The Revelation
I. Introduction
Revelation 1:1-3
1. The Subject of This Book
(1) It is a revelation
v. 1 “Apokalupsis” - transliterated “Apocalypse”
means something revealed, disclosed, manifested, shown
The verb means to uncover.
The noun means an appearing.
I Corinthians 1:7 I Thessalonians. 1:6-10 I Peter 1:7
Daniel 12:4 Revelation 22:10
(2) It is a revelation of Jesus Christ
v. 1 Not of John but of Jesus
“Jesus” “Savior” “Christ” “King”
Not by Jesus but of Him
What it reveals:
a. The Sons exaltation
b. His ministry in the Church
c. His position in the throne
d. His choice of a Bride
e. His rapture of the Church
f. His coming in power and glory
g. His raising the dead
h. His judgment of the nations
i. His reign and rule on the earth
j. His judgment on Satan
(3) It is a gift of God
v. 1 “Which God gave unto Him”
All the honors of His triumphs in covenant has been given to Him.
(4) It is a prophecy
“To show unto His servants things which must come to pass shortly.”
This is a key to this book.
v. 3 “The words of this prophecy”
Ch. 4:1 “I will show thee things which must (come) be hereafter.”
(5) It is symbolic
“He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant.”
“Signified” “Semaino” to give a sign
Expressed or revealed by signs.
“His angel” Revelation 22:8-9
2. The Scribe of This Book
v. 1 “Unto His servant John”
(1) The Apostle John
Some believe another John
(2) He bare record - v. 2
John 1:1-14
(3) He gave witness
I John 1:1-3 John 20:31
(4) Others testify of Him
Justin Martyr, Iranaeus, Origin, Jerome, Augustine
3. The Value of This Book
(1) It is rewarding
“Blessed” - happy, spiritually prosperous, one to be envied
a. “He that readeth”
b. “They that hear the words”
c. “And keep those things which are written”
(2) It is enlightening
Revelation 22:10 “Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this
book: for the time is at hand.”
II. The Salutation
Revelation 1:4-9
1. The Sources of This Salutation
(1) John - v. 4
He is the writer - the Scribe
(2) The Father
“Which is, which was, and which is to come.”
(3) The Spirit
“From the seven Spirits which are before His throne;”
“Hepta” - signifying to be full - “Pneuma” “Spirit” “Seven-fold spirit”
In the fullness of His office and powers.
(4) The Son
“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.”
2. The Subjects of This Salutation
(1) The Churches
“To the Seven Churches in Asia”
v. 4 not church but “churches”
(2) Their location - v. 4
In Asia
(3) Their need -v. 7
An address to each Church.
“Ephesus” “Smyrna” “Pergamos” - etc.
3. The Substance of This Salutation
(1) Grace - v 4
God’s riches at Christ’s expense
(2) Peace - v. 4
Peace from God - brings peace with God
Peace with God - brings peace with man
(3) Consolation - v. 7
“Behold He cometh”
(4) Confirmation - v. 8
He will keep His word with you.
4. The Circumstances of This Salutation
v. 9
(1) A common brotherhood
“Am your brother”
(2) A common suffering
“And companion in tribulation”
(3) A common royalty
“And in the kingdom”
(4) A common promise
“And patience of Jesus Christ”
(5) A common place
“A place of exile”
Patmos - barren rocks - lies out in the open sea.
Book written here.
III. The Vision
Revelation 1:10-20
1. Received in the Spirit
v. 10 “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day”
Only understood in the Spirit
2. Commanded To Record It
v. 11 “What thou seest, write in a book”
3. Commanded To Share It
v. 11 “And send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia”
4. Announced By A Voice
v. 10 “Heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet.
(1) God revealed Himself to Moses, on Mt. Sinai
“voice of a trumpet exceeding loud.”
(2) The Temple opened its doors in the morning at the sound of the trumpet.
(3) The Year of Jubilee came with the sound of the trumpet.
Leviticus 25:9,10
(4) The Silence of the Age will be broken by the sound of a trumpet.
“The trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised.”
I Thessalonians 4:16
5. The First Scene of the Vision - The Church
v. 12 “I saw seven golden candlesticks”
v. 20 “And the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven
churches.”
(1) The lamp stands - “Candlesticks”
To give light
(2) “Golden”
Composed of the costliest metal
(3) “Seven”
The number of completeness.
The whole of the Church Age.
6. The Second Scene of the Vision
vv. 13-16 The Christ
(1) The Great High Priest - Priest
Hebrews 7:26 8:1
v. 13 “In the midst”
(2) The True Prophet - Prophet
Acts 7:32
v. 14f “His head and hair white like wool, as white as snow:
and His eyes were as a flame of fire...”
“His voice as the sound of many waters.”
(3) The Only Potentate - King - Lord
I Timothy 6:15 Revelation 19:16
v. 15 “His feet like unto fine brass”
Majesty and Judgment
John 5:22
v. 16 “And out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword.”
John 12:47-48
7. The Third Scene of the Vision
(1) The Lord’s ministers
v. 16 “And He had in His right hand seven stars.”
v. 20 “The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my
right hand,...are the angels of the seven churches.”
God has His ministers in His hand
(2) He holds them
(3) He controls them
(4) He owns them
(5) He will reward them
Revelation
Study Questions
1. Who was this a revelation of?
2. Who gave Him this revelation?
3. What is the substance of this revelation?
4. Why is it a key to this revelation?
5. In what kind of language is much of this revelation written?
6. Who is the scribe of this revelation?
7. What is the value of this revelation?
8. What are the sources of this salutation?
9. What are the subjects of this salutation?
10. What was the substance of this salutation?
11. What were the circumstances of this salutation?
12. How did John receive the vision?
13. What was he commanded to do with the vision?
14. How was the vision announced?
15. What was the first scene of the vision?
16. What was the second scene of the vision?
17. What was the third scene of the vision?
18. Where does the Lord hold His ministers?
The Seven Churches
Revelation - Chapters 2 and 3
Seven Letters
I. Addressed To The Ministers
“Unto the angel of the church”
Angel means messenger
1. It Is A Revelation of Ministerial Responsibility
(1) To hear from God
(2) To receive from God
(3) To speak for God
(4) To answer to God
2. It Is A Revelation of Ministerial Distinction
(1) They are a part of the Church
(2) Yet a separate part of the Church
3. It Is A Revelation of Ministerial Protection
“He that holdeth the seven stars”
(1) Keeps for Himself
(2) Keeps from the Enemy
4. It Is A Revelation of Ministerial Authority
“In His right hand”
(1) The place of authority
(2) It is delegated authority
(3) They are His representatives
II. Directed To The Churches
“Who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks”
1. Seven is the number of completeness
(1) To the whole Church
(2) To the whole Age
2. Seven is a compound number
(1) The divine number - 3
(2) Plus the world number - 4
3. Seven Gentile churches
(1) No letter for the church at Jerusalem
(2) He will have a Gentile bride
4. Seven churches Paul wrote to
(1) Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians
(2) Personal letters to Timothy, Titus and Philemon
(3) Believe to have written Hebrews to the people
5. Seven letters John wrote to the Seven Churches
(1) Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea
(2) He wrote the Gospel of John, the three Epistles and Revelation,
Not addressed to the churches as such
6. Seven distinct parts in each letter
(1) An address
(2) A citation
(3) A statement of knowledge
(4) A description of moral status
(5) A personal application to the individual
(6) A command
(7) A promise
7. Out of the seven, Christ finds fault with five
(1) One of these He finds nothing to commend
(2) Two alone pass inspection -
Yet they are in contact with elements which He condemns
III. The Contents of the First Letter
1. The Messenger
“Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus”
Believed to be the Apostle Paul
He was the messenger to the first age of the Gentile era.
Galatians 2:6-9 Romans 11:13 Galatians 1:12-19
Galatians 2:2 II Corinthians 12:12
Paul founded the church at Ephesus about the middle of the first century.
About 53 A.D.
The Ephesus Age really began at Pentecost.
At the beginning of the church age
2. The City - “Ephesus”
One of the three greatest cities of Asia
A very rich city - It was known as a free city
Government - Roman
Language - Greek
The name “Ephesus” means relaxed; drifting
Today Ephesus is in utter ruin.
Ephesus is a witness to those who leave their first love.
3. Commendation
vv. 2,3
(1) For their works
(2) Their labor
(3) Their patience
(4) Separation from evil
(5) Discernment of falsehood
4. Complaint
v. 4
(1) Remember
(2) Repent
(3) Return
(4) Remove “or else” “I will come unto thee quickly and will remove
thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”
6. Commendation
v. 6
This is “Sandwich Psychology.”
“The deeds of the Nicolaitans”
“Nikao” to conquer
“Laos” the people, the Laity (Organization)
7. Counsel
v. 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.”
IV. The Contents of the Second Letter
1. The Messenger
“Unto the angel of the church in Smyrna”
(1) Believed to be Iraneaus
(2) He was a disciple of Polycarp
(3) He was militant against any form of organization
(4) He had much manifestation of the Holy Ghost
(5) The Word was taught with the original precepts
(6) The Gifts of the Spirit manifested in his churches
(7) The Saints spoke in tongues, prophesied, healed the sick, and raised the dead
2. The City
“Smyrna”
(1) It was a commercial center
(2) It was distinguished for its schools of rhetoric, philosophy, medicine, sciences, and fine buildings
(3) Many Jews lived in Smyrna and bitterly opposed Christianity
(4) The meaning of the name “Smyrna” Myrrh-Bitter
(5) Myrrh was used in embalming the dead
(6) It was a poor church in the midst of poverty - vv. 9,10
(7) The Age lasted 170 to 312 AD
3. Commendation
v. 9
(1) Their works - tribulation - poverty
(2) They were rich spiritually
“But thou art rich”
(3) No complaint against this church
(4) The key to this age was tribulation
You have to suffer to reign
(5) “Ten days” - “Ten years” v. 10
Under Diocletian cruelest of all emperors
302-312
4. Caution
v. 10
(1) Fear not
“Fear none of these things”
(2) Be faithful
“Be thou faithful”
(3) You will be tried
5. Promise
(1) A gift
“I will give”
(2) A crown of life
(3) Not hurt of the second death
v. 11
6. Counsel
v. 11
(1) Listen to the Spirit
(2) Be an overcomer
Revelation
Quiz
1. Of whom was this a revelation?
2. Why is it a key to this revelation?
3. In what kind of language is much of this revelation written?
4. Who is the scribe of this revelation?
5. What is the value of this revelation?
6. What are the sources of the salutation?
7. How did John receive the vision?
8. What was he commanded to do with the vision?
9. How was the vision announced?
10. Where does the Lord hold His ministers?
V. The Contents of the Third Letter
1. The Messenger
Martin “Unto the angel of the Church”
His conversion took place after helping a poor beggar, took his own coat and cut it in two with his sword, wrapped the man in it and went his way. That night the Lord appeared unto him, in a vision, wrapped in the half of Martin’s garment. He spoke to him, “Martin, though he is only a common soldier, has clothed Me with his garment.” From that time on he sought to serve the Lord. His life was a series of miracles. After leaving the army, he became a leader in the church, he became very militant against idolatry. Challenged the pagans as Elijah did the False Prophets. He offered to be tied to a tree on its underside so that when it was cut down it would crush him unless God intervened. They tied him to a tree that was growing on the side of a hill, assured that the natural pull of gravity would fall and crush him. Just as the tree began to fall, God swung it around uphill and crushed several of the heathens as they were fleeing. Raised a man to life that had been hung for his faith.
Martin wanted to see the emperor—he was refused audience. Martin laid at the gate and prayed. The iron gate opened and he heard a voice bidding him to rise. The ruler would not turn his head to speak to him. Martin prayed. Suddenly a fire came spontaneously from the seat of the throne and the emperor vacated speedily.
They came to kill him. He stood erect and bared his throat to the sword. As they leaped forward, the power of God hurled them back across the room. So overcome with fear, they begged forgiveness.
2. The City
“Pergamos”
The most illustrious city in Asia. A city of great sin. They worshipped an idol in a form of a living serpent, housed and fed in the temple.
v. 13 “Even where Satan’s seat is”
“Pergamos” the idea of a tower
How did it become the seat of Satan?
Babylon fell - to the Medes and Persians
The priest, A Halus - fled the city and went to Pergamos and started over.
The Age lasted 312 - 606 A.D.
3. Commendation
v. 13
(1) Their labor -
(2) Their stand under oppression
Not a thing of location, but of character
a. “I know thy works and where thou dwellest,”
“Even where Satan’s seat is:”
(3) Did not deny His Name
“And thou holdest fast my name.”
(4) Did not deny the faith
“And hast not denied my faith”
(5) Was not affected by Martyrdom
“Antipas was my faithful martyr”
“Who was slain among you”
4. Complaint
v. 14,15
“But I have a few things against thee”
(1) Doctrine of Balaam -
“Who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel.”
Numbers 25:1-9
“To eat things sacrificed unto idols”
“And to commit fornication”
(2) Doctrine of the Nicolaitanes -
They were deeds in the Ephesus age - now a doctrine
5. Caution
v. 16
“Repent of else”
“I will come unto thee quickly.”
“And will fight against them” etc.
6. Counsel
v. 17
“He that hath an ear”
“To him that overcometh”
“Will I give to eat of the Hidden Manna”
Manna kept in the Ark - In the Most Holy Place - Beyond the veil
It was angel food
It kept them well - none were sick
“The Hidden Manna”
The Truth and Secrets of God
I Corinthians 2:9-10
Ephesians 1:18
“And will give him a white stone”
Two things: Victor’s stone King’s name - High Priest King’s name God’s name
“And in the stone a new name written”
VI. The Contents of the Fourth Letter
Revelation 2:18-29
1. The Messenger
Believed to be Columba
He was a brilliant, consecrated scholar,
Committed to memory...most of the Scripture
Called by an audible voice to be a missionary
In one missionary journey, he approached a walled city.
The gates were barred. He lifted his voice in prayer.
As he prayed, the court magicians harassed him with loud noises.
He began to sing a Psalm. The gates opened of their own accord.
He preached the Gospel. Many were saved.
At another village:
The son of a chief became violently sick.
Southwest coast of Scotland
2. The City
“Thyatira”
Historically: The city of Thyatira was the least noteworthy of all the
Seven Churches.
It was well off financially.
The name Thyatira means “Dominating Female”
“Feminine Oppression” Ecclesiastes 7:25-28
A woman was not meant to have an iron-like disposition, nor wear that
which pertaineth to a man, or cut her hair.
Deuteronomy 22:5 I Corinthians 11:4-7, 13-16
The Jezebel spirit was dominating in this church, taking authority and
perverting the truth.
heathen and wicked as Athalia, who tried to destroy all the seed royal.
This Age lasted the longest of all - about 900 years
From 606 AD - 1520 AD
3. Commendation
v. 19
“I know thy works”
“Eido” suggests fullness of knowledge
Two aspects of truth presented here:
(1) Love - service
“And charity and service”
(2) Faith - patience
“And faith and patience”
In the Church of Ephesus, their doctrine was right, but lacked love.
Here, they had love but lacked doctrine.
“And works”
The last to be more than the first
Their last works...better than their first
There was growth.
4. Complaint
v. 20
“Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee.”
(1) Wicked Seducers - Called Jezebel
(2) Allowed to teach
(3) Allowed to seduce - His “servants”
“To commit fornication”
“To eat things sacrificed to idols”
5. Caution
vv. 21-23
(1) A demand to repent - v. 21
(2) A warning of judgment - vv. 22,23
6. Counsel
vv. 24-29
(1) “Hold fast to what you have” - v. 25
(2) He will give more - v. 26
(3) Listen to the Spirit - v. 29
7. Covenant
vv. 26-28
To the overcomer
(1) Power over the Nations
(2) Rule with a Rod of Iron
(3) Give him the Morning Star
VII. The Contents of the Fifth Letter
Revelation 3:1-6
1. The Messenger
“Unto the angel of the church in Sardis”
(1) Believed to be Martin Luther
(2) A brilliant scholar of gentle disposition
(3) Studying to be a lawyer
(4) The death of a friend caused him to become serious concerning the spiritual condition of his own life.
(5) Entered the Augustinian convent at Erfurt in 1505
(6) Studied philosophy and also the Word of God
(7) Lived the life of severest penance but all in vain.
He said,”I tormented myself to death to make peace with God, but I was in darkness and found it not.”
(8) He became a priest
(9) He went to Rome - saw the futility of the Church’s works.
The Word of God struck his heart.
“The Just Shall Live By Faith”
(10) Born-again into the Kingdom of God
(11) Luther fought against anti-scriptural teaching.
When Leo X became Pope, and John Tetzel came to sell indulgences for sin.
First - he preached against it in his pulpit
Then - wrote his famous 95 thesis
On October 31, 1517 he nailed it to the door of the Wittenberg Cathedral.
(12) He translated the N.T. and gave it to the people
(13) Aided by Hebrew scholars, he translated the O.T.
(14) Recorded in Sauer’s History Vol. 3, p. 406
That he was “a prophet, evangelist, speaker in tongues,
interpreter, in one person endowed with all nine gifts of the Spirit.”
(15) Preached the Doctrine of Justification By Faith
2. The City
“Sardis”
(1) The Capital of ancient Lydia
(2) At one time, very important commercially
(3) Today it is a heap of ruins and uninhabited
(4) “Sardis” means The Escaped One
(5) The age lasted from 1520 to 1750
(6) Called the Age of Reformation
3. Complaint - v. 1
(1) Works
(2) Profession
(3) Form
4. Caution - vv. 2,3
(1) The need for vigilance
(2) The need for prayer
(3) The need for change
(4) The need for study
(5) The need for endurance
(6) The need for repentance
(7) Warning of Judgment
5. Commendation
(1) Garments not defiled
(2) Some walking in righteousness
Three colors to make white: Red - Yellow - Blue
Blood sacrifice - Divine Nature - Heavenly Character
(3) Some found worthy
6. Counsel
(1) To Overcome - vv. 5,6
a. Clothed in white raiment
b. Name not blotted out
c. Name confessed in Heaven
(2) To Hear - v. 6
VIII. The Contents of the Sixth Letter
Revelation 3:7-13
1. The Messenger
“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia”
John Wesley -
Born at Epworth, June 17, 1703
He was one of nineteen children born to Samuel and Susanna Wesley.
John was a brilliant scholar.
He was later born again.
He preached with power.
The Spirit was so mightily manifested that the people would fall to the ground crying in great distress over their sins.
He believed in the power of God.
He prayed for the sick with results.
John and Charles, his brother, drew up a spiritual guide of works.
For this they were called Methodists.
He died at the age of 88.
2. The City
“Philadelphia”
It was the second largest city in Lydia.
It was built upon several hills in a famous wine-growing district.
Its duration was the longest of the seven cities.
It still exists under a Turkish name - City of God.
The Age lasted from 1750 to about 1900.
Called the Age of Brotherly Love.
“Philadelphia” means: love of brethren.
3. The Commendation
v. 8
“I know their works”
(1) Their works were good
He knows whether they are good or bad.
(2) They had an open door
“I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.”
The Missionary effort of that age -
William Carey - missionary program
Out of this came Spurgeon, Parker, McClaren, Edwards, Bunyan, Mueller, Barnes, Bishop
Also- “I am the door of the sheep”
At night they go home and leave the animals, but the shepherd of sheep takes them to the fold and then lays down and becomes the door.
(3) They had a little strength
The Word was preached well but they lacked the mighty
power of the Holy Ghost Baptism.
(4) They kept His Word
“And hast kept my word”
(5) They did not deny His name
“And hast not denied my name”
4. The Complaint
v. 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 loved thee.”
(1) Hypocrisy
“say they are Jews”
(2) Falsehood
“But do lie”
5. The Commendation
v. 10
(1) Kept the Word
(2) With patience
Hebrews 11:17
Abraham was tried, after, he received the promise.
Psalm 105:19
(3) A reward promised
“I also will keep thee”
“From the hour of temptation”
Not in but from - The Bride - Six Age - Enoch
“Which shall come upon all the world”
“To try them that dwell upon the earth”
6. The Caution
v. 11
(1) Warning of His coming
“Behold, I come quickly”
(2) Warning of retaining what you have
“Hold that fast which thou hast”
(3) Warning of loss of (rule) position
“That no man take thy crown”
The crown speaks of reward
Also of Rule or Reign with Christ
Revelation 3:21
7. The Counsel
vv. 12,13
(1) To overcome
(2) To hear what the Spirit says
IX. The Contents of the Seventh Letter
1. The Messenger
“Unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans”
(1) He will be a prophet
a. Word oriented
b. Prophecy will come to pass
Isaiah 28:9 Amos 3:6-7
c. There will be false prophets
Matthew 24:23-26 I Timothy. 4:1
II Timothy 4:3,4 II Peter 2:1,2
A false prophet is outside the Word
(2) He will be a man of Revelation
Paul had visions and revelations
(3) He will be a man led of the Spirit
Paul was led by the Spirit
(4) He will be a man of Miracles
Paul worked miracles
(5) He will be a man of the Word
a. Student of the Word
b. Preacher of the Word
c. Believer of the Word
2. The City
“Laodicea”
(1) Means “People’s rights”, Rule by the people
(2) Democratic form of government
(3) This is the “Church of the Laodiceans”
(4) It was a rich city
(5) Age began shortly after the turn of the 20th century
(6) This is the last Church Age
3. The Complaint
Revelation 3:15-19
(1) Lukewarm - v. 16
Formal not Spiritual - Galatians 6:3 ; II Tim. 3:5
(2) Proud - v. 17
“Thou sayest” Self-righteous
Materially - Rich - Increased with goods
(3) Complacent
“Have need of nothing”
(4) Ignorant
“And knowest not” - Deceived - Proverbs 12:15
(5) “Wretched”
“Distressed” - “Shabby” Romans 7:24
(6) “Miserable”
“Pitiable”
(7) “Poor”
“A beggar as cringing” - “to crouch”
“Causing to fall”
Spiritually - this generation
(8) “Blind”
“Opaque” (as if smoky) “Tuphlos”
(9) “Naked” - The carnal condition of the Church
4. The Counsel
vv. 18-22
(1) To Buy
The Source of purchase - “Me”
a. Gold
The Nature of God
b. White Raiment
The Righteousness of God
c. Eye-salve
The Anointing of God
The purchasing factor - Faith
(2) To Repent
v. 19
(3) To Hear His Voice
v. 20
(4) To Overcome
The Promise to the Overcomer - “The Throne”
(5) To Hear The Spirit
v. 22
Revelation
Study Questions
1. To whom were the seven letters addressed?
2. Name the seven churches.
3. What do these churches have to do with us?
4. What do the letters reveal in regard to the ministry?
5. Of what is the number seven a type?
6. How many out of the seven churches did Christ find serious fault?
7. What was the complaint against the church at Ephesus?
8. What was the key to the Smyrnian Age?
9. What was the complaint against the church of Pergamos?
10. What was the complaint against the church of Thyatira?
11. What was the complaint against the church of Sardis?
12. What was the complaint against the church of Philadelphia?
13. What was the complaint against the church of Laodicea?
14. What was the counsel to the church of the Laodiceans?
15. Name the seven rewards to the overcomers.
A Vision of The Throne
Chapter 4
“Things which must be hereafter”
This chapter begins a new vision, which constitutes the second section of the Revelation. It is related not to things on the earth, but to things in heaven, and to things following the period covered by the seven churches.
The Translation of the Bride has taken place.
This section begins with the rapture.
I. The Rapture of The Church -
1. He saw a door opened -
v. 1 “A door opened in heaven”
2. He heard a voice -
“Voice which I heard as it were of a trumpet.”
I Thessalonians 4:16-18
“Come up hither”
“I will shew thee things”
“Which must be hereafter”
After the Rapture of the Church.
3. He was caught up -
v. 2 “I was in the Spirit” Caught up in the Spirit.
“A throne was set in heaven” “set”
“Keimai” - to be out stretched.
II. The Throne of Majesty -
1. The Throne is in heaven -
v. 2 “A throne was set in heaven”
Psalm 103:19 “The LORD hath prepared His Throne in the heavens;
and His kingdom ruleth over all.”
2. The Throne is Occupied -
v. 2 “One sat on the throne”
(1) No name mentioned.
(2) No figure described.
(3) Only His appearance stated.
Not in shape - but in color and flashing brilliancy.
v. 3 “Jasper and a sardine stone”
(a) Crystalline and purple in hue. Royal.
(b) Beautifully bright, red, carnation color.
Flashing light or Flames like fire.
I John 1:5 “God is light”
Hebrews 12:29 “God is a consuming fire.”
3. The Throne is Encircled -
(1) By a rainbow -
v. 3 “There was a rainbow round about the throne”
Token of God’s covenant. Genesis 9:11,17
An Emerald Rainbow
“Insight like unto an emerald.”
“Emerald” - “light green”
The throne is a throne of judgment but not of destruction.
Judgment mingled with grace and mercy.
Life - Promise - Hope - “Emerald”
Over-spanning the appearance of consuming fire.
(2) By other thrones - v. 4
“Seats” same word as thrones.
(3) By Elders -
“Four and twenty elders sitting”
On the thrones - “round about the throne”
(4) By Living Creatures -
vv. 6-9
4. The Throne is of Judgment
v. 5 “And out of the throne proceeded”
(1) “Lightnings”
Exodus 9:23,28 Exodus 19:16
(2) “Thunderings”
I Samuel 7:10
(3) “Voices”
I Samuel 12:17,18
(4) “Lamps of Fire”
It is a flaming indignation.
Isaiah 4:4 Malachi 4:1 I Thessalonians 1:7,8
Lamps of Fire - “Light”
Not of revealing truth,
But revealing judgment.
Seven - Completeness - Tribulation
“Seven Spirits” - The fullness of the Spirit of God.
5. The Throne Has A Pavement -
v. 6
Exodus 24:10 Revelation 21:21
III. The Four And Twenty Elders -
vv. 4,10,11
1. Who They Are Not -
(1) They are not the Patriarchs
Revelation 5:9 From every tribe, tongue, people and nation.
(2) They are not the Apostles
The Apostles were all Jews.
They have their part in the foundation.
Revelation 21:12-14
(3) They are not disembodies spirits.
The dead praise not God.
These are praising God.
vv. 10,11
2. Who They Are -
Notice - Where they are located and what they are doing.
(1) They are located in the throne and sitting on thrones.
Revelation 4:2,4
Now turn to the 3rd chapter and vv. 20,21
(2) They are Overcomers
“Sitting on thrones”
Ch. 3:21 4:4
They have crowns - v. 10
Crowns promised -
Incorruptible crown - I Corinthians 9:25
Crown of Rejoicing - I Thessalonians 2:19
Crown of Righteousness - II Timothy 4:8
Crown of Life - James 1:12 Revelation 2:10
Crown of Glory - I Peter 5:4
Five in number - Grace and Faith
So then this is a company of people that have heard His voice in the church and have overcome “as He overcame” and He has given them the right to sit with Him in His throne.
(3) They occupy the closest position to Christ.
Chpt. 5:6 Reverse the order -
(4) They are Twenty-Four in number
These were the representatives of many others.
The priests and Levites “were set to forward the work of the house of the Lord, was twenty and four thousand.” I Chronicles 23:3,4
But they were all arranged in courses of twenty-four.
I Chronicles 25:8-31
There were not more than twenty-four on duty at a time.
(5) They are Elders -
The expression is that of time - “Elders”
The “Elder” was the ruling man in the original order.
They are “Elders” because of their official place.
“Sitting on thrones.”
They are the first glorified of all the redeemed - the seniors of that celestial city.
IV. The Four Living Creatures
vs. 6-8
1. Who They Are Not
(1) They are not angels
Ch. 5:8-10 Hebrews 2:5 Revelation 7:11
(2) They are not Israel
Israel in History - Revelation 4:1
Also these are from all nations
Revelation 5:9
(3) They are not the Apostles
Tribes and people of all the earth
(4) They are not disembodied spirits
They are glorified subjects of grace
vs. 8,9 Enthroned - Crowned - Robed
2. Who They Are
Look at their characteristics revealed in the Scriptures
(1) The first creature was like a lion
v. 7
(2) The second creature was like a calf
(3) The third creature had a face as a man
(4) The fourth creature was like a flying eagle
Four is representative of a larger number.
The Jewish writers tell us that the standard of each tribe of Israel took the color of the stone which represented it in the high priest’s breastplate, and that there was wrought upon each a particular figure.
A Lion for Judah
A Young ox for Ephraim
A Man for Reuben
An Eagle for Dan
In the Four Gospels we have Christ portrayed in this same manner.
(1) In Matthew the Lion - The King of Israel
(2) In Mark the Ox - The Servant and Sacrifice
(3) In Luke the Man - The Son of Man
(4) In John the Eagle - The Son of God
This is not Christ, but someone like Him -
Who do you find in Scripture like Christ?
Christ is the head of the Church.
This is His Body
This is His Church
Lion nature - Ox nature - Man’s nature - Eagle’s nature
This is the Church after it has been perfected in the first three years and a half of the tribulation.
3. They have eyes -
v. 6 “Before and behind”
v. 8 “Full of eyes within”
(1) The symbol of intense intelligence
Looking backward into the past.
Forward into the future.
Inward into the present.
Nothing hid - secrets known.
(2) Also symbol of unceasing activity.
(3) A symbol of continued vigilance.
4. They have wings -
v. 8
Isaiah 6: with twain covered his face
with twain covered his feet
with twain they did fly
(1) Humility -
(2) Redemption - uncovered feet cannot Redeem
(3) Freedom -
Six is the number of man.
Revelation 13:18
Six is 4 - man’s world
plus 2 - division or difference, and generally enmity.
Genesis 1:1 - Genesis 1:2
First - Perfection
Second - Ruin and desolation
Six is 5 - grace of God
plus 1 - made of none effect by man’s addition to it.
Six is 7 - Completeness
minus 1 - man’s coming short of perfection.
These are men redeemed - God’s perfection
Man was created on the sixth day
Man has six days to labor
When twelve (the number of governmental perfection) is divided, it indicates imperfection in rule and administration.
I Kings 10:19 Solomon’s throne had six steps, and his kingdom was divided.
The twelve loaves were divided into sixes -
Also on the Breastplate of the High Priest -
Twelve Tribes were divided tribes.
The Sealed Book
Chapter 5:1-14
This chapter continues the description of the vision in chapter four. The scene is still the throne, the Elders, the Living creatures.
This prophecy is in connection with the Church, but not of the Church. Also, this prophecy has its description given in Heaven, but its fulfillment on the earth.
I. The Vision of The Sealed Book -
The book contained a revelation and demonstration of things to come at the consummation of this present age after the Rapture of the Church.
1. The Position of the Book
(1) v. 1 “In the right hand”
The place of power.
(2) v. 1 “Of Him that sat on the throne.”
The place of rule of authority.
2. The Characteristics of the Book
(1) v. 1 “A book written within”
A scroll - about judgment
(2) v. 1 “On the backside, sealed with seven seals”
Reserved - judgment
“Reserved unto the Day of Judgment”
3. The Dignity of the Book
(1) The question by the angel
v. 2 “Who is worthy to open the book”
(2) The answer to the question
v. 3 “No man in heaven, or in earth, neither under the earth,
was able to open the book, neither to look therein.”
(3) John’s reaction to this fact
v. 4 “And I wept much”
Because of three things -
a. None found “worthy” to “open the book”
b. None found worthy to “read the book”
c. None found worthy to “look thereon”
4. The Time of the Opening of the Book
(1) After the Rapture
4:1
5. The Purpose of the Opening of the Book
To release the judgments of God on the earth
II. The Vision of the Victor -
The book’s Opener
1. The Charge of The Elder
v. 5 “Weep not”
2. The Nature of The Victor
(1) A lion
v. 5 “Lion of the tribe of Judah”
“The Root of David”
(2) A lamb
v. 6 “Stood a lamb”
A lion in power -
A lamb in nature -
Notice-
(a) He is standing
Because He is not dead, but alive.
Because He is accepted.
Because of us, on our behalf.
(b) He is a sacrificial lamb
v. 6 “A lamb as it had been slain”
(c) His has perfect power and strength
v. 6 “Having seven horns”
(d) He has perfect and universal intelligence
“And seven eyes”
“Which are the seven spirits of God”
(e) He has unlimited rights
v. 7
III. The Response To The Victor’s Worthiness
1. Of the Four Beasts -
and
Of the Twenty-four Elders
v. 8
(1) Fell down before the Lamb
(2) Having every one of them harps
(3) And golden vials - stored up prayers
(4) Sing a new song
2. What Their Song Is About
(1) Worthy by right of being
He is Lord - Jehovah God
(2) Worthy by right of character
I Peter 1:19
A lamb without spot or blemish
(3) Worthy by right of obedience
He earned the right
“For thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy
blood out of every kindred” etc.
Luke 23:41
3. Of the Angels
vv. 11,12
4. Of All Creation
v. 13