Study in Revelation #4
In these verses we can see the first vision given to John by Christ. It is a vision of Christ Himself, in His glory. He wanted John to know without doubt who it was that was speaking to him. He wanted John to reveal the truth to all believers and possibly nonbelievers as well. To make sure that there would be no doubt as to who was speaking, Christ gave John a good look at all His glory.
Verses 9-10 give us the setting for the vision. The island of Patmos. Here John says three things.
1. He calls himself a Brother and Companion:
The word “Brother” here means that he is a fellow believer. All those who believe in Jesus Christ and have received Him into their lives have been adopted in to the family of God, and have become brothers and sisters in Christ.
By companion, John is saying that he has lived among the believers. He walked with them, he was with them during:
a. Daily tribulations** trials ** the persecutions that they faced.
b. With them in looking for the Kingdom of God, seeking after it.
c. Persevering with them through the trials and temptations.
1. In verse 9 John calls himself “your brother and companion.”
This means that John was writing this letter to those who had been traveling with him.
true false To all believers
*The word “brother” as it is used here means “Fellow _______________”
*The word companion means that John was with those “fellow believers” during the persecutions that they faced.
*He was with them as they _________ for the kingdom of _______.
*He persevered with them through the tr_____s and the tem_______ns that they faced.
2. John said he was on the island of Patmos when he received this vision:
We have already discussed what Patmos was like, let’s see if we can verify the fact that John really was there. (Speculation that man never landed on the moon)
William Barclay gives abundant evidence to the fact that John was on the isle of Patmos.
“It was the unanimous tradition of the early church that John was banished to the Isle of Patmos during the reign of Domitian.”
“Tertullian says: The apostle John was banished to the island (On the Prescription of Heretics, 36)
“Origen says: The Roman Emperor, as tradition tells us, condemned John to the island for witnessing to the word of truth” (Homilies on Matthew)
Clement of Alexandria tells us: “On the death of the tyrant, John returned to Ephesus from the Isle of Patmos” (The Rich Man’s Salvation, 42)
Jerome tells us that John was banished on the 14th year of Nero and liberated on the death of Domitian (Concerning Illustrious Men, 9)
This would put John’s banishment at about AD 90 and his release around AD 96
Something to think about: Even in the darkest hours of human need, God is there. Was John a special case? Let’s look at some others in scripture to prove that God will always be there.
*In exile, Jacob saw God at Bethel *Gen. 35: 6f)
*It was during his exile that Moses saw God in the burning bush on mount Horeb. *Ex. 3: 1f
*Elijah heard a still small voice while in exile also at mount Horeb. 1Kings 19: 3f
*In exile Ezekiel saw the Glory of the Lord by the river Chedar. Ezk. 1: 1f
*Daniel saw the Ancient of Days, while in exile. Dan. 7: 9f
And God will come to you when you feel you are all alone in this world.
2. John said he was on the island of Patmos when he received this vision:
William Barclay gives abundant evidence to the fact that John was on the isle of Patmos.
“It was the unanimous tradition of the early church that John was banished to the Isle of Patmos during the reign of Domitian.”
“Tertullian says: The apostle John was banished to the island (On the Prescription of Heretics, 36)
“Origen says: The Roman Emperor, as tradition tells us, condemned John to the island for witnessing to the word of truth” (Homilies on Matthew)
Clement of Alexandria tells us: “On the death of the tyrant, John returned to Ephesus from the Isle of Patmos” (The Rich Man’s Salvation, 42)
Jerome tells us that John was banished on the 14th year of Nero and liberated on the death of Domitian (Concerning Illustrious Men, 9)
This would put John’s banishment at about AD ____ and his release around AD ____.
Something to think about: Even in the darkest hours of human need, God is there.
Was John a special case? Yes No
Let’s look at some others in scripture to prove that God will always be there.
*In exile, __________ saw God at Bethel *Gen. 35: 6f)
*It was during his exile that _______ saw God in the burning ________ on mount Horeb. *Ex. 3: 1f
*Elijah heard a still ____________ voice while in exile also at mount Horeb. 1Kings 19: 3f
*In exile Ezekiel saw the Glory of the Lord by the river Chedar. Ezk. 1: 1f True False
____________ saw the Ancient of Days, while in exile. Daniel. 7: 9f
And God will come to you when you feel you are all alone in this world.
3. John was in the spirit on the Lord’s Day:
The Lord’s Day as its used here is Sunday. The first day of the week, the day that Jesus was raised form the dead.
In the spirit means that Christ put John in a trance, that He gave John a deep spiritual experience that lifted his spirit and mind above this world and put him in the very presence of Christ Himself.
We are told that John is in the spirit 4 times * 1: 9-10 * 4: 1-2 * 17: 1-3 * 21: 9-10.
These set apart four major visions of the book of Revelation.
As we study them we will see that the first one is given by Christ coming down to John and the last 3 John is commanded to “come up here.” He is given a chance to see how things look from God’s perspective or point of view.
3. John was in the __________ on the ___________’s day.
“The Lord’s Day means:
Sunday
The first day of the week
The day that Jesus was raised from the dead
ALL OF THE ABOVE
Jesus put John in a spiritual ___________________
*We saw that John was “in the spirit” Only once twice Three times four times in the book of Revelation. 1: 9-10 * 4: 1-2 * 17: 1-3 * 21: 9-10
*The first time John was “in the spirit” Jesus came _________ to him.
*The last three, John was commanded to “come ____ here.”
*By calling John to “come up here” Jesus was giving John an opportunity to see things from His
point of __________.
4. The voice of Jesus: vs.10, 11
John describes the voice of Jesus as the sound of a trumpet. Does this mean that Jesus sounds like a trumpet when He talks? Not hardly.
The idea behind the use of the word trumpet is that of supreme authority. In other words Jesus’ voice was overpowering and commanding to the point that it demands that one pay attention.
When the king was about to arrive in a city he would send the trumpeters on ahead. When they let loose with a blast of the trumpet, people would stop, turn and pay attention because they knew something important was about happen.
2 things Jesus tells John.
1. He reminds him that He is the Alpha and the Omega: (we looked at this in v8)
2. He tells John to write down what he sees, put it in a book and send it the churches in Asia.
Notice that Jesus didn’t tell John to write down what he saw and keep it to himself. (“Just between you and me”)
Jesus was not giving John something for his own personal use; He was giving John a message to the church. A message that was for the building, strengthening of the body. The message of Revelation is to be used by the church for building our faith.
4. Look at verse 10, Does John mean that Jesus has a voice that sounds like some one playing a trumpet?
*The idea behind John’s description is that of supreme a_____________ty
Which demands attention.
In verse 11 Jesus tells John two things.
1. “I am __________ and __________ which means “the first and the last.
2. “What you see __________ in a book and ________ it to the churches in _________.
In verse 12 John turns around to see who is speaking. From here through verse 16 John tries his best to describe what he saw.
5. Christ and the lamp stands 12-13:
In these verses we see Christ standing in the middle of 7 golden lamp stands (candle sticks). These lamp stands represent the churches.
Why use this symbol for the churches? Jesus Christ is the light of the world and it is the church that holds Him before the world. The church receives her light from Christ and it is that light that we are to hold out to a dark world. Notice that Christ is in the midst, He is surrounded by the churches. This symbolizes that He is the source of our light.
Scripture backup: John 1: 4 * John 8: 12 * Acts 13: 47 * Eph 5:8 * Ph 2: 15
5. Seven golden candlesticks or lamp stands: vs12-13
*The 7 lamps were needed because it was so dark where John was that Jesus needed a lot of light to see by True False
*The 7 lamp stands represent the 7 _________es
*John said that he saw Jesus standing in the _____________ of the lamp stands.
*We learned from this that _________ is the ________ of the world and the churches are responsible for holding the light of Jesus out to the world.
Scripture proof: John 1: 4 * John 8: 12 * Acts 13: 47 * Eph. 5: 8 * Ph. 2: 15
John’s almost scary description of Jesus vs. 13-16:
When John saw Jesus in His glorified state, words could not begin to describe what John saw. The best John could do was to take some precious metal and awesome things of the earth and try his best to describe what he saw.
6. The Robe v13: Jesus was clothed with a robe that went all the way down to His feet. The robe was that of the prophets, priest and kings and princes. The robe symbolized the fact that Jesus is Prophet; Priest and King.
Scripture backup: [prophet] Zech. 3: 4 * [priest] Ex. 28: 4, 39: 29, Lev. 16: 4 *
[Kings & princes] 1Sam. 24: 5, 12
* AS Prophet, Jesus is the one who proclaims the word of God to us.
* As Priest, Jesus gives us access into the very presence of God. It is because of Him that we are made acceptable to enter in the throne room of the almighty King of glory.
* As King, Jesus reigns supreme over all the affairs of the universe. He protects and provides for all those who love Him.
6. The robe:
*The robe went all the way to the _________ of __________.
*The robe was a robe of three different distinctions
1. The robe of our _____________. Jesus is the Prophet who proclaims the word of God to us.
Zech. 3: 4
2. The robe of our High __________. It is because of Jesus and not our own merit that gains access to the throne of God. Ex. 28: 4, 39: 29, Lev. 16: 4
3. The robe of a Mighty _______. Jesus always has been, He is and He always will the ______ of
kings and the ______ of lords. 1Sam. 24: 5, 12
7. The golden breastplate v13: The KJV says that Jesus was “girt about the paps with a golden girdle.” This makes an awfully strange picture in the minds of anyone who doesn’t understand the language of that time. When you travel around the country you notice that people don’t all speak the same.
Brief history lesson
The KJV Bible is from King James 1 of England. It began in 1604 and was published in 1611 by the Church of England. In 1601 James was known as King James VI of Scotland. Just two years later he was King James I of England. He demanded that his authorized translation conform to the call of the Church of England and was to replace the Geneva Bible that offended him. He also blamed the Geneva Bible for the death of his mother. There was to be no side notes in the margin and it was to carry the poetic style we see today. His translators liked this because they wanted to write in a more Latin language than the known English style. SO It doesn’t mean that Jesus wore a girdle.
Back to the study
The Chest of Jesus had a golden breastplate strapped to it. This was something like the breastplate of the high priest, on which the names of his people were engraved.
The breastplate covered the heart, symbolizing that Christ holds His people and the church ever so close. All of them are engraved on His breastplate.
Scripture help for breastplate: Ex. 28: 4 * 39: 29
Scripture to prove Christ holds you near and dear: Rom. 8: 38-39
Does the KJV really mean that Jesus wears a girdle? And what are “Paps”
Brief history lesson
The KJV Bible is from King James 1 of England. It began in 1604 and was published in 1611 by the Church of England. In 1601 James was known as King James VI of Scotland. Just two years later he King James I of England. He demanded that his authorized translation conform to the call of the Church of England and was to replace the Geneva Bible that offended him. He also blamed the Geneva Bible for the death of his mother. There was to be no side notes in the margin and it was to carry the poetic style we see today. His translators liked this because they wanted to write in a more Latin language than the known English style. SO It doesn’t mean that Jesus wore a girdle.
Back to the study
Paps as best as we can conclude is the __________area.
The girdle is actually breast__________ much like that worn by the High Priest, on which the
_________ of his people were engraved on it. This tells us that Jesus holds us near to His heart.
Scripture help with breastplate: Ex. 28: 4 * Ex. 39: 29
Scripture proves that Jesus holds us near and dear: Rom. 8: 38-39
8. His head and hair v. 14: John describes the hair and head of Jesus as white as wool and snow.
This is a picture of Christ as the Ancient of days. He is the eternal Lord of the universe. This description could also be a picture of His sinlessness and His purity of mind.
Scripture backup: Dan. 7: 9 * 2Cor. 5: 19, 21 * 1Tim. 3: 16
8. His head and hair:
When John sees Jesus, he describes His head and hair as “white like _______ as _______ as ______.
Jesus had aged a lot since John last saw Him. True False
*We learned 2 possible answers for this look
1. This was picture of Jesus as “The _______ of ___.
2. It could also be a picture of His ________less nature and ________ of mind.
Scripture Backup: Dan. 7: 9 * 2Cor. 5: 19, 21 * 1 Tim. 3: 16
9. His eyes v14: Did John see flames shooting out Christ eyes? NO Have you noticed peoples eyes?
This is a symbol of the penetrating power of Jesus. His look is piecing, He sees right through the junk and into the heart of the matter. You can hide a lot of stuff from a lot of people, but Jesus can see through the white-wash through the paint job. He sees through those closed doors in your life.
No one can hide from Him, nor can you hide anything from Him.
Scripture proof: Dan. 10: 6 * Heb. 4: 13 * Jer. 23: 24
9. Eyes of fire:
For some this brings pictures of “Star wars” to mind but it actually is a symbol of the penetrating power of Jesus.
Jesus can see right through the junk and straight in to my ________.
Can you hide sin or a wrong living from people? Yes No I don’t care what people see in me.
Can you hide anything from the piercing eyes of Jesus?
Scripture proof: Dan. 10: 6 * Heb. 4: 13 * Jer. 23: 24
10. His feet v15: The feet of Jesus are described as looking like fine brass.
This is a symbol of strength and perseverance. His feet not only carried the gospel but they carry the good news of peace and joy, as well as righteous judgement. He is able to stand against the enemy, who is always trying to take us out.
These same feet will carry Him into battle against the enemy and crush him in defeat. Yet these feet carry Him quickly to the aid of those He loves.
10. His feet: The feet of Jesus looked like fine, polished brass.
*This is a symbol of the _________ and perseverance of Jesus.
*Can you think of some places that Jesus’ feet carried Him?
11. His voice v15: John describes Christ voice a 2nd time as sounding like many waters. Think about a gentle stream in the forest…
Compare that to a great river rushing down the side of a mountain…
Jesus’ voice symbolizes authority and in His voice we hear the message of salvation, hope and peace. We hear joy, confidence and comfort.
Scripture proof: John 3: 29 * John 10: 4 * John 18: 37 * 1 Th. 4: 16-18
In His thunderous voice we hear rebuke, conviction and judgment.
Scripture proof: Ps. 29: 4 * Jer. 25: 30 * John 5: 28-29 * Acts 9: 3-4 * Rev. 3: 20
11. A second description of the voice of Jesus:
His voice sounded like A gentle rain on a tin roof A tornado A small brook deep in the woods Many waters.
His voice symbolizes _____________ and in it we hear the message of _____________, ________ and peace. We also hear comfort, joy and confidence.
Scripture proof: John 3: 29 * John 10: 4 * John 18: 37 * 1Th. 4: 16-18
We also hear in the voice of Jesus something that people don’t like to talk about today.
_________, conviction and ________________.
Scripture proof: Ps. 29: 4 * Jer. 25: 30 * John 5: 28-29 * Acts 9: 3-4 * Rev. 3: 20
12. Jesus holds 7 stars in His right hand v16:
These stars symbolize the messengers or ministers of the churches. Jesus holds His ministers in His hand with strength, skill and comfort.
Scripture proof: Dan. 12:3 * John 15: 16 * Acts 9: 15 * Acts 26: 16 * 1Tim. 1: 12 * 2Tim 1: 12
12. The seven stars:
.When John looks around at Jesus he sees Him holding 7 stars in His right hand.
This is a symbol of Jesus’ authority over the heavens.
Yes No He does have all authority but that isn’t what they mean here.
*The stars are another symbol that is used for the _________________s of the churches.
Jesus holds the ministers in His hand, guarding, comforting and strengthening them.
Scripture proof: Dan. 12:3 * John 15: 16 * Acts 9: 15 * Acts 26: 16 * 1Tim. 1: 12 * 2Tim 1: 12
13. Jesus has a double edged sword coming out of His mouth v16:
This is probably one of the scariest descriptions of Jesus in the Bible. What picture comes to your mind when you hear that He has a sword coming out of His mouth?
Have no fear. This is a symbol for the Word of God and its’ power to penetrate deep into the heart of every matter.
Scripture proof: Heb. 4: 12 * 2 Tim. 3: 16
13. There’s a double edged sword coming out of Jesus’ mouth:
What kind of picture pops in to your mind when you read this? Any volunteers?
Is that really what it means or is this a symbol for the Word of God?
Scripture proof: Heb. 4: 12 * 2 Tim. 3: 16
14. His countenance v16:
John says that looking at Jesus was like looking at the sun in its full strength. This symbolizes Jesus in all His glory as God. John was seeing Him in all His majesty.
While on earth, Jesus revealed only a very small portion of His glory. John was now seeing Him as He really is.
Scripture proof: Mt. 16: 27 * Mt. 17: 12 * Jn. 17: 5 * Acts 9: 1-5 * 2Cor. 4: 6 * Rev. 5: 12
14. His countenance:
For John, looking at Jesus was like looking straight into the ____ when it shines the brightest.
*Why did Jesus not radiate like this when He was actually here?
His batteries were weak He hadn’t done enough good stuff for God to give Him enough glory
He only revealed a small amount of His glory because we would not be able to handle Him in full glory.
Look @ Scripture: Mt. 16: 27 * Mt. 17: 12 * Jn. 17: 5 * Acts 9: 1-5 * 2Cor. 4: 6 * Rev. 5: 12
In verses 17 & 18 John experiences the reassuring presence and care of Jesus Christ. When John saw Jesus in all His glory, it terrified him. He said that he fell at the feet of Jesus as a dead man.
*Notice how you can since the calm assurance of Jesus as He reached out and, tenderly, placed His hand on John assuring John that He was not there to consume him.
*Let’s look at the 4 things that Christ said to John.
1. Fear not <> Don’t be afraid v. 17:
Jesus was assuring John that He had not come to hurt John or that He had come in judgment of John. Jesus had come in love and to commission John to help in building up the churches as well as reaching the lost with the gospel.
We are to be n awe of God and we should fear Him but not be afraid of Him. He is our God and He knows and cares for each of us.
Discuss the “Jesus in blue jeans mentality”
Scripture proof: Mt. 10: 30-31 * Is. 41: 10 * Is. 43: 1-2
2. “I am the first and the last” v17:
John does not need to fear the awesome, terrifying presence of Jesus because He is the eternal Lord of the universe as well as the Savior of man. Jesus describes Himself as the beginning and the end. He was there when you were born and He will be there when you die. He will be there through all the time in between. He is the one who can and will be with you forever IF He is your Lord and Savior.
HE WAS AND IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE:
Scripture proof: Jn. 8: 58 * Jn. 17: 5 * Jn. 17: 24 * Rev. 22: 13
3. He lives * He was dead * now He is alive forever more v.18:
This Jesus, now exalted and glorified, that John is describing is the same Jesus, who came to the earth, died for our sins and rose for our salvation.
He is now exalted and lives in glory. His glory is awesome and even frightening but he dwells there not to condemn us but to save us.
He lives forever more to make us acceptable to God and to carry us through the evil and death of this world.
Scripture proof: Jn. 1: 4 * Jn. 10: 10 * Jn. 11: 25 * Jn. 14: 6 * Rom. 1: 4 *Rom. 10: 9 * 1Pet. 1: 3-4
4. He has the keys v.18:
Jesus conquered death so that He could deliver us from judgment and from hell.
He alone holds the keys that will unlock death and yes even hell. He is able to unlock the chains that have held us prisoners.
Scripture proof: 2Tim. 1: 10 * Heb. 2: 14- 15 * Rev. 21: 4 * Jn. 5: 24 * Jn. 14: 19 * IS. 25: 8
4 things that Jesus said to John:
1. “_____not be ________.” v17John was so afraid when he saw Jesus in all of His glory that he fell down and looked dead. Scripture proof: Mt. 10: 30-31 * Is. 41: 10 * Is. 43: 1-2
When we come before God we should be in awe of Him. We should reverence and respect Him.
Is it possible to fear God but not be afraid of Him? Let’s talk about that.
2. “I am the _________ and the _________.” v17
HE ALWAYS WAS * HE IS, RIGHT NOW * HE ALWAYS WILL BE
Scripture proof: Jn. 8: 58 * Jn 17: 5 * Jn. 17: 24 * Rev. 22: 13
3. “I am He who ________, and who _______ _______, and behold I am alive
_____________.”v18
Scripture proof: Jn 1: 4 * Jn. 10: 10 * Jn 11: 25 * Jn14: 6 * Rom. 1: 4 * Rom. 10: 9 *
1Pet. 1: 3-4
4. “I have the ______s of ____________ and __________.”v18
Scripture proof: 2Tim. 1: 10 * Heb. 2: 14-15 * Rev. 21: 4 * Jn. 5: 24 * Jn 14: 19 *
Isaiah 25: 8
In verse 19 Jesus gives John some clear instructions. Christ once again repeats His commission to John, when He tells John to write 3 things.
1. The things that he had seen: This would be the vision of the glorified Christ (chapters 1-2)
2. The things that are: The condition of the churches. (Chapters 2-3)
3. The things that will be: The consummation of human history, the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and the end of the world. (Chapters 4-22)
In verse 19 Jesus gives John instructions to write three things
1. John was to write “the things which you have _______.”
2. The things that Might be Could be if he was good enough Things hoped for That are.
3. The things that have not happened yet but will happen True False
In verse 20 Jesus interprets the vision so that John can clearly understand it.
1. The seven stars: Jesus describes as the angels of the churches. This does not mean that there is an angel stationed at each of the churches.
The word “angel” (angelos) means heavenly angels but it also means messenger. We know that God has, in the past used angels to send a message to His people.
There are a number of ideas as to whom the word refers to here. But the majority of the evidence leads us to believe that, in this verse the word is being used to describe the ministers of the churches.
2. The seven candlesticks: This is a symbol used to describe the churches. Remember what we talked about earlier. The church is to hold out the light of Christ to the world.
Scripture proof: Mt. 5: 14 * Acts 13: 47 * Eph. 5: 8 * Ph 2: 15 * 1Th. 5: 5
In verse 20 Jesus gives some understanding to the stars and the lamp stands
*What are the stars? _____________
*Who did we say that the angels of the churches represented? The __________________s
*The Seven lamp stands are the __________________es.
Scripture proof: Mt. 5: 14 * Acts 13: 47 * Eph. 5: 8 * Ph 2: 15 * 1Th. 5: 5
Here’s something that we have not talked about.
The church is the building in which we now sit. Your thoughts
REVELATION STUDY #4
Rev. 1: 9-20
1. In verse 9 John calls himself “your brother and companion.”
This means that John was writing this letter to those who had been traveling with him.
true false To all believers
*The word “brother” as it is used here means “Fellow _______________”
*The word companion means that John was with those “fellow believers” during the persecutions that they faced.
*He was with them as they _________ for the kingdom of _______.
*He persevered with them through the tr_____s and the tem_______ns that they faced.
2. John said he was on the island of Patmos when he received this vision:
William Barclay gives abundant evidence to the fact that John was on the isle of Patmos.
“It was the unanimous tradition of the early church that John was banished to the Isle of Patmos during the reign of Domitian.”
“Tertullian says: The apostle John was banished to the island (On the Prescription of Heretics, 36)
“Origen says: The Roman Emperor, as tradition tells us, condemned John to the island for witnessing to the word of truth” (Homilies on Matthew)
Clement of Alexandria tells us: “On the death of the tyrant, John returned to Ephesus from the Isle of Patmos” (The Rich Man’s Salvation, 42)
Jerome tells us that John was banished on the 14th year of Nero and liberated on the death of Domitian (Concerning Illustrious Men, 9)
This would put John’s banishment at about AD ____ and his release around AD ____.
Something to think a bout: Even in the darkest hours of human need, God is there.
Was John a special case? Yes No
Let’s look at some others in scripture to prove that God will always be there.
*In exile, __________ saw God at Bethel *Gen. 35: 6f)
*It was during his exile that _______ saw God in the burning ________ on mount Horeb. *Ex. 3: 1f
*Elijah heard a still ____________ voice while in exile also at mount Horeb. 1Kings 19: 3f
*In exile Ezekiel saw the Glory of the Lord by the river Chedar. Ezk. 1: 1f True False
____________ saw the Ancient of Days, while in exile. Daniel. 7: 9f
And God will come to you when you feel you are all alone in this world.
3. John was in the __________ on the ___________’s day.
“The Lord’s Day means:
Sunday
The first day of the week
The day that Jesus was raised from the dead
ALL OF THE ABOVE
Jesus put John in a spiritual ___________________
We saw that John was “in the spirit” Only once twice Three times four times in the book of Revelation. * 1: 9-10 * 4: 1-2 * 17: 1-3 * 21: 9-10
*The first time John was “in the spirit” Jesus came _________ to him.
*The last three, John was commanded to “come ____ here.”
*By calling John to “come up here” Jesus was giving John an opportunity to see things from His
point of __________.
4. Look at verse 10, Does John mean that Jesus has a voice that sounds like some one playing a trumpet?
*The idea behind John’s description is that of supreme a_____________ty
Which demands attention.
In verse 11 Jesus tells John two things.
1. “I am __________ and __________ which means “the first and the last.
2. “What you see __________ in a book and ________ it to the churches in _________.
In verse 12 John turns around to see who is speaking. From here through verse 16 John tries his best to describe what he saw.
John’s almost scary description of Jesus vs. 13-16:
5. Seven golden candlesticks or lamp stands: vs12-13
*The 7 lamps were needed because it was so dark where John was that Jesus needed a lot of light to see by True False
*The 7 lamp stands represent the 7 _________es
*John said that he saw Jesus standing in the _____________ of the lamp stands.
*We learned from this that _________ is the ________ of the world and the churches are responsible for holding the light of Jesus out to the world.
Scripture proof: John 1: 4 * John 8: 12 * Acts 13: 47 * Eph. 5: 8 * Ph. 2: 15
6. The robe:
The robe went all the way to the _________ of __________.
*The robe was a robe of three different distinctions
1. The robe of our _____________. Jesus is the Prophet who proclaims the word of God to us.
Zech. 3: 4
2. The robe of our High __________. It is because of Jesus and not our own merit that gains access to the throne of God. Ex. 28: 4, 39: 29, Lev. 16: 4
3. The robe of a Mighty _______. Jesus always has been, He is and He always will the ______ of
kings and the ______ of lords. 1Sam. 24: 5, 12
7. Does the KJV really mean that Jesus wears a girdle? And what are “Paps”
Brief history lesson
The KJV Bible is from King James 1 of England. It began in 1604 and was published in 1611 by the Church of England. In 1601 James was known as King James VI of Scotland. Just two years later he was King James I of England. He demanded that his authorized translation conform to the call of the Church of England and was to replace the Geneva Bible that offended him. He also blamed the Geneva Bible for the death of his mother. There was to be no side notes in the margin and it was to carry the poetic style we see today. His translators liked this because they wanted to write in a more Latin language than the known English style. SO It doesn’t mean that Jesus wore a girdle.
Back to the study
*Paps as best as we can conclude is the __________area.
*The girdle is actually breast__________ much like that worn by the High Priest, on which the
_________ of his people were engraved on it. This tells us that Jesus holds us near to His heart.
Scripture help with breastplate: Ex. 28: 4 * Ex. 39: 29
Scripture proves that Jesus holds us near and dear: Rom. 8: 38-39
8. His head and hair:
*When John sees Jesus, he describes His head and hair as “white like _______ as _______ as ______.
*Jesus had aged a lot since John last saw Him. True False
*We learned 2 possible answers for this look
1. This was picture of Jesus as “The _______ of ___.
2. It could also be a picture of His ________less nature and ________ of mind.
Scripture Backup: Dan. 7: 9 * 2Cor. 5: 19, 21 * 1 Tim. 3: 16
9. Eyes of fire:
For some this brings pictures of “Star wars” to mind but it actually is a symbol of the penetrating power of Jesus.
*Jesus can see right through the junk and straight in to my ________.
Can you hide sin or a wrong living from people? Yes No I don’t care what people see in me.
Can you hide anything from the piercing eyes of Jesus?
Scripture proof: Dan. 10: 6 * Heb. 4: 13 * Jer. 23: 24
10. His feet:
The feet of Jesus looked like fine, polished brass.
*This is a symbol of the _________ and perseverance of Jesus.
*Can you think of some places that Jesus’ feet carried Him?
11. A second description of the voice of Jesus:
*His voice sounded like A gentle rain on a tin roof A tornado A small brook deep in the woods Many waters.
*His voice symbolizes _____________ and in it we hear the message of _____________, ________ and peace. We also hear comfort, joy and confidence.
Scripture proof: John 3: 29 * John 10: 4 * John 18: 37 * 1Th. 4: 16-18
We also hear in the voice of Jesus something that people don’t like to talk about today.
_________, conviction and ________________.
Scripture proof: Ps. 29: 4 * Jer. 25: 30 * John 5: 28-29 * Acts 9: 3-4 * Rev. 3: 20
12. The seven stars:
.When John looks around at Jesus he sees Him holding 7 stars in His right hand.
This is a symbol of Jesus’ authority over the heavens.
Yes No He does have all authority but that isn’t what they mean here.
*The stars are another symbol that is used for the _________________s of the churches.
Jesus holds the ministers in His hand, guarding, comforting and strengthening them.
Scripture proof: Dan. 12:3 * John 15: 16 * Acts 9: 15 * Acts 26: 16 * 1Tim. 1: 12 * 2Tim 1: 12
13. There’s a double edged sword coming out of Jesus’ mouth:
What kind of picture pops in to your mind when you read this? Any volunteers?
*Is that really what it means or is this a symbol for the Word of God?
Scripture proof: Heb. 4: 12 * 2 Tim. 3: 16
14. His countenance:
*For John, looking at Jesus was like looking straight into the ____ when it shines the brightest.
*Why did Jesus not radiate like this when He was actually here?
His batteries were weak He hadn’t done enough good stuff for God to give Him enough glory
He only revealed a small amount of His glory because we would not be able to handle Him in full glory.
Look @ Scripture: Mt. 16: 27 * Mt. 17: 12 * Jn. 17: 5 * Acts 9: 1-5 * 2Cor. 4: 6 * Rev. 5: 12
4 things that Jesus said to John:
1. “_____not be ________.” v17John was so afraid when he saw Jesus in all of His glory that he fell down and looked dead. Scripture proof: Mt. 10: 30-31 * Is. 41: 10 * Is. 43: 1-2
When we come before God we should be in awe of Him. We should reverence and respect Him.
Is it possible to fear God but not be afraid of Him? Let’s talk about that.
2. “I am the _________ and the _________.” v17
HE ALWAYS WAS * HE IS, RIGHT NOW * HE ALWAYS WILL BE
Scripture proof: Jn. 8: 58 * Jn 17: 5 * Jn. 17: 24 * Rev. 22: 13
3. “I am He who ________, and who _______ _______, and behold I am alive
_____________.”v18
Scripture proof: Jn 1: 4 * Jn. 10: 10 * Jn 11: 25 * Jn14: 6 * Rom. 1: 4 * Rom. 10: 9 *
1Pet. 1: 3-4
4. “I have the ______s of ____________ and __________.”v18
Scripture proof: 2Tim. 1: 10 * Heb. 2: 14-15 * Rev. 21: 4 * Jn. 5: 24 * Jn 14: 19 *
Isaiah 25: 8
In verse 19 Jesus gives John instructions to write three things
1. John was to write “the things which you have _______.”
2. The things that Might be Could be if he was good enough Things hoped for That are.
3. The things that have not happened yet but will happen True False
In verse 20 Jesus gives some understanding to the stars and the lamp stands
What are the stars? _____________
Who did we say that the angels of the churches represented? The __________________s
The Seven lamp stands are the __________________es.
Scripture proof: Mt. 5: 14 * Acts 13: 47 * Eph. 5: 8 * Ph 2: 15 * 1Th. 5: 5
Here’s something that we have not talked about.
The church is the building in which we now sit. Your thoughts
*PERSONAL NOTES*
