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| 1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea exists no more. |
I – The John class.
Saw – The church in the flesh during our Lord's parousia now comes to understand another aspect of God's Revelation.
This is introducing yet another vision of the Kingdom.
New heaven – Heaven = power of spiritual control. This is the Heavenly phase of the Kingdom of God. A69:1; A334:1; R332:8; R5517:6
New earth – Earth = Organized society under religious restraint. This pictures the Earthly phase of the Kingdom of God. R498:8; R716:1
First heaven – The Spiritual control of earth under the Adversary. A69:1
First earth – Organized society of fallen man. R498:8; R716:1
Were passed away – These having been put down by the righteous rule of Christ. Isa. 65:17
There was no more sea – Sea = The irreligious masses of mankind. This will be no more because all will then know the truth of God's love and power. His kingdom will then cover the earth and the 'sea class' will no longer exist. R498
See Isa. 65:17; 66:22; 2 Pet. 3:13 |
| 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of the heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. |
I John saw – This is an astonishing expression. John pictures the church in the flesh during the time of our Lord's second presence. This text therefor says that the church in the flesh (John) sees (with the eye of faith) the new government (new Jerusalem) coming down from heaven. Those who are not of the John class will declare that this is something that has not yet taken place, that the Kingdom is entirely in the future. The John class are those who recognize the reign of Christ begun. - see Vol. 3 Study IX - Thy God Reigneth!
The holy city – The spiritual phase of the Kingdom of God. A295:2; Isa. 52:1
Coming down – This does NOT say, "having come down." This seems to indicate that even while there are some still in the flesh, at least some part of the Kingdom of Christ is "coming down," i.e., is being established. – Please see C258:1.
From God – No matter who is permitted to reign (man, the Christ, angels, etc.) the Kingdom is from God.
Out of heaven – In this case, the true heaven.
Prepared as a bride – The Bride of Christ, the Little Flock.
Adorned – With all her character traits in place. This is the embroidering work done to the Robe of Righteousness. At the time this picture is complete, that work has been accomplished.
For her husband – If this is done strictly for ourselves, we will surely fail. This adorning work must be done for the Love of Christ. Isa. 61:10; Psa. 45:10-14
Compare with Isa. 52:1 |
| 3 And I heard a loud voice out of the heaven, saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall tabernacle with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, their God. |
I – The John class, the true church in the flesh during the time of our Lord's second advent.
Heard – 'He that hath an ear let him hear.'
A great voice – A great proclamation in the name of God. - see topic Loud Voice
Tabernacle of God – The glorified church (T76:2); R2832:11; Eze. 37:27
Is with men – CR404:9
He will dwell with them – NS535:7
They shall be his people – How different this is from today. Fallen mankind are not the people of God now, but at the end of the millennium they will have completed their course over the highway of holiness and will then indeed be included among the people of God.
God himself – R2832:12
Be their God – Unlike today where fallen man has all kinds of other gods (mammon, youth, self, etc.) |
| 4 And he shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall not exist any more, nor grief, nor cry, nor distress shall exist any more, for the former things have passed away. |
God shall – While most of the work we have seen has been done by our Lord Jesus, this work is specifically attributed to the Father. Still, we remember that all things are of the Father and by the Son.
Wipe away all tears – Please see Topic: Blotting Out.
Notice the Expanded Bible Comments on this phrase. Included among them is: "Implying a gradual work. Man will not be exempt from every weakness and trial and difficulty at the beginning." R2832:13
From their eyes – No more will the world of mankind have the kind of sorrow that now plagues them. The fact that God will blot out all the tears indicates a complete removal of sin. The fact that it specifies the eyes indicates that once their sins have been removed they will finally be able to see things clearly, from the standpoint of righteousness, perfection. They will definitely see things differently than they do now.
No more death – The great enemy of mankind will have been completely done away with. This applies to both Adamic death (Jer. 31:29,30) as well as death itself.
Neither sorrow – This clearly implies the removal of sin, for "the wages of sin is death" (Rom. 6:23) and "the sorrow of the world worketh death." (2 Cor. 7:10)
Nor crying – "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Psa. 30:5
Neither shall there be any more pain – Pain is the body's way of telling us there is something wrong with our body. If there is no more pain, this indicates there is nothing wrong, it implies the bodies are now perfect.
The former things – The things associated with the time from Adam's sin until the close of the little season, the period of sin and death.
Are passed away – These things began to be removed in earnest at our Lord's return in 1874 and especially in 1878 when He cast off that false system, and again on a still greater level when He began to "dash the nations in pieces like a potter's vessel" in 1914. That was when the "stone" (of Dan. 2) struck the image on the feet. "Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth." Dan. 2:35 - The work then so nobly begun will continue until every last vestage of the old order will have "passed away." |
| 5 And he that sat on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he says to me, Write, for these words are true and faithful. |
He that sat – The Lord Jesus. If some insist that this refers to the Heavenly Father, we do not object. We remember that no matter what agencies the Father is pleased to use to bring about His purposes, they are, after all, His purposes. He is the author of the Divine Plan. However, as we read on in the next couple of verses it becomes clear that it is Jesus who is here speaking.
Upon the throne – This would be the throne of earth's dominion. "I [Jehovah] will overturn.. and give it to him [Jesus] whose right it is." (Eze. 21:27)
I – Jesus.
Make all things new – Remember, it was Jesus, as The Logos who made all things the first time. He is now making all things new.
He – Jesus.
Said unto me, Write – The John class. Remember that this is "The Revelation of Jesus Christ." And it was to John that the instruction was given: "What thou seest, write in a book.." - Rev. 1:11
These words are true – In contrast with the utterances that have been coming from the false system, those who have claimed to be speaking for God and for Jesus.
Please see also R2833:5.
And faithful – "He is faithful that promised." - Heb. 10:23 |
| 6 And he said to me, It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to him that thirsts of the fountain of the water of life freely. |
He – Jesus.
Said unto me – Jesus instructing the John Class.
It is done – In the Greek this is not the same phrase that Jesus used when he was on the cross (John 19:30). However it does carry the thought of something have been completed, done or made.
I – Jesus.
Am the Alpha and the Omega – In English we would say 'The A and the Z.'
The Beginning – Jesus was "His only begotten son." John 3:16. He was the only direct creation of God. It was Jesus who, as the Logos, then created all that we can see. - John 1:3. Rev. 3:14
And the end – Not only was Jesus, as the Logos, the first of God's direct creations but he was also the last. Thus he is described as 'His only begotten son.' John 3:16.
Rev. 1:11
I – Jesus.
Will give unto him that is athirst – Not to anyone, but to anyone that is thirsty for it.
The fountain – The source: the Lord and His Truth coupled with its Spirit. Joel 2:28.
The water of life – John 4:13-14.
Freely – Free indeed! There is no payment that any man could possibly give to receive this amazing gift. Psa. 49:7.
These shall have the gift of life without any cost on their part. In order to maintain that life they will not be asked to do anything beyond their capability. Then men will be perfect and able to keep God's law (unlike now when none can keep the law.) Then His law will be written in their hearts. - Jer. 31:33 |
| 7 He that overcomes shall inherit these things, and I will be to him God, and he shall be to me son. |
He that overcometh – This is the 8th (and last) time this term is used in the book of Revelation. The first 7 were the promises given to each one of the seven churches. Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26; Rev. 3:5, 12, 21 In this case it is not referring to the overcomers of the Gospel Age but rather to the overcomers of the Millennial Age, i.e., the faithful of the world of mankind who successfully pass through the Little Season.
Shall inherit all things – These shall inherit ALL the earthly promises, ALL the things that God has in store for them, even as the overcomers of the Gospel Age inherit the heavenly promises.
I will be his God – It is Jesus who is here speaking. He is not saying that he is taking the place of Jehovah God, nor is he declaring himself to be God's equal. Rather he is declaring that restored humanity will worship him even as they worship the Father. -Matt. 11:27; Luke 10:22
He shall be my son – Remember, He (Jesus) became the 'everlasting father' by reason of taking Adam's place in death. |
| 8 But to the fearful and unbelieving, and sinners, and those who make themselves abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part is in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone; which is the second death. |
This verse is here to remind all that even though God has such amazing blessings in store for all who are willing, nevertheless they must actually DO something in order to gain these blessings. The Kingdom is NOT for everyone. Here we have a list of those for whom the Kingdom is NOT for. - See A144:2.
The fearful – Why would the fearful be listed amongst those who are not permitted to have life everlasting? - Because by the end of the Millennium their experience should have developed in them a complete trust in the Lord. There is no reason for fear at that time. "He that feareth is not made perfect in love." 1 John 4:18
Unbelieving – How could someone be unbelieving after having been resurrected from the dead and having walked up the highway of holiness. Yet there apparently will be some or this expression here would be meaningless.
Murderers – What murderers will there be at the end of the millennium? - The thought here is that there will still be some who have not in their hearts truly entered into the spirit of the Kingdom of righteousness. This is evident from the fact that they are described in the previous chapter as encompassing the camp of the saints and need to be destroyed in the second death. So too here. There will be some who still hate their brother and would destroy them if they could. These are described by the Apostle John in 1 John 3:15.
Whoremongers – A whoremonger is "a person who consorts with harlots." In the Kingdom both literal and symbolic harlotry will be done away with, yet it is the attitude of the people here that seems to be considered. Those who still harbor those types of feelings would seem to be those here being discussed. Those who hold on to those desires will be done away with.
Sorcerers – None who have dealings with the fallen angels will be permitted to continue. Exo. 22:18; Deut. 18:9-12; Lev. 19:31; 20:6, 27
Idolaters – "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." Exo. 20:3
Liars – Lest any should not properly value the Truth. "Thou shalt not bear false witness.." Exo. 20:16
Have their part – By this time (the end of the little season) all who fall into this category will have done so on their own. They will have none to blame but themselves.
The lake which burneth with fire – Symbolic fire.
Brimstone – Sulphur. This is completely destructive of all life.
Which is the second death – Not life continued somewhere else, but actual death, sessation of life, perpetual non-existence. |
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| 9 And there came one of the seven angels which had had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues, and spoke with me, saying, Come here, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. |
There came unto me – Came to the John class.
One of the seven angels – Pastor Russell, here explaining to the church in the flesh during the days of His presence (the John class) just who it is that constitutes the bride of the lamb.
Which had the seven vials – This would seem to indicate that we have entered into another vision of the Millennium. The scene seems to have backed up to the time when this angel still has the vials, i.e., has not yet poured them out.
And talked with me – At this point this angel (messenger, Pastor Russell) talks with John (the church in the flesh.) This is a further indication that this vision has now taken us back to the beginning of the Millennial Age.
I will show thee – It does not say 'I have already shown thee.'
How could this angel (Pastor Russell) show to the John class (remember, the John class is still in the flesh) the bride - AS the WIFE of the Lamb (Jesus Christ) if she had not already joined him in the spirit realm. 1 Thess. 4:17. We must ask ourselves: "During what time period are there members of the body of Christ still on their earthly pilgrimage while at the same time there are members who have already had their change and are living in heavenly places with our Lord Jesus?" - The answer should be obvious, i.e., AFTER the spring of 1878 when the sleeping saints were raised to be with the Lord.
The bride, the Lamb's wife – Others may have made the connection that the church is to be the Bride of Christ, but it was Pastor Russell who caused us to understand just exactly all that is meant by this. The depth of consecration and the development of all the fruits of the spirit and the crystallization of the character of Christ within us. This is what the seventh messenger told us that others have not. |
| 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit, and set me on a great and high mountain, and shewed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of the heaven from God, |
He – The angel of 21:9.
Carried me – Carried the John class
Away – In mental vision Br. Russell carries us away from our worldly surroundings and allows us to see things from the Divine standpoint
In the spirit – In our spiritual understanding.
To a great and high mountain – To the Kingdom of God. Remember that a mountain is the symbol for a Kingdom, and this is not only a mountain but it is one that is both great and high. Where else can we find such a description in the Bible?
We suggest that this is a confirmation that this is 1878 and onward, for it was at that date that Jesus began the exercise of His great Kingdom power in both the casting off of the nominal church systems and (especially) in the raising of the sleeping saints.
Showed me – Showed to the John Class.
That great city – As the mountain (kingdom) is great, so also is the city. A city is always a symbol for a government.
The Holy Jerusalem – No doubt Jerusalem will become the world's capital city. It has had the promise of being the holy city, but seems to come short. But not so in the future. - Neh 11:1; Isa 4:3; 27:13; 52:1; 66:20; Dan 9:16; Joel 3:17; Zec 8:3; Rev 21:2.
Descending out of heaven – This city (government) is the Kingdom of God. While it will be here on earth, its rulership is heaven based.
From God – Even with The Christ ruling, it is to be the Kingdom of God. |
| 11 having the glory of God. Her shining was like a most precious stone, as a crystal-like jasper stone; |
Having the glory of God – Having the Truth. - While this likely includes all the beauty and dignity of the the character of our Heavenly Father, this phrase: "The Glory of God" as used in scripture seems to refer to the Truth, for it is the Truth which reveals God's true character to us. Consider Pastor Russell's remarks in the September 23rd Manna: "We can do no less than defend the Truth. The Truth is God's representative, Christ's representative, and hence our standard, and as true soldiers we must defend our standard, even unto death."
Her light – This New Jerusalem is described in different ways. It is the Kingdom of God. It is the Bride, the Lamb's wife. It is the Tabernacle of God with men. However, she is only honored because of her Bridegroom.
"Ye are the light of the world." - Matt. 5:14. The church is even now the light of the world but that is because she has the privilege of letting the light of Christ and the light of the Father shine out through them. When glorified she will have her own light - that of the Divine Nature, and yet it will still be the light of Christ and the light of the Father - only now it will be magnified to its highest possible degree.
Like unto a stone most precious – All of the stones in the breastplate of the High Priest are precious and this would seem to be one of these stones, but which one? ...
Like a jasper stone – While we may not bee too positive of exactly which of the jasper stones is being referred to here, a good suggestion is that it is the red jasper stone.
This seems appropriate because the Ransom (red, blood) will be remembered as the basis for the entire Plan of Salvation for mankind.
We also note that in vs. 19, Jasper is the first of the 12 foundations of the city. Thus the Ransom is indeed the stone most precious.
Clear as crystal – The understanding of the Ransom as the basis for ALL the blessings that mankind will then receive will indeed be as clear as crystal to the whole world. Isa. 11:9; Hab. 2:14. |
| 12 having a great and high wall; having twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names inscribed, which are those of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. |
A wall great and high – Walls signify protection, safety. Isa. 60:18; R333:24; R1653:9; R2510:4; R3945:4; R4794:31; R5487:3
This safety or protection is "great and high" so that none can assail it. All who dwell within this wall are completely safe under Divine Protection. A295:3
Twelve gates – A gate is the means of ingress into the city. (While a gate is also a means of egress from the city, it does not appear that is what is intended here.)
As near as we can tell (primarily from the research done in 1850 by Rabbi Joseph Schwartz, based on the understanding that Nehemiah was rebuilding Jerusalem and would therefore not be adding any new gates) there were 11 gates in ancient Jerusalem as follows:
At the south there were,
1. The Dung Gate, also called the Gate between the two Walls; east of the same was
2. The Gate of the Fountain.
At the west,
3. The Valley Gate;
4. The Corner Gate, properly northwest from the first, at a distance of four hundred cubits.
At the north,
5. The Gate of Ephraim, also called the Gate of Benjamin, in Jeremiah 37:13, since it led into the territory of both Ephraim and Benjamin.
6. The Prison Gate (Neh. 12:39), the site of which can be accurately determined even at present by means of a tradition which defines the position of the prison, the grotto of Jeremiah, or otherwise called the Archer's Court חצר המטרה: it was situated near the Bab al Amud (which see). To the east of this gate were the towers Meah and Chananel מאה וחננאל of Nehemiah 12:39.
At the east were,
7. The Sheep Gate (properly at the northeast).
8. The Old Gate, also called the Middle Gate (Jer. 39:3), since, according to the assertion of Yerushalmi Erubin, 5., it bore different names, to wit, שער העליון the Upper Gate; the East Gate שער המזרח; the Middle Gate שער התוך and the Old Gate שער איתן.
9. The Water Gate (Neh. 8:1, "Upon the broad street, before the Water Gate," is explained by the Talmud to mean "the Temple Mount" הוא הרהבית.)
10) The Fish Gate (at the southeast), of 2 Chronicles 33:14, is explained in the Chaldean translation of Rab Joseph with מזבניכוורי "where fish are sold, or the fish market," and was probably near the pool of Shiloach; and
11. The Horse Gate, of Jer. 31:40, and 2 Kings 11:16, and 21:11.
Twelve angels – "Probably Ancient Worthies who are representatives of the twelve apostles." - Revelation Today
The names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel – The names of the 12 tribes of Spiritual Israel are given in chapter 7:5-8 (Judah, Reuben, Gad, Asher, Napthali, Manasseh, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, Benjamin.)
In R1353:4 it is suggested that the names of the 12 tribes of Israel being on the gates is associated with the Ancient Worthies as the earthly representatives of the New government. |
| 13 On the east three gates; and on the north three gates; and on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. |
On the east three gates – Eze. 48:32 (Joseph, Benjamin, Dan)
On the north three gates – Eze. 48:31 (Reuben, Judah, Levi)
On the south three gates – Eze. 48:33 (Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun)
On the west three gates – Eze. 48:34 (Gad, Asher, Napthali)
The tribes of Israel as they were pitched around the Tabernacle in the Wilderness:
On the east: Judah, Zebulun, Issachar
On the south: Reuben, Simeon, Gad
On the west: Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin
On the north: Dan, Napthali, Asher
The tribe of Levi was positioned immediately surrounding the Court of the Tabernacle. - see Numbers 2:3-31.
If we take the order of the tribes as given in Rev. 7:4-8 as matching up with the gates here mentioned that would give:
On the east: Judah (celebrated - royal tribe), Reuben (see ye a son - the first-born), Gad (troop)
On the north: Asher (happy), Naphtali (my wrestling), Manasseh (causing to forget)
On the south: Simeon (hearing), Levi (attached), Issachar (he will bring a reward)
On the west: Zebulun (habitation), Joseph (let him add), Benjamin (son of the right hand)
Of course we know that the tribes of Spiritual Israel are a bit different. The tribe of Joseph was divided into two (his sons Ephraim and Manasseh) and the tribe of Levi was treated separate (having no inheritance in the land). In Rev. 7, while Manasseh is still included, Ephraim and Dan are dropped - being replaced by the tribes of Joseph and Levi.
Of these changes, the easiest to understand is the removal of the tribe of Dan. In Gen. 49:17 we discover that Dan bites doctrines (horses) and this causes the riders of those doctrines to fall backward. The faithful servants of the Lord do not attempt to bite or nibble away at the Truth in an attempt to make the doctrines fit their own ideas. Instead they humbly accept the Truth, even when it upsets some of their own ideas. |
| 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. |
The wall – Protection.
The city – The New Jerusalem, the Church "as a bride adorned for her husband." (vs. 2) Remember what the angel (Pastor Russell) said in verses 9 & 10: "I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. And he .. shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem..."
Twelve foundations – The protection (wall) of this government (city) had 12 foundations, not just one but 12. This does not mean it has 12 sides because we have just been considering the fact that it has 12 gates, 3 on each of the 4 sides. So how can it have 12 foundations?
It has been suggested that since the city is described in vs. 16 as being a cube and a cube has 12 edges that this could perhaps be what is being here described. Three thoughts on this:
1) If we considered the 12 edges of the cube city to be the 12 foundations, then the entire city (from a three-dimensional standpoint) would be contained within those foundations.
2) This is a symbolic picture and therefor it is the symbolic lessons that we are to seek for.
3) Both may be true.
The names of the twelve apostles – Simon who is called Peter, Andrew, James the son of Zebedee, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Canaanite, Paul (the replacement for Judas). Matt. 19:28; Rev. 12:1; Matt. 10:2-4; 2 Tim. 1:1
Of the lamb – It is important to keep this in mind. While the Twelve apostles are extremely important they are not as important as our Lord, "the lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world." |
| 15 And he that spoke with me had a golden reed as a measure, that he might measure the city, and its gates, and its wall. |
He that talked with me – The angel of 21:9.
The comments for the remainder of vss 15 and 16 are based upon the remarks found on the 'Revelation-Today' website.
A golden reed – "Divine standard."
To measure – "Appraise." This fits with the modern usage. We are familiar with the expression "to take the measure of a man," i.e., to appraise him.
2 Tim. 2:15
The city – The government of this New Jerusalem.
The gates thereof – "The Ancient Worthies."
The wall thereof – The protection of the city, the church. |
| 16 And the city lies four-square, and its length is as much as the breadth. And he measured the city with the reed--twelve thousand stadia: the length and the breadth and height of it are equal. |
The city – "Government."
Lieth foursquare – "Is harmoniously proportionate."
There may be a suggestion here of the Four attributes of God. The city (government of God's Kingdom) is indeed based upon them.
The length is as large as the breadth – "Extensiveness is as vast as the comprehensiveness."
He – The (7th) angel (messenger, Pastor Russell.)
Measured – "Appraised."
The city – The government of New Jerusalem.
With the reed – With the Divine Standard. - Remember that vs. 15 told us that this is a golden reed. Gold pictures things Divine.
Twelve thousand furlongs – Revelation-Today says: "Members to a tribe and as there are twelve edges or lines to a cube so there are 12 tribes to circumscribe this city, hence the total membership of those who circumscribe the city would be 12 times 12,000 which would be 144,000 members."
The length – "Extensiveness."
The breadth – "Comprehensiveness."
The height – "Attainment." Psa. 139:6
Please see mini-study for the words 'Length, Breadth and Height' in Rev. 21:16.
Length, breadth, height of it are equal – The following remarks are from 'Revelation Study - New Albany Ecclesia'. |
| 17 And he measured its wall, a hundred and forty-four cubits, a man's measure, that is, the angel's. |
He – The angel of 21:9.
Measured – Appraised, Evaluated.
Compare with Zech. 2:1-5.
The wall thereof – The protection of the city.
An hundred and forty and four cubits – The next verse tells us this cubit is 'according to the measure of a man.' While this may have additional meaning, what we focus on here is the natural man. The cubit of man was the measure of a man's forearm. Prior to the return of our Lord (when men were of lesser stature than today) this meant about 18 inches.
According the the measure of a man – Since the thought of 'measure' seems to indicate 'to take the measure of,' as is often said 'to take the measure of a man,' this is indicating the measure of the new Jerusalem and then explaining it in such a fashion that men may understand it.
That is, of the angel – This leads to the unmistakable conclusion that this is not a literal angel but a symbolic one, i.e., this 'angel' is indeed a man. That man is, of course, the seventh messenger (angel) Pastor Russell, the same angel mentioned in Rev. 1:1. |
| 18 And the building of its wall was jasper; and the city pure gold, like pure glass: |
The building – This is interesting. It does not say 'The wall of it..' - Why? We suggest that this has reference not only to the finished product but also to how this 'wall' came into being. It was developed under the direction of the Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus.
The wall of it – The protection, strength.
Was of Jasper – See additional comments for vs. 11. This suggests that the construction of the wall (the church) was all based upon the Ransom sacrifice of our Lord.
The city – Government, the New Jerusalem, the Church - "Be the meeting place between God and men throughout the Millennium." - To Us the Scriptures Clearly Teach.
Pure gold – This completed city (government, the true church) is of the Divine Nature.
Like unto clear glass – The word here used for "clear" (Strong's 2513) is normally translated as "pure" or "clean." This city is to indeed be pure and clean, so clean that one can see everything about it and not find anything unclean. |
| 19 the foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every precious stone: the first foundation, jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; |
The foundations of the wall – This wall has 12 foundations. Verse 14 tells us that in the 12 foundations are written the names of the 12 Apostles. Matt. 19:28
It is interesting to note here that it does NOT say "The one foundation of the wall of the city," nor "The foundation of the city." Those would be different thoughts. This is "The foundations of the wall of the city."
The foundation of this city is Jesus Christ and His Ransom sacrifice. "The lamb slain from before the foundation of the world."
Precious stones – Exo. 28:15-21
The first foundation was jasper – We note the first foundation (of the twelve) is the same as the wall itself, i.e., jasper - the Ransom. Compare vss. 11, 18.
As to what is intended by the remaining 11 precious stone foundations we were unable to confirm. Some suggestions have been made by others which we give here. Our own method is to 'Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.' (1 Thes. 5:21) Anything we might present would therefore be speculation.Please note: Our mentioning these here is not a sign of our endorsement of the ideas presented. - site editor.
Twelve foundations – Revelation-today: "The first foundation [apostle] was jasper [Matthew?harmonious, popular, friendly, understanding, and adaptable type of character]; the second, sapphire [James, the son of Zebedee?determined, combative, reverential, and benevolent]; the third, a chalcedony [John?expressive, emotional, idealistic, sympathetic and spiritually minded]; the fourth, an emerald [Thomas?devoted, reverential, secretive, comparative and constructive];
20. The fifth, sardonyx [Peter?harmonious, enduring, genius and with executive ability]; the sixth, sardius [Bartholomew?cheerful and brilliant]; the seventh, chrysolyte [Andrew?mild and placid]; the eighth, beryl [James, the son of Alphaeus?practical, poised, cautious and conscientious]; the ninth, a topaz [Philip?sociable, peaceable and spiritually-minded]; the tenth, a chrysoprasus [Laebbus or Jude?visionary, studious and instructive]; the eleventh, a jacinth [Simon the Canaanite (Zelotes)?strong willed, intense and extreme]; the twelfth, an amethyst [Paul?optimistic, intense, promotional and talented]."
New Albany Revelation Study: "The CHARACTER TRAIT conclusions of Bro. Shallieu seem so excellent as to deserve a summary here:
1. SARD (Heb. = Odem) Tribe = Judah; Apostle = Paul. Non-comprising while very sympathetic and merciful; exuding praise; having a balance of love and justice; openness, honesty, devotion.
2. PYROPE (Heb. = Nophek) Tribe = Reuben; Apostle = Peter. Zealous, tempestuous, enduring, bold, fiery, impulsive, meek, humble, inconsistent.
3. FIRE OPAL (Heb. = Leshem) Tribe = Ephraim; Apostle = John. Passionate, emotional, sensitive, vehement, tender, paternal, defender of faith by emotionalism.
4. CHRYSOLITE (Heb. = Tarshish) Tribe = Dan; Apostle = James of Zebedee. Bold, open, insistent on pure inner motives, close examiner, hypercritical, aggressive, severe, frustrated, stressing purity.
5. TOPAZ (Heb. = Pitedah) Tribe = Issachar; Apostle = Andrew. Industrious, persistent, resigned, humble, responsible, selfdenying, obligated, missionary in spirit.
6. LAPIS LAZULI (Heb. = Sappir) Tribe = Simeon; Apostle = Nathanael (Bartholomew) Devout, Idealistic, prone to criticism, stepping out on faith, shunning deceptions.
7 AGATE (Heb. = Shebu) Tribe - Manasseh; Apostle = Thomas. Introspective, prone to quietness, independent thinker, appreciates subtleties of thought, easily lets offenses slide off, cautious.
8. ONYX (Heb. = Shoham) Tribe = Asher; Apostle = Simon the Zealot. Cheerfully constant, optimistic, effervescent, enthusiastic, vivacious.
9. AQUAMARINE (Heb. = Bareqath) Tribe = Zebulun; Apostle = Philip. Outgoing, a comforter, hospitable, pleasing personality, in need of the support of others.
10. ROCK CRYSTAL (Heb. Yahalom) Tribe = Gad; Apostle = James of Alphaeus. Disciplined, decisive, a leader, orderly, level-headed.
11. AMETHYST (Heb. Achlamah) Tribe = Benjamin; Apostle = Jude. Hunger for meat of the Word, sincere, serious, sober, earnest, enduring faithfulness, introspective, fearless.
12. JASPER (Heb. = Yashepheh) Tribe = Naphtali; Apostle = Matthew. Persevering, having grit, not note-worthy, goodintentioned, disorganized, contrite." |
| 20 the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprasus; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst. |
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| 21 And the twelve gates, twelve pearls; each one of the gates, respectively, was of one pearl; and the street of the city pure gold, as transparent glass. |
Twelve gates – See comments on vs. 21:12.
Twelve pearls – One for each of the 12 tribes. These tribes are to be governed by the 12 Apostles of the Lamb.
One pearl – See . Br. Frey's notes
The following is from New Albany Revelation Study:EACH OF THE GATES WAS A SINGLE PEARL: The stress of this phrase, that, no matter which gate one enters, one is entering a SINGLE pearl, draws the mind to Matt. 13:45, 46. (This parable is discussed on page 127, which please see.) The thought of the parable is the opportunity of CONSECRATION FOR SALVATION. How apropos this is to the function of the gates of the city. The entering individual must consecrate himself to the duty of overcoming the faults within him with the eventual end of a pearl-like perfection.
Street of the city – Likely representing the traffic of the city. In the new testament streets are spoken of as being where people went to be seen or heard of men. (Matt. 6:5; 12:19.) These streets will be pure.
Isa. 35:8 "And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein."
Isa 62:10 "Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people."
Pure gold – Pure - perfect. Gold - things divine, in this case the Divine law, the "golden rule," the under-pinnings of the Kingdom of God - supreme love for God.
As it were transparent glass – This understanding will indeed be as transparent as glass. Today's politicians often promise 'transparency in government,' but they never deliver. The government of the Kingdom of God will deliver this. Isa. 11:9; Hab. 2:14.
It is the street that is to be, "as it were transparent glass." In other words, the path mankind will take (walking up the highway of holiness) will appear to them to be clear, with no deception taking place. The great deceiver at that time will be fully bound, cast into the abyss, shut up and sealed. - Rev. 20:2,3 |
| 22 And I saw no temple in it; for the Lord God Almighty is its temple, and the Lamb. |
I – The John class.
Saw no – This records what the church in the flesh does not see. This makes it different than the other visions of the John class.
Temple therein – At this point we should remember what is being viewed and when. It is the bride, the Lamb's wife (vs. 9) and it is the New Jerusalem (vs. 10). This appears to be at the very end of the Millennium. The temple class (the true church) is not needed as it was before. It is in their role as mediator that they are not needed because that job has been completed. Mankind is now ready to stand before God.
For – Because. The remainder of the verse explains why the temple (the church as mediator) are no longer needed.
The Lord God Almighty – Jehovah God.
And the Lamb – Jesus, the lamb of God.
Are the temple of it – There is still a temple. Only now it is not the mediator. It no longer stands between God and man because man is now able to stand before God as he did in the beginning in Eden. This should be clear from the fact that not only Jesus, but God Himself is included as being the temple. Prior to this time, man needed a protecting buffer between themselves (as imperfect, sinful creatures) and God. |
| 23 And the city has no need of the sun nor of the moon, that they should shine for it; for the glory of God has enlightened it, and the lamp thereof is the Lamb. |
The city – The government of the New Jerusalem.
No need of the sun – It does not need the light of the Gospel of Christ, which was designed to call out a people for His name. Acts 15:7,14 - The Gospel preached to Abraham (Gal. 3:8; Gen. 12:3) was that "all nations of the earth shall be blessed." At the time of this verse, that promise has been fulfilled.
Neither of the moon – The Law (a reflection of the sun, the gospel). The law will now have been written in the hearts of men. Jer. 31:33.
The glory of God – The Truth and its Spirit.
Did lighten it – Isa. 11:9; Hab. 2:14.
The lamb is the light thereof – John 8:12; 14:6 |
| 24 And the nations shall walk by its light; and the kings of the earth bring their glory to it. |
The nations – Those who formerly comprised the various Gentile nations.
Of them which are saved – Apparently spurious. Not found in the oldest manuscripts.
Shall walk – By this time they have already traversed the highway of holiness. Isa. 35:8 Now they will always walk in perfection.
In the light of it – In the light of the city. Vs. 23 tells us that God and the Lamb (Our Lord Jesus) are the light of the city.
Kings of the earth – The world of mankind will at this time be kings, having dominion, etc., as was Adam in the beginning. A296:1
We should remember that just because we are now positioned after the close of the Millennium it does not mean that the symbol of 'earth' changes. It still represents organized society under religious restraint. At this time, every man will be a King in that society and every man will be under religious restraint - (and loving it!)
Bring their glory into it – The glory of the perfect human nature. Compare with Heb. 2:9 |
| 25 And its gates shall not be shut at all by day, for night shall not be there. |
The gates of it – The entrance into the city. See Additional Comments on vs. 12
Shall not be shut at all by day – This indicates a constant access into the Divine Government (city).
For – Because.
Their shall be no night there – No night because the night time of sin and death will then be a thing of the past.
Please note the Expanded Bible Comments and Scripture references for this verse. |
| 26 And they shall bring the glory and the honour of the nations to it. |
They – The 'kings of the earth' of verse 24. It does not seem to refer to the 'nations' of vs. 24 because the 'nations' are mentioned again in this verse.
Shall bring the glory – The glory of the perfect human nature. Compare Heb. 2:6,7,9.
And honour of the nations into it – The honor here is of the nations or the Gentiles (Strong's 1484 - race, tribe, specifically a non-Jewish one.) All the (formerly) Gentile nations will be converted under the New Covenant and will have come to perfection. |
| 27 And nothing common, nor that maketh an abomination and a lie, shall at all enter into it; but those only who are written in the book of life of the Lamb. |
There shall in no wise – i.e., it will not be possible ..
Enter into it anything that defileth – All defiling influences will have been completely done away with by the end of the 'little season.'
Neither whatsoever worketh abomination – No false teachings, like those which lead to the abomination that maketh desolate, etc.
Or maketh a lie – Only the pure Truth will be allowed in the eternal city of New Jerusalem.
They which are written in the Lamb's book of life – On whatever plane of existence. |