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Revelation 21:24
Verse
Context
The New Jerusalem
23And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24By its light the nations will walk, and into it the kings of the earth will bring their glory.25Its gates will never be shut at the end of the day, because there will be no night there.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The nations of them which are saved - This is an illusion to the promise that the Gentiles should bring their riches, glory, and excellence, to the temple at Jerusalem, after it should be rebuilt. See Rev 21:26.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
of them which are saved . . . in--A, B, Vulgate, Coptic, and ANDREAS read "(the nations shall walk) by means of her light": omitting "of them which are saved." Her brightness shall supply them with light. the kings of the earth--who once had regard only to their glory, having been converted, now in the new Jerusalem do bring their glory into it, to lay it down at the feet of their God and Lord. and honour--so B, Vulgate, and Syriac. But A omits the clause.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day,.... Which does not design the free communication between the living saints on the new earth, and the raised ones in the new heaven, as some have thought, for these shall be together, and make up one body; but rather the universal collection, and free admission of all the saints from all parts into this city; though it seems best to interpret it of the safety of the inhabitants, see Jer 49:31 who will have no enemy to fear, and therefore need never shut their gates; the beast and false prophet will have been taken, and cast into the lake of fire long ago; ungodly men will be destroyed in the general conflagration, and Satan will be bound in the bottomless pit during the thousand years: for there shall be no night there; this is a reason given why it is before said the gates shall not be shut by day, since it is unusual to shut gates in the day, unless in time of war, because there will be no night in this city, and so no need of ever shutting the gates; the night time being the season for thieves and robbers, and for enemies to make their incursions, and to surprise: but here will be no night; either literally, times and seasons, as measured by the revolutions of the sun and moon, will be no more, they will not have the use they have; at least this city will stand in no need of them. The Jews say (c), that the world to come will be , "all day": or mystically and figuratively, there will be no night of spiritual darkness and desertion, of drowsiness, sleepiness, and inactivity, of error and heresy, or of calamity and distress of any kind; all which are sometimes signified by night in Scripture; see Sol 3:1 Isa 26:9. (c) Bereshit Rabba, sect. 91. fol. 79. 4.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
21:24-25 The nations: God’s promise to Abraham is fulfilled (Gen 12:3; see Isa 2:3). • In Revelation, the kings of the world usually refer to God’s enemies (Rev 6:15; 17:18; 18:3, 9). Now that the enemies have been destroyed (16:9, 11; 19:1-2, 19-21), the picture is of God’s glory as reflected in those people who have repented (14:6-7; cp. 11:13) and walk with God (5:9; 15:4). • The gates that are never . . . closed contrast with the ancient scene in which closed gates protected cities from enemies, particularly at night. The people enjoy peace and security in God’s supremacy (see Isa 60:11). God’s enemies have been destroyed, and fear and failure have ended (see Zech 14:7; John 11:8-10; 12:35-36).
Revelation 21:24
The New Jerusalem
23And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24By its light the nations will walk, and into it the kings of the earth will bring their glory.25Its gates will never be shut at the end of the day, because there will be no night there.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Israel's Restoration
By Art Katz0Israel's RestorationThe Church's RoleISA 2:3JER 30:7MAT 5:14JHN 17:21ROM 9:3ROM 11:252CO 5:17GAL 3:28EPH 3:10REV 21:24Art Katz emphasizes the critical importance of Israel's restoration in the context of God's eternal purposes, arguing that the Church's neglect of this issue has led to its spiritual decline. He draws on the writings of David Baron to illustrate the profound connection between the Church and Israel, highlighting that the redemption of Israel is central to God's glory and the Church's mission. Katz asserts that true spirituality requires a deep identification with God's heart for Israel, urging believers to embrace their calling to sacrificially support the Jewish people. He warns against a shallow, cultural Christianity that lacks the depth of understanding necessary to engage with the spiritual realities of the last days. Ultimately, Katz calls for a transfigured Church that embodies the wisdom of God through its relationship with Israel, demonstrating His glory to the world.
The Nations in the Millennium and the Eternal State
By John F. Walvoord0GEN 15:18ISA 11:11EZK 28:20DAN 11:40MIC 5:5REV 21:24John F. Walvoord preaches about the divine purpose of God for the Gentiles reaching its natural conclusion at the end of the times of the Gentiles marked by the second coming of Jesus Christ. The millennial reign of Christ focuses on the restoration of Israel to their ancient land, with prophecies indicating that Gentiles will also partake in the blessings of this period. The prophecies concerning various nations surrounding Israel, such as Assyria, Egypt, Philistia, Moab, Damascus, Ethiopia, Edom, Arabia, Tyre, and others, are viewed in the context of Israel's restoration and glory in God's ultimate kingdom on earth.
The City Which Hath Foundations
By T. Austin-Sparks0Heavenly CitizenshipSpiritual Significance of JerusalemEZK 5:5JHN 12:31JHN 14:30JHN 16:33ACT 7:2GAL 4:26PHP 3:20HEB 11:10REV 21:13REV 21:24T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the spiritual significance of Jerusalem, illustrating how it is central to God's divine plan and serves as a reflection of the heavenly city. He discusses the historical and geographical importance of Syria and Jerusalem, noting that their true value lies in their spiritual essence, which transcends earthly existence. Sparks draws parallels between the earthly Jerusalem and the New Jerusalem, highlighting the need for the Church to embody heavenly principles and maintain separation from worldly influences. He urges believers to recognize their heavenly citizenship and the importance of living as pilgrims and strangers in this world, ultimately pointing to the Church's role in God's eternal purpose.
The Kingdom of God
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Kingdom of GodSpiritual WarfarePSA 144:15MAT 6:33LUK 17:21ACT 16:31ROM 14:171CO 15:24EPH 6:12COL 1:131TI 1:11REV 21:24T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the critical state of the spiritual history of the universe, highlighting the increasing opposition to God and the pressing question of which kingdom will prevail. He explains that the Kingdom of God is God's domain, characterized by His nature and filled with His blessedness, and that it is essential for believers to recognize their role in this spiritual battle. The sermon discusses the historical betrayal of God's kingdom by humanity and Israel, and how Christ, as the Last Adam, secures the Kingdom spiritually through His Church. Sparks calls for believers to understand their value in the spiritual realm and to actively engage in the battle against the forces of darkness, asserting that the Kingdom of God is a present reality that requires personal commitment and action.
The Heavenly Man and Eternal Life
By T. Austin-Sparks0RedemptionEternal LifeGEN 3:22MAT 13:44LUK 19:10JHN 1:4JHN 5:26JHN 10:10EPH 1:5REV 21:24T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that Christ, as the Heavenly Man, embodies eternal life, which is the essence of His being and the foundation of redemption. He explains that eternal life was part of God's original intention for humanity, and through Christ, believers can access this divine life, which is not merely about existence but a transformative nature. The sermon highlights that redemption is not just a return to a previous state but a progressive journey towards maturity in Christ, where the life of God is continually at work within believers. Sparks also illustrates that the Church represents the treasure God seeks to recover, emphasizing its centrality in God's eternal purpose. Ultimately, he calls believers to embrace and lay hold of eternal life in their daily lives.
The Significance of Levites in Relation to Heavenly Fullness
By T. Austin-Sparks0Heavenly CallingSpiritual LeadershipEXO 32:26JOS 3:3DAN 4:26MAL 2:5JHN 3:13ACT 13:2ROM 12:1HEB 12:22REV 21:16REV 21:24T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the vital role of the Levites in the context of heavenly fullness, illustrating how they were set apart to bear the ark of the covenant and maintain a connection between God and His people. He explains that the Levites, having no earthly inheritance, symbolize a heavenly calling, representing God's desire for His people to remain spiritually aligned with heaven rather than becoming earthly. Sparks draws parallels between the Levites and the New Testament Church, highlighting the need for believers to embody heavenly principles and keep the focus on God's eternal purposes. He concludes by stressing that true fulfillment in Christ requires a commitment to heavenly values, often at great personal cost, and the necessity of pioneers who wholly follow the Lord.
The Kingdom and the Church
By T. Austin-Sparks0MAT 3:1MAT 16:18MAT 18:17ACT 2:36ACT 3:6EPH 1:4PHP 2:81PE 1:1REV 21:24T. Austin-Sparks delves into the significance of the Church and the Kingdom in the Gospel of Matthew. He explores the difference and connection between the two, emphasizing that while they are distinct, they are intertwined as cause and effect. The Church is portrayed as the embodiment of the triumph of God's sovereign rule, gathering believers as the fruit of the Kingdom's activity. Additionally, the Church is depicted as the seat through which God's sovereign rule is centered and mediated, expressing the divine and heavenly order and character.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The nations of them which are saved - This is an illusion to the promise that the Gentiles should bring their riches, glory, and excellence, to the temple at Jerusalem, after it should be rebuilt. See Rev 21:26.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
of them which are saved . . . in--A, B, Vulgate, Coptic, and ANDREAS read "(the nations shall walk) by means of her light": omitting "of them which are saved." Her brightness shall supply them with light. the kings of the earth--who once had regard only to their glory, having been converted, now in the new Jerusalem do bring their glory into it, to lay it down at the feet of their God and Lord. and honour--so B, Vulgate, and Syriac. But A omits the clause.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day,.... Which does not design the free communication between the living saints on the new earth, and the raised ones in the new heaven, as some have thought, for these shall be together, and make up one body; but rather the universal collection, and free admission of all the saints from all parts into this city; though it seems best to interpret it of the safety of the inhabitants, see Jer 49:31 who will have no enemy to fear, and therefore need never shut their gates; the beast and false prophet will have been taken, and cast into the lake of fire long ago; ungodly men will be destroyed in the general conflagration, and Satan will be bound in the bottomless pit during the thousand years: for there shall be no night there; this is a reason given why it is before said the gates shall not be shut by day, since it is unusual to shut gates in the day, unless in time of war, because there will be no night in this city, and so no need of ever shutting the gates; the night time being the season for thieves and robbers, and for enemies to make their incursions, and to surprise: but here will be no night; either literally, times and seasons, as measured by the revolutions of the sun and moon, will be no more, they will not have the use they have; at least this city will stand in no need of them. The Jews say (c), that the world to come will be , "all day": or mystically and figuratively, there will be no night of spiritual darkness and desertion, of drowsiness, sleepiness, and inactivity, of error and heresy, or of calamity and distress of any kind; all which are sometimes signified by night in Scripture; see Sol 3:1 Isa 26:9. (c) Bereshit Rabba, sect. 91. fol. 79. 4.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
21:24-25 The nations: God’s promise to Abraham is fulfilled (Gen 12:3; see Isa 2:3). • In Revelation, the kings of the world usually refer to God’s enemies (Rev 6:15; 17:18; 18:3, 9). Now that the enemies have been destroyed (16:9, 11; 19:1-2, 19-21), the picture is of God’s glory as reflected in those people who have repented (14:6-7; cp. 11:13) and walk with God (5:9; 15:4). • The gates that are never . . . closed contrast with the ancient scene in which closed gates protected cities from enemies, particularly at night. The people enjoy peace and security in God’s supremacy (see Isa 60:11). God’s enemies have been destroyed, and fear and failure have ended (see Zech 14:7; John 11:8-10; 12:35-36).