Christ's Glory Revealed

Revelation 1:4-20

Verse 4 -

John begins the divine greeting to the Seven Churches.

Grace and Peace to you -

From the Triune God, God the Father Almighty. He names Him as the one who is, who was and who is to come. A significant statement and references several passages from the Old Testament. Ex. 3:14, Is. 41:4.

And From the Holy Spirit, the Seven Spirits of God which are before his throne. This is a references to Isaiah 11:2-3, Zech. 4:2,10.

Verse 5: -

This message is not just from the Father and the Holy Spirit, but it is also from Jesus Christ

The Faithful Witness.

The First Begotten from the Dead.

The Prince of the Kings of the Earth.

We now move from simple descriptions of Christ, to Praise for the things that he has done for us.

Loved us.

Washed us from our sins by his blood.

Verse 6: -

He has also made us Kings and Priests unto God his Father.

He finishes this theological doxology. What do I mean:

Doxology = A doxology is a short hymn, statement, or expression of praise to God, often used in worship, prayer, or liturgical settings. The word comes from the Greek doxa (glory) and logos (word), meaning “a word of glory.”

Theological = Meaning anything that relates to the nature, character and work of God. Theology is the study of God. Here in his praise of Christ he has told us many things about Christ.

Verse 7: -

He is coming - this is assured based on his faithfulness, his resurrection and his receiving a kingdom and authority. (Rev. 1:5-6, Dan. 7:13-14, Acts 1:11, Matt. 28:18).

He is coming with the clouds and he must (Acts 1:11).

Every eye shall see him, even those who pierced him? Some see this as a reference to Zech. 12:10, and see it as generally speaking of Israel.

All people will wail or weep at his coming?

Even so Amen = “This is true. Let it be so”.

Verse 8: -

Here is the Father speaking, note specifically it says, “saith the Lord” and “which is, and which was and which is to come, the Almighty.” If we are to understand these things as reference to the Father earlier in the introduction (verse 4), these stand now as being reference to the Father.

There are those who believe it is a continuation of the verses that proceed it namely the theological doxology previously discussed. Yet, that doxology clearly ends with an Amen.

Verse 9: -

John seeks to show filial love and mutual companionship through suffering and faith. Thy Brother and Companion in tribulation.

But not tribulation alone, but Brother and Companion in the Kingdom and Patience of Jesus Christ.

Yet, he was exiled to the Island of Patmos, for

The Word of God, certainly the preaching of it.

And the Testimony of Jesus Christ - Namely his eyewitness testimony of the life, death, burial, resurrection, miracles and teaching of Jesus Christ.

Verse 10: -

A spiritual state of receptivity, empowered by the Holy Spirit to receive divine revelation.

The Lord’s Day - a widely use Christian phrase referring to Sunday worship since the first century A.D.

Verse 11: -

Now this voice will borrow from what God says of in verse 8, “I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last:”

Then a command is given to John,

What you see right in a book.

Send it to the Seven Churches which are in Asia. To this point the seven churches have been mentioned twice.

He then names these churches

Ephesus

Smyrna

Pergamos

Thyatira

Sardis

Philadelphia

Laodicea.

Verse 12: -

John does what any of us would have done, he turns to see who is speaking to him.

The first thing he sees is seven golden candlesticks. Most people would begin to formulate their own opinion of what these candlesticks are. Those familiar with the Old Testament and the Law of Moses would think back to the Menorah in the Tabernacle or the Temple later. Yet, Christ will clear up any confusion or presuppositions even John may have.

Verse 13: -

By this verse we can see that these candlesticks are individual candle sticks, how?

Because one like unto the Son of man, is in the midst of them. This word “midst” literally means middle, among, between and that is the context here.

He quickly turns his attention to how the one like unto the Son of man is dressed, he is dressed in Priestly garments, a garment down to his feet and a golden girdle around his chest.

This is costly garments, priestly garments.

Denoting righteousness and honor.

Verse 14: -

Here we have vivid imagery that is often taken literal, often hyper literal, Christ is seen with hair white as wool, as white as snow. His eyes are as a flame of fire.

The question is,

Is this how Jesus truly looks?

Is this how Jesus looked when he was taken to heaven before the Disciples in Acts 1:11?

The answer is,

In Acts 1:11, says that this same Jesus will return in like manner. So we must take this description as vivid symbolic imagery that convey spiritual truths, not physical appearance. This imagery draws from Daniel 7:9 where the Ancient of Days has white hair, symbolizing eternity, purity and wisdom.

Here Christ is seen to be possessing the same qualities as the Ancient of Days.

Hair white as wool and snow represents purity and glory.

Eyes as a flame of fire, is a trying, searching fire, that tries the hearts of men, tries the works of men. It could also imply indignation against sin Rev. 19:11-12.

Verse 15: -

The imagery continues his feet were as fine brass burned in a furnace.

Fine brass, burnished brass, flashing and glowing brass as if made red hot in a furnace. Strong and steadfast, supporting his own interests in subduing his enemies.

His voice was as the sound of many waters.

Ezekiel 43:2.

Verse 16: -

He has seven stars in his right hand. Here I could have looked up all sorts of allusions to stars from the old testament and did much musing about what they could be. All of it would have been mute because Christ is going to tell us what these stars are.

The sharp two-edge sword - is the Word of God.

Isaiah 49:2 “And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; In the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, And made me a polished shaft; In his quiver hath he hid me;”

Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even 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.”

Ephesians 6:17 “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”

A two-edged sword cuts both ways — symbolizing the dual function of Christ’s word:

Judgment for the rebellious (Revelation 2:16; 19:15)

Salvation and sanctification for the faithful (John 17:17; Ephesians 5:26)

In Revelation 19:15, the sword from Christ’s mouth strikes dow,n the nations, fulfilling Isaiah 11:4 and 66:15–16.

His countenance was as bright and brilliant as the Sun shinning at full strength. Eze. 1:26-28.

Verse 17: -

John has the same reaction as every other person who has seen the glory of God! Gen. 17:3, Num. 20:6, Is. 6:5, Eze. 1:28, Dan. 10:8-9.

Here Christ comforts John, as he does all who believe. How does he comfort him? By loving touch and by again affirming who he is to the beloved disciple.

I am the first and the last - again restating verse 8 and 11.

Tying our comfort to the fact of his deity.

Verse 18: -

I am he that lives - Incarnation.

Was dead - Atonement.

I am alive for evermore - Resurrection.

Amen = Truly, Certainly, so be it, verily.

Here we see more of the victory of Christ, he holds the keys of hell and death.

For he has made atonement for sin, he has judge sin, he has been given all authority. He is here seen as Sovereign, he alone will judge the living and the dead.

He has defeated death and overcome the grave.

Verse 19: -

Another command to write the things which he has seen.

Now we are told something imperative to remember:

Things which you have seen. Past.

Things which are. Present.

Things which shall be hereafter. Future.

Verse 20: -

Here the mystery of the seven golden candlesticks and the seven stars in his right hand.

The seven Stars are the seven angels for the seven churches. There is Old Testament precedent for this Job 38:7, Dan. 8:10, Is. 14:12-13, 40:26, Neh. 9:6.

And the seven Golden Candlesticks are the seven churches.

What follows, What should I believe and keep from Revelation 1:4-20.

1. Christ’s Divine Identity and Sovereign Authority

• Jesus is revealed as fully God: “the First and the Last,” “the Living One,” and “the ruler of kings on earth.”

• He holds the keys of death and Hades, affirming His victory over sin, death, and judgment.

• His radiant glory — eyes like fire, voice like waters, face like the sun — confirms His eternal majesty and divine nature.

2. Christ’s Redemptive Work and Loving Reign

• He loves us, has washed us from our sins by His blood, and made us kings and priests to God.

• His resurrection and exaltation guarantee His return in glory.

• Believers are called to worship, witness, and walk in the identity He has given — redeemed and royal.

3. Christ’s Presence Among His Church and Call to Faithfulness

• The seven candlesticks represent the churches; Christ walks among them, actively present and watching.

• The seven stars are the angels of the churches — divine messengers under His care.

• John’s vision calls the church to endure tribulation, proclaim the Word, and remain faithful until Christ returns.