King James Version
Revelation 1
20 verses with commentary
Prologue
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:...</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of vision of the glorified christ - his majesty, authority, and presence among the churches employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions an...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) **The Revelation of Jesus Christ**.—The book is a revelation of the things which are and the things which shall be. “John is the writer, but Jesus Christ is the author,” says Grotius; and consistently with this the action of Christ is seen throughout. It is Christ who bids John write to the seven churches; it is Christ who opens the seven seals (Revelation 6:1), who reveals the sufferings of t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. may suffice--**Greek, "is sufficient." Peter takes the lowest ground: for not even the past time ought to have been wasted in lust; but since you cannot recall it, at least lay out the future to better account.
**us--**omitted in oldest manuscripts.
**wrought--**Greek, "wrought out."
**Gentiles--**heathen: which many of you were.
**when, &c.--**"walking as ye have done [Alford] in...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 1
Chapter Outline
The apostle salutes the elect lady and her children.(1-3)
Express his joy in their faith and love.(4-6)
Cautions them against deceivers.(7-11)
And concludes.(12-13)
**Verses 1-3**
Religion turns compliments into real expressions of respect and love. And old disciple is honourable; an old apostle and leader of disciples is more so. The letter is t...
Read full commentary →Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
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KJV Study Commentary
John's role as faithful witness establishes the apostolic authority behind Revelation's visions. The Greek 'emarturēsen' (bore witness) emphasizes John's firsthand testimony of Christ's resurrection and ministry, now extended to include these prophetic visions. This triple witness—the Word of God, the testimony of Jesus, and all things seen—forms a complete foundation for the book's authority. Ref...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Who bare record.**—Elsewhere as well as here. And he tells us of what he bore record—of the Word of God. The writer declares that the substance of his testimony and witness had been this Word of God. We have here an indication of what the general character of his teaching had been. It evidently had been a teaching laying stress on that aspect of truth which is so forcibly set before us in th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. Wherein--**In respect to which abandonment of your former walk (1Pe 4:3).
**run not with them--**eagerly, in troops [Bengel].
**excess--**literally, "profusion"; a sink: stagnant water remaining after an inundation.
**riot--**profligacy.
**speaking evil--**charging you with pride, singularity, hypocrisy, and secret crimes (1Pe 4:14; 2Pe 2:2). However, there is no "of you" in the Greek...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 1
Chapter Outline
The apostle salutes the elect lady and her children.(1-3)
Express his joy in their faith and love.(4-6)
Cautions them against deceivers.(7-11)
And concludes.(12-13)
**Verses 1-3**
Religion turns compliments into real expressions of respect and love. And old disciple is honourable; an old apostle and leader of disciples is more so. The letter is t...
Read full commentary →Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein : for the time is at hand.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of vision of the glorified christ - his majesty, authority, and presence among the churches employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **Blessed is he that readeth. . . .** **prophecy.**—Any declaration of the principles of the divine government, with indications of their exemplification in coming history, is a prophecy. Sometimes the history which exemplifies these principles is immediate, sometimes more remote; in other cases (as, I venture to believe, is the case with the predictions of this book) the events are both immed...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5. They who now call you to account falsely, shall have to give account themselves for this very evil-speaking (Jude 15), and be condemned justly.
**ready--**very speedily (1Pe 4:7; 2Pe 3:10). Christ's coming is to the believer always near.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 1
Chapter Outline
The apostle salutes the elect lady and her children.(1-3)
Express his joy in their faith and love.(4-6)
Cautions them against deceivers.(7-11)
And concludes.(12-13)
**Verses 1-3**
Religion turns compliments into real expressions of respect and love. And old disciple is honourable; an old apostle and leader of disciples is more so. The letter is t...
Read full commentary →John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is , and which was , and which is to come ; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;
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KJV Study Commentary
The Trinitarian greeting reflects the eternal, unchanging nature of God. 'Which is, and which was, and which is to come' echoes Exodus 3:14 ('I AM'), affirming God's self-existence and sovereignty over all time. The 'seven Spirits' likely represents the Holy Spirit in His fullness (Isaiah 11:2 lists seven aspects), with seven symbolizing completeness. This Trinitarian structure—Father, Spirit, Son...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **JOHN to the seven churches** (or, *congregations*) **which are in Asia.**—It is needless to observe that the Asia here is not to be regarded as co-extensive with what we know as Asia Minor. It is the province of Asia (comp. Acts 2:9-10; Acts 16:6-7), which was under a Roman proconsul, and embraced the western portion of Asia Minor. In St. John’s time it consisted of a strip of sea-board, som...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. For--**giving the reason for 1Pe 4:5, "judge the dead."
**gospel preached also to ... dead--**as well as to them now living, and to them that shall be found alive at the coming of the Judge. "Dead" must be taken in the same literal sense as in 1Pe 4:5, which refutes the explanation "dead" in sins. Moreover, the absence of the Greek article does not necessarily restrict the sense of "dead" t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 4-8**
There can be no true peace, where there is not true grace; and where grace goeth before, peace will follow. This blessing is in the name of God, of the Holy Trinity, it is an act of adoration. The Father is first named; he is described as the Jehovah who is, and who was, and who is to come, eternal, unchangeable. The Holy Spirit is called the seven spirits, the perfect Spirit of...
Read full commentary →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. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,...</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of vision of the glorified christ - his majesty, authority, and presence among the churches employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **From Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten** (or, *firstborn*) **of the dead, and the prince** (or, *ruler*) **of the kings of the earth.**—The triple title applied to Christ corresponds to the three ideas of this book. Christ the Revealing Prophet, the Life-giving High Priest, and the real Ruler of mankind.
**The faithful witness.**—There may be a reference here,...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
7. Resuming the idea in 1Pe 4:5.
**the end of all things--**and therefore also of the wantonness (1Pe 4:3, 4) of the wicked, and of the sufferings of the righteous [Bengel]. The nearness meant is not that of mere "time," but that before the Lord; as he explains to guard against misapprehension, and defends God from the charge of procrastination: We live in the last dispensation, not like the Jew...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 4-8**
There can be no true peace, where there is not true grace; and where grace goeth before, peace will follow. This blessing is in the name of God, of the Holy Trinity, it is an act of adoration. The Father is first named; he is described as the Jehovah who is, and who was, and who is to come, eternal, unchangeable. The Holy Spirit is called the seven spirits, the perfect Spirit of...
Read full commentary →And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of vision of the glorified christ - his majesty, authority, and presence among the churches employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language charact...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever** (or, *unto the ages*)*.*—The symbol of washing in the last verse naturally leads on to the thought of consecration, accompanied by blood-sprinkling, to the work of the priest (Exodus 19:6; Exodus 19:10; Exodus 24:8; Hebrews 9:21). The book will declare the kingship and priesthood of the childr...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. above all things--**not that "charity" or love is placed above "prayer," but because love is the animating spirit, without which all other duties are dead. Translate as Greek, "Having your mutual (literally, 'towards yourselves') charity intense." He presupposes its existence among them; he urges them to make it more fervent.
**charity shall cover the multitude, &c.--**The oldest manusc...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 4-8**
There can be no true peace, where there is not true grace; and where grace goeth before, peace will follow. This blessing is in the name of God, of the Holy Trinity, it is an act of adoration. The Father is first named; he is described as the Jehovah who is, and who was, and who is to come, eternal, unchangeable. The Holy Spirit is called the seven spirits, the perfect Spirit of...
Read full commentary →Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of vision of the glorified christ - his majesty, authority, and presence among the churches employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **Behold, he cometh with clouds.**—Better, *with the clouds.* The reference to Christ’s words (Mark 14:62) is undoubted. In the “clouds” St. Augustine sees the emblem of the saints of the Church, which is His body, who spread as a vast fertilising cloud over the whole world.
**Every eye shall see him, and they also which** (*they were who = *“whosoever”) **pierced him.**—Here again is a refere...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
9. (Ro 12:13; He 13:2.) Not the spurious hospitality which passes current in the world, but the entertaining of those needing it, especially those exiled for the faith, as the representatives of Christ, and all hospitality to whomsoever exercised from genuine Christian love.
**without grudging--**Greek, "murmuring." "He that giveth, let him do it with simplicity," that is open-hearted sincerity;...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 4-8**
There can be no true peace, where there is not true grace; and where grace goeth before, peace will follow. This blessing is in the name of God, of the Holy Trinity, it is an act of adoration. The Father is first named; he is described as the Jehovah who is, and who was, and who is to come, eternal, unchangeable. The Holy Spirit is called the seven spirits, the perfect Spirit of...
Read full commentary →I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is , and which was , and which is to come , the Almighty.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of vision of the glorified christ - his majesty, authority, and presence among the churches employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic l...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **The beginning and the ending.**—These words are of doubtful authority; they are in all probability taken from Revelation 22:13, and interpolated here. The description of the verse applies, with little doubt, to our Lord, and the words are a strong declaration of His divinity.
**The Almighty.**—The word thus rendered is, with one exception (2Corinthians 6:18), peculiar to this book in the New...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. every--**"even as each man hath received," in whatever degree, and of whatever kind. The Spirit's gifts (literally, "gift of grace," that is, gratuitously bestowed) are the common property of the Christian community, each Christian being but a steward for the edifying of the whole, not receiving the gift merely for his own use.
**minister the same--**not discontentedly envying or disparagi...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 4-8**
There can be no true peace, where there is not true grace; and where grace goeth before, peace will follow. This blessing is in the name of God, of the Holy Trinity, it is an act of adoration. The Father is first named; he is described as the Jehovah who is, and who was, and who is to come, eternal, unchangeable. The Holy Spirit is called the seven spirits, the perfect Spirit of...
Read full commentary →John's Vision of Christ
I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Je...</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of vision of the glorified christ - his majesty, authority, and presence among the churches employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **I John, who also am your brother . . .**—More literally, *I, John, your brother and fellow partner in the tribulation and kingdom and patience in Jesus,*. . . . *because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.* He was a fellow-sharer of tribulation with them, and he shares that patience which brings experience, because it is a patience in Jesus. It is not patience for Christ, like 2Th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11. If any ... speak--**namely, as a prophet, or divinely taught teacher in the Church assembly.
**as the, &c.--**The Greek has no article: "as oracles of God." This may be due to Greek: "God," having no article, it being a principle when a governed noun omits the Greek article that the governing noun should omit it, too. In Ac 7:38 also, the Greek article is wanting; thus English Version,...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-11**
It was the apostle's comfort that he did not suffer as an evil-doer, but for the testimony of Jesus, for bearing witness to Christ as the Immanuel, the Saviour; and the Spirit of glory and of God rested upon this persecuted apostle. The day and time when he had this vision was the Lord's day, the Christian sabbath, the first day of the week, observed in remembrance of the resur...
Read full commentary →I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,...</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of vision of the glorified christ - his majesty, authority, and presence among the churches employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish proph...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **I was** (or, *I became*) **in the Spirit.**—The mind, drawn onward by the contemplation of things spiritual, is abstracted from the immediate consciousness of outward earthly forms of life. In great natures this power is usually strong. Socrates is related to have stood rapt in thought for hours, and even days, unconscious of the midday heat, or the mocking wonder of his comrades. To high-s...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. strange--**they might think it strange that God should allow His chosen children to be sore tried.
**fiery trial--**like the fire by which metals are tested and their dross removed. The Greek adds, "in your case."
**which is to try you--**Greek, "which is taking place for a trial to you." Instead of its "happening to you" as some strange and untoward chance, it "is taking place" with the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-11**
It was the apostle's comfort that he did not suffer as an evil-doer, but for the testimony of Jesus, for bearing witness to Christ as the Immanuel, the Saviour; and the Spirit of glory and of God rested upon this persecuted apostle. The day and time when he had this vision was the Lord's day, the Christian sabbath, the first day of the week, observed in remembrance of the resur...
Read full commentary →Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, an...</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of vision of the glorified christ - his majesty, authority, and presence among the churches employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **I am Alpha and Omega**.—In this verse we pass from St. John to Him who was the Word, of whom St. John gave testimony. He who is the faithful witness now speaks. “What thou seest, write,” &c. The previous words, “I am Alpha,” &c., are not found in the best MSS. The words “which are in Asia,” are also omitted.
**The seven churches.**—There were more than seven churches in Asia Minor; but the ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. inasmuch as--**The oldest manuscripts read, "in proportion as"; "in as far as" ye by suffering are partakers of Christ's sufferings, that is, by faith enter into realizing fellowship with them; willingly for His sake suffering as He suffered.
**with exceeding joy--**Greek, "exulting joy"; now ye rejoice amidst sufferings; then ye shall EXULT, for ever free from sufferings (1Pe 1:6, 8). If ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-11**
It was the apostle's comfort that he did not suffer as an evil-doer, but for the testimony of Jesus, for bearing witness to Christ as the Immanuel, the Saviour; and the Spirit of glory and of God rested upon this persecuted apostle. The day and time when he had this vision was the Lord's day, the Christian sabbath, the first day of the week, observed in remembrance of the resur...
Read full commentary →And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;...</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of vision of the glorified christ - his majesty, authority, and presence among the churches employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Je...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **Seven golden candlesticks**.—Comp. the vision in Zechariah 4:2-11. It has been observed that there is a difference in the two visions. In Zech., as in Exodus 25:31-32, the seven branches are united, so as to form one candlestick; here there are said to be seven candlesticks; and from this supposed difference it is argued that we have a hint of the variety of the Christian churches, as disti...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14. for--**Greek, "IN the name of Christ," namely, as Christians (1Pe 4:16; 3:14, above); "in My name, because ye belong to Christ." The emphasis lies on this: 1Pe 4:15, "as a murderer, thief," &c., stands in contrast. Let your suffering be on account of Christ, not on account of evil-doing (1Pe 2:20).
**reproached--**Reproach affects noble minds more than loss of goods, or even bodily suf...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-20**
The churches receive their light from Christ and the gospel, and hold it forth to others. They are golden candlesticks; they should be precious and pure; not only the ministers, but the members of the churches; their light should so shine before men, as to engage others to give glory to God. And the apostle saw as though of the Lord Jesus Christ appeared in the midst of the go...
Read full commentary →And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of vision of the glorified christ - his majesty, authority, and presence among the churches employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Gree...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **In the midst of the seven candlesticks** (the word “seven” is omitted in some of the best MSS.) one like unto the Son of man.—“He who kindled the light to be a witness of Himself and of His own presence with men was indeed present.” He was present the same as He had been known on earth, yet different—the same, for He is seen as Son of Man; the same as He had been seen on the Resurrection ev...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15. But--**Greek, "For." "Reproached in the name of Christ" I say (1Pe 4:14), "FOR let none," &c.
**as ... as ... as ... as--**the "as" twice in italics is not in the Greek. The second Greek, "as," distinguishes the class "busybody in other men's matters," from the previous class of delinquents. Christians, from mistaken zeal, under the plea of faithfulness, might readily step out of their...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-20**
The churches receive their light from Christ and the gospel, and hold it forth to others. They are golden candlesticks; they should be precious and pure; not only the ministers, but the members of the churches; their light should so shine before men, as to engage others to give glory to God. And the apostle saw as though of the Lord Jesus Christ appeared in the midst of the go...
Read full commentary →His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;...</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of vision of the glorified christ - his majesty, authority, and presence among the churches employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Je...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow.**—The whiteness here is thought by some to be the token of the transfiguration in light of the glorified person of the Redeemer. “It is the glorious white which is the colour and livery of heaven.” This doubtless is true; but it appears to me a mistake to say that there is no hint here of age. It is argued that the white hair of...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**16. a Christian--**the name given in contempt first at Antioch. Ac 11:26; 26:28; the only three places where the term occurs. At first believers had no distinctive name, but were called among themselves "brethren," Ac 6:3; "disciples," Ac 6:1; "those of the way," Ac 9:2; "saints," Ro 1:7; by the Jews (who denied that Jesus was the Christ, and so would never originate the name Christian), in cont...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-20**
The churches receive their light from Christ and the gospel, and hold it forth to others. They are golden candlesticks; they should be precious and pure; not only the ministers, but the members of the churches; their light should so shine before men, as to engage others to give glory to God. And the apostle saw as though of the Lord Jesus Christ appeared in the midst of the go...
Read full commentary →And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of vision of the glorified christ - his majesty, authority, and presence among the churches employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteris...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **His feet like unto fine brass.**—The feet, like the feet of the ministering priests of Israel, were bare, and appeared like *chalcolibanus* (fine brass). The exact meaning of this word (used only here) is not certain. The most trustworthy authors incline to take it as a hybrid word, half Greek, half Hebrew—*chalcos, *brass, and *labân, *white, to whiten—and understand it to signify brass wh...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
17. Another ground of consolation to Christians. All must pass under the judgment of God; God's own household first, their chastisement being here, for which they should glorify Him as a proof of their membership in His family, and a pledge of their escape from the end of those whom the last judgment shall find disobedient to the Gospel.
**the time--**Greek, "season," "fit time."
**judgment mu...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-20**
The churches receive their light from Christ and the gospel, and hold it forth to others. They are golden candlesticks; they should be precious and pure; not only the ministers, but the members of the churches; their light should so shine before men, as to engage others to give glory to God. And the apostle saw as though of the Lord Jesus Christ appeared in the midst of the go...
Read full commentary →And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of vision of the glorified christ - his majesty, authority, and presence among the churches employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text u...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **And he had** (or, *having*) **in his right hand seven stars.**—The stars are explained later on (Revelation 1:20) to be the emblems of the angels of the seven churches; they are described as stars in His right hand; they, perhaps, appeared as a wreath, or as a royal and star-adorned diadem in His hand. (See Isaiah 62:3.) It expresses their preciousness in Christ’s sight, and the care He tak...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18. scarcely--**Compare "so as by fire," 1Co 3:15; having to pass through trying chastisements, as David did for his sin. "The righteous" man has always more or less of trial, but the issue is certain, and the entrance into the kingdom abundant at last. The "scarcely" marks the severity of the ordeal, and the unlikelihood (in a mere human point of view) of the righteous sustaining it; but the ri...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-20**
The churches receive their light from Christ and the gospel, and hold it forth to others. They are golden candlesticks; they should be precious and pure; not only the ministers, but the members of the churches; their light should so shine before men, as to engage others to give glory to God. And the apostle saw as though of the Lord Jesus Christ appeared in the midst of the go...
Read full commentary →And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:...</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of vision of the glorified christ - his majesty, authority, and presence among the churches employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apo...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **I fell at his feet as dead**.—At the sight of Him, the Evangelist fell as one dead. “Was this He whom upon earth St. John had known so familiarly? Was this He in whose bosom He had lain at that Last Supper, and said, ‘Lord, which is he that betrayeth Thee?’ When I saw Him thus transformed, thus glorified, I fell at His feet as one dead. Well might such be the effect, even upon the spirit of...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
19. General conclusion from 1Pe 4:17, 18. Seeing that the godly know that their sufferings are by God's will, to chasten them that they may not perish with the world, they have good reason to trust God cheerfully amidst sufferings, persevering in well-doing.
**let them--**Greek, "let them also," "let even them," as well as those not suffering. Not only under ordinary circumstances, but also in t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-20**
The churches receive their light from Christ and the gospel, and hold it forth to others. They are golden candlesticks; they should be precious and pure; not only the ministers, but the members of the churches; their light should so shine before men, as to engage others to give glory to God. And the apostle saw as though of the Lord Jesus Christ appeared in the midst of the go...
Read full commentary →I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore , Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of vision of the glorified christ - his majesty, authority, and presence among the churches employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language ch...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **I am he that liveth, and was dead.**—Better, *and the living One* (omit the words “I am”); *and I became dead; and, behold, I am alive* (or, *I am living*)* unto the ages of ages* (or, *for evermore*)*, “*Amen” is omitted in the best MSS. This verse must be carefully kept in connection with the preceding, as the description should go on without pause. He is the living One—not merely one who...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-20**
The churches receive their light from Christ and the gospel, and hold it forth to others. They are golden candlesticks; they should be precious and pure; not only the ministers, but the members of the churches; their light should so shine before men, as to engage others to give glory to God. And the apostle saw as though of the Lord Jesus Christ appeared in the midst of the go...
Read full commentary →Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter ;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;...</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of vision of the glorified christ - his majesty, authority, and presence among the churches employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **Write the things which thou hast seen** (better, *sawest*)*.*—It is well to notice the small connecting word “then,” which has been omitted in the English. It gives the practical thought to the whole of the previous vision. This vision is to be described for the benefit of the Church of Christ, that she may never forget Him who is the foundation on which she rests; the true fountain of her ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 5
1Pe 5:1-14. Exhortations to Elders, Juniors, and All in General. Parting Prayer. Conclusion.
**1. elders--**alike in office and age (1Pe 5:5).
**I ... also an elder--**To put one's self on a level with those whom we exhort, gives weight to one's exhortations (compare 2Jo 1, 2). Peter, in true humility for the Gospel's sake, does not put forward his apostleship here, wherein he pres...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-20**
The churches receive their light from Christ and the gospel, and hold it forth to others. They are golden candlesticks; they should be precious and pure; not only the ministers, but the members of the churches; their light should so shine before men, as to engage others to give glory to God. And the apostle saw as though of the Lord Jesus Christ appeared in the midst of the go...
Read full commentary →The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest...</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of vision of the glorified christ - his majesty, authority, and presence among the churches employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest** **in my right hand.**—Having bidden him write the meaning of this mystery, or *secret, *He gives to St. John an explanatory key: “The seven stars are angels of seven churches (or *congregations*)*:* and the seven candlesticks” (omit the words “which thou sawest”) “are seven churches.” The angels have been understood by some to be guardian a...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. Feed--**Greek, "Tend as a shepherd," by discipline and doctrine. Lead, feed, heed: by prayer, exhortation, government, and example. The dignity is marked by the term "elder"; the duties of the office, to tend or oversee, by "bishop." Peter has in mind Christ's injunction to him, "Feed (tend) My sheep ... Feed (pasture) My lambs" (Joh 21:16). He invites the elders to share with him the same du...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-20**
The churches receive their light from Christ and the gospel, and hold it forth to others. They are golden candlesticks; they should be precious and pure; not only the ministers, but the members of the churches; their light should so shine before men, as to engage others to give glory to God. And the apostle saw as though of the Lord Jesus Christ appeared in the midst of the go...
Read full commentary →