Revelation 1:19
Verse
Context
John’s Vision on Patmos
18the Living One. I was dead, and behold, now I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of Death and of Hades.19Therefore write down the things you have seen, and the things that are, and the things that will happen after this.20This is the mystery of the seven stars you saw in My right hand and of the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Write the things which thou hast seen - These visions and prophecies are for general instruction, and therefore every circumstance must be faithfully recorded. What he had seen was to be written; what he was about to see, relative to the seven Churches, must be also written; and what he was to see afterwards, concerning other Churches and states, to be recorded likewise.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The oldest manuscripts read, "Write therefore" (inasmuch as I, "the First and Last," have the keys of death, and vouchsafe to thee this vision for the comfort and warning of the Church). things which are--"the things which thou hast seen" are those narrated in this chapter (compare Rev 1:11). "The things which are" imply the present state of things in the churches when John was writing, as represented in the second and third chapters. "The things which shall be hereafter," the things symbolically represented concerning the future history of the fourth through twenty-second chapters. ALFORD translates, "What things they signify"; but the antithesis of the next clause forbids this, "the things which shall be hereafter," Greek, "which are about to come to pass." The plural (Greek) "are," instead of the usual Greek construction singular, is owing to churches and persons being meant by things" in the clause, "the things which are."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Write the things which thou hast seen,.... The Alexandrian copy and some others, and the Complutensian edition, read, "write therefore the things", &c. meaning what he had now seen, the vision of one like to the son of man, amidst the golden candlesticks, with seven stars in his right hand, and as above described; this was what he had seen Rev 1:12; for it does not refer to what he had seen of Christ in the days of his flesh, but to what he had now seen in this representation of him: and the things which are; the state of the churches of Christ in the apostolic age, and at that time signified by the Ephesian church, and that part of the Smyrnean which John lived to see: and the things which shall be hereafter; from hence unto the end of the world, in successive generations, signified by the rest of the churches, and in the visions of the seals, trumpets, and vials.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:19 Write: In the vision, God gives instructions for what John is to do on his behalf (see Isa 6:9-10). This vision’s purpose is to help the church (Rev 1:20) understand the present and the future from God’s perspective.
Revelation 1:19
John’s Vision on Patmos
18the Living One. I was dead, and behold, now I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of Death and of Hades.19Therefore write down the things you have seen, and the things that are, and the things that will happen after this.20This is the mystery of the seven stars you saw in My right hand and of the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Full Time Ministry
By David Wilkerson7.6K55:59ApathyISA 28:16REV 1:9REV 1:19REV 3:20REV 4:1REV 22:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God's word to comfort and encourage His people, even in times of fear and insecurity. The sermon is based on Isaiah 28, where the nation is under judgment and has made an agreement with hell and death. The preacher highlights the need for believers to have a "Patmos experience," where they shut out distractions and seek the voice of the Lord. He challenges the congregation to have a media fast and become full-time ministers unto the Lord, just like John on the island of Patmos.
(Through the Bible) Revelation 1
By Chuck Smith2.5K49:32Through The BibleMAT 22:37MAT 28:20HEB 12:1REV 1:3REV 1:7REV 1:19In this sermon, the speaker discusses the structure and divisions of the book of Revelation. He explains that the book can be divided into three sections: the things which John has seen, the things which are currently happening in the church, and the things which will happen in the future. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding these divisions in order to interpret the book correctly. He also highlights the sense of urgency and the expectation of the return of Jesus Christ that has always been present in the church. The sermon concludes with a greeting from John to the seven churches in Asia, symbolizing completeness and perfection.
Revelation Overview Pt. 2
By Chuck Smith2.1K1:18:16Revelation1KI 19:18MAT 6:33REV 1:19REV 3:7REV 3:20REV 4:1In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Revelation, specifically Revelation chapter 2. The key to understanding the book is found in Revelation 1:19, where it is instructed to write the things that have been seen, the things that are, and the things that will be after these things. The speaker emphasizes that we are currently in the final period of church history, represented by the church of Laodicea. The sermon also highlights the importance of remaining faithful and not defiling one's garments, as those who overcome will be clothed in white and have their names confessed before God.
Revelation Overview Pt. 3
By Chuck Smith1.9K1:07:00RevelationREV 1:12REV 1:19REV 6:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the geological phenomenon of the Grand Canyon and questions the explanations provided by geologists. He emphasizes that they do not have all the answers and encourages the audience to think critically. The sermon then transitions to discussing the book of Revelation, specifically chapters 7 and 8. The speaker explains that these chapters are not in sequential order and introduces the concept of the four angels holding the four winds of the earth. He also mentions the pale horse and its association with death and hell. The sermon concludes by mentioning the three divisions of the book of Revelation and the key to understanding it.
(Through the Bible) Revelation 4-6
By Chuck Smith1.9K45:25Through The BibleMAT 6:33ROM 3:23REV 1:19REV 3:21REV 4:2REV 4:5REV 5:3In this sermon on Revelation chapter 4, the speaker begins by explaining the significance of the phrase "after these things" which marks the start of the third section of the book. The scene described is one of awe, with God sitting on the throne and being worshiped by cherubim and twenty-four elders. A scroll is introduced, and a strong angel asks who is worthy to open it, but no man is found worthy. This realization brings John to tears, as the scroll represents the title deed to the earth and the possibility of redemption. However, an elder reassures John that the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, is worthy to open the scroll and loose its seals.
(Revelation) Revelation 21:22-22:21
By Zac Poonen1.6K58:43REV 1:1REV 1:7REV 1:17REV 1:19REV 21:23REV 22:6REV 22:20In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Revelation and its central theme of the second coming of Christ. The sermon begins with an emphasis on the importance of obedience and proclaiming the word of God to others. The preacher then briefly reviews the content of the book of Revelation, starting with chapter 1 which introduces the revelation of Jesus Christ and the exhortations and promises given to believers. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the total sovereignty of God and the need for believers to trust in His control, especially in these days leading up to the fulfillment of the events described in Revelation.
The Apocalypse - Introduction to the Revelation
By Steve Gallagher1.2K46:04Apocalypse StudyMAT 6:33LUK 8:18REV 1:19REV 22:7REV 22:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not giving one's heart over to the things of the world. They discuss the battle for people's hearts and how ultimately everyone will worship something or somebody. The sermon also touches on the book of Revelation and its depiction of a global spiritual war. The speaker highlights the need to listen attentively and implement the truths heard into one's life, as well as the urgency of being prepared to meet Christ. Additionally, they mention the unfolding of events such as the rise of the Antichrist, the formation of a one world government, the apostasy of Christians, and the spiritual oppression and physical persecution of God's people in the end times.
Take Stock of Your Life
By Erlo Stegen9821:23:24MAT 6:33LUK 10:38ACT 4:20REV 1:3REV 1:19In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of the number seven as a symbol of completeness. He describes how John saw Jesus Christ among the seven congregations, with a face shining brighter than the sun and eyes like blazing flames of fire. John's encounter with Jesus caused him to fall down in fear. The preacher emphasizes the importance of remembering our calling and promises to God, as many believers struggle to make spiritual progress due to forgetting what God has spoken to them.
Revelation Pt 2
By Billy Strachan8251:06:44RevelationMAT 4:17JHN 4:24REV 1:19REV 4:2In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Revelation, specifically chapter 4. He emphasizes the importance of understanding that Revelation is a book of revelation, not a mystery. The preacher describes the scene in heaven, where John sees a throne with someone sitting on it, surrounded by a rainbow. He also mentions the presence of twenty-four elders wearing white robes and crowns of gold. The preacher encourages the audience to focus on the message of Revelation and not get caught up in analyzing every word.
Survey of the New Testament 05 Peter Thru Revelation
By Neil Fraser59646:35HEB 2:31PE 2:211PE 5:3JUD 1:3REV 1:19REV 4:1REV 5:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of being a stranger in the world as a Christian. He emphasizes the importance of Christians remembering their earthly citizenship and being subject to the governing authorities. The preacher also addresses the idea of punishment and how Christians should respond to their enemies with love. He then introduces the concept of the "faith once for all deliverance" and encourages the congregation to study the Bible diligently. The sermon concludes with a prayer for God's guidance and the hope for a new life in Christ.
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.
Who Is Worthy
By Steve Mays44730:01Christian LifeMAT 6:33REV 1:19REV 5:1In this sermon, Pastor Steve Mays discusses the concept of redemption and how God never gives up on us. He emphasizes that God has been in the "recycling business" for much longer than humans have, and that He is constantly working to redeem and sanctify us. Pastor Steve also explores the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, highlighting the fellowship they had with God before sin entered the world. He then transitions to the book of Revelation, specifically chapter 5, where he discusses the worthiness of Jesus Christ as the one who can redeem and restore humanity.
The Church in Heaven
By John F. Walvoord0REV 1:19REV 4:1REV 4:5REV 4:9John F. Walvoord preaches on the heavenly vision in Revelation 4, where a door is opened in heaven, revealing future events to John. The chapter marks the beginning of the section focused on the consummation of the age, contrasting with the messages to the seven churches in chapters 2 and 3. The futuristic view of Revelation from chapter 4 onward is supported by the promise of things 'which must be hereafter.' The chapter unveils prophetic events related to the end times, including the time of tribulation following the church age, as summarized by C. A. Blanchard.
Rev. 1:19-20. the Symbolic Sevens
By Horatius Bonar0Symbolism in RevelationSpiritual States of the ChurchREV 1:19Horatius Bonar emphasizes the significance of the symbolic sevens in Revelation 1:19-20, where John is instructed to write about the past, present, and future of the churches. He explains that the seven stars represent the angels of the churches, while the seven candlesticks symbolize the churches themselves, each reflecting different spiritual states that persist throughout the ages. Bonar highlights the importance of Christ's titles, the searching words of knowledge, and the messages of grace and exhortation given to each church, culminating in the promise of rewards for those who overcome. The sermon calls believers to introspectively assess their spiritual condition in light of these truths. Ultimately, Bonar reassures that even the lukewarm Laodicea is offered redemption and a place in Christ's kingdom.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Write the things which thou hast seen - These visions and prophecies are for general instruction, and therefore every circumstance must be faithfully recorded. What he had seen was to be written; what he was about to see, relative to the seven Churches, must be also written; and what he was to see afterwards, concerning other Churches and states, to be recorded likewise.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The oldest manuscripts read, "Write therefore" (inasmuch as I, "the First and Last," have the keys of death, and vouchsafe to thee this vision for the comfort and warning of the Church). things which are--"the things which thou hast seen" are those narrated in this chapter (compare Rev 1:11). "The things which are" imply the present state of things in the churches when John was writing, as represented in the second and third chapters. "The things which shall be hereafter," the things symbolically represented concerning the future history of the fourth through twenty-second chapters. ALFORD translates, "What things they signify"; but the antithesis of the next clause forbids this, "the things which shall be hereafter," Greek, "which are about to come to pass." The plural (Greek) "are," instead of the usual Greek construction singular, is owing to churches and persons being meant by things" in the clause, "the things which are."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Write the things which thou hast seen,.... The Alexandrian copy and some others, and the Complutensian edition, read, "write therefore the things", &c. meaning what he had now seen, the vision of one like to the son of man, amidst the golden candlesticks, with seven stars in his right hand, and as above described; this was what he had seen Rev 1:12; for it does not refer to what he had seen of Christ in the days of his flesh, but to what he had now seen in this representation of him: and the things which are; the state of the churches of Christ in the apostolic age, and at that time signified by the Ephesian church, and that part of the Smyrnean which John lived to see: and the things which shall be hereafter; from hence unto the end of the world, in successive generations, signified by the rest of the churches, and in the visions of the seals, trumpets, and vials.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:19 Write: In the vision, God gives instructions for what John is to do on his behalf (see Isa 6:9-10). This vision’s purpose is to help the church (Rev 1:20) understand the present and the future from God’s perspective.