John’s back was turned when he heard the words and given the commission. Now he turns around to see who was behind him, or as the text says “to see the voice” (1:12). Upon turning, he sees a twofold vision:
First, we see His Position
- “I saw seven golden lampstands” (1:12). A lampstand were seven gold stands for portable oil lamps (not candles). The image comes from the OT and the tabernacle and temple—Ex. 25:31-40; 1 Kings 7:48-49; Zech. 4:2, 10. John saw realities, but the realities where symbols, and symbols of the seven churches or assemblies (cf. 1:20).
- “And in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man” (1:13). The second part of the vision is a person. It is the Son of Man standing in the middle of the lampstands. Evidently the lampstands form a circle, and the Son of Man is standing in the middle. (It is interesting that the location of the seven churches follow a circular pattern.) The Son of Man is a title from mainly the prophet Ezekiel (used over 100 times), and in Daniel (8:17, 7:13 cf. Mk 13:26). Christ used it of himself over 70 times in the Gospels. The title emphasizes the humanity of Christ in relation to the earth. Paul never refers to Christ as the Son of Man; that is because the term has special relationship to the King and the Kingdom.[1] Walvoord notes that “the title emphasizes His humanity and Messianic character.”[2] The Son of Man was of the line of David, Abraham, and Adam (Matt. 1:1,6; Luke 3;31, 24). The Son of Man is coming again to reap the harvest (Rev. 14:14). It relates to Jesus’ capacity as judge (cf. John 5:22, 27; Acts 17:31). Therefore, the vision, as well as these assemblies, has a special relationship to end time Messianic events, Israel, and the world. His being the Son of Man provides Him the Messianic role as kinsman-redeemer and as judge.
Second, we see His Person.
- His dress—“Clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash.” (1:13). There is a debate as to the robe and sash. Many take it as speaking of priestly dress. This has strong Old Testament connections. It was the priest, who dressed in the long priest robes that kept the candlesticks in order day and night (Lev 24:3-4). The Greek word poderes is used only here by Matthew in the New Testament. It is used in the OT for priestly attire, 6 out of 7 times[3] (Ex. 39:29). The girdle of the chest corresponds to the priestly girdle on the breast (Ex. 28:4; 29:5; 39:39; Lev. 16:4). This connects well with Christ standing in the midst of the candlesticks. Others take it to be the robe worn by dignitaries and rulers.[4] Support comes from Ezekiel 9:2 where a man so dressed has the task of setting the mark on good men before destruction comes. There is no connection in this passage that indicates a priestly function. “This setting of impending judgment from Ezekiel fits one of the principle thrusts of the visions to follow in the Apocalypse,” notes Thomas.[5] Both sides have merit. However, it seems to me by the word used, and the imagery of the robe and the lampstand, reminding one of the temple, it is best to take this as a priestly image here.
- His Hair (1:14). “His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow” (1:14). Mounce suggest that the translation should read, “His head, that is, His hair.”[6] This translation indicates why all the elements of the head are not listed together. There is no question this phrase connects with Daniel 7:9, where it speaks of the Ancient of Days. While in the OT it describes God the Father, here John refers them to Christ. John often grants Christ the attributes and titles previously attributed to God the Father (cf. 1:18; 2:8; 5;12; 22:13).[7] The Father and the Son are one. The white hair, described as wool and snow, speaks of Christ’s sinless purity (Isa. 1:18). There is also a connection with wisdom (cf. Mic. 5:1). He is the wise and pure one.
- His eyes—“and His eyes were like a flame of fire” (1:14). This is the focal point of Christ. His eyes are specifically pointed out as being like a flame of fire, penetrating eyes that look into a man’s very soul. It specifically centers upon omniscience and judgment. They are the means in which He knows their works (Rev. 2:19), searches the minds and hearts (Rev. 2:23). It is impossible to escape His piercing eyes. Those piercing eyes are an identifying mark in Rev. 19:12. Clearly Revelation illustrates the words, “there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all thing are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13). There is no hiding from Him.
- His feet—“His feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been made to glow in a furnace” (1:15). Origin and meaning of the Greek uncertain. Thomas notes, “One explanation assigns it the meaning of ‘smelted’ or ‘refined,’ referring to metal that has been purified and therefore has a greater shine to it.... The defense of this meaning lies in a comparable usage of the word in Rev. 3:18 with this meaning.”[8] This is similar terminology in Daniel 10:6 which speaks of polished bronze. Garland holds that the shoe speaks of defense against the defilement of the earth.[9] Mounce points out it speaks of strength and stability.[10] Brass and fire stand for divine judgment as seen in the Old Testament types of the brazen altar and other items of brass used in connection with sacrifice for sin (Ex. 38:30). His feet went though the fire of judgment on the Cross, yet victorious.
- His Voice—“and His voice was like the sound of many waters” (1:15). John knows what a loud sound that water can make being on the Aegean Sea. If you have ever been at Niagara Falls and heard the deafing sound of rushing water over the falls, you would experience the sound of many waters. It is the sound of power. It is the same voice that earlier is described as loud as a trumpet (1:10).
- His Hand—“In His right hand He held seven stars” (1:16). The right hand symbolizes power and authority (Psa. 110:1; Matt. 26:64). The world held is the Greek word echon, which has the sense of to have, to hold fast, to possess, or to keep, or preserve. Some take it as a symbol of safekeeping (cf. John 10:28). However, others see it as symbol of authority and control.[11] It indicates both possessing and protecting.[12] What He is holding and protecting is the seven stars. Stars are symbols expressing three things in Scripture: Multitudes (Gen. 15:5); persons in authority (Dan. 8:10; Rev. 6:13) and subordinate powers (Gen. 37:9; Rev. 12:1). Revelation 1:20 identifies them as “the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches.” They are ones in subordinate powers and authority to the Lord, who holds them in His hand.
- His Mouth—“and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword” (1:16). This is clearly a reference to the Word of God (Cf. Hebrews 4:12). The image is drawn from of the prophet Isaiah (49:2) that foretells of the Messiah.[13] In Hebrews 4 the word is that of a short dagger. A different Greek word is used by John. The Greek word for sword is found in two books, Luke (2:35) and Revelation (1:16; 2:12, 16; 6:8; 19:15). The word used describes a long, heavy, broad sword used for the purpose of executing justice. In the context of Revelation, 2:16 uses the similar phrase to indicate judgment. Notice in Revelation it is identified with war (2:16), kill (6:8), strike down, and rule (19:15). Thus, the Sword is the execution of divine judgment simply by His Word. It is the instrument of His wrath. As Scott observes, “We never read of our Lord personally putting His hand on His enemies.”[14]
- His Face—“His face was like the sun shining to its strength” (1:16). This speaks of His glory. It is said that the sun gives off 40,000 watts off light per square inch.[15] However, the brilliance of the sun is pale compared to the glory of Christ. Its strength speaks of the height of brilliance. Matthew tells us that on the Mount of Transfiguration, “his face shone like the sun” (Matt. 17:2). What a glorious vision of Christ. It is one of majesty and power. No longer is His deity and glory veiled as it was in the days of his incarnation. It is a vision of the glory of the exalted, resurrected Christ in the midst of His people in the time of tribulation.
[1] Bullinger, APOCALYPSE, 16.
[2] Walvoord, REVELATION, 44.
[3] This is debatable. Mounce, REVELATION, says it is seven of seven, 58.
[4] Thomas, REVELATION 1:99
[5] Ibid, 1:99
[6] Mounce, 58.
[7] Thomas, 1:101.
[8] Thomas, 1:102.
[9] Garland, REVELATION, 191.
[10] Mounce, 59.
[11] Thomas, 1:103.
[12] Osborne, REVEATION 91.
[13] Osborne, 92.
[14] Walter Scott, EXPOSITION OF THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST, 45.
[15] Keil, REVELATION, electronic media.
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