The Opening Vision
This vision is prefaced by a reference to the position of Christ. “I am the Alpha and Omega” (v. 8). These are the terms applied to the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Just as the whole of that alphabet is contained within this scope so the whole purpose of God is centred in Christ (See Eph. 1. 10). All things were made “on account of” or “because of Him”.
John describes himself as a brother and “companion in tribulation”, of those to whom he wrote. This reminds us of the persecution of the Christians at the end of the first, and opening of the second century. Concerning John particularly, and so many of his brethren through the ages, it could truly be said, “they should through much tribulation enter the Kingdom of God”.
He enlightens the reader that he was in the island called Patmos (in the Aegean Sea, west of Turkey). Although imprisoned by the Roman authorities, the apostle perceived that the purpose behind his sojourn was that of witnessing for the word of God and the truth proclaimed by and through Christ. John was “in spirit” — “on the Lord’s day.” That is to say that by the power of the spirit he was transported in vision to the great “day of the Lord” which is yet in the future, when God’s anger and judgment will be poured upon the nations. Instructions were given to John in what he describes as, “a great voice as of a trumpet”. The trumpet suggests authority attached to the words spoken. Who could be more fitted than the Son of God as an authority concerning the purpose of His Father?
“What thou seest write and send to the seven ecclesias.” John was to describe all that he saw and heard, and having written to send the information to all the “ecclesias” or “congregations” of “called out ones” in the specified cities in Asia (Turkey). These cities have been well known in the ages that followed but not a trace remains of the early ecclesias and their meeting places.
What Was Seen
“Being turned, I saw,” v. 12. The Apostle explains that he saw seven golden candlesticks or lampstands, in the midst of which was one like the Son of Man. He was covered to the feet with a long garment, and had on a golden girdle. His head and His hair were white as snow, His eyes as a flame of fire. His feet were like fine brass (or copper) burned (or refined) by fire. The voice was tremendously powerful. In His right hand were seven stars, and a sharp two-edged sword proceeded from His mouth. The brightness and strength conveyed by His appearance were remarkable, and so overpowering that John fell at his feet as dead.
However the Apostle was comforted and reassured by the knowledge that He whom John so greatly loved and who had suffered such an ignominious death was now alive for ever. Not only was eternal life secured for Himself, but He could now bestow this on others, “I have the keys of hell (hades—hidden place—the grave) and of death”. “Keys” indicates the power of the holder to unlock or loose the prison of mortality that holds us all.
Verse 19 is remarkable in that it defines Christ’s message as referring not to things in the past but to things then present and to come thereafter.
Daniel The Prophet – (Part 3)