Revelation 1:12
Verse
Context
John’s Vision on Patmos
11saying, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”12Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands, 13and among the lampstands was One like the Son of Man, dressed in a long robe, with a golden sash around His chest.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And I turned For he had heard the voice behind him. To see the voice; i.e., the person from whom the voice came. Seven golden candlesticks - Ἑπτα λυχνιας χρυσας· Seven golden lamps. It is absurd to say, a golden silver, or brazen candlestick. These seven lamps represented the seven Churches, in which the light of God was continually shining, and the love of God continually burning. And they are here represented as golden, to show how precious they were in the sight of God. This is a reference to the temple at Jerusalem, where there was a candlestick or chandelier of seven branches; or rather six branches; three springing out on either side, and one in the center. See Exo 25:31-37. This reference to the temple seems to intimate that the temple of Jerusalem was a type of the whole Christian Church.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
see the voice--that is, ascertain whence the voice came; to see who was it from whom the voice proceeded. that--Greek, "of what kind it was which." The voice is that of God the Father, as at Christ's baptism and transfiguration, so here in presenting Christ as our High Priest. spake--The oldest manuscripts, versions, and Fathers read, "was speaking." being--"having turned." seven . . . candlesticks--"lamp-stands" [KELLY]. The stand holding the lamp. In Exo 25:31-32, the seven are united in ONE candlestick or lamp-stand, that is, six arms and a central shaft; so Zac 4:2, Zac 4:11. Here the seven are separate candlesticks, typifying, as that one, the entire Church, but now no longer as the Jewish Church (represented by the one sevenfold candlestick) restricted to one outward unity and one place; the several churches are mutually independent as to external ceremonies and government (provided all things are done to edification, and schisms or needless separations are avoided), yet one in the unity of the Spirit and the Headship of Christ. The candlestick is not light, but the bearer of light, holding it forth to give light around. The light is the Lord's, not the Church's; from Him she receives it. She is to be a light-bearer to His glory. The candlestick stood in the holy place, the type of the Church on earth, as the holiest place was type of the Church in heaven. The holy place's only light was derived from the candlestick, daylight being excluded; so the Lord God is the Church's only light; hers is the light of grace, not nature. "Golden" symbolizes at once the greatest preciousness and sacredness; so that in the Zend Avesta, "golden" is synonymous with heavenly or divine [TRENCH].
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I turned to see the voice that spake with me,.... The Complutensian edition reads, "and there I turned": and so the Arabic version; that is, to see who it was that spoke, from whom the voice came, and by whom it was uttered; see Exo 20:18, and being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; which represented the seven churches, Rev 1:20; in allusion to the seven lamps in the candlestick of the sanctuary, Exo 25:37; compared to "candlesticks", for the use of them, which is to hold forth light; these have none of themselves, but what is put into them, and being put into them, they hold it forth; so the churches of Christ have no light of themselves, but what is put into them; and the light which is put into them, is not the mere light of nature, nor the law of Moses, but the Gospel of Christ; which dispels darkness, and is the means of enlightening sinners, and gives light to saints, by which they walk and work; and this light is put into the churches by Christ, whose the Gospel is, and who is himself come a light into the world; and being put here by him, it is held forth by them, especially by the ministers of it, who are the lights of the world, both by their ministry, and in their lives and conversations: and they are compared to "golden" candlesticks, because of their excellency, preciousness, and value, in the esteem of Christ; and for their brightness and purity in doctrine, discipline, and life; and for their splendour, glory, and beauty; and for their stability and duration; and though they are liable to corruption and taint, yet may be melted, refined, and purified as gold.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:12-20 John’s first vision is a symbolic picture of Christ as the wise, secure, and powerful agent of God who always cares for his people. 1:12 I turned to see who was speaking: This statement refers to the loud voice of 1:10. • seven gold lampstands: The lighted menorah was a symbol of God’s presence among his people (Exod 27:21; Lev 24:1-4) and of his all-seeing eyes in the world (Zech 4:10).
Revelation 1:12
John’s Vision on Patmos
11saying, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”12Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands, 13and among the lampstands was One like the Son of Man, dressed in a long robe, with a golden sash around His chest.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Burning Coal in His Hand
By David Wilkerson10K1:01:24VisionISA 5:20REV 1:12In this sermon, the preacher shares personal experiences and encounters with God that have deeply impacted his life. He talks about a meeting with another minister named Bob, who showed him a chapter in the Bible that brought him to tears. The preacher also mentions a story of a fellow preacher who went on a media fast and experienced a powerful encounter with God afterwards. The sermon emphasizes the importance of letting go of idols and seeking God wholeheartedly, as well as the need for pastors and evangelists to receive a breakthrough from God in their ministries. The preacher concludes by proclaiming that God is looking for hot coals to use for His purposes.
7 Principles of n.t.church - Part 1
By William MacDonald5.0K42:50Church PracticeEPH 4:4REV 1:12In this sermon, the speaker discusses several principles related to the gathering of believers and the purpose of spiritual gifts. The first principle is that Christ is the center of His people, and believers should have a personal relationship with Him. The second principle is that spiritual gifts were given to perfect the saints and equip them for ministry. The third principle emphasizes the autonomy of each local church, with direct responsibility to the Lord. The fourth principle highlights the priesthood of all believers, emphasizing the importance of personal conviction and practice of the truth. The speaker also emphasizes the unity of believers as members of the body of Christ and the purpose of spiritual gifts in edifying the body. The sermon references Ephesians 4 and 1 Corinthians 12 to support these principles.
8 Principles of n.t.church
By William MacDonald3.3K37:48Church PracticeREV 1:12In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of a missionary study class that had a profound impact on his friend's life. The friend's regrets were transformed into a desire to serve the Lord, leading him and his family to move to Brazil for missionary work. The speaker also recounts a recent missionary conference where he felt the presence of the Lord in a powerful way. He emphasizes the importance of Christians bearing fruit in old age and highlights the role of Christ as the gathering center of His people. Additionally, the speaker discusses the gifts given to the church for the edification of the saints and the work of the ministry, as described in Ephesians chapter four.
(Revelation) the New Jerusalem Our Eternal Home
By Willie Mullan3.0K1:03:03New JerusalemREV 1:9REV 1:12REV 3:5REV 21:6REV 21:23REV 21:26In this sermon, the preacher discusses the dimensions of a new city mentioned in the Bible. He explains that the city is 1,500 miles in length, but clarifies that it is actually 1,500 miles short. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having one's name written in the Lamb's Book of Life, regardless of one's religious affiliation. He also highlights the consolations and illuminations of the heavenly home, including the absence of death, sickness, and crying, as well as the glory of God and the Lamb. The sermon concludes with a discussion of the architectural aspects of the city, such as the twelve gates and the pure gold material.
The Kingdom of God Within Us
By David Wilkerson2.9K1:01:16EZK 44:5REV 1:12In this sermon, the preacher describes a powerful encounter with Jesus Christ, who is depicted as majestic and awe-inspiring. The preacher shares a personal experience of being deeply moved by the words of another minister who opened up a chapter of the Bible to him. This experience led the preacher to weep and feel a sense of conviction. The sermon emphasizes the need for brokenness of heart and tears in order to fulfill God's commission and confront people with their iniquities. The preacher also mentions the importance of preaching the gospel in a way that can reach people in different walks of life, such as drug addicts. The sermon concludes with a reference to a passage in Ezekiel that urges believers to pay attention to the entrances and exits of the sanctuary, suggesting that there may be hidden and perverted elements within the church.
Facing God's Judgment - Part 1
By Derek Prince2.7K12:12REV 1:12This sermon by Derek Prince emphasizes the importance of understanding the judgment of God and the need for repentance. Derek Prince highlights that Jesus is not only the Savior but also the Judge, and every individual will face Him in one of these capacities. The message stresses the accountability believers have before the judgment seat of Christ, where all actions, whether good or bad, will be assessed. It calls for active involvement and a deep reflection on one's life and relationship with Jesus.
Charlotte Seminar 5-27-00 Am
By George Warnock2.5K1:10:03SeminarREV 1:12In this sermon, the preacher discusses the spiritual insight of having faith in God without physically seeing Him. He references the Apostle John's experience on the Isle of Patmos, where John heard a voice and turned to see it. The preacher explains that John saw the voice because he is the Word of God. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus, the Son of Man, is the great high priest who walks among the seven golden candlesticks, representing the seven churches. The preacher also mentions the book of Revelation and encourages believers to focus on worshiping and adoring Jesus rather than being consumed by the imagery of beasts and dragons in the book.
Raising the Dead
By David Wilkerson2.4K1:06:00EZK 37:11ACT 1:6ACT 1:21ACT 2:11REV 1:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of giving one's heart to Jesus and seeking forgiveness for sins. He shares a story about a man from Nigeria who, after hearing a voice calling him to preach the gospel, leaves his job and becomes a powerful evangelist. The preacher then discusses the power of prophecy and the ability to raise the dead, referencing a song that speaks about anarchy and violence in the streets. He concludes by describing a vision of death and the need for people to respond to God's call for life.
Revelation of Jesus Christ - Part 3 of 10
By T. Austin-Sparks2.3K55:07Jesus ChristHEB 4:12REV 1:12REV 1:15In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the first chapter of the book of Revelation. They discuss how this book reveals the processes and progress leading to the final establishment of God's government. The sermon emphasizes the victory of God's son and the character that lies behind that victory. The speaker highlights the diversity in unity and the unity in diversity found in Jesus Christ. They also emphasize that Jesus' voice expresses deep sympathy, tenderness, kindness, as well as judgment and condemnation. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that Jesus is all light, with no darkness or shadows.
First Love Lost (Part 1)
By Jim Cymbala1.9K26:38First LoveREV 1:12In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of a vision of Jesus and hearing His voice. He describes the appearance of Jesus in detail and how he fell at His feet as if dead. Jesus speaks to him and reveals that He is walking among seven golden lampstands, which represent seven churches in the province of Asia. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a fervent love for Jesus, comparing it to the devotion of Mary who poured out costly perfume on Jesus. He also shares a personal anecdote about a risky plane ride, highlighting the need to trust in God's guidance.
Patmos Christians
By Vance Havner1.8K40:01Patmos1SA 3:9MAT 6:33MAT 11:15MRK 4:23JHN 13:13REV 1:9REV 1:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for the church to have a true vision of Jesus, rather than just a pleasant image of the man of Galilee. He criticizes the church's dependence on devices like TV and radio, which can distract from hearing God's voice. The preacher encourages the congregation to turn their ears towards Jesus and listen to what God has to say. He also urges them to live in fellowship with the Lord and not be consumed by worldly concerns.
Personal Testimony and Repentance
By J. Edwin Orr1.7K1:04:24TestimonyJHN 20:29ROM 12:1REV 1:12In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a personal testimony of his conversion to Christianity at the age of nine. He then recounts how he and a friend started preaching in the open air, using a ukulele and singing off-key to attract a crowd. They eventually formed a group of 24 young men who shared the gospel. The speaker also mentions how they started keeping a notebook to record their prayers and the answers they received, which taught them about the power of prayer.
The Good Shepherd
By Norman Meeten1.7K1:16:04ShepherdROM 6:62CO 4:6EPH 1:1EPH 2:4EPH 2:8REV 1:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and remembering the teachings of God. He acknowledges that humans can be slow to learn and need repetition to grasp important truths. The preacher warns against being gullible and easily led astray by worldly philosophies, particularly those that are a diluted form of Hinduism. He emphasizes the need for the Holy Spirit to illuminate the truths of the Bible and bring them to life in our hearts. The preacher also highlights the invitation to come to Jesus and partake in all that he offers, emphasizing that without receiving him, there is no life. The breaking of bread is mentioned as a reminder of these eternal truths.
(Revelation) No Trumpets Sounding
By Willie Mullan1.5K1:00:43SilenceGEN 48:8GEN 48:15REV 1:1REV 1:8REV 1:12REV 1:15REV 10:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and authority of the Lord over all creation. He describes how the Lord has control over the land and sea, and how no angel can compare to Him. The preacher also mentions the significance of the number seven and its connection to the Lord's power in the midst of storms. He encourages the audience to hold onto their Bibles as a source of strength and assurance, despite the darkness and challenges of the world. The sermon concludes with a reference to the seventh angel and the unveiling of God's plans for the Earth.
Seven Stars and Seven Candlesticks
By Paris Reidhead1.5K53:06The Authority of ChristThe Role of the ChurchCandlesticksREV 1:12Paris Reidhead emphasizes the significance of the seven stars and seven candlesticks in Revelation, illustrating how Christ, now exalted, holds authority over the church and its leaders. He contrasts the humble Jesus of the Gospels with the glorified Christ who walks among the churches, urging believers to recognize their responsibility to reflect His light in a dark world. Reidhead calls for a total abandonment to Christ's will, asserting that every Christian is called to full-time service, regardless of their secular roles. He stresses the importance of the local church as the primary means through which Christ reveals Himself and encourages believers to live in a way that honors this calling. Ultimately, he challenges the church to be a vibrant witness of Christ's glory in a disillusioned world.
The Day Jesus Came
By William MacDonald1.4K32:09JesusMAT 6:19MAT 22:39MAT 23:11LUK 14:33REV 1:9REV 1:12In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience where he was confronted by the Lord about his happiness and the material possessions in his life. The speaker realizes that material things do not bring true satisfaction and that his life lacks power. The Lord challenges him to give away his possessions rather than having them taken away. The speaker reflects on missed opportunities and the need to prioritize serving others and sharing the gospel over worldly pursuits.
The Crisis That Demands a Christ Awakening
By David Bryant1.4K24:18Spiritual AwakeningREV 1:12In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a story about a chameleon that adapts to its surroundings. He then highlights an article about 15 leading pastors in the nation, where only one mentioned the name of Jesus when describing their churches. This leads the speaker to question how it is possible to describe one's life or church without mentioning Jesus. He emphasizes the need for a Christ awakening and shares a personal testimony of his own despair in ministry and how he found hope in God.
Jesus Manifesting His Presence
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.4K09:14Manifest Presence Of GodPHP 3:14REV 1:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He references the book of Revelation, where Jesus is seen walking among the seven golden candlesticks, and encourages the congregation to not fear, as Jesus is alive forevermore. The preacher highlights the joy and gladness that comes from experiencing the presence of Jesus and emphasizes the need for faith in order to truly know and experience Him. He also emphasizes the power of the Word of God and the role of preaching in building faith. The sermon concludes with a call to seek a deeper knowledge of Jesus and the power of His resurrection.
Teaching Facing God's Judgment - Part 1
By Derek Prince1.1K28:52REV 1:12This sermon by Derek Prince emphasizes the importance of understanding the judgment of God and the need for repentance. Derek Prince highlights that Jesus is not only the Savior but also the Judge, and every individual will face Him in one of these capacities. He delves into the biblical concept that judgment begins at the house of God, emphasizing the accountability and responsibility of spiritual leaders, priests, princes, and the people. The sermon also addresses the dangers of false prophets who fail to demand repentance and the consequences of neglecting true holiness and failing to distinguish between the holy and the unholy.
What Is God Waiting For? - Part 2
By Derek Prince1.1K28:211CO 15:192CO 6:16TIT 2:141PE 1:221JN 3:2REV 1:12REV 5:5This sermon by Derek Prince emphasizes the importance of purity with an eternal perspective, urging Christians to focus on eternity rather than just temporal matters. He highlights the need for believers to purify themselves as a response to God's purification, emphasizing the eternal hope of being like Jesus. Additionally, he stresses the significance of obeying the truth, leading to fervent love for fellow believers as evidence of a purified heart. Lastly, Derek Prince underscores the centrality of Jesus in the lives of believers, pointing to Revelation's imagery of Jesus as the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the sacrificial Lamb.
The Autonomous Church
By Anton Bosch92847:42Autonomous ChurchREV 1:12The video discusses the concept of franchising in the church and contrasts it with God's way of working with differences. It highlights how some churches replicate a formula that works in one church and apply it to other locations, even going as far as having the same sermon and worship. This approach is seen as a show and lacks central control or authority. The speaker emphasizes that God values diversity and uniqueness, as seen in the differences in our bodies and even in the seven golden lampstands mentioned in Revelation 1:12.
Letters to 7 Churches 04 Pergamos-Comp/heart
By James Booker68650:16MAT 6:33REV 1:12REV 2:13In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of the truth of God. The source of this truth is highlighted in verse 12, where it is described as a sharp sword with two edges. The speaker emphasizes the need to stand for the truth and not conform to the ways of the world. The spoiler of the truth is mentioned in verses 14 and 15, indicating the challenges and opposition faced by believers. The sermon concludes with a promise to the overcomers and the power of the Word of God in convicting and transforming lives.
The Church Revived
By Brian Long66338:49ZEC 4:6REV 1:12This sermon focuses on the vision of Zechariah chapter 4, emphasizing the importance of a church revived by the Holy Spirit. It highlights the need for surrender, repentance, and clean hearts to allow the oil of the Holy Spirit to flow through us. The sermon encourages continuous prayer, perseverance, and faith in God's grace to overcome obstacles and experience His power in our lives.
When God Delays No More
By Danny Bond58243:40MAT 5:34REV 1:12REV 10:1REV 10:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses a powerful angel described in Revelation 10. The angel's face is compared to the brightness of the sun, symbolizing its glory and majesty. The speaker emphasizes the significance of this angel's appearance amidst the darkness and evil described in the previous chapter. The angel makes an announcement, swearing by God that His silence and delay will come to an end, ultimately bringing an end to evil. Additionally, the speaker highlights the encouragement and comfort that this revelation brings to believers, assuring them of God's ultimate victory.
What God Has Entrusted to His Church, 2 of 3
By Stephen Kaung5611:26:20ChurchROM 12:1REV 1:12In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of encountering the Lord Jesus. The Lord reveals himself to the speaker and commissions him to testify and share what he has seen. The speaker emphasizes the importance of seeing the Church as the body of Christ, not just an external organization. He encourages believers to consecrate themselves and present their bodies as living sacrifices to truly understand and experience the unity of the body of Christ. The sermon also references the conversion of Saul on the road to Damascus, highlighting how God revealed both Jesus as Lord and the concept of the body of Christ to him.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And I turned For he had heard the voice behind him. To see the voice; i.e., the person from whom the voice came. Seven golden candlesticks - Ἑπτα λυχνιας χρυσας· Seven golden lamps. It is absurd to say, a golden silver, or brazen candlestick. These seven lamps represented the seven Churches, in which the light of God was continually shining, and the love of God continually burning. And they are here represented as golden, to show how precious they were in the sight of God. This is a reference to the temple at Jerusalem, where there was a candlestick or chandelier of seven branches; or rather six branches; three springing out on either side, and one in the center. See Exo 25:31-37. This reference to the temple seems to intimate that the temple of Jerusalem was a type of the whole Christian Church.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
see the voice--that is, ascertain whence the voice came; to see who was it from whom the voice proceeded. that--Greek, "of what kind it was which." The voice is that of God the Father, as at Christ's baptism and transfiguration, so here in presenting Christ as our High Priest. spake--The oldest manuscripts, versions, and Fathers read, "was speaking." being--"having turned." seven . . . candlesticks--"lamp-stands" [KELLY]. The stand holding the lamp. In Exo 25:31-32, the seven are united in ONE candlestick or lamp-stand, that is, six arms and a central shaft; so Zac 4:2, Zac 4:11. Here the seven are separate candlesticks, typifying, as that one, the entire Church, but now no longer as the Jewish Church (represented by the one sevenfold candlestick) restricted to one outward unity and one place; the several churches are mutually independent as to external ceremonies and government (provided all things are done to edification, and schisms or needless separations are avoided), yet one in the unity of the Spirit and the Headship of Christ. The candlestick is not light, but the bearer of light, holding it forth to give light around. The light is the Lord's, not the Church's; from Him she receives it. She is to be a light-bearer to His glory. The candlestick stood in the holy place, the type of the Church on earth, as the holiest place was type of the Church in heaven. The holy place's only light was derived from the candlestick, daylight being excluded; so the Lord God is the Church's only light; hers is the light of grace, not nature. "Golden" symbolizes at once the greatest preciousness and sacredness; so that in the Zend Avesta, "golden" is synonymous with heavenly or divine [TRENCH].
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I turned to see the voice that spake with me,.... The Complutensian edition reads, "and there I turned": and so the Arabic version; that is, to see who it was that spoke, from whom the voice came, and by whom it was uttered; see Exo 20:18, and being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; which represented the seven churches, Rev 1:20; in allusion to the seven lamps in the candlestick of the sanctuary, Exo 25:37; compared to "candlesticks", for the use of them, which is to hold forth light; these have none of themselves, but what is put into them, and being put into them, they hold it forth; so the churches of Christ have no light of themselves, but what is put into them; and the light which is put into them, is not the mere light of nature, nor the law of Moses, but the Gospel of Christ; which dispels darkness, and is the means of enlightening sinners, and gives light to saints, by which they walk and work; and this light is put into the churches by Christ, whose the Gospel is, and who is himself come a light into the world; and being put here by him, it is held forth by them, especially by the ministers of it, who are the lights of the world, both by their ministry, and in their lives and conversations: and they are compared to "golden" candlesticks, because of their excellency, preciousness, and value, in the esteem of Christ; and for their brightness and purity in doctrine, discipline, and life; and for their splendour, glory, and beauty; and for their stability and duration; and though they are liable to corruption and taint, yet may be melted, refined, and purified as gold.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:12-20 John’s first vision is a symbolic picture of Christ as the wise, secure, and powerful agent of God who always cares for his people. 1:12 I turned to see who was speaking: This statement refers to the loud voice of 1:10. • seven gold lampstands: The lighted menorah was a symbol of God’s presence among his people (Exod 27:21; Lev 24:1-4) and of his all-seeing eyes in the world (Zech 4:10).