Revelation 1

Revelation 1:1

THe revelation] The former books, for the most part, are either historicall, or doctrinall: this is, for the main matter of it, symbolicall and propheticall, containing predictions of many things to come, both in the Church, and without it, in the world, symbolically represented. It is called, a Revelation , because it was revealed by God; and the things therein contained are such, as no wisedom of man, without some such speciall revelation, could have manifested or foreseen. So 2 Cor. 12. 1, 7. Matthew 11:25. and Matthew 16:17. 1 Cor. 2. 9, 10.

of Jesus Christ] Because John had it from him, as Paul his revelations, 2 Corinthians 12:1-2. and his Gospel, Galatians 1:1-2.

God gave unto him] That is, revealed or committed unto him, by him to be revealed and communicated to others. God the Father revealeth and committeth these things to Christ, as man, (for he had them of himself, as God) that the great account God hath of him may thereby appear, John 5:20.

to shew] Not to keep them to himself, but to acquaint his Church and children, even in succeeding ages, with them; as 1 Peter 1:12.

his servants] The faithfull: not his servants at large, as all men, yea all the creatures, are, Psalms 119:91. and Psalms 148:8. but his servants in speciall manner, his houshold-servants, Galatians 6:10. Ephesians 2:19. For their use and behoof it is, that these things are revealed by God to Christ, and by Christ to those that are, yet in a more speciall manner, as John is hereafter styled, and Paul elsewhere, Romans 1:1. 2 Corinthians 1:1. Gods servants, the apostles and the prophets, Amos 3:7. See v. 4.

must shortly come to passe] So that this book, for the main matter of it, is not any history or relation of things past, but a prediction of things to come: which were to commence shortly after, in regard of their first beginning, v. 3. but to run on, after they were once begun, in a constant and continued course to the worlds end.

by his angel] Christ employeth an angel; called his angel, to shew his power, as well in heaven as on earth, Matthew 28:18. Ephesians 1:21.

unto his servant John] The angel is sent to John, for the credit of his ministery, chap. 17. 1. and 21. 9. and 22. 8. So Daniel 8:16. and 9. 21, 22. Zechariah 1:9; Zechariah 1:14; Zechariah 1:19. This John was the apostle; for no other would take that name in writing Scripture while he lived, without some note of distinction; neither do we know any other John infallible, beside the apostle: and it recorded in the ecclesiasticall history, that this John was banished into Patmos in the reign of Domitian. As he was the beloved apostle, so Christ honoured him above others, in writing Scripture. He appeareth to be an euangelist, in his gospel: an apostle, in his epistles; a prophet, in this revelation.

Revelation 1:2

of the word of God] By the word of God, some understand here this book of the revelation, and the things therein contained. Others, by the word of God, understand the gospel of John: by the testimony of Christ, his epistles, which begin therewith, 1 John 1:1. by the things which he saw, his revelation. In this sense, it sheweth the authour of this book, and one ground to believe him, Because of his former faithfulnesse. It may be understood of his preaching Gods word; as v. 11.

Revelation 1:3

and they] A change of the number, Psalms 127:5.

keep] Reserve, or observe; keep in heart and in life, as Luke 11:28. James 1:25. John 13:12. That not onely read or hear these things, but also remember them, believe them, observe how they are fulfilled, and live according to the directions given in this book, chap. 22. 14, 18. 19.

the time] Gr. season, or set time: as Matthew 16:4. and Matthew 21:41. Luke 1:20.

at hand] When these things shall begin to be put in execution: for a great part of them is not yet fulfilled, v. 1.

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John to the] This sheweth, that the whole revelation was an epistle to these Churches. So doeth the conclusion, chap. 22. 21.

seven churches] Named, v. 11. and presented with severall epistles, chap. 2 and 3. trusted with this treasure of the prophecies following, but not made types of particular Churches in after-times, though there may be some likenesse between them and the ensuing Churches in divers things. The order of revelation is here observable: God revealeth to Christ, Christ by his angel to John, John to those Churches, but for the use of the whole Church, v. 1.

in Asia] The lesse: for Hierusalem in likelihood was now destroyed; and these were the most famous Churches, fittest to keep these mysteries, and to communicate them to posterity.

grace and peace] Romans 1:7.

from him which is] Exodus 3:14. From God the Father, who is eternall. That which is common to the three persons, is here attributed to the Father, who is the first in order, and from whom the other two persons have their personall existence.

the seven Spirits] The holy Ghost, who, in regard of his manifold graces, wrought in these seven Churches as plentifully, as if a particular spirit had been in each Church. Seven also being a note of perfection; as chap. 5. 6. It cannot be understood of angels, because John prayeth for grace from him whom here he so describeth.

before his throne] Not to shew an inequality, but because God the Father, in the works of illumination, sanctification, and comfort, worketh in his servants by his Spirit. See chap. 4. 5.

Revelation 1:5

the faithfull witnesse] Who fully and truely revealed Gods will to us, by himself and his apostles, Hebrews 1:2. and so shewed himself to be the prophet foretold, Deut. 17. 15, 18. Acts 3. 21, 22.

first begotten of the dead] Or, first brought forth, 1 Corinthians 15:20. Colossians 1:18. He that arose first from the dead to go to heaven: for Enoch and Elias died not: others raised up, lived here, and died after; neither are their bodies yet in heaven. He saith, Begotten, because resurrection restoreth that bodily life which we had by generation before. See Matthew 19:28.

Prince of the kings of the earth] Who is above them all, and from whom they all hold, chap. 17. 14. and 19. 16. 1 Timothy 6:14-15. Matthew 28:18. Proverbs 8:15-16. Romans 9:5.

loved us] The sole ground of all the ensuing benefits. So Galatians 2:20. Eph. 2. 4. 5, 6. and 5. 2.

and washed us] 1 Corinthians 6:11. Hebrews 9:14. 1 John 1:7. This was the greatest demonstration of his love, The shedding of his blood for the cleansing of us from our sins, chap. 5. 9. and 7. 14.

Revelation 1:6

and hath made us] As he redeemed us by his Blood, so he hath regenerated us by his Spirit, 1 Corinthians 6:11. 1 John 5:6. and made us kings, to rule over the devil, the world, and the flesh, chap. 20. 6. and priests, to offer up to God the personall sacrifice of our selves, Romans 12:1. the verball sacrifice of praise, and reall of alms, Heb. 13. 15, 16.

kings and priests] Chap. 5. 10. 1 Peter 2:5; 1 Peter 2:9.

and his Father] Or, even his Father, 1 Corinthians 15:24. Gr. his own Father. Christ is the naturall Son of God.

dominion] Or, might, or strength; as 1 Corinthians 15:51. Give unto Christ the glory of his dominion, or power, Psal. 29. 1, 2, 3, &c.

Revelation 1:7

Behold] As if he beheld him with the eye of faith already appearing. So of Abraham, John 8:56. and of Moses, Hebrews 11:27.

he cometh] He will ere long come: and though he may seem to stay long, yet will, in due time, as surely come, as if he were in coming, or already come, Hebrews 10:37. 2 Peter 3:4; 2 Peter 3:9.

with clouds] Daniel 7:13. Matthew 24:30.

every eye] That is, all men: for the eye is the instrument of sight.

and they also] Or, even they also; as v. 6.

which pierced him] Zechariah 12:10. John 19:34; John 19:37. That had any hand in the crucifying of him, Psalms 22:16.

kinreds] Gr. tribes. Alluding to the division of the land of Canaan, Joshua 13:7. Psalms 78:55.

because of him] Because they saw him, whom they crucified, to be their judge; or him whom they caused to be crucified. Or, before him; as 1 Corinthians 6:6. Some of all nations shall weep at his coming.

even so. Amen] A double affirmation, for certainty; the one Greek, the other Hebrew, as chap. 22. 20.

Revelation 1:8

I am Alpha] Chap. 21. 6. and 2. 13. Isaiah 41:4. and Isaiah 44:16. It seemeth here to be spoken of Christ. Compare it with v. 11, 13. Chap. 11. 12, 13. The phrase is taken from the Greek letters, whereof alpha is the first, and omega the last. The sense is: I was before all creatures, and shall abide always, though all creatures should perish. Or, I am he from whom all creatures had their beginning, and to whom they are referred, as their uttermost end, chap. 4. 11. Proverbs 16:4. Romans 11:36.

which is] See v. 4. what was there ascribed to the Father, is here given to the Son, to shew the coeternity of the Son with the Father.

the Almighty] Able to do all things, Job 42:2. or having power of authority over all. See v. 5, 6. Psalms 103:19.

Revelation 1:9

brother and companion] He commendeth himself, and this his employment, to them, from that fellowship he had with them in troubles here, and was to have with them in glory hereafter, 1 Pet. 5. 1, 9. So Phil. 1. 5, 6, 7. Hebrews 10:34.

kingdom] As well of grace here, as of glory hereafter, Romans 5:21.

patience] Patient expectation of Christs coming, 1 Thessalonians 1:3. 2 Thessalonians 3:5.

was in the isle] Some think, he went thither voluntarily, to avoid persecution. Others, that he was banished by Domitian the emperour, Euseb. hist. Eccles. lib. 3. cap. 14.

Patmos] In the Egean sea; or Archipelago, among the isles called Sporades: a desert place, Plin. lib. 4. cap. 12.

for the word of God] Not to preach it there, but for preaching it before, in Ephesus, and other places. Or, as others, for Christs sake, who is called The word, John 1:1. 1 John 1:1. See on v. 2.

Revelation 1:10

in the Spirit] In a spirituall rapture and extasie, Ezekiel 3:12. Acts 10:10. and Acts 22:17. 2 Cor. 12. 2, 3. By the Spirit of God taken off from the sense and regard of outward things, that I might wholly attend the visions ensuing.

on the Lords day] The day on which our Saviour rose again, the first day of the week, on which the Church constantly met for the publike service of God. The time and place are mentioned, to confirm the truth of the history: and the day, to adde more honour to that day, which is here called The Lords day, as The Lords table, 1 Corinthians 10:21. and The Lords supper, 1 Corinthians 11:20.

behinde me a great voice] This great voice called John to attention; and the rather, because it came behinde him, unexpected.

of a trumpet] For sound, loud and shrill, Isaiah 58:1. and of use, to summon men, by severall tones or manners of sounding, to severall employments, Exodus 19:16; Exodus 19:19. Numbers 10:2; Numbers 10:10. 1 Corinthians 14:7-8.

Revelation 1:11

Alpha] See on v. 8.

What seest thou?] What thou shalt see forthwith, is to be revealed to others.

churches] See v. 4.

Ephesus] A citie of Ionia, famous for the temple of Diana in it, Acts 19:1; Acts 19:27.

Smyrna] A citie of Ionia likewise, neer which were the olympian games celebrated.

Pergamus] A citie of Eolia, afterwards made a province of the Romanes.

Thyatira] A citie of Lydia, not far from Ephesus.

Sardis] A citie of Lydia also, in Cyrus his time, next to Babylon for wealth, Xenoph. Cyrop. lib. 7. cap. 3.

Philadelphia] A citie of Lydia, as some think; or, as others, of Mysia, or Eolia, having the name from Ptolomeus Philadelphus.

Laodicea] A citie of Caria, neer to the citie of the Colossians, Colossians 4:16.

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the voice] Him from whom the voice came: or, to take further notice of the voice it self, Exodus 20:18. Deuteronomy 4:12.

golden candlesticks] The Churches, which are the light of the world, Matth. 5. 14, 16. Philippians 2:15-16. They are compared to gold, because they excell other societies, as much as gold doth other metals.

Revelation 1:13

in the midst, &c.] To teach, guide and protect them, Psalms 46:5. Zechariah 2:5.

like unto the Son of man] Or, a son of man, (as like a son of the gods, Daniel 3:25.) that is, like a man, Daniel 7:13. Whether it were Christ in his humane nature, or the angel mentioned, v. 1. representing Christ, or some other form, it is uncertain.

with a garment down to the foot] Daniel 10:5-6. It was the custom of rulers to wear garments and girdles distinct from others, Isaiah 22:21. Exodus 28:24. and Exodus 39:5. The robes of such were usually large and long, for state, Ecclesiastes 27:8.

girt about the paps] Or, about the middle: As their manner was, to keep their side-garments from sweeping the ground, and hindring them in going, Exodus 29:9. Luke 12:35.

girdle] A symbol of power and might, Psalms 93:1. Isaiah 11:5. and Isaiah 23:10. and 45. 1, 5.

Revelation 1:14

white like wooll] This signifieth Christs eternity, as it doth God the Fathers, Daniel 7:9.

as snow] Matthew 17:2. and Matthew 28:3.

as a flame of fire] Bright, lightsome and piercing. See Daniel 10:6. implying his omniscience, whereby he is able to disperse all darknesse, and to pry into all the corners of mens hearts, and descrie the privie plots and contrivances of the adversaries of his Church, Proverbs 15:11. Prov. 139. 11, 12. Job 34:21-22. Hebrews 4:12-13.

Revelation 1:15

fine brasse] A kinde of bright and precious brasse, of which, Plin. lib. 34. cap. 2. Or, amber, of the colour of burnished brasse. See Ezek. 1. 4, 7. Daniel 10:6.

as if they burned] Or, glowed with fire. Intimating, as some think, Christs ability to destroy the enemies of his Church, as Zechariah 2:5. Or, as others, so to terrifie men, that they may thereby be converted, Psal. 83. 15, 16.

as the sound, &c.] A mighty loud voice, as chap. 14. 2. So Daniel 10:6. Terrible to his enemies; or, powerfull to raise men from the death of sin, John 5:25.

Revelation 1:16

in his right hand] To keep them safe; shewing his great love to them, and care of them, Psalms 63:8.

seven stars] The ministers of the seven Churches, v. 20. Ministers give light to the world, having received it from Christ, as the stars from the sun.

out of his mouth, &c.] This sheweth the power of Christs word, chap. 2. 16. Hebrews 4:12.

in his strength] At noon day, Judges 5:31. Psalms 37:6. This setteth out the greatnesse of Christs glory and majestie, Matthew 17:2.

Revelation 1:17

as dead] He could not endure the sight of Christ in his glory. So Dan. 10. 8, 9.

his right hand] He sent not an angel to raise me up, but did it himself. See Daniel 10:10.

I am the first] Isaiah 41:4. and Isaiah 44:6. See notes on v. 8.

Revelation 1:18

and was dead] Though I once died for your sins, yet I am now alive again to appear to thee, and shall live for ever, to protect my servants, Rom. 6. 9, 16.

keys of hell, and of death] Power to deliver over to, or to keep from hell, as well as from the grave. Or, of the grave and death.

Revelation 1:19

Write the things, &c.] John is commanded to write the vision which he saw before, v. 12, &c. the epistles to the seven Churches, which were then in being, chap. 2. and 3. and the prophecies of the time to come, chap. 4, &c. to the end of the book: so that here is a perfect division of the book, and no need to make the Churches types.

Revelation 1:20

The seven stars are] That is, do signifie; as the bread is Christs Body in the Sacrament. So Gen. 41. 26, 27. Daniel 2:38. and Daniel 7:17. Matth. 13. 37, 38, 39. Luke 8. 11, 15. Chap. 17. 9, 10, 12, 15.

the angels] The ministers: so here called, to shew the honour due to that office. Or, messengers: for they are Gods messengers to his people, Malachi 2:7. and Malachi 3:1.