Revelation 5:1 "And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? 3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. 4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon."
The unopened, unknown book.
5:1-4 - This book is unknown, but some think that it may be the Bible or Book of Revelation. Old King James Bibles use to have seven seals down the spine and some still do. It could be the book of Revelation with seven seals every three chapters and chapter 22 on the back. No man can understand the Bible without the help of God (Luke 24:45).
Revelation 5:5 "And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. 6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. 7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. 8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints."
Jesus Christ, who is worthy opens the book.
5:5 - This verse is talking about Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1, Romans 1:3). Jesus prevailed over the Devil in Luke 4, over the sins of the world at Calvary in Matthew 27 and at Gethsemane by getting back what Adam lost at the garden of Eden.
5:6-8 - Here Jesus is pictured as a literal lamb in heaven (John 1:29). Remember that God can manifest himself into anything. This verse shows us that Jesus Christ will bear the scars of the crucifixion in heaven. All will fall before the Lord Jesus Christ.
Revelation 5:9 "And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. 11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. 14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever."
All in heaven and earth give praise to the Lamb.
5:9 - "They" are the saints in verse 8. Notice they sing about the Blood and nothing else.
5:10 - This verse is a reference to the Second Advent, where the saints will reign with Jesus Christ on the earth.
5:11- One hundred million in number.
5:12 - Remember that the number seven is used over and over in the book of Revelation. Here you see a seven fold doxology.
5:13-14 - Even the animals give praise to God (Psalms 148:7,10). Remember that God used a donkey to speak in Numbers 22:27-30. A cross reference for the last part of the verse 13 would be Luke 19:38-40.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Chapter 4
Revelation 4:1 "After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. 2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne."
Type of the Pretribulation Rapture.
4:1 - A door opens in Revelation two times. This time someone goes up and in Revelation 19, someone comes down. Comparing this verse with 1 Thess. 4:15-18 will show the reader that this is clearly a type of the Pretribulation Rapture. Cross references: Proverbs 25:7 and Revelation 11:12.
4:2 - When John says that he is in the spirit, it is not like being in the Holy Spirit, rather a transformation into another time dimension (Revelation 1:10, 1 Cor. 15:49-52). This time John is brought to the third heaven. There are three heavens in scripture. The first heaven is the sky, second is outer space and third is where God is located (2 Cor. 12:1-4). We know that John is a type of the church because the church and himself are both called the beloved (John 13:23, Ephesians 1:6). Notice that the word "churches" ceases from now on in the book of Revelation. The Bible teaches three Raptures. The Rapture of the Old Testament saints at Christ's resurrection (First Fruits/Matthew 27:50-54, Ephesians 4:8-12). The Pretribulation Rapture of the Church (Harvest/1 Cor. 15:49-53, 1 Thess. 4:13-18). A Rapture at the end of the Tribulation for the Tribulation saints (Gleanings/Matthew 24 and Revelation 11). (1 Cor. 15:22-26)
Revelation 4:3 "And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. 4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. 5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. 6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. 7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. 8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. 9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, 10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."
John is shown a vision of the third heaven.
4:3-4 - The crowns show the Judgment Seat of Christ, while the white raiment shows the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19). The twenty-four elders represent saved people that are washed in the Blood and have rewards. The twenty-four elders may be the twelve Apostles and the twelve heads of the twelve tribes of Israel, but no one knows for sure (Psalms 107:32, 1 Chron. 24:1, 1 Peter 5:1, Exodus 3:18, Hebrews 11:12, Revelation 21:12,14). The third heaven can be found by looking to the North Star (Isaiah 14:13, Psalms 75:6).
4:5 - Cross reference: Isaiah 11:2
4:6 - The sea of glass is transparent. These four beasts are literal beasts in heaven called Cherubim and are also found in Ezekiel 1:6-10 and Ezekiel 10:1-22. These four represent four animal creations; domestic(ox or cow), wild(lion), flying(eagle) and man. In Ezekiel 28:14, there are five Cherubim, so there is one missing now. Satan was the fifth Cherub(not angel) before he fell and represented the reptile class of animals (Revelation 12:9).
4:7 - Each Cherub has a different face.
4:8 - Ezekiel 1:5-18 for more on the Cherubim. All four Cherub have feet like a calf and also have wings. Remember that angels do not have wings, but Cherubs do. The fifth Cherub was an ox with two horns (Ezekiel 1:10, 10:14). When Satan appears now, he *appears* as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:11-14). The Trinity is also pictured in this verse by the three Holy's and Lord(Father), God(Son), Almighty(Holy Spirit).
4:9-10 - Cross references: Revelation 5:8, 14; 7:11; 11:16
4:11 - Notice that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Creator (John 1:1-3, Colossians 1:15-17, Hebrews 1:2). John sees God receive worship in heaven from the twenty-four elders and four beasts.
Type of the Pretribulation Rapture.
4:1 - A door opens in Revelation two times. This time someone goes up and in Revelation 19, someone comes down. Comparing this verse with 1 Thess. 4:15-18 will show the reader that this is clearly a type of the Pretribulation Rapture. Cross references: Proverbs 25:7 and Revelation 11:12.
4:2 - When John says that he is in the spirit, it is not like being in the Holy Spirit, rather a transformation into another time dimension (Revelation 1:10, 1 Cor. 15:49-52). This time John is brought to the third heaven. There are three heavens in scripture. The first heaven is the sky, second is outer space and third is where God is located (2 Cor. 12:1-4). We know that John is a type of the church because the church and himself are both called the beloved (John 13:23, Ephesians 1:6). Notice that the word "churches" ceases from now on in the book of Revelation. The Bible teaches three Raptures. The Rapture of the Old Testament saints at Christ's resurrection (First Fruits/Matthew 27:50-54, Ephesians 4:8-12). The Pretribulation Rapture of the Church (Harvest/1 Cor. 15:49-53, 1 Thess. 4:13-18). A Rapture at the end of the Tribulation for the Tribulation saints (Gleanings/Matthew 24 and Revelation 11). (1 Cor. 15:22-26)
Revelation 4:3 "And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. 4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. 5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. 6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. 7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. 8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. 9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, 10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."
John is shown a vision of the third heaven.
4:3-4 - The crowns show the Judgment Seat of Christ, while the white raiment shows the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19). The twenty-four elders represent saved people that are washed in the Blood and have rewards. The twenty-four elders may be the twelve Apostles and the twelve heads of the twelve tribes of Israel, but no one knows for sure (Psalms 107:32, 1 Chron. 24:1, 1 Peter 5:1, Exodus 3:18, Hebrews 11:12, Revelation 21:12,14). The third heaven can be found by looking to the North Star (Isaiah 14:13, Psalms 75:6).
4:5 - Cross reference: Isaiah 11:2
4:6 - The sea of glass is transparent. These four beasts are literal beasts in heaven called Cherubim and are also found in Ezekiel 1:6-10 and Ezekiel 10:1-22. These four represent four animal creations; domestic(ox or cow), wild(lion), flying(eagle) and man. In Ezekiel 28:14, there are five Cherubim, so there is one missing now. Satan was the fifth Cherub(not angel) before he fell and represented the reptile class of animals (Revelation 12:9).
4:7 - Each Cherub has a different face.
4:8 - Ezekiel 1:5-18 for more on the Cherubim. All four Cherub have feet like a calf and also have wings. Remember that angels do not have wings, but Cherubs do. The fifth Cherub was an ox with two horns (Ezekiel 1:10, 10:14). When Satan appears now, he *appears* as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:11-14). The Trinity is also pictured in this verse by the three Holy's and Lord(Father), God(Son), Almighty(Holy Spirit).
4:9-10 - Cross references: Revelation 5:8, 14; 7:11; 11:16
4:11 - Notice that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Creator (John 1:1-3, Colossians 1:15-17, Hebrews 1:2). John sees God receive worship in heaven from the twenty-four elders and four beasts.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Chapter 3
Revelation 3:1 "And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. 4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
The Lord's message to the church in Sardis.
3:1 - This church period starts from 1,000 to 1,500 A.D. in the middle of the Dark Ages. This church is a spiritually dead church (Ephesians 5:14).
3:2-3 - These verses are doctrinally to the Tribulation (Revelation 16:15, Matthew 24-25), but can have spiritual application to the Church Age.
3:4 - White here symbolizes righteousness earned by works (Psalms 45, Revelation 3:18, 16:15). The robes here stand for good works(Revelation 19) by the Christian, who will be rewarded at the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:1-10). These robes are different than the robes in Revelation 6 that are washed in the Blood of the Lamb.
3:5-6 - This is doctrinally to the Tribulation because the Christian has already overcame with Jesus Christ (1 John 4:4, 5:4). That being the case, for the Christian it is a promise that he will not be blotted out of the book of life. Two cross references for the book is Psalms 109:13 and Exodus 32:33.
Revelation 3:7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; 8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. 10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. 13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
The Lord's message to the church at Philadelphia.
3:7 - This period is from 1500-1900 A.D. Philadelphia means brotherly love. This is the best church concerning history. This church is the only church that is not told to repent.
3:8 - This church has an open door, but the next church, which is the Laodicean church will have a closed door (Revelation 3:20). This is the only church that is said to of kept God's word. This is when the King James Bible of 1611 is published and also when the Reformation took place.
3:9 - Just like in Smyrna there are also people in this period who claim to be Jews. These people are usually Postmillennial in doctrine like the Catholic church.
3:10 - James 5:11 and Mark 14:38 are cross reference for this verse.
3:11 - Rewards and crowns can be lost by having fellowship, helping or cooperating with people in false doctrine or the lost, such as the Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses (2 John 1:8).
3:12-13 - New Jerusalem is the home for the Church/Bride in Eternity (Revelation 21:2).
Revelation of John 3:14 "And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
The Lord's message to the church at Laodicea.
3:14 - Laodicea is that church period before the Rapture and means civil rights of the people, which matches perfectly for today. The period last from 1900 to the Rapture of the Church. In the verse creation is the object, not Jesus Christ because He is the beginning of everything God does.
3:15 - The Laodicean period professes to orthodox, but is also apostate and worldly.
3:16-17 - This church brags about its earthly riches, but is spiritually poor and not concerned about death. Historically, this church started off good according to Paul (Colossians 4:13).
3:18 - Cross references: Psalms 12:6, 1 Peter 1:7, Eccl. 9:8, Revelation 16:5, John 9:8 and 2 Cor. 5:3.
3:19-20 - This is the only church spoken of as a literal building. In this period, the door is just on Christ and it is the person's choice to open the door to have fellowship with God.
3:21-22 - The message to the seven churches is over. Remember that historically, these churches are seven churches in Asia Minor in John's time. Spiritually, these churches refer to history from the book of Acts to the Rapture. Doctrinally, these churches will be churches in the Tribulation.
The Lord's message to the church in Sardis.
3:1 - This church period starts from 1,000 to 1,500 A.D. in the middle of the Dark Ages. This church is a spiritually dead church (Ephesians 5:14).
3:2-3 - These verses are doctrinally to the Tribulation (Revelation 16:15, Matthew 24-25), but can have spiritual application to the Church Age.
3:4 - White here symbolizes righteousness earned by works (Psalms 45, Revelation 3:18, 16:15). The robes here stand for good works(Revelation 19) by the Christian, who will be rewarded at the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:1-10). These robes are different than the robes in Revelation 6 that are washed in the Blood of the Lamb.
3:5-6 - This is doctrinally to the Tribulation because the Christian has already overcame with Jesus Christ (1 John 4:4, 5:4). That being the case, for the Christian it is a promise that he will not be blotted out of the book of life. Two cross references for the book is Psalms 109:13 and Exodus 32:33.
Revelation 3:7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; 8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. 10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. 13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
The Lord's message to the church at Philadelphia.
3:7 - This period is from 1500-1900 A.D. Philadelphia means brotherly love. This is the best church concerning history. This church is the only church that is not told to repent.
3:8 - This church has an open door, but the next church, which is the Laodicean church will have a closed door (Revelation 3:20). This is the only church that is said to of kept God's word. This is when the King James Bible of 1611 is published and also when the Reformation took place.
3:9 - Just like in Smyrna there are also people in this period who claim to be Jews. These people are usually Postmillennial in doctrine like the Catholic church.
3:10 - James 5:11 and Mark 14:38 are cross reference for this verse.
3:11 - Rewards and crowns can be lost by having fellowship, helping or cooperating with people in false doctrine or the lost, such as the Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses (2 John 1:8).
3:12-13 - New Jerusalem is the home for the Church/Bride in Eternity (Revelation 21:2).
Revelation of John 3:14 "And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
The Lord's message to the church at Laodicea.
3:14 - Laodicea is that church period before the Rapture and means civil rights of the people, which matches perfectly for today. The period last from 1900 to the Rapture of the Church. In the verse creation is the object, not Jesus Christ because He is the beginning of everything God does.
3:15 - The Laodicean period professes to orthodox, but is also apostate and worldly.
3:16-17 - This church brags about its earthly riches, but is spiritually poor and not concerned about death. Historically, this church started off good according to Paul (Colossians 4:13).
3:18 - Cross references: Psalms 12:6, 1 Peter 1:7, Eccl. 9:8, Revelation 16:5, John 9:8 and 2 Cor. 5:3.
3:19-20 - This is the only church spoken of as a literal building. In this period, the door is just on Christ and it is the person's choice to open the door to have fellowship with God.
3:21-22 - The message to the seven churches is over. Remember that historically, these churches are seven churches in Asia Minor in John's time. Spiritually, these churches refer to history from the book of Acts to the Rapture. Doctrinally, these churches will be churches in the Tribulation.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Chapter 2
Revelation 2:1 "Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. 6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God."
The Lord's message to the church at Ephesus.
2:1 - The message is to the angel of the church of Ephesus. Things on earth have a representative in heaven(Daniel 8-11). So God is talking to an angel in heaven that represents this church. Remember that this church spiritually represents the Apostolic Church period during 33-300 A.D. It is called the Apostolic church period because it starts with the Apostles. Ephesus means fully purposed.
2:2 - The early Apostolic church period could tell who were Apostles and who were not (Mark 16:17-18, 2 Cor. 12:12). They are intolerant against the people who lied and professed to be something that they were not. They tried things with the scriptures.
2:3 - The church had patience in tribulation and also the right motive, which is to do everything for Christ.
2:4 - This church was sound on it's doctrine, but was ritualistic, which is why it was said to leave it's first love. This also applies to Christians that get ritualistic with Christ instead of the way they were when they first got saved, and marriages are the same way. Cross reference: Jeremiah 2:2.
2:5 - God warns the church that he will remove it(candlestick) if it does not repent of it's faults. "From whence thou art fallen" has nothing to do with a Christian, nor falling from grace.
2:6 - Nicolaitians is a Greek transliteration that means conquer the common people. Pastors rule spiritually, but no one is to conquer another class of Christians. Keep in mind that God hates things (Psalms 5:5).
2:7 - As Christians we do not have to overcome because we already have through Jesus Christ (1 John 4:4, 1 John 5:4, Romans 8:37). Doctrinally, this verse applies to someone in the Tribulation or Millennium because the tree of life is connected with works. Christians do not partake of the tree of life, rather nations (Revelation 22:2). Christians do not need to eat of the tree of life because we already have eternal life through Jesus Christ. The word paradise in this verse is the same thing as heaven.
Revelation 2:8 "And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; 9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. 10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death."
The Lord's message to the church of Smyrna.
2:8 - Smyrna means myrrh, which is connected with death. This church is said to be the Persecuted/Martyred church period during 200-325 A.D. This is the period where Rome killed thousands of Christians.
2:9 - Some of the church leaders in this group claimed to have Jewish Apostolic signs, but were liars. The closest thing that we have to this today is the Amillennialists and Postmillennialists that take away the promises of the Jews regarding end time prophecy. These two groups falsely believe that the Church has replaced Israel and the Christian has replaced the Jew. Contrast this verse with Revelation 3:17 concerning being rich and poor. One can be rich, but spiritually poor and one can be poor on the earth, but rich in heaven.
2:10 - The Crown of Life is a reward given to those who are faithful unto death, but it has nothing to do with salvation. As Christians we are kept by God and eternally secure (1 Cor. 1:7-9). Cross reference the first half of the verse with Matthew 10:28.
2:11 - The Lake of Fire is the Second Death. Remember that Christians do not have to worry about this because they are eternally secure and have already overcome through Jesus Christ.
Revelation 2:12 "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; 13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. 14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it."
The Lord's message to the church at Pergamos.
2:12 - Pergamos is the church period during 325-550 A.D. that is called the Imperial Church. This period in time has the rise of the Catholic church and Dark Ages. Pergamos mean much marriage and this church is said to join itself with the world. The sword in the last part of the verse is defined as the word of God in Ephesians 6:17 and Hebrews 4:12.
2:13 - This church is said to dwell where the Devil dwells. The Catholics murder tons of Christians in this period. The name Antipas means "Against All". This man was probably like Martin Luther, who was against all during his time. Tradition says that Antipas was put in a hollow golden calf and burnt alive because he would not deny his faith.
2:14 - The doctrine of Balaam is found in Numbers 22-25. Fornication is part of the worship of these people. Cross references about Balaam are 2 Peter 2:15 and Jude 1:11.
2:15 - Cross reference: Revelation 2:6.
2:16-17 - Spiritually, a Christian can say that Jesus is the stone and we are in Him. We have a white stone, instead of a black stone because we are forgiven by the Blood and we have a new name in Christ.
Revelation 2:18 "And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; 19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. 20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. 21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. 24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. 25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. 26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star. 29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
The Lord's message to the church at Thyatira.
2:18 - Thyatira means odor of affliction. This church period is called the Medieval church and is from 500-1000 A.D. The Body of Christ is persecuted by the Catholic church like never before during this period. The cross reference for the last part of the verse is Revelation 1:14-15.
2:19 - This church has left its first love and works.
2:20 - The church left their first love and works because of Jezebel. She is figurative and a reference to the Jezebel in 1 and 2 Kings. She is connected with the queen of heaven, Catholics, idol worship and the worship of Baal. Fornication as a form of worship (1 Samuel 2:22, 1 Kings 15:12, Isaiah 57:3-8).
2:21 - Cross reference: Jeremiah 51:9
2:22 - The ones who hang around her are commanded to repent. (Revelation 18:1-8)
2:23 - If applied to the Church Age, this verse can refer to Europe's Black Death.
2:24 - Catholics are a type of Baal worshippers. Ignorance is not innocence for those who do not study the Book.
2:25-29 - Shivers means splinters. A reference to the rod of iron in found in Revelation 12:3-6. The morning star is Jesus Christ (Revelation 22:16).
The Lord's message to the church at Ephesus.
2:1 - The message is to the angel of the church of Ephesus. Things on earth have a representative in heaven(Daniel 8-11). So God is talking to an angel in heaven that represents this church. Remember that this church spiritually represents the Apostolic Church period during 33-300 A.D. It is called the Apostolic church period because it starts with the Apostles. Ephesus means fully purposed.
2:2 - The early Apostolic church period could tell who were Apostles and who were not (Mark 16:17-18, 2 Cor. 12:12). They are intolerant against the people who lied and professed to be something that they were not. They tried things with the scriptures.
2:3 - The church had patience in tribulation and also the right motive, which is to do everything for Christ.
2:4 - This church was sound on it's doctrine, but was ritualistic, which is why it was said to leave it's first love. This also applies to Christians that get ritualistic with Christ instead of the way they were when they first got saved, and marriages are the same way. Cross reference: Jeremiah 2:2.
2:5 - God warns the church that he will remove it(candlestick) if it does not repent of it's faults. "From whence thou art fallen" has nothing to do with a Christian, nor falling from grace.
2:6 - Nicolaitians is a Greek transliteration that means conquer the common people. Pastors rule spiritually, but no one is to conquer another class of Christians. Keep in mind that God hates things (Psalms 5:5).
2:7 - As Christians we do not have to overcome because we already have through Jesus Christ (1 John 4:4, 1 John 5:4, Romans 8:37). Doctrinally, this verse applies to someone in the Tribulation or Millennium because the tree of life is connected with works. Christians do not partake of the tree of life, rather nations (Revelation 22:2). Christians do not need to eat of the tree of life because we already have eternal life through Jesus Christ. The word paradise in this verse is the same thing as heaven.
Revelation 2:8 "And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; 9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. 10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death."
The Lord's message to the church of Smyrna.
2:8 - Smyrna means myrrh, which is connected with death. This church is said to be the Persecuted/Martyred church period during 200-325 A.D. This is the period where Rome killed thousands of Christians.
2:9 - Some of the church leaders in this group claimed to have Jewish Apostolic signs, but were liars. The closest thing that we have to this today is the Amillennialists and Postmillennialists that take away the promises of the Jews regarding end time prophecy. These two groups falsely believe that the Church has replaced Israel and the Christian has replaced the Jew. Contrast this verse with Revelation 3:17 concerning being rich and poor. One can be rich, but spiritually poor and one can be poor on the earth, but rich in heaven.
2:10 - The Crown of Life is a reward given to those who are faithful unto death, but it has nothing to do with salvation. As Christians we are kept by God and eternally secure (1 Cor. 1:7-9). Cross reference the first half of the verse with Matthew 10:28.
2:11 - The Lake of Fire is the Second Death. Remember that Christians do not have to worry about this because they are eternally secure and have already overcome through Jesus Christ.
Revelation 2:12 "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; 13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. 14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it."
The Lord's message to the church at Pergamos.
2:12 - Pergamos is the church period during 325-550 A.D. that is called the Imperial Church. This period in time has the rise of the Catholic church and Dark Ages. Pergamos mean much marriage and this church is said to join itself with the world. The sword in the last part of the verse is defined as the word of God in Ephesians 6:17 and Hebrews 4:12.
2:13 - This church is said to dwell where the Devil dwells. The Catholics murder tons of Christians in this period. The name Antipas means "Against All". This man was probably like Martin Luther, who was against all during his time. Tradition says that Antipas was put in a hollow golden calf and burnt alive because he would not deny his faith.
2:14 - The doctrine of Balaam is found in Numbers 22-25. Fornication is part of the worship of these people. Cross references about Balaam are 2 Peter 2:15 and Jude 1:11.
2:15 - Cross reference: Revelation 2:6.
2:16-17 - Spiritually, a Christian can say that Jesus is the stone and we are in Him. We have a white stone, instead of a black stone because we are forgiven by the Blood and we have a new name in Christ.
Revelation 2:18 "And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; 19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. 20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. 21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. 24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. 25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. 26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star. 29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
The Lord's message to the church at Thyatira.
2:18 - Thyatira means odor of affliction. This church period is called the Medieval church and is from 500-1000 A.D. The Body of Christ is persecuted by the Catholic church like never before during this period. The cross reference for the last part of the verse is Revelation 1:14-15.
2:19 - This church has left its first love and works.
2:20 - The church left their first love and works because of Jezebel. She is figurative and a reference to the Jezebel in 1 and 2 Kings. She is connected with the queen of heaven, Catholics, idol worship and the worship of Baal. Fornication as a form of worship (1 Samuel 2:22, 1 Kings 15:12, Isaiah 57:3-8).
2:21 - Cross reference: Jeremiah 51:9
2:22 - The ones who hang around her are commanded to repent. (Revelation 18:1-8)
2:23 - If applied to the Church Age, this verse can refer to Europe's Black Death.
2:24 - Catholics are a type of Baal worshippers. Ignorance is not innocence for those who do not study the Book.
2:25-29 - Shivers means splinters. A reference to the rod of iron in found in Revelation 12:3-6. The morning star is Jesus Christ (Revelation 22:16).
Friday, April 8, 2011
Chapter 1
Revelation 1:1 "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand."
These three verses reveal that there are special blessing for those who read and believe the things contained in the book of Revelation.
1:1 - Shows that this is the Revelation of John about Jesus Christ and is given to John of God's angel. Notice that John, James, Peter and Jude, all refer to themselves as servants of Jesus Christ.
1:2 - According to Revelation 19:10, the testimony of Jesus Christ is the spirit of prophecy, which is the ability to tell the future. We have this ability because 1 John 5:13 lets us know that we can know we have eternal life. 1 John 1:1 is a cross reference to the last part of the verse.
1:3 - We will know when the time is at hand by studying this book. An example, here, is that we know we are in the Laodicean church period, today (Revelation 3:14-17). We also know that the Philadelphia church period (1500-1900) kept his words with the AV1611. Cross references to this verse include Revelation 22:7, 9, 10 and 19.
Revelation 1:4 "John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; 5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen."
In this passage John the Apostle sees the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ.
1:4 - Notice the number seven appears in the Book of Revelation numerous times. This is because it is the last book of the Bible and the number seven usually means completion. Asia mentioned in this verse is referring to Asia Minor, not Asia Major. The seven Spirits are found in Isaiah 11:2.
1:5 - Jesus was a prophet, who died for us, in the past, a priest located in Heaven, in the present, and will be a King on the earth, in the future. The Kingdom in this book is a literal one on this earth where Jesus reigns one thousand years on the throne of David (Matthew 25:30-40). Jesus is the first begotten of the dead, because He is the first to come up from the dead and never die again. Notice that our sins are not washed away by water, but by the Blood of Jesus Christ (1 John 1:7, Colossians 1:14).
1:6 - As Christians we are priests now (1 Peter 2:5-9) and we will be kings, in the future, with Him, in the Millennium, on the earth (Revelation 5:9-10).
1:7 - This verse is about the Second Advent of Jesus Christ. We know that this is not the Rapture because not every eye will see Him, at the Rapture. 1 Corinthians 15:50-53 says that the Rapture is a mystery and happens in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. The cross references, to this verse, are Zechariah 9:1, 12:10 and Matthew 24:30.
Revelation 1:8 "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty."
From this point, John starts writing about the Church Age, Tribulation and Millennium.
1:8 - This verse is spoken by Jesus Christ. Alpha and Omega is the first and last letter in the Greek alphabet. God is eternal and is our final authority. “[W]hich is”, Jesus is as priest now; “which was”, Jesus was prophet in the past; “which is to come”, He will be a King in the future.
Revelation 1:9 "I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. 12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength."
John writes, here, about the Second Advent.
1:9 - This could either apply to the Tribulation or historically, the Church Age with John being exiled to Patmos, because of his witness.
1:10 - John saying that he was in the Spirit refers to a transformation in time—moving him forward to the Second Advent, which is the Lord's day according to Old Testament prophecy (Isaiah 2:12, Jeremiah 46:10, etc).
1:11 - Historically, there were seven local churches in Asia Minor by these names, but they also represent church periods from then to the Rapture. Each church name means something. Ephesus (33-300 A.D./Apostolic Church) = fully purposed, Smyrna (200-325 A.D./Martyred Church) = myrrh, Pergamos (325-550 A.D./Imperial Church) = much marriage, Thyatira(500-1000 A.D./Medieval Church) = odor of affliction, Sardis(1000-1500 A.D./Persecuting Church) = red ones, Philadephia (1500-1900/Reformation Church) = brotherly love, Laodicea (1900-Rapture/Apostate Church) = civil rights. Laodicea, (the church period we are in, now), is the last church age before the Rapture.
1:12 - The seven candlesticks are the seven churches, according to Revelation 1:20.
1:13 - The Son of man is Jesus Christ. “Paps” mean breast or chest. The cross reference of this verse is found in Daniel 10:5-6.
1:14 - The appearance of Jesus on earth and in Heaven is something to note. On earth, Jesus is a Jew with eyes like a dove, his skin a yellowish brown color and bushy black hair (Song of Solomon 5:10-15). In heaven, He is in his glorified appearance. His hair is white and his eyes are like fire.
1:15 - His voice often sounds like a waterfall or thunder (Ezekiel 43:2) .
1:16 - The seven stars are angels of the seven churches according to Revelation 1:20. Stars are sometimes angels in the Bible (Revelation 12:4). The two-edged sword is the word of God (Hebrews 4:12, Ephesians 6:17). The word countenance means appearance. Jesus is called the Sun of righteousness in Malachi 4:2. The sun is a type of Jesus Christ, because it has three rays: Alpha (heat/feel, but cannot see), Beta (light/see, but cannot feel) and Gamma (actinic/cannot see or feel) rays. God, who is the light of the world, is a Trinity consisting of the Father (cannot see or feel), Son (see, but cannot feel) and Holy Spirit (feel, but cannot see). This explains Romans 1:20 and Psalms 19:2-4. When the sun dies, it turns blood red and is buried below the horizon. When it comes back up in the morning, it comes back up as blood red. This is a picture of the First and Second Coming of Jesus Christ (Isaiah 63:1-7).
Revelation 1:17 "And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. 19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; 20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches."
The last verses of chapter one shows us the basic outline of the whole book of Revelation.
1:17 - John falls down at Jesus' feet. Cross references: Luke 5:10, 8:50, etc.
1:18 – Today, Jesus is a Priest, who died, yesterday, as a Prophet and Saviour, and will be a King to live and reign on earth for one thousand years. Not only does Jesus possess the keys of death and hell, but He himself is the door (John 10:9).
1:19 – John, in time, is recording events that deal with the Second Advent. The things “seen” are the historical events before the Tribulation (Revelation 5-19), like the Church Age (Revelation 2-4). The things that “are” is the Tribulation (Revelation 5-19) because in the Old Testament the judgments in the Tribulation is part of the Second Advent (Jeremiah 30:7). The “hereafter” is the Millennium and Eternity (Revelation 20-22).
1:20 - Each of the churches has an angel (star) and candlestick, in heaven, representing them. The seven churches will also be local churches in the Tribulation. Remember, that the churches also spiritually represent church periods starting from the Apostles to the Rapture. Historically, the churches were churches in Asia Minor, during John's time.
These three verses reveal that there are special blessing for those who read and believe the things contained in the book of Revelation.
1:1 - Shows that this is the Revelation of John about Jesus Christ and is given to John of God's angel. Notice that John, James, Peter and Jude, all refer to themselves as servants of Jesus Christ.
1:2 - According to Revelation 19:10, the testimony of Jesus Christ is the spirit of prophecy, which is the ability to tell the future. We have this ability because 1 John 5:13 lets us know that we can know we have eternal life. 1 John 1:1 is a cross reference to the last part of the verse.
1:3 - We will know when the time is at hand by studying this book. An example, here, is that we know we are in the Laodicean church period, today (Revelation 3:14-17). We also know that the Philadelphia church period (1500-1900) kept his words with the AV1611. Cross references to this verse include Revelation 22:7, 9, 10 and 19.
Revelation 1:4 "John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; 5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen."
In this passage John the Apostle sees the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ.
1:4 - Notice the number seven appears in the Book of Revelation numerous times. This is because it is the last book of the Bible and the number seven usually means completion. Asia mentioned in this verse is referring to Asia Minor, not Asia Major. The seven Spirits are found in Isaiah 11:2.
1:5 - Jesus was a prophet, who died for us, in the past, a priest located in Heaven, in the present, and will be a King on the earth, in the future. The Kingdom in this book is a literal one on this earth where Jesus reigns one thousand years on the throne of David (Matthew 25:30-40). Jesus is the first begotten of the dead, because He is the first to come up from the dead and never die again. Notice that our sins are not washed away by water, but by the Blood of Jesus Christ (1 John 1:7, Colossians 1:14).
1:6 - As Christians we are priests now (1 Peter 2:5-9) and we will be kings, in the future, with Him, in the Millennium, on the earth (Revelation 5:9-10).
1:7 - This verse is about the Second Advent of Jesus Christ. We know that this is not the Rapture because not every eye will see Him, at the Rapture. 1 Corinthians 15:50-53 says that the Rapture is a mystery and happens in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. The cross references, to this verse, are Zechariah 9:1, 12:10 and Matthew 24:30.
Revelation 1:8 "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty."
From this point, John starts writing about the Church Age, Tribulation and Millennium.
1:8 - This verse is spoken by Jesus Christ. Alpha and Omega is the first and last letter in the Greek alphabet. God is eternal and is our final authority. “[W]hich is”, Jesus is as priest now; “which was”, Jesus was prophet in the past; “which is to come”, He will be a King in the future.
Revelation 1:9 "I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. 12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength."
John writes, here, about the Second Advent.
1:9 - This could either apply to the Tribulation or historically, the Church Age with John being exiled to Patmos, because of his witness.
1:10 - John saying that he was in the Spirit refers to a transformation in time—moving him forward to the Second Advent, which is the Lord's day according to Old Testament prophecy (Isaiah 2:12, Jeremiah 46:10, etc).
1:11 - Historically, there were seven local churches in Asia Minor by these names, but they also represent church periods from then to the Rapture. Each church name means something. Ephesus (33-300 A.D./Apostolic Church) = fully purposed, Smyrna (200-325 A.D./Martyred Church) = myrrh, Pergamos (325-550 A.D./Imperial Church) = much marriage, Thyatira(500-1000 A.D./Medieval Church) = odor of affliction, Sardis(1000-1500 A.D./Persecuting Church) = red ones, Philadephia (1500-1900/Reformation Church) = brotherly love, Laodicea (1900-Rapture/Apostate Church) = civil rights. Laodicea, (the church period we are in, now), is the last church age before the Rapture.
1:12 - The seven candlesticks are the seven churches, according to Revelation 1:20.
1:13 - The Son of man is Jesus Christ. “Paps” mean breast or chest. The cross reference of this verse is found in Daniel 10:5-6.
1:14 - The appearance of Jesus on earth and in Heaven is something to note. On earth, Jesus is a Jew with eyes like a dove, his skin a yellowish brown color and bushy black hair (Song of Solomon 5:10-15). In heaven, He is in his glorified appearance. His hair is white and his eyes are like fire.
1:15 - His voice often sounds like a waterfall or thunder (Ezekiel 43:2) .
1:16 - The seven stars are angels of the seven churches according to Revelation 1:20. Stars are sometimes angels in the Bible (Revelation 12:4). The two-edged sword is the word of God (Hebrews 4:12, Ephesians 6:17). The word countenance means appearance. Jesus is called the Sun of righteousness in Malachi 4:2. The sun is a type of Jesus Christ, because it has three rays: Alpha (heat/feel, but cannot see), Beta (light/see, but cannot feel) and Gamma (actinic/cannot see or feel) rays. God, who is the light of the world, is a Trinity consisting of the Father (cannot see or feel), Son (see, but cannot feel) and Holy Spirit (feel, but cannot see). This explains Romans 1:20 and Psalms 19:2-4. When the sun dies, it turns blood red and is buried below the horizon. When it comes back up in the morning, it comes back up as blood red. This is a picture of the First and Second Coming of Jesus Christ (Isaiah 63:1-7).
Revelation 1:17 "And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. 19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; 20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches."
The last verses of chapter one shows us the basic outline of the whole book of Revelation.
1:17 - John falls down at Jesus' feet. Cross references: Luke 5:10, 8:50, etc.
1:18 – Today, Jesus is a Priest, who died, yesterday, as a Prophet and Saviour, and will be a King to live and reign on earth for one thousand years. Not only does Jesus possess the keys of death and hell, but He himself is the door (John 10:9).
1:19 – John, in time, is recording events that deal with the Second Advent. The things “seen” are the historical events before the Tribulation (Revelation 5-19), like the Church Age (Revelation 2-4). The things that “are” is the Tribulation (Revelation 5-19) because in the Old Testament the judgments in the Tribulation is part of the Second Advent (Jeremiah 30:7). The “hereafter” is the Millennium and Eternity (Revelation 20-22).
1:20 - Each of the churches has an angel (star) and candlestick, in heaven, representing them. The seven churches will also be local churches in the Tribulation. Remember, that the churches also spiritually represent church periods starting from the Apostles to the Rapture. Historically, the churches were churches in Asia Minor, during John's time.
Preface
Revelation is the last book of the Bible written by John the Apostle. It is written around 91-96 A.D., during the reign of the Roman Emperor, Domitian. There are 22 chapters, 404 verses and 11,995 words. It is divided into three parts; 1-3, Church Age; 4-19, Tribulation; 20-22, Millennium. To properly understand the Scripture, the correct view is the Pre-tribulation, Pre-Millennial, Futurist view.
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