin

Apocalipse 1

Guzik adds that the Almighty is the Greek pantokrator "which literally means “the one who has his hand on everything.” It speaks of the great sovereign control of Jesus over everything – past, present, and future. This great word Almighty is used ten times in the New Testament, and nine of the ten times are in the Book of Revelation. This book has a striking emphasis on God’s sovereignty, the understanding that He has His hand on everything." Elmer Towns suggests (and I tend to agree - see my note below) that in using the Name Almighty or Pantokrator "Possibly John was thinking in the context of EL Shaddai, an Old Testament title of God usually translated “God Almighty.” 🙏 THOUGHT - Are you trusting the Almighty God, the Alpha and the Omega, with ALL of your problems, cares and concerns from "A to Z"? Or are you only entrusting selected problems to Him? "Cast (ALL) your burden upon the LORD, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken." (Psalm 55:22+). Ego eimi - Jesus Himself used ego eimi to express His eternal self-existence (without beginning, without end) in Jn 8:58 = "“Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” He was saying He was Yahweh (I Am the One Who Is). Jesus is clearly claiming that He is God! The Jehovah's Witness New World Translation (2013) translates Jn 8:58 incorrectly as "I have been" which Greek scholars say is absolutely incorrect! Compare other "I Am" statements by Jesus = Jn 4:26, 8:24, 28, 13:19, 18:5, 6 ["they drew back and fell to the ground!" = His Name "I Am" literally knocked an entire band of from 300-600 soldiers backward abruptly and hard onto the ground! His Name is indeed powerful!], Jn 18:8. see similar use in Ex 3:14 above). In Ge 17:1 God addresses Abram declaring "I am (ego eimi) God" (cp similar uses in Ge 26:24, 31:13, 46:3, Ex 3:6, 7:5, 8:18, 14:4, 18, 20:2, 29:46, etc). Note that there are about 174 uses of "ego eimi" in the Septuagint and 48 uses in the NT, but not all uses refer to God (e.g., Mt 14:27). There are 24 uses of ego eimi in John's Gospel and most do refer to the Messiah. E.g., in the first occurrence, Jesus tells the Samaritan woman "I Am" (ego eimi) (Jn 4:26) when she made a reference to the Messiah (Jn 4:25). In fact ego eimi introduces His great "I am" statements in John = "I am"..."the Bread of life" (Jn 6:35, 41, 48, 51), "the Light of the world," (Jn 8:12), "the Door" (Jn 10:7, 9), "the Good Shepherd" (Jn 10:11, 14), "the Resurrection and the Life," (Jn 11:25), "the Way and the Truth and the Life" (Jn 14:6); "the true Vine" (Jn 15:1, 5). At Paul's conversion on the Damascus Road Jesus told him "I am (ego eimi) Jesus Whom you are persecuting." (Acts 9:5). In the final use of ego eimi in Scripture Jesus affirms "I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star." (Rev 22:16) Lord (master, owner)(2962) kurios from kuros = might or power, related to kuroo = to give authority) primarily means the possessor, owner, master, the supreme one, one who is sovereign (e.g., Roman emperors - Acts 25:26+) and possesses absolute authority, absolute ownership rights and uncontested power. Kurios is used of the one to whom a person or thing belonged, over which he has the power of deciding, the one who is the master or disposer of a thing (Mk 7:28) Kurios has a variety of meanings/uses in the NT and therefore one must carefully examine the context in order to discern which sense is intended by the NT author. For example, some passages use kurios only as a common form of polite address with no religious/spiritual meaning. The reader should also be aware that in view of the fact that kurios is used over 9000 times in the Septuagint (LXX) and over 700 times in the NT, this discussion of kurios at best only "skims the surface" of this prodigious, precious word. W E Vine's summary below gives you a sense of variety of nuances of kurios.

Apocalipse 1

Guzik - If we catch everything else, but miss Jesus in the book, we miss the Book of Revelation. How we need a revelation of Jesus!

Apocalipse 1

Guzik - Soon and near are relative terms, and this is God’s timetable, not man’s. Yet for 2000 years, history has been on the brink of the consummation of all things, running parallel to the edge, not running towards a distant brink. John Walvoord says soon means "“quickly or suddenly coming to pass,’ indicating rapidity of execution after the beginning takes place. The idea is not that the event may occur soon, but that when it does, it will be sudden.” Must (necessary, ought) (1163)(dei from deo = to bind or tie objects together, put in prison and also root of doulos, bond-servant) refers to what is not optional but needful (binding) out of intrinsic necessity or inevitability. Dei refers to inward constraint which is why it is often translated "must". Dei describes that which is under the necessity of happening or which must necessarily take place, and as stated above, conveys a sense of inevitability. To express the sense of necessity dei is translated "one ought", "one should", "one has to" or "one must". In English dictionaries must means to be obliged and expresses both physical and moral necessity or insistence. Must speaks of something that should not be overlooked or missed. In the Scriptures prophecies are often described as that which must happen indicating they are guaranteed to transpire. For example Jesus declares "You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end." (Mt 24:6+, cf Mt 16:21, Acts 1:16 - "had to be fulfilled"; 2 Cor 5:10+; 2 Pe 3:11+). Soon (quickly)(5034)(tachos) with speed, haste, swiftness; adverbially as in Lk 18:8+ ("en tachei") means without delay, at once, speedily. Tachos is used in the first and last chapter of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, here in the first verse of the first chapter (Rev 1:1+) and then in the last chapter, John recording "And he said to me, “These words are faithful and true”; and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent His angel to show to His bond-servants the things which must soon take place." (Rev 22:6+) The idea of tachos is better understood as meaning swiftly. In other words, when God acts it will be swift. So once God begins to act (in the presence context of 7 seals, 7 trumpets, 7 bowls) He will move fast and accomplish His purposes in a relatively short time. Lehman Strauss says "When the things in this book come to pass, they will "speedily happen." God has borne along with men patiently, and while some ridicule the prophecies of this book, they fail to see that God is longsuffering (2 Peter 3:9+). But the end will come, and when it does it will be marked by suddenness and swiftness. The events will come to pass speedily. Thus the purpose of the Revelation is to show beforehand those things that will speedily happen." (Borrow The Book of the Revelation: Outlined Studies) Do you believe that Jesus is coming today?” If they replied in the negative, he would say, “Then you had better be ready, for He is coming at an hour when you think not!" -- Robert Murray McCheyne And He sent (apostello) and communicated (semaino - NET -"made it clear," CSB - "signified" ESV - "made it known") it by His angel (aggelos/angelos) to His bond-servant (doulos) John - He refers to Jesus Who provides "an explanation for something that is enigmatic." (BDAG) That is a good description of the Revelation which explains something that is enigmatic (perplexing, ambiguous, inexplicable) to the unbelieving world and sadly still enigmatic to many believers because of the plethora of proposed interpretations! Remember that Scripture (even figurative language) has only one literal meaning, although it can have multiple applications. Communicated is translated "signified" by the old KJV (and the modern CSB) and that is an excellent rendering because the main word in "signified" is SIGN, which is apropos for the Revelation is like signs or signposts God's Spirit has given us to clearly mark the road to the final days of the world as we know it today. God does not want His children caught off guard or in the dark, but sadly so many are because they fail to study this final chapter in the story of divine redemption! 🙏 THOUGHT - Have you studied the Revelation? If not may I suggest you find someone leading the Precept course on the Revelation and zoom in if you cannot do it in person. It is a 47 week study and I will promise you (money back guarantee) that you will know more about prophecy at the end of the study than you ever dreamed possible! Communicated (made clear)(4591)(semaino from semma = a mark or sign) has a basic meaning of intentionally producing an impression and thus signaling or signifying something, to make known, to report, to communicate (Acts 25:27 = "indicate the charges", Rev 1:1 = served to communicate and give a prophecy). John uses semaino three times in describing how Jesus would die (Jn 12:33, 18:32) and how Peter would die (John 21:19). In the context of making known before something happens, it means to prophetically foretell (Jn 12:33 - Jesus predicting His death). In the Lxx of Nu 10:9 the idea is to give a public sign or signal. In the Lxx uses in Ezekiel the idea was to sound an alarm, blow a trumpet (Ezek 33:3, 33:6, cf Jer 4:5). 🙏 THOUGHT - Now think about the words used even in opening verse - revelation, show, communicated. What do these say about the God's heart regarding this last book of the Bible? Do they not reiterate that the desire of God is that we know the truths in this great book. God knows that if we know these truths, they will impact the way we live, seeking to redeem the short time left (Eph 5:16+), diligently striving to "to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world," (Php 2:15+) so that we might obey Jesus' command to "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father Who is in heaven." (Mt 5:16+) Angel (messenger)(32) aggelos/angelos [gg in Greek is pronounced ng] possibly from ago = to bring) literally means a messenger (one who bears a message - Lk 1:11, 2:9, etc or does an errand). Most of the NT uses refer to heavenly angels (messengers) who are supernatural, transcendent beings with power to carry out various tasks. All uses of aggelos that refer to angels are masculine gender (the feminine form of aggelos does not occur.) Vine writes that aggelos refer to "an order of created beings, superior to man, Heb 2:7; Ps. 8:5, belonging to Heaven, Mt. 24:36; Mark 12:25, and to God, Luke 12:8, and engaged in His service, Psa. 103:20. Angels are spirits, Heb. 1:14, i.e., they have not material bodies as men have; they are either human in form, or can assume the human form when necessary, cp. Luke 24:4, with Lk 24:23, Acts 10:3 with Acts 10:30." The great news about angels is that they are "ministering spirits" (Heb 1:14), where the word "ministering" is leitourgikos which in Classic Greek referred especially to those who performed public duties or works of public use (public servants). The angels are literally "spirits for sevving!" Aggelos is a major keyword in the Revelation (74x in 71v out of a total of 172v in the NT - 43% in the Revelation) - Rev. 1:1, Rev 1:20; Rev. 2:1; Rev. 2:8; Rev. 2:12; Rev. 2:18; Rev. 3:1; Rev. 3:5; Rev. 3:7; Rev. 3:14; Rev. 5:2; Rev. 5:11; Rev. 7:1; Rev. 7:2; Rev. 7:11; Rev. 8:2; Rev. 8:3; Rev. 8:4; Rev. 8:5; Rev. 8:6; Rev. 8:8; Rev. 8:10; Rev. 8:12; Rev. 8:13; Rev. 9:1; Rev. 9:11; Rev. 9:13; Rev. 9:14; Rev. 9:15; Rev. 10:1; Rev. 10:5; Rev. 10:7; Rev. 10:8; Rev. 10:9; Rev. 10:10; Rev. 11:15; Rev. 12:7; Rev. 12:9; Rev. 14:6; Rev. 14:8; Rev. 14:9; Rev. 14:10; Rev. 14:15; Rev. 14:17; Rev. 14:18; Rev. 14:19; Rev. 15:1; Rev. 15:6; Rev. 15:7; Rev. 15:8; Rev. 16:1; Rev. 16:5; Rev. 17:1; Rev. 17:7; Rev. 18:1; Rev. 18:21; Rev. 19:17; Rev. 20:1; Rev. 21:9; Rev. 21:12; Rev. 21:17; Rev. 22:6; Rev. 22:8; Rev. 22:16 Lehman Strauss on John - There is no question that the John mentioned in the Revelation is the son of Zebedee and Salome and the brother of James (Mark 1:19-20; Mk 15:40). His occupation was that of a fisherman (Matthew 4:21+). He heard John the Baptist preach and became a follower of Jesus Christ (John 1:35, 40+). He was one of the three whom Jesus took with Him on several special occasions (Matthew 17:1; Mt 26:37; Mark 5:37). John also was one of the two sent by Christ to prepare the Passover (Luke 22:8). He is referred to as "that disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 13:23; 20:2; Jn 21:7, 20), and is mentioned three times in the Acts (Acts 3:1; Acts 4:13; Acts 8:14). He wrote five books of the New Testament, and only he uses Christ's title of "the Word" (Logos). (See John 1:1, 14; 1 John 1:1; 5:7; Revelation 19:13). (Borrow The Book of the Revelation: Outlined Studies) Who wrote the book of the Revelation? Peter writes that "no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God." (2 Pet 1:21+) Revelation was written by a man moved by the Spirit, a man who identifies himself as John.... I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. (Revelation 1:9+) I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things. (Revelation 22:8+) WHY STUDY PROPHECY? I hear many people, especially younger pastors say "I don't think we need to spend much time studying Bible prophecy. It's too controversial. It's too difficult. There are so many interpretations, so how can you know who is correct? And after all, prophecy is not very practical for our day to day Christian life." What is the result of this type of thinking? Simply put, those who espouse this opinion of eschatology do not teach or preach much on Bible prophecy. And when they do preach on it, they are often forced to rely on other people's interpretations. The question must be ask -- how can they be sure the "expert's" interpretation is accurate? How can they be sure it is not an interpretation based on a particular system of theological interpretation (whether it be reformed, dispensational, etc)? Admittedly Bible prophecy is a difficult subject, but I have been assiduously studying it (with the same zeal and attention to detail that I did when I analyzed tissues and made countless life and death diagnoses) for over 35 years, focusing on a literal approach with primary emphasis on observation before interpretation. While there are many prophetic passages that remain somewhat enigmatic even after 40 years of study, God's basic plan for the ages is clear, including His wonderful plan for the literal nation of Israel. So while we cannot understand every detail of Biblical prophecy, God has made the main things the plain things. Joseph Seiss - Some tell us that what is yet future ought not to be examined into till after it has come to pass. I can hardly realize that this is seriously meant.” (The Apocalypse: Lectures on the Book of Revelation by a Lutheran pastor published in three volumes from 1870 to 1884 and it is generally excellent). Dr Adrian Rogers answers the question "What Profit is Prophecy?" I am always amazed by people who say we shouldn't study prophecy. Some fear we will go off into fanaticism. Others think prophecy is simply "pie in the sky by and by." Still others feel prophecy is unrelated to reality. But one-fourth of the Bible is given over to prophecy! Did the Holy Spirit make a mistake? Of course not! There is an incredible, wonderful blessing in the study of prophecy. Here are six benefits of prophecy: (1) Prophecy Will Lead You to Praise Revelation 1:3 says, "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand." In a world that seems to be filled with random acts of violence and terrorism, we need to see that God has a plan and the God of that plan is worthy to be praised. If you know prophecy, you can sit back and say, "I've already looked in the back of the book for the answers. The kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ." (2) Prophecy Will Help You Make Sense Out of Suffering If you get all of your theology from your circumstances, you'll be hopelessly confused. Romans 8:18 says, "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us." Through prophecy, we understand that God is not finished yet. The tragedies of this earth will be turned into the triumphs of heaven. (3) Prophecy Will Lead You to Rejoice in God's Justice Paul wrote, "Judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts" (1 Corinthians 4:5). If you are a student of prophecy, you understand that things don't end here on earth with man's judgment. God will have the last word in the judgment halls of eternity. Prophecy allows us to understand the mystery of history, make sense of our suffering, and rejoice in God's justice as prophetic events unfold. (4) Prophecy Will Cause You to Pray Prophecy leads to intercession. The last prayer in the Bible is Revelation 22:20: "even so, come, Lord Jesus." Jesus taught us to pray, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). When God prophecies that something is going to happen, somehow we see those events unfold as His children pray. I cannot explain how God's ultimate sovereignty works with our prayers, but I know it does from the pages of His Word. (5) Prophecy Will Lead You to Purity 1 John 3:2-3+ says, "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." That is prophecy! If you really believe that Jesus Christ is coming again, you are going to live a clean life. We ought never to take our eyes off the fact that Jesus is coming. (6) Prophecy Will Lead You to Proclamation Revelation 19:10c says, "the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." All prophecy is a witness to the truth that Jesus is coming back — that people need to be ready for His return. What are you doing to warn people to flee from the wrath to come? Paul knew that there was an everlasting hell (see 2 Corinthians 5:10-11). It's not enough for us to sit around and try to discover the divine mysteries of prophecy. We need to bring people to Jesus Christ! The real test of whether you believe Bible prophecy is if you have your feet on the sidewalk of soul-winning instead of your head in the clouds of prophecy. If you believe Jesus is coming back, you will have a burning passion to bring people to Him. Jesus came as an evangelist. And He's called you to do the same. Will you pray, "Lord, lay some soul upon my heart and win that soul through me"? Is there profit in prophecy? Praise the Lord, there is! What a wonderful thing to know that we are soon going to meet the King of kings and Lord of lords. QUESTION - How can I understand the Book of Revelation? - WATCH ACCOMPANYING VIDEO ANSWER - The key to Bible interpretation, especially for the book of Revelation, is to have a consistent hermeneutic. Hermeneutics is the study of the principles of interpretation. In other words, it is the way you interpret Scripture. A normal hermeneutic or normal interpretation of Scripture means that unless the verse or passage clearly indicates the author was using figurative language, it should be understood in its normal sense. (ED COMMENT: MY VARIATION ON THE PRECEDING STATEMENT IS "IF THE PLAIN SENSE MAKES GOOD SENSE IN CONTEXT, THEN SEEK TO MAKE NO OTHER SENSE OUT OF IT OR IT IS POTENTIALLY NONSENSE!" - a variation of the statement by David Cooper). We are not to look for other meanings if the natural meaning of the sentence makes sense. Also, we are not to spiritualize Scripture by assigning meanings to words or phrases when it is clear the author, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, meant it to be understood as it is written. One example is Revelation 20. Many will assign various meanings to references to a thousand-year period. Yet, the language does not imply in any way that the references to the thousand years should be taken to mean anything other than a literal period of one thousand years. A simple outline for the book of Revelation is found in Revelation 1:19. In the first chapter, the risen and exalted Christ is speaking to John. Christ tells John to “write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later.” The things John had already seen are recorded in chapter 1. The “things which are” (that were present in John’s day) are recorded in chapters 2–3 (the letters to the churches). The “things that will take place” (future things) are recorded in chapters 4–22. Generally speaking, chapters 4–18 of Revelation deal with God’s judgments on the people of the earth. These judgments are not for the church (1 Thessalonians 5:2, 9). Before the judgments begin, the church will have been removed from the earth in an event called the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52). Chapters 4–18 describe a time of “Jacob’s trouble”—trouble for Israel (Jeremiah 30:7; Daniel 9:12, 12:1). It is also a time when God will judge unbelievers for their rebellion against Him. Chapter 19 describes Christ’s return with the church, the bride of Christ. He defeats the beast and the false prophet and casts them into the lake of fire. In Chapter 20, Christ has Satan bound and cast in the Abyss. Then Christ sets up His kingdom on earth that will last 1,000 years. At the end of the 1,000 years, Satan is released and he leads a rebellion against God. He is quickly defeated and also cast into the lake of fire. Then the final judgment occurs, the judgment for all unbelievers, when they too are cast into the lake of fire. Chapters 21 and 22 describe what is referred to as the eternal state. In these chapters God tells us what eternity with Him will be like. The book of Revelation is understandable. God would not have given it to us if its meaning were entirely a mystery. The key to understanding the book of Revelation is to interpret it as literally as possible—it says what it means and means what it says. GotQuestions.org Related Resources: Why is apocalyptic literature so strange? Gotquestions.org See youtube video I made on how to study the Revelation -- INTRODUCTION TO STUDY OF THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST QUESTION - Can the return of Christ truly be said to be imminent? ANSWER - The word imminent means “likely to happen at any moment; impending.” When we speak of the imminence of Christ’s return, we mean that He could come back at any moment. There is nothing more in biblical prophecy that needs to happen before Jesus comes again. The imminence of Christ’s return is generally taught among evangelicals, with some disagreement according to one’s view of dispensationalism and whether one holds a pre-, mid-, or post-tribulational view of the rapture. Jesus spoke of His return repeatedly during His ministry, which naturally prompted questions from His disciples. One of their questions was, “When will these things happen?” (Mark 13:4). Jesus responded, “Of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come” (verses 32-33). It is important to remember in any discussion of eschatology that God does not intend for us to fully understand the timing of His plans. However, the Bible says that Jesus’ return is near, and we are to wait eagerly for it (Romans 8:19-25; 1 Corinthians 1:7; Philippians 4:5; Jude 21). James encourages us to “be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near” (James 5:8). Revelation 1:3 and 22:10 also say that “the time is near.” Jesus taught His disciples to watch for His return. “You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (Luke 12:40). The command to “be ready” implies imminence. Throughout the New Testament, the church is told to be ready (Philippians 3:20; Titus 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:6). If the disciples and the early church were to expect the coming of the Lord at any time, how much more should we be waiting in keen expectation? At this point, it is good to distinguish between the second coming of Christ, proper, and the rapture of the church. The second coming of Christ, when He defeats His enemies and sets up His kingdom, will not occur until after certain other end-times events take place, including the tribulation (Matthew 24:15-30; Revelation chapters 6–18). Therefore, the second coming is not imminent. However, according to the pre-tribulational view, the rapture will take place before the tribulation. The rapture could occur at any moment (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:50-54) and can rightly be called “imminent.” Our salvation is “ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:5). Jesus could return for His own at any moment, and that event will set in motion the series of events detailed in Revelation 6-18. Like the five wise virgins in Jesus’ parable (Matthew 25:1-13), we must be ready. “Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour” (Matthew 25:13). GotQuestions.org Related Resources: What is the concept of a secret rapture? | GotQuestions.org What is the difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming? | GotQuestions.org What is the rapture of the church? | GotQuestions.org What are the strengths and weaknesses of the pretribulational view of the rapture (pretribulationism)? | GotQuestions.org How can I be ready to be caught up in the rapture? | GotQuestions.org How can I be sure I won’t be left behind in the rapture? | GotQuestions.org What are the strengths and weaknesses of the posttribulational view of the rapture (posttribulationism)? | GotQuestions.org When is the Rapture going to occur in relation to the Tribulation? | GotQuestions.org Will there be a second chance for salvation after the rapture? | GotQuestions.org What are the strengths and weaknesses of the midtribulational view of the rapture (midtribulationism)? | GotQuestions.org Will there be a partial rapture? | GotQuestions.org Will babies and young children be taken in the Rapture? | GotQuestions.org Will Christians see the Antichrist, or will the rapture occur before then? | GotQuestions.org What will happen to my pets after the rapture? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that Jesus will return like a thief in the night? | GotQuestions.org Revelation 1:2 who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. BGT Revelation 1:2 ὃς ἐμαρτύρησεν τὸν λόγον τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ ὅσα εἶδεν. KJV Revelation 1:2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. NET Revelation 1:2 who then testified to everything that he saw concerning the word of God and the testimony about Jesus Christ. NLT Revelation 1:2 who faithfully reported everything he saw. This is his report of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. ESV Revelation 1:2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. NIV Revelation 1:2 who testifies to everything he saw--that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. ASV Revelation 1:2 who bare witness of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, even of all things that he saw. CSB Revelation 1:2 who testified to God's word and to the testimony about Jesus Christ, in all he saw. NKJ Revelation 1:2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. NRS Revelation 1:2 who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. YLT Revelation 1:2 who did testify the word of God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ, as many things also as he did see. bare: Rev 1:9 6:9 12:11,17 Joh 1:32 12:17 19:35 21:24 1Co 1:6 2:1 1Jn 5:7-11 3Jn 1:12 and of all: Rev 1:19 Joh 3:11 Ac 4:20 22:15 26:16 1Jn 1:1 4:14 THE FIRSTHAND WITNESS TESTIFIES TO THE TRUTH Who (John) testified (martureo) to the word of God - John testifies that this was His testimony not something he had heard from someone else. Revelation is a "first person account," from an eyewitness who is faithfully telling us all he saw. Testified (witnessed, gain approval) (3140) martureo from martus = witness = one who has information or knowledge of something and can bring to light or confirm something. English = martyr) in its most basic sense refers to a legal witness. Thus the verb martureo means to be a witness, to testify, to give evidence, to give testimony, to bear record, to affirm that one has seen or heard or experienced something. The words testified related to fact, not opinion, as in a courtroom setting. Webster's 1828 says that to testify means "To make a solemn declaration, verbal or written, to establish some fact; to give testimony for the purpose of communicating to others a knowledge of something not known to them." John's testimony is certainly "solemn!" Martureo is a used more often by John than by any other writer. - Jn. 1:7; Jn. 1:8; Jn. 1:15; Jn. 1:32; Jn. 1:34; Jn. 2:25; Jn. 3:11; Jn. 3:26; Jn. 3:28; Jn. 3:32; Jn. 4:39; Jn. 4:44; Jn. 5:31; Jn. 5:32; Jn. 5:33; Jn. 5:36; Jn. 5:37; Jn. 5:39; Jn. 7:7; Jn. 8:13; Jn. 8:14; Jn. 8:18; Jn. 10:25; Jn. 12:17; Jn. 13:21; Jn. 15:26; Jn. 15:27; Jn. 18:23; Jn. 18:37; Jn. 19:35; Jn. 21:24; 1 Jn. 1:2; 1 Jn. 4:14; 1 Jn. 5:6; 1 Jn. 5:7; 1 Jn. 5:9; 1 Jn. 5:10; 3 Jn. 1:3; 3 Jn. 1:6; 3 Jn. 1:12; Rev. 1:2; Rev. 22:16; Rev. 22:18; Rev. 22:20 And to the testimony (marturia/martyria) of Jesus Christ - CSB, NET = "testimony about Jesus Christ," As with the preceding phrase ("Revelation of/from Jesus Christ") the testimony can be taken as from Him (subjective genitive = He is the "subject") or the testimony about Him (objective genitive = He is the "object") (See note above) MacArthur "John bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ. Those phrases appear together again in Rev 1:9 (cf. Rev 12:17), and are used synonymously, since “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Rev 19:10). The word of God expressed in the book of Revelation is the testimony about the coming glory of Jesus Christ given to His church (cf. Rev 22:16) and recorded by His faithful witness, John." (See Revelation Commentary) Even to all that he saw - Saw is a keyword in the Revelation! So at the outset we learn that the Revelation is a very "visual" book. The word all tells us John kept nothing hidden from us of what he was privileged to see. Saw in Revelation - 50x in 47v (NAS95) - Rev. 1:2; Rev. 1:12; Rev. 1:13; Rev. 1:17; Rev. 1:20; Rev. 4:4; Rev. 5:1; Rev. 5:2; Rev. 5:6; Rev. 6:1; Rev. 6:9; Rev. 7:1; Rev. 7:2; Rev. 8:2; Rev. 9:1; Rev. 9:17; Rev. 10:1; Rev. 10:5; Rev. 12:13; Rev. 13:1; Rev. 13:2; Rev. 13:3; Rev. 13:11; Rev. 14:6; Rev. 15:1; Rev. 15:2; Rev. 16:13; Rev. 17:3; Rev. 17:6; Rev. 17:8; Rev. 17:12; Rev. 17:15; Rev. 17:16; Rev. 17:18; Rev. 18:1; Rev. 18:18; Rev. 19:11; Rev. 19:17; Rev. 19:19; Rev. 20:1; Rev. 20:4; Rev. 20:11; Rev. 20:12; Rev. 21:1; Rev. 21:2; Rev. 21:22; Rev. 22:8 John

Apocalipse 1

Guzik - For example, the Anglican Church virtually omits Revelation in its regular schedule of readings for both public worship and private devotions. This is a typical attitude towards the Book of Revelation. Many people believe that only fanatics want to dig deep into this book, but really, it is a book for anyone who wants to be blessed. Fortunately, John didn’t say that we had to understand everything in the Book of Revelation to be blessed. 🙏 THOUGHT - The Revelation of Jesus Christ will give your vertical vision which will transform your horizontal living! Blessed (3107) makarios from root makar, but others say from mak = large or lengthy) means to be happy, but not in the usual sense of happiness based on positive circumstances. From the Biblical perspective Makarios describes the person who is free from daily cares and worries because his every breath and circumstance is in the hands of His Maker Who gives him such an assurance (such a "blessing"). Makarios was used to describe the kind of happiness that comes from receiving divine favor. Makarios is used seven times in the Revelation - Seven Beatitudes in the Revelation: Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near. Revelation 14:13+ And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, “Write, ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them.” Revelation 16:15+ (“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame.”) Revelation 19:9+ Then he said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’” And he said to me, “These are true words of God.” Revelation 20:6+ Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years. Revelation 22:7+ “And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book.” Revelation 22:14+ Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that (term of purpose) they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. And those who hear (akouo) the words of the prophecy (propheteia) - Prophecy in this context primarily means "fore telling" (rather that "forth" telling which it also does!) primarily events yet to come to pass (exception is Rev 2-3 addressed churches in John's day). In other words, John's incredible words are not just to be in one ear and out the other. It is one thing to hear with one's ears, but quite another to hear with one's heart and/or to believe what is heard! Imagine John "broadcasting" on the FM Band - our hearts need to be tuned to receive his FM signal, so to speak. The implication is that you are to believe what you read (even if you cannot fully understand it because if God says it that should settle it whether we fully understand it or not!). James says it this way "putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness (CONFESS YOUR SINS), in humility receive ( dechomai = PUT THE WELCOME MAT OUT FOR) the word implanted, which is able (HAS THE SUPERNATURAL POWER) to save (NOT JUST JUSTIFICATION BUT PROGRESSIVE SANCTIFICATION) your souls (James 1:21+) Prophecy (4394)(propheteia from pró = before or forth + phemí = to tell, to speak) has the literal meaning of speaking forth, with no connotation of prediction or other supernatural or mystical significance. Propheteia can refer to either spoken or written words. Vine writes that "Though much of OT prophecy was purely predictive, see Micah 5:2, e.g., and compare John 11:51, prophecy is not necessarily, nor even primarily, foretelling. Prophecy is the declaration of that which cannot be known by natural means, Mt 26:68, it is the forth-telling of the will of God, whether with reference to the past, the present, or the future, see Ge 20:7; Dt. 18:18; Rev 10:11; Rev 11:3." Propheteia is used 19 times in the NT with seven uses in the Revelation Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near. Revelation 11:6 These have the power to shut up the sky, so that rain will not fall during the days of their prophesying; and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with every plague, as often as they desire. Revelation 19:10 Then I fell at his feet to worship him. But he *said to me, “Do not do that; I am a fellow servant of yours and your brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus; worship God. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Revelation 22:7 “And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book.” Revelation 22:10 And he *said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. Revelation 22:18 I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; Revelation 22:19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book. And heed (tereo) the things which are written in it - All three verbs reads...hear...heed are the present tense which speaks of "direction," not "perfection" but even direction is only possible as the Spirit energizes us (Our part/God's part - see Php 2:12+ = our part, Php 2:13NLT+ = God's part). To quote James "prove (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves." (James 1:22+) To heed means to be a doer of what you have heard. Guzik - The Book of Revelation gives us much more than information for prophetic speculation. It gives us things to keep. If we understand the Book of Revelation, it will change the way we live. Tony

Apocalipse 1

Guzik says Amen "isn’t a wish that it may be so, but it is an affirmation that, through God, it will be so. Jesus will be praised." 🙏 THOUGHT - Would it be that we too would imitate John's response to the great truths revealed in Rev 1:5-6 (He loves us, He released us from slavery, He made us kings and priests forever). May the Spirit of truth quickly recall these great truths to our heart and mind, so that when are tempted to rebel against our King and bow to sin's temptation, we will instead bow to our King in praise and worship. And then sin can exert no dominion when Christ's is the King of our heart! (cf Ro 13:14+ and Expulsive Power of a New Affection) The specific phrase Forever and ever - 12x in Revelation (out of 43 times in entire Bible) Rev. 1:6; Rev. 4:9; Rev. 4:10; Rev. 5:13; Rev. 7:12; Rev. 10:6; Rev. 11:15; Rev. 14:11; Rev. 15:7; Rev. 19:3; Rev. 20:10; Rev. 22:5 Spurgeon on glory and dominion - “Some of you are very like a mouse behind the wainscot. You are in the Lord’s house, but you are not known as one of the family: sometimes you give a little squeak in your hiding-place, and sometimes come out at night, as the mouse does, to pick up a crumb or two, without being seen. Is this worthy of yourself? Is it worthy of your Lord and Master?”...“Again, if we truly say, ‘To him be glory and dominion,’ then we must give him dominion over ourselves. Each man is a little empire of three kingdoms – body, soul, and spirit – and it should be a united kingdom. Make Christ king of it all. Do not allow any branch of those three kingdoms to set up for itself a distinct rule; put them all under the sway of your one King.” Kingdom (932) basileia from basileus = a sovereign, king, monarch) denotes sovereignty, royal power, dominion. Basileia can also refer to the territory or people over whom a king rules. Swindoll says basileia means "“kingdom,” “government,” “royal power” This term denotes the dominion of a lawful king, which the Greeks saw as something derived from Zeus. In the Old Testament, Israel was originally a theocracy, a nation whose king was God. Therefore, Israel was the kingdom of God. Even when a human sat on the throne of Israel, he derived his power from God. The Gospels depict the earth as the dominion of Satan or evil, a usurper to the rightful throne of God. Jesus came to reestablish divine rule (i.e., the kingdom of God). (Insights on Luke) There are 3 basic meanings - (1) The power exercised by a king, the act of ruling - kingship, royal rule, reign (2) Basileia can sometimes refer to the land, the realm or the territory over which a king rules. (3) Basileia can refer to the spiritual rule of God in the hearts of people now (Ro 14.17) and ultimately to be fulfilled in the Messianic reign of Christ on earth reign, kingdom (Lk 1.33). Basileia in Revelation - Rev. 1:6; Rev. 1:9; Rev. 5:10; Rev. 11:15; Rev. 12:10; Rev. 16:10; Rev. 17:12; Rev. 17:17; Rev. 17:18 Priests (2409) hiereus from hieros = sacred, holy, consecrated to God, used as a noun to mean a sacred place or temple, cp Mark 11:11; cp English derivative "hierarchy" = leadership) is a sacred or consecrated person who serves deity. Priests in the NT refer primarily to the ceremonial officials of Jesus' day, that group of men who offered Temple sacrifices and carried out the other sacred rites associated with the Jewish Temple and Jewish people (cp Heb 8:4) . Most of the uses of hiereus refer to Jewish priests, but Acts 14:13 refers to a priest of the pagan cult of Zeus (patron little g god of the city of Lystra). Jesus is our Great High Priest, which describes His primary ministry in our behalf today (Heb 7:1, 3, 11, 14, 15, 17, 20, 21, 23), one aspect of that ministry being His continual intercession for us (Heb 7:25, Ro 8:34). Hiereus describes the specific position and not necessarily a priest’s character (e.g., see Lk 10:31 where a priest was a "bad Samaritan" so to speak). In Revelation hiereus describes believers who will rule and reign as priests with Christ the Great Priest (Jesus - Heb 10:21 = See Christ as Priest, Rev 1:6, Rev 5:10, Rev 20:6). Even though the hiereus described religious men, it did not signify necessarily that they were saved (cp Acts 6:7). Hiereus - 30v - Matt. 8:4; Matt. 12:4; Matt. 12:5; Mk. 1:44; Mk. 2:26; Lk. 1:5; Lk. 5:14; Lk. 6:4; Lk. 10:31; Lk. 17:14; Jn. 1:19; Acts 4:1; Acts 6:7; Acts 14:13; Heb. 5:6; Heb. 7:1; Heb. 7:3; Heb. 7:11; Heb. 7:14; Heb. 7:15; Heb. 7:17; Heb. 7:21; Heb. 7:23; Heb. 8:4; Heb. 9:6; Heb. 10:11; Heb. 10:21; Rev. 1:6; Rev. 5:10; Rev. 20:6 Dominion (2904) kratos means strength or might, especially manifested power, the power to rule or control or dominion (power to rule, supreme authority, sovereignty, the right to govern or rule or determine). Krátos denotes the presence and significance of force or strength rather than its exercise. It is the ability to exhibit or express resident strength. Most of the NT uses (10/12) are in references to God Almighty, and make the point that ultimate dominion belongs to God Alone. Regarding the derivation of krátos, Vine writes that this word means "force, strength, might, more especially manifested power, is derived from a root kra—, to perfect, to complete: “creator” is probably connected. It also signifies dominion, and is so rendered frequently in doxologies." (Vine's Expository dictionary of Old and New Testament words) Kratos - 12v - dominion(6), might(1), mightily(1), mighty deeds(1), power(1), strength(2). Lk. 1:51; Acts 19:20; Eph. 1:19; Eph. 6:10; Col. 1:11; 1Ti 6:16; Heb. 2:14; 1Pe. 4:11; 1 Pet. 5:11; Jude 1:25; Rev. 1:6; Rev. 5:13 1 Timothy 6:16 Who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion (kratos)! Amen. 1 Peter 4:11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion (kratos) forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:11 To Him be dominion (kratos) forever and ever. Amen Jude 1:25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion (kratos) and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. Revelation 5:13 And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion (kratos) forever and ever.” Forever...ever (165) aion generally means an extended period of time and has various meanings depending on the context. Age, referring to an age or time in contrast to kósmos, referring to people or space. Denotes duration or continuance of time, but with great variety. Aion generally expresses an extended span of time, but it additionally assumes a specific meaning according to its various contexts. Friberg on aion - era, time, age; (1) as a segment of contemporary time lifetime, era, present age (Lk 16.8); (2) of time gone by past, earliest times (Lk 1.70); (3) of prolonged and unlimited time = eternity (1Ti 1.17); (4) of time to come = eternity, age to come (Lk 20.35); idiomatically eis ton aiona literally into the age, i.e. forever, eternally (Jn 6.51); eis tous aionas ton aionas literally into the ages of the ages, i.e. forever and ever, forevermore (Heb 1.8); (5) plural, as a spatial concept, of the creation as having a beginning and moving forward through long but limited time universe, world (Heb 1.2; 9.26; 11.3) (Borrow Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament) Aion is a keyword in the Revelation - 13x - Rev. 1:6; Rev. 1:18; Rev. 4:9; Rev. 4:10; Rev. 5:13; Rev. 7:12; Rev. 10:6; Rev. 11:15; Rev. 14:11; Rev. 15:7; Rev. 19:3; Rev. 20:10; Rev. 22:5 Amen (281) amen [OT = Amen (0543) amen] is a transliteration from the Hebrew word amen which in turn is from the Hebrew verb aman = to be firm, to believe, this word conveying the idea of certainty) Amen is transliterated into Latin and English and many other languages, so that it is practically a universal word. In fact amen has been called the best-known word in human speech. To say “Amen” confirms a statement by someone else. It indicates the solemn affirmation of the divine will and purpose in about one-third of the nearly 150 occurrences of the term. The remaining uses of the term convey the sense of "truly" acknowledging that which is valid and binding. Amen is often at the end of a sentence to confirm the preceding words and invokes their fulfillment. Only the Lord Jesus uses amen at beginning of a sentence. His "Amen" guarantees the truth of His saying and affirms His authority. John's Gospel has 25 uses of "amen" and every use is a double amen. None of the other 3 Gospels use a "double amen." It is also notable that in the four Gospels, amen is used only by our Lord Jesus Christ, almost always "to introduce new revelations of the mind of God." (Vine) Every use of "amen" or "truly" by Jesus serves to affirm what follows and by extension to cause us to pay close attention to the teaching. The Pauline uses of amen occur primarily at the close of his prayers or doxologies, and as such serve to confirm them as "it is firm" (or "so let it be"). Finally, Jesus is named the "Amen" (Rev 3:14+), the supreme authority and affirmation. Amen in the Revelation - Rev. 1:6; Rev. 1:7; Rev. 3:14+; Rev. 5:14; Rev. 7:12; Rev. 19:4; Rev. 22:20 Revelation 1:7 BEHOLD, HE IS COMING WITH THE CLOUDS, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen. NET Revelation 1:7 (Look! He is returning with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all the tribes on the earth will mourn because of him. This will certainly come to pass! Amen.) NLT Revelation 1:7 Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see him-- even those who pierced him. And all the nations of the world will mourn for him. Yes! Amen! ESV Revelation 1:7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. NIV Revelation 1:7 Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen. GNT Revelation 1:7 Ἰδοὺ ἔρχεται μετὰ τῶν νεφελῶν, καὶ ὄψεται αὐτὸν πᾶς ὀφθαλμὸς καὶ οἵτινες αὐτὸν ἐξεκέντησαν, καὶ κόψονται ἐπ᾽ αὐτὸν πᾶσαι αἱ φυλαὶ τῆς γῆς. ναί, ἀμήν. KJV Revelation 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. ASV Revelation 1:7 Behold, he cometh with the clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they that pierced him; and all the tribes of the earth shall mourn over him. Even so, Amen. CSB Revelation 1:7 Look! He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, including those who pierced Him. And all the families of the earth will mourn over Him. This is certain. Amen. NKJ Revelation 1:7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. NRS Revelation 1:7 Look! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail. So it is to be. Amen. YLT Revelation 1:7 Lo, he doth come with the clouds, and see him shall every eye, even those who did pierce him, and wail because of him shall all the tribes of the land. Yes! Amen! He is coming: Rev 14:14-16 Ps 97:2 Isa 19:1 Da 7:13 Na 1:3 Mt 24:30 26:64 Mk 13:26 14:62 Lu 21:27 Ac 1:9-11 1Th 4:17, more passages - Dt 18:15-18; Ps 2:22; Ps 118:26; Isa. 9:6; Isa 48:16; Isa 53:1-12; Isa 61:1; Jer 23:5-8; Da 9:25; Mic 5:2; Zec 2:8-11; Zech 6:12-15; etc and every: Rev 22:4 Nu 24:17 Job 19:26-27 33:26 1Th 1:10 1Jn 3:2 Jude 1:14 and they: Ps 22:16 Zec 12:10 Joh 19:34,37 Heb 6:6 Heb 10:29 and all: Rev 6:15-17 Rev 18:15-19 Mt 24:30 Lu 23:28-30 Even So: Rev 18:20 Rev 19:1-3 22:20 Jdg 5:31 Ps 68:1 Related Passages: Psalm 22:16+ For dogs have surrounded me; A band of evildoers has encompassed me; They pierced my hands and my feet. John 19:34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35 And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe. 36 For these things came to pass to fulfill the Scripture, “NOT A BONE OF HIM SHALL BE BROKEN.” 37 And again another Scripture says, “THEY SHALL LOOK ON HIM WHOM THEY PIERCED.” (see Zech 12:10+). 1 Thessalonians 1:10+ and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, Who rescues us from the wrath to come. 1 John 3:2+ Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. Matthew 26:64 Jesus *said to him, “You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN.” Acts 1:9-11+ And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. 11 They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” Zechariah 12:10+ “I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication, so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn. Copyright Pat Marvenko Smith Brian Bell suggests that Revelation 1:7 and Revelation 1:8 "announce the main theme of the book!" BEHOLD (idou), HE IS COMING (erchomai) WITH THE CLOUDS (nephele) - Behold (idou) is a word utilized by the Spirit to excite wonder and to gain our full attention and is a command in the aorist imperative meaning to "look now," "do not delay." Like we might say today "You are going to want to check this out!" One would think given the following context, He would not even need to say "Behold," because the sight that will unfold will be one of the greatest sights ever described in the Scripture. What is that event? To what does HE IS COMING refer? Without question this refers to the Coming of Jesus Christ in all of His glory, the return of the King. (See value of vertical vision) He has come (past tense) in humility (in the flesh - incarnation - Php 2:2-11, Mk 10:45, Jn 13:15, 12), but He will "soon" (Rev 1:1 - "soon take place", Rev 22:20 - "Yes I am coming quickly [soon]!") return in glory and majesty to conquer all His foes. When Christ ascended "a cloud received Him out" the sight of His 11 disciples (Acts 1:9+) and He will return in the clouds (Mt. 24:30; Mt 26:64; Mk 13:26; Mk 14:62; Luke 21:27). One writer says with the clouds is "Not simply that He has a surrounding of clouds, but that He compels all the clouds into His retinue." See the picture above with believers (you and me) following the King of kings! O what a day that will be! In a sense Jesus is coming with the clouds and the clouds (us) are coming with Him for Hebrews 12:1+ refers to the faithful as a "great a (figurative) cloud of witnesses." John's description is paralleled by that of Daniel “I kept looking in the night visions, And behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man (cf Rev 1:13+) was coming, And He came up to the Ancient of Days (GOD THE FATHER) And was presented before Him. And to Him was given dominion, Glory and a kingdom, That (term of purpose/result) all the peoples, nations and men of every language Might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion Which will not pass away; And His kingdom is one Which will not be destroyed." (Daniel 7:13-14+) KJV Bible Commentary - The Second Coming of Christ to earth in fulfillment of Old Testament prediction (cf. Dan 7:13) will be seen by all kindreds of the earth at the time, Israel and the nations. The time is that spoken of in Zechariah 12:10+. Brian Bell - Every eye will see Him – in contrast to his 1st coming at His birth and in contrast to the Rapture. [Public vs. Secret] Invisible coming - When He comes to “catch away” He comes as a “Thief”. Visible coming - witnessed by the whole world. [The climax of the Tribulation period! Rev 19:11-22+] Eye - Eyes have two purposes: [1] To See [2] To Weep. “The eye that looks to the pierced One is the eye which weeps for Him!” Note coming (erchomai) is in the present tense which is a way of saying He is already on His way (so-called futuristic present in which a future action is stated as already coming to pass indicating vividness and confident assertion)! Note also that one Name given by the Jews to the Messiah was "Coming One" (or Expected One), John the Baptist while in prison sent word to Christ asking "Are You the Coming (erchomai in present tense) One or shall we look for someone else?” (Mt 11:2-3+, see also Lk 7:19, 20+). It is ironic that most of Israel missed the Coming One the first coming, but they will not miss the Coming One at His Second Coming, for every eye will see Him! And every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him - How many will see Him? While every generally means all without exception, this refers to all who are alive at His victorious return (for after all His Bride, the Church will be coming with Him and they would have already seen Him. Rev 19:14+). This will be a global event, "divinely simulcast" (so to speak) to every eye whether in a city or in a remote jungle village! Those who pierced Him refers to the Jews (although the Romans actually carried out the piercing) who are alive at that time and are described in Zechariah 12:10+. “I will pour out on the house of David (ISRAEL IN THE END TIME) and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication, so that (TERM OF PURPOSE) they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn. Pierced is ekkenteo meaning to pierce or stab (deeply) with a lance or sword and thus, kill. The only other use is the parallel prophecy in John 19:37+. And again another Scripture says, “THEY SHALL LOOK ON HIM WHOM THEY PIERCED.” In His Olivet Discourse Jesus describes His return... “So if they say to you, ‘Behold, He is in the wilderness,’ do not go out, or, ‘Behold, He is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe them. 27 “For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be. (Matthew 24:26-27+) “And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. (Matthew 24:30+) John Walvoord on every eye - There is no indication that the world as a whole will see Christ at the time of the rapture of the church. At His coming to establish His kingdom, however, all will see Him (ED: OF THOSE ALIVE ON EARTH -- THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS! NO PLACE TO HIDE FROM HIS GLORY!). Especially mentioned is the fact that they who pierced Him will behold His coming. This creates a problem in that those who crucified Christ are now dead. The difficulty is solved by reference to Zechariah 12:10+ where Jehovah declares, “And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.” Not only Israel as a nation shall behold Him, but also “all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him.” This expression is almost identical to that found in Matthew 24:30+, where it states, “Then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn (kopto).” (Revelation 1: Introduction: The Things Which Thou Hast Seen online) And all the tribes of the earth will mourn (kopto) over Him - Note the adjectives every and all! This is a supernatural global event visible 360 degrees around the world at the same time. ESV = "will wail" - what a frightening sound this will be, because those who are wailing will finally realize that their eternal fate is sealed, their doom is sure, for Christ is real and is returning as Judge (cf 2Ti 4:1+, Jn 5:27+). As noted above in Jesus' prophecy in Matthew 24:30+. The return of Christ will either be a comfort of a catastrophe! What will it be for you dear reader? Rod Mattoon on mourn (wail) - The world will wail because of Him. The word "wail" is "kopto" which means "to cut." This word became linked with the pagan practice of cutting one's self when in extreme grief or despair. The prophets of Baal did this in 1Ki 18:28+. The world will be in despair when Christ returns to judge the lost for their sins (cf Jn 5:22, 27+). (Treasures from Revelation)

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Guzik - Some wonder if it is God the Father or God the Son speaking here). We suspect it is the Son, Jesus Christ, and we believe this for many reasons. First, since it is Jesus’ Revelation, it seems appropriate that He introduced it. Second, the titles Alpha and Omega and the Beginning and the End are titles claimed by Jesus (Revelation 22:13). Third, though the title who is and who was and who is to come is used of God the Father in Revelation 1:4, it is also true of God the Son, and seems to be directed to Jesus in Revelation 11:17 and 16:5. R L Thomas - The specific identity of the speaker of these words is not immediately clear. Is the spokesman God the Father or God the Son? Persuasive evidence has been advanced in favor of the latter identification. Ἐγώ εἰμι (Egō eimi, “I am”), the words with which the verse begins, is a frequent self-designation appropriated by Jesus in the NT, especially in the gospel of John (e.g., John 8:58) (Caird). Τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ (to Alpha kai to Ō, “the Alpha and the Omega”) is a self-description by Jesus in Rev. 22:13. It more probably carries the same force in this verse.66 Jesus Christ has been the central figure in vv. 1–7. A switch to God the Father in v. 8 is improbable because it is so abrupt (Walvoord). The case is further strengthened by a comparison of this verse with Rev. 1:17–18, where similar titles are without question applied to Christ (Smith). Lastly, because erchetai in v. 7 clearly refers to Christ’s coming, the same must be the case with ὁ ἐρχόμενος (ho erchomenos, “the coming one”) in v. 8. The evidence in favor of seeing Christ as the speaker is impressive. (See Revelation Exegetical Commentary) (Bolding added) I am constitutes the first of the seven great “I am’s” of Revelation, Jesus' comprehensive claim to His self-existing deity. The "I Am" statements that give attributes of Jesus in Revelation - Rev. 1:8; Rev. 1:17; (Rev 1:18) Rev. 2:23; Rev. 21:6; Rev 22:13 Rev. 22:16 Henry

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Guzik - Among the pagans of the Roman Empire, the first day of each month was called “Emperors Day” in honor of the Roman Emperor. Perhaps Christians proclaimed their allegiance to Jesus by honoring the first day of the week as their own Lord’s Day. Walvoord does not think Lord's Day as first day of the week - Some have indicated that “the Lord’s Day” refers to the first day of the week. However, the word “Lord’s” is an adjective and this expression is never used in the Bible to refer to the first day of the week. Probably John was referring to the Day of the Lord, a familiar expression in both Testaments (cf. Isa. 2:12; 13:6, 9; 34:8; Joel 1:15; 2:1, 11, 31; 3:14; Amos 5:18, 20; Zeph. 1:7–8, 14, 18; 2:3; Zech. 14:1; Mal. 4:5; 1 Thes. 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10). “In the Spirit” could also be rendered “in [my] spirit” (cf. Rev. 4:2; 17:3; 21:10). That is, he was projected forward in his inner self in a vision, not bodily, to that future day of the Lord when God will pour out His judgments on the earth. (See Bible Knowledge Commentary) I agree with John MacArthur's interpretation of the Lord's Day - John received his vision on the Lord’s day. While some argue that this refers to the time of eschatological judgment called the Day of the Lord, it is best understood as a reference to Sunday. The Greek phrase translated the Lord’s day (tē kuriakē hēmera) is different from the one translated “the Day of the Lord” (tē hēmerea tou kuriou, or hēmerea kuriou; cf. 1 Cor. 5:5; 1 Thess. 5:2; 2 Thess. 2:2; 2 Pet. 3:10) and appears only here in the New Testament. Further, the vision John received had nothing to do with the eschatological Day of the Lord; it was a vision of Christ’s present ministry in the church. Finally, in the second century the phrase kuriakē hēmera was widely used to refer to Sunday (cf. R. J. Bauckham, “The Lord’s Day,” in D. A. Carson, ed., From Sabbath to Lord's Day : a Biblical, historical, and theological investigation). The phrase the Lord’s day became the customary way of referring to Sunday because Christ’s resurrection took place on a Sunday. (See Revelation Commentary) J

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Guzik - The light doesn’t come from the lampstands. The light comes from the oil lamps themselves. The stands merely make the light more visible. Therefore, the lampstands are a good picture of the church. We don’t produce the light, we simply display it. Adam

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Guzik - We should consider the fact that this is the only physical description of Jesus given to us in the Bible. The only other description that comes close is in Isaiah 53:2: He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him. In our modern pictures of Jesus, we like to think of Him as He was, not Jesus as He is. We prefer to see and know Jesus after the flesh. But Paul said, Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer (2 Corinthians 5:16). and His face was like the sun shining in its strength - This speaks of His transcendent glory. Have you ever accidentally looked at the full sun in the middle of a summer day? Then you can imagine what John saw on this day. Normally looking at the sun shining in its strength will blind a person, but John was supernaturally enabled to gaze at the Son like the sun and not be blinded. Though he was not blinded, he clearly was overwhelmed by what he heard and saw, for in the next verse he fell at Jesus' feet! Matthew 17:2 And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light.

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Guzik - Jesus is the one who has the keys of Hades and of Death. Some imagine that the devil is somehow the “lord of Hell.” Some imagine that the devil has authority or power to determine life or death. Clearly, they are wrong, for only Jesus holds the keys of Hades and of Death. We can trust that Jesus never lets the devil borrow the keys. Hades (86)(hades) is the transliteration of the Greek word Hades (from a = negative + eido = to see) literally means "not seen" or "unseen". Usually in the NT as the temporary underworld prison where the souls of the ungodly await the judgment. 10v - Matt. 11:23; Matt. 16:18; Lk. 10:15; Lk. 16:23; Acts 2:27; Acts 2:31; Rev. 1:18; Rev. 6:8; Rev. 20:13; Rev. 20:14 Revelation 6:8 I looked, and behold, an ashen horse; and he who sat on it had the name Death; and Hades was following with him. Authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by the wild beasts of the earth. Revelation 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. Revelation 20:14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. Gotquestions on Hades - In the Hebrew Scriptures, the word used to describe the realm of the dead is sheol. It simply means “the place of the dead” or “the place of departed souls/spirits.” The New Testament Greek equivalent to sheol is hades, which is also a general reference to “the place of the dead.” The Greek word gehenna is used in the New Testament for “hell” and is derived from the Hebrew word hinnom. Other Scriptures in the New Testament indicated that sheol/hades is a temporary place where souls are kept as they await the final resurrection. The souls of the righteous, at death, go directly into the presence of God—the part of sheol called “heaven,” “paradise,” or “Abraham’s bosom” (Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23) (What is the difference between Sheol, Hades, Hell, the lake of fire, Paradise, and Abraham’s bosom? | GotQuestions.org) Warren Wiersbe Summarizes Why Study Revelation It is a Christ-centered book. To be sure, all Scripture speaks of the Saviour; but the Book of Revelation especially magnifies the greatness and glory of Jesus Christ. The book is, after all, the revelation of Jesus Christ and not simply the revelation of future events. It is an “open” book. John was told not to seal the book (Rev. 22:10) because God’s people need the message it contains. Revelation can be understood, despite the fact that it contains mysteries that may never be comprehended until we meet at the throne of God. John sent the book to the seven churches of Asia Minor with the expectation that, when it was read aloud by the messengers, the listening saints would understand enough of its truths so as to be greatly encouraged in their own difficult situations. It is a book filled with symbols. Biblical symbols are timeless in their message and limitless in their content. For instance, the symbol of “Babylon” originates in Genesis 10–11, and its meaning grows as you trace it through Scripture, climaxing with Revelation 17–18. The same is true of the symbols of “the Lamb” and “the bride.” It is exciting to seek to penetrate deeper into the rich meanings that are conveyed by these symbols. It is a book of prophecy. This is definitely stated in Revelation 1:3; 22:7, 10, 18–19; note also 10:11. The letters to the seven churches of Asia Minor dealt with immediate needs in those assemblies, needs that are still with us in churches today; but the rest of the book is devoted almost entirely to prophetic revelations. It was by seeing the victorious Christ presented that the persecuted Christians found encouragement for their difficult task of witnessing. When you have assurance for the future, you have stability in the present. John himself was suffering under the hand of Rome (Rev. 1:9), so the book was born out of affliction. It is a book with a blessing. We have already noted the promise in Revelation 1:3, as well as the six other “beatitudes” scattered throughout the book. It is not enough simply to hear (or read) the book; we must respond to its message from the heart. We must take the message personally and say a believing “Amen!” to what it says. (Note the many “Amens” in the book: Rev. 1:6–7, 18; 3:14; 5:14; 7:12; 19:4; 22:20–21.) It is a relevant book. What John wrote about would “shortly come to pass” (Rev. 1:1) because “the time is at hand” (Rev. 1:3). (note also Rev. 22:7, 10, 12, 20.) The word shortly does not mean “soon” or “immediately,” but “quickly, swiftly.” God does not measure time as we do (2 Peter 3:1–10). No one knows when our Lord shall return; but when He begins to open the seals of the scroll (Rev. 6:1ff), events will occur with speed and without interruption. It is a majestic book. Revelation is the book of “the throne,” for the word throne is found forty-six times throughout. This book magnifies the sovereignty of God. Christ is presented in His glory and dominion! It is a universal book. John saw nations and peoples (Rev. 10:11; 11:9; 17:15) as part of God’s program. He also saw the throne room of heaven and heard voices from the ends of the universe! It is a climactic book. Revelation is the climax of the Bible. All that began in Genesis will be completed and fulfilled in keeping with God’s sovereign will. He is “Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending” (Rev. 1:8). What God starts, He finishes! But before visiting the throne room of heaven, we must pause to listen to “the Man among the lampstands” as He reveals the personal needs in our churches and in our own hearts. “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches!” (Borrow Be Victorious) QUESTION - What are the keys of death (Revelation 1:18)? ANSWER - In Revelation 1:18 Jesus says, “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” Possessing the “keys of death” means that the risen Christ has control and authority over death. In John 10:17–18, Jesus says, “The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” When Jesus died, He died according to His own timing, when He “gave up his spirit” (John 19:30). Pilate was surprised to hear that Jesus was already dead (Mark 15:44). Jesus, who has the authority over death, had the unique power to give up His spirit and to rise from the dead. Moreover, He has the authority to release His followers from death in order that they may be with Him forever. Think of the concept of giving someone “the key to the city.” This key is sometimes a large, cartoonish key that fits no lock but is symbolic of an honor bestowed. Someone given “a key to the city” is considered welcome and honored within that city. The Bible frequently speaks of keys as representing control or authority over something or someone. This concept makes sense; to possess a master key to a building is to have the authority to open any of its doors and enter any room. Isaiah 37:2 speaks of Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, an honorable man sent on an important errand. In chapter 22, it was written that Eliakim would be given authority and that God would “place on his shoulder the key to the house of David.” By the “key to the house of David,” it is meant that the Lord would place Eliakim in a position of authority. Later, Eliakim becomes the governor of the palace in Jerusalem. In Revelation 9:1–2, an angel is given a key to, or control over, the bottomless pit, and he uses the key to open that pit. Later, an angel is seen locking things in the bottomless pit (20:1–3). Eternal life through Jesus Christ is the blessed assurance John describes in 1 John 5:6–13. Jesus having the keys of death means He has the power to release from death those who receive the gift of salvation He offers.GotQuestions.org David Jeremiah - LISTEN TO JESUS REVELATION 1:17–18 I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Who is Jesus? He’s the Son of God and the Son of Man. He is the God-man and the man-God. He is Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. He is God walking around in a body. He is God forever enthroned in heaven now at the right hand of the Father. Jesus Christ is God. One of the greatest illustrations of who Christ is and why we should listen to His words is found in the prologue of the Book of Revelation. John was in exile on the Isle of Patmos, and he saw this One to Whom we are appealing and said, “When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, ‘Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen’ ” (Revelation 1:17–18). There is no one like Jesus Christ. He is the only one who has ever lived or ever will live who has a true grasp of the future. Because the Lord Jesus Christ as God lives in the time about which He speaks, He views all of time as if it were the present. He is the Eternal One, the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. (Borrow Sanctuary : finding moments of refuge in the presence of God) He Was Dead But Now Lives I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. — Revelation 1:18 Today's Scripture: Luke 24:1-12 Many years ago I was scheduled to speak at a Bible conference in Pennsylvania. A few days before it was to begin, a member of the conference committee telephoned my office. Someone in Pennsylvania had received a newspaper clipping from a Michigan paper reporting my death. The news had spread all over the area, and the conference representative wanted to verify the report so he could get another speaker in my place. The reason for all the confusion was the death of someone else with the same last name. Some people had jumped to the conclusion that the report was about me. When I arrived at the conference, I found a very curious crowd assembled. I chose Revelation 1:18 for my text and said, “The reports you heard about my death were true. I did die, but I am now here, risen from the dead, and alive forevermore.” While Revelation 1:18 applies first of all to the death and resurrection of Jesus, it reminds me of what has happened to every member of the body of Christ. We were spiritually dead in sins (Eph. 2:1), but we were also spiritually raised (v.5). Every Christian can say, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20). Dying with Jesus, by death reckoned mine, Living with Jesus, a new life divine, Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine, Moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine. —Whittle Because Christ lives in us, we will live with Him forever. Revelation 1:19 "Therefore write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things. NET Revelation 1:19 Therefore write what you saw, what is, and what will be after these things. NLT Revelation 1:19 "Write down what you have seen-- both the things that are now happening and the things that will happen. ESV Revelation 1:19 Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. NIV Revelation 1:19 "Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. GNT Revelation 1:19 γράψον οὖν ἃ εἶδες καὶ ἃ εἰσὶν καὶ ἃ μέλλει γενέσθαι μετὰ ταῦτα. KJV Revelation 1:19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; ASV Revelation 1:19 Write therefore the things which thou sawest, and the things which are, and the things which shall come to pass hereafter; CSB Revelation 1:19 Therefore write what you have seen, what is, and what will take place after this. NKJ Revelation 1:19 "Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. NRS Revelation 1:19 Now write what you have seen, what is, and what is to take place after this. YLT Revelation 1:19 'Write the things that thou hast seen, and the things that are, and the things that are about to come after these things; the things: Rev 1:11,12-20 and the things which are: Rev 2:1-3:22 and the things which shall be: Rev 4:1-22:21 THE PLAN OF THE REVELATION This verse is the key that opens the door to the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. Notice three sets of "the things." Therefore write - This is the second command (aorist imperative) for John to write. The things which you have seen - John refers to the glorified Christ he has just seen in Revelation 1 And the things which are - This refers to the seven letters to the churches which were in existence when he wrote the book and are identified in Revelation 2-3 And the things which will take place after these things - The things that are yet future in Revelation 4-22. Notice the time phrase after these things in Rev 4:1. Notice that there is no mention of a church or churches after Revelation 2-3, an interesting thought to ponder. Strauss writes "These three divisions are clear and they do not overlap. Each division is complete in itself and distinct from the other two. This is God's own division of the book. Hold fast to it, and you cannot go astray in your quest to understand its meaning. Do not at any time lift events from one division and attempt to place them in another. (Borrow The Book of the Revelation: Outlined Studies) Chapter 1—The Unveiling of His Person (His Glory) Chapters 2 and 3—The Utterances of His Purpose (His Grace) Chapters 4-22—The Unfolding of His Power (His Government) W A Criswell, commenting on the threefold outline asks "Is there a key to this book from God? Does God have an analysis of it? Does God have an interpretation? Is there something from heaven by which we can study the meaning of these visions? Yes, there is. When I was a student in school, I remember some lecturers saying that there was a key to the interpretation and the meaning of the Revelation, possessed in ancient times, but that key has been lost and we do not possess it today. Therefore, those lecturers concluded, the book is an enigma to us. I have learned just the opposite of that as I have studied the book. The same key that those first and primitive Christians had in the Roman province of Asia to whom the letters were addressed, we have today; because the key is written here in the first chapter of the book itself. This is the grand foundation. This is the great starting point. This is the key to the meaning of this vast outline of God’s future. Revelation 1:20 "As for the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. NET Revelation 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. NLT Revelation 1:20 This is the meaning of the mystery of the seven stars you saw in my right hand and the seven gold lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. ESV Revelation 1:20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. NIV Revelation 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. GNT Revelation 1:20 τὸ μυστήριον τῶν ἑπτὰ ἀστέρων οὓς εἶδες ἐπὶ τῆς δεξιᾶς μου καὶ τὰς ἑπτὰ λυχνίας τὰς χρυσᾶς· οἱ ἑπτὰ ἀστέρες ἄγγελοι τῶν ἑπτὰ ἐκκλησιῶν εἰσιν καὶ αἱ λυχνίαι αἱ ἑπτὰ ἑπτὰ ἐκκλησίαι εἰσίν. KJV Revelation 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. ASV Revelation 1:20 the mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks are seven churches. CSB Revelation 1:20 The secret of the seven stars you saw in My right hand and of the seven gold lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. NKJ Revelation 1:20 "The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches. NRS Revelation 1:20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. YLT Revelation 1:20 the secret of the seven stars that thou hast seen upon my right hand, and the seven golden lamp-stands: the seven stars are messengers of the seven assemblies, and the seven lamp-stands that thou hast seen are seven assemblies. mystery: Mt 13:11 Lu 8:10 the seven stars: Rev 1:13,16 the seven golden: Rev 1:12 The seven stars: Rev 2:1,8,12,18 3:1,7,14 Mal 2:7 and the: Zec 4:2 Mt 5:15,16 Php 2:15,16 1Ti 3:14-16 JESUS INTERPRETS THE MYSTERY As for the mystery (musterion) of the seven (hepta) stars which you saw in My right hand - NET = "The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and the seven golden lampstands is this" Don't miss the important truth in this passage regarding mystery. What does John say about mystery? In other words does he use the word like we commonly do in secular writings to describe that which is concealed or does he use it to describe what is revealed? Revealed of course. So what does that teach us about the definition of "mystery?" It is something previously hidden which has now been revealed. Mystery occurs 4 times in the Revelation - Rev. 1:20; Rev. 10:7; Rev. 17:5; Rev. 17:7. Walvoord points out that "In Revelation a symbol of vision is often presented first, and then its interpretation is given. So here the seven stars were declared to be the angels or messengers of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches themselves. The Book of Revelation, instead of being a hopeless jumble of symbolic vision, is a carefully written record of what John saw and heard, with frequent explanations of its theological and practical meanings." (See The Bible Knowledge Commentary) Notice that the number seven occurs 11 times in Revelation 1 including 6 times in Rev 1:20. - Rev. 1:4; Rev. 1:11; Rev. 1:12; Rev. 1:16; Rev. 1:20 And the seven (hepta) golden lampstands (luchnia) - These are the seven churches which were to be light-bearers, a fitting "job description" of local churches, which are supposed to shine for God amid the darkness of this world. The seven (hepta) stars are the angels (aggelos/angelos) of the seven (hepta) churches (ekklesia) - The 3 considerations are (1) literal angels, (2) messengers sent to John and (3) leaders of the churches who served as messengers (pastors, elders, etc). Most writers favor the third option. Guzik - We note that each church had its own angel, and Jesus held these angels in His hand. Some believe these angels are the pastors of these seven churches. This idea is based on a literal understanding of the ancient Greek word translated angel, aggelos. That word literally means “messenger,” and certainly pastors are “messengers” to churches. Others think the angels might be “guardian angels” over each congregation. Some suggest that the angels are not literal beings at all, but they just represent the prevailing spirit of each church. There are strengths and weaknesses to any of these interpretations, but we do know that in some way, these angels are representatives of each congregation. And the seven (hepta) lampstands (luchnia) are the seven (hepta) churches (ekklesia) - Scripture is the best commentary on Scripture. Mystery (3466) musterion from mustes = one initiated [as into the Greco-Roman "mystery" religions] from mueo = to close or shut) in the NT is a truth never previously known, and a truth which human intellect could never discover, but one which has now been made known by divine revelation. A mystery is a truth which man cannot know by his natural powers, so that if it is known it must be revealed. Scripture uses musterion to indicate truth which was previously unknown but which now has been made known through revelation mediated by God. Musterion in the Bible means those truths which are part of God's plan and can only be understood as He reveals them by His Spirit through His Word. Musterion refers to truth previously hidden, which when revealed, is understood by the believer. Musterion 4x in the Revelation - Matt. 13:11; Mk. 4:11; Lk. 8:10; Rom. 11:25; Rom. 16:25; 1 Co. 2:7; 1 Co. 4:1; 1 Co. 13:2; 1 Co. 14:2; 1 Co. 15:51; Eph. 1:9; Eph. 3:3; Eph. 3:4; Eph. 3:9; Eph. 5:32; Eph. 6:19; Col. 1:26; Col. 1:27; Col. 2:2; Col. 4:3; 2 Thess. 2:7; 1 Tim. 3:9; 1 Tim. 3:16; Rev. 1:20; Rev. 10:7; Rev. 17:5; Rev. 17:7 ILLUSTRATION - A father was attempting to read his Sunday paper. His little girl, as small children do, was constantly interrupting him and asking him questions. Finally, not wishing to be disturbed by his little girl any longer, he cut up a map of the world, gave it to her, and told her to put it together. He thought this would keep her busy for some time. However, in just a few minutes she returned with the map and every piece was in the right place. The father was very much surprised and said: “How in the world did you put this puzzle together so quickly? You don't know anything about geography.” The little girl replied, “Well, daddy, there was a picture of Jesus on the other side, and I knew when I had Jesus in the right place, the whole world would be all right.” What a truth! That is what John is trying to do here at the very start of the book of Revelation. He is trying to get us to see Jesus as He really is! He is not the humble man of Galilee any longer. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lord and He deserves to be worshiped, served and glorified. When He is in the right place, the whole world will be all right. Until then, the world will be out of balance and will continue to wobble under the affects of sin and rebellion, until Jesus comes and sets it right. QUESTION - Are the “angels” of the churches in Revelation 1-3 real angels, or are they human messengers? ANSWER - In Revelation 1, John the apostle sees the glorified Christ in a vision. Jesus is standing among seven golden lampstands. In His hand, Jesus holds seven stars (Revelation 1:13, 16). In Rev 1:20 Jesus explains, “The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.” The meaning of the lampstands is plain. They represent the seven churches of Asia Minor. We know that a lampstand is intended to give light. The people of God, both as individuals and as congregations, are to be bearers of light. Jesus told His followers that they were the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Paul told the church in Philippi that they were “seen as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15). Since Jesus is the “true light” of the world (John 1:9), it makes sense that He is standing “among the lampstands” (Revelation 1:13)—the light shed abroad by the churches comes from Him. The stars held in Jesus’ hand are also light-bearers. However, the meaning of the angels is less plain. The Greek word angelos simply meant “messenger”; usually, the word was used for supernatural “messengers” from God. However, sometimes the word was applied to human messengers of God’s Word: John the Baptist is called an “angelos” in Matthew 11:10. Some scholars interpret the angels of Revelation 1:20 as heavenly beings. Others view them as the human messengers who bore John’s letter. Others identify them as those who actually read the message to the congregations, that is, church leaders such as pastors, elders, or bishops. A pastor of a church functions as a “messenger” for God, delivering God’s Word to the congregation. If the angels of the seven churches are heavenly beings, then that would perhaps mean that each church had a “guardian angel” or some type of heavenly being associated with each congregation. There is a difficulty with this interpretation. John was writing the letters to them. Why should he write letters to angels—were the letters going to be read to the congregations by celestial beings? That is highly doubtful. A better view is that the “angels” are envoys sent to John. During the time that the apostle was exiled on the Isle of Patmos, it is possible that local congregations sent delegates to him to inquire of his condition. These delegates could be the “angels” or “messengers” that were entrusted with the letters on their return trip. Probably the best interpretation, however, is that the seven angels are the human leaders—the bishops, elders, or pastors—in the churches. Jesus used the apostle John to write messages addressed to seven notable church leaders, and these leaders would then share the messages with the rest of the church. The fact that the “stars” are held in Jesus’ “right hand” is significant. The Lord Himself protects, upholds, and guides the leaders of the church with His strength and wisdom.GotQuestions.org