Christ among the Candlesticks

The Setting of the Vision

As mentioned, the Apostle John is the human author of the Apocalypse. He is writing this letter to 7 Churches in Asia to prepare them for the coming persecution. John himself is already experiencing fallout from persecution from Imperial Rome. John receives this vision from his place of exile, the Island of Patmos. John had been sent to the island as a political prisoner as a result of his witness for Christ (Rev. 1:9b)

The time of his writing is thought to be around the year AD 95 under the Emperor Domitian. This would be about 25 years after the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman forces under Titus (AD 70) and there was a growing concern about Christianity. The followers of Christ were seen as separate from Judaism and were being recognized as a threat to the stability of the Empire. This was because they were largely pacifists, did not frequent the games, did no trade with the merchants of idolatry (temple sales, shrines, incense, etc.), refused to worship at the Roman pantheon, and instead worshiped an invisible God.

John received the vision on a Sunday (“on the Lord’s day”). The phrase “in the Spirit” indicates that he was privileged to receive a supernatural vision. Regardless of the direction he was facing, John heard a voice behind him. John may very well been alone at the time, so imagine his surprise when he realizes someone else is with him! [We are never really alone, and God can invade our space at His choosing]

The voice was loud like a trumpet and in that moment John was given his charge to write a letter to seven Churches in Asia. John turned around to face the voice and he came face to face with the Risen Christ!

Before going any further, let’s note John’s reaction as detailed in v. 17. “And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead.” This is the same John who walked and talked and shared life with Jesus for 3 years or more. In His glorified state, Jesus is awe-inspiring, majestic, and Holy! This is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and He IS already exalted!

The Content of the Vision

John sees seven golden candlesticks, and in the middle of these candlesticks he sees the Risen Christ. The candlesticks are identified for the reader in v. 20 as the seven churches. This symbolism means that Churches are to be light in their respective settings. In his letter to the Church at Ephesus, the Apostle Paul reminds the believers that “ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:7-8)

Jesus is seen as a majestic and powerful figure who radiates glory and judgment

Son of Man - a designation of His role as Messiah

The long robe & golden sash - represents His role as High Priest for His people; He is interceding for the saints

Head and hair white like wool - this is the description of the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9). It indicates that Jesus is of the same essence as God Himself

Eyes of fire and feet of burnished brass - indicative of Judgment. The Risen Christ is no longer the Suffering Servant, but is now in His role as Judge

Holding the 7 stars in His Right Hand: the seven stars are identified as the angels (GK word means messenger) of the 7 Churches (v. 20). Commentators are divided on whether this refers to angels or to the elders of the Churches. According to J Mac, “the NT nowhere teaches that angels are involved in the leadership of the church. Angels do not sin and thus have no need to repent, as the messengers, along with the congregations they represented, are exhorted to do.” (The MacArthur NT Commentary, Revelation 1 - 11, John MacArthur, p. 47)

Sharp two-edged sword out of His mouth. This is definitely figurative language and does not refer to a physical sword. The term represents the Word of God in its capacity to cut to “the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). We will all be judged according to the Word.

The Self-Revelation of the Risen Christ

the first and the last - As we discussed this morning, Jesus is the Creator God and has always existed as the 2nd person of the Trinity. Read Colossians 1:15-19)

He that liveth and was dead - A reference to the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. Unbelievably, the Author of Life allowed Himself to experience death at the hands of His own Creation. As the Source of Life, Jesus was resurrected and lives to die no more!

Possessor of the Keys of Hell and of Death - Jesus has Authority and Power. Keys are a symbol of access; if you have the keys to something you can control it. Jesus has that Authority NOW (cf Matt 28:18)

Timeline for Interpreting the Apocalypse

Many commentators view v. 19 as a key verse to understanding the entire letter. The timeline given in v. 19 interprets the sections of John’s letter

the things which thou hast seen: At the time of his writing the letter, the vision John witnessed was in the past.

the things which are: At the time of his writing, the situation of the churches (chapters 2 & 3) was in the present time.

the things which shall be hereafter: At the time of his writing, the events of Chapters 4 - 22 would be in the future.

Concluding thoughts

The church of the 21st century faces challenging times. Church membership and baptism are in decline, wide-spread biblical illiteracy exists, compromise with biblical authority is rampant, just for a few observations. Also, the possibility of increased persecution looms on the near horizon. These factors are reasons the churches need to be reminded that the Risen Christ is “in the midst of the seven candlesticks” (Rev. 1:13) We are not alone, and Jesus is here with us!