Chapter 1 (Part 4)

Verses 17-20

Before the heavenly and holy majesty of Christ, all previous familiarity and earthly intimacy John had with his Master faded away as he fell face down like a dead man. It reminded us of another man who had the same experience in Daniel 10:5-10. Mortals can boast and brag all they want, but once we come before this burning, holy Presence of Immortality who dwells in inapproachable light (1 Timothy 6:16), nothing in us will be left standing. Absolutely nothing.

John was revived and told to write what he had seen, what is and will be hereafter. He was then given the first interpretation of the seven golden candlesticks and the seven stars, which represented the seven churches and the seven angels of the churches. Gold represents purity of the spirit and preciousness of the faith.

Why are the seven churches portrayed as candlesticks? The Church is to be the light and salt, holding forth the Word of Life to a dark and decaying world. This brings to mind the role of the High Priest in Old Testament time who carefully tended the lampstands in the Holy Place. It was his responsibility to keep the lights trimmed and burning brightly. This is precisely what Christ our Great High Priest is doing as He walks among the candlesticks—trimming (disciplining) and refilling (empowering) the churches to keep them burning brightly.

As for the seven stars in Jesus' right hand, these are the seven angels, translated from the Greek word angelos, presiding over the churches. Some scholars believe they were human agents at the time of writing since there are instances in the Bible where the word is rendered 'messengers', such as was the case of John the baptist, which Jesus said:

This is he of whom it is written, Behold I send my messenger (angelos) before your face, who will prepare your way before you. (Luke 7:27)

Others, however, regarded these entities as guardian angels on the premise that 'stars' in the Old Testament are equated with heavenly beings—

When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? (Job 38:7)

In consistency with the vocabulary of Revelation, there is also mention made of Lucifer inciting one-third of the angels to join his rebellion:

And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth. (Revelation 12:4)

Whether it's actual or allegorical, one thing is certain—Jesus holds the life force (vitality) of the Church in His hand, once again reminding us that He is not just her Savior but Lord (Greek kurios). Outside of Him, the Church simply cannot exist—not even for a moment.

I am the vine, you are the branches: He who abides in me and I in him, shall bring forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)

Chapter 1 (Part 3)

Verse 9

John, who identified himself as our brother and companion in tribulation, was a living martyr exiled on the island of Patmos for his faith and witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Notice the mention of 'kingdom' and 'patience' together, signifying not a passive waiting but an active longing for God's kingdom to replace that of fallen, rebellious human government and rule. This 'patience' speaks of endurance in adverse circumstances when the easy way out is to quit or give up.

Verse 10-16

John related his encounter with the glorified Jesus who speaks with great authority and power, telling him to write down what he was about to see into a book, and to send it to the seven churches He mentioned by name. The vivid description of the resurrected Lord is unlike the Son of Man veiled in human flesh which John was familiar and accustomed to. Indeed, Paul himself also was given a preview on his road to Damascus and later in a vision when he was translated to the third heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2-4), where he saw and heard things which he was not allowed to divulge. As a result, he insisted:

Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ in this manner, we no longer do so. (2 Corinthians 5:16)

In John's vision, Jesus Christ was seen walking among the seven golden candlesticks and holding seven stars in His right hand, indicating that He is the Head of the Church, holding its life force in His hand. If we truly believe that we belong to Christ, then our lives should reflect the awe and admission of His right to rule, not just when we feel like it, but in deep awareness every moment and in every breath we take.

The two-edged sword is a representation of the power of God's Word, the very Christ Himself, the Logos of God, with searching eyes like a flame of fire and feet like fine brass of the furnace, to test every thought and word of men:

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing right to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

The countenance of Christ in full brilliance is reminiscent of John's memory on the Mount of Transfiguration where Jesus revealed His glory before His three closest disciples. Yet within that overwhelming brightness and glory the grace of God flows out to touch any repentant heart that surrenders in contrition of spirit over their sins.