Notes on Holy Scripture, particularly on prophecy, and focused on:
REVELATION
R E V E L A T I O N : ( of Jesus Christ ) (The Uncovering, Revealing, Appearing, Coming of Jesus Christ.)
Revelation of (a)JESUS CHRIST, which GOD gave unto Him, to point out unto His (b)servants things which needed to happen, (c)speedily; and He sent and signified it by His angel to His (b)bond-servant John.
(a) Jesus the Messiah, Comp. App. 98X1.
(b) In Scripture, only Israel are so called, Comp. App. 190 1.2.
(c) From the standpoint of Rev.1:10 , i.e. will happen quickly, when the "Day" of Jehovah has commenced. This is commonly known as "The Day of The Lord," and at this date (2003,) has not yet occurred, but is probably close.
V.2
Who bare witness of the Word of God, and of the witness of Jesus Christ of all things that He (a)saw.
(a) And perceived Comp. App. 133 I.1.)
Happy is he that reads (a)and those that hear the words of the prophecy and keep the things which are written in, for the (b)time is near.
(a) Those that hear and see, this indicates that this writing is probably pre. Acts 28. However, we feel strongly that it is pre AD 70, as at no time is the sacking of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple mentioned. The whole emphasis is the Lord's return, and the Judgement of God on the nations, and the re-establishment of Israel to the original promises to Abraham and the Patriarchs. The fact of the rejection by Israel at Acts 28, means a later fulfilment. However, Christ came "at the end of the ages," (Heb. 9:26, the C. of E. translators show "end of the world," again to suit their dogma. The Greek states "completion of the ages" Interlinear, Strongs, Comp.) the length of which is too immense for our comprehension. So, whether 20 years as would have applied in the Acts period, if the Jews had accepted Christ, or 2000 years or more, these times are infinitesimally small, by comparison with, "age times," as defined by the Almighty which can be millions of years, as we understand time. This also is a classic double fulfilment, or filfull, of which there are many in Scripture. Because of the wrong translation of the Bible by the churches over hundreds of years (Roman, C of E, and others,) (Link Corruption of the Bible Text:) to suit their dogmas, care must be taken by the reader to determine the original meaning. A common example is "end of the world." Almost every case in the New Testament should read "end of the age." An example is Matt. 12:32,"neither in this world, or in the world to come." This should read "neither in this age, or in the age to come." The implications as to meaning are enormous, as our Lord only ever talked about the Kingdom age to Israel only! The current churches talk about and teach a world ending calamity! See also Rev. 14:1(c.)
(b) The time of the second advent i.e. CHRIST'S RETURN: Expectation that the second coming was imminent i.e. end of of Acts period. If the Jews had accepted Christ, He would have returned then, and John the Baptist would have "been as Elijah," (Mal. 4:5, Matt. 11:14, Matt. 17:10-13, Mk. 9:13, Lk. 1:17.)
John to the seven (a)churches which are in Asia: (b)Grace be unto you and peace from (c)Him, Which is, and Which was, and Which is to come ; and from (d)the seven Spirit beings, which are before His throne.
(a) "Churches," Ekklesia (Comp.App. 120. 1) = angel of the ekklesia, minister of the Synagogue (Ekklesia = [Comp. App.186,] = Assembly, or called out ones) (Str. 1577 = called out ones.) It follows here that as verse 1 applies to Israel, then the called out ones here in verse 4 also are Jews, but as in Acts, some will surely be converted Gentiles, who fit the category of Rev. 7:14.
The A.V. 1611 version, has "are" included, implying the then present tense, which suited the C. of E. and Roman church and their teaching. Interlinear excludes, as does Darby, NIV, Moffatt/ Kiddle, and Tyndale. Bullinger does not comment. The reading "churches in Asia," excludes time position and supports the comments in 1:10!
(b) Grace; see John 1:14. The Lord in His flesh was the embodiment of Grace and Truth, which in the Hebraism means Divine Revelation (Comp. Pg. 1513.) The Hebrew words "Hesed Emeth," devotion. (These words vary in the spelling, see below.)
Hesed; Loving kindness, steadfast love, grace, mercy faithfulness, goodness.
Emet; Truth, reliability, fidelity.
See fig. Hendiadys (two for one) [Bullinger's Figures of Speech p.656.]
So when "Truth," or "Grace," are read; understand "Grace and Truth," re. Christ, and the Father.
(c) "Him Which is;" i.e. Jehovah (means Elohim in covenant relationship with ISRAEL.) "Which was;" Christ Crucified, Risen, sitting at the right hand of Jehovah. "Which is to come;" (Rev. 14:14, 17:14, 19:11-16, Psm.2. )
(d) "Seven Spirit beings" (angels, App. 101:II 11, STR. 4151, Acts 8:29, Heb. 1:7-14.) Seven, the number of Spiritual perfection; The Author of God's Word; see also V.20 and notes.
(a)Even (b)Jesus the Christ, (c)Who is the faithful Witness, the FIRST BEGOTTEN (at Resurrection) of the dead, and the (d)Prince (Ruler) of the kings of the earth. (e)Unto Him that loveth us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood.
(a) Even (INT.) The AV. states "and."
(b) Messiah - Anointed one.
(c) The Amen - See P.1511 Comp. note 4.
(d) This is not, nor has yet been fact, and is to be in Millennial.
(e) Clearly defines the speaker as Christ!
And made us a (a)kingdom and priests unto God His Father; to Him be the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. (b)Amen .
(a) This in AV, and in the minds of C. of E., and many other groups is translated kings! This huge error which leaves Christians thinking that it refers to them in the Millennium is not easily changed. However, the true translation is "kingdom," which means that the future Jewish nation in the Millennial Reign of Christ, will be an established Nation to the promised borders (as opposed to the present oppressed tiny nation) part of which will be Priests to Him, (Rev. 5: 9,10. ) (Rev.20:4-6.) The offer made by Jehovah to Israel in Exodus 19:4-6 & 8; they accepted, and then broke their word. However, Jehovah again re-offered in Jer.31:31-34, which Israel again rejected at Acts 28. Messiah- Christ's return will restore Israel, some to the Priestly function, (Isa. 61:6,
66:21, 1Peter2:9,) see also later notes.
(b) Comp. P.1511, and note (e) in next verse.
(a)Behold! He cometh (b)with the clouds; and every eye shall (c)see HIM, and they also which (d)pierced HIM: and all tribes of the land shall wail because of HIM. (e)Even so, Amen.
(a) Comp. App. 133. 1.2; Christ at His second Advent.
(b) (Comp. App. X1.1 "in company", "amid," "among.") In the company with (whom?) as in Zech., we hold that although they are described as "angels," that in fact HIS BODY may at least be part of that company.
(c) "Comprehend," (Comp. App. 133 1.8a.)
(d) (Zech. 12: 9-14.) (Matt. 24:29-30.) (Acts 1:11-12.)
(e) Emphatically so, it will happen. "Amen," see 3:14, and 2 Cor. 1:20. This is a transliteration, but the original word is variously translated to "verily" "truth," and "He is the truth" (Jn. 14:6.) In Isa. 65:16 "the God of truth" is "the God of Amen." In Rev. 3:14, it refers to the speaker, who is identified in Chapter (1) as Christ the resurrected one!
(a)"I am (the) Alpha and Omega," saith the Lord God, Which is, and Which was, and Which is to come, the (b)Almighty.
(a) See Rev.22:12-16.
(b) (Grk. Pantokrator,) Creator God, in relationship to all He has created. This shows God is addressing all creation, Israel, all the tribes of the earth, and all other beings whether spiritual or physical. Also, that God as Jehovah, and God as Christ are in unison in Revelation. See Zech. 2:11 and 14:9. (The titles of God given in the manuscripts, always indicates whom He is addressing, or relating to. The R.C. and English church translators, changed the titles given by the Holy Spirit to the original scribes, to "Lord" or "the Lord," which to the average reader of the Bible, takes away true context and meaning as to whom God is talking to! The result is confusion, as what is meant for Israel is taught as for the church (Christendom,) and visa-versa, and excludes completely when God is speaking to all, as in the case of Jehovah Zebaoth (God of all the earth's peoples!)
V.9
I John, your brother and companion in (a)affliction, and Kingdom and patience in Jesus, came to be in the Isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God and (b)for (because of) the testimony of Jesus.
(a) Interlinear uses the word "affliction," as opposed to AV "tribulation," but clearly not the tribulation of Revelation and Daniel, but probably of Nero, which gives the sense to the date of writing as AD 50 plus.
(b) Imprisoned on Patmos as punishment for his persistent evangelism. It is interesting that he was thus spared martyrdom (at that time) in the Roman arenas, and was chosen by the Holy Spirit to pen Revelation!
I came to be in the SPIRIT (a)in the day of the Lord, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a (b)trumpet.
(a) "Day of the Lord," almost all people on earth believe that this expression means Sunday. This particular Pagan day/festival was set up by Constantine, when he and his mother were forming the "Holy Roman Empire." They changed worship from the Hebrew/ Christian "Sabbath," to the Pagan "day of the Sun," i.e. "Sunday." The Roman church has continued ever since, followed by all the others over time. The word sun in Hebrew can mean lord, which can mean Baal! In Syrian, Adonis, (from Adonia) which can mean lord! As Charles Welch observed, "both are pagan, masking paganism by traditional sanctity." The various churches, even if they study and teach Revelation (most do not!) Also teach that meaning. To do so negates the Truth, the thrust and the meaning of Revelation, which in itself negates Christ, the Jews and the Almighty.
However, one can expect no other from the "god of this world," (2 Cor. 4:4;) who is constantly seeking, especially through the churches and religious groups, to stop The Truth being understood!
(Links: The Father of lies, John 8:44) also Prophets, Prophetesses, Shepherds and Teachers;)
The day of Jehovah will be unmistakable, (Isa. 13:6-13 ) (Joel 1: 15 ) (Obadiah 15,16 ) (Zech.14:1-11.)
As John has been projected forward to Jehovah's day, all of Revelation is yet future. We know from Dan. 9:27, 11:31, and 12:11, that "the Covenant" is broken 1260 days after its commencement, and the Jews are then in terrible tribulation.
The"seven churches" in the next two chapters, are clearly in tribulation from Satan, so it is logical to assume that the "Lord's Day" starts at the same time, but not in its overt strength until Rev. 19.
(b) Trumpet, Old Testament link with war and the Day of the Lord, proclamation sound!
V.11
Saying, "I am Alpha and Omega the first and last," "(a)What thou seest write in a scroll, and send it unto the seven churches; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyma, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea."
(a) The 7 churches are almost certainly a continuation of the first part of the Acts period (i.e. up to Acts 28, approx A.D. 60-61.) The Holy Spirit had been given at Pentecost, for all the special actions of evangelism and resisting Satan, which included Spiritual warfare, healing of the sick, speaking in foreign languages, speaking in ecstatic tongues, and whatever other purpose helped the Jewish community build the new nation. The Jews were still "ammi," (my people,) and the Jewish leaders were still trying to decide whether to accept the Apostle Paul's teaching. Although many individual Jews and Gentiles had accepted, it is conditional in Scripture for the leadership and particularly the Priesthood to accept the provision of Jehovah in Christ Jesus!
(Link: Apostle Paul) (Zech. and other ref.) When at Acts 28 the leadership rejected Christ, Paul turned to the Gentiles. At that stage, the powers of the Holy Spirit were withdrawn in the sense described above. Paul could no longer heal, and the emphasis changed as is evidenced in His last 7 letters, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Titus, Philemon, and 1&2 Timothy. At approximately the same time, the Jewish nation became "lo- ammi," (not my people,) and Jehovah razed the Temple in Jerusalem, and dispersed the Jews worldwide, and the Gentile age began. (Link: Gifts (at Pentecost ))
The main points which can be legitimately taught and preached since that time are; Christ is the only way of Salvation for those that believe (Acts 4:12, John 3:16.) He will return to earth, when His enemies are made His footstool (Psm.110:1, Matt. 22:44, Mark 12:36, Luke 20:43, Acts 2:35, Heb.1:13.) He will judge the nations at His return (Mat. 25:32.) He will Rule from Jerusalem for 1000 years (Revelation, and many Old Testament prophesies.)
There are many false teachings now current. One of the most prevalent states that its adherents have control of the Holy Spirit, and can by prayer do any of the miraculous things described above. They claim to have the powers of the early Acts period, but have been proved to be without veracity. However, strange events have occurred, in parts of the world, and they are undoubtedly Enemy activity.
Our Lord can and does help His people, but not in open show. The logical conclusion of such claims described above, is that no one would die! It would also render unnecessary the Loving death sacrifice of our Lord and Saviour, and people would not have to choose!! The movement described above is often called Charismatic. It has had other names throughout the last 2000 years. From A.D. 200 to A.D. 1000 approx. it was called "Montanism" (Britannica.) In the 1900s it emerged as "Pentecostalism." This was started by a Mrs. McPherson, and many of the current movements are offshoots of that event. They all claim miraculous powers, but are undoubtedly impostors. Interestingly historically, they have emerged at critical times for the True Church, and women are always prominent in their activities. The current resurgence is also clearly critical, as Israel draws closer to the critical "Covenant," Dan.9:27. The above is laboured to show that false spiritual activity is diverting attention from real events, and the Truth, and the real situation that will prevail with the 7 churches. (Links: Prophecy and prophets; Charismatic teaching)
John's receiving and writing of Revelation was almost certainly between AD 50-60, as the persecution of the Christians did not accelerate until then, (i.e. "on Patmos.") Also, he did not mention the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in AD 69-70, which to the Jew, was a catastrophe beyond measure. As the reading continues, it is apparent that as the Lord's second advent was disqualified at Acts 28.28, there is yet to be a similar period prior to the Lord's return, which as regards the synagogues (churches) is described in the first three chapters of Revelation, and also in Matt. 24, Mk. 13, and Luke 21. The prophecy of Elijah's return as forerunner (Mal.4:5,) must be completed, as John the Baptist could not take that role, due to the rejection of Jesus as Messiah, (Acts 28:26-27) and many feel that he is one of the two "witnesses" of Rev.11:3.
And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned I saw (a)seven golden candlesticks.
(a) See notes V.20.
And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto (a)Son of Man, (b)clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden (c)girdle.
(a) The Lord in relation to the earth, (Comp. App.98 XVI) The Son of Man title, links to His earthly ministry, when He used the same title of Himself, but did not reach culmination, due to denial of Him by His people Israel. On this yet future occasion, He will re-appear when Israel is all but lost, and then they will look on "Him who they pierced," (Zech. 12:10) and will mourn Him and recognise Him, and the Millennial reign will start.
(b) These refer to His High Priestly garments, denoting that He is taking up His position as Priest/King of the Jews in Israel on earth. In Gen.14, there is the remarkable and beautiful account of Abram's return from the slaughter of the kings (many of whom were Nephilim.) He is met by the King of Salem, (Melkizadek) with bread and wine for sustenance. In Psm.110, Almighty God states to Christ, who is sitting at His right hand, that He is as Melkizadek "for ever." This is mistranslated, and the Hebrew says " the age," ( app.151.) The reading therefore is; V4, "Thou art a priest for the age. After the order of Melkizadek." The age referred to is the Kingdom age (Millennial.) The meaning is Christ as King Priest at that time, see later chapters.
(c) "Golden girdle;" this worn by the human Jewish high priest in Old Testament. Here, "The Son of Man," who "came only to the lost sheep of Israel," is in the midst of His people (in Spirit) in what is now western Turkey, (see Chapter 2 V.12 and notes) prior to His return in Power.
V.14
His head and His hairs were (a)white like (as) (a)wool, as white as snow; and (b)His eyes were as a flame of fire;
(a) "White as wool;" on the LORD'S head, wool = righteousness, i.e. salvation. (Dan. 7:9.)
(b) "Eyes a flame of fire;" all powerful, burning hot, all seeing, destroying evil, (Str. Hebrew 222 = "flame of God!") (Str. 4442 Greek = lightning/fire.)
V.15
And His feet like unto fine (a)brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and His voice as the sound of (b)many waters.
(a) "Brass;" for treading down? (Red hot, as in a furnace.) (Habakkuk 3:12.)
(b) "Voice, many waters;" over many people? (All Nations.)
And He had in His right hand (c)seven stars: and out of His mouth went a (a)sharp two edged sword: and His countenance was as the (b)sun shineth in His strength.
(a) "Two edged sword;" The Word cutting into people, of that period.
(b) No one can look directly at the sun! But here is the brightness (beyond comprehension) of the righteousness of the Saviour, Christ/Almighty God.
(c) "Seven stars." (See V.20)
And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. And He laid His right hand upon me, saying, "Fear not; I am the (a)First and the Last;"
(a) Although Jehovah i.e. Alpha & Omega, clearly here double personage, as in Zech. (Link: The Triune God; )
(a)I am He that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive for evermore, and have the keys of (b)death and of the grave.
(a) Christ defeated the last enemy at the cross, the completed work will be handed back to the Father at end of Millennial, (1Cor. 15:24.)
(b) The text reads "death and of hell;" the Greek Haydes, (Str. 86, is "grave.") Hell is a Greek philosopher's concept, which was introduced into Roman church teaching after AD 300 under Constantine and Helena, and later into Church of England and other groups. It has no basis in fact in the whole of Scripture in the Dante sense, and is confused with the lake of fire in Revelation. The Second death however is real, and is reserved for Satan, his angels and demons and all who follow Satan at any time, and who are not redeemed by Christ's blood sacrifice, see Rev. 20:14-15. Also, the references in Chp. 14:9,10, &11, are often lumped together with the " lake of fire," in the false hell concept, (see comments there.) (Link: Hell; 20:13 (b).1:18 (b).)
(Link: Lake of fire and brimstone; 20:10 (a). 21:8 (b).)
The ref. in Isa. 66:24, is almost certainly to the "goats," of the" sheep and goat judgement," (Matt. 25,) and may have a parallel in Rev.22:15.
V.19
Write therefore the things (a)which thou hast seen, (a)what things are, the things (a)which shall be hereafter.
(a) INT. V19 (i.e. at the time of this visitation!) This area is again much in dispute. Some say that "which Thou hast seen," refers to earlier parts of chapter one, to which the writer would concur. The Strongs number for the Greek "you saw," (1492,) implies past tense, but it also means to be "aware," "take note," etc., which can be taken to mean stay alert!
The statement from the Authorised, "the things which are," could be misleading. The Strongs number for "are" (1526) has a main meaning of "agree," which Bullinger has interpreted as "signify," i.e. "what they are," or what they mean, which is at the present time the writer's view. However, it has to be said that some take this section of V.19 to refer to the 7 churches of chapters 2 and 3, using the first verse of chapter 4 as justification, implying that the 7 churches represent the whole of the church age to the Rapture, which completely ignores the admonition from our Lord "to endure to the end," and "to overcome!" This is not the view of the writer, who holds at the present time (Jan. 2001) that the 7 "ekklesia," (called churches) of chapters 2 and 3, are after the age of the Body of Christ, known as the age of Grace! As stated in verse 10, the whole of Revelation is future.
The secret symbol of (a)the seven stars which thou sawest in My right hand, and (b)the seven golden candlesticks. (a)The seven stars signify angels of the seven churches; and (c)the seven candlesticks are seven churches.
(a) Angels = Divine approval, underpinning, help, at the right hand of Christ. This is what was available to "Ammi Israel." It was however neglected and despised!
(b) Candlesticks, "Churches" (Synagogues) = Light, whose light would shine, whilst they "overcame" with the help of the"angel" (star.)
(c) "Menorah;" the 7 branched candlestick, the Menorah, is exclusively Jewish. Many Jewish homes have a prominent place for it. Very few, if any know its true symbolism, (Ex. 25.31-40,) (Zech. 4.2, where the context shows the lamp (Menorah,) linked to the temple in Jerusalem.) This is further confirmation that the Jews are re-adopted, (Ammi = my people) i.e. the time is the 70th week of the vision given to Daniel.
It is clear that this is now a very special period of time. The 7 groups (synagogues,) (churches,) are to give and be given light (meaning,) (explanation.) Their light will shine when their "works" to "overcome" are succeeding. The close proximity to the groups by Christ / Messiah / Jehovah, each with a special spirit / angel contact / messenger / overseer, is reminiscent of ancient Israel and Pentecost, and the time after, prior to Acts 28.
The reason for the location of the groups, (now in Western Turkey,) is that as the apostle Paul knew, ancient Greece produced the most prolific pagan worship system (later adopted by Rome as usual,) which needed the most countering at source by the most able minister, Paul. Paul stated that he was "apostle to the Gentiles," (Rom. 15:16) as opposed to Christ the minister to the Jews, (Rom. 15:8,) therefore he went to the source and centre of the most prolific Satanic action in the Gentile world, and was acting on the direct instructions of Christ. The same epi-centre will be current in the times, yet future, that are here described, (chp. 13) but the 7 "churches" will be sustained by Christ directly, via the "star."
Special note:
Paul's ability and learning made him at that time probably the most learned of the young rabbis (teachers.) In fact in his testimony before Agrippa, (Acts 25 & 26,) he made a point of mentioning that he had been taught by Gamaliel, who was one of the most revered teachers of the Law ever in Israel. His head knowledge was beyond dispute, and together with his even more important quality, (his heartfelt dedication,) led him to persecute to death the early Christians. These very qualities, (particularly the Lord’s knowledge of his sincere heart,) led to that most favoured of pronouncements from the Lord; “he is a chosen vessel!” (Acts 9:15.) Also, as shown in his testimony before Agrippa, the Lord made it clear at their encounter on the Damascus road, that He would be in constant contact with him, and that later instructions would be forthcoming from Christ. Those instructions were withheld until the Jews had finally rejected Christ (Acts 28:28.) The last seven of Paul’s writings (Eph., Phil., Col., Tim. 1 & 2, Titus, Philemon,) give the change of emphasis in the Gentile period, which is from Acts 28:28, until sometime in the future, when the Body of Christ is taken to Him, (The Rapture.) It is the writer’s opinion that this takes place prior to “Ammi,” (my people) condition of the Jews, but there is much dispute and difference of opinion on this.
In conclusion;
Paul was a "chosen vessel," (Acts 9:15,) to give Israel guidance and understanding, into the "Kingdom age." When they rejected, he became 100% "the Apostle to the Gentiles" (Romans 11:13.) This statement refutes the oft made comment by church leaders and teachers, that "Paul's teaching, and Christ's teaching contradict!" They do in fact interlink, as what Paul said were the Words of Christ! The so-called "conflict," in fact does not exist, as different groups were being addressed! By Jesus the Jews, and by Paul the Jews up to Acts28:26-27. After Acts 28:28, Paul exclusively to the Gentile (the nations.)
The numerical symbolism is of interest. Seven lamps (Groups) with seven branches (7 x 7 = 49) i.e. 40 + 9; 40 = DIVINE ORDER, APPLIED TO EARTH. 9 = FINAL JUDGEMENT. These two are safe to deduce, (numbers in Scripture, by Dr. Bullinger.)
However, as 10 = ORDINAL PERFECTION, (see App. 10 Comp.) and as the Millennial will be the first time the earth has experienced PERFECT GOVERNMENT, one could deduce (49 x 10 = 490,) which would correspond with the Daniel's "70th weeks of years," revealed by the angel to Daniel, which could be taken as an oblique and further confirmation that this period is the 70th week.
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