Lesson 6

The Revelation of Jesus Christ

Review:

3. Details of the Vision of the Risen Lord 1:12-16

Sets the stage in 12-13a;

Vs:13b-16 the vision of Christ, the characteristics emphasized

Vs:17-18 the implications of Christ’s work on our behalf

1:12 And I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands;

These lampstands represent the churches.

> The lampstands center on the main function of the Church, to bear the light of God's word. It is that word faithfully communicated that points to and maintains the consistent focus on Christ.

- Phil 2:14-16; how to be lights

- 1 Tim 3:15 notes the foundation

Next John sees [vs:13]; "and in the middle of the lamp stands one like a son of man,..."

> What John is doing here is describing here, the point that he is making is, that this one has "son of man" kind of character.

What John is seeing is the resurrected Lord in His resurrection body.

*** 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 gives us a description of the Son of man, the resurrected Lord

[find 8 characteristics emphasized]

#1 His clothing; [1;13b] clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His breast with a golden girdle.

What is the significance of the long robe?

The golden belt; indicates deity and strength.

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.

- The aspect of the burning, glowing bronze brings into focus once again judgment;

#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