Revelation (Written)

Wednesday, 26 August 2020

His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; Revelation 1:14

Here, John continues with the description of the Lord whom he beheld in His vision, beginning with, “His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow.” Here we have a comparison to that found in the Old Testament. In Psalm 51, David’s sin was uncovered, and he mourned over what he had done wrong. In his words, he said –

“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7

Thus, we have a direct comparison of “whiter than snow” by David to being pure and undefiled; sinless. Isaiah provides a second comparison of what is seen here in Revelation saying –

“‘Come now, and let us reason together,’
Says the Lord,
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18

Not only does Isaiah equate “white as snow” with sinless purity, but he then adds in a like-comparison, saying, “as wool.” Scripture has interpreted Scripture. Understanding this, Daniel 7 unites both and uses them to describe not the Son of Man introduced in the previous verse (Daniel 7:13 14), but the Ancient of Days of Daniel 7:9, 10 –

“I watched till thrones were put in place,
And the Ancient of Days was seated;
His garment was white as snow,
And the hair of His head was like pure wool.
His throne was a fiery flame,
Its wheels a burning fire;
¹⁰ A fiery stream issued
And came forth from before Him.
A thousand thousands ministered to Him;
Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him.
The court was seated,
And the books were opened.”

What this is telling us is that the Son of Man IS the Ancient of Days. This should be obvious because God cannot be seen. He has no parts. This is the first hint that every revelation of God seen in a physical aspect in the book of Revelation is that of Jesus Christ, revealing the unseen God to us.

That God cannot be seen is supported elsewhere in Scripture, such as 1 Timothy 1:17, 1 Timothy 6:16, and 1 John 4:12. To understand this from a logical perspective, one simply needs to understand that time, space, and matter were all created by God. None can exist apart from the other two. As this is so, God is before His creation and He is outside of His creation. He is not bound by time, by space, or by matter. He is thus pure actuality with no potential to change. Therefore, Jesus Christ – the incarnate Word of God – reveals the unseen God to us. As this is so, any theophany of God is Jesus revealing the unseen God to us. This should be remembered as we proceed through the book of Revelation. The book is the “Revelation” or unveiling of Jesus Christ.

With this understood, there is one other attribute of the white hair that could be logically applied. In Leviticus 19, it says –

“You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:32

Also, Proverbs 16 says –

“The silver-haired head is a crown of glory,
If it is found in the way of righteousness.” Proverbs 16:31

The intent of these, and other, verses is to show that the gray hair of a person conveys age, wisdom, honor, respect, and righteousness. Therefore, this second connotation certainly applies. Jesus Christ is the Ancient of Days, He is the epitome of Wisdom, He is deserving of the greatest honor and respect, and He is the embodiment of righteousness.

John next says of Him, “and His eyes like a flame of fire.” It is a description seen in Daniel 10:6 –

“His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and feet like burnished bronze in color, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude.”

The idea of fire in the Bible is that of judgment, purification, refinement, and so on. The Lord spoke from the midst of the fire when the Ten Commandments were given. It spoke of judgment. Any infraction of the law would be met with it. In Numbers 31:23, fire was to be used for the purification of defiled items.

And Paul, writing to the Corinthians, says the following –

“Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, ¹³ each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. ¹⁴ If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. ¹⁵ If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” 1 Corinthians 3:12-15

&

“Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. ¹⁰ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. ¹¹ Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.” 2 Corinthians 5:9-11

Believers will come before Christ at the Judgment Seat of Christ, and that which is of no value shall be burned away. The eyes of the Lord will pierce through the days of our lives and the actions of our conduct, and they will purify us for our eternal state. On the other hand, Revelation later says –

“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. ¹² His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.” Revelation 19:11, 12

Those who are not found in Christ will be judged with those same burning eyes, and they will be purified through destruction. See Revelation 20:9-15 for a description of their fate. None of this should be a surprise, however. Jude 1:7 says that what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah was given as an example to all of those “suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.”

Life application: As has been the case and will continue to be the case, the argument against Jesus’ deity crumbles into emptiness before the words of John as he relates what he sees in the glorious person of Jesus Christ.

Understanding this, the world must view Him from every aspect. He is the Provider of peace, but He is also the Judge of the wicked. He is gracious and merciful, and yet He is holy, pure, undefiled, and righteous. Those who fail to come to Him for salvation are set for an eternal swim in the Lake of Fire. Be ready for the day you stand before God. Call on Jesus Christ and receive His pardon for your sins now. Believe the gospel – Christ died for your sins, O sinner. Let Him wash away your misdeeds and purify you for eternal life in glory.

Lord God, we know that it is by Your righteousness that we are purified, and through Christ our sin is removed. We also know that it is Your penetrating gaze that looks upon our hearts and that knows every deed we do, both good and bad. Because of this, we cannot hide our sin. Instead, we confess it to You openly, asking that You cleanse us, purify us, and restore us to You through the precious blood of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Tuesday, 25 August 2020

…and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. Revelation 1:13

John’s vision, which began in the previous verse, spoke of seven golden lampstands. Now, continuing with that thought, it says, “and in the midst of the seven lampstands.” Although getting ahead of the presentation, it is right to explain the meaning of these lampstands. Verse 20 will say, “the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.”

With this understanding, John then sees a vision of one “in the midst of the seven” churches. The word translated as “midst” signifies “in the middle.” Therefore, this is probably referring to seven lampstands, rather than one lampstand with seven branches. However, John could be beholding someone standing in front of a seven-branched lampstand. That would appear less likely though.

Either way, there in the midst of them is “One like the Son of Man.” This terminology permeates Scripture, and it can be speaking of the Lord, or of a given person. For example, Ezekiel is called “son of man” numerous times in his book. It is a way of specifically identifying the humanity of a person.

Further, there is no article before “Son of Man” in the Greek of this verse. Therefore, it should say, “a Son of Man.” However, this does not mean that it is not the Lord. Rather, it is focusing on His humanity. This term, Son of Man, is used of the Lord in both testaments. For example, it is speaking of Him in Daniel 7:13, where the definite article is also lacking in the original (even those placed in the translation) –

“I was watching in the night visions,
And behold, One like the Son of Man,
Coming with the clouds of heaven!
He came to the Ancient of Days,
And they brought Him near before Him.” Daniel 7:13

The term will also be used in Revelation 14:14 –

“Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle.” Revelation 14:14

The term “Son of Man” is used again and again by Jesus when refereeing to Himself in the book of Luke. There, to stress His humanity, He uses the article – “the Son of Man.” However, in John 5, He says this while leaving off the article –

“For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, ²⁷ and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man.” John 5:26, 27

John’s vision now is clearly referring to Christ Jesus – the God/Man. However, the focus is first on His humanity. Of Him, it says he is “clothed with a garment down to the feet.” The word “feet” is singular – “down to the foot.” Thus, it gives the sense of being fully covered. One might paraphrase this as “from shoulder to foot” to get the sense of the words.

This is a clear reference to the tunic worn by the high priest of Israel. The same word used in the Greek translation of the Old Testament concerning the length is seen in Exodus 28:31. This is the only time this word, podérés, is used in the New Testament.

Such a full covering pictures absolute purity and sinlessness. When one is naked, partially or completely, it signifies being exposed. Such exposure represents being in a state of sin. The typology goes back to the garden of Eden where Adam and Eve realized they were naked and tried to cover themselves. Being fully covered, this Son of Man has no exposure, and thus is sinless.

The study concerning the garments and implements of the high priest of Israel shows that every single detail of them points to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Those were types and shadows of the true High Priest of the New Covenant. Unfortunately, the heretical sect known as hyperdispensationalists claims that the symbolism is Jewish and has nothing to do with the church.

This shows a complete misunderstanding of Old Testament typology. The things of the Old anticipate Christ in the New. The garments of Christ, our High Priest, are not relying on those types and shadows. Rather, they are the fulfillment of them. Christ performs His priestly functions (mediating between God and man) based on His status as the Mediator.

To say that Christ is not the High Priest of the Gentiles, as well as the Jews, is to say that Paul’s reference to Christ as our Mediator (see 1 Timothy 2:5) has no meaning. It robs the significance of Christ’s work, it denies that the New Covenant it a single covenant for all people, and it heretically separates the one gospel of Jesus Christ into two.

To understand the symbolism of this garment, prefigured by that of Israel’s high priest, one can refer to the video or written sermons on those passages provided by the Superior Word.

Next, the description continues with, “and girded about the chest with a golden band.” This is reflective of the description found in Daniel 10 –

“I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, a certain man clothed in linen, whose waist was girded with gold of Uphaz! ⁶ His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and feet like burnished bronze in color, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude.” Daniel 10:5, 6

Noting this, it continues to show the inaccuracy of the doctrine of hyperdispensationalists. The same symbolism of Christ, even from the Old Testament, shows that what was given to Israel’s high priest under the Mosaic Covenant was only anticipatory of the greater things found in Christ.

This zónén chrysan, or golden band, reveals both the priestly and kingly offices of the One being presented. The zóné, or “band,” simply signifies a belt, sash, girdle, etc. At times, it describes a money belt. In this case, because it is about His mastos, or literally “breasts,” it signifies a band, or sash.

The sash of the high priest of Israel is described in Exodus 28 – all of its details anticipate Christ Jesus. In Isaiah 11:5 and 22:21, a sash is used to describe the coming Messiah, either directly or in typology. In particular, Isaiah 22:21 anticipates a ruler, not a priest. The same is true with Job 12:18 –

“He loosens the bonds of kings,
And binds their waist with a belt.”

Paul uses the idea of such a girdle in Ephesians 6:14 to indicate binding oneself with truth. Of this Son of Man, His band is gold. It signifies purity and holiness, royalty, and divinity. Thus, even though He is a Son of Man, He is also divine. He is pure and without spot, He is set apart, and He stands in kingly status.

Life application: The garments described in this verse show a uniting of the offices of both High Priest and King into one. This was anticipated in the book of Zechariah –

“Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH!
From His place He shall branch out,
And He shall build the temple of the Lord;
¹³ Yes, He shall build the temple of the Lord.
He shall bear the glory,
And shall sit and rule on His throne;
So He shall be a priest on His throne,
And the counsel of peace shall be between them both.” Zechariah 6:12, 13

Christ Jesus is the fulfillment of that prophecy. In the New Covenant, He replaces the Aaronic line of Israel’s priests, and He fulfills the promise of eternal kingship made to King David. Again, to argue against the intolerably poor doctrine of hyperdispensationalsm, as has already been done above concerning Christ’s priestly office, the same is true with His kingly office.

Paul uses the term “kingdom,” again and again, when writing to the Gentile believers. One simple example of this is speaking of the time of the rapture of the church –

“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.” 1 Corinthians 15:50

It would be rather silly to set up a kingdom that had no king. Christ is the fulfillment of the types and shadows of the Old Testament, having become both High Priest and King of a New Covenant – one which is set up for those who accept His one (and only one) gospel. Do not be led astray by the heretical teachings of hyperdispensationalism. Jesus is the Lord and Savior of both Jew and Gentile.

The book of Matthew displays Jesus as the King, and John shows Jesus as the High Priest; both of these are more fully explained in the book of Hebrews. Jesus, who is our Great King and High Priest, is the One who is always in the midst of the church, watching over us and directing us according to His purposes. Those churches who glorify Him will receive their reward; those who fail to do so will be removed from His presence.

He is our God and worthy of our devotion, adoration, and praise.

The Church serves the One true, eternal, and awesome God through the Lord Jesus! It is You, O Christ, who reveals the Father, and it is You through whom the Holy Spirit is given. You are the focus of our faith. You are our glorious and reigning King and our faithful and merciful High Priest who mediates on our behalf. You are most glorious and worthy of all praise! Amen.

Monday, 24 August 2020

Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, Revelation 1:12

The previous verses said that John heard a voice behind him like a trumpet. The voice gave John instructions to carry out. In having heard this, it now says, “Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me.” It is an interesting phrase.

Here, the “voice” is given for the source of the voice. As the voice was like a trumpet, he wanted to discern what would produce such a voice, as if the two were one thing. This follows in concept from the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 14:7, 8 –

“Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played? ⁸ For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle?”

A trumpet produces its own voice, but it can be intelligible or unintelligible. A voice like a trumpet that speaks out intelligible words isn’t a trumpet at all. John wanted to see the voice that spoke with him, and thus he wanted to see what produced the voice. And more, John says the voice spoke “with” him, not “to” him. There is the sense of conversation rather than merely focused direction. And this, even before John has beheld the speaker. This is probably because of what he said in verse 10 – “I was in the Spirit.” John was conversing with the Lord. The Lord has responded. Because of this, John says, “And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands.”

In his turning, John’s mental focus, that of being in the Spirit, is redirected to another plane of perception. His eyes now behold what his ears heard. And the first thing that catches his attention is the seven golden lampstands. The golden lampstand, or menorah, is first seen in Exodus 25. In the construction of the tabernacle, Moses was given precise instructions concerning each article to be made, including where it was to be placed after it was made.

The order received for the furniture within the tabernacle was the Ark of the Covenant, then the Table for the Showbread, and then the Golden Lampstand (meaning the Menorah). This implement was kept in the south side of the Holy Place, across from the Table of Showbread.

To understand its amazing typology, one should take the time to watch or read the Superior Word sermon entitled “Exodus 25.31-40 (The Menorah).” The lampstand is referred to again in Zechariah 4:2. However, in the temple built by Solomon, ten separate lampstands were made (see 1 Kings 7:49).

For this verse, John says, “seven golden lampstands.” It is debated if it is one lampstand with seven branches or seven separate lampstands. If only one, then John ius seeing Christ standing in front and the seven branches spread out behind him. Or, it could be that there are actually seven separate lampstands just as there were ten separate ones in Solomon’s temple. The text allows for either possibility.

The lampstand will be explained in 1:20. In verse 2:1, it says that the Lord “walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands.” In verse 2:5, it says the Lord may remove a church’s lampstand. Therefore, it is more likely that these are separate lampstands.

Either way, the symbolism of the lampstands will be consistent with that given in Exodus. It is an amazing study.

Life application: The King James Version and other archaic translations describe these lampstands as “candlesticks.” We thus lose the symbolism of what is being related. It is always helpful to read multiple translations of the Bible, weeding out error, archaic terminology, and erroneous descriptions in the process.

This is important in order to understand the true intent behind any given passage or verse. Let us be students who stand approved because of our pursuit of the truth as conveyed in God’s precious word.

Lord, You alone have authority over the churches of the world. Any church that rejects You, as You have revealed Yourself in Your word, does so at its own peril. We know that You are watching the conduct of each church, and indeed each person in Your church, monitoring us according to Your wisdom and Your standard of holiness. May we as groups who gather, and as individuals as well, be obedient and faithful to You. Amen.

Sunday, 23 August 2020

saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.” Revelation 1:11

As has been (and will be) seen, there are, at times, variations between source texts. This is true with this verse –

…saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.” (NKJV)

…saying, “Write in a book what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” (NASB)

One either added in something, or one dropped something out. However, and despite this, the differences will be made up elsewhere. In other words, the terms dropped in the text used for the NASB translation are included at other points in Revelation and confirm Jesus’ deity. These changes may have been accidental, but if someone intentionally added or deleted the verses, it was most probably not to hide this fact. This is because the precept of Jesus being fully God is undeniable based on countless other verses in the New Testament.

This commentary will continue to use the NKJV and its source text for analysis. With that in mind, this verse continues from the previous verse beginning with, “saying, ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last.’” The word “saying” refers to the voice like a trumpet of the previous verse.

From there, verse 8 already noted Christ as the Alpha and the Omega. To understand that, refer back to that commentary. Verse 8 then said, “the Beginning and the End.” That is now changed to, “the First and the Last.” All three dual descriptors will be used together in Revelation 22:13 –

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”

The word translated as “First” is prótos. It signifies “what comes first.” It is that which is principal, most important, etc. The word translated as “Last” is eschatos. It signifies “at the last,” “till the end,” and so on. It is the root of the word eschatology, the study of last things.

With that stated, the trumpeting voice of the Lord continues with, “and, ‘What you see, write in a book.’” In the next verse, John will turn to see a vision of the Lord. The Lord will then speak out words to the church in Chapters 2 & 3, at times using the imagery of the vision, explaining it to the churches.

John is being instructed to write out what he sees in order to confirm that the words which accompany the vision are true, because the vision itself confirms it is true. It is similar to what occurred with the prophets of old. Ezekiel 1 is a good example of this. Isaiah 6 gives a vivid description of the Lord as well. What is seen, then, is as important to the reception of the message as is what is spoken.

This is because what is seen is the fulfillment of the typology given in the Old Testament. Moses was given explicit instructions for the construction of the tabernacle and the implements which accompanied it. Hebrews 8 explains this –

“For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this One also have something to offer. ⁴ For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; ⁵ who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, ‘See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.’” Hebrews 8:3-5

A study of the tabernacle and its various implements, including the garments of the high priest, reveals Christ in every detail. To gain a fuller understanding of those details, one can go to the Superior Word YT videos or writings, and follow through the book of Exodus. What John sees, then shows us the heavenly things that the author of Hebrews refers to.

The Lord continues by saying, “and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia.” This does not mean these were the only churches in the province of Asia, but that these seven churches have been selected to receive the letter. Thus, it shows that the Lord is choosing them for His own specific purposes, and also in order to reveal certain truths which apply to each of them. They will then become a model for all churches of the church age to be evaluated against. This will reveal the positive and negative aspects of those churches in order to show what is pleasing or displeasing to the Lord.

These are Gentile-led churches in Gentile areas. Like churches today, there may have been Jewish believers at any of them, but that is incidental to the overall Gentile setting that is given. What is written by John is to be conveyed “to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

Seven in Scripture is the number of “spiritual perfection.” Knowing this, the idea of these seven churches then reflecting the state of all future churches makes sense. But within the words of the Lord to each church are warnings and promises. As these warnings and promises reflect the Lord’s purposes for all churches, it is good to understand the meaning of “seven” from the Old Testament.

It is the Hebrew word is sheva. It is derived from the verb shava – “to swear,” or “an oath.” A play on words is seen in the use of both “seven” and “oath” in these words from Genesis 21 –

“And he said, ‘You will take these seven ewe lambs from my hand, that they may be my witness that I have dug this well.’ ³¹ Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because the two of them swore an oath there.” Genesis 21:30, 31

With this in mind, the words of the Lord to the seven churches should be taken and applied carefully by the reader. What He says is binding, as is testified to by who He is. The description of Him, the words which issue from Him, and the presentation being given to seven churches, all are given to help us realize what is presented is a binding word.

Of these seven churches, only Ephesus and Laodicea are seen outside of Revelation. Ephesus – as a church or as a city – is noted in Acts, 1 Corinthians, Ephesians (it is the city to whom Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is written), 1 Timothy, and 2 Timothy. Laodicea is mentioned four times in the book of Colossians. The city of Thyatira is mentioned in Acts 16:14, but only in relation to it being the town of Lydia, a lady mentioned in that verse. Of these seven churches, the Pulpit Commentary notes –

“The order is not haphazard. It is precisely that which would be natural to a person writing in Patmos or travelling from Ephesus. Ephesus comes first as metropolis; then the city on the coast, Smyrna; then the inland cities in order, working round towards Ephesus again. In short, it is just the order in which St. John would visit the Churches in making an apostolic circuit as metropolitan.”

Life application: Jesus, as properly presented in the Bible, is God. To deny Jesus’ deity is explained by John in his epistles as the spirit of the antichrist. Misdirected faith is wasted faith. It will result in eternal condemnation. So, it is of paramount importance to get right who Jesus is.

Once it is understood that Jesus Christ is God, the words of Revelation can be properly evaluated. The description of Jesus, and the letters which follow, will express the heart of the Lord for His church, meaning the people in it. Let us take them to heart.

Glorious Almighty God! The doctrine of the Trinity is difficult for us to understand, but it is certainly what the Bible teaches. And so, may we accept it and hold fast to it so that our faith will be properly directed and firmly grounded in the truth. We ask this so that You will be glorified through our belief in Jesus, the Lord of Creation and the Lord of the Church. Amen.

Saturday, 22 August 2020

I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, Revelation 1:10

In the previous verse, John revealed that he was on Patmos “for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” It is there that he now reveals how the contents of the book of Revelation were received. He begins with, “I was in the Spirit.”

There is no article before “Spirit,” and so it is debated whether this means the Holy Spirit or not. Paul writes elsewhere, “be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). No article is used there as well, and yet it is generally accepted that he is referring to the Holy Spirit. John was probably praying, praising the Lord, singing out to Him, or something similar. In this, he was “filled with the Spirit,” and thus “in the Spirit” as any believer would be when intimately contemplating his relationship before the Lord. The same term is used again in verse 4:2 where it clearly is speaking of John being presented with a vision.

John says this state was “on the Lord’s Day.” The Greek word, translated as “Lord’s,” is kuriakos. It is used only here and concerning the Lord’s Supper in 1 Corinthians 11:20. It signifies “pertaining to the Lord.” It would be an abuse of the text to assume that John is speaking of the “day of the Lord” as noted in 2 Thessalonians 2:2. Further, verse 4:2 will show this is not the case.

John will be given visions of the day of the Lord after receiving the seven letters to the seven churches. At this time, he is speaking of a specific day – a day set apart to the Lord – just as the Lord’s Supper is a meal set apart to the Lord. Thus, it is referring to Sunday – the day the Lord was resurrected. It was, and it continues to be, regarded as such.

If this was the Sabbath, John would have noted it as such (see John 5:9, etc.; see John 20:1, etc.). The first day of the week, as noted in the gospels, later became known as “the Lord’s Day” in honor of the most important event in human history – the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

It is while in the Spirit, and while on Sunday – the first day of the week – that John next says, “and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet.” The Greek highlights the magnitude of the voice by saying, “and I heard behind me a voice, great, like that of a trumpet.”

It is curious as to why the voice is “behind” John. Tradition holds that he received the apocalypse in a cave. If so, he may have been praying with his face to the wall, as people do. He may also have been lying face down, as people do. One commentator suggests that the symbolism used in Revelation, coming from the Old Testament types and shadows, is being called to memory – thus, the voice is “behind” John.

The great voice like a trumpet speaks of calling a matter to attention. In Isaiah, it says –

“Cry aloud, spare not;
Lift up your voice like a trumpet;
Tell My people their transgression,
And the house of Jacob their sins.” Isaiah 58:1

Isaiah was being instructed to cry out loudly and clearly concerning the people’s errant ways. In some places, a voice is accompanied by the blast of a trumpet, such as at the giving of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 19. A trumpet will be sounded at the rapture of the church as is noted in 1 Thessalonians 4:6.

The idea is that of a clear, unambiguous, and purposeful calling forth of a message. The words to be conveyed will not be muttered or mixed, as if he might misunderstand.

Life application: The same God who spoke the universe into existence, who gave the Law at Sinai, and who sent tongues of fire at Pentecost, also spoke to John to reveal His coming words of instruction for His church, and of woe to those who fail to come to Him through Jesus Christ before the coming tribulation period.

Let us pay heed to what is presented in the book of Revelation, carefully evaluating it so that we will be properly trained in what it says. In this, we will be able to competently explain what we know to others in order to bring them to a sound knowledge as well.

Awesome and splendid are You, O God. When You speak, the mountains tremble and hearts become like stone. Your voice controlled the creation, your word sustains us even now, and what You speak determines the future. And so, let us never fail to accept Your word as the rule and guide of our faith, knowing that You are always with Your people through the events that occur in our lives. Our hearts sings praises to You today, our awesome and glorious God! Amen.