Revelation 1

John, having related from and by whom he received this Revelation, 1. And how blessed those are which read and keep the same. 3. Wisheth grace and peace to the seven Churches in Asia, from God, from the seven spirits, and from Jesus Christ; whose person, Benefits and Coming to judgement, (wherein this Book is to end) he describeth more at large: 4 after that he comes to the Revelation was made unto him, 9. And setteth down the voice of him, that gave him charge to write this, 11. Then he relates the first vision of the Seven golden Candlesticks, 12. And of the Person of Christ, in a very glorious condition, 13. As also how greatly he was terrified at this vision, and how Christ revived him, 17. And charged him to write , 19. Together with a declaring, what is to be understood by the seven Stars and Candlesticks, 20.

1. The Revelation [Gr. Apocalypsis, which word is retained both in the vulgar Latine, and divers other Translations, signifying a Revelation or Discovery of secret or hidden things, as this word is generally taken for a Revelation of things to come yet in after times, as is used here, as the Title of the Book, in manner as the Prophets we want to prefix the like before theirs. See Isaiah 1:1. Hosea 1:1. Joel 1:1. Mich. 1. 1.] of Jesus Christ which God [viz. the Father, as appears by the sequel] gave him [viz. to Jesus Christ, as Mediator, and in respect of his human nature. For as eternal God he is of one and the same Essence and Omniscience with the Father: but, as Mediator, he receiveth order and command from the Father, and according to his human nature, the knowledge of those things themselves, which were requisite for the execution of his Mediatorship, and for the salvation of his church. See John 1:16. And chapter 3. 3, 32, etc.] for to show, [viz. not only by words, but also by visions and represantations] the things which must soon come to pass: [this is said, in regard of the beginnings of those things, which were thenceforward to hold on their courses, unto the last day. 2 Pet. 3. 8, 9.] and which he sent by his Angel, and made known to his servant John:

2. Who [viz. John] testified the word of God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ, and all that he saw. [i.e. that testimony of Jesus Christ his person, preaching, miracles, suffering, dying, and glorification. See the like also in Peter, 2 Pet. 1. 16. etc. Some indeed apply all this to matters ensuing in this Revelation; but, it seeming more probable, that John saith this to win the more credit to what he holds forth here, and that the ensuing prophecy, may find the better reception and entertainment; therefore others take it to have respect to his former Evangelical and Apostolical preachings and writings, Christ, as he speaketh also in his Gospel, chapter 19. 35. And 21. 24. And in his first Epistle, chapter 1. V. 1. And as it is said of the Apostles in general, Luke 1:2. Yet it may well be understood here both ways.]

3. Blessed is he who readeth this, and are they that hear the word of this prophecy, and who keep that which these things shall begin to come to pass, and that the faithful shall therefore have cause to take comfort in the judgements of God against their oppressors, and in the happy issue of their Tribulations; which are the two main things, set forth throughout this book; near at hand, they being to come and surprise men on a sudden, unawares. See Matthew 24:43, etc. 1 Thes. 5. 2, 4. 2 Pet. 3. 10. Revelation 3:3.]

4. John, to the seven Churches, which are in Asia: [Meaning the lesser Asia, called Anatolia now, or Natolia, wherein all those cities lay, from whom these churches were denominated, here spoken of, and called by their, proper names, below v. 11. Being first instituted by Paul, and afterwards further built up, and more and more confirmed by John, as the longest-lived of all the Apostles, as well the old Ecclesiastical histories testify, and that he died at Ephesus. Yet under these seven all the rest of the Churches of Christ are likewise to be understood, seeing that some of those Churches perished or were destroyed not very long after the time of this Apostle; which also is the reason, why in the conclusion of every one of the Epistles written to them in this book, this Memento is added, He that ears hear, let him hear, what the Spirit saith unto the Churches] Grace be unto you, and peace, from him, that is and that was and that shall come: [hereby is understood the eternal unchangeable Godhead of the Father; withal the Apostle elegantly expresseth thereby the name of Ehejeh, that is, I shall be, which God doth give unto himself, Exodus 2:14. And the name of Jehova, whereby the self-subsisting unchangeable God is called throughout the old Testament] and from the seven Spirits, which are before his throne. [some understand hereby the seven Angels, several times mentioned in this book, and joined here with God, in this with of grace and peace, as instruments of God, and the means whereby God doth safe-guard and protect his Church, and often imparts his grace to men, as Paul, 1 Tim. 5. 21. Bears record, before God and his Elect Angels: Yet forasmuch as in this wish for grace and peace, the same thing is prayed in the same terms from seven spirits, as it is prayed from God; and afterwards from Christ, and which no mere creature is able to give, Isaiah 42:8. James 1:17. Therefore by these seven spirits here there must be understood the Holy Ghost, who is also himself a giver of this Gospel-grace and peace, 2 Cor. 13. 13. And therefore called seven spirits, from the pouring out of his gifts upon those churches, in that abundant manner, as if he were seven spirits, or a sevenfold spirit. And this exposition is evident also by this, that these seven spirits, chapter 4. 5. Are expressly called seven lamps of fire, burning before the Throne. That is, the manifold wisdom and gifts of the Holy Ghost, which in a singular manner illustrated and adorned the Throne: As also chapt. 5. 6. The horns and eyes, i.e. the Power and wisdom of the Lamb: and that they are put here in one and the degree between God and Christ. And the Holy Ghost with his gifts is therefore put here between the Father and Christ, because the Apostle was to enlarge himself in the sequel about Christ, his benefits and qualifications.]

5. And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness the first-born from the dead, [He namely, that brought the Gospel unto us, out of the bosom of the Father, and sealed it by his death, John 1:18. 1 Tim. 6. 13.] loved us and washed from our sins, in his blood, [i.e. by his bloody death and sacrifice, Hebrews 9:14.]

6. And that made us Kings and Priests to God and his Father: [Namely, to reign spiritually over sin and the world, and to offer up unto God the spiritual sacrifices of thanksgiving for our deliverance. See 1 Pet. 2. 5, 9.] unto him (I say) be the glory and the power into all eternity, Amen.

7. Behold, he cometh [i.e. he shall come] with the clouds, [viz. at the last day, in his glory, for to judge all men, sitting in the clouds, as in his Tribunal or Judgement-seat. See Daniel 7:13. Wherewith he shall conclude the fulfilling of this book] and every eye shall see him, [i.e. not only the true believers, but the unbelievers also, as appears by the sequel] even those that pierced him through: [i.e. that crucified him and put him to death, so as the Jews and Gentiles dealt with him in his person, and daily continued his church-members. This passage is taken out of Zach. 12. 10. Where the same words are Prophetically spoken of God, which here are applied unto the son of God, viz. unto Christ, that same God] and all the families of the Earth shall mourn over him: [or, for him. These words seem to be onely applyable in Zachary, unto the Tribes and Families of Israel: but it is well known, that under them are generally to be understood and comprehended the Gentiles also, such as were to be called to the Church of Christ under the New Testament; and therefore this place may well be understood of all Nations, both Jews and Gentiles, some whereof being converted with grief and sorrow for their former sins and transgressions against Christ and his Church, should likewise show forth their conversion at the coming of Christ, with cheerfulness; when as the obstinate remainder should be terrified to see him come to judgement; as the words of Zachary also may well be understood of both] yea, Amen. [i.e. even so be it, or let It come to pass. And by this double asseveration there is expressed the earnest and vehement desire of that Prophet and the rest of the faithful, and by the change of the languages, Greek and Hebrew, there is not unfitly intimated, that the wish foregoing doth appertain in common to all the believers both the Greek or Gentile, and the Hebrews or Jews. See below ch. 22. 20.]

8. I am the Alpha and the Omega, [This kind of speaking is taken from the Greek Alphabet, in which Language John wrote this book, A, called Alpha by them, being their first letter, and their great O, which they call Omega, the last, as is declared also in the Text itself] the beginning and the end, [viz. of all thing, which is said of God, not onely, because he was before all creatures from eternity, and for all their altering or perishing, continueth the same still, Hebrews 1:11, 12. But also because he is the Author and the end of all, all things being of him, and for his glory, Proverbs 16:4. Romans 11:36. See also Isaiah 41:4. And 44. 6.] saith the LORD, that is, and that was, and that shall come, the Almighty. [i.e. the Lord Christ, revealing himself here unto John, and being spoken of before v. 7. Unto whom, as to the only true God, these attributes are expressly also ascribed below vers. 11 and 17. And chapter 22. 13.]

9. I John, [Here beginneth the Revelation it self, and the Apostle expresseth his name, after the manner of the Prophets, Jeremy, Daniel and others, who were wont in such like predictions, to set down their name sometimes, as also the places and occasions wherein such Revelations were made unto them, for further confirmation of the things] that am your brother also, and partaker in the affliction and in the kingdom, and (in) the patience of Jesus Christ, was in the Island Patmos, [lying in the Mediterranean and Egean Sea, one of those which are called the Cyclades, into which the Apostle John was banished by the Emperor Dominion, as it is left recorded, by Eusebius, hist. Eccle. 3. C. 16. And Hieron. In Catal. Script. Eccl. For the Gospel’s sake, as followers in the Text] for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

10. (And) I was in the Spirit, [i.e. an Extasis, or rapture of senses, by the holy spirit, such as happened to Peter, Acts 10:10. And to Paul, by his own relation, 2 Cor. 12. 2. And to the Prophets also generally] on the Lord’s day [i.e. on the first day of the week, so called, because that Christ arose on that day, and because that the service of God was there already used among the Christians on that day instead of the Sabbath, as all the ancient Doctors witness, and is to be gathered besides from Acts 20:7. And 1 Cor. 16. 2. Upon this day then consecrated to the service of God, John being in a place, where it seems there were no Congregations as yet, this Revelation was made unto him] and I heard from behind me a great voice, as of trumpet: for that it was a speaking voice, appears by the sequel.]

11. Saying, I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, [See hereof above v. 8.] and, that which thou seest, write the same in a book, [or little book] and send it to the seven Churches, which are in Asia, (namely) at Ephesus, [this was the Metropolis, or chief city in the lesser Asia, situate in the Jonian Sea, where Paul preached a long while, Acts 19:1., etc. and to the church whereof he write that famous Epistle to the Ephesians] and to Symrna, and to Pergamus, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea. [these six cities lay likewise in the same lesser Asia. Of Syrmna and Pergamus there is no further mention made in the Scripture, nor of Sardis and Philadelphia, but of Thyatira we read, Acts 16:14. Concerning the conversion of Lydia the Purple dealer; and of Laodicea, in the Epistle to the Colossians, chapter 4. 15, 16. Pliny reports that some of these Cities not very long after the time here treated of perished by an Earth-quake.]

12. And I turned myself about, for to see the voice, that had spoken with me: [i.e. him whose voice I heard in speaking] and having turned my self about, I saw seven aforesaid Churches, which were as precious as gold to men in God’s sight, as is explained below verse 20. And this similitude is taken from the Golden Candlestick, that was in the Holy place of the Tabernacle, and which the Priests were to furnish night and day, wwith oil in the Lamps thereof, Leviticus 24:2. The same similitude, you find also, Zach. 4. 2. And thereby are represented, the gifts and enlightnings of the holy Ghost, and by the watchfulness and diligence of the Priests, the dispensing of the Word and Sacrements in the Church; whereof all the care and honour is ascribed here alone to Christ, as the only Priest of the New Testament.]

13. And in the midst of the seven Candlesticks, one, being like unto the Son of man, [i.e. to Christ Jesus, called son of man throughout all the Gospel, and here vision, and not in his person; and that in such a shape, as is not natural to him, but suitable only to his attributes and operations, which are the things here aimed at, As elsewhere he is represented as a Lamb, elsewhere as sitting or horse-back, elsewhere otherwise in this very Revelation. And he is called the son of man, not only, because he is true man, made of a woman, but also because he is the same, of whom Daniel prophesied, ch. 7. 13. And who appeared likewise unto Daniel in the shape. Or, one that was like to a son of man, i.e. to a man] clothed with a long garment (down) to feet. [which was properly a priestly habit, Exod. 28, 4. 40. And 39. 27.] and girded about on the breasts with a golden girdle: [the being girt showeth the readiness of administering his office, the gold his worthiness.]

14. And his head and hair was white, like unto white wool, like snow: [Thereby is signified the wisdom and eternity of Christ, as also the same attributes of God the Father are thus shadowed forth, Daniel 7:9.] and his eyes like to a flame of fire: [this and the following similitudes are mostly taken out of Daniel 10:8. Where a vision much like to this appeared unto Daniel. By the flame of fire is understood his omniscience and all penetrating eye, looking into the very hearts of men, as is to be gathered from Rev. 2,18, 19, 23.]

15. And his feet were like unto shining-brass, [Gr. Chalkolihano, that is to say metal out of Libanon, or, fine Copper, the like is mentioned in the vision, Ezekiel 1:7. And Daniel 10:6. Whereby is set forth the steadfastness and invincible strength of Christ, which none can venture upon without hurt to himself, and whereby he can subdue all things] and glowed as in an oven: And his voice, as a voice of many waters. [viz. such as come running down from Rocks with such force and abundance, that they cannot be stopped. This represents the voice of Christ, passing through all Tongues and Nations; according as this word waters is explained by the Angels themselves, bel. Ch. 17. 15.]

16. And he had seven stars in his right hand: [These stars are bel. v. 20. Explained to be the Angels, or Overseers of the Churches, likened unto stars, because they ought to shine before the Churches with their good life and doctrine, as the stars do before men in their travels and voyages. And they are said to be in the right hand of Christ, forasmuch as he doth send, govern and protect them, and by them is powerful in the hearts of men, and mighty also, in case they do not duely mind and attend their charge, to punish them; as may be seen chapter 2, 1, etc.] and out of his mouth (there) went a two edged sword: [the sword of this word, holding forth his promises on the one side, for the comfort and protection of the godly, and his threatening on the other for the terror and punishment of the disobedient, as is declared ch. 2. 16. And 19. 15.] and his countenance was as the Sun shineth in his strength. [hereby is set forth the glory of Christ, as also of the faithful hereafter in the life to come, Matthew 13:43. Who nevertheless have non but from Christ and by Christ.]

17. And when I saw him, I fell (down) as dead, to his feet: [viz. partly out of reverence, and partly being terrified; the like happened to Daniel, chapter 8. 18. And 10. 8, etc. and to others also] and he laid his right (hard) upon me, saying to me; fear not: I am the first and the last: [see above on v. 8. And 11.]

18. And that am alive, and I have been dead: [Oth. And I was the living (one) and was dead: For Christ being dead after the flesh, remained alive nevertheless after the Spirit, that is to say, according to his divine nature; as now also he liveth for ever according to both] and behold I am alive into all eternity. Amen. And I have the keys of Hell and Death: [i.e. the power to deliver thee from Death and Hell, and to cast the Enemies into them. See Matthew 10:28.]

19. Write that which thou hast seen, [viz. in this vision. Others take it more at large, for all that the Apostle had seen in the church of Christ, until the time of Christ’s ascension into heaven. But the first verse of this chapter, as also the first of the fourth, make against this opinion] and that which is, [i.e. the present state and condition of the seven churches, and that which I am now about to charge thee with for to write unto them, which is performed in the two following chapters] and that which shall come to pass after this. [viz. the rest of this Revelation from the fourth chapter to the end of the Book.]

20. The mystery of the seven stars, which thou sawest in my right (hand), and the seven candlesticks. The seven stars, are [i.e. signify, betoken, represent, as Genesis 41:27. And frequently in holy writ. Of these seven stars and seven candlesticks, see the annotate above on v. 12. And 16.] the Angels of the seven churches: [i.e. the Teachers or Overseers of the seven churches, even as the Priests and Prophets are sometimes also called Angels, they being sent forth by God, for to teach Gods way unto the people to exhort, and warn and comfort them. See Judges 2:1. Haggai 1:13. Malach. 2. 7.]