Revelation 1:20 Commentary - Dr Peter Masters

Navigator

Revelation 1:20

Comments

Two of the significant symbols in the vision are explained, and in giving this explanation it is made clear that none of what John has seen is to be interpreted literally. This is going to be a book of rich symbols. Understanding will come not through by trying to work out what real objects in the physical world John is describing, but by exploring the meaning of the symbols and considering the lessons contained in them.Starting with the second of the symbols, the churches are represented by seven separate lampstands, in this case the seven churches of Asia which have already been listed, but which in turn stand for all churches in various conditions in all ages and all locations. We are lampstands; we are a light-bearing unit for the Lord. The church is the pillar and ground of the truth. Who benefits from that light? The world around us. The church is in the world to be the light of the world, to have a testimony to a lost world. The stars are the angels, which means messengers in this context. The word ‘angels’ means messengers. Who are they? There is a certain amount of controversy over this, but the overwhelming likelihood, and the only really acceptable understanding, is that these stars, these messengers, are the pastors, the ministers, of those churches. Each letter opens by addressing the messenger in that church. John would not be writing letters to angels in heaven. These angels are made responsible for the state of the churches to which they belong. They are instructed as those that have authority in the church to teach better things, to exhort to repentance and to bring about change. The letter then continues in the second person singular, addressing an individual. The angels or messengers are not singled out as anything special. They are in the hand of Christ, which means they have no authority of their own, no right to express their own opinions and ideas. They are to do his bidding. They are his servants; they are to scrupulously reproduce his words and explain it to the people, and they will be held accountable if they fail to do that, if they do it lightly, if they underestimate it.

Application

Oh, but I hear of a church where they have every conceivable social event alongside the gospel to draw the people in, and people can do almost anything. You are not a social club, you are a lampstand. The word of God is everything. That is what we are preaching. That is what we are making known, to children, teenagers, adults. This is our high business, the word of God, and we are a golden lampstand. We are to do it for all our worth.

This first chapter reveals the work of Christ, and we respond with exalted worship. It reveals something of the person of Christ, and we respond with awe and obedience and submission. In the days of this coming week, as you read the Scripture and as you pray, pray for and look for an ever-deepening realisation of the wonder and the majesty and the power of Christ. If you get it – and you should – you will find your attitude becomes one of far greater commitment and obedience.

Questions

Outline

Purpose

Introduction

Revelation 1:20 Commentary and Bible Study