Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO REVELATION

(Verse by verse commentary begins at end of this introduction)

I. WHO SPEAKS?

a) God through Jesus Christ.

b) Jesus Christ then gave the Revelation to John.

c) Through his angel (perhaps Gabriel), Revelation 1:1-2.

d) John, the Apostle, writer of the Gospel of John and I, II, 3 John, wrote the book, Revelation 22:8; Revelation 22:16.

II. TO WHOM DOES HE SPEAK OR WRITE?

a) first, to His servants (His local churches) and their pastors, the Seven churches of Asia, Revelation 1:4.

b) Second, to all other churches on earth then and thereafter to whom the book also speaks, Revelation 1:3-4; Revelation 1:10-11; Revelation 22:2; Revelation 22:16.

III. ABOUT WHAT DOES HE SPEAK OR WRITE?

a) Things he had seen, things which were, and things to be hereafter, Revelation 1:19. The "hereafter" of verse 19 refers to things that were to exist during the church age when John received the messages, during the 70th week of Daniel’s prophecy, (covering 42 months when the two witnesses, the church and Israel, should witness simultaneously, after which Satan should be cast out of heaven, go forth on earth persecuting natural Israel for another 42 months), directing The Tribulation The Great into Armageddon, about the end of which time Jesus will come in power and Great glory, Revelation 11:1-4; Revelation 12:7-17.

b) The marriage of the Lamb-- The end of Armageddon.

c) The Millennium; The battle of Gog and Magog - - The Great White Throne Judgement - - The New Heaven and the New Earth.

d) The Entire Bible concerns three bodies of people only 1) The Jew (Israel), 2) The Gentile, and 3) The church, called from among the Gentiles as a people for His name sake forevermore, Acts 15:14; 1 Corinthians 10:32; Luke 1:31-33; Matthew 16:18; Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 3:21.

e) All Worship, Service, Praise, Rewards, and Judgments of men revolve, around acts of Obedience and/or disobedience to God as they relate to personal relationship with, or treatment of, The Jew (Israel), the Gentile, or The church of Jesus Christ, the first and the latter of which God has chosen and called and covenanted as his custodial and heir-setting people.

IV. WHEN DOES HE SPEAK OR WRITE?

a) About 95 or 96 A.D.

b) While on the Isle of Patmos or from Ephesus, shortly after he was released from exile, Revelation 1:9.

c) When the, seven churches and their pastors in Asia Minor needed Divine commendation, correction, and exhortation, Revelation chapter 2, 3.

V. WHAT WAS THE OCCASION?

a) John, last of the twelve apostles was growing old; God chose him to reveal his final written message.

b) Worldly, religious, idolatrous reproof was needed to his churches.

SEVEN-FOLD THEMES OR STRUCTURE OF THE BOOK

The word "Seven" is a special word and the number seven, mathematically, is a special number in the Book of Revelation, as well as in their use throughout the Bible.

Symbolically, both the word and number seven seem to be used to represent completeness, fullness, a -unit, or totality. There are seven days in a week, seven notes in music, and seven colors in the rainbow each constituting completeness or fullness in its unit. The Book of Revelation brings one to consider:

1. Seven Letters to Seven Churches, Chs. 1-3

2. Seven Seals and Seven Trumpets, Chs. 4-11

3. Seven Vials and Seven plagues, Chs. 15, 16

4. Seven candlesticks, 1:12, 20

5. Seven Spirits, 1:4

6. Seven Stars and Seven Angels, 1:16, 20

7. Seven lamps, 4:5

8. A Lamb with Seven horns and seven eyes, 5:6

9. Seven thunders, 10:3, 4

10. A red dragon with seven heads and seven crowns, 12:1

11. A leopard like beast with seven heads, 13:1

12. A scarlet colored beast with seven heads, 17:3, 7

13. Seven mountains, 17:9

14. Seven Kings, 17:10

THE SEVEN BEATITUDES OF REVELATION

1. Blessed is he that reads, etc. - - this prophecy 1:3

2. Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, 14:13

4. Blessed is he that watches (for Christ’s coming) 16:15

4. Blessed are they that are called to the marriage of the Lamb, 19:9

5. Blessed is he that has a part (place) in the first Resurrection, 20:6

6. Blessed is he that keeps (guards) the words of this book, 22:7

7. Blessed are they that wash their robes, 22:16

CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1

THE THINGS JOHN HAD SEEN, VERSES 1-20

a) Introduction, v. 1-3

b) To the seven Churches of Asia, v. 4-8

c) John’s identity and Patmos vision, v: 9-18 d) John’s writing license or commission, v. 19, 20

CHAPTER 2

THE THINGS WHICH ARE OR EXIST (SEVEN CHURCHES)

1) Message to Ephesus who lost her first love, v. 1-7

2) Message to Smyrna that faced great trial, v. 8-11

3) Message to Pergamos, the compromising church, v. 12-17

4) Message to Thyatira with a Jezebel teacher, v. 18-29

CHAPTER 3

THE THINGS WHICH ARE OR EXISTED CONTINUED

5) Message to Sardis, the formal, unfruitful church, v. 1-6

6) Message to Philadelphia, church of brotherly love, v. 7-13

7) Message to Laodicea, the lukewarm church, v. 14-22 III.

CHAPTER 4

(AFTER THE CHURCH AGE) THINGS TO BE HEREAFTER, CHAPTERS 4-22

a) Parenthetical, heavenly vision-things in heaven, ch. 4, 5

b) Open door and heavenly invitation, v. 1

c) Central throne of heaven, v. 2-3

d) Twenty-four thrones (lower thrones), v. 4, 5

e) Four living creatures, who they represent, v. 6-8

f) Creation, occasion of worship by 24 elders and the four living creatures, represent 1) Israel, 2) the Church, and 3) the redeemed from among all the Gentiles.

CHAPTER 5

THINGS TO BE HEREAFTER, CONTINUED

g) Inquiry for opening seven seal book, v. 1-4

h) Weeping interrupted, the Royal, worthy one, v. 5-7

i) Redemption further occasion of worship by 24 Elders and the four living creatures, v. 8-10

j) Angels and all other living creatures join to praise and exalt the Lamb-King, v. 11-14

CHAPTER 6

THE SEVEN SEALS CONSIDERED, CHAPTERS 6 to 8:1

1) The white horse seal (1st), v. 1, 2

2) The red horse seal, (2nd), v. 3, 4

3) The black horse seal (3rd), v. 5, 6

4) The pale horse seal (4th), v. 7, 8

5) Martyrs under the altar (5th seal), v. 9-11

6) Cry of the Great Day of His wrath (6th seal), v. 12-17

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER SEVEN IS PARENTHETICAL, v. 1-17

1) "Hurt not yet," message of four and one angels, v. 1-13

2) Sealing of 144,000 of Israel, v. 4-8

3) 12,000 of each tribe sealed against death, for coming 42 months, or during The Tribulation The Great, last half of Daniel’s 70th week, Revelation 12:6; Revelation 12:14; Daniel 7:25; Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:45; Daniel 12:1; Daniel 12:6-7; Daniel 12:11-12

4) Vision of the Redeemed and The Church before the throne in heaven during the latter 42 months of The Tribulation The Great, v. 9-17

CHAPTER 8

THE SEVENTH SEAL BRINGS FORTH SEVEN TRUMPETS:

CHAPTER 8:1-11 to CHAPTER 19

1) Seven trumpets prepare to sound, v. 2-7

2) Trumpet Judgments begin, First Trumpet, v. 7

3) The Second Trumpet, v. 8, 9,

4) The Third Trumpet, v. 10, 11

5) The Fourth Trumpet, v. 12, 13

CHAPTER 9

THE FIFTH TRUMPET AND THE FIRST WOE, v. 1-12

a) The Sixth Trumpet, v. 13-21

b) A 200,000,000 (million) army, v. 16

CHAPTER 10

A PARENTHETICAL REVIEW - CHAPTERS 11-14

1) The mighty Angel with the Little Book, v. 1-7

2) The Little Book to be eaten by John, v. 8-11 a) Both bitter and sweet, v. 9 b) To Prophecy again, v. 11

CHAPTER 11

TIME OF GENTILES TO END IN 42 MONTHS, AT END OF FIRST HALF OF DANIEL’S 70th WEEK, v. 1, 2

1) The temple area to be measured - court of Gentiles left out, v. 1

2) It and city of Jerusalem to be tread down yet 42 months, v. 2; see also Luke 21:24; Isaiah 63:18

3) The two witnesses to prophecy simultaneously , (Israel at the Temple oblations) and the church to the city this 42 month period prior to sealing of 144,000 Israel Saints against death for the last 42 months of Daniel’s 70th week, v. 2-12

a) Meaning of their dead bodies in the streets, v. 8, 9

b) Earth’s temporary joy over fallen witnesses, v. 10

c) Their triumph and rapture, v. 11, 12

4) The Second Woe, v. 13, 14

5) Trumpet Judgements resumed, v. 15

6) Rewarding of Saints announced in Heaven, v. 15-19

CHAPTER 12

SEVEN PERSONAGES IN REVIEW, Revelation 12:1-3 thru CHAPTER 18

1) The woman (Israel) and the man-child, v. 1, 2

2) Satan attempts to slay the man-child, v. 3, 4

3) A sweeping view of the Christ Child and. Israel, v. 5, 6

4) Michael the Archangel engages Satan in a battle in heaven - He and his accusers cast out of heaven, v. 7-12

5) Satan pursues Israel (144,000) into wilderness, fails and turns to the remnant for his short time of 42 months, v. 13-16

6) Satan turns for 42 month attack on the remnant of Israel during The Tribulation The Great, v. 17

CHAPTER 13

THE RISING OF THE TWO BEASTS, v. 1-18

1) The Beast rises out of the Sea, v. 1-10

2) The Beast rises out of the Earth, v. 11-15

3) He requires Self-Worship or death, v. 15

4) He requires that man take his name and mark or face death, v. 16-18

CHAPTER 14

PARENTHETICAL PROJECTED HEAVENLY VISION AT END OF DANIEL’S 70th WEEK, v. 1-5

1) The position and Praise of the 144,000 (thousand) that are to Stand on Mount Zion With the Lamb, v. 1

2) These are the firstfruits of the redeemed of: a) Ancient Israel, b) The church, c) and the Redeemed from among the nations, v. 2-5

3) The angel with the Everlasting gospel (good news) of judgement upon Wrong and rebellion against God, v. 6, 7

4) The Fall of The Great city Babylon, v. 8

5) Doom of the Antichrist, Beast Worshippers announced, v. 8-12

6) Blessedness of Death, coming rest, to those who die in the Lord, refusing to take the mark of the beast, v. 13

7) Vision of Armageddon, climaxed with the coming of Christ to the earth, v. 14-20

CHAPTER 15

VISION OF SEVEN ANGELS WITH SEVEN PLAGUES, Revelation 15:1 to Revelation 16:21

1) Sign in heaven of those Victorious over the beast, v. 1, 2

2) They sing the Song of Moses and the Lamb, v. 3, 4

3) Seven angels come out of heaven’s temple with, the seven last plagues, v. 5, 6

4) One of the four beasts in heaven’s temple passes to the seven angels the seven golden Vials or bowls of Divine Wrath, v. 7, 8

CHAPTER 16

THE SEVEN VIALS APPEAR, v. 1-21

1) The Vials of God’s Wrath upon the earth, v. 1

2) The First Vial, upon the earth, v. 2

3) The Second Vial, upon the sea, v. 3

4) The Third Vial, upon the rivers, v. 4-7

5) The Fourth Vial, upon the sun, v. 8, 9

6) The Fifth Vial, upon the seat of the beast, v. 10, 11

7) The Sixth Vial, upon the great river Euphrates, v. 12

8) A Parenthetical View of Plagues on miracle workers, v. 13-16

9) The Seventh Vial, upon (into) the air, v. 17-21

CHAPTER 17

SEVEN FINAL DOOMS, ch. 17 thru 20:15

1) The Divine View, understanding of Babylon,

idolatrous worship from Babel to final doom, v. 1-4

2) Babylon as a fornicating Religious Mother of Harlots or religious prostitutes, v. 5-7

3) Final form of Gentile heathen Idolatrous one World empire power, v. 8-18

4) The Seven Dooms concern:

a) Babylon

b) The Beast

c) The False Prophet

d) Kings of the earth

e) Gog and Magog

f) Satan

g) The unbelieving Dead

CHAPTER 18

FINAL FORM OF APOSTATE CHRISTIANDOM

1) God’s call to them, v. 1-8 ’

2) The human view of Babylon, v. 9, 10

3) Kings Wail over the harlot’s fall, v. 9, 10

4) Merchants Wail over their paramour, v. 11-16

5) Shipmasters and sailors wail over her, v. 17-19

6) The Holy Angelic View of joy over Babylon’s judgement, v. 20-24

CHAPTER 19

PARENTHETICAL REST - RETURN TO HEAVENLY

SCENE, v. 1-19

1) The Four Alleluias, v. 1-6 a) By much people (all the redeemed in heaven), v. 1, 2 b) By the four and twenty (24) elders representing Israel and the church - and v. 3, 4 c) By the Four living creatures representing all redeemed of the ages who were not of the church or Israel’s worship covenant, see Revelation 4

2) A Voice from the throne calls for all in unison to raise a cacaphonous, symphonic, hallelujah anthem to God, v. 5, 6

3) The Long Awaited Marriage of the Lamb, v. 7, 8

4) In addition to the Bride those called were also blessed to be there, v. 9, 10

5) The White Horse coming of Christ and his army, v. 11-15

6) As King of Kings and Lord of Lords, v. 16

7) The call to Armageddon - Buzzards obey, v. 17-19

8) Doom of Beast and False Prophet, v. 20

9) Doom of Kings, ungodly rulers, v. 21

CHAPTER 20

SATAN BOUND, CAST INTO THE BOTTOMLESS PIT, v. 1-3

1) Satan bound, cast into the bottomless pit, sealed there for a thousand years, v. 1-3

2) The first resurrection from that of Christ to the end of the Millennium, v. 4-6

3) The final reward of tribulation - Martyr-Saints who refused the mark of the Beast, had been Beheaded, v. 4, 5

4) All redeemed to reign with Christ a thousand years, v. 6

5) Satan loosed, leads a Gog-and-Magog Insurrection against the Holy City, is destroyed by fire, v. 7-9

6) Satan’s doom. Cast into the Lake of fire, v. 10

7) Judgement (The White Throne) no hiding place, no unbeliever can escape, v. 11

8) All judged for deeds of life to receive degrees of eternal suffering, according to the Holy Bible, v. 12-15

WHAT HAPPENS?

and

WHEN DOES IT HAPPEN?

70th Week of Daniel’s Prophecy Begins:

1. A Basic thesis of the 70th week is that it is divided into two 42 month or 3 1/2 year periods.

2. The first half of this week is to be a time of limited tribulation, during which time, under an Israel covenant with the Antichrist ruler who enters with deceit, as the white horse rider, then changes horses the fourth time; Israel will go about her morning and evening Sacrifice and Oblation Worship. Daniel 9:26-27; Revelation 6:1-8; John 5:43.

3. As the old covenant worship and the new testament covenant church of Jesus Christ overlapped some three years or more in their worship at the beginning of the church age, before the veil of the temple was rent and Christ took the first covenant out of the way, so it appears certain that these same witnesses are to witness at the closing of the church age for 42 months, until the antichrist pollutes the temple, ascends it and requires worship as God, Daniel 9:27; 2 Thessalonians 2:4-10; Revelation 11:1-4.

4. NOTE: Our Lord promised that the Holy Spirit that came on Pentecost would be with and abide _in the church forever! While the antichrist will be on earth doing his work deceitfully for the first 42 months of Daniel’s 70th week, it appears that a Revelation of him for who he is will be restrained by the Holy Spirit; through the church, until he ascends the temple declaring himself for who he is. When the Restrainer, the Holy Spirit, is taken out of the way is when the church is raptured, God’s two witnesses testimony ends. 2 Thessalonians 2:4-8; Revelation 11:1-4.

THINGS JOHN HAD SEEN

CHAPTER 1:

1. A blessing on the reader, hearer, and keeper of things in this prophecy - unveiling of Christ, v. 3.

2. Jesus shall come, be beheld by every eye, v. 7

3. A vision of a Royal, Majestic Visitor, v. 8-1 7.

4. He lives forevermore, v. 18.

5. The commission to write, v. 19.

6. Mystery of Seven Stars and Seven Candlesticks revealed, v. 20

THINGS WHICH ARE (EXIST)

(Messages to the seven churches of Asia)

CHAPTER 2:

1. Ephesus - lost first love, v. 1 -7.

2. Smyrna - faced great trial, v. 8-1 1 .

3. Pergamos - a compromising church, v. 12-17.

4. Thyatira - with a Jezebel teacher, v. 18-29.

CHAPTER 3:

5. Sardis - a formal, unfruitful church, v. 1-6.

6. Philadelphia - church of brotherly love, v. 7-13.

7. Laodicea- a sick, lukewarm church, v. 14-22.

A PARENTHETICAL VIEW OF HEAVEN’S ACTIVITIES AFTER THE CHURCH AGE

CHAPTER 4:

1. A central throne beheld In Heaven, God upon it, v. 1-3.

2. Twenty-four seats, twenty-four Elders on them, v. 4, 5.

3. Four living creatures give glory to God, v. 6-8.

4. All heaven’s witnesses offer testimony for God’s creative power, honor, and glory, v. 9-11.

CHAPTER 5:

1. Seven Seal Book, who is worthy? Question brings anxiety and tears Regarding Redemption Worthiness of title deed to earth, v. 1 -4.

2. A Wise elder consoled John, pointed to the Lamb who was worthy, v. 5-7.

3. Heaven’s symphony of praise is raised by the 24 elders and four living creatures, v. 8-10.

4. All heaven’s angels, men, earth, and sea creatures sent up shouts of praise to the Lamb, v. 11-14.

WHAT HAPPENS? WHEN DOES IT HAPPEN?

CHAPTER 6: (Seven seals opened). What happens on earth as antichrist ride progresses.

1. White horse seal - feigned peace rider, v. 1, 2.

2. Red horse seal - rider takes peace away, v. 3, 4.

3. Black horse seal - rider with famine, v. 5, 6.

4. Pale horse seal - rider was Death, Satan, v. 7, 8; Hebrews 2:14-15.

5. The Fifth Seal Scene turns from earth’s growing tribulation of the first 42 months to the throne in heaven, v. 9-11.

6. Sixth Seal Scene to describe the beginning of an heavenly and earthly holocaust - when The Great Day of His (God’s) Wrath begins to be poured out upon the earth, v. 12-17. This is the time of Jacob’s trouble, perhaps about the time Satan is cast out of heaven and the antichrist declares himself to be God, Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:45; Daniel 12:1. "At that time Michael shall stand up for Israel," Revelation 12:7-14.

CHAPTER 7:

1. At that time heaven interrupts Divine Wrath till the 144,000 are Sealed in Israel from physical death, for 42 months - through the last half of. Daniel’s 70th week, v. 1 -8; Daniel 7:25; Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:45; Daniel 12:1; Daniel 12:6-7; Daniel 12:11-12.

2. The church and Redeemed raptured, viewed waiting before the throne in heaven during the Iatter 42 months of The Tribulation The Great era.

3. Remember when the Holy Spirit, the Restraining power against the revealing of the antichrist is taken out of the way, then shall the wicked one be revealed! When He, the Holy Sprit Sin restrainer is taken out, then on Christ’s Honor, at that moment, the church in whom He came to abide forever will betaken out, John 14:16-17; 2 Thessalonians 2:8.

SEVEN SEAL-SEVEN TRUMPETS

CHAPTER 8:

1. Half hour silence in Heaven at opening of Seventh Seal, as tempo of judgement intensity increases, v. 1.

2. Seven Angels prepare Seven Trumpets, tune up for judgement announcements, v. 2-7.

3. First Trumpet blast, v. 7.

4. Second Trumpet, v. 8, 9.

5. Third Trumpet, v. 10, 11 .

6. Fourth Trumpet, v. 12, 13.

CHAPTER 9:

1 . Fifth Trumpet brings Woe, v. 1-12.

8. The Sixth Trumpet, v. 13-21 .

9. A two hundred million army gathers at the Great River Euphrates, v. 14-16.

10. Yet they repented not, v. 21 .

CHAPTER 10:

A parenthetical Review of "What Happens and When Does It Happen?" Ch 11 - 14, before the Seven Last Plague Vials are poured out, 15:1.

a) The mighty angel with the little book, v: 1-7.

b) John was to eat it, v. 8-11.

c) 1t was both bitter and sweet - sorrow and hope, v. 9.

d) He is to prophesy or witness again, v. 11.

WHAT HAPPENS? - WHEN DOES IT HAPPEN?

CHAPTER 11:

TWO Witnesses Testify In Jerusalem - 42 months (first half) of Daniel’s 70th week - to time of Beginning of God’s Wrath on Israel, to End of Gentile Dispensation and church age, Luke 21:24; Daniel 9:27.

1 . Temple measured and people of it identified, but court of Gentiles and city left out, v. 1, 2.

2. Jerusalem to be city of open witnessing 42 months by Israel and the church - till midst of time (7 years) when 144,000 of Israel to be sealed against death for 42 months - hidden in wilderness for that period of a time, times, and an half time, Revelation 7:3-4; Revelation 12:13-16.

3. Dead (fruitless) assemblies of Israel and the church left as objects of earth’s hissing joy, v. 8-10.

4. Triumph and rapture of Both church and 144,000 of Israel

from hurt of The Tribulation The Great, v. 11, 12.

5. Trumpet Judgments resumed - Rewarding of Saints announced in heaven, v. 15-19.

This is What Happens and When it Happens.

CHAPTER 12:

Seven Personages Appear, Revelation 12:1 to Revelation 19:1.

1. The Woman (Israel), Man-child Christ, v. 1-4.

2. Christ and Israel, both Divinely protected, v. 5, 6

3. Michael - Satan War in heaven, Satan, his accusers cast out, v. 7-12.

4. Satan pursues 144,000 of Israel into desert, v. 13-16.

5. Satan with but a short time - 42 months left turns on remnant of Israel - this is The Tribulation The Great, v. 17.

RISING OF THE TWO BEASTS

CHAPTER 13:

1 . First, out of the sea, v. 1 -10.

2. Second, out of the earth, v. 11 -15.

3. Beast requires self-worship or death, v. 15; Daniel 3:4-7; Daniel 3:16-18.

4. Mark or name of Beast required, or death, v. 16-18.

CHAPTER 14:

HEAVENLY VISION - AT ENDING OF DANIEL’S 70th WEEK, v. 1 -5.

1 .ON MOUNT ZION the 144,000 stand in triumph with the

Lamb, v. 1.

2. Firstfruits of all redeemed of - v. 2-5 - a) Israel, b) the church, and c) the redeemed from among the Gentiles of ages as repeatedly represented in heaven by the 24 Elders and the four living creatures, Revelation 4:6-9; Revelation 5:6; Revelation 5:8; Revelation 5:11; Revelation 7:11; Revelation 19:4.

3. Everlasting Gospel Angel - Gospel of Just Judgment, v. 6, 7.

4. The Fall of Great city Babylon, v. 8.

5. Doom of Antichrist and Beast Worshippers announced, v. 8-12.

6. Blessed Rest to those who die, refusing to take the mark of the Beast, v. 13.

7. Armageddon ends with Christ’s coming, v. 14-20.

CHAPTER 15: SEVEN ANGELS WITH SEVEN PLAGUES

1 . Victorious ones - song of Moses and the Lamb, v. 1 -4.

2. Seven Angels Appear With Seven Last Plagues, v. 5, 6.

3. One of the Four Beasts of heaven passes to the Seven Angels the Seven golden Vials of Divine Wrath for them to pour upon the universe, v. 7, 8.

SEVEN VIALS APPEAR

CHAPTER 16:

(Vials of God’s wrath over all the Universe).

1 . First, upon the earth, v. 2.

2. Second, upon the sea, v. 3.

3. Third, upon the rivers, v. 4-7.

4. Fourth, upon the sun, v. 8, 9.

5. Fifth, upon the seat of the Beast, v. 10, 11 .

6. Sixth, upon the Great River Euphrates, v. 12

7. Parenthetical view of plagues on miracle workers, v. 13-16.

8. Seventh, vial poured into the air, v. .1 7-21 .

CHAPTER 17:

Final Dooms (7) Begin to Appear

1 . Idolatrous Babylon - from Babel to final doom, v. 1 -4.

2. Mother of Religious Harlots, Idolatrous Prostitutes, v. 5-7.

3. Final Form of Gentile Idolatrous One-World Empire, v. 8-18.

4. Seven Dooms Concern: (ch. 17 thru 20:15)

a) Babylon

b) The Beast

c) The False Prophet

d) The Kings of the Earth

e) Gog and Magog

f) Satan

g) The unbelieving Dead - at Final Judgement.

CHAPTER 18:

FINAL FORM OF APOSTATE CHRISTIANDOM

1 . God’s call to Separation to them, v. 1 -8.

2. A Human View of Babylon, v. 9, 10. ,

3 Kings (heathen ones) wail over the Harlot’s fall, v. 9, 10.

4. Merchants wail over their paramour, v. 11 -1 6.

5 Shipmasters and Sailors wail over her, v. 17-19

6. Holy Angelic View of Joy over Babylon’s righteous

judgement, v. 20-24 Proverbs 1:22-30.

PARENTHETICAL REST - -RETURN T® HEAVENLY SCENE

CHAPTER 19:

1 . Prelude to Marriage to the Lamb, v. 1 -6

a) The four Allelulias begin, v. 1 -4.

b) Israel, the church, and the redeemed from among the Gentles, represented by 24 Elders and the four living creatures rejoice.

c) All called to loin in Symphonic, cacaphonous praise, in hallelujah anthem, v 5, 6

2. Long awaited marriage of the Lamb has come, v 7, 8.

3. Those called (the redeemed), guests, those not of the

church are blessed to be there, v. 9, 10.

4. White Horse coming of Christ with His triumphant armies,

v 11-15.

5. Call to Armageddon - - For all carnivorous fowls, v 16-19.

6. Doom of Beast, False Prophet and ungodly Kings, rulers,

v 20, 21.

CHAPTER 20:

Satan Bound, Millennium, and White Throne Judgement:

1. Satan bound, cast into pit, sealed 1,000 years v 1-3.

2. First Resurrection - - from that of Christ to end of Millennium, v 4-6

3. Reward of Saints slain in the Tribulation who refused to take the mark or name of antichrist, v. 4, 5

4. Satan’s release, Insurrection vs. Holy City, with Gog and Magog, v. 7-9.

5. Satan cast into final doom, v. 10.

6. No Hiding Place from Great White Throne Judgement, v. 11-15.

7. All wicked fudged by Holy Bible according to their deeds, for degrees of eternal judgement suffering.

HEAVEN’S GLAD SCENE, CH. 21, 22

CHAPTER 21 :

SEVEN NEW THINGS:

1. The New Heaven

2. and New Earth, v. 1 , 2.

3. The new people, v. 3-8 - - "no mores" listed.

4. The new Bride (church), the Lamb’s wife, to dwell in the e New Jerusalem, her new home, v. 9-21 .

5. The new temple, (God and the Lamb), v. 22.

6. The new Light, (the Lamb and Glory of God), v. 23-26. Those quarantined from entering, v. 27.

7. The new Garden, Paradise, Ch 22:1 -7.

CHAPTER 22:

WHAT THE NEW HOME IS LIKE:

1 . A pure river, tree of life on either side, v. 1 , 2.

2. No more a) light, b) night, or c) candle needed, v. 3-5.

3. Truth of this Book recertified, Benediction to the keepers, v. 6, 7; as in Revelation 1:3.

4. Worship neither man nor angels, v. 8, 9.

5. Conceal not, withhold not, ,from men this message, v. 10-15.

6. This book and message addressed to the churches, v. 16.

7. Final Bible Invitation to Salvation, extended by:

a) The Spirit

b) The Bride

c) The Hearer - - individual believer, v 1 7-19.

8. Last Promise, Prayer, and Benediction of the Bible, v. 20, 21.

-------End of Introduction to Revelation-------------

THE THINGS JOHN HAD SEEN V. 1-20 (Introduction) V. 1-3

1) "The Revelation of Jesus Christ," (apokalupsis lesou Christou) "An (the) unveiling, a disclosure, or Revelation of Jesus Christ"; This is a claim to Inspiration, Revelation 1:19; Revelation 2:1; Revelation 2:8; Revelation 2:12; Revelation 2:18; Revelation 3:1; Revelation 3:7; Revelation 3:14; as in Exodus 4:15-16.

2) "Which God gave unto him," (hen edoken auto ho theos) "Which (the) God delivered over to him," to Jesus Christ, Revelation 1:5; Revelation 1:8; Revelation 1:11.

3) "To shew unto his servants," (deiksai tois doulois autou) "To show or disclose to his servants"; specifically to the pastors and members of the seven churches of Asia, Revelation 1:4; Revelation 1:11; Revelation 22:16.

4) "Things which must shortly come to pass," (ha dei genesthai en tachei) "Things which must occur speedily, or shortly," Hebrews 10:37; Revelation 22:6, as the Gentile or church age rolled on to a close,

5) "And he sent and signified it," (kai esemanen aposteilas) "And he signified (them), identified them, commissioning, sending," verified the things, certified their authenticity or trustworthiness.

6) "By his angel," (dia tou angelou autou) "Through the instrument of his angel," perhaps the angel Gabriel who is a special informing angel-servant of God, Daniel 8:16; Daniel 9:21; Luke 1:19; Luke 1:26.

7) "Unto his servant John," (to doula autou loanne) "To his servant John," his freeborn bond-slave, Revelation 1:4; Revelation 1:9; Revelation 22:8; Revelation 22:16. Who was to testify to the churches things divinely disclosed or revealed to him.

Comment:

1) "Who bare record of the word of God," (hos emarturesen ton logon tou theou) "Who bore witness of" (three things): "The Word of God," the living word, Jesus Christ, Jesus is revealed as: a) Redeemer, Revelation 5:9-10; b) High Priest Revelation 8:3-6; c) Bridegroom Revelation 19:7-9; d) Judge, Revelation 19:11-16; Revelation 20:1-15.

2) "And of the testimony of Jesus Christ," (kai ten marturian lesou Christou) "And the witness (testimony) of Jesus Christ," what he heard Jesus say, Revelation 1:11-18.

3) "And of all things that he saw," (hosa eiden) "And of as many things as he (himself) saw," Revelation 1:19-20. The Patmos vision of Jesus Christ, the church, the tribulation judgments, the marriage of the Lamb, the binding of Satan, the Millennium, the great white throne judgment, the new Jerusalem, and the new heaven and the new earth, even the consummation of all things. These are the things of which John was to testify, bear witness as they each related to Jesus Christ, Colossians 3:17.

Comment:

1) "Blessed is he that readeth," (makarios ho anaginoskon) "Blessed or spiritually prosperous is the one who reads," or the one reading; Reading tends to make a knowledgeable person, and knowledge is the seedbed of wisdom from God, Deuteronomy 17:19; Isaiah 34:16; Luke 4:16; 1 Timothy 4:13.

2) "And they that hear the words of this prophecy," (kai hoi akouontes tous logous tes prophetess) "And those hearing or (giving heed to) the words of the prophecy"; For "faith cometh by hearing," by hearing the word of God, Romans 10:17; Luke 14:35; Deuteronomy 18:15; Deuteronomy 18:19; Acts 3:22-23; Hebrews 4:7. Men must take heed "what" and "how" they hear, Mark 4:34; Luke 8:18. For the one who hears obediently, responsively shall be blessed.

3) "And keep those things that are written therein," (kai terountes ta en aute gegrammena) "And (spiritually prosperous) are those keeping, guarding, or paying attention to, the things having been written in it," in the prophecy of this book. For, like the Old Testament, they are written to be reverenced, for our admonition, 1 Corinthians 10:11; Revelation 22:14; Revelation 22:16; Revelation 22:18-19.

4) "For the time is at hand," (ho gar kairos engus) "Because the time-season is near, or at hand," applicable at this time or season; This is a time, a season of responsibility and accountability; for with the Revelation of Jesus Christ man is rendered without excuse, and perfectly, thoroughly furnished to every good work, Romans 2:1; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11.

Blessed is everyone who claims or lays hold on these trinitarian blessings - blessings available to - 1) the reader, 2) the header, and 3)the keeper or guarding one of these prophetic matters.

Comment:

1) "John to the seven churches which are in Asia," (loannes tais hepta ekklesias tais en te asia) "John (is writing) to the seven churches, to those in Asia," all the churches in Asia were personified, addressed thru letters to seven designated local congregations, Revelation 1:11.

2) "Grace be unto you, and peace," (charis humin kai eirene) "May grace and peace be to you all"; to the churches and servants of God whom John addressed in this book Revelation Revelation 2:1 to Revelation 3:22; Revelation 22:16.

3) "From him which is," (Apo ho on) "From, originating or emanating from, the one who exists," the self-existing, almighty God, the eternal God, Revelation 1:1, revealed in the express image of His Son, Hebrews 1:1-2; Galatians 4:4-5.

4) "And which was," (kai ho en) "And from him who was (who existed before)," John 1:1-2; John 1:14; Deuteronomy 33:27; 1 John 5:20; He is from "everlasting to everlasting," Psalms 90:2.

5) "And which is to come," (kai ho erchomenos) "And from the one who is to come," of his own will or accord," John 14:1-3; Acts 1:10-11; Hebrews 10:37; 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18.

6) "And from the seven spirits," (kai apo ton hepta pneumaton) "And originating from the seven spirits"; as set forth Isaiah 11:2 as: 1) of the Lord, 2) of Wisdom , 3) of understanding, 4) of counsel, 5) of might, 6) of knowledge, and 7) of the fear of the Lord.

7) "Which are before his throne," (ha enopion tou thronou autou) "Which exist (are) or appear before (in the presence of) his throne," in heaven, Hebrews 1:3; Ephesians 1:20-21.

Comment:

1) "And from Jesus Christ," (Kai apo lesou Christou) "Even originating from Jesus Christ;” John continued to pray that grace and peace might continually flow from God the Father, the Holy Spirit in his perfection’s, and Jesus Christ.

2) "Who is the faithful witness," (ho martus ho pistos) "The one who is the faithful (trustworthy) witness;” He is the "faithful witness" to the people, all men, who speaks Isaiah 55:3-5; John 5:30-39; 1 Timothy 6:13.

3) "And the first begotten of the dead," (ho prototokos ton nekron) "The firstborn (the prototype) of the dead bodies or corpses," showing what the resurrected saints shall be like, the first-begotten from among the dead, dead bodies, 1 Corinthians 15:20; 1 Corinthians 15:23; 1 John 3:1-3.

4) "And the prince of the kings of the earth," (kai ho archon ton Basileon tes ges) "And the high-ruler, prince, or chief of (above) the kings of the earth," Revelation 17:14; Revelation 19:16. The imperial ruler of the earth, 1 Corinthians 15:25; Luke 1:32-33.

5) "Unto him that loved us,"(to agapeesanti hemas)"To the one who loved us," and still loves us, John 15:13; Ephesians 5:25; 2 Corinthians 5:14; John 11:3; 1 John 4:19. We love him because he first loved us.

6) "And washed us from our sins," (kai lusanti hemas ek ton hamartion hemon) And absolved, loosed, or released us out of the consequence of our sins," Romans 3:24-25; Titus 3:5.

7) "In his own blood," (en to haimati autou) "By his own blood," Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:22; Hebrews 9:26; Hebrews 10:18; Revelation 5:9-10.

Comment:

1) "And hath made us kings," (kai eposiesen hemas Basileian) "And made, (formed), or instituted us (a) kingdom," an organized, orderly form of government, called "the kingdom of heaven", "the house of God", the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth", Matthew 11:11-12; Matthew 13:11-52; 1 Timothy 3:15; Ephesians 3:21; Revelation 5:9-10.

2) "And priests unto God and his Father", (hiereis to theo kai patri autou) "To be priests toward God, even to his Father," offering up spiritual sacrifices to the Father, thru the church, holy priesthood administering the New Testament church program as an organized program of worship and service, 1 Peter 2:4-5; 1 Peter 2:9-10; 1 Peter 4:17; Ephesians 2:19-22.

3) "To him be glory and dominion," (auto he doksa kai to kratos) "To him is (exists) duly the glory and the might," in the church, by Christ Jesus throughout the ages, Ephesians 3:21. Note always that The Book of Revelation was addressed not only directly to the seven churches of Asia but also to all the churches of Jesus Christ in this age, Revelation 1:11; Revelation 1:20; Revelation 2:7; Revelation 3:22; Revelation 22:16.

4) "Forever and ever, Amen." (eis tous aionas ton aionon amen) "Into the ages of the ages, without cessation or end, Amen." "So may it ever continue" John prayed, as Paul had done, as recorded Ephesians 3:21.

Comment:

1) "Behold he cometh with clouds," (Idou erchetai meta ton nephelon) "Behold he comes oi his own accord with the clouds," "as he went away," Luke 24:50-51; Acts 1:10-11. He went away blessing faithful Galileean church followers, expressed "ye men of Galilee," of his church. He will return with special blessings for his church first. Hebrews 9:28.

2) "And every eye shall see him," (kai opsetai auton pas ophthalmos) "And every eye will see him." though not at the same (identical) instant. Time is required in time to fulfill different things to be fulfilled at his second coming as at his first. Before 1) The tribulation judgments, 2) the marriage of the Lamb, and 3) the great white throne judgments are finished, "every eye shall see him."

3) "And they also which pierced him," (kai hoitines auton eksekentesan) "Even those who pierced him," John 19:37. It is not all over yet, for Christ rejectors, for every dart cast at the Lord and his church and people will be brought to judgment, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.

4) "And all the kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him," (kai kopsontai ep’ auton pasai hai phulai tes ges) "And all the tribes of the earth will wail on their own behalf, or of their own accord over him," Revelation 6:13-17; Revelation 20:11. At that hour "weeping, wailing gnashing of teeth in pains of torment and unceasing regret shall arise from the mouths of the unsaved, Matthew 8:12; Matthew 22:13; Revelation 14:11.

5) "Even so, Amen," (nai, amen) "Yes, may it be so;” It appears that the redeemed will shout praises at and as the just judgment of God is one day poured out upon those who have wilfully rejected his Son and done despite to the spirit if Grace, Proverbs 1:24-30.

Comment:

1) "I am Alpha and Omega," (ego eimi to Alfa kai to Oo) "I am the Alpha (beginning) and the Omega, (end);” the A to Z, the originator and terminator, the beginning and the end, by whom all things exist and are sustained, La 3:22, 23; Acts 17:28; James 4:15.

2) "The beginning and the end, saith the Lord," (legei Kurios ho theos) "Says, or affirms the Lord God"; in the Revelation of himself, of his nature and existent being, without end or cessation of being. He is alive forevermore, Revelation 1:18; Hebrews 7:25.

3) "Which is," (ho hon) "The one (Lord God) who exists," or the one God which really is or exists, Exodus 20:1; Psalms 115:4-9; 1 Corinthians 8:6. Only here and in Revelation 21:5 is God Almighty identified as the direct speaker in this book.

4) "And which was," (kai ho hen) "And the one Lord God who self-existed, who was, has always been," John 1:1-3.

5) "And which is to come," (kai ho erchomenos) "And the one Lord God who is to come, of his own will, accord, or pledge," 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-12. He comes to be glorified in his saints and to execute everlasting punishment upon the unsaved.

6) "The Almighty," (ho pantokrator) "The one Lord God, almighty or all powerful," omnipotent; Isaiah 9:6, the God of might, dynamic power. In this manner John and Jesus are identified as testator and recorder of the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

JOHN’S IDENTITY AND PATMOS VISION :9-18

Comment:

1) "I John, who also am your brother," (ego loannes ho adelphos humon) "I (am) John, your brother"; Establishing identity and character of one who is to witness or give testimony is important in determining the value or trust-worthiness of the witness.

2) "And companion in tribulation," (kai sugkoinonos en te thlipsei) "And co-sharer in the tribulation," the tribulation then experienced by brethren in churches in Asia Minor whom he now begins to address directly, Revelation 1:9 to Revelation 3:22.

3) "And in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ," (kai basileia kai hupomone en lesou) "And in the kingdom (church work) and endurance in Jesus"; This John was both a brother in the Lord, one of the twelve Apostles, and a church brother who was interested in brethren in the churches he addressed in Asia, Matthew 10:2; Revelation 6:11; Revelation 12:10.

4) "Was in the isle that is called Patmos," (egenomen en tee neesoo tee kaloumene Patmoo) "Came to be in the Island called Patmos;" a scantily populated and treeless Island where criminals were sometimes banished by the Romans in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Asia out from Ephesus, some fifty miles.

5) "For the Word of God," (dia ton logon tou Theou) "On account of the Word of God;" the preaching of the cross of Christ which was foolishness to the unbelieving, 1 Corinthians 1:18-24.

6) "And for the testimony of Jesus Christ," (Kai ten marturian lesou) "And on account of the witness of Jesus Christ," the testimony he gave for Jesus Christ. For this he was exiled, much as Joseph by his brethren. But God meant it for Good, Genesis 50:20; John 15:18-21.

Comment:

1) "I was in the spirit on the Lord’s day," (egenomen en pneumati en te kuriake hemera) "I came to be in (the) spirit on the Imperial day," the day of the king, (the 1^{st day of the week, the day Jesus became Lord over death); Tho exiled far from his earthly home, John was in the spirit (the sphere of his will) on the Lord’s Day - from a word meaning an "Imperial Day" The Day of a Royal King, The Day Jesus arose from the dead, the first day of the week, Matthew 6:33; Matthew 28:1; 1 Corinthians 15:1-2.}

^{2) “And heard behind me," (kai ekousa opiso mou) "And heard (from) behind me"; He was not alone for he who promised "never to leave or forsake" his own, is trustworthy, Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5; Deuteronomy 31:6. Ask Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Daniel, Paul, etc. - The spirit of each is expressed, 1 Kings 8:56.}

^{3) "A great voice," (phonen megalen) "A great, loud, or blaring voice," a mega-phone like voice, distinctly clear, easy to be understood; Throughout the apocalypse (the Revelation) John first sees, beholds, or comprehends, then thereafter writes.}

^{4) "As of a trumpet," (hos salpingos) "As a blaring trumpet;” similar to, with te clarity of a blaring trumpet that calls to battle, to a great convocation, or a celebration. The trumpet voice of Jesus has no uncertain sound John 14:6; John 8:24. It is clear, simple, truthful, and requires respectful obedience, John 13:34-35; John 14:15; John 15:14.}

^{He who is "in the Spirit" on the "Lord’s Day" the imperial Day, should, like John, do what the Lord calls and commands of him, even today, James 1:22; Ephesians 2:10.}

^{1) "Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last," (Legouses) "Saying or instructing," - the thing formerly asserted, Revelation 1:8 that he was God (the eternal, Almighty one), who was manifested to men in the flesh of his eternal son thru whom he was now (then) speaking to John, John 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:1-3.}

^{2) "And, What thou seest, write in a book," (ho Blepeis graphon eis Biblion) "What you see write or record in a scroll," a record form, write it down as history to be, put it on a scroll for preservation, for help to others - this certifies that John was directly and divinely inspired, Revelation 22:16; 2 Timothy 3:16-17.}

^{3) "And send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia," (kai pempson tais hepta ekklesiais) "And distribute (deliver) to the seven churches (congregations) in Asia"; all this book - - not merely the seven separate church letters, was to be sent to the churches of the Lord throughout Asia, note, Revelation 22:16.}

^{1. "Unto Ephesus,” (eis Epheson) "Unto Ephesus," send it.}

^{2. "And unto Smyrna," (kai eis sumurna) "and to Smyrna," send it.}

^{3. "And unto Pergamos," (kai eis pergamon) "And into Pergamos," send it.}

^{4. "And unto Thyatira," (kai eis thyatira) "And into Thyatira," send it.}

^{5. "And unto Sardis," (kai eis sardeis) "And unto Sardis," send it.}

^{6. "And unto Philadelphia," (kai eis philadelpheian) "And into Philadelphia," send it.}

^{7. "And unto Laodicea," (kai eis Laodikeian) send it. The term (Gk. pempson) means distribute in every direction, simply get the message out, obtain for it a place in all the regions of Asia. The idea emanates from our Lord’s church mandate to go into all the world with the word and work of Christ, Mark 16:15, Acts 1:8.}

^{1) "And I turned to see the voice," (kai epestrepha Blepe in ten phonen) "And I turned to glance at the (source of) the voice," from behind him, Revelation 1:10, like many who at the first sound of his voice after his resurrection did not recognize him, John 20:11-18.}

^{2) "That spake with me," (hetis elalei met ’emou) "Which spoke with (to me) me"; there appears to have been audible communication (Gk. elalei) between John and the Son of Man. Had not John heard the mother of our Lord instruct, "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it"? John 2:5.}

^{3) "And being turned," (kai epistrephas) "And having turned," when I turned, he was not disappointed, he saw whom, and more than, he had expected, Ephesians 3:20.}

^{4) "I saw seven golden candlesticks," (eidon hepta luchnias chrusas) "I saw (recognized) seven golden lampsticks or candlesticks"; representing the seven churches of Asia and symbolically (spiritually) all true congregations that carry on his program of church worship and work, Revelation 1:20; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8.}

^{1) "And in the midst of the seven candlesticks," (kai en meso ton luchion) "And in (the) midst (among) the seven candlesticks," Among the seven churches, both in the membership of each of the seven churches and in the inter-fellowship, the affinity association, or colleague association of the churches, Revelation 1:20.}

^{2) "One like unto the Son of Man," (homoion huion anthropou) "A Son of Man likeness-one," or one that appeared to me to be "The Son of Man," Revelation 14:14. Jesus is the "Son of Man", or "heir-redeemer of Mankind," John 5:27. The Redeemer of Mankind from the Law of sin and death, that all might come forth from the graves", Galatians 4:4-5; John 5:28-29.}

^{3) "Clothed with a garment down to the foot," (endedumenon podere) "Having been clothed (covered or well dressed) down to the feet;” The long robe was a mark of dignity, indicating high official rank or office, such as that of a kingly ruler or the Jewish High Priest, who wore a purple robe down to his feet, Psalms 133:2; Leviticus 8:7-12; Luke 16:19; Daniel 5:29.}

^{4) "And girt about the paps," (Kai periezosmenon pros tois mastois) "And having been girdled around at the breasts"; High girding with a belt, a wide belt that reached up to the breast, was also a mark of lofty position, usually reserved for Jewish priests who presided over spiritual services, Leviticus 8:7; 2 Kings 1:8; Job 12:18; Isaiah 11:5.}

^{5) "With a golden girdle," (zonen chrusan) "(With) a golden girdle," - - gold the ornament of kings and royalty, the most enduring of precious metals, a symbol of divine excellence. The girdle was a belt used to tie up the long robe for rapid walking, work, or battle - of soft cloth, linen, leather, or gold indicating use or rank - - Exodus 28:4; Exodus 28:8; Exodus 28:27-29; Revelation 15:6; Ephesians 6:14.}

^{1) "His head and his hairs," (he kephale autou kai hai triches) "What is more his head and the hairs (of his head)," his forehead and his hair, described as a wise, venerable person, Proverbs 20:26-28; Genesis 42:38; Genesis 44:29; Genesis 44:31; Deuteronomy 32:25.}

^{2 "Were white like wool," (leukai hos erion) "(Appeared to be) as white as wool," a symbol of celestial or heavenly beings, in white apparel, as well as a representative of an holy cause, 2 Chronicles 5:12; Ezra 8:15; Ecclesiastes 9:8.}

^{3) "As white as snow," (leukon hos chion) "Even as white as snow," a symbol of purity, innocence, cleanliness, or holiness, Isaiah 1:18; Matthew 28:3; Acts 1:10; Revelation 3:4-5; Revelation 19:8; Revelation 19:14.}

^{4) "And his eyes were as a flame of fire," (kai hoi ophthalmoi autou hos phloks puros) "And his eyes (flashed) as a flame of fire," Revelation 20:11; In holiness and fierce judgment he comes to reign, 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9. This appears to be the person of "Ancient of Days" one, whom Daniel foresaw, Daniel 7:13-14; Revelation 1:7.}

^{1) "And his feet like unto fine brass," (kai ho podes sutou homoioi chalkolibano) "And his feet appeared to be like burnished or polished brass," burnished in heat for polishing, to trample under his feet or crush his opposition, the antichrist, Daniel 10:5-21.}

^{2) "As if they burned in a furnace," (hos en kamino pepuromenes) "As having been fired in a furnace," as white heat-metal, brass (copper) or bronze, in a burning furnace, as in or similar to Ezekiel 1:26-28.}

^{3) "And behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen," (kai idou eimi eis tous aionas ton aionon) "And behold it, perceive it, I am living (alive) now and hereafter, forevermore," to die no more. This is a victory annunciation over death, an assurance of his power to raise all his own from the grave, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; John 5:28.}

^{4) "And have the keys of hell and of death," (kai echotas kleis tou tharatou kai tou hadou) "And I have, hold, or possess the keys (control or jurisdiction) of death and of hell," of the hadean, spiritual realm, of the abode of the impenitent and unregenerate, the unsaved whose souls have departed their bodies. Keys denote authority of control, jurisdiction, or administration to the places of their entrance - - our Lord, with all authority committed to him by the Father, holds the keys to both heaven and hell, John 3:35; John 5:22; Acts 17:30-31.}

^{1) "And he had in his right hand seven stars," (kai echon en te deksia cheiri autou asteras hepta) "And he was holding in his right hand seven stars"; after his majesty and authority were identified, there followed his position in and among the churches, to observe, aid, assist, and protect them and their pastors in labors. The seven stars were the messengers, pastors, or mouth pieces of the seven churches of Asia.}

^{2) "And out of his mouth," (kai ek tou stomatos autou) "And out of his mouth," originating from his mouth, coming or going out, of its own accord or will, from his mouth; his testimony that went forth from his mouth, Isaiah 55:11-12.}

^{3) "Went a sharp two-edged sword," (hromphaia distomos okseia ekporeuomene) "Was proceeding a sharp two-mouthed (edged) sword," an instrument of pending judgment, based on His word, Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12-13.}

^{4) "And his countenance," (kai he opsis autou) "And the face appearance (countenance) or likeness of him," like lightning in instant brilliance, Matthew 28:3; Daniel 10:6.}

^{5) "Was as the sun shineth in his strength," (hos ho helios painei en te dunamei autou) "Was like the sun shines in his dynamic power," his blinding rays, blinding brilliance, to give light, vision, and revelation to all, as in Revelation 10:1; Luke 9:29.}

^{1) "And when I saw him," (kai hote eidon auton) "And when I saw (perceived) really recognized him, who he was"; 0 that men might see him for who he is as Moses did by faith, Hebrews 11:27; as Simeon did, Luke 2:25-35; as Isa did, Isaiah 6:1-8.}

^{2) "I fell at his feet as dead," (epesa pros tous podas autou hos nekros) "I fell to or toward his feet as a dead corpse," helpless, prostrate to or toward him, with awe and submission to his Voice and person, as Saul, Acts 9:1-6.}

^{3) "And he laid his right hand upon me," (kai etheken ten deksian autou ep’ eme) "And he placed his right (hand), his helping hand, upon me"; his hand of strength and assurance rested on John, his mouthpiece, as on each of his witnesses; Exodus 15:6; Psalms 110:5; Psalms 118:15-16; Acts 7:55-56; Romans 8:34; Colossians 3:1. So great is his right hand that he both holds the pastors in his hand (care) and laid the right hand on John at the same time.}

^{4) "Saying unto me, Fear Not," (legon me phobou) "Saying (to me) Fear not," or Do not be afraid, do not let yourself be fearful, consumed with obstructing fear as to Abraham, Genesis 15:1; to Joseph, Genesis 50:19; to Moses, Numbers 21:34; to Joseph, Matthew 1:20, to the church, Luke 12:32; to Paul, Acts 27:24.}

^{5) "I am the first and the last,"(ego eimi ho protos kai ho eschatos) "I exist as (am) the first and (even) the last, the Alpha and the Omega, the A to Z, the beginning and the end, the originator, sustainer, and terminator of all things, Revelation 1:8; Revelation 1:11; John 1:1-3; Isaiah 44:6; Isaiah 22:13.}

^{1) "I am he that liveth," (kai ho zon) "I exist as the living one," or "I am the one living," to whom the beasts (living creatures) later gave glory, honor, and thanks, Revelation 4:9; as well as the twenty and four elders in worship Revelation 5:14.}

^{2) "And was dead," (kai egenomen nekros) "And I (once) became dead (was dead)," Romans 6:9. Christ both died and rose again. This is the central issue of gospel redemption, Romans 8:34; Romans 14:9; 1 Corinthians 15:3.}

^{1) "Write the things which thou hast seen," (graphon oun ha eides) "Write therefore the things that you sawest," hast seen, while in the spirit on the Lord’s Day, the Imperial Day, Revelation 1:10. Put is on record, Jesus instructed or commissioned John, Revelation 1:4. Recount the vision of Revelation 1:10-18. All man’s need of the past has been met in the risen Christ, Colossians 2:10.}

^{2) "And the things which are," (kai ha eisin) "And the things which are," which now exist, in the seven churches of Asia, Revelation 1:11 to Revelation 3:22. The present things Revelation 1:19 to Revelation 3:22. Christ and the Holy Spirit are in the midst to help, Matthew 28:20; John 14:16.}

^{3) "And the things which shall be hereafter," (kai ha mellei genesthai meta tauta) "And the things which are about to occur, (to become) of their own accord or order, after these things," after the things regarding the seven churches of Asia, and the church age, Revelation 1:12, Revelation 22:16. This also involves the witnessing of the church - side by side - with Israel for 42 months - the first half of the 70th week of Jacob’s trouble, Revelation 1:20; Revelation 11:3-7}

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^{John was therefore commissioned to write 1) what he had already seen in vision, Revelation 1:10-18; Revelation 2)the existing things regarding the care of and presence of Christ in the midst of and among the churches in the church age, and 3) things hereafter - after the church age - that leads into a) The tribulation of the Great, b) the Millennium, c) the Great White Throne of Judgment, d) and the New Heaven and the New Earth, with the numerous occurrences revolving around each of these major eras or events.}

^{1) "The mystery of the seven stars," (to musterion ton hepta asteron) "The mystery (coming of) the seven stars," hidden meaning to be drawn from or represented by the seven stars - - Pastors, shepherds, messengers or guides of the flock (church) of the Lord, 1 Peter 5:1-6.}

^{2) "Which thou sawest in my right hand," (ouseidesepi tes deksias mou) "Which you saw (perceived) on my right hand," being held in my right hand, his hand of glory, might and honor -in this guardian care, Psalms 34:7.}

^{3) "And the seven golden candlesticks," (kai tas hepta luchnias) "And the (mystery, covert meaning) of the seven golden candlesticks (lampstand)," what the matter represented is interpreted by the Lord himself who " loved the church and gave himself of it," Ephesians 5:25.}

^{4) "The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches," (hoi hepta asteres angeloi ton hepta ekklesion eisin) "The seven stars are (exist as) messengers, (pastors), or ministers of the seven churches, Revelation 1:11; Revelation 2:1; Revelation 2:8; Revelation 2:12; Revelation 2:18; Revelation 3:1; Revelation 3:7; Revelation 3:14. Those stars are shepherds who lead the way for the flock of God, 1 Peter 5:2-4.}

^{5) "And the seven candlesticks which thou sawest," (kai hai luchniai hai hepta) "And the seven lampstands," golden candlesticks-that you saw, Revelation 1:12-13 - seven simply indicates adequacy or perfection, sufficiency in the message of the church, Matthew 5:15.}

^{6) "Are the seven churches," (hepta ekklesiai eisin) "Are or exist (are in existence as) the seven churches of Asia, Revelation 1:4; Revelation 1:10. The church of our Lord is referred to as God’s candlestick and new olive tree of the Gentile Age, Romans 11:13; Revelation 11:3-6.}

^{3) "And his voice," (kai he phone autou) "And the voice of him," even his voice, which I heard (was) existed as, similar to a majestic, dynamic, authoritative voice, Ezekiel 43:2.}

^{4) "As the sound of many waters," (hos phone hudaton pollon) "(was, or appeared) as the voice-sound of many waters," Revelation 14:2.}