Revelation 1:9-16
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
A Vision of the Risen Lord
Revelation of Christ
THE CONDESCENDING GOODNESS OF THE LORD
John experiences with his readers
the tribulation or persecution on account
of their faith, with patient endurance, which is steadfast courage under unjust
suffering. However, attendant to the trials involved in the Christian life is
the glory of the kingdom. John is an exile on Patmos, an island 10 miles by 6 miles, located 60 miles southwest
of Ephesus in the Aegean
Sea . Volcanic and mostly
treeless, the Romans used it as a penal colony, forcing prisoners to work in
the granite quarries. John’s banishment
was the result of his faithful witness to the gospel.
Kingdom Dynamics
1: 10. This is the earliest reference
in Christian literature to the first day of the week as the Lord’s Day. John’s experience in the Spirit (4:2; 17:3; 21:10) was that of a biblical prophet
receiving a supernatural revelation. The
trumpet summons and prepares John to
receive a momentous message.
1: 11. The seven churches were located on a major
Roman postal route and are listed in the order in which a messenger would reach
the towns, making a semicircular seep from Ephesus
1: 12. The seven golden candlesticks represent the
churches (v.20), which are lights in a dark world.
1: 13-15. The clothing of the Lord
symbolizes priestly royalty; the white
hairs and flaming eyes symbolize
eternity, wisdom, and omniscience; and the fine
brass suggests immutability and omnipotence; and the many waters represent commanding authority.
1: 16. The seven stars are either the
pastor-messengers of the churches (1:20), or the guardian angels assigned to
the churches. In his right hand connotes
being sustained and protected. The
two-edged sword is His Word. See 2:12,
16, and 19:13, 15, 21; Heb. 2:14,
15. The description of the Lord’s
countenance suggests indescribable glory and majesty (see Matt. 17:2).
To be cont’d…
Janet Irene Thomas
Playwright/Screen Writer/Director
Published Author/Gospel Lyricist
&Producer
FOUNDER/CEO
Bible Stories Theatre of
Fine & Performing Arts
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