Revelation 1

Revelation 1:1

Christ, as mediator, received this revelation from God; and he, by the ministry of angels, made it known to John

Revelation 1:4

Him who was, and is, and is to come, denotes the Father in his absolute eternity and unchangeableness. And, when Christ is considered as God, much the same character is given to him, ver. 8, 11, 17. chap. xxii. 13. and xxi. 6.——The seven spirits denote the Holy Ghost in the diversity and perfect variety of his gifts, graces, and operations

Revelation 1:5

Christ, by his personal constitution, conduct, declarations, death and ordinances, solemnly and infallibly bears faithful testimony of his Father’s mind and will, and that he himself is the son of God and promised Messiah. He first rose from the dead to immortal life, and rose by his own power, as the head of his elect body, and as the cause, pattern, pledge, and first fruits, of their resurrection;—and, as a reward of his atoning death, he is exalted to his Father’s right hand, with all fulness of authority and dominion, and to be head of all principalities and powers on earth as well as in heaven, for the preservation, conversion, and government, of his people, and for the restraining and subduing all his and their enemies

Revelation 1:6

Saints are kings, who, under Christ, have power to prevail with God in prayer, are heirs of the kingdom of glory, are enabled to govern their own spirits, and to overcome sin, Satan, and the world; and are priests sanctified to God’s service, who have near access to him, and offer up themselves and their good works as spiritual sacrifices of gratitude acceptable to him by Jesus Christ

Revelation 1:9

I am your brother in the faith and in the family of God,—a fellow sufferer for the sake of Christ, his gospel, and cause, and fellow heir of his kingdom of grace and glory: and through his gracious assistance am patiently enduring my sufferings, and quietly waiting for my glorious crown

Revelation 1:10

On the first day of the week, which is divinely appointed to commemorate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus, I was in a spiritual frame, employed in religious meditations and exercises, and the spirit of prophecy came upon me

Revelation 1:12-16

The seven golden candlesticks, represent the Christian churches, particularly those of proconsular Asia, in that light of doctrine, holiness, and comfort, which they receive from Christ, and hold forth to others. The Son of man walking in the midst of them is Jesus the true Messiah, taking pleasure to observe, preserve, govern, and furnish them with every thing needful; His garment down to the foot represents his mediatorial office, and his righteousness as our surety which covers him and all his people: His white hairs denote his divine Majesty and glory, and that he is from everlasting, and perfectly holy. His eyes like a flame of fire denotes his penetrating wisdom and knowledge, and his influence to discover the secrets of all hearts, and to purify and refine, or terribly consume, them, as he pleases: His feet like burning brass, represent the strength, steadiness, purity, and beauty, of all his personal conduct or providential dispensations, to the joy of his saints and terror of his enemies: His voice as the sound of many waters denotes his word and providence, powerful to convert and comfort his people, but dreadful, astonishing, and destructive to the wicked. The stars in his right hand denote gospel ministers, who, by their example and instruction, communicate light to the world, as framed, furnished, supported, directed, and governed, by him: The sharp two edged sword which goeth out of his mouth represents the justice of his government; and his word, law, and gospel, rendered efficacious for cutting sinners to the heart, cutting off corruptions from believers, and for cutting down his implacable enemies: His countenance like the shining sun denotes the manifestations of his infinitely pure and glorious person, character, fulness, and work, for the enlightening, reviving, comforting, and fructifying, of his church in heaven and earth

Revelation 1:18

His having the keys of hell and death denote his power to raise the dead, and to render men happy or miserable in the other world as he pleases

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. I.—Whatever revelation Christ makes from his Father is infinitely worthy of our most serious and humble study and religious regard. And however dark some circumstances of it may appear, an humble inquiry into it will profit our souls; and all of it shall be accomplished in due season. Rich are the blessings of grace which proceed from Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, to all the churches and saints; and glorious and honoured are they who by Jesus’ love are washed from the guilt, dominion, and filth, of their sins in his blood, and make kings and priests to him and his Father. But terrible is the condition, and dreadful the sentence and fate of Jesus’ enemies, his people’s persecutors, and of all earthly-minded men, when he appears in his majesty and glory to the last judgment! With great terror they shall then behold him; and with anguish bewail their neglect of, and rebellion against, him. In this world ministers and saints must expect to be fellow sharers in trouble and persecution for their adherence to Christ; but spiritual fellowship with him, particularly on the Lord’s day, can sufficiently sweeten them, however bitter. If he, the living Redeemer, the author and finisher of all the dispensations of providence and grace, manifest himself as an almighty and all-seeing Lord, walking in his churches to take care of the faithful,—as enlightening and assisting ministers, and as fighting against his and his people’s enemies,—as the risen Saviour, and living and exalted Ruler of the unseen world, it may sufficiently encourage and enable us to bear all with calm submission and sweet composure