Revelation 1:20
Verse
Context
John’s Vision on Patmos
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
Alan Redpath
William MacDonald
Carter Conlon
Stephen Kaung
T. Austin-SparksT. Austin-SparksStephen KaungSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The mystery - That is, the allegorical explanation of the seven stars is the seven angels or ministers of the Churches; and the allegorical meaning of the seven golden lamps is the seven Churches themselves. 1. In the seven stars there may be an allusion to the seals of different offices under potentates, each of which had its own particular seal, which verified all instruments from that office; and as these seals were frequently set in rings which were worn on the fingers, there may be an allusion to those brilliants set in rings, and worn επι της δεξιας, Upon the right hand. In Jer 22:24, Coniah is represented as a signet on the right hand of the Lord; and that such signets were in rings see Gen 38:18, Gen 38:25; Exo 18:11; Dan 6:17, Hag 2:23. On close examination we shall find that all the symbols in this book have their foundation either in nature, fact, custom, or general opinion. One of the cutchery seals of the late Tippoo Saib, with which he stamped all the commissions of that office, lies now before me; it is cut on silver, in the Taaleck character, and the piece of silver is set in a large gold ring, heavy, but roughly manufactured. 2. The Churches are represented by these lamps; they hold the oil and the fire, and dispense the light. A lamp is not light in itself, it is only the instrument of dispensing light, and it must receive both oil and fire before it can dispense any; so no Church has in itself either grace or glory, it must receive all from Christ its head, else it can dispense neither light nor life. 3. The ministers of the Gospel are signets or seals of Jesus Christ; he uses them to stamp his truth, to accredit it, and give it currency. But as a seal can mark nothing of itself unless applied by a proper hand, so the ministers of Christ can do no good, seal no truth, impress no soul, unless the great owner condescend to use them. 4. How careful should the Church be that it have the oil and the light, that it continue to burn and send forth Divine knowledge! In vain does any Church pretend to be a Church of Christ if it dispense no light; if souls are not enlightened, quickened, and converted in it. If Jesus walk in it, its light will shine both clearly and strongly, and sinners will be converted unto him; and the members of that Church will be children of the light, and walk as children of the light and of the day, and there will be no occasion of stumbling in them. 5. How careful should the ministers of Christ be that they proclaim nothing as truth, and accredit nothing as truth, but what comes from their master! They should also take heed lest, after having preached to others, themselves should be cast-aways; lest God should say unto them as he said of Coniah, As I live, saith the Lord, though Coniah, the son of Jehoiakim, were the Signet Upon My Right Hand, yet would I pluck thee thence. On the other hand, if they be faithful, their labor shall not be in vain, and their safety shall be great. He that toucheth them toucheth the apple of God's eye, and none shall be able to pluck them out of his hand. they are the angels and ambassadors of the Lord; their persons are sacred; they are the messengers of the Churches, and the glory of Christ. Should they lose their lives in the work, it will be only a speedier entrance into an eternal glory. The rougher the way, the shorter their stay, The troubles that rise Shall gloriously hurry their souls to the skies.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
in--Greek, "upon My right hand." the mystery . . . candlesticks--in apposition to, and explaining, "the things which thou hast seen," governed by "Write." Mystery signifies the hidden truth, veiled under this symbol, and now revealed; its correlative is revelation. Stars symbolize lordship (Num 24:17; compare Dan 12:3, of faithful teachers; Rev 8:10; Rev 12:4; Jde 1:13). angels--not as ALFORD, from ORIGEN [Homily 13 on Luke, and Homily 20 on Numbers], the guardian angels of the churches, just as individuals have their guardian angels. For how could heavenly angels be charged with the delinquencies laid here to the charge of these angels? Then, if a human angel be meant (as the Old Testament analogy favors, Hag 1:13, "the Lord's Messenger in the Lord's message"; Mal 2:7; Mal 3:1), the bishop, or superintendent pastor, must be the angel. For whereas there were many presbyters in each of the larger churches (as for example, Ephesus, Smyrna, &c.), there was but one angel, whom, moreover, the Chief Shepherd and Bishop of souls holds responsible for the spiritual state of the Church under him. The term angel, designating an office, is, in accordance with the enigmatic symbolism of this book, transferred from the heavenly to the earthly superior ministers of Jehovah; reminding them that, like the heavenly angels above, they below should fulfil God's mission zealously, promptly and efficiently. "Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven!" Next: Revelation Chapter 2
John Gill Bible Commentary
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand,.... The sense is, that John was to write the mystery of these stars, or the mystical sense of them: and the seven golden candlesticks; the mystery, or mysterious sense of them also; for the words are in a continued connection with Rev 1:19, and have respect to the following interpretation of them, and to the epistles in the following chapter, which are mystical, and prophetical of the state of the churches in all succeeding ages: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches; that is, the seven stars which John saw in Christ's right hand, represent the angels, or pastors of the seven churches of Asia, and in them all the pastors and ministers of the churches in all the periods of time until Christ's second coming. Here it may be observed, that the ministers of the Gospel are not only compared to "stars", for which see Gill on Rev 1:16; but likewise to "angels", which signifies "messengers", as ministers are sent forth by Christ with the message of the Gospel to publish to the sons of men; and as the angels are Christ's ministering spirits, so are the preachers of the Gospel the ministers of Christ, that wait upon him and serve him in the ministry of the word, and in the administration of ordinances; and there is some agreement between them in holiness, knowledge, zeal, diligence, and watchfulness, in their work; as also they may be so called for the honour and esteem in which they are, both with Christ and his churches; and who like the angels rejoice at the conversion of sinners, and the enlargement of the interest of Christ: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches; represent the seven churches, of Asia, and in them all the churches of Christ, in successive ages, to the end of time; the reasons why these are signified by "candlesticks"; see Gill on Rev 1:12; and that they are prophetic of the churches of Christ in the several periods of time, until he comes again, will appear from the following considerations: the whole book is called a prophecy, and a revelation of things that were shortly to come to pass, and it would be very strange, and very unsuitable to its title, should the three first chapters contain nothing prophetic in them; the characters of the divine Person under which these seven churches are saluted, as he which is, and was, and is to come, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, show that the things written to them belong to the Gospel church state, from the beginning to the end of it, for what other reason can be given for such a peculiar use of them? the very grand and illustrious appearance of Christ, antecedent to these epistles, when compared with the appearance of God, previous to the opening of the sealed book, and the seven seals of it, may induce one to conclude, that as the latter introduces the book prophecy in this revelation, so the former introduces the church prophecy; nor does it seem that such a magnificent appearance is necessary to the bare sending of some letters of advice to some particular churches: moreover, as there are some things in these epistles too common to all the churches and ministers to be restrained to some particular ones, such as Christ's affording his presence among them, signified by his walking amidst the candlesticks, and his care of, and respect unto the ministers of the Gospel, expressed by holding seven stars in his right hand; for can it be thought that Christ only granted his presence to the seven churches in Asia? or that the pastors of those churches were the only ones Christ holds in his right hand? so there are others too particular to certain periods to belong to those churches, as that Smyrna should have a crown of life, Pergamos hidden manna and a white stone, Thyatira the morning star, and Philadelphia be delivered from a temptation that would reach all the world, and is not yet come; for which no reason can be given in the literal sense of these epistles; and it is strange that only seven churches should be sent to, and these only in Asia; why not to the churches in Africa and Europe? and these churches also, all but Ephesus, very obscure ones; why not to the churches at Antioch, Corinth, Rome, &c. and it is stranger still, if, as Epiphanius says (w), there was no church at Thyatira till after the writing of these letters: nothing can account for all this but their being prophetic, there being something in the number, names, situation, and case of these churches, which were emblematical of the state of the church in successive periods of time; to which may be added, that the epiphonema at the close of every epistle, "he that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches", shows that each epistle to every church is not designed for that church only, but for churches; and for what churches but for those who are represented in that period of time, since they must be unsuitable to one another? and besides, this concluding sentence shows, that what is contained in each epistle is something intricate, abstruse, and parabolical, it being only used when some such thing is delivered; see Mat 11:15. There is one observation more to be made, and which runs through all the epistles, and that is, that the names of the several churches, and the titles which Christ assumes in writing to each, as well as the subject matter of the epistles, have respect to the several distinct periods of the church; all which will more clearly appear in the following notes upon them, (w) Contra Haeres. l. 2. Haeres. 51.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:20 John is to record what he sees because Revelation is an instructive word for the churches. • The angels (or messengers; Greek angelos) of the seven churches could be (1) the guardian angels of these churches (cp. Matt 18:10; Acts 12:15); (2) the leading officials of the churches (cp. Matt 11:10, where “messenger” is angelos); or (3) a personification of the ethos of the church. The best understanding is probably a combination of 1 and 3.
Revelation 1:20
John’s Vision on Patmos
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
The Call of God
By Alan Redpath6.2K46:03Call Of God1KI 19:12JON 1:3JHN 3:16REV 1:9REV 1:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God and fulfilling our missionary responsibilities. He highlights that living in a global village means that the world is much smaller than we think, making the task of spreading the gospel even greater. The speaker also mentions the inspiring example of retired individuals serving the Lord on the mission field. He references the story of John, who was exiled on a lonely island for proclaiming Jesus Christ, to illustrate that persecution and opposition still exist today. The sermon concludes with the reminder that the church, represented by the seven golden lampstands, must shine brightly by actively spreading the message of Christ.
The Local Church 1 - Part 4
By William MacDonald2.6K08:44JHN 10:111CO 3:16EPH 2:21REV 1:20
This sermon emphasizes the importance of the local church reflecting the spiritual basis and conduct of the universal church. Each church is meant to be autonomous, self-ruling, self-financing, and self-propagating, directly responsible to the Lord Jesus Christ. While independent, there is also a call for inter-assembly fellowship among believers. The true measure of a church is not its size but the holiness of its members, highlighting that God values purity over numbers.
Showing the Light of God's Love
By Carter Conlon2.1K47:29God's LovePSA 37:4MAT 6:33LUK 15:7JHN 3:16ACT 2:42REV 1:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a light in the world and living a life that reflects God's love. He references the passage in Revelation where John sees seven golden candlesticks, symbolizing the presence of Christ. The speaker suggests that when someone repents and turns to God, there is joy in heaven. He also uses the story of the Prodigal Son to illustrate the consequences of living a self-centered life without the light of God's love. The sermon emphasizes the need for genuine passion and love for others, rather than just knowledge or theory.
Life of Separation
By Stephen Kaung1.7K1:19:17SeparationMAT 16:16REV 1:9REV 1:12REV 1:20In this sermon, the speaker discusses the vision given to the Apostle John while he was exiled on the island of Patmos. John's heart was still with the people of the seven cities in Asia, and he wondered who would take care of them. Suddenly, he heard a voice like a trumpet and turned back to see a heavenly vision. He saw seven golden lampstands, representing the seven cities, and in the midst of them stood a figure resembling the Son of Man. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a heavenly vision and being obedient to it, just as Peter and Paul also received visions. The vision John saw depicted a universal man, with the head in heaven and the body covering the earth, symbolizing all followers of Jesus. The vision also led John to encounter a man named Ananias, who opened his eyes and filled him with the Holy Spirit, welcoming him into the fellowship of the local church.
Ye Are Come to Zion - Part 4
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K51:41ZionMAT 6:33ACT 19:9EPH 2:20HEB 12:221PE 2:6REV 1:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of truly knowing and experiencing God for ourselves. He highlights the danger of relying on others for our spiritual understanding and warns against being deceived by false teachings or disappointed by human leaders. The speaker references the Book of Revelation and the concept of God shaking everything that can be shaken to reveal the true depth of our faith. He encourages listeners to have a personal relationship with God and to stand firm in their faith, regardless of external circumstances.
Vocational Fellowship - Part 3
By T. Austin-Sparks1.6K00:00FellowshipJER 1:4JER 1:6MAT 5:14REV 1:20REV 22:13In this sermon, the speaker discusses the disintegration, division, confusion, and paralysis that can occur within the church. He relates this to the state of Israel during the time of the prophets and the churches in the New Testament. The speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining a true fellowship with God and being a testimony to the world. He highlights the tragic tendency of churches to turn inward and become self-focused, losing sight of their world ministry. The sermon draws from the book of Jeremiah to emphasize the need for a dominant consciousness of being part of a great world ministry.
Testimony of Jesus - Vessel of the Testimony
By Stephen Kaung1.4K1:13:29TestimonyMAT 16:18MAT 18:15MAT 18:20ACT 2:422CO 4:7REV 1:12REV 1:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision among God's people. He refers to the vision that John saw on the island of Emmaus, which included the Son of Man in the midst of seven golden lanterns. The speaker highlights that the testimony of Jesus is given to the church and that the vision of the Son of Man is connected to the seven churches of Asia. He emphasizes that one cannot see the church until they see Christ, and that God works through the local assembly to bring about His ultimate plan. The lack of vision among God's people is identified as a problem that needs to be addressed.
David Davis - One New Man (Alternate)
By David Davis1.3K27:23ISA 10:27ISA 11:2ZEC 4:6MAT 26:36ROM 11:17REV 1:12REV 1:20
This sermon focuses on the restoration and unity between Jews and Arabs in Israel, highlighting the revival and miraculous transformations happening in communities. It emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit's anointing, symbolized by the seven-branched candlestick and two olive trees, representing the fullness of God's presence and the unity of Jew and Gentile believers. The message encourages repentance, staying rooted in God's love, and seeking the anointing of the Holy Spirit to break yokes and bring transformation.
Hebrews 1:1-3
By Don McClure1.2K47:21PSA 19:1PSA 19:7MAT 6:33JHN 4:42ROM 1:20HEB 1:1REV 1:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power and authority of God's word. He contrasts the teachings of various world religions with the truth found in the Bible. The speaker highlights the uniqueness of the Bible by pointing out its ability to address the pain and suffering in the world and offer a solution. He also emphasizes the love and grace of God, and encourages listeners to accept Jesus as their Savior. The sermon concludes with a reminder of God's sustaining power and the evidence of His existence in creation.
Rise Up and Build 1997 Conference-38 Things That Differ
By William MacDonald1.1K53:21DifferencesISA 52:9MIC 5:2ROM 6:111CO 9:24REV 1:20REV 10:7In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of the coming of Jesus Christ. He explains that there are four phases to His coming: the rapture, the judgment seat of Christ, the manifestation of His coming, and the conclusion of His coming. The preacher also emphasizes the distinction between law and grace, using the example of Abraham's faith in God being counted as righteousness. He encourages the listeners to study the Word of God diligently and to understand and apply these distinctions in their Bible study.
Going Backwards to Go Ahead
By Jim Cymbala1.1K38:38RelationshipMAT 5:13REV 1:14REV 1:20REV 2:2REV 2:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of loving God and loving others as the greatest commandment. He highlights the significance of the church in spreading the gospel and changing hearts through Jesus. The preacher mentions the vision of Jesus holding seven stars and walking among the seven golden lampstands, symbolizing his concern for the state of his churches. The sermon emphasizes that the church's well-being is crucial for the expansion of God's kingdom and encourages believers to focus on the health and growth of the church.
Revelation Pt 1
By Billy Strachan9361:10:24RevelationREV 1:3REV 1:9REV 1:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as the key to understanding the book of Revelation. He highlights the three actions mentioned in Revelation 1:3 - reading, hearing, and keeping the words of prophecy. The preacher then goes on to describe the vision of Jesus Christ in Revelation 1, emphasizing his divine attributes and authority. He explains that the book of Revelation is not a mystery, but an open declaration of the last will and testament of Christ. The sermon concludes with a greeting to the seven churches in Asia and a reminder of the love and redemption found in Jesus Christ.
The Church of the Closed Door
By Ronald Glass8501:01:11RevivalMAT 6:33REV 1:12REV 1:20REV 3:14In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the description of Jesus Christ in Revelation chapter 1. He describes how John, on the Isle of Patmos, saw a vision of Jesus standing among seven golden lampstands. Jesus is depicted as a majestic figure with white hair, fiery eyes, and feet like burnished bronze. He holds seven stars in his hand and has a sharp two-edged sword coming out of his mouth. The preacher emphasizes that the church today needs revival because its conduct and worship are not in line with the character of Jesus Christ. He also highlights the lukewarmness and mediocrity of the church, urging Christians to examine their hearts and prioritize their commitment to Jesus over worldly desires.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit Makes Us Bold
By Sandeep Poonen58849:192CH 29:342CH 30:26ISA 50:4ACT 2:41EPH 4:162TI 1:7JAS 1:51PE 4:172PE 2:5REV 1:20
This sermon emphasizes the importance of consecrating ourselves daily to God, seeking to be disciples who listen to His voice, respond to His leading, and contribute to the growth of the body of Christ. It highlights the need for boldness against the religious system within us, the world system around us, and the call to be preachers of righteousness like Noah, building the 'ark' of the local church. The message stresses the significance of power, love, and self-control as fruits of the Holy Spirit, encouraging each individual to play a part in the body's growth by being conscientious in consecrating themselves daily.
The Lampstand—the Corporate Testimony of Jesus Christ (Pt. 4)
By Allan Halton0JHN 17:261CO 1:41CO 10:171CO 14:26REV 1:20Allan Halton preaches about the powerful testimony of Jesus Christ that individuals like John on Patmos and the church in Corinth experienced. God's desire is for this testimony to be revealed in the church, where every member shines forth this pure testimony together as one Man. The Corinthian church had the testimony of Christ confirmed in their midst, with the manifestation of the Spirit and diverse spiritual gifts. The emphasis is on the need for a corporate testimony where every member is vitally involved in shining forth the light of Christ, leading to unity and the glory of the Lord's Name.
The Angels
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0GEN 16:1JOB 38:7PSA 8:5MAT 4:11MAT 25:31MAT 25:41MAT 28:2MRK 5:9LUK 2:13LUK 7:24LUK 8:30LUK 22:43ACT 1:101CO 6:3GAL 3:191TI 4:11TI 5:21HEB 1:14HEB 2:7JAS 2:252PE 2:4JUD 1:6REV 1:20REV 5:11REV 20:10Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the intricate details of angels as depicted in the Scriptures, emphasizing their distinct order of creation, heavenly position above man, and the various classes of angelic beings, including the unfallen angels and the fallen angels. The sermon explores the nature, ministry, and significance of angels in pivotal events such as creation, the giving of the law, the birth and resurrection of Christ, and their future role in the second coming of Christ.
The Jewish Tabernacle.
By Robert Murray M'Cheyne0The TabernacleChrist as the Fulfillment of the LawEXO 25:8EXO 25:23LEV 24:5JHN 1:14JHN 2:19GAL 3:24COL 2:9HEB 9:1HEB 10:19REV 1:20Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the significance of the Jewish Tabernacle as a shadow of Christ, illustrating how the Mosaic covenant served as a precursor to the Christian covenant. He explains that while the Tabernacle was a worldly sanctuary where God dwelled among His people, it ultimately pointed to the greater and perfect Tabernacle, which is Christ Himself. M'Cheyne highlights the various elements of the Tabernacle, such as the candlestick and the table of shew-bread, as representations of Christ and His sustenance for believers. He urges the congregation to seek a deeper understanding of these divine truths, stressing that Christ is the substance of all Old Testament types and the source of true nourishment for the soul. The sermon calls for a serious inquiry into divine matters, encouraging believers to engage deeply with their faith.
June 2. 1678. the Interpretation of the Vision.
By Jane Lead01CO 3:16GAL 5:221PE 1:7REV 1:20Jane Lead shares a vision of fire-sparks being scattered in a clear ground, uniting to form a glorious, pale-colored body resembling lightning. She interprets these sparks as unmixed essences of the Deity coagulating with pure elements to bring forth a body of its own kind, representing the manifestation of the Spirit. Lead emphasizes the refining process by the Lord to prepare individuals who are receptive to the Spirit for this manifestation.
Service
By John Nelson Darby0Communion with GodServiceLEV 23:11NUM 8:2NUM 8:19ACT 7:55ROM 12:1ROM 15:161CO 6:20EPH 3:101PE 2:9REV 1:20John Nelson Darby emphasizes the significance of service within the Church, drawing parallels from the Levites' role in the Old Testament. He explains that true service stems from a deep communion with God, highlighting that the Levites were first offered to God before they could serve. The candlestick symbolizes the Church, which is called to shine forth the light of God's truth and wisdom to the world. Darby stresses that all service should be rooted in spiritual communion, as it empowers and directs our actions in accordance with God's will. Ultimately, he encourages believers to recognize their identity as God's servants, dedicated to His glory rather than their own ambitions.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The mystery - That is, the allegorical explanation of the seven stars is the seven angels or ministers of the Churches; and the allegorical meaning of the seven golden lamps is the seven Churches themselves. 1. In the seven stars there may be an allusion to the seals of different offices under potentates, each of which had its own particular seal, which verified all instruments from that office; and as these seals were frequently set in rings which were worn on the fingers, there may be an allusion to those brilliants set in rings, and worn επι της δεξιας, Upon the right hand. In Jer 22:24, Coniah is represented as a signet on the right hand of the Lord; and that such signets were in rings see Gen 38:18, Gen 38:25; Exo 18:11; Dan 6:17, Hag 2:23. On close examination we shall find that all the symbols in this book have their foundation either in nature, fact, custom, or general opinion. One of the cutchery seals of the late Tippoo Saib, with which he stamped all the commissions of that office, lies now before me; it is cut on silver, in the Taaleck character, and the piece of silver is set in a large gold ring, heavy, but roughly manufactured. 2. The Churches are represented by these lamps; they hold the oil and the fire, and dispense the light. A lamp is not light in itself, it is only the instrument of dispensing light, and it must receive both oil and fire before it can dispense any; so no Church has in itself either grace or glory, it must receive all from Christ its head, else it can dispense neither light nor life. 3. The ministers of the Gospel are signets or seals of Jesus Christ; he uses them to stamp his truth, to accredit it, and give it currency. But as a seal can mark nothing of itself unless applied by a proper hand, so the ministers of Christ can do no good, seal no truth, impress no soul, unless the great owner condescend to use them. 4. How careful should the Church be that it have the oil and the light, that it continue to burn and send forth Divine knowledge! In vain does any Church pretend to be a Church of Christ if it dispense no light; if souls are not enlightened, quickened, and converted in it. If Jesus walk in it, its light will shine both clearly and strongly, and sinners will be converted unto him; and the members of that Church will be children of the light, and walk as children of the light and of the day, and there will be no occasion of stumbling in them. 5. How careful should the ministers of Christ be that they proclaim nothing as truth, and accredit nothing as truth, but what comes from their master! They should also take heed lest, after having preached to others, themselves should be cast-aways; lest God should say unto them as he said of Coniah, As I live, saith the Lord, though Coniah, the son of Jehoiakim, were the Signet Upon My Right Hand, yet would I pluck thee thence. On the other hand, if they be faithful, their labor shall not be in vain, and their safety shall be great. He that toucheth them toucheth the apple of God's eye, and none shall be able to pluck them out of his hand. they are the angels and ambassadors of the Lord; their persons are sacred; they are the messengers of the Churches, and the glory of Christ. Should they lose their lives in the work, it will be only a speedier entrance into an eternal glory. The rougher the way, the shorter their stay, The troubles that rise Shall gloriously hurry their souls to the skies.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
in--Greek, "upon My right hand." the mystery . . . candlesticks--in apposition to, and explaining, "the things which thou hast seen," governed by "Write." Mystery signifies the hidden truth, veiled under this symbol, and now revealed; its correlative is revelation. Stars symbolize lordship (Num 24:17; compare Dan 12:3, of faithful teachers; Rev 8:10; Rev 12:4; Jde 1:13). angels--not as ALFORD, from ORIGEN [Homily 13 on Luke, and Homily 20 on Numbers], the guardian angels of the churches, just as individuals have their guardian angels. For how could heavenly angels be charged with the delinquencies laid here to the charge of these angels? Then, if a human angel be meant (as the Old Testament analogy favors, Hag 1:13, "the Lord's Messenger in the Lord's message"; Mal 2:7; Mal 3:1), the bishop, or superintendent pastor, must be the angel. For whereas there were many presbyters in each of the larger churches (as for example, Ephesus, Smyrna, &c.), there was but one angel, whom, moreover, the Chief Shepherd and Bishop of souls holds responsible for the spiritual state of the Church under him. The term angel, designating an office, is, in accordance with the enigmatic symbolism of this book, transferred from the heavenly to the earthly superior ministers of Jehovah; reminding them that, like the heavenly angels above, they below should fulfil God's mission zealously, promptly and efficiently. "Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven!" Next: Revelation Chapter 2
John Gill Bible Commentary
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand,.... The sense is, that John was to write the mystery of these stars, or the mystical sense of them: and the seven golden candlesticks; the mystery, or mysterious sense of them also; for the words are in a continued connection with Rev 1:19, and have respect to the following interpretation of them, and to the epistles in the following chapter, which are mystical, and prophetical of the state of the churches in all succeeding ages: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches; that is, the seven stars which John saw in Christ's right hand, represent the angels, or pastors of the seven churches of Asia, and in them all the pastors and ministers of the churches in all the periods of time until Christ's second coming. Here it may be observed, that the ministers of the Gospel are not only compared to "stars", for which see Gill on Rev 1:16; but likewise to "angels", which signifies "messengers", as ministers are sent forth by Christ with the message of the Gospel to publish to the sons of men; and as the angels are Christ's ministering spirits, so are the preachers of the Gospel the ministers of Christ, that wait upon him and serve him in the ministry of the word, and in the administration of ordinances; and there is some agreement between them in holiness, knowledge, zeal, diligence, and watchfulness, in their work; as also they may be so called for the honour and esteem in which they are, both with Christ and his churches; and who like the angels rejoice at the conversion of sinners, and the enlargement of the interest of Christ: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches; represent the seven churches, of Asia, and in them all the churches of Christ, in successive ages, to the end of time; the reasons why these are signified by "candlesticks"; see Gill on Rev 1:12; and that they are prophetic of the churches of Christ in the several periods of time, until he comes again, will appear from the following considerations: the whole book is called a prophecy, and a revelation of things that were shortly to come to pass, and it would be very strange, and very unsuitable to its title, should the three first chapters contain nothing prophetic in them; the characters of the divine Person under which these seven churches are saluted, as he which is, and was, and is to come, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, show that the things written to them belong to the Gospel church state, from the beginning to the end of it, for what other reason can be given for such a peculiar use of them? the very grand and illustrious appearance of Christ, antecedent to these epistles, when compared with the appearance of God, previous to the opening of the sealed book, and the seven seals of it, may induce one to conclude, that as the latter introduces the book prophecy in this revelation, so the former introduces the church prophecy; nor does it seem that such a magnificent appearance is necessary to the bare sending of some letters of advice to some particular churches: moreover, as there are some things in these epistles too common to all the churches and ministers to be restrained to some particular ones, such as Christ's affording his presence among them, signified by his walking amidst the candlesticks, and his care of, and respect unto the ministers of the Gospel, expressed by holding seven stars in his right hand; for can it be thought that Christ only granted his presence to the seven churches in Asia? or that the pastors of those churches were the only ones Christ holds in his right hand? so there are others too particular to certain periods to belong to those churches, as that Smyrna should have a crown of life, Pergamos hidden manna and a white stone, Thyatira the morning star, and Philadelphia be delivered from a temptation that would reach all the world, and is not yet come; for which no reason can be given in the literal sense of these epistles; and it is strange that only seven churches should be sent to, and these only in Asia; why not to the churches in Africa and Europe? and these churches also, all but Ephesus, very obscure ones; why not to the churches at Antioch, Corinth, Rome, &c. and it is stranger still, if, as Epiphanius says (w), there was no church at Thyatira till after the writing of these letters: nothing can account for all this but their being prophetic, there being something in the number, names, situation, and case of these churches, which were emblematical of the state of the church in successive periods of time; to which may be added, that the epiphonema at the close of every epistle, "he that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches", shows that each epistle to every church is not designed for that church only, but for churches; and for what churches but for those who are represented in that period of time, since they must be unsuitable to one another? and besides, this concluding sentence shows, that what is contained in each epistle is something intricate, abstruse, and parabolical, it being only used when some such thing is delivered; see Mat 11:15. There is one observation more to be made, and which runs through all the epistles, and that is, that the names of the several churches, and the titles which Christ assumes in writing to each, as well as the subject matter of the epistles, have respect to the several distinct periods of the church; all which will more clearly appear in the following notes upon them, (w) Contra Haeres. l. 2. Haeres. 51.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:20 John is to record what he sees because Revelation is an instructive word for the churches. • The angels (or messengers; Greek angelos) of the seven churches could be (1) the guardian angels of these churches (cp. Matt 18:10; Acts 12:15); (2) the leading officials of the churches (cp. Matt 11:10, where “messenger” is angelos); or (3) a personification of the ethos of the church. The best understanding is probably a combination of 1 and 3.