Revelation : a paraphrase and exposition in verse

Introduction

By E. BENJ. ANDREWS, D.D., L L.D.

"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy and keep those things which are written therein, for the time is at hand" Rev. I : 3.

BOSTON -

178 Washington Street 1892 gzT*^

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Preface

When the Holy Spirit declares, " Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein, for the time is at hand," it surely needs no apology for an honest and prayerful attempt to understand and explain these predictions, especially when the greater part of them are already a matter of history and only a small portion remain to be fulfilled. When Mr. Barnes, in the course of his exposition of the New Testament, came to Revelation he thought he would only explain the more practical portions of the book and leave the prophetical parts for others to expound. But when he read again in connection with this wonderful book the " Decline and fall of the Roman Empire " by Gibbon, and found that this writer, infidel though he was, could not have given a more complete history of the fulfillment of the earlier portions of the prophecy if he had endeavored to prove them true, Mr. Barnes was compelled to interpret these predictions according to the plain truths of history and has thereby given us one of the most thorough and reliable expositions of this book which has ever been written.

While one of the chief purposes of prophecy is to confirm the faith of believers after its fulfillment, yet as we come near to any important epoch in the history of the Church we are to expect increased aid from heaven in understanding the "signs of the times", and so like Daniel who, by prophecy

PREFACE.

learned that the bondage in Babylon was about to end. and accordingly gave himself to prayer for the welfare of Zion in that triumphant and yet crucial hour; and as the early disciples were prepared by the predictions which fell from the lips Of ( :hris( to anticipate and thus save their lives at the destrm - tion of Jerusalem; so we, by a prayerful and faithful study of prophecy in its relation to Romanism and other anti- Christian powers, shall be better prepared for what is before us in the near future.

I cheerfully acknowledge the aid received from many Commentaters and writers on prophecy in the preparation of this book; but I desire to mention the names of some writers. a-> especially helpful in my work, such as Sir Isaac Newton, one of earth's greatest philosophers, in his grand work on prophecy ; and also the works on the same subject by Bishop Thos. Newton, Faber, Scott, Pres. Edwards' "History of Redemption," Andrew Fuller's lectures on the Apocalypse. "Smith's Key to Revelation," and, as before stated, Albert Barnes' notes on Revelation, also Bengel, Elliot, Lange and Hovey.

In such company one will not be likely to get fanciful or mistaken ideas concerning the general truths of prophecy. But while consulting many authors and comparing one with another, I have reserved the right of personal judgment and interpretation by giving what, on the whole, I have believed to be the "mind of the Spirit."

And on all who study these interesting and profitable predictionsof the Bible may the benediction of heaven rest, as promised at the beginning of the Book of Revelation.

T. P. B.

Cambridge, Mass.

INTRODUCTION.

Sir Isaac Newton advanced as one important reason why he wrote on prophecy the belief that, even in his day, men were nearing great moral and political changes; — with increased propriety may this be urged as a motive for works of this character at present. It is commonly believed that we are coming into one of the most vital and interesting epochs of prophetic history when truth is to prevail over error and superstition as it was done in no earlier age. A book which can throw aught of true light on the dark cloud of the near future, so as at all to reveal the issue of the battles now going on between the forces of light and the forces of darkness must be timely and helpful.

Ever since the first century pious writers have been offering to the world their interpretations of the unique book of Revelation, some of them varying widely from others as to its meaning: Because of said differing views not a few intelligent and honest men are prejudiced against any attempt to expound its mysterious symbolism. In reply to such extreme caution Lange has well said, " What though ten or twenty arbitrary and fanciful interpretations have attached themselves to an allegorical passage? — that circumstance does not in the least destroy its allegorical character ; on the contrary it serves but to recommend in the most pressing manner, an inquiry after the symbolical analogies and the fundamental character of the prophecy."

Concerning the value of the Book, Sir Isaac Newton in his *' Observations upon the Apocalypse of St. John," after v

IXTRODCCTION.

referring to the testimony of the early Christian writers to its uuthority and credibilty, remarks: "This may surely suffice to show how the Apocalypse was received and studied in the first ages; and I do not, indeed, find any other book of the New Testament so strongly attested, or commented on, so early as this."

Irenseus lived about A. D. 140-202. He was a contemporary and warm personal friend of Polycarp, who in turn, was, without reasonable doubt, acquainted with the Apostle John. [renseus gives most unqualified testimony to the effect that John was the author of the Apocalypse. It is hardly credible that he would have done this had not Polycarp believed as he did. Biblical scholars are, of course, familiar with the statements on this subject left by such early writers as Justin Martyr, Melito, Theophilus, Tertullian and Clement of Alexandria and by writers of the third and fourth centuries. The fact that the great majority of the early writers regarded the Apocalypse as Authentic, that the Latin fathers and the main body of the Greek fathers, as well, always defended it, is sufficient external proof of its authenticity. But it is to the internal evidence that we look for the most conclusive proof of the Divine guidance which its author received in the composition of this wonderful book. The purity of its doctrines, — the sublimity of its language and imagery, — its fulness of the spirit of prophecy and above all the adoring love which its author everywhere breathes for our Lord Jesus Christ, unquestionably attest the validity of the Apocalypse as an original and trustworthy oracle of our holy religion.

Touching the Paraphrast's mode of interpretation and the views at which he arrives, the present writer is too ill-read in apocalyptic lore to express an opinion. Suffice it to say that in the primary and historical application of these prophecies, the 1'araphrast is in general harmony with the great body <>! Commentators, especially with writers like Sir Isaac Newton, Bishop Newton, Faber, Scott, T>engel, Elliot Fuller, l^ange and liarnes.

As the Apocalypse itself is really a poem, called "prophetico-poetry ", by Lanc.K,— the author believes, that by giving his Paraphrase rhythm and metre it will better harmonize with the highly figurative language of the original, while also condensing the expository part of his work.

Bkown University.

Chapter I. The Prologue

. This chapter contains the prologue and preface to the whole Book of Revelation. It gives the title and explains the design of the book. It pronounces the benediction of heaven on all who read and obey its teachings. God's blessings of grace and peace are invoked on the Churches of Asia, to whom he directs this book to be sent. Then follows a beautiful description of these Churches under the figure of "golden candlesticks" and also of Christ and his divine attributes.

i. The revelation of our Lord, Which God the Father gave to Him, To show to all His watchful Saints The things which shortly must be clone.

A Prophet who on earth had lived The high Commission had to bear This Message to God's servant, John ; 2. Christ's loved disciple record bears To ev'ry word revealed to him, And witnessed truly by our Lord — Of all he heard or saw he writes :

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3. The blessing of the Lord shall rest ( )n all who read and ponder well, Translating into action grand,

These words, which shortly must begin

4. To be fulfilled. To the churches Of our Lord in Asia, I, John, Invoke great grace and peace on you : From Him who was, and is, and is To come, and from the Holy Ghost,

5. The perfect God, and Jesus Christ, God's faithful witness to the truth, The first begotten from the dead.

The King o'er all the Kings of earth : To him who washed us from our sins With His own blood, so freely shed,

6. Who makes us Kings and Priests to God, Be power and glory evermore !

7. Behold He cometh in the clouds Surrounded by th' Angelic host And every eye shall see our King ; The men who crucified our Lord, Yea, all who have rejected Christ Shall wail because of Him ! Amen !

8. "I, Alpha and Omega, reign, The First and last of all that is, Who was, who is, and is to come,

Th' Almighty God o'er all the worlds !" (j. 1, John, your fellow Saint in Christ, In trials and in patience long, V\ ho for the kingdom of our Lord

For testimony to the truth

Was banished to lone Patmos' isle.

10. T'was on the Lord's own day of rest,

In God the Spirit, filled with peace,

A heavenly voice, like naught on earth,

In trumpet tones, burst on my ear ;

These were the words which then I heard. —

ii. "Both Alpha and Omega true

Am I, and what thou seest write

And send to all the saints of God,

Scattered abroad thro' Asia fair ;

To Ephesus and Pergamos,

To Thyatira, Smyrna too

And loving Philadelphia;

To Sardis and rich La'docea,

That they may profit by these words."

12. I turned to see the one who spake, When to my gaze this vision came : Seven candlesticks of purest gold,

13. And in their midst a wond'rous one, Like to my Lord, the Son of man :

He wore a long and flowing robe, Of spotless righteousness and grace, With golden girdle round His breast, Girded with strength for service true Toward all the churches of His care ;

14. His hair was white as driven snow, — The mighty God 'ere time began, —

His eyes like flaming, flashing fire

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Proclaimed His knowledge infinite;

15. His feet glowed like fine, burnished brass. Like wheels of light which swiftly move, Thus showing his prompt power to act.

I lis voice was loud as ocean's roar, — Denoting universal sway;

16. His strong right hand held seven stars, — The faithful pastors of His flock;

From out his mouth a two-edged sword Proceeded — His own faithful word: Like regal sun His clear face shone, With royal majesty and grace.

17. I fell before His feet as dead, As smitten by a lightning's flash !

His strong right hand on me He laid And with a wond'rous kindness spake And said to me " Fear not, fear not,

18. I am the first and last, who died But live again for aye ! Amen !

I hold the keys of death and hell :

19. Write truly all that thou hast seen, — The things which are, and are to come,

I now, in love, disclose to thee ;

20. The meaning of what thou hast seen — The seven stars are messengers

To Asia's Churches, formed by me:

The candlesticks of purest gold

Are these same churches of thy Lord. "

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Chapter II. Letters To The Seven Churches

This and the following chapter contain the letters to the Seven Churches of Asia. These letters which exhibit such divine knowledge, love and fidelity have been and will be to the end of time, watch-words of comfort and warning to every living Church. No one but God could have so read the inner motives of his professed disciples and so directed and comforted the weakest of his children.

i. "Unto the Pastor of the Church In Ephesus thus truly write,"

Saith He, the High and Holy One, Who holdeth these same Ministers In His own strong, yet gentle hand, And 'mongst the golden Candlesticks

2. Doth move :

k ' I know thy works and toil ; I know thy patience fully tried, And how thou can'st not bear those men, Those evil men, who like fierce wolves Destroy and scatter my own flock, E'en those who falsely call themselves Apostles of the Lord, thou hast Exposed and promptly cast them out !

3. Thy patience and thy holy zeal

Are worthy of the highest praise;

Nor hast thou weary grown in all thy work.

4. Yet this have 1 against my church : Thou hast forsaken thy first love ; Thy early zeal and faith are dimmed.

5. Remember then that holy height From whence thou hast so sadly fallen ; Repent, and do thy former works,

Or else the golden candlestick

Shall be removed, and darkness reign,

Except thou dost in truth repent.

6. But this thou hast which pleaseth me, Thou hatest all the shameful deeds

Of those vile Nicolaitanes, Deeds which I, also, deeply hate.

7. Let him who hath attentive ear To hear these words, obey the truth ; To him who overcometh sin

Fruit from the tree of life I'll give, Which grows in God's own Paradise.

8. And to the Pastor of the church

In Smyrna write, these things saith He, The first and last, who died but lives

9. Again ; Thy works, and poverty, And tribulation deep, 1 know ; Yet thou art truly rich in me.

The blasphemy of those who say That tlu'\ are Jews, in pretense fair. The Synagogue of Satan are !

10. Fear not, beloved Church, fear not

The things which thou must bear for me ;

Behold, the Wicked One will soon,

With fiendish joy, thrust some of you

In prison, that ye may be tried,

And tribulation ye shall have —

Your proof and test of living faith —

For ten successive bitter years ;

But be ye faithful unto death

And ye shall wear the crown of life.

ii. Let all who hear attend these words,

To all the churches of our Lord :

He that o'ercomes the powers of hell

The second death shall never hurt.

12. And to the Pastor of the Church In Pergamos thus truly write ;

These things saith He who hath the sharp

13. Two-edged sword :

I know where thou dost dwell ; Where Satan proudly makes his throne, Thou holdest fast my glorious name.

Thou never hast denied my faith, E'en in the days when Antipas, My faithful martyr, gave his life Among you, e'en where Satan dwells.

14. And yet a few faults I have found In thee ; for thou hast those who hold The doctrines, taught in days long past By Balaam, Bosor's evil son,

Who Balak taught, by artful ways, To cast a stumbling-block before

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The Israelites, alluring them Hack into idol worship and Its low and vile concomitant, Adultery, in all its forms !

15. So, also, hast thou those who hold Views like the Nicolaitanes,

Which things I deeply do abhor.

16. Repent, or else I'll quickly come And fight against them with the sword Of truth proceeding from my mouth.

17. He who hath still a listening ear, Let him attend the Spirit's words Unto the churches of our Lord :

To him that overcometh sin,

The hidden manna will I give,

Such food as Angels feast upon ;

And I will also give to him

A white and precious stone on which

Mis own new name shall be engraved,

In token of his heavenly rank —

As Princes often give a name

To those they raise to high estate —

But no man knoweth this new name

Save he to whom it doth pertain.

18. Unto the Pastor of the church

In Thyatira, thou shalt write

These things saith He, the Son of (iod

Whose eyes like flaming fire denote

A perfect knowledge of all things ; Whose feet like tine and burnished bra ss

Proclaim the strength and swiftness which Is seen in all His wond'rous acts :

19 I know thy works and charity, Thy patient service and thy faith, The last which far exceeds the first ;

20 And yet, 'gainst thee some things I find, Because thou dost, in sin, permit

That woman, Jezebel, to teach And so seduce my servants, true, Vile fornications to commit, And eat those things to idols given :

21 Space for repentance she hath had, But will not seek my face and live.

22 Behold ! into a bed I'll cast Her with her vile associates, And send them tribulations sore, Except they turn from their dark deeds ;

23 And I will kill her children with The noisome pestilence, till death Shall teach the churches I am He Who searcheth deep the inmost heart, Rewarding as their works shall be.

No other burden will I lay

24 On those of you who have not known The depths of Satan, as they teach ;

25 But that which ye already have Hold fast until thy Lord doth come.

26 He that o'ercometh sin and guilt, Thro' faith in me, and keepeth all My words and works until the end,

16 REVELATIOX.

Of my rich grace I will impart,

And unto him will surely give

Great power o'er nations of the earth.

E'en Kings and governments shall yield,

At last, to righteous laws, and all

Who will not thus obey shall feel

27 The iron rod of wise control, Compelling them t' obey the truth ; And that proud nation which rebels, Refusing justice to enthrone,

Shall be destroyed like potter's ware, Which vile and worthless has become ! This holy reign of righteousness Is from the God of heaven and earth, Who to His Son all power hath given, And for His sake the truth empowers To rule the world as heaven is ruled.

28 This empire o'er the, then known, world Was only as the harbinger

( )f what is yet to come on earth ; 'Twas as the day-star to the dawn — Sure pledge and promise of full day, When all the nations of the world Shall know and own our blessed Lord.

29 He who hath ears to hear may thus Hoar what the Spirit saith, in truth and love, To all the churches of our Lord.

REVELATION.

Chapter III. Letters To The Churches

This chapter is a continuation of those letters from Christ to his Churches, which breathe such love and tenderness and yet such unswerving fidelity, in warning and rebuking. It is worthy of note that Christ mentions first the things which meet His approval before using His reluctant " nevertheless " with which He prefaces His loving but faithful rebukes. How important for His disciples to imitate this Spirit of love and forbearance !

i. Unto the Pastor of the church In Sardis write : These things saith He Who hath the Spirit's perfect power, And guards the pastors of His flock ; I know, full well, thy fruitless works, A name to live hast thou, while dead To all the Gospel's holy claims !

2. To watch and strengthen what remains Of that already near to decth,

Must be thy prompt and faithful work.

3. Remember, therefore, how thou hast Received and heard the living word ; Hold fast the truth ; repent of sin ;

Or else, if thou dost cease to watch, E'en as a thief, I'll come to thee, And thou shalt not discern the hour

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In which, with wrath, I'll surely come.

4. But e'en in Sardis some are found Whose garments have not been denied By sin and dead formality.

And they shall walk with me in white, Fpr worthy are they of this grace.

5. He that o'ercometh shall be clothed

In spotless robes, — Christ's righteousness,

And never from the Book of Life

Shall his fair name be blotted out ;

And I will soon confess his name

Before my Father and the hosts

Of angels round His heavenly throne.

6. He who will listen, let him hear The Spirit's message to each church.

7. And to the Pastor of the church In faithful Philadelphia,

Thus saith the True and holy One.

Who holdeth David's royal key, To open doors in heaven or earth.

In face of all the powers of deatli :

8. I know thy works which thou hast wrought Behold, before thee widely stands

An open door of usefulness, Which men or demons cannot shut !

For thou hast still a little strength, By holding fast my faithful word And not denying my great name ; ,,. Behold, 1 soon will surely make The si nagogue of Satan, who

So falsely boast that they are Jews, Come low before thy very feet And know the love I bear to thee !

10. Because thou hast so fully kept My word of patience and of truth, Thee I will keep in that dark hour, When trials, like a fearful storm, Shall overspread a guilty world, All men to try who dwell on earth.

1 1 . Behold ! I surely, quickly come ; Hold fast thy faith, so strong in me, That no man take thy heavenly crown,

12. He who o'ercometh I will make A pillar in the church of God,

No more, forever, to go out ;

On him I'll write my Father's name,

And city of Jerusalem,

Which cometh down from God and heaven

Among the sons of men to dwell.

13. He who hath ears, oh, let him hear What God, the Spirit, saith to all

The Churches of the Son of God.

14. Next, to the Pastor of the Church In La'docea plainly write,

These things saith He, Amen His name, God's witness, true and faithful, He,

15. Creator of all things : —

I know Thy works, that neither cold nor hot Art thou ; I would thou wert thus cold

20 REVELATIOX.

i 6. Or hot ; so then, because of zeal

Thus lukewarm and so valueless.

I'll quickly spew thee from my mouth !

17. Because thou say'st, "Increased in goods And rich am I, with naught to wish " ;

Vet knowest not that thou art poor And blind and wretched in my sight !

18. I counsel thee to buy of me

The truth, like gold made pure by fire,

And rich become in very deed ;

And also seek that raiment white —

My righteousness so freely given, —

To hide thy shame and nakedness;

And thy weak eyes with eye salve heal,

That thou may'st know and serve thy Lord.

19. I chasten and rebuke all whom 1 therefore, love ; be zealous, now, And turn from all thy evil ways.

20. Behold ! 1 stand at every door And knock, and thus admission seek Into each sinful human heart ;

And every man who heeds my voice, Op'ning to me his heart's true door, I'll enter in and sup with him And he with me, on heavenly fare.

Till the deep hunger of the soul Is fully satisfied in me !

21. To him who overcometh sin, I'll surely giant a royal seat

( m heavenly honor, power and joy.

With me on my own throne on high, — As I o'ercame and now sit down With my own Father on His throne. 22. He who will yield attentive ear, Let him heed what the Spirit saith To all the churches of his Lord.

Chapter IV. God And His Government Described

This chapter gives us a most beautiful figurative description of God in His royal majesty, and yet peaceful and gracious character, surrounded by the representatives of His Church on earth ; also of I lis government, symbolized by four living creatures, each of which represents some important attribute of that government as administered by (rod's providence in all ages, by all the heavenly and human agencies which he has appointed.

i. 'Twas after this I looked, and lo ! A door was opened into heaven ; The first voice which I heard was like A trumpet speaking thus to me, — "Come hither, and I'll show thee things Which must hereafter be fulfilled."

2. At once the Spirit's mighty power Took full possession of my soul And filled it with prophetic light; Behold ! a throne then met my gaze, High and exalted o'er all worlds ;

3. And on that august throne sat One, Whose costly robes, in color like

The jasper, or a sardine stone,

Proclaimed Him King o'er heaven and earth!

The iris, like an emerald fair,

Sweet peace proclaimed to all His saints ;

4. And round His throne were other thrones, And on these seats of honor sat

The four and twenty elders of

Our Lord, blest representatives

Of his own church victorious,

Clad in the purest raiment white, —

The perfect righteousness of Christ, —

With crowns of gold upon their heads, —

A royal priesthood unto God .

5. Proceeding from this kingly throne Were lightnings fierce and thunders loud, And voices filling me with dread ; — Denoting justice, power and wrath : Seven burning lamps before the throne Proclaimed the Spirit's- presence and His perfect knowledge joined with power.

6. Before the throne was spread a sea Of glass, like unto crystal, clear

And calm as summer's placid waves, — True emblem of the hosts of God, Redeemed, obedient and blest !

And in the midst and round the throne, Four living creatures full of eyes, Before, behind, — expressing thus Great wisdom, so were they prepared God's government to shadow forth By all created powers and agencies.

7. In form the first creature was like A lion, thus denoting power

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O'er all the nations of the earth ;

Strength and enduranee, too, were seen

By a young bullock standing forth.

The third symbolic creature was

A man, in face and features, thus

Denoting wisdom deep, in all

The plans and purposes of God:

A Hying eagle was the last,

Grand emblem of God's government,

To show the speed with which He moves

To execute His sovereign will:

S. Each wondrous creature six wings had,

And every wing was full of eyes,

Expressing prompt and perfect power;

Both day and night, and resting not,

They cry, " Holy, holy, holy,

Lord God Almighty, ever blest,

Who was, and is, and is to come !"

<). And when the creatures glory, thanks

And honors give to Him who sits

Upon the throne, and evermore

Shall live and reign o'er every world,

10. The four and twenty elders fall Prostrate before the throne of Him Who sits thereon, and all with one United voice adore our God,

Who ever lives; and cast their crowns Before His throne, and loudly cry, —

11. "Worthy, oh Lord, art Thou to have All glory, power and honor given ;

For all things Thou did'st erst create, And for Thy pleasure they exist, Past, present and forevermore ! "

Chapter V. Christ And The Sealed Book

This chapter describes the mysterious Book of Prophecy, sealed with seven seals which no one but Christ could unloose. For this meritorious power He is first praised by the Eiders and the living creatures; then John heard ;\ll the Angels of heaven join in this chorus of praise, and next, nol only every one in heaven, but also on earth, united in ascriptions of honor and praise to the Lamb of God for His power to reveal to His disciples the mysteries of the future, so necessary for our Spiritual instruction and welfare.

i . And in the strong right hand of Him Who sat upon the throne of heaven Was seen a book, written within, Without, in words unknown to men ; With seven seals the book was sealed:

2. With loudest voice, an angel, strong, Proclaimed, "Who, who is worthy to Unloose the seals and read the book ? "

3. But not on earth nor yet in heaven Was found a soul to ope the book And loose the seven seals thereof,

( )r even look thereon in peace !

4. Much then I wept because no man Was worth}' found to loose the seals, And read the words this book contained, And tell the future of the church!

5. One of the elders saith to me, " Behold ! the Lion of the Tribe Of Judah, root of David, hath Prevailed to open wide this book And loose the seven seals thereof."

6. Lo ! as I looked, within the throne, The living creatures keeping guard, Surrounded by the elders true,

A Lamb as if it had been slain ; The perfect Sacrifice for sin — Seven horns and eyes had He to show Almighty power and knowledge vast — E'en as the Holy Spirit hath All knowledge, so the Son of God Possesses every attribute Belonging to the Triune God.

7. He came with Spirit calm and mild And from the hand of Him who sat Upon the throne He took the book, Mysterious, prophetic book ; —

8. At once prostrate before the Lamb Fell Living creatures, Elders, all,

Each having harps with which to praise, And golden vials which contain Most precious odours — prayers of saints, A fragrant incense to their God.