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Revelation 14:4
Verse
Context
The Lamb and the 144,000
3And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. And no one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.4These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they are virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever He goes. They have been redeemed from among men as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. 5And no lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
These are they which were not defiled with women - They are pure from idolatry, and are presented as unspotted virgins to their Lord and Savior Christ. See Co2 11:2. There may be an allusion here to the Israelites committing idolatry, through the means of their criminal connection with the Midianitish women. See Num 25:1-4; Num 31:16. Follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth - They go through good and through evil report, bear his reproach, and love not their lives even to the death. The first fruits unto God - The reference appears to be to those Jews who were the first converts to Christianity.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
virgins--spiritually (Mat 25:1); in contrast to the apostate Church, Babylon (Rev 14:8), spiritually "a harlot" (Rev 17:1-5; Isa 1:21; contrast Co2 11:2; Eph 5:25-27). Their not being defiled with women means they were not led astray from Christian faithfulness by the tempters who jointly constitute the spiritual "harlot." follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth--in glory, being especially near His person; the fitting reward of their following Him so fully on earth. redeemed--"purchased." being the--rather, "as a first-fruit." Not merely a "first-fruit" in the sense in which all believers are so, but Israel's 144,000 elect are the first-fruit, the Jewish and Gentile elect Church is the harvest; in a further sense, the whole of the transfigured and translated Church which reigns with Christ at His coming, is the first-fruit, and the consequent general ingathering of Israel and the nations, ending in the last judgment, is the full and final harvest.
John Gill Bible Commentary
These are they which were not defiled with women,.... With the whore of Rome, and her harlots, she is the mother of; while the kings and inhabitants of the earth were drunk with the wine of their fornication, or committed idolatry with them, which is spiritual fornication, and is here meant by being defiled with them, these were free from such pollutions, or idolatrous practices: for they are virgins; for their beauty and comeliness in Christ, chastity, sincerity of their love, uncorruptness in doctrine and worship, and for the uprightness of conversation; See Gill on Mat 25:1; these are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth; as the sheep follow the shepherd of the flock, and which is a character of Christ's sheep, Joh 10:4. These follow Christ in the exercise of the graces of humility, patience, and love; and in the performance of the several duties of religion, and subjection to ordinances, and in the path of sufferings; and in every way in which Christ the Lamb has gone before them, or in his word and providence leads and directs them to, whether it be grateful to the flesh or not; particularly they follow where he is preached, and his Word and ordinances are faithfully administered; and they follow him to heaven, where he is: it was part of the oath taken by the Roman soldiers, ' , "to follow the generals wherever they should lead" (n), to which it is thought there is an allusion here; see Sa2 15:21; these were redeemed from among men; "by Jesus", as the Syriac and Arabic versions add, and so the Complutensian edition; by the blood of Christ, for all men are not redeemed by it; and in consequence of this they were called, and delivered from this present evil world, and the men of it, and from a vain, wicked, and idolatrous conversation with it: being the firstfruits unto God, and to the Lamb; in allusion to the firstfruits under the law, which represented and sanctified the lump, and showed that harvest was coming; so these persons are called the firstfruits to God, and to the Lamb, being called by grace, and consecrated to their worship and service, with reference to the harvest of souls, or that large number of them which will be gathered in during the spiritual reign of Christ, which these persons will be at the beginning of; and as those who are first called and converted in a country or nation are said to be the firstfruits of it, Rom 16:5; so these being the first, in the period of time to which respect is had, bear this name; and as the converted Jews received the firstfruits of the Spirit, on the day of Pentecost, and at other times, so these will receive the firstfruits of the far greater pouring forth of the Spirit in the latter day, which will begin, and usher in the kingdom of Christ; see Rom 8:23. (n) Vid. Lydii Dissert. de Jurament. c. 2. p. 258.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
14:4-5 These warriors were ritually pure (unpolluted) and morally without blame. • They have kept themselves as pure as virgins: Referring to men as virgins is a metaphor for the faithfulness of God’s people. The image might refer to the church as the virgin bride of Christ (see 2 Cor 11:2; Eph 5:25-27); it also suggests that the church constitutes soldiers in a holy war that are required to keep themselves chaste (see Deut 23:9-10; 1 Sam 21:5). • These faithful people are a special offering (literally firstfruits; see Exod 13:14-16; 23:19; Lev 23:9-14; Num 3:40-51; 18:15-20; Luke 2:22-24) who have been purchased for God. • They have told no lies: John teaches that liars will never enter heaven (Rev 21:8, 27; 22:15; see also John 8:44). The followers of Jesus speak and live the truth (see also John 8:32; 14:6).
Revelation 14:4
The Lamb and the 144,000
3And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. And no one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.4These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they are virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever He goes. They have been redeemed from among men as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. 5And no lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Attributes of God (Series 2): The Sovereignty of God
By A.W. Tozer4.8K50:31Attributes of GodDEU 4:39DEU 32:39LUK 24:18LUK 24:30ACT 9:5REV 4:3REV 14:4In this sermon, the preacher begins by recounting the story of Jesus appearing to his disciples after his resurrection. The disciples were initially discouraged and disheartened, but when Jesus spoke to them and broke bread, they realized it was him. This miraculous event filled their hearts with joy and they recognized that God had triumphed over death. The preacher then uses the analogy of a ship to explain that while we have freedom in our lives, ultimately God determines our course from birth to death. He urges the congregation to be quick to obey God's commandments and asks for forgiveness for their slowness and unbelief. The sermon concludes with the preacher reading various passages from the Bible that emphasize God's sovereignty and power.
His Majestic Birth
By Leonard Ravenhill2.0K1:15:36MAT 6:3JHN 3:16ROM 6:7ROM 12:1ROM 12:9ROM 15:26REV 14:4In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of God's love and its significance in the world. He emphasizes the depth and incomprehensibility of God's love, describing it as the "soul of the world." The preacher encourages the audience to reflect on their own experiences of receiving God's love and to remain humble and grateful. He also mentions the importance of prayer and studying the Bible, as well as the need for a divine outpouring of the Holy Spirit in order to bring freedom and deliverance to humanity.
(Come Up Higher) the Spirit Will Lift Us Higher
By Zac Poonen1.8K1:00:38EXO 25:22JDG 7:2MAT 6:33REV 14:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of discerning the spiritual condition of believers by asking their opinion on famous television preachers. He expresses gratitude for these preachers as they help him gauge the spiritual condition of his flock with just one sentence. The speaker emphasizes the need to follow Jesus in every situation, even when it means going against the opinions of friends. He warns against the gradual merging of the church and the world, urging believers to remain separate and not be influenced by worldly desires. The sermon concludes by highlighting the contrast between believers who rely solely on the cleansing power of Jesus' blood for salvation and those who add additional works to their testimony.
Man's Response to God's Calling
By Stephen Kaung1.6K58:49Calling Of GodMAT 8:18LUK 9:57REV 14:4In this sermon, the speaker addresses the importance of truly understanding what it means to follow the Lord. He questions whether believers are truly living by the life of Christ or still living by their own desires. The speaker emphasizes that following the Lord requires a willingness to sacrifice and not having a place to lay one's head, as illustrated by the statement that the foxes have holes and the birds have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head. The sermon also highlights the call to come to Jesus and the necessity of following Him, as there is no true forgiveness or salvation without being constrained by His love to follow Him.
Few Find the Way to Life - Part 6
By Zac Poonen1.2K09:00PSA 58:3PRO 12:22JHN 14:6EPH 4:25PHP 2:3JAS 4:8JAS 4:101JN 1:9REV 14:4REV 21:27This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life of purity and truth, following Jesus wholeheartedly, and desiring to be in His presence at all times. It challenges believers to cleanse themselves from lies and worldly influences, to walk in humility, and to seek a deeper relationship with God. The message encourages a commitment to honesty, integrity, and a genuine pursuit of God's presence in every aspect of life.
The Hour of His Judgement Is Come
By Bakht Singh8801:34:51JudgementREV 3:12REV 7:4REV 14:1REV 14:4REV 14:14In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the first five verses of the book of Revelation. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the vision given to John and its relevance to believers. The speaker discusses the concept of judgment and how it is repeatedly mentioned in the Bible. He also highlights three key details about the company mentioned in the verses: they are in the clouds, they have the name of the Lamb, and they follow the Lamb wherever he goes. The speaker encourages believers to strive for purity and maintain their original love and devotion to Christ.
Our Firm Foundation
By Stephen Kaung8631:07:32MAT 6:331CO 5:71CO 5:132TI 2:19REV 14:4In this sermon, the preacher discusses the current state of believers and compares it to the time of the Apostle Paul. He emphasizes that many people claim to be pious but lack true spiritual power. The preacher encourages listeners to fix their eyes on the Lord Jesus and not be swayed by false teachings or worldly influences. He also urges believers to follow the Lamb wherever He goes and to meditate deeply on the Word of God in order to be spiritually revived. The preacher draws parallels between the corrupted temple in Jesus' time and the current state of the church, highlighting the need for repentance and a return to true worship.
(Spiritual Guidelines for Courtship) Practical Courtship Issues
By Rick Leibee6871:12:45RUT 2:9PRO 18:221CO 7:12CO 11:2REV 14:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses the principles and indicators of God's work in young people's lives. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance in courtship and making decisions based on biblical principles. The speaker highlights the significance of the last month before the wedding in a courtship and the need to filter everything through the lens of the Word of God. He emphasizes that the Bible is not just a book of knowledge, but a tool to transform and change the way we think and live.
"Ye Shall Be as Gods" Was Not Christ's Ambition - Hans Waldvogel
By From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons68324:22RadioMAT 11:29JHN 1:12ROM 12:22CO 13:5GAL 2:20JAS 4:10REV 14:4In this sermon, Hans Waddvogel emphasizes the importance of transforming one's mind and not conforming to the ways of the world. He uses the analogy of being trapped in a building filled with smoke to illustrate the need to humble oneself and seek guidance from God. Waddvogel shares his personal experience of being transformed by God's grace, which enabled him to respond with love and joy even in the face of persecution. He encourages listeners to examine themselves and focus on their own spiritual growth rather than judging others.
The Bride Standing With the Lamb
By Zac Poonen53429:23MAT 10:32JHN 1:47ROM 8:29EPH 2:8REV 7:9REV 14:1REV 14:4REV 19:7The sermon delves into the symbolism of the 144,000 in the book of Revelation, contrasting them with the great multitude. It emphasizes the importance of being cleansed by the blood of Christ and having the name of the Father and Jesus on their foreheads. The sermon highlights the significance of living a life without lies or hypocrisy, following the Lamb wholeheartedly, and being prepared as the bride of Christ through righteous actions.
Leadership and Ministry Training #3
By Stephen Kaung25256:58REV 2:7REV 3:21REV 12:5REV 14:1REV 14:4REV 15:2REV 19:7REV 21:2REV 22:14This sermon from Revelation chapter 14 emphasizes the call to overcome, highlighting the importance of being overcomers in Christ. It discusses the vision of the Lamb and the 144,000, the significance of following the Lamb wherever He goes, and the need for believers to be prepared for Christ's imminent return. The message stresses the urgency of surrendering to God, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, and being clothed with Christ's righteousness and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit to be prepared as the bride of the Lamb for eternity.
The Importance of Perseverance
By Zac Poonen0JER 12:5MAT 24:13MRK 10:30JHN 16:33JHN 17:15ACT 14:222CO 1:4REV 2:10REV 14:4Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of being prepared to partake in the tribulations that come with following Jesus, just as John experienced tribulation on the island of Patmos for his faithfulness to God's word. The doctrine of a pre-tribulation rapture can lull Christians into false comfort, but Jesus never promised an escape from tribulation, instead focusing on making us overcomers. God's desire is for us to be saved from evil, not necessarily from tribulation, as seen in the examples of early Christians who glorified God through their suffering.
Rev. 14:4. the Model of a Holy Life
By Horatius Bonar0Imitation of ChristHolinessZEC 9:9MAT 11:28JHN 11:22ROM 5:91CO 6:112CO 10:1HEB 12:12PE 2:211JN 4:19REV 14:4Horatius Bonar emphasizes the call to live a holy life by following Christ, the ultimate model of holiness. He explains that believers are redeemed to be holy and are to imitate Christ in faith, prayer, hope, holiness, love, and zeal. Bonar highlights that Christ's meekness and gentleness should inspire both obedience in believers and an invitation to the unbelievers to come to Him. The sermon encourages Christians to reflect Christ's character in their lives, aiming for transformation into His likeness. Ultimately, Bonar reassures that Christ's open invitation is extended to all, regardless of their past.
Obedience to Christ
By Octavius Winslow0ObedienceLove for Christ1SA 15:22PSA 119:105ISA 1:19MAT 11:30JHN 2:5JHN 14:15ROM 12:1GAL 5:13JAS 1:22REV 14:4Octavius Winslow emphasizes the importance of obedience to Christ, urging believers to heed the words of Jesus as the ultimate authority in their lives. He draws parallels between the commands of Mary and Pharaoh, highlighting that true freedom and reward come from following Christ's directives. Winslow encourages a heartfelt response to God's commands, whether it involves faith, sacrifice, or personal struggles, and stresses that love for Jesus should be the driving force behind our obedience. He reminds us that sincere obedience is better than mere sacrifice and that the rewards of following Christ are both immediate and eternal.
Encouragement in Tribulation
By Zac Poonen0Perseverance in FaithOvercoming TribulationJER 12:5MAT 24:13MRK 10:30JHN 16:33JHN 17:15ACT 14:22REV 1:9REV 2:10REV 14:4Zac Poonen emphasizes that Jesus never promised an escape from tribulation but rather the strength to overcome it, as stated in John 16:33. He highlights that God is more concerned with our character development through trials than our comfort, and that true discipleship often involves enduring hardships. Poonen references historical examples of early Christians who faced severe tribulations without divine rescue, illustrating that faithfulness in suffering leads to spiritual strength and eventual reward. He encourages believers to embrace their current trials as preparation for greater challenges ahead, reinforcing the message that perseverance is essential in the Christian faith.
The Call to Battle
By Martyn-Lloyd Jones0EXO 23:19ROM 8:231CO 15:20JAS 1:18REV 14:4The preacher delves into the concept of 'First Fruits' as an Old Testament term used to describe offerings set apart for God, symbolizing thanksgiving for His provision. James and Paul use 'first fruits' to refer to new converts, born again by the Spirit, and as a pledge of the final delivery of God's promises. The sermon explores the significance of 'first fruits' in the Old Testament, where offerings were made to acknowledge God's ownership and provision, and in the New Testament, where believers are seen as God's first fruits, set apart for His purposes and called to bear fruit for Him.
The Lamb
By T. Austin-Sparks0Following the LambThe Cross and God's PurposeACT 2:23EPH 1:4HEB 9:12HEB 9:23REV 5:4REV 13:8REV 14:4REV 17:14T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of following the Lamb, Jesus Christ, who was foreordained as the sacrificial Lamb from the foundation of the world. He explains that this following is not merely about salvation but involves a deep commitment to God's eternal purpose, which requires a profound transformation through the Cross. The sermon highlights the paradox of the Lamb's meekness and strength, illustrating how true power is found in submission and yieldedness to God's will. Ultimately, Sparks calls for believers to embrace the Cross as the means to fulfill God's purpose and achieve unity among His people, as exemplified by the one hundred and forty-four thousand who follow the Lamb in unison.
Espoused to Christ
By Edgar Parkyns0LUK 1:45ROM 4:5ROM 7:22CO 11:21JN 5:18REV 14:4Edgar Parkyns preaches about the importance of being espoused as a chaste virgin to Christ, drawing parallels from the stories of Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary to illustrate the journey of conversion, sanctification, and redemption. He emphasizes the need for a pure love relationship with the Lord Jesus, highlighting the transformation from darkness to light, sin to holiness, and self-love to Christ-love. Parkyns urges the congregation to examine their hearts and ensure they are fully surrendered to Jesus, experiencing God's mercy, grace, and love.
Its Present Bearing on Life
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual AscendencyHoly AmbitionEXO 15:17PSA 2:6PSA 24:3PSA 87:3ISA 14:14PHP 3:8PHP 3:21HEB 12:22REV 14:1REV 14:4T. Austin-Sparks explores the profound question of who can ascend to the hill of the Lord, emphasizing that this hill symbolizes the spiritual position of Christ's absolute lordship. He explains that Zion represents not just a physical location but a spiritual reality where believers experience divine life and ascendency over worldly influences. Sparks highlights the necessity of allowing God's implanted life to work within us, leading to spiritual growth and transformation. He warns against the subtle distractions of ambition and popularity that can derail spiritual progress, urging believers to seek a holy ambition rooted in selflessness. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper understanding of Zion as the culmination of God's redemptive purpose in our lives.
He Refines Them
By Charles E. Cowman0JHN 12:32GAL 6:14PHP 3:101PE 2:21REV 14:4Charles E. Cowman preaches about the transformative power of surrendering to God's will, using the imagery of being crucified with Christ and dying to the world's desires. He emphasizes how God answers prayers for contrition, purity, meekness, and likeness to Christ by allowing trials and refining experiences to shape believers. Despite initial fear and reluctance, those who draw near to the cross of Christ are changed into His likeness, living in intimate fellowship with Him and willing to sacrifice worldly comforts for the sake of following Him.
Follow Me
By James Smith0PSA 16:11PSA 23:1PRO 3:5ISA 41:10JHN 8:12JHN 14:6JHN 21:19HEB 12:11PE 2:21REV 14:4James Smith preaches on the importance of following Jesus wholeheartedly, emphasizing that Jesus leads His followers out of the world, into fellowship with Himself and His Father, and on the path of holiness. Those who follow Jesus can trust Him with all their concerns, as He provides everything necessary for the journey and blesses them with His presence and protection. To truly follow Jesus, one must resign themselves and all they have into His hands, believing in His revealed character and trusting in His wisdom, mercy, and faithfulness.
The Pathway of the Lamb
By T. Austin-Sparks0GEN 22:8ISA 53:7ISA 53:12MRK 14:35JHN 1:29JHN 1:351JN 3:16REV 14:4T. Austin-Sparks delves into the significance of beholding the Lamb of God in two distinct aspects: as the sin-bearer for the world and as the pattern for believers to follow in their daily walk. He emphasizes the importance of daily beholding the Lamb, not just rejoicing in Him as the sin-bearer, but also seeking to emulate His selflessness and obedience in practical matters. The sermon highlights the Lamb's complete submission to God's will, His continuous laying down of His soul, and the ultimate victory and ascendency that come from following the Lamb's way of the Cross.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
These are they which were not defiled with women - They are pure from idolatry, and are presented as unspotted virgins to their Lord and Savior Christ. See Co2 11:2. There may be an allusion here to the Israelites committing idolatry, through the means of their criminal connection with the Midianitish women. See Num 25:1-4; Num 31:16. Follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth - They go through good and through evil report, bear his reproach, and love not their lives even to the death. The first fruits unto God - The reference appears to be to those Jews who were the first converts to Christianity.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
virgins--spiritually (Mat 25:1); in contrast to the apostate Church, Babylon (Rev 14:8), spiritually "a harlot" (Rev 17:1-5; Isa 1:21; contrast Co2 11:2; Eph 5:25-27). Their not being defiled with women means they were not led astray from Christian faithfulness by the tempters who jointly constitute the spiritual "harlot." follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth--in glory, being especially near His person; the fitting reward of their following Him so fully on earth. redeemed--"purchased." being the--rather, "as a first-fruit." Not merely a "first-fruit" in the sense in which all believers are so, but Israel's 144,000 elect are the first-fruit, the Jewish and Gentile elect Church is the harvest; in a further sense, the whole of the transfigured and translated Church which reigns with Christ at His coming, is the first-fruit, and the consequent general ingathering of Israel and the nations, ending in the last judgment, is the full and final harvest.
John Gill Bible Commentary
These are they which were not defiled with women,.... With the whore of Rome, and her harlots, she is the mother of; while the kings and inhabitants of the earth were drunk with the wine of their fornication, or committed idolatry with them, which is spiritual fornication, and is here meant by being defiled with them, these were free from such pollutions, or idolatrous practices: for they are virgins; for their beauty and comeliness in Christ, chastity, sincerity of their love, uncorruptness in doctrine and worship, and for the uprightness of conversation; See Gill on Mat 25:1; these are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth; as the sheep follow the shepherd of the flock, and which is a character of Christ's sheep, Joh 10:4. These follow Christ in the exercise of the graces of humility, patience, and love; and in the performance of the several duties of religion, and subjection to ordinances, and in the path of sufferings; and in every way in which Christ the Lamb has gone before them, or in his word and providence leads and directs them to, whether it be grateful to the flesh or not; particularly they follow where he is preached, and his Word and ordinances are faithfully administered; and they follow him to heaven, where he is: it was part of the oath taken by the Roman soldiers, ' , "to follow the generals wherever they should lead" (n), to which it is thought there is an allusion here; see Sa2 15:21; these were redeemed from among men; "by Jesus", as the Syriac and Arabic versions add, and so the Complutensian edition; by the blood of Christ, for all men are not redeemed by it; and in consequence of this they were called, and delivered from this present evil world, and the men of it, and from a vain, wicked, and idolatrous conversation with it: being the firstfruits unto God, and to the Lamb; in allusion to the firstfruits under the law, which represented and sanctified the lump, and showed that harvest was coming; so these persons are called the firstfruits to God, and to the Lamb, being called by grace, and consecrated to their worship and service, with reference to the harvest of souls, or that large number of them which will be gathered in during the spiritual reign of Christ, which these persons will be at the beginning of; and as those who are first called and converted in a country or nation are said to be the firstfruits of it, Rom 16:5; so these being the first, in the period of time to which respect is had, bear this name; and as the converted Jews received the firstfruits of the Spirit, on the day of Pentecost, and at other times, so these will receive the firstfruits of the far greater pouring forth of the Spirit in the latter day, which will begin, and usher in the kingdom of Christ; see Rom 8:23. (n) Vid. Lydii Dissert. de Jurament. c. 2. p. 258.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
14:4-5 These warriors were ritually pure (unpolluted) and morally without blame. • They have kept themselves as pure as virgins: Referring to men as virgins is a metaphor for the faithfulness of God’s people. The image might refer to the church as the virgin bride of Christ (see 2 Cor 11:2; Eph 5:25-27); it also suggests that the church constitutes soldiers in a holy war that are required to keep themselves chaste (see Deut 23:9-10; 1 Sam 21:5). • These faithful people are a special offering (literally firstfruits; see Exod 13:14-16; 23:19; Lev 23:9-14; Num 3:40-51; 18:15-20; Luke 2:22-24) who have been purchased for God. • They have told no lies: John teaches that liars will never enter heaven (Rev 21:8, 27; 22:15; see also John 8:44). The followers of Jesus speak and live the truth (see also John 8:32; 14:6).