Verse
Context
John’s Vision on Patmos
9I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance that are in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and my testimony about Jesus.10On the Lord’s day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 11saying, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I was in the Spirit - That is, I received the Spirit of prophecy, and was under its influence when the first vision was exhibited. The Lord's day - The first day of the week, observed as the Christian Sabbath, because on it Jesus Christ rose from the dead; therefore it was called the Lord's day, and has taken place of the Jewish Sabbath throughout the Christian world. And heard behind me a great voice - This voice came unexpectedly and suddenly. He felt himself under the Divine afflatus; but did not know what scenes were to be represented. As of a trumpet - This was calculated to call in every wandering thought, to fix his attention, and solemnize his whole frame. Thus God prepared Moses to receive the law. See Exo 19:16, Exo 19:19, etc.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
I was--Greek, "I came to be"; "I became." in the Spirit--in a state of ecstasy; the outer world being shut out, and the inner and higher life or spirit being taken full possession of by God's Spirit, so that an immediate connection with the invisible world is established. While the prophet "speaks" in the Spirit, the apocalyptic seer is in the Spirit in his whole person. The spirit only (that which connects us with God and the invisible world) is active, or rather recipient, in the apocalyptic state. With Christ this being "in the Spirit" was not the exception, but His continual state. on the Lord's day--Though forcibly detained from Church communion with the brethren in the sanctuary on the Lord's day, the weekly commemoration of the resurrection, John was holding spiritual communion with them. This is the earliest mention of the term, "the Lord's day." But the consecration of the day to worship, almsgiving, and the Lord's Supper, is implied in Act 20:7; Co1 16:2; compare Joh 20:19-26. The name corresponds to "the Lord's Supper," Co1 11:20. IGNATIUS seems to allude to "the Lord's day" [Epistle to the Magnesians, 9], and IRENÆUS [QuÃ&brvbrst ad Orthod., 115] (in JUSTIN MARTYR). JUSTIN MARTYR [Apology, 2.98], &c., "On Sunday we all hold our joint meeting; for the first day is that on which God, having removed darkness and chaos, made the world, and Jesus Christ our Saviour rose from the dead. On the day before Saturday they crucified Him; and on the day after Saturday, which is Sunday, having appeared to His apostles and disciples, He taught these things." To the Lord's day PLINY doubtless refers [Epistles, Book X., p. 97], "The Christians on a fixed day before dawn meet and sing a hymn to Christ as God," &c. TERTULLIAN [The Chaplet, 3], "On the Lord's day we deem it wrong to fast." MELITO, bishop of Sardis (second century), wrote a book on the Lord's day [EUSEBIUS 4.26]. Also, DIONYSIUS OF CORINTH, in EUSEBIUS [Ecclesiastical History, 4.23,8]. CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA [Miscellanies, 5. and 7.12]; ORIGEN [Against Celsus, 8. 22]. The theory that the day of Christ's second coming is meant, is untenable. "The day of the Lord" is different in the Greek from "the Lord's (an adjective) day," which latter in the ancient Church always designates our Sunday, though it is not impossible that the two shall coincide (at least in some parts of the earth), whence a tradition is mentioned in JEROME [Commentary on Matthew, 25], that the Lord's coming was expected especially on the Paschal Lord's day. The visions of the Apocalypse, the seals, trumpets, and vials, &c., are grouped in sevens, and naturally begin on the first day of the seven, the birthday of the Church, whose future they set forth [WORDSWORTH]. great voice--summoning solemn attention; Greek order, "I heard a voice behind me great (loud) as (that) of a trumpet." The trumpet summoned to religious feasts, and accompanies God's revelations of Himself.
John Gill Bible Commentary
I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day,.... Not on the Jewish sabbath, which was now abolished, nor was that ever called the Lord's day, and had John meant that, he would have said on the sabbath day; much less the Jewish passover, but the first day of the week is designed; so the Ethiopic version renders it "on the first day"; and is so called just as the ordinance of the supper is called the Lord's supper, being instituted by the Lord, and the Lord's table, Co1 10:21, and that because it was the day in which our Lord rose from the dead, Mar 16:9; and in which he appeared at different times to his disciples, Joh 20:19, and which the primitive churches set apart for his worship and service, and on which they met together to hear the word, and attend on ordinances, Act 20:7; and Justin Martyr (z) tells us, who lived within about fifty years after this time, that on the day called , "Sunday", (by the Greeks,) the Christians met together in one place, and read the Scriptures, and prayed together, and administered the ordinance of the supper; and this, he adds, was the first day in which God created the World, and our Saviour Jesus Christ rose from the dead; yea, Barnabas (a), the companion of the Apostle Paul, calls this day the eighth day, in distinction from the seventh day sabbath of the Jews, and which he says is the beginning of another world; and therefore we keep the eighth day, adds he, joyfully, in which Jesus rose from the dead, and being manifested, ascended unto heaven: and this day was known by the ancients by the name of "the Lord's day"; as by Ignatius (b), Irenaeus (c), Tertullian (d), Origen (e), and others; for it must be some day that was known by this name, otherwise it is mentioned to no purpose, because it would not be distinctive from others; for which reason it cannot merely design the day in which John saw this vision, because the Lord appeared on it to him, for this would not distinguish it from any other day. Some have conjectured that this was not the weekly Lord's day observed by the Christians, but the anniversary of Christ's resurrection; and so the Ethiopians still call Easter "Schambatah Crostos", the sabbath of Christ: to understand it of the former is best. Now, though John was driven from the house and worship of God, and could not join with the saints in the public worship of that day; yet he was employed in spiritual contemplations and exercises, and was under a more than ordinary influence of the Spirit of God; and his spirit or soul was wholly intent upon, and taken up with divine and spiritual things, with visions and representations that were made unto his mind, which he perceived in his spirit, and not with the organs of his body; he was in an ecstasy of spirit, and knew not scarcely whether he was in the body or out of it: and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet; which was the voice of the Son of God, as appears by what it uttered, Rev 1:11; and is afterwards said to be as the sound of many waters; and it was behind him, as in Isa 30:21, it came to him at an unawares, and surprised him, while he was in deep meditation on spiritual things: and it was a very "great" one; it was the voice of a great person, of the Son of God, and expressed great things, and was very sonorous and loud, it was like the sound of a trumpet; and this was partly to awaken the attention of John to it, and partly to express the certainty of the relation he gives of what it said; had it been a low muttering voice, it might be questioned whether John rightly understood it, and whether he might not be mistaken in the account of what he heard; but it being so loud and clear, there is no room for such a doubt, (z) Apolog. 2. p. 98, 99. (a) Epist. c. 11. p. 244. Ed. Voss. (b) Epist. ad. Magnes. c. 9. (c) Apud Script. Quaest. & Respons. ad Orthodox. inter Justin. Opera, p. 468. (d) De Corona, c. 3. (e) Homil. in Exod. fol. 41. 7.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:10 the Lord’s Day: This designation was used in the Roman world to refer to celebrations in honor of Caesar, but Christians used it to refer to their weekly worship, celebrating Jesus’ resurrection. The earliest Christians worshiped in Jewish synagogues on the Sabbath, the last day of the week (Acts 18:4), but by the time of Revelation, they were excluded from synagogues and gathered on the day that commemorated the resurrection, the first day of the week (see study note on Luke 24:1; see also Acts 20:7). • The loud voice like a trumpet blast was an announcement of the Lord’s coming.
John’s Vision on Patmos
9I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance that are in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and my testimony about Jesus.10On the Lord’s day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 11saying, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Meet Your Psychiatrist: He Makes the Future Bright
By Warren Wiersbe5.5K36:31PSA 119:105JHN 3:16ACT 16:26ROM 10:17EPH 1:13REV 1:10REV 3:20In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress" and the story of Christian and Hopeful being imprisoned in Doubting Castle. He emphasizes the importance of having faith in God's promises, comparing it to a key that can unlock any door. The preacher encourages the audience to keep a good relationship with the Holy Spirit and not to grieve or resist Him. He reassures them that no matter what challenges they face, God will always be there to help and fulfill His promises.
Funeral Service for T. Austin Sparks
By T. Austin-Sparks2.6K48:00Funeral ServiceREV 1:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the centrality and supremacy of Jesus Christ. He highlights the power of prayer and the blessing of the coming of the Lord. The preacher also reflects on the difficulty of certain Bible verses and wonders why some people live longer than others. The sermon concludes with a description of a new revelation of the greatness and glory of Jesus Christ, urging believers to make Christ known to others. The sermon references the book of Revelation and describes the appearance of Jesus as depicted in the Bible.
Holy Spirit and the Crisis of Pentecost - Part 2
By T. Austin-Sparks2.1K45:54PentecostMAT 6:33ROM 8:15ROM 8:17HEB 6:101JN 2:4REV 1:10REV 2:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the implications and significance of the statement that God's people should grasp the spiritual content rather than focusing on outward appearances. The speaker highlights the idea that the journey of spiritual growth and transformation may be difficult and painful, but it is necessary to eliminate vanity and artificiality. The sermon explores the concept of groaning, which represents the struggle and striving in the spiritual journey. The speaker also discusses God's original purpose for humanity and how the fall and change of human nature contribute to the challenges faced in fulfilling that purpose.
A Study of Greek Words
By Charles Anderson1.5K32:11Greek WordsMAT 27:46REV 1:7REV 1:10In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the marvel of how God created each person uniquely, with different physical features. He emphasizes that although we may think we look similar, we are actually different and have different needs for Christ. The speaker then shares a personal story about a student who was failing in school but had potential. Through a conversation with the student, the speaker realizes that the student had served in the military and had a disciplined mindset. The speaker relates this to how Jesus is the answer to our needs, using the metaphor of Jesus being the bread of life, the light of the world, the door, the true vine, the good shepherd, the way, the truth, and the life. The sermon concludes with the speaker highlighting the preciousness of Jesus' name, particularly in times of loss and grief.
New Covenant - Overcoming Temptation - Part 5
By Zac Poonen1.1K08:55GEN 3:6DEU 8:3PSA 25:14MAT 4:4MAT 7:14LUK 15:13JHN 10:271JN 2:27REV 1:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of reverencing God and seeking His secrets for godly living. It highlights the need to overcome temptations by relying on the power of the Holy Spirit and being sensitive to God's voice. The message encourages believers to live by every word from God's mouth, to listen to His guidance, and to prioritize seeking His presence and obeying His leading in daily life.
(Pdf Book) Looking Unto Jesus
By Bakht Singh1.1K00:00EbooksSpiritual TransformationLooking Unto JesusREV 1:10Bakht Singh emphasizes the importance of continually looking unto Jesus, drawing from the experiences of the Apostle John, who, despite his trials, found deeper revelations of Christ's glory. Singh illustrates how distractions can lead believers away from the true essence of Christ, urging them to focus solely on Him for spiritual clarity and strength. He recounts personal experiences and biblical examples to highlight that true friendship with Jesus transforms lives and leads to a radiant faith. The sermon calls for believers to seek a deeper relationship with Christ, recognizing Him as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, and to embrace the abundant life He offers.
Samson #2 - First Warfare
By Andrew Foster8961:06:12SamsonEXO 20:8JDG 14:4JDG 14:19REV 1:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not taking sin lightly and avoiding the temptation to pursue revival and deliverance in our own terms. He refers to the story of Samson in the book of Judges as an example of someone who played games with the enemy instead of approaching the work of God with seriousness. The preacher highlights the danger of entertaining sinners in an attempt to convert them, rather than relying on the power of the Holy Spirit. He also warns that even when we have good intentions, we can easily fall into sin, emphasizing the need to be cautious and obedient when serving the Lord.
The Importance of Worship
By Danny Bond63047:42PSA 95:6MAT 6:33JHN 4:23ACT 20:7HEB 10:25REV 1:10REV 14:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of worship in the context of the end times and the imminent return of Jesus Christ. He states that worship is the ultimate purpose of redemption and the ultimate focus of the Bible. The speaker also highlights that worship is the ultimate destiny of believers and should be the ultimate priority for all who know God. He concludes by discussing the practice of God-centered worship, emphasizing the need for both truth and spirit in worship and cautioning against extremes that deviate from genuine worship.
Eternity to Eternity 09 Genesis 1:14
By Joseph Balsan47154:20GenesisACT 1:4ACT 1:6REV 1:10REV 1:19In this sermon, the preacher discusses the fourth age or present age in which we live, where God is focused on gathering a people for His name. The promise given to Abraham was two-fold, with an earthly seed as numerous as the sands of the seashore and a heavenly seed as numerous as the stars of heaven. The preacher emphasizes that just as the moon goes through different phases but never disappears, the Church has faced challenges throughout history but has never been exterminated. The sermon also references Acts 1:4, where Jesus commands his disciples to wait for the promise of the Holy Spirit, and Revelation 1:10, where John sees seven golden candlesticks and the Son of Man in the midst of them.
The Beauty of Jesus: Son of Man, Prophet, Priest, and King (Rev. 1:10-20)
By Mike Bickle221:01:31Understanding RevelationThe Beauty of JesusREV 1:10Mike Bickle emphasizes the multifaceted beauty of Jesus as the Son of Man, highlighting His roles as prophet, priest, and king. He explains how Jesus reveals His glory and majesty to John in Revelation, showcasing His infinite nature as the Alpha and Omega. Bickle connects the significance of Jesus' identity to the prophetic message of the end times, urging believers to understand and interact with Jesus in these dimensions to effectively share the message of Revelation. The sermon underscores the importance of recognizing Jesus as both fully God and fully man, which is essential for spiritual growth and understanding of God's plan for humanity.
The Beauty of God in the Face of Jesus (Rev. 1)
By Mike Bickle1244:24Revelation and UnderstandingThe Beauty of Jesus2CO 4:6REV 1:10Mike Bickle emphasizes the beauty of God as revealed in the face of Jesus, particularly through the book of Revelation, which is designed to unveil Christ's glory and majesty. He highlights 24 distinct aspects of Jesus' beauty found in Revelation 1, including His titles, His voice, and His compassionate nature as the High Priest. Bickle encourages believers to engage deeply with these descriptions, fostering a personal relationship with Jesus by acknowledging His attributes and seeking revelation. The sermon underscores the importance of understanding Jesus not just as a figure of authority but as one who intimately understands human suffering and offers redemption. Ultimately, Bickle calls for a response of faith and obedience to the truths revealed in Scripture.
Directions for Heavenly Contemplation
By Richard Baxter2GEN 24:63JOS 1:8PSA 1:2MAT 6:6LUK 2:29LUK 22:41ACT 12:7ROM 8:182CO 4:16REV 1:10Richard Baxter emphasizes the importance of meditation as a means for the soul to digest truth from the Bible, turning belief into action and transforming the mind into strong willpower, genuine emotions, and holy living. He urges Christians to actively engage in heavenly contemplation, making it both spontaneous and scheduled, to cultivate a deep fellowship and friendship with God. Baxter advises on the best time, frequency, and season for meditation, highlighting its significance in times of suffering, distress, and especially when facing death, as a way to prepare the soul for eternal rest in heaven.
Letter 55
By James Bourne0PSA 51:3PSA 139:23HEB 4:121JN 1:9REV 1:10James Bourne reflects on the various changes and trials he has faced, acknowledging the importance of these experiences in shaping his spiritual life. He shares how God humbled him, leading him to accept the consequences of his sins with a repentant heart. Bourne emphasizes the significance of recognizing our sins, seeking God's forgiveness, and allowing His mercy to transform our hearts. He encourages his friend to remain steadfast in prayer, to address any lingering sins, and to continually seek God's guidance through His Word, even in times of spiritual isolation.
The Lord's Day
By Andrew Murray0SabbathHolinessGEN 2:3EXO 31:12JHN 20:19REV 1:10Andrew Murray emphasizes the significance of the Lord's Day as a divine gift for communion with God, highlighting its purpose to sanctify and bless humanity. He explains that God desires to fill us with His holiness and that the Sabbath serves as a reminder of His rest and finished work. Murray encourages believers to view the day as a time for personal fellowship with God, away from distractions, and to embrace the rest that comes from faith in Jesus' resurrection. He stresses the importance of making the day holy and dedicating it to God, allowing Him to work within us. Ultimately, the Lord's Day is a call to experience God's presence and to be transformed into His likeness.
The Lord's Day, Its Privileges and Responsibilities
By Harry Ironside0Spiritual GrowthThe Lord's DayEXO 20:8DEU 5:12PSA 118:24ISA 58:13MRK 2:27ROM 8:3COL 2:16HEB 4:9HEB 10:25REV 1:10Harry Ironside discusses 'The Lord's Day, Its Privileges and Responsibilities,' emphasizing the significance of the Sabbath as a memorial of creation and the Lord's Day as a celebration of Christ's resurrection. He explains that while the Sabbath was a commandment for Israel, the Lord's Day is a new covenant privilege for Christians, meant for worship and spiritual growth. Ironside warns against the misuse of the Lord's Day for personal pleasure, urging believers to honor it as a day dedicated to God. He highlights the importance of gathering for worship and the spiritual blessings that come from observing the Lord's Day correctly. Ultimately, he points to Jesus as the true source of rest and fulfillment for believers.
Being "In the Spirit"
By Zac Poonen0ACT 20:71CO 16:2COL 2:16COL 3:2REV 1:10Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of being 'in the Spirit' like John was when he received the revelation on the Lord's day. He emphasizes the need for believers to tune their minds to the things above, to hear God's voice clearly amidst the clamor of worldly distractions and temptations. Poonen challenges listeners to stay sensitive to sin, walk in humility, and be open to hearing what the Lord is saying, especially in these last days of the age.
The Observance of the Lord's D
By Andrew Borland0MAT 28:1ACT 2:1ACT 20:71CO 16:2REV 1:10Andrew Borland preaches about the significance of observing the Lord's day, emphasizing that it celebrates the New Creation and Christ's resurrection. Believers are encouraged to keep the first day of the week, not as a mere duty, but from the heart, in remembrance of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection. The observance of the first day is supported by various events in the Bible, such as Christ's resurrection, the descent of the Holy Spirit, and the disciples gathering to break bread. The focus is on the spiritual significance and unity of believers in commemorating the Lord's death and resurrection on the first day of the week.
Look Forward to a Wonderful Year in Christ
By Zac Poonen0New BeginningsGod's PromisesGEN 12:2EXO 3:17ISA 6:1MAT 10:8LUK 11:13LUK 15:22JHN 17:23ROM 4:201JN 1:9REV 1:10Zac Poonen encourages believers to look forward to a wonderful year in Christ by emphasizing the importance of making a new beginning, claiming God's promises, and extending mercy to others. He reminds us that God offers His best even after our failures and that we can experience a transformative year by living in the Spirit and being worshippers of God. Poonen highlights the significance of trusting in God's blessings and being a blessing to others, urging us to let go of past grudges and embrace a life filled with joy, peace, and love. By focusing on God's promises and living out our faith, we can expect a year that reflects the goodness of heaven on earth.
The Perpetuity and Change of the Sabbath
By Jonathan Edwards0ISA 65:17JER 16:14MAT 24:20ACT 20:71CO 16:1REV 1:10Jonathan Edwards preaches about the perpetuity and change of the Sabbath, emphasizing that it is the mind and will of God that the first day of the week should be set apart for religious exercises among Christians. He delves into the historical and biblical evidence supporting the observance of the Lord's day, highlighting the significance of Christ's resurrection on the first day of the week, the apostolic traditions, and the universal practice of the early Christian church. Edwards argues that the gradual revelation of this change was due to Christ's tenderness towards the Jewish customs and the careful guidance of the Holy Spirit in establishing this new day of worship.
Glory - Part 1
By Arthur Blessitt01SA 2:35ISA 6:3ROM 8:181CO 2:9REV 1:10Arthur Blessitt shares a powerful vision he received from God about the glory of the coming of the Lord, emphasizing the overwhelming brightness and majesty of the Lord's presence. Despite feeling inadequate, God calls Arthur to proclaim this message of the imminent return of the Lord, urging him to focus on sharing the truth of God's glory rather than getting caught up in theological debates. Through this experience, Arthur is reminded of the importance of prioritizing the salvation of souls and being faithful to the call of evangelism.
Holiness Triumphant
By Martin Knapp0MAT 3:2ACT 1:82CO 5:201TH 5:16REV 1:5REV 1:10REV 1:16REV 1:18Martin Knapp preaches about the significance of holiness in the lives of believers, emphasizing their dependence on Christ for salvation and the need to give glory to Him for rescuing them from sin through His precious blood. Holiness people are described as a kingdom that has forsaken sin, received an unshakeable kingdom, and welcomed the reign of Christ within their souls through the baptism with the Holy Ghost. They are called to be priests who proclaim the truth and intercede for others, giving all glory to Christ. True holiness leads believers to say 'Amen' to God's will, anticipate the return of Jesus, and embrace perfect patience, loyalty, and sympathy within the family of God.
Not for the Better!
By Chip Brogden0MAT 15:7MAT 18:201CO 11:17HEB 10:25REV 1:10Chip Brogden emphasizes the importance of Jesus' presence in small gatherings, stating that where two or three are gathered in His name, He is in their midst, regardless of the location or structure of the meeting. Brogden challenges the common belief that larger numbers equate to a greater presence of Jesus, highlighting that true fellowship is based on a relationship with Christ, not with a church institution. He warns against assembling together for the worse, as seen in the Corinthians' division and harmful gatherings, stressing the need for genuine unity and edification in gatherings.
A Partial Cessation From Labor
By George Kulp0EZK 1:1DAN 11:352CO 1:3JAS 1:2REV 1:10George Kulp preaches about the transformative power of affliction and suffering in the life of a clergyman who was initially lacking in sympathy and tenderness, but through the furnace of affliction, became tender, considerate, and tearful, resembling the compassion of Jesus. The pastor's experience with affliction led to a deep change in his character, making him a comforter at funerals and a constant visitor to the sick and poor. Through suffering, the pastor learned valuable lessons with Christ, enhancing his usefulness and bringing him closer to those in need.
May 8. 1678. a Call to the Mount of Divine Vision.
By Jane Lead0GEN 5:24EXO 33:111KI 19:11ISA 6:1EZK 1:4DAN 7:9ACT 7:552CO 12:22TI 3:16REV 1:10Jane Lead preaches about the call for the exiled to return to God's secret Pavilion, where His living testimony is declared. She emphasizes the need to divorce from worldly distractions to maintain intimate friendship with God, keeping the mind and spirit pure. Lead describes a vision of ascending to a pure, eternal element where the soul is over-clothed with light and clarity, finding fellowship with the Holy Trinity. She urges believers to seek a high degree of spiritual transportation, involving God in their lives, and to trust the Spirit for revelations and understanding of God's mysteries.
A Short Examination of Some of the Scripture-Proofs, Alledged by the Divines at Westminster
By Robert Barclay0EXO 20:8PRO 22:19ISA 8:19MAT 4:4LUK 1:3ACT 20:7ROM 15:41CO 16:1HEB 1:12PE 1:19REV 1:10Robert Barclay addresses the assertions made by others regarding God's will being wholly committed to writing and the ceasing of former ways of revelation. He refutes these claims by examining various Scriptures, highlighting that the conclusions drawn are not logically sound. Additionally, he challenges the notion that the Sabbath was changed to the first day of the week and that there are only two sacraments under the Gospel, providing counterarguments based on Scripture and reasoning. Barclay emphasizes the importance of aligning beliefs with the true teachings of the Bible rather than relying on human interpretations.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I was in the Spirit - That is, I received the Spirit of prophecy, and was under its influence when the first vision was exhibited. The Lord's day - The first day of the week, observed as the Christian Sabbath, because on it Jesus Christ rose from the dead; therefore it was called the Lord's day, and has taken place of the Jewish Sabbath throughout the Christian world. And heard behind me a great voice - This voice came unexpectedly and suddenly. He felt himself under the Divine afflatus; but did not know what scenes were to be represented. As of a trumpet - This was calculated to call in every wandering thought, to fix his attention, and solemnize his whole frame. Thus God prepared Moses to receive the law. See Exo 19:16, Exo 19:19, etc.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
I was--Greek, "I came to be"; "I became." in the Spirit--in a state of ecstasy; the outer world being shut out, and the inner and higher life or spirit being taken full possession of by God's Spirit, so that an immediate connection with the invisible world is established. While the prophet "speaks" in the Spirit, the apocalyptic seer is in the Spirit in his whole person. The spirit only (that which connects us with God and the invisible world) is active, or rather recipient, in the apocalyptic state. With Christ this being "in the Spirit" was not the exception, but His continual state. on the Lord's day--Though forcibly detained from Church communion with the brethren in the sanctuary on the Lord's day, the weekly commemoration of the resurrection, John was holding spiritual communion with them. This is the earliest mention of the term, "the Lord's day." But the consecration of the day to worship, almsgiving, and the Lord's Supper, is implied in Act 20:7; Co1 16:2; compare Joh 20:19-26. The name corresponds to "the Lord's Supper," Co1 11:20. IGNATIUS seems to allude to "the Lord's day" [Epistle to the Magnesians, 9], and IRENÆUS [QuÃ&brvbrst ad Orthod., 115] (in JUSTIN MARTYR). JUSTIN MARTYR [Apology, 2.98], &c., "On Sunday we all hold our joint meeting; for the first day is that on which God, having removed darkness and chaos, made the world, and Jesus Christ our Saviour rose from the dead. On the day before Saturday they crucified Him; and on the day after Saturday, which is Sunday, having appeared to His apostles and disciples, He taught these things." To the Lord's day PLINY doubtless refers [Epistles, Book X., p. 97], "The Christians on a fixed day before dawn meet and sing a hymn to Christ as God," &c. TERTULLIAN [The Chaplet, 3], "On the Lord's day we deem it wrong to fast." MELITO, bishop of Sardis (second century), wrote a book on the Lord's day [EUSEBIUS 4.26]. Also, DIONYSIUS OF CORINTH, in EUSEBIUS [Ecclesiastical History, 4.23,8]. CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA [Miscellanies, 5. and 7.12]; ORIGEN [Against Celsus, 8. 22]. The theory that the day of Christ's second coming is meant, is untenable. "The day of the Lord" is different in the Greek from "the Lord's (an adjective) day," which latter in the ancient Church always designates our Sunday, though it is not impossible that the two shall coincide (at least in some parts of the earth), whence a tradition is mentioned in JEROME [Commentary on Matthew, 25], that the Lord's coming was expected especially on the Paschal Lord's day. The visions of the Apocalypse, the seals, trumpets, and vials, &c., are grouped in sevens, and naturally begin on the first day of the seven, the birthday of the Church, whose future they set forth [WORDSWORTH]. great voice--summoning solemn attention; Greek order, "I heard a voice behind me great (loud) as (that) of a trumpet." The trumpet summoned to religious feasts, and accompanies God's revelations of Himself.
John Gill Bible Commentary
I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day,.... Not on the Jewish sabbath, which was now abolished, nor was that ever called the Lord's day, and had John meant that, he would have said on the sabbath day; much less the Jewish passover, but the first day of the week is designed; so the Ethiopic version renders it "on the first day"; and is so called just as the ordinance of the supper is called the Lord's supper, being instituted by the Lord, and the Lord's table, Co1 10:21, and that because it was the day in which our Lord rose from the dead, Mar 16:9; and in which he appeared at different times to his disciples, Joh 20:19, and which the primitive churches set apart for his worship and service, and on which they met together to hear the word, and attend on ordinances, Act 20:7; and Justin Martyr (z) tells us, who lived within about fifty years after this time, that on the day called , "Sunday", (by the Greeks,) the Christians met together in one place, and read the Scriptures, and prayed together, and administered the ordinance of the supper; and this, he adds, was the first day in which God created the World, and our Saviour Jesus Christ rose from the dead; yea, Barnabas (a), the companion of the Apostle Paul, calls this day the eighth day, in distinction from the seventh day sabbath of the Jews, and which he says is the beginning of another world; and therefore we keep the eighth day, adds he, joyfully, in which Jesus rose from the dead, and being manifested, ascended unto heaven: and this day was known by the ancients by the name of "the Lord's day"; as by Ignatius (b), Irenaeus (c), Tertullian (d), Origen (e), and others; for it must be some day that was known by this name, otherwise it is mentioned to no purpose, because it would not be distinctive from others; for which reason it cannot merely design the day in which John saw this vision, because the Lord appeared on it to him, for this would not distinguish it from any other day. Some have conjectured that this was not the weekly Lord's day observed by the Christians, but the anniversary of Christ's resurrection; and so the Ethiopians still call Easter "Schambatah Crostos", the sabbath of Christ: to understand it of the former is best. Now, though John was driven from the house and worship of God, and could not join with the saints in the public worship of that day; yet he was employed in spiritual contemplations and exercises, and was under a more than ordinary influence of the Spirit of God; and his spirit or soul was wholly intent upon, and taken up with divine and spiritual things, with visions and representations that were made unto his mind, which he perceived in his spirit, and not with the organs of his body; he was in an ecstasy of spirit, and knew not scarcely whether he was in the body or out of it: and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet; which was the voice of the Son of God, as appears by what it uttered, Rev 1:11; and is afterwards said to be as the sound of many waters; and it was behind him, as in Isa 30:21, it came to him at an unawares, and surprised him, while he was in deep meditation on spiritual things: and it was a very "great" one; it was the voice of a great person, of the Son of God, and expressed great things, and was very sonorous and loud, it was like the sound of a trumpet; and this was partly to awaken the attention of John to it, and partly to express the certainty of the relation he gives of what it said; had it been a low muttering voice, it might be questioned whether John rightly understood it, and whether he might not be mistaken in the account of what he heard; but it being so loud and clear, there is no room for such a doubt, (z) Apolog. 2. p. 98, 99. (a) Epist. c. 11. p. 244. Ed. Voss. (b) Epist. ad. Magnes. c. 9. (c) Apud Script. Quaest. & Respons. ad Orthodox. inter Justin. Opera, p. 468. (d) De Corona, c. 3. (e) Homil. in Exod. fol. 41. 7.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:10 the Lord’s Day: This designation was used in the Roman world to refer to celebrations in honor of Caesar, but Christians used it to refer to their weekly worship, celebrating Jesus’ resurrection. The earliest Christians worshiped in Jewish synagogues on the Sabbath, the last day of the week (Acts 18:4), but by the time of Revelation, they were excluded from synagogues and gathered on the day that commemorated the resurrection, the first day of the week (see study note on Luke 24:1; see also Acts 20:7). • The loud voice like a trumpet blast was an announcement of the Lord’s coming.