01 The Patmos Vision of the Glorified Son of Man.
1. The Patmos Vision of the Glorified Son of Man.
Chapter 1
1. The Book: Its Title and Introduction.Revelation 1:1-3. As we have already spoken of the title and the prophetic character of the book, we do not repeat it here. The book does not contain, as it is often said “revelations” but one great revelation and that the Revelation of Jesus Christ. And this revelation is “to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass,” so that they may know the future and serve Him with the Glory-light thrown upon their path. The vision of the future is much needed as an incentive for true and devoted service.
2. Greeting and Benediction.Revelation 1:4-5. The churches which John addressed were in the Province of Asia, not the continent Asia, but one of the provinces of Asia Minor. (See Acts 16:6; Acts 19:10, etc.). These seven churches are representative of the entire church, and prophetically unfold the history of the church on earth. “Grace unto you and Peace” is the greeting. Grace and peace are the blessed possessions of the true children of God. Though the professing church may fail in her testimony, and the dark days of apostasy increase, grace and peace for God’s servants and children will never fail. The greeting differs from those found in the Epistles. In the Epistles the greetings come from the Father and the Son; the Holy Spirit being omitted. Here Jehovah is mentioned first, “who is, who was and who is to come”—“the I Am that I am”—the Self-existing One (Exodus 3:14). Then comes the Holy Spirit, spoken of here as “the seven Spirits.” Not as the “one Spirit” (Ephesians 4:4; 1 Corinthians 12:13) is He mentioned, but in His own complete fullness and His diverse activities (Isaiah 11:2). And finally the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. “He is the faithful witness;” this describes His holy and perfect life on earth. “The first begotten from the dead.” He died that shameful death on the cross and finished the Work the Father gave Him to do. Risen from the dead He is the first begotten as well as the first fruits. “The Prince of the kings of the earth.” This is His future title and reveals His coming Glory. What comfort there is here for God’s people! Oh, the grace and peace which flow from a believing contemplation of Himself and the knowledge that we are one with Him!
3. The Outburst of Praise.Revelation 1:6-7. The last sentence of Revelation 1:5 belongs to Revelation 1:6. This inspired outburst of Praise is the true Glory song of the true Church. It contains the blessed fundamentals of the Gospel of Grace what He has done for us and what He has made us and what we shall be with Him. It is the first doxology in this book. Others follow and increase in adoration. Twofold here; threefold in Revelation 4:11; fourfold in Revelation 5:13; sevenfold in Revelation 7:12. The tribute is followed by a testimony of His Coming. It is not His coming for His Saints but His coming to the earth. Compare with Acts 1:11; Matthew 24:30; Daniel 7:13; Zechariah 12:9-14.
4. The Testimony of the Almighty.Revelation 1:8. God, so to speak, puts His seal to it all. The words of the preceding verse “Even so Amen” must be read with this verse. The speaker is Jehovah.
5 John in Patmos.Revelation 1:9-11. John was in banishment in the isle of Patmos and “became in the Spirit on the Lord’s day.” Does this mean “the Day of the Lord” i.e. the day on which He comes in power and glory to begin His reign, or does it mean the blessed memorial day, the first day of the week? It means without doubt the latter.
6. The Great Vision of the Glorified Son of Man.Revelation 1:12-16. John turned to see the voice. He beheld the greatest vision human eyes have seen. The seven golden candlesticks (lamp-stands) represent the seven churches (Revelation 1:20) and are symbolical of the entire church. He Himself is “in the midst” and seen by John “like unto a Son of Man.” But the vision makes it clear that He is more than a Son of Man, for He is the Ancient of Days as well. The title Son of Man belongs to Him both in His humiliation and exaltation. He was the Son of Man on earth; He is the Son of Man in Glory; and when He comes back to earth and receives the kingdom, it will be as Son of Man. Judgment will be executed by Him. In this vision His judicial character is the leading feature. He is clothed with a robe down to His feet. While this denotes priestly dignity we see Him not engaged in priestly activity. The long-robed figure expresses the great dignity of Himself as the Priest-King who is about to enter upon His work as Judge. The golden girdle is symbolical of divine righteousness; His white head and hair identify Him with the Ancient of Days who sits in judgment (Daniel 7:9-12). The flaming eyes, all searching; the fiery burning feet; the voice like the sound of many waters (Psalms 29); the two-edged sword; the face which was once marred and dishonored, now shining like the sun—all is symbolical and speaks of the great dignity and glory and the judicial rights of the Son of Man. His judgment in this book begins with the house of God, that which professes His Name; judgment is executed by Him on the earth and all culminates in His visible and glorious appearing, when all things will be put in subjection under His feet.
There is one feature of the vision which needs an explanation. What do the seven stars mean, which are in the right hand of the Son of Man? Revelation 1:20 gives the answer. They are the seven angels of the seven churches. Angels and stars are symbolical figures. The application of these terms to church officers or bishops and pastors is incorrect. Stars are used in Scripture to typify true believers. Stars are heavenly bodies which shine during the night; so are true believers in a heavenly position with the responsibility to shine in the night. The lamp-stands represent the visible, professing church; the stars represent the true believing element in the Church. They are in the right hand of Himself, held securely there. Furthermore, only true believers have an ear to hear what the Spirit saith. The stars are called angels, because an angel is both a messenger and a representative and true believers are likewise that.
7. The Effect of the Vision and the Commission.Revelation 1:17-20. John fell at His feet as dead; the vision was overpowering. Compare with Daniel 10:4-11. But He put His hand upon Him. Blessed is His own testimony. He is the Living One, which means “Jehovah.” He was dead. And alive forevermore; He is risen from the dead and hath the keys of Death and of Hades. Then follows the command to write which we have fully explained in the introduction.