Lesson 7 January 12, 2003
*** Note: Hermeneutic Principle.
John uses much figurative language, many symbols.
Examples:
Why do it this way??
2ndly the "figures" are most often taken from the readers environment.
So the figures, the symbols will be found in the culture of the day, out of what they would be familiar with the OT.
1:13b-16 give us a description of the Son of man, the resurrected Lord
[find 8 characteristics emphasized]
#1 His clothing; [1;13b]
What is the significance of the long robe?
Christ is seen here dressed in the type of robe worn by both a priest and a judge; but the position of the girdle about the breasts rather than the waist indicates that Christ, in this passage, is exercising a judicial rather than a priestly role.
#2 His hair; [1:14a] "His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow;..."
- The whiteness emphasizes two aspects: 1 = purity Isa. 1:18;
- 2 age, maturity Prov. 16:31; 20:29 indicates experience, wisdom, knowledge;
#3 Eyes: [1:14b] "and His eyes were like a flame of fire;"
- the idea of the flaming eyes is an allusion to His piercing judgment and omniscient understanding;
#4 feet: [1:15a] "and His feet [were] like burnished bronze, when it has been caused to glow in a furnace,"
- in Revelation feet often indicate strength/stability and possession.
#5 voice; [1:15b] "and His voice [was] like the sound of many waters."
- Ezk 43:2
- have the idea of profundity, power and strength;
#6 Right hand; [1:16a] "And in His right hand he held seven stars;"
- that He holds something in His right hand indicates that what is held is in a place of honor, possession and authority.
What are the seven stars?
* As the lamp stands, the Churches are the holders of light; the leaders of the churches are to project the light as stars. They are the illuminators of light as they teach the Word.
#7 a sword; [1:16b] "and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword;
- large broad-sword r`omfai,a
- The question is why is the sword in His mouth, not in His hand, the expected place for it?
#8 His face; [1:16c] "and His face was like the sun shining in its strength."
- A brilliant light is always associated with His glory.
- The Churches are lampstands; the pastors are stars; but Christ is the Sun. With out the Sun everything would die.
4. John's reaction, and validation of the one revealed 1:17-18
- I think this command also looks ahead; not only is it Stop fearing what you see but also don't fear what is to come! This is only the beginning.
* What is the key to not being afraid in the midst of awesome circumstances! How can we do that?
"I am the first and the last, and the living One;"
* This statement is a link to the God of Israel, YHWH and is a proof, very strong proof of the deity of Christ; fact that He has the same essence as YHWH.
> "I am the first and the last, (18) and the living One;" o` zw/n( pres ptc lit. the one who lives!
> Notice the next phrase in vs:18, "and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore,"