seekeroftruth
Well-Known Member
Revelation 1:19 “Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. 20 The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels[e] of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
Revelation 1:20 Or messengers
Enduring Word seemed to be the easiest commentary to understand this morning.
Write the things: This second command to write gives us a structure to understand the Book of Revelation. John is commanded to write regarding the past, present, and future (looking from John’s perspective).
The Book of Revelation is arranged in this three-part structure.
The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches: Jesus kindly interprets His own images. The stars in His hand represent the angels of the seven churches. The lampstands represent the seven churches themselves.
The things which you have seen: This means that Jesus wanted John to write the things he had just seen in his vision of the glorious, heavenly Jesus.
The things which are: This means that Jesus wanted John to write about the things of his present day, the things regarding the seven churches which are in Asia.
The things which will take place after this: This means that Jesus wanted John to write about the things that would happen after the things regarding the seven churches, the things of the last days.
The things which are: This means that Jesus wanted John to write about the things of his present day, the things regarding the seven churches which are in Asia.
The things which will take place after this: This means that Jesus wanted John to write about the things that would happen after the things regarding the seven churches, the things of the last days.
The Book of Revelation is arranged in this three-part structure.
· The things which you have seen: Revelation chapter 1.
· The things which are: Revelation chapters 2 and 3.
· The things which will take place after this: Revelation 4 through 22.
· The things which are: Revelation chapters 2 and 3.
· The things which will take place after this: Revelation 4 through 22.
The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches: Jesus kindly interprets His own images. The stars in His hand represent the angels of the seven churches. The lampstands represent the seven churches themselves.
We note that each church had its own angel, and Jesus held these angels in His hand. Some believe these angels are the pastors of these seven churches. This idea is based on a literal understanding of the ancient Greek word translated angel, aggelos. That word literally means “messenger,” and certainly pastors are “messengers” to churches. Others think the angels might be “guardian angels” over each congregation. Some suggest that the angels are not literal beings at all, but they just represent the prevailing spirit of each church. There are strengths and weaknesses to any of these interpretations, but we do know that in some way, these angels are representatives of each congregation.
Adam Clarke believed the angel of each church was its pastor. “Angel of the Church here answers exactly to that officer of the synagogue among the Jews called… the messenger of the Church, whose business it was to read, pray, and teach in the synagogue.” (Clarke)
It is more important to notice where the angels are: the right hand of Jesus. This is a place of safety and strength. Even the problem churches that will be described in the next chapters are in the right hand of Jesus.
Adam Clarke believed the angel of each church was its pastor. “Angel of the Church here answers exactly to that officer of the synagogue among the Jews called… the messenger of the Church, whose business it was to read, pray, and teach in the synagogue.” (Clarke)
It is more important to notice where the angels are: the right hand of Jesus. This is a place of safety and strength. Even the problem churches that will be described in the next chapters are in the right hand of Jesus.
I don't know what I could possibly add to this long-winded but informative commentary. IMHO... mind you it's only and opinion.... the reason Jesus is shown with the symbols of the church.... is kind of like a gift tag. He's not there to save the world. He already tried that and those stupid humans hung Him on a cross for it. So now... He's coming to save the church... the believers... His brothers and sisters in Christ. Jesus is coming back to save His family from the world. AND Jesus is going to dictate and John is going to transcribe the whole thing... in advance.
