The Son of Man, the Glorified Christ (Revelation 1:9-20)

(1:9–20) Introduction: This is the first vision that Christ gives John. It is a vision of Christ Himself, of Christ in His glory and exaltation. It is in this vision that the glorified Christ proclaims His message to the seven churches. But before He speaks to the churches, Christ gives John a glimpse of Himself. Christ wants believers down through the centuries to know who it is that has given these messages to the churches. Christ wants all believers to know that the message to the churches is coming from the Supreme Majesty of the universe, from One who must be heeded, from One who possesses all power and knowledge, from One who can provide and protect, assure and secure, judge and destroy. This is the vision of the Author of Revelation, of the One who has given us this awesome message of Revelation. This is the vision of the Son of Man, the glorified Christ Himself.

1. The setting—Patmos (vv.9–10).

2. The Lord’s loud, trumpeting voice giving instructions (vv.10–11).

3. The Lord’s presence in the midst of the seven golden lampstands or the churches (vv.12–13).

4. The Lord’s awesome and frightening appearance (vv.13–16).

5. The Lord’s reassuring presence (vv.17–18).

6. The Lord’s clear instructions (v.19).

7. The Lord’s interpretation of the vision (v.20).

1. (1:9–10) John the Apostle—Patmos: the setting for the vision was the island of Patmos (see Deeper Study # 1, Patmos—Re. 1:9). John says three things.

1. He calls himself a brother and a companion to the believers of the churches. By brother, he means that he is a believer even as they are believers. They are brothers in the family of God, brothers to the Lord Jesus Christ and to one another, all having been adopted into the family of God. By companion, John means that he has lived among the believers. He has walked day by day in their midst as a companion with them. But note: John had a particular experience in mind. He had been a companion with them in their …

• day-by-day tribulations: trials, afflictions, persecutions, sufferings, pressure

• day-by-day seeking after the kingdom: looking for the kingdom of God, longing and seeking after it

• day-by-day patience: enduring and persevering against all trials and temptations; standing fast in looking for and seeking after the kingdom of God

“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Mt. 24:13).

“We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God” (Ac. 14:22).

“If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us” (2 Ti. 2:12).

2. John says that he was on the island of Patmos when Christ gave him the visions of Revelation. Note: he says that he was there for the cause of Christ; that is, he had been banished or exiled to the island for preaching the Word of God and the testimony of Christ (see Deeper Study # 1, Patmos—Re. 1:9).

3. John says that he was in the spirit on the Lord’s day. The Lord’s day undoubtedly means Sunday, the first day of the week, the day that Christ was raised from the dead. In the spirit means that Christ put John in a trance, that He gave John a deep spiritual experience that lifted his mind and spirit above this world and put him in the very presence of Christ Himself.

Thought 1. Note how God met John’s need. John was alone, stranded on an island that was as barren and isolated as could be. Imagine being alone—banished from society, loved ones, and friends. But John knew Christ and Christ met his need.

“Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Mt. 28:20).

“Let your conversation [behavior] be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (He. 13:5).

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Pe. 5:7).

“Fear thou not; For I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Is. 41:10).

2. (1:10–11) Jesus Christ, Exaltation—Glory: there was the great, trumpeting voice of the Lord. The vision begins. John hears a great voice behind him, a voice that sounded like the call of a trumpet. The idea of the trumpet is that of authority, of an overpowering and commanding voice.

⇒ The Lord proclaims that He is the Alpha and Omega (see note, pt.1—Rev. 1:8 for meaning).

⇒ The Lord instructs John to write what he sees in a book and to send it to the seven churches of Asia.

Thought 1. Note that Christ was not giving John a message for himself, but for the church. He was to use what Christ was giving him for the edification of believers, to build them up in the faith. This is the great purpose for Revelation, the reason why it must be taught in the church: to edify and build us up in the faith.

3. (1:12–13) Jesus Christ—Church: there was Christ standing in the midst of seven golden candlesticks, that is, in the midst of the churches. The candlesticks represent the churches (v.20). Why this symbol? Jesus Christ is the Light of the world, and it is the task of the church to hold Him forth before the world. The church is to proclaim the light of Christ to the world, and it is to do so with the brilliance and speed of light. Note that Christ stands in the midst of the candlesticks. The churches receive their light from Christ. Unless He stands in the midst of the church, the church has no light. The church must see to it that Christ is in its midst, and the church must proclaim the light of Christ to the world.

Thought 1. For Christ to be in the midst of the church means that the message of Christ is the very focus of the church. The message of Christ is, of course, the Word of God, the Holy Scriptures. He is the very theme of the Scriptures and it was the Scriptures that He Himself proclaimed. The church must make absolutely sure that the Holy Scriptures are read, studied, taught, and preached among its people and to the community at large.

“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined” (Is. 9:2).

“In him was life; and the life was the light of men” (Jn. 1:4).

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (Jn. 8:12).

“Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth” (Jn. 12:35).

“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Co. 4:6).

“Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light” (Ep. 5:14).

“And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof” (Re. 21:23).

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid” (Mt. 5:14).

“For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth” (Ac. 13:47).

“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light” (Ep. 5:8).

“That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world” (Ph. 2:15).

4. (1:13–16) Jesus Christ, Exaltation—Glory: there was the awesome and frightening appearance of Christ. Note who it is standing in the midst of the golden candlesticks or churches. It is the Son of Man, Christ Himself. This means a most wonderful thing: the message of Revelation is from the Lord Himself. It is not the message of a man, not a message that we have to question and wonder about and search out to see if there is truth in it. Revelation is the message of Jesus Christ, of the exalted Lord Himself. It is a message that can be trusted, a message that is true from beginning to end. It is a message that we must heed, for it is the message of the Lord Himself.

Now, note the vision. John’s vision of Christ was so awesome that it defied description. There was no human language to describe Him. All John could do was take some of the precious and awesome things of earth and say the glorified Lord is like that.

1. Jesus Christ was clothed with a robe down to His feet (v.13). This was the robe of prophets (Zec. 3:4), of priests (Ex. 28:4; 39:29; Le. 16:4), and of kings and princes (1 S. 24:5, 12). The robe symbolizes the prophetic, priestly, and kingly ministry of Christ.

⇒ As prophet, Jesus Christ proclaims the Word of God to us.

⇒ As priest, Jesus Christ gives us access into the presence of God and makes us acceptable to God.

⇒ As king, Jesus Christ rules and reigns over all the affairs of the universe, and He protects and provides and works all things out for good to those who love and follow Him.

2. The chest of Jesus Christ had a gold sash strapped across it (v.13). This particular sash was something like the chestpiece or breastplate of the high priest on which the names of his people were engraved (see Ex. 28:4; 39:29). The sash or chestpiece covered the heart. This symbolized that Christ holds His people and His church ever so close to His heart. They are all engraved upon the chestpiece of His heart and held ever so dear by Him. (See notes—Ex. 28:15–30; 39:8–21 for more discussion.)

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ro. 8:38–39).

3. The head and hair of Jesus Christ were as white as white wool and snow (v.14). This is the picture of Christ as the Ancient of Days, as being the eternal Lord of the universe. It is possible that this is also a picture of His sinlessness and purity of mind. The spiritual warfare is fought in the mind, and Christ never sinned; He never even had one evil or negative thought that came short of God’s glory. He was the sinless Son of God Himself.

“I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire” (Da. 7:9).

“To wit [O’ to know], that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.… For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Co. 5:19, 21).

“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory” (1 Ti. 3:16).

4. Jesus Christ had eyes that were as a flame of fire (v.14). This symbolizes a piercing, penetrating power. He sees everywhere, even in the dark places and behind closed doors. His eyes search the innermost recesses of the heart. He knows all; He is omniscient and He is able to conquer all those who reject Him and do evil. No one will be able to hide from Him nor can anyone hide anything from Him.

“His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in color to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude” (Da. 10:6).

“Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do” (He. 4:13).

“I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings” (Je. 17:10).

“Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord, Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord” (Je. 23:24).

5. Jesus Christ had feet like fine brass or bronze. This symbolizes strength and perseverance. His feet are the feet that preached the gospel, the glad tidings of peace. But they are also the feet that shall tread down His enemies. His feet are also able to rush to the rescue of His people.

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” (Is. 52:7).

“His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in color to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude” (Da. 10:6).

“And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Ro. 10:15).

“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (He. 4:15–16).

6. Jesus Christ had a voice that was like the sound of many waters rushing together (v.15). His voice symbolizes authority.

⇒ It sends forth the glorious message of salvation, hope, joy, confidence, and comfort.

“He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled” (Jn. 3:29).

“And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice” (Jn. 10:4).

“Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice” (Jn. 18:37).

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Th. 4:16–18).

⇒ It thunders forth majestic rebuke, conviction, and judgment.

“The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty” (Ps. 29:4).

“Therefore prophesy thou against them all these words, and say unto them, The Lord shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth” (Je. 25:30).

“Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (Jn. 5:28–29).

“And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” (Ac. 9:3–4).

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Re. 3:20).

7. Jesus Christ held seven stars in His right hand (v.16; cp. v.20). The seven stars symbolize the messengers, the ministers of the churches. His hand securely holds the messengers with skill and strength and comfort.

“And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever” (Da. 12:3).

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you” (Jn. 15:16).

“But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel” (Ac. 9:15).

“But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee” (Ac. 26:16).

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Mt. 28:19–20).

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (He. 13:5).

“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry” (1 Ti. 1:12).

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Ti. 1:12).

“And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever” (2 Ti. 4:18).

8. Jesus Christ had a sharp two-edged sword coming out of His mouth (v.16). This symbolizes the Word of God and its penetrating power (see 2 Th. 2:8).

“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” (He. 4:12).

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Ti. 3:16).

9. Jesus Christ had a countenance that was like the sun shining in its full strength. This symbolizes the dazzling brilliance of His presence in all of His majesty and honor and glory as God.

“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works” (Mt. 16:27).

“And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light” (Mt. 17:2).

“And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was” (Jn. 17:5).

“And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, and desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks” (Ac. 9:1–5).

“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Co. 4:6).

“Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing” (Re. 5:12).

5. (1:17–18) Jesus Christ—Assurance: there was the reassuring presence and care of the Lord. John was terrified. He fell at the feet of the Lord as though he were dead. But note the calm assurance of Christ. Christ reached out with His right hand and softly and tenderly touched John, assuring Him that He was not there to consume him. Christ said four things to John.

1. “Fear not—do not be afraid” (v.17). He was declaring that He had not appeared to John in judgment but in love and care. He was appearing to commission John and to use him in the great mission of building up the churches and of reaching the lost for God.

“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Mt. 10:30–31).

“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” (Re. 1:17).

“Fear thou not; For I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Is. 41:10).

“Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee” (Is. 43:1–2).

2. “I am the first and the last” (v.17). That is, He is the beginning and the end. He is the One who can be with a person forever—when the person is born and when he dies and during all the days in between. He can be with a person throughout all of eternity. John need not fear the awesome, terrifying presence of Christ, for He is the eternal Lord of the universe as well as the Savior of man.

“Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am” (Jn. 8:58).

“And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.… Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world” (Jn. 17:5, 24).

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last” (Re. 22:13).

3. “I am He that lives, and was dead; and behold, I am alive forevermore” (v.18). The exalted and glorified Lord need not be feared, for He is the same Person who came to earth and died and arose for our salvation. He is exalted and dwells in the most awesome and frightening glory, but He dwells there to save us, not to condemn us. He lives forevermore to make us acceptable to God and to carry us through the evil and death of this world.

“In him was life; and the life was the light of men” (Jn. 1:4).

“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (Jn. 10:10).

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” (Jn. 11:25).

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (Jn. 14:6).

“And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead” (Ro. 1:4).

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Ro. 10:9).

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively [living] hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Pe. 1:3–4).

4. “I have the keys of hell and of death” (v.18). Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. He has conquered death, and He can deliver us from judgment and hell. He has the keys to unlock both death and hell and to deliver us from the bondage of both.

“But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Ti. 1:10).

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (He. 2:14–15).

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Re. 21:4).

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (Jn. 5:24).

“Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also” (Jn. 14:19).

“He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it” (Is. 25:8).

6. (1:19) Revelation, The: there were the clear instructions of Jesus Christ. Christ repeats His commission to John. He tells John to write three things. Note: these things provide an outline for the book of Revelation. John was to write …

• the things that he had seen, that is, the vision of the glorified Christ (chapters 1–2).

• the things that were, that is, the state and condition of the churches at that time (chapters 2–3).

• the things that would be thereafter, that is, the consummation of human history, the coming again of the Lord Jesus Christ and the end of the world (chapters 4–22).

7. (1:20) Church, The: there was Christ interpreting the vision for John. The interpretation is clearly stated.

⇒ The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches. The word “angels” (angelos) means messenger as well as heavenly angels. There are several different ideas as to whom the word refers here. The weight of evidence points toward the meaning being the ministers of the churches.

⇒ The seven candlesticks are symbols of the seven churches. Remember what the symbol means: the church holds forth the light of the world, the glorious light of the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid” (Mt. 5:14).

“For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth” (Ac. 13:47).

“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light” (Ep. 5:8).

“That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world” (Ph. 2:15).

“Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness” (1 Th. 5:5).