The former vision which John saw, contained in the foregoing Chapter s, represented the state of the church at the time when the vision was given, or the things that then were, (Revelation 1:19,) and gave suitable directions to the churches, with their pastors, to encourage their faith and patience,... [ Continue Reading ]
_Immediately I was in the Spirit_ Even in a higher degree than before. “This phrase,” says Doddridge, “signifies to be under a strong and supernatural impulse, caused by the miraculous operation of the Spirit of God acting on the imagination, in such a manner as to open extraordinary scenes, which h... [ Continue Reading ]
_He that sat was to look upon like a jasper_ Shone with a visible lustre, like that of sparkling precious stones, such as those which were of old on the high-priest's breast-plate, and those placed as the foundations of the New Jerusalem, Revelation 21:19. If there be any thing emblematical in the c... [ Continue Reading ]
_And round about the throne_ In a circle; _four and twenty seats_ Greek, θρονοι, _thrones; and upon the thrones four and twenty elders_ Signifying, perhaps, the most wise, holy, and useful of all the former ages, whether of the patriarchal, Jewish, or Christian Church, Isaiah 24:23; Hebrews 12:1. In... [ Continue Reading ]
_And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal_ Wide and deep, pure and clear, transparent and still. Both the _seven lamps of fire_ and this sea are _before the throne_, and both may mean the _seven Spirits of God_, the Holy Ghost; whose powers and operations are frequently repre... [ Continue Reading ]
_And the four living creatures_ With an allusion to the seraphim represented in Isaiah's vision; _had each of them six wings about him_ Which they used in part to express their reverence and humility, and in part to show readiness and expedition in performing the orders and commands of God. See on I... [ Continue Reading ]
_And when those living creatures give glory, &c., the elders fall down_ That is, as often as the living creatures begin their song of adoration and praise, the elders immediately fall down. The expression implies that they did so at the same instant, and that they both did this frequently. The livin... [ Continue Reading ]