Apocalipse 1
John MacArthur · Citado em PreceptAustin
Apocalipse 1
MacArthur says "There are two possible meanings: (1) a reference to Isaiah's prophecy concerning the 7-fold ministry of the Holy Spirit (Isa 11:2); or (2) more likely, it is a reference to the lampstand with 7 lamps (a menorah) in Zechariah—also a description of the Holy Spirit (Zech 4:5; 5:6; Zec 4:1-10 - ED: See esp Zech 4:10NLT). In either case, 7 is the number of completeness, so John is identifying the fullness of the Holy Spirit." (Borrow MacArthur Study Bible - page 1992) (ED COMMENT - His last comment seems the most reasonable and defensible from the Scriptures). Several commentaries feel that the passage in Isaiah 11 explains the "seven" in seven Spirits. Here is the passage they refer to followed by some comments... Isaiah 11:2+ The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him (MESSIAH), The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. Comment: The Spirit of the LORD is clearly the Holy Spirit. Then Isaiah seems to list 6 characteristics of the Holy Spirit. For some reason many writers see this as a "seven fold ministry" of the Holy Spirit. It can only be seven fold if you count His designation "Spirit of the LORD." The only reason I draw your attention to this is because it is commonly used to support the assumption that the Seven Spirits here in Rev 1:4 parallel Isaiah's description. Perhaps I am nit-picking, but I do not see a seven-fold ministry. I suppose if one thought about a menorah (which has 7 branches) and called the Spirit the central branch, this interpretation might be a consideration. I say all this only to caution you not to be too quick to accept interpretations of even well known commentators without first doing your own careful observations. Avoid the temptation to go to the commentaries before you have pondered the passage yourself! Robert Thomas agrees writing "Another idea is to trace the title to Isa 11:2 where a supposedly sevenfold designation of the Spirit is found (Lenski; Walvoord; Morris; Caird). This notion is inadequate, however, because Isa. 11:2 points out only six, not seven, energies of the Spirit (Alford; Beckwith). (See Revelation Exegetical Commentary) Seven (2033)(hepta [see also note below from gotquestions and another note]) is the indeclinable number 7 (a cardinal number) denotes sufficiency. In Jewish usage hepta often designated a round or complete number. W E Vine notes hepa- is found in "English words beginning with "hept," and corresponds to the Hebrew sheba' (which is akin to saba', signifying "to be full, abundant"), sometimes used as an expression of fullness, e.g., Ruth 4:15: it generally expresses completeness," See Tony Garland's comments on Seven: Perfection, Completeness. Here are the uses of 7 in the Revelation - churches (Rev 1:4), Spirits (Rev 1:4), candlesticks or lamp stands (Rev 1:12), stars (Rev 1:16), lamps of fire (Rev 4:5), seals (Rev 5:1), horns (Rev 5:6), eyes (Rev 5:6), angels (Rev 8:2), trumpets (Rev 8:2), thunders (Rev 10:3), heads (on the red dragon, Rev 12:3; on the beast out of the sea, Rev 13:1; and on the scarlet colored beast, Rev 17:3), crowns on the red dragon (Rev 12:3), plagues (Rev 15:1), vials (Rev 15:7), mountains (Rev 17:9), and kings (Rev 17:10). Gilbrant - In the New Testament as indeed throughout all Scripture, perhaps stemming from the 7 days of creation, the numeral “seven” often suggests completeness, totality, perfection, fullness. For example the idea of completeness is also seen in Christ’s prescription for forgiveness, “seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22). Used as a substantive with the definite article, hepta designates a fixed group. The seven church officials (Acts 6:3) became known as “the seven” (Acts 21:8), much like the designation “the twelve” (Acts 6:2). (Complete Biblical Library) Zodhiates says he meaning of hepta "is from the Hebrew word meaning sufficiency or fullness. It was on the seventh day that the Lord completed or finished all His work of creation, or made it sufficient for the purposes for which it was designed (Ge. 2:2). The seventh day was also sanctified, or set apart, from the beginning as a religious Sabbath, or rest, to remind believers of that rest which God then entered into and of that sufficiency or fullness of joy which is in His presence forevermore (Ps. 16:11). Hence the very early and general division of time into weeks or periods of seven days, and the sacredness of the seventh day, not only among believers before the giving of the law, but also among the heathen for which they give the very same reason as Moses does (Gen. 2:2); namely, that on it all things were ended or completed (cf. Gen. 7:4, 10; 8:10, 12; 29:27; Ex. 16:22, 31; Heb. 4:1-11). Seven, therefore, was both among believers and nonbelievers the number of sufficiency or completion. Note also the seventy weeks of the prophecy of Daniel (Da. 9:20-27) of which the last week, the seventieth week, represented the Great Tribulation which would come on earth (Rev. 6-19), indicating the sufficiency of God's dispensation of grace. See Acts 6:3; Rev. 1:4, 12, 16; 2:1 (cf. Gen. 21:28; Ex. 37:23; Lev. 4:6, 17). (Borrow The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament) Hepta - 88x/63v - Matt. 12:45; Matt. 15:34; Matt. 15:36; Matt. 15:37; Matt. 16:10; Matt. 18:22; Matt. 22:25; Matt. 22:26; Matt. 22:28; Mk. 8:5; Mk. 8:6; Mk. 8:8; Mk. 8:20; Mk. 12:20; Mk. 12:22; Mk. 12:23; Mk. 16:9; Lk. 2:36; Lk. 8:2; Lk. 11:26; Lk. 20:29; Lk. 20:31; Lk. 20:33; Acts 6:3; Acts 13:19; Acts 19:14; Acts 20:6; Acts 21:4; Acts 21:8; Acts 21:27; Acts 28:14; Heb. 11:30; Rev. 1:4; Rev. 1:11; Rev. 1:12; Rev. 1:16; Rev. 1:20; Rev. 2:1; Rev. 3:1; Rev. 4:5; Rev. 5:1; Rev. 5:5; Rev. 5:6; Rev. 6:1; Rev. 8:2; Rev. 8:6; Rev. 10:3; Rev. 10:4; Rev. 11:13; Rev. 12:3; Rev. 13:1; Rev. 15:1; Rev. 15:6; Rev. 15:7; Rev. 15:8; Rev. 16:1; Rev. 17:1; Rev. 17:3; Rev. 17:7; Rev. 17:9; Rev. 17:10; Rev. 17:11; Rev. 21:9 Hepta in the Septuagint -Gen. 4:15; Gen. 4:24; Gen. 5:7; Gen. 5:25; Gen. 7:2; Gen. 7:3; Gen. 7:4; Gen. 7:10; Gen. 8:10; Gen. 8:12; Gen. 11:21; Gen. 21:28; Gen. 21:29; Gen. 21:30; Gen. 23:1; Gen. 25:17; Gen. 29:18; Gen. 29:20; Gen. 29:27; Gen. 29:30; Gen. 31:23; Gen. 37:2; Gen. 41:2; Gen. 41:3; Gen. 41:4; Gen. 41:5; Gen. 41:6; Gen. 41:7; Gen. 41:18; Gen. 41:19; Gen. 41:20; Gen. 41:22; Gen. 41:23; Gen. 41:24; Gen. 41:26; Gen. 41:27; Gen. 41:29; Gen. 41:30; Gen. 41:34; Gen. 41:35; Gen. 41:36; Gen. 41:47; Gen. 41:48; Gen. 41:50; Gen. 41:53; Gen. 41:54; Gen. 46:25; Gen. 47:28; Gen. 50:10; Exod. 2:16; Exod. 6:16; Exod. 7:25; Exod. 12:15; Exod. 12:19; Exod. 13:7; Exod. 22:30; Exod. 23:15; Exod. 25:37; Exod. 29:30; Exod. 29:35; Exod. 29:37; Exod. 34:18; Exod. 37:23; Lev. 8:33; Lev. 8:35; Lev. 12:2; Lev. 12:5; Lev. 13:4; Lev. 13:5; Lev. 13:21; Lev. 13:26; Lev. 13:31; Lev. 13:33; Lev. 13:50; Lev. 13:54; Lev. 14:8; Lev. 14:38; Lev. 15:13; Lev. 15:19; Lev. 15:24; Lev. 15:28; Lev. 22:27; Lev. 23:6; Lev. 23:8; Lev. 23:15; Lev. 23:18; Lev. 23:34; Lev. 23:36; Lev. 23:39; Lev. 23:40; Lev. 23:42; Lev. 25:8; Lev. 26:21; Num. 1:31; Num. 2:8; Num. 2:31; Num. 8:2; Num. 12:14; Num. 12:15; Num. 13:22; Num. 19:11; Num. 19:14; Num. 19:16; Num. 23:1; Num. 23:4; Num. 23:14; Num. 23:29; Num. 28:11; Num. 28:17; Num. 28:19; Num. 28:21; Num. 28:24; Num. 28:27; Num. 28:29; Num. 29:2; Num. 29:4; Num. 29:8; Num. 29:10; Num. 29:12; Num. 29:32; Num. 29:36; Num. 31:19; Deut. 7:1; Deut. 15:1; Deut. 16:3; Deut. 16:4; Deut. 16:9; Deut. 16:13; Deut. 16:15; Deut. 28:7; Deut. 28:25; Deut. 31:10; Jos. 6:8; Jos. 6:13; Jos. 15:62; Jos. 18:2; Jos. 18:5; Jos. 18:6; Jos. 18:9; Jdg. 6:1; Jdg. 8:14; Jdg. 12:9; Jdg. 14:10; Jdg. 14:12; Jdg. 14:17; Jdg. 16:7; Jdg. 16:8; Jdg. 16:13; Jdg. 16:14; Jdg. 16:19; Ruth 4:15; 1 Sam. 2:5; 1 Sam. 6:1; 1 Sam. 10:8; 1 Sam. 11:3; 1 Sam. 13:8; 1 Sam. 16:10; 1 Sam. 31:13; 2 Sam. 2:11; 2 Sam. 5:5; 2 Sam. 6:13; 2 Sam. 8:4; 2 Sam. 21:6; 2 Sam. 21:9; 2 Sam. 23:39; 1 Ki. 2:11; 1 Ki. 2:35; 1 Ki. 6:6; 1 Ki. 8:65; 1 Ki. 14:21; 1 Ki. 16:15; 1 Ki. 19:18; 1 Ki. 20:29; 1 Ki. 20:30; 2 Ki. 3:9; 2 Ki. 8:1; 2 Ki. 8:2; 2 Ki. 8:3; 2 Ki. 11:21; 1 Chr. 3:4; 1 Chr. 3:24; 1 Chr. 5:13; 1 Chr. 7:5; 1 Chr. 9:25; 1 Chr. 10:12; 1 Chr. 12:25; 1 Chr. 12:34; 1 Chr. 15:26; 1 Chr. 18:4; 1 Chr. 19:18; 1 Chr. 29:27; 2 Chr. 7:8; 2 Chr. 7:9; 2 Chr. 13:9; 2 Chr. 24:1; 2 Chr. 29:21; 2 Chr. 30:21; 2 Chr. 30:22; 2 Chr. 30:23; 2 Chr. 35:17; Ezr. 2:38; Ezr. 2:39; Ezr. 2:65; Ezr. 6:22; Ezr. 7:14; Ezr. 8:35; Neh. 7:18; Neh. 7:19; Neh. 7:41; Neh. 7:42; Neh. 7:67; Neh. 7:72; Neh. 8:18; Est. 1:1; Est. 1:10; Est. 2:9; Est. 2:18; Est. 3:12; Est. 3:13; Est. 8:9; Est. 8:12; Job 1:2; Job 2:13; Job 42:8; Job 42:13; Prov. 9:1; Prov. 26:25; Eccl. 11:2; Isa. 4:1; Isa. 11:15; Jer. 15:9; Jer. 32:9; Jer. 52:25; Ezek. 3:15; Ezek. 3:16; Ezek. 39:9; Ezek. 40:6; Ezek. 40:22; Ezek. 40:26; Ezek. 41:3; Ezek. 43:25; Ezek. 43:26; Ezek. 44:26; Ezek. 45:21; Ezek. 45:23; Ezek. 45:25; Dan. 4:16; Dan. 4:32; Dan. 4:33; Dan. 4:34; Dan. 6:1; Dan. 6:3; Dan. 9:25; Dan. 9:26; Mic. 5:5; Zech. 3:9; Zech. 4:2; Zech. 4:10; Churches (1577) ekklesia from ek = out + klesis = a calling, verb = kaleo = to call) literally means called out (but see note by Louw-Nida below) and as commonly used in the Greco-Roman vernacular referred to citizens who were called out from their homes to be publicly assembled or gathered to discuss or carry out affairs of state.
Apocalipse 1
MacArthur writes that "The Gospels are also about Jesus Christ, but present Him in His first coming in humiliation; the book of Revelation presents Him in His second coming in exaltation. Every vision and description of Him in Revelation is one of majesty, power, and glory." (See Revelation Commentary) Illustration of the Importance of Being a Witness - WHEN the Titanic went under, three messages had been sent that said to watch out for the icebergs. Because everything looked all right, the folks taking the message never passed it on. They never sent the warning out to people who needed to hear and, as a result, over fifteen hundred people lost their lives. The folks who knew kept quiet. Another tragedy of the Titanic was that the lifeboats, designed to carry people away from the sinking ship, were only half full. People who had made it to safety in the lifeboats didn’t want to turn around and go pick up people who were dying. They didn’t want to take the risk of panicking people flipping over their boat. So the people who were saved and safe kept on going. Fifteen hundred people didn’t have to die, but they did. The folks who were saved didn’t want to go back because it was risky. Sharing the Gospel has risks—the risk of rejection, the risk of being made fun of, the risk of being called “holier than thou,” the risk of being called “Reverend,” the risk of being avoided, the risk of being asked questions you don’t know the answer to. Yes, there are risks, but when someone is dying, offering them the gift of salvation is worth the risk. (See Tony Evans' Book of Illustrations) 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. BGT Revelation 1:3 Μακάριος ὁ ἀναγινώσκων καὶ οἱ ἀκούοντες τοὺς λόγους τῆς προφητείας καὶ τηροῦντες τὰ ἐν αὐτῇ γεγραμμένα, ὁ γὰρ καιρὸς ἐγγύς. KJV Revelation 1:3 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. NET Revelation 1:3 Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy aloud, and blessed are those who hear and obey the things written in it, because the time is near! NLT Revelation 1:3 God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near. ESV Revelation 1:3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. NIV Revelation 1:3 Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. GNT Revelation 1:3 μακάριος ὁ ἀναγινώσκων καὶ οἱ ἀκούοντες τοὺς λόγους τῆς προφητείας καὶ τηροῦντες τὰ ἐν αὐτῇ γεγραμμένα, ὁ γὰρ καιρὸς ἐγγύς. KJV Revelation 1:3 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. ASV Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things that are written therein: for the time is at hand. CSB Revelation 1:3 The one who reads this is blessed, and those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep what is written in it are blessed, because the time is near! NKJ Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. NRS Revelation 1:3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of the prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and who keep what is written in it; for the time is near. YLT Revelation 1:3 Happy (NOT THE BEST WORD AS IT SUGGESTS ONE'S STATE DEPENDS ON WHAT "HAPPENS"!) is he who is reading, and those hearing, the words of the prophecy, and keeping the things written in it -- for the time is nigh! Blessed: Rev 22:7 Pr 8:34 Da 12:12-13 Lu 11:28 for: Rev 22:6,10,12,20 Ro 13:11 Jas 5:8,9 1Pe 4:7 2Pe 3:8 Related Passages: Proverbs 8:34 “Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts. Luke 11:28+ But He said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God AND observe it.” (OBEDIENCE IS THE SECRET OF BLESSING!) THE CONDITIONS FOR THE PROMISED BLESSING Blessed (makarios) is he who reads (anaginosko) - Sadly respected theologians like Martin Luther have written discouraging comments such as "Even if it were a blessed thing to believe what is contained in it, no man knows what that is.” Beloved, Luther directly questions the veracity of the Word of God which clearly and unequivocally promises a blessing to readers, hearers and doers! And far from "frightening" as so many say, the Revelation of Jesus Christ will bless you IF you read it. But you must read with an open mind and a willingness to be taught by the Spirit of truth (Jn 14:17, 15:26, and especially Jn 16:13). You will not understand every detail John records (no one else does either), but you will understand enough to experience the promised blessing. However, the promise of blessing is predicated on the next two phrases. As an aside before you read a host of commentaries on the Revelation, spend time reading the words of the Revelation, asking the Spirit of truth Who inspired John to illuminate the truth of this book to your heart and mind and soul. Note that reads, hear and heed are all in the present tense calling for these actions to be our lifestyle. The Revelation should never be "one and done," but should be read again and again! And why not? Is it not encouraging to read that Jesus wins? When trials and afflictions assail us this book gives us the sure hope (not "hope so") that Jesus will be triumphant over all evil and evildoers, a truth which should energize us and enable us to keep on keeping on! (cf 1Co 15:58+) When was the last time you read the Revelation? Read it and be encouraged and be filled with hope for your present and your future!
Apocalipse 1
MacArthur - the Bible repeatedly affirms that Jesus will return. That truth appears in more than five hundred verses throughout the Bible. It has been estimated that one out of every twenty-five verses in the New Testament refers to the Second Coming. Jesus repeatedly spoke of His return (e.g., Matt. 16:27; 24–25; 26:64; Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26) and warned believers to be ready for it (e.g., Matt. 24:42, 44; 25:13; Luke 12:40; 21:34–36). The return of the Lord Jesus Christ to this earth is thus a central theme in Scripture. Paul wrote almost 2000 years ago warning the saints at Rome regarding the shortness of time Do this, knowing the time (kairos) that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep (DEAR SAINT ARE YOU SPIRITUALLY ASLEEP? THEN READ ON FOR MOTIVATION!); for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed (AKA "GLORIFICATION" - SEE Three Tenses of Salvation). 12 The night is almost gone (cf 1Th 5:5-7+), and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. 14 But put on (aorist imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision (present imperative with a negative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) for the flesh in regard to its lusts.(Ro 13:11-14+) Greek Statue "Kairos" (See REDEEM THE TIME) Time (season, opportunity, epoch) (2540)(kairos) refers not to clock time as we normally think of it (that is the Greek chronos), but refers to a season of time, a given period of time. Think of fruit on a tree. The tree only bears fruit in a certain season. The "fruit" in this context is the appearance of our Savior in His "season." And John says the "fruit tree" is ripening (so to speak) and will soon bear fruit! For some this will be a day of great joy but for most of mankind (sadly - cf Mt 7:13,14+) it will be a time of dread and gloom for all who have rejected God's free gift of salvation by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-9+). When this tree bears fruit so to speak, it will be too late to believe in Jesus! Dear honest skeptic, don't procrastinate, for your eternal destiny hangs in the balance and you are being kept back from the flames of eternal torment by nothing but a "spider's web" of grace! (Read Jonathan Edward's sermon "Sinners In the Hands of an Angry God") And when the web of God's "kindness and forbearance and patience" (Ro 2:4+) "breaks," it will be too late! (cf 2Co 6:2+, Heb 3:7-8+, Heb 4:1,2+) Kairos 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 11:18+ “And the nations were enraged, and Your wrath came, and the time came ("THE FRUIT WAS RIPE TO BE HARVESTED") for the dead to be judged, and the time to reward Your bond-servants the prophets and the saints and those who fear Your name, the small and the great, and to destroy those who destroy the earth.” Revelation 12:12+ “For this reason, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time.” (IN CONTEXT - 3.5 YEARS - THE GREAT TRIBULATION - 1260 DAYS - 42 MONTHS - TIME, TIMES AND HALF A TIME). Revelation 12:14+ But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she *was nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. (IN CONTEXT - 3.5 YEARS - THE GREAT TRIBULATION - 1260 DAYS - 42 MONTHS - TIME, TIMES AND HALF A TIME). 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. Near (1451) eggus is an adverb which means near (or close) and can describe a physical position relatively close to another position (Lk 19:11 or also a temporal position of one point of time relatively close to another point of time (Mt 26:18 - referring to His Crucifixion). Joel uses eggus 3x to describe the Day of the LORD as near (Joel 1:15, 2:1, 3:14, cp Ezek 30:3). Matthew and Mark describe Jesus' imminent return as “at the doors” (Mt. 24:33; Mk 13:29) which means it is near. The Passover is described as near (Jn 2:13, 6:4, 11:55) Ro 10:18 describes the Lord as near or close at hand, meaning ready to help (quoting Dt. 30:14). Thayer defines eggus as “near,” adding that it speaks of "things imminent and soon to come to pass.” Revelation 1:4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, BGT Revelation 1:4 Ἰωάννης ταῖς ἑπτὰ ἐκκλησίαις ταῖς ἐν τῇ Ἀσίᾳ· χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη ἀπὸ ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος καὶ ἀπὸ τῶν ἑπτὰ πνευμάτων ἃ ἐνώπιον τοῦ θρόνου αὐτοῦ KJV Revelation 1:4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; NET Revelation 1:4 From John, to the seven churches that are in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from "he who is," and who was, and who is still to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, NLT Revelation 1:4 This letter is from John to the seven churches in the province of Asia. Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come; from the sevenfold Spirit before his throne; ESV Revelation 1:4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, NIV Revelation 1:4 John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, GNT Revelation 1:4 Ἰωάννης ταῖς ἑπτὰ ἐκκλησίαις ταῖς ἐν τῇ Ἀσίᾳ· χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη ἀπὸ ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος καὶ ἀπὸ τῶν ἑπτὰ πνευμάτων ἃ ἐνώπιον τοῦ θρόνου αὐτοῦ KJV Revelation 1:4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; ASV Revelation 1:4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from him who is and who was and who is to come; and from the seven Spirits that are before his throne; CSB Revelation 1:4 John: To the seven churches in Asia. Grace and peace to you from the One who is, who was, and who is coming; from the seven spirits before His throne; NKJ Revelation 1:4 John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, NRS Revelation 1:4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, YLT Revelation 1:4 John to the seven assemblies that are in Asia: Grace to you, and peace, from Him who is, and who was, and who is coming, and from the Seven Spirits that are before His throne, John: Rev 1:1 to the: Rev 1:11,20 2:1,8,12,18 3:1,7,14 Ac 19:10 1Pe 1:1 Grace: Ro 1:7 1Co 1:3 2Co 1:2 1Pe 1:2 him: Rev 1:8 Ex 3:14 Ps 90:2 102:25-27 Isa 41:4 57:15 Mic 5:2 Joh 1:1 Heb 1:10-13 13:8 Jas 1:17 from the: Rev 3:1, 4:5, 5:6 Zec 3:9, 4:10, 6:5 1Co 12:4-13 Related Passages: Revelation 1:8 “I am (ego eimi) the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “Who is and Who was and Who is to come, the Almighty.” JOHN TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES Source: ConformingToJesus.com THE RECIPIENTS OF THIS LETTER John to the seven (hepta) churches (ekklesia) that are in Asia - John's initial audience is clearly stated and refers to seven literal churches and not the way it is stated - all 7 churches receive the entire "letter" of Revelation. We've heard the expression "reading someone's mail!" In this case God wants all 7 churches to read each others mail! Asia refers to the western half of modern day Turkey (see light green area in modern day Turkey in map above), and not the "Far East" which we refer to as "Asia" today. Churches refers to the physical churches that were present in each of these cities. This seven is the first of 54 uses of "seven" in the book of the Revelation. (See Seven: Perfection, Completeness) 🙏 THOUGHT - Why might Revelation have more uses of the number 7 than all the other NT books combined (which it does)? Just pondering this plethora of "sevens" in the last book of the Bible which would seem to undergird the truth that this book is the completion of God's great plan of redemption which began in Genesis. Henry
Apocalipse 1
MacArthur - Throughout the book of Revelation, a loud voice or sound indicates the solemnity of what is about to be revealed (cf. Rev 5:2, 12; 6:10; 7:2, 10; 8:13; 10:3; 11:12, 15; 12:10; 14:2, 15, 18; 16:1, 17; 19:1, 17; 21:3). The scene is reminiscent of the giving of the Law at Sinai: “So it came about on the third day, when it was morning, that there were thunder and lightning flashes and a thick cloud upon the mountain and a very loud trumpet sound, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled” (Ex. 19:16). (See Revelation Commentary) 🙏 THOUGHT - Terms of comparison (such as "like" which more accurately is a simile) are the most common type of figurative language in the Bible, usually expressing similarity between things that are otherwise dissimilar. The basic idea of comparison is to take something with which everyone is familiar and use give the reader insight into something which is unfamiliar or less familiar. In everyday life, when we see two of anything alike, the similarity immediately draws our attention and this same phenomenon is true in Bible study. How often do you see children out in public and don't pay that much attention? But when we see twins, our attention is heightened and more focused. In the same way, similarities stand out thus the Bible frequently uses comparison things well known and understood, in order to give insights into truths which may not as well known or understood. Behind every comparison there is a literal truth. We must be very careful to rightly divide the Word of Truth with comparison lest we be tempted to use our imagination and attach an interpretation to the figure of speech which the Spirit never intended. (See example of Augustine's interpretation of the metaphor of the two-edged sword in Rev 1:16). James Smith - IN THE SPIRIT. from his larger work "The Holy Spirit" Having received the Spirit, and having Him indwelling and filling us, our life is now to be lived "in the Spirit." That is, under His guiding, ever present, almighty overshadowing influence, like the Israelites under the pillar of cloud. From Scripture we observe there are certain privileges and blessings which can only be enjoyed by those who are "in the Spirit." We mention the following— 1. God is to be worshipped. We worship God in the Spirit (Phil. 3:3). God is a Spirit, and our spirit must worship Him (John 4:24). But that is not all, our spirit must worship in the Spirit of God, or as in the Revised Version, "Who worship in the Spirit of God." We may be serious and solemn in our worship, and yet not be in the Spirit; and if not in the Spirit, then no acceptable worship is given. All such worshippers, no matter how earnest, worship they know not what. In all the churches as well as in Athens, how many there are of whom it might be said, "They are too superstitious." 2. God's voice is heard and His glory witnessed. I was in the Spirit, and heard behind me a great voice,... and saw the Son of Man clothed in glory" (Rev. 1:10-18). Those who are continually in the Spirit are continually enraptured with the glory of the Lord. Those not in the Spirit may talk fluently about the "voice" and the "glory," but to their own hearts it is all unreal. In the Spirit we hear not the still small voice only as of one speaking from afar and heard with difficulty, but "a great voice as of a trumpet," about which there can be no doubt. 3. Heavenly things are understood. "Come up hither, and I will show you things,... and immediately I was in the Spirit" (Rev. 4:1, 2). We cannot understand the things of God but by the Spirit of God, for they are spiritually discerned. Then if God would show thee,... immediately you must be in the Spirit. The book of the Revelation of Jesus may be divided into four sections. The first beginning at chap. 1:10; second at chap. 4:2; third at chap. 17:3; fourth at chap. 21:10. At each of these changes in the scene of Revelation, John reminds us that he was "in the Spirit." How else could he understand the great mysteries? How else can we? Is our not being in the Spirit not the chief reason why "the things to come" are so little understood? Paul undoubtedly understood the unspeakable words he heard in Paradise, although it was impossible for him to utter them (2 Cor. 12:4). Every one who is in the Spirit is unspeakably above those who are not. 4. Man's helplessness and God's power are seen. "The Lord carried me in the Spirit, and set me in the valley of bones;... so I prophesied and they stood up" (Ezek. 37:1-10). It was while he was in the Spirit that he saw how dead and dry the bones were, and when he prophesied so successfully. Those in the Spirit see the need as others cannot, and so have no faith in the mere human remedies, but speak the word as God has commanded (vs. 7-10), and so witness the quickening power of the almighty breath. 5. Divine strength and comfort are enjoyed. "Behold I go bound in the Spirit," bonds and afflictions abide me, but none of these things move me (Acts 20:22-24). When in the Spirit a man is dwelling in the holy calm and undisturbable element of Heaven, and made strong in the midst of otherwise crushing circumstances. The peace of God keeps his heart. "God is our refuge, we will not fear though the earth be removed. There is a river, the streams whereof make glad" (Psa. 46:1-4). 6. Is the proof of His indwelling in us. "Ye are in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you" (Rom. 8:9). If the Spirit of God is not abiding in us we cannot live in the Spirit. It is easy to preach the theory of the Spirit's indwelling, but living in the Spirit is the practical manifestation of it. He does not come to dwell in us as a candle under a bushel, or as a helpless invalid whose presence cannot be seen or felt outside, but as a mighty life-quickener and a spiritual wonder-worker, whose presence cannot be hid. 7. All service is to be rendered. "Look ye out men full of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 6:3). Even for the work of an almoner this was needed. Paul's preaching was in demonstration of the Spirit (1 Cor. 2:4); "Apollos taught, being fervent in the Spirit" (Acts 18:25); all prayer is to be in the Spirit (Eph. 6:18); to be in the Spirit is to be in immediate touch with God, and not to be in direct contact with God is to be out of fellowship, and consequently fruitless (John 15:6). Question - What is the Lord’s day? Answer: The Lord’s day (as distinguished from the day of the Lord) is Sunday. The term Lord’s day is used only once in Scripture. Revelation 1:10 says, “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet.” Since the apostle John does not elaborate on the meaning of “Lord’s day,” we can assume that his target audience, first-century Christians, were already familiar with the expression. Some have assumed that the Lord’s day is the New Testament equivalent of the Sabbath. The Sabbath day was instituted by God for the nation of Israel to commemorate His deliverance of them from Egypt (Deuteronomy 5:15). Sabbath began Friday at sunset and ended Saturday at sunset and was to be a day of complete rest from all labor, symbolic of the Creator’s resting on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2–3; Exodus 20:11; 23:12). The Sabbath was a special sign to the Israelites that they had been set apart as followers of the most High God. Their keeping of the Sabbath would help distinguish them from the nations around them. However, nowhere in Scripture is the Sabbath ever referred to as the Lord’s day. The term Sabbath was still in use within the Jewish community in New Testament times and is referred to as such by Jesus and the apostles (Matthew 12:5; John 7:23; Colossians 2:16). Sunday was the day that Jesus Christ rose from the dead, an act that forever separated Christianity from any other religion (John 20:1). Since that time, believers have gathered on the first day of the week to celebrate His victory over sin and death (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2). Even though the Sabbath day was designated by God as a holy day, Jesus demonstrated that He was Lord over the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8). Jesus stated that He had come not to abolish but to fulfill the whole Law. Rule-keeping could not justify anyone; only through Jesus could sinful humanity be declared righteous (Romans 3:28). Paul echoes this truth in Colossians 2:16–17 when he writes, “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.” The Lord’s day is typically thought of as Sunday, but it is not a direct counterpart to the Jewish Sabbath—in other words, Sunday is not the “Christian Sabbath.” Although we should set aside a day for rest and honoring the Lord who died and rose for us, we are not under the Law (Romans 6:14–15). As born-again followers of Jesus, we are free to worship Him on any day that our conscience determines. Romans 14 gives clear explanation of how Christians are to navigate those subtle gray areas of discipleship. Verses 4 and 5 say, “One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.” Some Messianic Jews want to continue regarding the Sabbath day as holy because of their Jewish heritage. Some Gentile Christians join their Jewish brothers and sisters in keeping the Sabbath as a way to honor God. Worshiping God on the Sabbath is acceptable—again, the day of the week is not the most important issue—but the heart motivation behind that choice is crucial. If legalism or law-keeping motivates the choice to observe the Sabbath, then that choice is not made from a right heart condition (Galatians 5:4). When our hearts are pure before the Lord, we are free to worship Him on Saturday (the Sabbath) or Sunday (the Lord’s day). God is equally pleased with both. Jesus warned against legalism when He quoted Isaiah the prophet: “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules” (Matthew 15:8–9; cf. Isaiah 29:13). God is not interested in our keeping of rituals, rules, or requirements. He wants hearts that are on fire with His love and grace on the Sabbath, on the Lord’s day, and on every other day (Hebrews 12:28–29; Psalm 51:15–17). (Source:GotQuestions.org Revelation 1:11 saying, "Write in a book what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea." NET Revelation 1:11 saying: "Write in a book what you see and send it to the seven churches– to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea." NLT Revelation 1:11 It said, "Write in a book everything you see, and send it to the seven churches in the cities of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea." ESV Revelation 1:11 saying, "Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea." NIV Revelation 1:11 which said: "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea." GNT Revelation 1:11 λεγούσης, Ὃ βλέπεις γράψον εἰς βιβλίον καὶ πέμψον ταῖς ἑπτὰ ἐκκλησίαις, εἰς Ἔφεσον καὶ εἰς Σμύρναν καὶ εἰς Πέργαμον καὶ εἰς Θυάτειρα καὶ εἰς Σάρδεις καὶ εἰς Φιλαδέλφειαν καὶ εἰς Λαοδίκειαν. KJV Revelation 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. ASV Revelation 1:11 saying, What thou seest, write in a book and send it to the seven churches: unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamum, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. CSB Revelation 1:11 saying, "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea." NKJ Revelation 1:11 saying, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last," and, "What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea." NRS Revelation 1:11 saying, "Write in a book what you see and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamum, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea." YLT Revelation 1:11 'I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last;' and, 'What thou dost see, write in a scroll, and send to the seven assemblies that are in Asia; to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamos, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.' What: Rev 1:19 2:1 10:4 14:13 19:9 21:5 De 31:19 Isa 30:8 Jer 30:2 Hab 2:2 seven: Rev 1:4 2:1,8,12,18 3:1,7,14 Ephesus: Ac 18:19-21,24 19:1-41 20:17 1Co 15:32 16:8 Eph 1:1 1Ti 1:3 Laodicea: Col 4:15,16 JOHN TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES Source: ConformingToJesus.com JOHN'S ORDERS FROM JESUS Saying, "Write (grapho) in a book (biblion) what you see (blepo in present tense), and send it to the seven (hepta) churches (ekklesia) - Jesus commands John to write and send (both aorist imperative - Do this now! Do not delay!). John obeyed and so we are reading what he wrote describing what he saw. Recall that see, saw, seen are key words in the Revelation and occurs 8x/7v in Rev 1 (Rev 1:2, 7, 11, 12, 17, 19, 20) making it a very "visual" book. One great way to study the Revelation is to keep a notebook with pictures you have drawn of the things John saw. This practice will help you remember the events in each chapter. In sum we are reading a first person account or testimony, an "eye witness" account. Notice that "book" is singular which indicates one book which is sent to all 7 churches. Of course they could have made 7 copies but the text does not state that they did. To Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea - See Revelation 2-3 for in depth discussions of each of these 7 specific churches. They were real churches in existence at the time John wrote the book and correspond to "the things which are" in Revelation 1:19+. If you locate these churches on a map they begin at about 9 o'clock for Ephesus and move clockwise in a circular arrangement. These were representative cities because there were other churches such as the one at Colossae. Brian Bell - – these are mentioned in geographical order, on Asia Minor(Turkey), in which mail would have been delivered. [clockwise] John just became Postmaster General of Patmos! MacArthur - These seven churches were chosen because they were located in the key cities of the seven postal districts into which Asia was divided. They were thus the central points for disseminating information. (Borrow Because the time is near : John MacArthur explains the book of Revelation) Write (1125) grapho from root graph- = primarily means to scratch on or engrave as on an ornament, reports, letters, etc; English = graph, graphic, etc) means to engrave or inscribe with a pen or stylus characters or letters on a surface which can be wood, wax, metal, leather, stone, parchment, dirt (John ), paper, etc. It is written occurs 76 times in the NAS. When we were children and our parents told us to do something and we questioned "Why?", the answer was usually "Because I said so!". Why are we commanded to be holy? Because God said so! A popular saying is "God said it, I believe it, that settles it." This sounds good but isn't accurate because God's Word is true, regardless of whether we believe it or not. A more accurate "saying" would be "God said it, that settles it!" It is written should put a stop to every complaint or excuse. Paul is saying don't judge but remember you will appear before Me to give an account (as the next verse clarifies). This sobering thought should motivate us to obey this injunction. Grapho is a keyword in the Revelation - 29x in 28v - Rev. 1:3; Rev. 1:11; Rev. 1:19; Rev. 2:1; Rev. 2:8; Rev. 2:12; Rev. 2:17; Rev. 2:18; Rev. 3:1; Rev. 3:7; Rev. 3:12; Rev. 3:14; Rev. 5:1; Rev. 10:4; Rev. 13:8; Rev. 14:1; Rev. 14:13; Rev. 17:5; Rev. 17:8; Rev. 19:9; Rev. 19:12; Rev. 19:16; Rev. 20:12; Rev. 20:15; Rev. 21:5; Rev. 21:27; Rev. 22:18; Rev. 22:19 Book (975) biblion from biblos = the inner bark of a papyrus plant, hence a scroll, a book) is the diminutive form of biblos and means a book, a roll, a volume, a document, a scroll, a writing. Ancient writing were in the form of a scroll, which was "sheets of papyrus glued together and rolled at each end to collect a long literature work in a form for public reading or private study." (Holman; See also Hastings' Dictionary) Biblion is uses in 29 verses in the NT but by far most uses are in the Revelation - 19x in 17v - Matt. 19:7; Mk. 10:4; Lk. 4:17; Lk. 4:20; Jn. 20:30; Jn. 21:25; Gal. 3:10; 2 Tim. 4:13; Heb. 9:19; Heb. 10:7; Rev. 1:11; Rev. 5:1; Rev. 5:2; Rev. 5:3; Rev. 5:4; Rev. 5:5; Rev. 5:8; Rev. 5:9; Rev. 6:14; Rev. 10:8; Rev. 13:8; Rev. 17:8; Rev. 20:12; Rev. 21:27; Rev. 22:7; Rev. 22:9; Rev. 22:10; Rev. 22:18; Rev. 22:19 Revelation 1:12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; NET Revelation 1:12 I turned to see whose voice was speaking to me, and when I did so, I saw seven golden lampstands, NLT Revelation 1:12 When I turned to see who was speaking to me, I saw seven gold lampstands. ESV Revelation 1:12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, NIV Revelation 1:12 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, GNT Revelation 1:12 Καὶ ἐπέστρεψα βλέπειν τὴν φωνὴν ἥτις ἐλάλει μετ᾽ ἐμοῦ, καὶ ἐπιστρέψας εἶδον ἑπτὰ λυχνίας χρυσᾶς KJV Revelation 1:12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; ASV Revelation 1:12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And having turned I saw seven golden candlesticks; CSB Revelation 1:12 I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me. When I turned I saw seven gold lampstands, NKJ Revelation 1:12 Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, NRS Revelation 1:12 Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, YLT Revelation 1:12 And I did turn to see the voice that did speak with me, and having turned, I saw seven golden lamp-stands, see: Eze 43:5,6 Mic 6:9 I saw: Rev 1:13,20 2:1 Ex 25:37 Zec 4:2 A Menorah - 7 Branches John saw 7 Lampstands JOHN SEES SEVEN GOLDEN LAMPSTANDS Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me - Note that Jesus had just told him to write what you see and as John turns the first thing is that he saw seven golden lampstands and so he recorded what he saw. This is an interesting description for usually we turn to see the one speaking. The NET picks up the sense rendering it "I turned to see whose voice was speaking to me." And having turned I saw seven (hepta) golden lampstands (luchnia) - John sees seven lampstands, each one having a base, a single vertical stem, and an oil-burning lamp at the top. This is clearly figurative (or symbolic) language but just as clearly it has a literal meaning which is discovered by comparing Scripture with Scripture (see Compare Scripture with Scripture). So if we compare Revelation 1:12 with Revelation 1:20 it is clear that "the seven lampstands are the seven churches." Since these 7 churches are geographically spread apart by many miles, it is clear that the Spirit is giving John "supernatural vision". Recall he is "in the Spirit" and this is one of the manifestations of the Spirit's power on him. So John sees in some supernatural way the 7 churches that the loud voice (Jesus) has instructed him to write. 🙏 THOUGHT - How do you cut a diamond? With a diamond! Not with a commentary written by men. Tony
Apocalipse 1
MacArthur - In stark contrast to the silly, frivolous, false, and boastful claims of many in our own day who claim to have seen God, the reaction of those in Scripture who genuinely saw God was inevitably one of fear. Those brought face-to-face with the blazing, holy glory of the Lord Jesus Christ are terrified, realizing their sinful unworthiness to be in His holy presence. Summarizing the proper response to God’s holiness and majesty, the writer of Hebrews exhorts believers to “offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire” (Heb. 12:28–29). (See Revelation Commentary) Trench "This falling, as is evident, is no voluntary act of homage on the part of St. John, but an involuntary expression of the effect produced upon him by that awful vision which he saw....The unholy, and all flesh is such, cannot endure immediate contact with the holy, the human with the divine. ...The beloved disciple, who looked upon, and whose hands had handled, the Word of life (1 John 1:1), who had lain in his Lord’s bosom in the days of his flesh, could as little as any other endure the revelation of his majesty, or do without that ‘Fear not,’ with which that Lord at once reassures him.” (Online "Commentary on the epistles to the seven churches in Asia : Revelation II, III") 🙏 THOUGHT - Compare a similar reaction by mortal men in many Scriptures - Gen. 3:8; 17:3; Exod. 3:6; Num. 16:22; 22:31; Josh. 5:14; Judg. 6:22; 13:6, 20, 22; 1 Chron. 21:20; 2 Chron. 7:3; Job 4:12–15; 42:5, 6; Isai. 6:5; Ezek. 1:28; 3:23; 43:3; 44:4; Dan. 7:15; 8:17; 10:7–9, 15; Tob. 12:16; Matt. 17:6; 28:4, 5; Mark 16:5, 8; Luke 1:12, 29; 2:9; 5:8; Lk 24:5; John 18:6; Acts 9:4; 10:4. Here is the line that always grips my heart - Surrounded by You glory What will my heart feel? Beloved, He is our Blessed Hope, not our hope so, but our hope sure! We can be confident that one day (soon) we will truly see the very One John saw on this fateful Lord's Day. But unlike John's momentary vision, our vision will be our reality forever and ever. Amen and amen! This recalls the lyrics of the popular Christian song I Can Only Imagine... I can only imagine what it will be like When I walk, by your side I can only imagine what my eyes will see When you face is before me I can only imagine I can only imagine Surrounded by You glory What will my heart feel Will I dance for you Jesus Or in awe of You be still Will I stand in your presence Or to my knees will I fall Will I sing hallelujah Will I be able to speak at all I can only imagine C H
Apocalipse 1
MacArthur adds "Jesus Christ has the authority to decide who dies and who lives; He controls life and death." Warren