Revelation 1:19-20: 19Write therefore the things you have seen and the things to take place after this. 20The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
Jesus directed John to write down his vision, which is the basis for the Book of Revelation. Two time references are given: John’s time in the first century and a future time. One of the most difficult aspects of interpreting Revelation is to consider what parts of this book refer to the first century, and what parts refer to the future after John wrote, including the years and centuries to follow, and even the end of time before Jesus comes again. These two verses prepare for the seven letters to the seven churches in the following two chapters and for the visions that follow. The visions are symbolic and are mysteries until revealed. In many of the following passages, John is confused and does not know the meaning of what he sees. This should warn us to be cautious about trying to fit the visions into any time chart or interpreting the symbolic literature in a way that fits a certain theology or view of history.
The number seven represents completeness. The lampstands recall the worship around the tabernacle and temple in the Old Testament. These verses depict the gathered people of God in seven major cities of Asia Minor, near where John was exiled. Each church has an angel watching over it. Angels are mentioned more times (75) in Revelation than in any other book in the Bible. Much of our understanding of angels comes from this book. The English word comes directly from Greek and means “messenger” or “representative.” Angels communicate God’s will to people in special ways, and they can perform special missions on behalf of God’s people. They bring the message of impending judgment and sound the seven trumpets and pour out the seven bowls of God’s wrath, bringing plagues, natural disasters, and ecological destruction upon the earth. They can control elements of nature, such as the four winds. They bring messages to the churches and John during his visions. They fight in spiritual warfare against Satan and his demons. And they surround God’s heavenly throne with continuous praise and worship. By the end of Revelation, the recipients of this book ought to have a sense of both spiritual protection and accountability.
Not all the mysterious symbols and images in Revelation are explained, but many are, as here. Often, a deeper meaning is revealed through revelation. We should not presume that we have received this revelation and can somehow decipher the code. More often than not, our response should simply be a sense of awe and reverence at the power of the Messiah. These two verses show that Jesus the Messiah has the seven churches in his hands. He can peer into them. He knows them. He is watching over them with his angels. He watches over all his people. Our response will depend on where we are in relationship with him. The following two chapters and seven letters offer different scenarios that may speak to us in different ways.