Revelation 7:14
Verse
Context
Praise from the Great Multitude
13Then one of the elders addressed me: “These in white robes,” he asked, “who are they, and where have they come from?” 14“Sir,” I answered, “you know.” So he replied, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15For this reason, they are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple; and the One seated on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Sir, thou knowest - That is, I do not know, but thou canst inform me. Came out of great tribulation - Persecutions of every kind. And have washed their robes - Have obtained their pardon and purity, through the blood of the Lamb. Their white robes cannot mean the righteousness of Christ, for this cannot be washed and made white in his own blood. This white linen is said to be the righteousness of the saints, Rev 19:8, and this is the righteousness in which they stand before the throne; therefore it is not Christ's righteousness, but it is a righteousness wrought in them by the merit of his blood, and the power of his Spirit.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Sir--Greek, "Lord." B, C, Vulgate, Syriac, Coptic versions, and CYPRIAN read, "My Lord." A omits "My," as English Version. thou knowest--taken from Eze 37:3. Comparatively ignorant ourselves of divine things, it is well for us to look upward for divinely communicated knowledge. came--rather as Greek, "come"; implying that they are just come. great tribulation--Greek, "THE great tribulation"; "the tribulation, the great one," namely, the tribulation to which the martyrs were exposed under the fifth seal, the same which Christ foretells as about to precede His coming (Mat 24:21, great tribulation), and followed by the same signs as the sixth seal (Mat 24:29-30), compare Dan 12:1; including also retrospectively all the tribulation which the saints of all ages have had to pass through. Thus this seventh chapter is a recapitulation of the vision of the six seals, Rev. 6:1-17, to fill up the outline there given in that part of it which affects the faithful of that day. There, however, their number was waiting to be completed, but here it is completed, and they are seen taken out of the earth before the judgments on the Antichristian apostasy; with their Lord, they, and all His faithful witnesses and disciples of past ages, wait for His coming and their coming to be glorified and reign together with Him. Meanwhile, in contrast with their previous sufferings, they are exempt from the hunger, thirst, and scorching heats of their life on earth (Rev 7:16), and are fed and refreshed by the Lamb of God Himself (Rev 7:17; Rev 14:1-4, Rev 14:13); an earnest of their future perfect blessedness in both body and soul united (Rev 21:4-6; Rev 22:1-5). washed . . . robes . . . white in the blood of . . . Lamb-- (Rev 1:5; Isa 1:18; Heb 9:14; Jo1 1:7; compare Isa 61:10; Zac 3:3-5). Faith applies to the heart the purifying blood; once for all for justification, continually throughout the life for sanctification.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I said unto him, sir, thou knowest,.... John replies in a very humble, modest, and respectful manner, to the elder, calling him "sir", according to the usage of the eastern people; and it is observable, that this word is much used in his Gospel, and more than in any other book; see Joh 4:11. Some copies, and the Complutensian edition, read, "my Lord"; and so do the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Arabic versions. John confesses his ignorance, and ascribes knowledge to the elder, and desires information of him; for the sense is, that the elder knew who they were, and from whence they came, but he did not, and therefore desires that he would inform him; and so the Arabic version renders it, "and my Lord, thou art more learned"; that is, than I am, and therefore instruct me, as he accordingly did; and he said to me, these are they which came out of great tribulation: seeing this company designs all the elect of God, that ever were, are, or shall be in the world; "the great tribulation", out of which they came, is not to be restrained to any particular time of trouble, but includes all that has been, is, or shall be; as all the afflictions of the saints under the Old Testament; from righteous Abel to Zechariah; and all the troubles of the people of God in the times of the Maccabees, Heb 11:35; all the persecutions of the Christians by the Jews, at the first publication of the Gospel; and the persecutions under the Roman emperors, both Pagan and Arian; and the cruelties and barbarities of the Romish antichrist, during the whole time of the apostasy; and particularly the last struggle of the beast, which will be the hour of temptation, that will come upon all the world; and in general all the afflictions, reproaches, persecutions, and many tribulations of all the saints, and every member of Christ in this world, who in the new Jerusalem church state will be come out of them; which supposes them to have been in them, and yet were not overwhelmed by them, and lost in them; but, by divine support and assistance, waded through them, and were now quite clear of them, and never more to be annoyed with them; see Rev 21:4. And have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb; not in the blood of bulls and goats, which could not take away sin; nor in their own blood, their sufferings for Christ, on which they did not depend, knowing there is no comparison between them, and the glory revealed in them; nor in any works of righteousness done by them, which are imperfect and filthy, and need washing; but in the blood of Christ, which cleanseth from all sin. The "robes" which they washed in his blood may either design themselves, their consciences, which this blood purges from dead works; or their outward conversation garments, which have their spots, and need continual washing; or else the robe of righteousness, and garments of salvation, or their justification, which is by the blood of Christ, Rom 5:9. The act of washing from sin, by the blood of Christ, is sometimes ascribed to Christ himself, as in Rev 1:5; but here to the saints, and designs the concern which faith has in the blood of Christ, which deals with it for justification, peace, and pardon, for the removing of sin from the conscience, and for cleansing from all impurity, both of flesh and Spirit: and the effect of this is, that their robes were "made white"; that is, that they were freed from all sin, were without fault before the throne, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. This shows that these persons had no trust in themselves, or dependence on their own merits, and works of righteousness, but wholly trusted to, and depended on the blood and righteousness of Christ; which is the only way to come out of tribulation, and enter the kingdom.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:14 who died in (literally who came out of): See 6:9; 20:4. • the great tribulation: A time of horrible and distressing events (see 1:9; 2:9-10; Deut 4:30-31; Matt 24:21-22; Acts 14:22). • They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb: This description symbolizes Christ’s redeeming death for them. • made them white: This description expresses their victory over sin and death and their acceptance by God into eternal life.
Revelation 7:14
Praise from the Great Multitude
13Then one of the elders addressed me: “These in white robes,” he asked, “who are they, and where have they come from?” 14“Sir,” I answered, “you know.” So he replied, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15For this reason, they are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple; and the One seated on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Power of the Blood
By Roy Hession3.3K1:00:45Blood Of ChristEXO 12:1EXO 12:13MAT 6:33ROM 5:9HEB 9:221PE 1:18REV 7:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine burden for prayer and seeking God's presence. He shares personal experiences of feeling convicted of his lack of praying and how he learned to rely on the power of the blood of Jesus. The speaker explains that when we acknowledge our shortcomings and repent, God sees the blood of Jesus and blesses our efforts, even if we haven't spent hours agonizing in prayer. He also highlights the significance of the blood of Jesus in saving and maintaining fellowship with God, using the example of the Passover in the Old Testament. The sermon concludes by mentioning a book that the speaker recommends for further study on this topic.
Practical Christian Living
By Francis Schaeffer3.0K57:43Practical ChristianityHAB 2:4MAT 6:33JHN 14:18ROM 1:16ROM 7:4REV 7:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing God as a judge. He contrasts the sweet and loving nature of a mother with the seriousness and impartiality of a judge. The speaker argues that without the concept of judgment, true morality becomes impossible and the universe becomes a relativistic social construct. He concludes by emphasizing the need for practical Christian living based on the understanding of who God is and our identity as image bearers of God.
Glimpses of the Future - Part 2
By Derek Prince2.8K28:24JER 30:3MAT 24:21REV 7:14REV 14:1REV 14:6This sermon delves into the prophecies of Jeremiah, Matthew, and Revelation, focusing on the return of the Jewish people to Israel, the unique period of tribulation known as Jacob's trouble, and the significance of the 144,000 sealed servants of God. It emphasizes the importance of understanding biblical prophecy, the role of the Jewish people in God's plan, and the distinction between the true Messiah and the false Messiah in the end times.
End Times Prophecies - Part 3
By Derek Prince2.2K29:11MAT 24:22LUK 9:26LUK 21:29ROM 2:91TH 4:162TI 2:10REV 7:14This sermon by Derek Prince Ministries delves into the signs of the end times, discussing the atrocities of history, the concept of the elect or chosen ones, the great tribulation, and the importance of being prepared for the return of Jesus. Derek emphasizes the need to understand God's plan for the ages, the significance of God's chosen people, and the warning against deception through false signs and wonders. The sermon also touches on the event of the rapture, the visible return of Jesus, and the assurance of God's ultimate victory and glory.
Few Find the Way to Life
By Zac Poonen2.1K57:22Narrow WayMAT 7:13MAT 24:35MRK 8:38HEB 12:14REV 3:5REV 7:14REV 14:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of striving and putting total attention into following the words of Jesus. He criticizes the current state of preaching, stating that many preachers do not emphasize the need to strive for salvation. The preacher highlights the significance of our daily decisions, comparing them to sowing seeds in a vineyard. He warns against making careless decisions like Esau, who traded his birthright for a single meal. The sermon encourages listeners to be mindful of their choices and to seek fellowship with humble believers.
Are Your Garments Spotless
By Andrew Strom2.0K37:15PSA 51:10ROM 8:1EPH 5:26HEB 10:221PE 3:211JN 3:3REV 7:14This sermon emphasizes the importance of developing a deep hatred of sin as essential to truly experiencing the New Covenant. It highlights the need for repentance, a total change of heart, and a constant purification process to maintain closeness with God. The speaker challenges believers to trust in Christ's righteousness, experience His cleanness as their own, and walk in constant communion with God without striving or self-righteousness.
(Through the Bible) Revelation 7-9
By Chuck Smith2.0K1:26:00Through The BibleREV 4:2REV 5:1REV 6:9REV 7:9REV 7:14REV 7:16In this sermon on the book of Revelation, the speaker begins by recapping the previous chapters. He describes the heavenly scene where John sees the throne of God and the worship of the twenty-four elders. The speaker then focuses on the scroll with seven seals, which represents the title deed to the earth. He explains that Jesus is the only one worthy to open the seals and redeem the earth. The sermon concludes with a mention of the angels holding back the winds of the earth and the impending judgment of God.
Counterfeit Conversion (4 of 6)
By Winkie Pratney1.8K57:03MAT 5:11MAT 6:33ACT 14:22ROM 5:3ROM 8:352CO 7:4REV 7:14In this sermon, the speaker talks about a morning prayer meeting where many high school students gathered to pray. He mentions that there was a spiritual awakening in the area. The speaker then discusses the importance of addressing both rights and wrongs when counseling people and leading them to the Lord. He uses the analogy of plowing rocky ground to emphasize the need to dig deep and remove any obstacles. The sermon concludes with a prayer for wisdom and a desire to walk in God's ways.
Anständige Sünde (German)
By Corrie Ten Boom1.8K1:10:07GermanPSA 55:22MAT 11:28ROM 8:281PE 5:71JN 1:9REV 7:14In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of being on a plane that faced a hydraulic difficulty. Despite the fear and uncertainty, the speaker finds comfort in their faith in Jesus. They emphasize the importance of relying on God's guidance and trusting in His plan, even in times of trouble. The speaker also highlights the need for individuals to examine their relationship with God and ensure they are prepared for eternity.
(Revelation) the Scene in Heaven
By Willie Mullan1.6K1:12:33Throne Of GodMAT 6:331CO 9:92TI 4:7HEB 12:1REV 4:2REV 5:5REV 7:14REV 21:23REV 22:12REV 22:16In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of working diligently and being fully committed to serving God. He refers to the six wings of the heavenly creatures mentioned in Isaiah chapter six, highlighting their swiftness and completeness. The speaker emphasizes the need to have the characteristics of these creatures, such as being bold like a lion and being diligent like a man. He also mentions the transcendent nature of God's throne and how studying the book of Revelation can bring new understanding and blessings.
The Earnest of Heaven
By C.H. Spurgeon1.6K42:12MAT 6:33LUK 15:6ACT 9:111CO 2:102CO 2:14REV 7:14REV 21:27The sermon transcript discusses the joy in heaven when a lost sheep is found and when sinners repent. It emphasizes the joy and celebration among the angels and saints in heaven when someone turns to God. The sermon also mentions the importance of studying the Bible and seeking God's message in the text. It concludes by highlighting the eternal joy and service of the people of God in heaven, never growing weary or hoarse with music.
Christians Will Face Persecution
By Zac Poonen1.6K1:00:09MAT 5:6MAT 24:24MRK 10:29JHN 16:332TI 3:121JN 2:28REV 7:14This sermon emphasizes the importance of staying true to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles in the face of deception and diluted messages in Christianity. It warns against being misled by false prophets and the need to prioritize reading the Bible over other Christian literature. The speaker highlights the inevitability of persecution for those who desire to live godly lives in Christ, urging believers to persevere and stand firm in faith, even in the midst of tribulations and great trials.
Beautiful Feet
By Paul Hattaway1.2K00:00JHN 19:34ROM 5:8EPH 1:71JN 1:7REV 7:14This sermon reflects on the profound sacrifice and redemption found in Christ's crucifixion, emphasizing the transformative power of His blood to purify and wash away sin. It invites listeners to kneel before the cross, be cleansed in the fountain of grace, and experience restoration and justification through Jesus' sacrifice. The message celebrates the beauty and scandal of that fateful night when salvation was secured for all who believe.
Behold the Lamb
By Bakht Singh1.1K1:26:53Lamb Of GodLEV 23:5JHN 1:29REV 7:14REV 7:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of remaining faithful during a time of great difficulty. He mentions that even the devil has tried to defile believers, but a small number will remain faithful and the devil will serve them in the temple. The preacher emphasizes that faithfulness on earth will be rewarded by God. He also mentions the seven feasts that believers are instructed to observe, starting with the Passover feast. The preacher concludes by highlighting the significance of Jesus being referred to as the Lamb of God, fulfilling the promises made about him.
The Apocalypse - Revelation 7
By Steve Gallagher1.0K43:41Apocalypse StudyMAT 6:33REV 7:1REV 7:14REV 8:13REV 9:4REV 16:6In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Revelation 7 and discusses the different viewpoints and interpretations of the chapter. The sermon begins by explaining three belief systems and then delves into the verses of Revelation 7. The preacher highlights the significance of the four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the winds, and the angel with the seal of the living God. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of reflecting on different perspectives and allowing the Lord to guide one's thinking and beliefs.
How Shall the Lord Return?
By Stephen Kaung8681:08:35MAT 24:44REV 7:14REV 12:11REV 19:7REV 21:2REV 21:4REV 22:20This sermon delves into the themes of readiness for the imminent return of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the importance of being prepared, overcoming challenges through the blood of the Lamb and the power of testimony, and the need to prioritize the life of Christ over worldly desires. It highlights the concept of the Church as the bride of Christ, the significance of overcomers throughout history, and the ultimate victory and eternal union with Christ in the future.
Suffering Brings Glory
By Basilea Schlink62604:35Radio ShowMAT 6:33ROM 8:172CO 4:17JAS 1:21PE 4:131PE 5:10REV 7:14In this sermon, Basilia Schlink emphasizes the importance of our attitude towards suffering and the cross in our lives. She explains that our attitude towards the cross can help us bear our suffering more easily and find comfort. Our eternal life is also dependent on our attitude towards the cross and the suffering we endure. Schlink highlights that God has a purpose for allowing suffering in our lives and that through it, He pours out His grace and glory. She encourages listeners to accept their crosses, praise and give thanks for them, as it is through suffering with Christ that we will also share in His glory.
Is Your Fountain of Living Water Clogged?
By Shane Idleman3117:24Spiritual RenewalHoly SpiritREV 7:14Shane Idleman addresses the issue of spiritual stagnation in his sermon 'Is Your Fountain of Living Water Clogged?', emphasizing that when God seems silent, it can lead to feelings of distress and unfaithfulness. He highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit as the source of living water that should flow through believers, urging them to identify and remove the obstacles that hinder this flow. Idleman encourages the congregation to seek a deeper relationship with God and to be bold in their faith, reminding them that the enemy seeks to clog the fountains of living water in their lives. He stresses the need for repentance and a return to the vibrant, life-giving presence of the Holy Spirit.
Is God Waiting on You?
By Shane Idleman1841:19Responding to God's CallDesperate Need for Truth2CH 7:1ISA 1:18MAT 5:6MAT 24:21JHN 4:14ACT 3:19ROM 12:1GAL 5:221PE 1:16REV 7:14Shane Idleman emphasizes the foundational principles of West Side Christian Fellowship, focusing on the desperate need for truth, love, discipleship, prayer, power, holiness, and ultimately, Christ. He warns against drifting from these truths, highlighting the importance of aligning church activities with God's calling to avoid exhaustion from good ideas that aren't God ideas. Idleman challenges the congregation to reflect on their relationship with God, asking if God is waiting on them to respond to His call. He encourages a deep commitment to prayer and the Holy Spirit's power, urging believers to seek a transformative relationship with Christ. The sermon concludes with a call to action for those feeling distant from God to come forward and seek renewal.
I Thirst, Thou Wounded Lamb of God
By Count Zinzendorf0JHN 15:4ROM 8:17EPH 1:13EPH 2:4REV 7:14Count Zinzendorf preaches about the deep longing for the cleansing blood of Jesus, the desire to be sealed in His love, and the blessedness of abiding in His presence. He emphasizes the transformative power of God's grace and the wondrous love that brings sinners to glory. The sermon reflects on the overwhelming gratitude and awe for the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, leading to a surrender of hearts and lives to Him.
Posttribulational Denial of Imminency and Wrath
By John F. Walvoord0JER 30:7MAT 24:21MAT 24:44JHN 14:31CO 15:521TH 5:92TH 2:1REV 6:9REV 7:14REV 12:12John F. Walvoord addresses Robert Gundry's attempt to deny the imminency of the rapture by redefining the term 'imminent,' emphasizing that the rapture could occur at any moment without necessary intervening events. Walvoord highlights the importance of understanding the concept of imminence in relation to the hope of the rapture before the tribulation, not survival through it, and refutes Gundry's redefinition of imminence to fit his posttribulational view. Additionally, Walvoord challenges Gundry's denial of divine wrath in the great tribulation, pointing out that the tribulation is a time of both satanic and divine wrath, and that the church cannot escape severe trials during this period. Lastly, Walvoord examines Gundry's exegetical premises of dispensational posttribulationism, focusing on key passages like the Olivet Discourse and the Upper Room Discourse to address the theological issues involved.
The White Robes We Shall Wear
By C.H. Spurgeon0Heavenly GloryPurity of CharacterISA 61:10MAT 13:43EPH 2:7PHP 2:15COL 3:4HEB 10:141PE 1:191JN 3:2REV 7:14REV 19:8C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the beauty and completeness of the white robes that the saints will wear in heaven, symbolizing their perfect character and purity. He contrasts the varied strengths and weaknesses of believers on earth with the flawless nature of their heavenly garments, which will shine brightly and attractively. These robes represent the manifold wisdom of God and will cause the redeemed to shine like stars, admired by all, including God Himself. Spurgeon highlights that the transformation through the blood of the Lamb results in a glory that will continually amaze even those who have witnessed it for ages.
Notes on the Revelation
By John Nelson Darby0The Structure of RevelationChrist's Authority and JudgmentREV 1:8REV 4:2REV 5:6REV 6:11REV 7:14REV 11:15REV 12:10REV 17:5REV 19:1REV 20:10John Nelson Darby discusses the structure of the Book of Revelation, dividing it into three main parts: the personal glory of Christ, His judgment of the seven churches, and events following the church's removal. He emphasizes the continuity of responsibility from the early church to the present, highlighting the significance of the throne in heaven and the roles of cherubim and seraphim in God's governance. Darby also explores the implications of the judgments and the nature of the everlasting gospel, asserting that the church's current state reflects a departure from its original calling. He concludes with a focus on the ultimate triumph of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom.
Ii. to Lady Kenmure, on the Occasion of the Death of Her Infant
By Samuel Rutherford0HOS 2:6ROM 8:291PE 4:19REV 7:14REV 22:12Samuel Rutherford preaches a message of comfort and encouragement to a grieving lady, reminding her that her suffering is a part of conforming to the image of Christ. He assures her that her departed child is not lost but found in Christ, shining in eternity. Rutherford urges her to build her hope on eternal things, warning against worldly attachments that hinder her relationship with Jesus. He emphasizes the importance of enduring suffering with patience, trusting in the mercy and grace of the Lord Jesus, and eagerly anticipating His second coming.
Coming Up Through Great Tribulation
By Charles Finney0Spiritual GrowthTribulationREV 7:14Charles Finney emphasizes that great tribulations are an inherent part of the Christian experience across all ages and nations. He explains that these tribulations manifest as persecution, spiritual desertion, and struggles with personal weaknesses, all of which serve to refine and strengthen believers. Finney argues that God allows these trials not as arbitrary punishments but as necessary disciplines for spiritual growth and preparation for eternal glory. He reassures Christians that through these challenges, they can develop deeper faith, patience, and a clearer understanding of God's love and purpose. Ultimately, Finney encourages believers to embrace their tribulations as part of God's loving plan for their lives.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Sir, thou knowest - That is, I do not know, but thou canst inform me. Came out of great tribulation - Persecutions of every kind. And have washed their robes - Have obtained their pardon and purity, through the blood of the Lamb. Their white robes cannot mean the righteousness of Christ, for this cannot be washed and made white in his own blood. This white linen is said to be the righteousness of the saints, Rev 19:8, and this is the righteousness in which they stand before the throne; therefore it is not Christ's righteousness, but it is a righteousness wrought in them by the merit of his blood, and the power of his Spirit.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Sir--Greek, "Lord." B, C, Vulgate, Syriac, Coptic versions, and CYPRIAN read, "My Lord." A omits "My," as English Version. thou knowest--taken from Eze 37:3. Comparatively ignorant ourselves of divine things, it is well for us to look upward for divinely communicated knowledge. came--rather as Greek, "come"; implying that they are just come. great tribulation--Greek, "THE great tribulation"; "the tribulation, the great one," namely, the tribulation to which the martyrs were exposed under the fifth seal, the same which Christ foretells as about to precede His coming (Mat 24:21, great tribulation), and followed by the same signs as the sixth seal (Mat 24:29-30), compare Dan 12:1; including also retrospectively all the tribulation which the saints of all ages have had to pass through. Thus this seventh chapter is a recapitulation of the vision of the six seals, Rev. 6:1-17, to fill up the outline there given in that part of it which affects the faithful of that day. There, however, their number was waiting to be completed, but here it is completed, and they are seen taken out of the earth before the judgments on the Antichristian apostasy; with their Lord, they, and all His faithful witnesses and disciples of past ages, wait for His coming and their coming to be glorified and reign together with Him. Meanwhile, in contrast with their previous sufferings, they are exempt from the hunger, thirst, and scorching heats of their life on earth (Rev 7:16), and are fed and refreshed by the Lamb of God Himself (Rev 7:17; Rev 14:1-4, Rev 14:13); an earnest of their future perfect blessedness in both body and soul united (Rev 21:4-6; Rev 22:1-5). washed . . . robes . . . white in the blood of . . . Lamb-- (Rev 1:5; Isa 1:18; Heb 9:14; Jo1 1:7; compare Isa 61:10; Zac 3:3-5). Faith applies to the heart the purifying blood; once for all for justification, continually throughout the life for sanctification.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I said unto him, sir, thou knowest,.... John replies in a very humble, modest, and respectful manner, to the elder, calling him "sir", according to the usage of the eastern people; and it is observable, that this word is much used in his Gospel, and more than in any other book; see Joh 4:11. Some copies, and the Complutensian edition, read, "my Lord"; and so do the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Arabic versions. John confesses his ignorance, and ascribes knowledge to the elder, and desires information of him; for the sense is, that the elder knew who they were, and from whence they came, but he did not, and therefore desires that he would inform him; and so the Arabic version renders it, "and my Lord, thou art more learned"; that is, than I am, and therefore instruct me, as he accordingly did; and he said to me, these are they which came out of great tribulation: seeing this company designs all the elect of God, that ever were, are, or shall be in the world; "the great tribulation", out of which they came, is not to be restrained to any particular time of trouble, but includes all that has been, is, or shall be; as all the afflictions of the saints under the Old Testament; from righteous Abel to Zechariah; and all the troubles of the people of God in the times of the Maccabees, Heb 11:35; all the persecutions of the Christians by the Jews, at the first publication of the Gospel; and the persecutions under the Roman emperors, both Pagan and Arian; and the cruelties and barbarities of the Romish antichrist, during the whole time of the apostasy; and particularly the last struggle of the beast, which will be the hour of temptation, that will come upon all the world; and in general all the afflictions, reproaches, persecutions, and many tribulations of all the saints, and every member of Christ in this world, who in the new Jerusalem church state will be come out of them; which supposes them to have been in them, and yet were not overwhelmed by them, and lost in them; but, by divine support and assistance, waded through them, and were now quite clear of them, and never more to be annoyed with them; see Rev 21:4. And have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb; not in the blood of bulls and goats, which could not take away sin; nor in their own blood, their sufferings for Christ, on which they did not depend, knowing there is no comparison between them, and the glory revealed in them; nor in any works of righteousness done by them, which are imperfect and filthy, and need washing; but in the blood of Christ, which cleanseth from all sin. The "robes" which they washed in his blood may either design themselves, their consciences, which this blood purges from dead works; or their outward conversation garments, which have their spots, and need continual washing; or else the robe of righteousness, and garments of salvation, or their justification, which is by the blood of Christ, Rom 5:9. The act of washing from sin, by the blood of Christ, is sometimes ascribed to Christ himself, as in Rev 1:5; but here to the saints, and designs the concern which faith has in the blood of Christ, which deals with it for justification, peace, and pardon, for the removing of sin from the conscience, and for cleansing from all impurity, both of flesh and Spirit: and the effect of this is, that their robes were "made white"; that is, that they were freed from all sin, were without fault before the throne, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. This shows that these persons had no trust in themselves, or dependence on their own merits, and works of righteousness, but wholly trusted to, and depended on the blood and righteousness of Christ; which is the only way to come out of tribulation, and enter the kingdom.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:14 who died in (literally who came out of): See 6:9; 20:4. • the great tribulation: A time of horrible and distressing events (see 1:9; 2:9-10; Deut 4:30-31; Matt 24:21-22; Acts 14:22). • They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb: This description symbolizes Christ’s redeeming death for them. • made them white: This description expresses their victory over sin and death and their acceptance by God into eternal life.