Bible study Revelation All are welcome

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Pergamum

**14 Yet I have a few things against you. You have some people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who instructed Balak to put a stumbling block before the Israelites: to eat food sacrificed to idols and to play the harlot.
15
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**Thyatira
**20 **
**Yet I hold this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, who teaches and misleads my servants to play the harlot and to eat food sacrificed to idols. 18 **

I find this parallell interesting. Something ?
**
 
ryanoneil said:
(Rev 2:6) Some have suggested that the Nicolaitans can be traced to one of the first deacons ordained by the Apostles in (Acts 6:5)

(Rev 2:9) gives us a vlear indication of the tension between the Jewish leadership and the Christians in Smyrna, and suggests the conflict taking place prior to 68 A.D. (and the destruction of the Temple)

“ten days” reflect the ten days of trial that Daniel underwent and his role in ruling afterward.

(Rev 2:11) is significant because it speaks against the idea of a secret rapture before the Great Tribulation. The Church is not promised deliverance from trouble, but rewarded after successful endurance.

The letter to Pergamum parallels Daniel’s test. Daniels was ordered to eat royal food sacrificed to idols. He refused and God rewarded them.

Some suggest (Rev 2:20; 24) is linked to one of the Gnostic cults linked to Simon Magus, who is in Acts 8.

Peace,

Ryan 🙂
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Could you tell me more about this cult? Ill read Acts when I get home also I’m sure this verse has been used against the eucarist. If I can find something on it I will make a link to it so i can compare the two
 
Here is one link. I really don’t know what proof there is that the Simon in Acts is Simon Magus.
 
In reading the letters, there is a pattern that John seems to follow in each. (Church named, Jesus identified by a particular title/role, condition of that Church is revealed, warnings/advice, punishments and rewards.)

I noticed that the particular identification for Jesus is different each time, for each Church:
Rev 2:1 - Ephesus… Him who holds the seven stars…who walks among the lampstands.
Rev 2:8 - Smyrna …the first and the last, who died and came to life.
Rev 2:12 - Pergamum…Him who has the sharp two-edged sword.
Rev 2:18 - Thyatira…Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.

Next I found it interesting to examine each Church letter and see how (or if) the particular title chosen by Jesus for Himself, related to the rest of the message; to see if there was a relationship of His title to the particular condition of that Church, to the warning, punishment or reward.

It would get too lengthy to do all, so I’ll just share my thoughts on the first Church - Ephesus:

Jesus’ title: one who holds angels and lampstands in His hand. He is the ultimate authority and power over the existence of a Church.

Shortcoming of Ephesian Church: abandonment of first love and of early works (vs 4-5) A connection between “lampstand” and “works” is indicated in Matthew:
Mt 5:15-16 “Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works…”

Punishment Warning: Lampstand may be taken away

Reward Promise: Eat of the tree of life …in the paradise of God. (Haven’t noted a real clear connection, other than the “paradise of God” is where the final “lampstand” - Church Triumphant - will exist eternally.)

Nita
 
Nita said:
In reading the letters, there is a pattern that John seems to follow in each. (Church named, Jesus identified by a particular title/role, condition of that Church is revealed, warnings/advice, punishments and rewards.)

I noticed that the particular identification for Jesus is different each time, for each Church:
Rev 2:1 - Ephesus… Him who holds the seven stars…who walks among the lampstands.
Rev 2:8 - Smyrna …the first and the last, who died and came to life.
Rev 2:12 - Pergamum…Him who has the sharp two-edged sword.
Rev 2:18 - Thyatira…Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.

Next I found it interesting to examine each Church letter and see how (or if) the particular title chosen by Jesus for Himself, related to the rest of the message; to see if there was a relationship of His title to the particular condition of that Church, to the warning, punishment or reward.

It would get too lengthy to do all, so I’ll just share my thoughts on the first Church - Ephesus:

Jesus’ title: one who holds angels and lampstands in His hand. He is the ultimate authority and power over the existence of a Church.

Shortcoming of Ephesian Church: abandonment of first love and of early works (vs 4-5) A connection between “lampstand” and “works” is indicated in Matthew:
Mt 5:15-16 “Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works…”

Punishment Warning: Lampstand may be taken away

Reward Promise: Eat of the tree of life …in the paradise of God. (Haven’t noted a real clear connection, other than the “paradise of God” is where the final “lampstand” - Church Triumphant - will exist eternally.)

Nita
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That’s intersting I couldn’t see a parallel with the othe churches so full me in when you get the time
Thanks
 
Of the four churches in this chapter, only the church in Smyrna appeared to be faithful. Our Lord does not chastise them for anything.

Personally, the Church that stood out for me was the one in Ephesus. Doctrinally they appear to be pillars, defending the revealed truths. But that is not sufficient, not even sufficient enough to allow them to remain in existence IF they do not change. Love and its works are absolutely necessary.

Whenever I read the words “…you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember then from what you have fallen, repent and do the works you did at first.” they are like a reminder to keep things in the proper perspective. Especially here on CAF, it is possible to get so caught up in defense of the faith that it can begin to crowd out in mind and heart the primary role to be given to Our Lord (prayer) and carrying out His will in regards to loving neighbor.

Nita
 
Odell said:
That’s intersting I couldn’t see a parallel with the othe churches so full me in when you get the time
Thanks
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It’s a lot more fun and meaningful when you do it yourself. 🙂
Well, not really by yourself - always do it **with **God.

Maybe some others can share if they see connections.
 
Nita said:
It’s a lot more fun and meaningful when you do it yourself. 🙂
Well, not really by yourself - always do it **with **God.

Maybe some others can share if they see connections.
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Maybe so ill look into it when I get home
 
**Chapter 3
1
"To the angel of the church in Sardis, write this: " 'The one who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars says this: "I know your works, that you have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.
2
Be watchful and strengthen what is left, which is going to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.
3
Remember then how you accepted and heard; keep it, and repent. If you are not watchful, I will come like a thief, and you will never know at what hour I will come upon you.
4
However, you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; they will walk with me dressed in white, because they are worthy.
5
" '"The victor will thus be dressed in white, and I will never erase his name from the book of life but will acknowledge his name in the presence of my Father and of his angels.
6
" ‘“Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’
7
"To the angel of the church in Philadelphia, write this: " 'The holy one, the true, who holds the key of David, who opens and no one shall close, who closes and no one shall open, says this:
8
" '"I know your works (behold, I have left an open door before you, which no one can close). You have limited strength, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
9
Behold, I will make those of the assembly of Satan who claim to be Jews and are not, but are lying, behold I will make them come and fall prostrate at your feet, and they will realize that I love you.
10
Because you have kept my message of endurance, I will keep you safe in the time of trial that is going to come to the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.
11
I am coming quickly. Hold fast to what you have, so that no one may take your crown.
12
" '"The victor I will make into a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will never leave it again. On him I will inscribe the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God, as well as my new name.
13
" ‘“Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’
14
"To the angel of the church in Laodicea, write this: " 'The Amen, the faithful and true witness, the source of God’s creation, says this:
15
"I know your works; I know that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either cold or hot.
16
So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
17
For you say, ‘I am rich and affluent and have no need of anything,’ and yet do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
18
I advise you to buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may be rich, and white garments to put on so that your shameful nakedness may not be exposed, and buy ointment to smear on your eyes so that you may see.
19
Those whom I love, I reprove and chastise. Be earnest, therefore, and repent.
20
" '“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, (then) I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me.
21
I will give the victor the right to sit with me on my throne, as I myself first won the victory and sit with my Father on his throne.
22
" ‘“Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’” **
 
Odell said:
**Chapter 3

**5
" '"The victor will thus be dressed in white, and I will never erase his name from the book of life but will acknowledge his name in the presence of my Father and of his angels. ****

who is this?

12
" '"The victor I will make into a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will never leave it again. On him I will inscribe the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God, as well as my new name.

As catholics we believe this is taking palce not just at the end of time but at the mass.

In the old testament only the priest could enter the temple. But now the temple is destroyed and now we worsip in the heavenly Jerusalem and we all are made priest. I will find scriptue on the priest later I cant recal the verse right now,

But

The Letter to the Hebrews (see Hebrews 12:22-24)speaks of the Eucharistic celebration on earth as entrance into and participation in the heavenly liturgy in the new Jerusalem.

In the Mass, says Hebrews, we approach “Mount Zion, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem.” There, we join “countless angels” and “the assembly of the firstborn” and Jesus, “mediator of the new covenant and the sprinkled blood” in a “festal gathering” or feast.

So what we got here in Revelation is not just end time scenario but what is going on now exspecially in the mass

salvationhistory.com/online/beginner/begcourse2_home.cfm

I will be back after this weekend Going out of town

please add to what I have this is from Scott Hann and Im sure someone can do a better job with this Chapter than me

thanks
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(Now this is a neat idea, a forum bible study)

For what the poster above asks: The ‘Victor’ I think means the saints, as to quote Paul we are all ‘running a race’

1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.

We are all running a race, and are all forced to undergo trials and temptations, and like the seed thrown by the sower, many of us fall away, and only a few endure to the very end, and these are, I think, the ‘victors’ of this race of temptation and trial.

God is here speaking to the churches in Anatolia (modern day Turkey) which you will notice the Greek names to these places because at that time it had been for long-time colonized by the Greeks. I’m not sure if there are still churches in all of the places mentioned above. Although perhaps there will be someday again, or perhaps they are metaphors for the wider church.

At the end of the chapter He says those whom ‘I love I reprove and chastise’, and this would appear to be what He is doing with regard to these churches in reproving their faults.

This relates to talking about the ‘victor’ because we cannot be victors unless we (as He says) listen to what the Spirit has to say, repent, and stop committing sins.

Him standing at the door and knocking, sounds like the parable of the master’s coming, and therefore perhaps relates to the second-coming. We need to prepare ourselves for His return (when He comes to knock on our door), and to do this we must listen to the Spirit, repent and be ready wearing the (white) wedding garment, and have worked for treasure in our hearts that endures for eternity (ie. purchasing the gold refined from fire).

When we say we are rich and refer to material possessions, but not to eternal ones, we actually very poor. And this is one of His reproof’s above.

These statements of His perhaps also refer to the final judgment when all of our deeds are recounted as they are briefly for the churches mentioned above.

Now I have a question that I’m pondering over: What does the angel represent? Is this a true angel or does it refer to a bishop?

(in the early church bishops were called ‘angels’)
 
D_M said:
(
Now I have a question that I’m pondering over: What does the angel represent? Is this a true angel or does it refer to a bishop?

(in the early church bishops were called ‘angels’)
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I always think it represents a bishop. Couple of reasons:
  1. Why would Jesus ask John to write a letter to an angelic being? It seems to me an angel assigned to guard a particular church *would already be aware of what is taking place *(due to an angel’s spiritual nature and powers) - and doing all within his power to help.
  2. How would John even go about trying to “deliver/mail” a letter to an angelic being?
Nita
 
**Chapter 4

1 After this I had a vision of an open door to heaven, and I heard the trumpetlike voice that had spoken to me before, saying, “Come up here and I will show you what must happen afterwards.”
2
At once I was caught up in spirit. A throne was there in heaven, and on the throne sat
3
one whose appearance sparkled like jasper and carnelian. Around the throne was a halo as brilliant as an emerald.
4
Surrounding the throne I saw twenty-four other thrones on which twenty-four elders sat, dressed in white garments and with gold crowns on their heads.
5
From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder. Seven flaming torches burned in front of the throne, which are the seven spirits of God.
6
In front of the throne was something that resembled a sea of glass like crystal. In the center and around the throne, there were four living creatures covered with eyes in front and in back.
7
The first creature resembled a lion, the second was like a calf, the third had a face like that of a human being, and the fourth looked like an eagle in flight.
8
The four living creatures, each of them with six wings, were covered with eyes inside and out. Day and night they do not stop exclaiming: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty, who was, and who is, and who is to come.”
9
Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to the one who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever,
10
the twenty-four elders fall down before the one who sits on the throne and worship him, who lives forever and ever. They throw down their crowns before the throne, exclaiming:
11
“Worthy are you, Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things; because of your will they came to be and were created.” **
 
Odell said:
**Chapter 4

1 After this I had a vision of an open door to heaven, and I heard the trumpetlike voice that had spoken to me before, saying, “Come up here and I will show you what must happen afterwards.”
2
At once I was caught up in spirit. A throne was there in heaven, and on the throne sat
3
one whose appearance sparkled like jasper and carnelian. Around the throne was a halo as brilliant as an emerald.
4
Surrounding the throne I saw twenty-four other thrones on which twenty-four elders sat, dressed in white garments and with gold crowns on their heads.
5
From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder. Seven flaming torches burned in front of the throne, which are the seven spirits of God.
6
In front of the throne was something that resembled a sea of glass like crystal. In the center and around the throne, there were four living creatures covered with eyes in front and in back.
7
The first creature resembled a lion, the second was like a calf, the third had a face like that of a human being, and the fourth looked like an eagle in flight.
8
The four living creatures, each of them with six wings, were covered with eyes inside and out. Day and night they do not stop exclaiming: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty, who was, and who is, and who is to come.”
9
Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to the one who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever,
10
the twenty-four elders fall down before the one who sits on the throne and worship him, who lives forever and ever. They throw down their crowns before the throne, exclaiming:
11
“Worthy are you, Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things; because of your will they came to be and were created.” **
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The twenty-four elders is something that has been left mysterious… some think that it is perhaps the 12 apostles as well as the 12 sons of Israel… although I’m not sure if this is based on anything than mere supposition.

The Seven Spirits is perhaps a reference to this:

Tobit 12:15 I am Raph’ael, one of the seven holy angels who present the prayers of the saints enter into the presence of the Holy One."

According to some catholic theologians, as well as the Eastern orthodox church, there exist such a thing as ‘seven archangels’ among whom are included St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael (who are the only three mentioned in scripture, although Gabriel is never called an archangel, and St Michael is no where clearly placed in the same category as what Raphael speaks to here)

The four living creatures has two references in old testament that are often thought of:

Isaiah 6:2-3 Above him stood the seraphim; each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.”

(the ‘holy, holy, holy’ in these passages is where that part of the mass in which we say it comes from)

Ezekiel 1:10 As for the likeness of their faces, each had the face of a man in front; the four had the face of a lion on the right side, the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and the four had the face of an eagle at the back.

The four faces, lion, ox, man and eagle, are thought to represent the four evangelists in some traditions, and they are also seen as representative of the noblest, the strongest, the wisest and the swiftest creatures in all of creation.

I wonder if perhaps the one with a lion’s face could be a metaphor for St. Michael? I say this because St Michael is regarded to be the ‘great prince’ (his name means ‘Who can compare with God?’ in hebrew) and therefore is meant to be very noble.

Daniel 12:1 "At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble such as never had been since there was a nation till that time; but at that time your people shall be delivered, every one whose name shall be found written in the book.

Maybe the second creature could be St. Gabriel (whose name is translated as ‘Hero of God’, or ‘Strong one of God’, or ‘Man of God’)?

Nothing to state about the other two though.

This passage is a vision of heaven, and we know that the Father is the only One who knows when the final day shall come (not even Jesus knows when the world will end):

Matthew 24:36 "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.

The One seated on the throne to whom all this glory belongs, is the only One who knows when the apocalypse shall come and by whose will the Lamb shall open the seals (found in the next chapter I think).
 
If the priests referenced in the Old Testament at 1 Chronicles 24:7-18 are from every nation under heaven (Acts 2:5 below), then I believe that these priests of old ARE the twenty-four elders out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation (Re.5:9 below) seen in heaven in the book of Revelation (Re.4:4, Re.5:8-10, Re.11:6, Re.19:4 below).

If that is so, we then know the names of the twenty-four elders of the book of Revelation - Jehoiarib, Jedaiah, Harim, Seorim, Malchijah, Mijamin, Hakkoz, Abijah, Jeshua, Shecaniah, Eliashib, Jakim, Huppah, Jeshebeab, Bilgah, Immer, Hezir, Aphses, Pethahiah, Jehezekel, Jachin, Gumul, Delaiah, Maaziah. (1 Chron.24:7-18)

I believe that the devout Jews dwelling at Jerusalem who were out of every nation under heaven (Acts 2:5 below) at the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:3-11 below) are the “many” who were raised out of their graves after the Lord’s resurrection who went into the holy city and appeared unto many (Matt.27:52-53 below), the “many” who were raised out of their graves being the twenty-four elders seen in heaven in the book of Revelation (Re.4:4, Re.5:8-10, Re.11:16, Re.19:4 below).

Re.4:4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.

Re.5:8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

Re.5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God (the Father) by thy blood (Jesus) out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

Re:5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Re.11:16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,

Re.19:4 And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.

Acts 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues (languages – Acts 2:6, 8 below), as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of EVERY nation (Acts 2:9-10 below) under heaven.

Acts 2:6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language (tongue – Act.2:8 below).

Acts 2:7 And they (the multitude – Acts 2:6 above) were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?

Acts 2:8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue (language – Acts 2:6, 11), wherein we were born (Acts 2:9-11 below)?

Acts 2:9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,

Acts 2:10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

Acts 2:11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues (languages – Acts 2:6, 8 above) the wonderful works of God.

Matt.27:52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,

Matt.27:53 And came out of the graves after his (Jesus’) resurrection, and went into the holy city (Jerusalem), and appeared unto many.

Patricia (© published 03/14/03)
Author of the self-study aid, The Book of Revelation Explained © 1982
 
These are exerpts from my personal commentary that I did a couple of years ago.

**4:4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats; and upon the seats, four and twenty ancients sitting, clothed in white garments, and on their heads were crowns of gold. **

And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: The 24 seats, or thrones that St. John beholds, are thrones for the representatives of both Testaments, of whom the Old Testament Patriarchs and the New Testament Apostles are seated on, and are seated because of their judicial rank in Christ, and they are serving in presence of the Eternal Throne. And the 24 thrones, considered by way of a mystery number, is one throne, where the Church comes from. These 24 seats that St. John saw seem to me to be the thrones that Daniel saw in Dan. 7:9.

and upon the seats, four and twenty ancients sitting: The 24 ancients are the servants of the Old and New Covenants, that is, the Old Testament Patriarchs and the New Testament Apostles, who are taking part in the service of the praise of God and the fulfillment of God’s plan. They are the ones whom the foundations of the household of God are built upon, as the Apostle says, “you are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus himself as the chief corner stone (Eph. 2:20).” That is, by whose authority the heavenly place is chosen, that by obeying them we may be built together with them.

clothed in white garments: The white garments are a sign of their purity in their lifetime; that is, they are clothed in works of righteousness and in spotlessness.

and on their heads were crowns of gold: They carry upon their heads golden crowns, for they have been made victors in present struggles, since that evil enemy, the Devil, has been thrown down, and they have received their crowns from the Lord. Concerning this crown, the vessel of election says, “I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on the day, and not only to me but also to those who love His appearing (2 Tim. 4:7-8).”
 
**4:5 And from the throne proceeded lightnings, and voices, and thunders; and there were seven lamps burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God. **

And from the throne proceeded lightnings, and voices, and thunders: These three characteristics were in the early Church, and are still proceeding from God’s throne today. In the voices and thunders the proclamation of the Gospel is indicated, while the lightning signifies the miraculous signs, as we read in the Gospel, “They went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs which `followed (Mark 16:20).” And again: “The voice of your thunder was in the whirlwind, and your lightning illumined the whole world (Ps. 77:18).”

lightnings: The lightnings which enlightened are also the divine teachings shining with the light of truth, which with their wholesome illumination put to flight men’s darkness throughout the whole world.

and thunders: The voice of thundering came forth when those who proclaimed Christ filled the whole world with words of thunder. St. John and St. James were called “sons of thunder (Mark 3:17)” because they passed on the mighty voice of God who thunders and cries aloud from Heaven great things to those who have ears and are wise.

and there were seven lamps burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God: He means the one sevenfold Spirit, for “there is one Spirit (Eph. 4:4),” and to be sevenfold implies perfection and fullness. The 7 spirits are the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit, before the throne, and are prepared to be given to those who are to receive them; these 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit are listed by Isaiah, “And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: the spirit of wisdom, and of understanding, the spirit of counsel, and of fortitude, the spirit of knowledge, and of godliness. And he shall be filled with the spirit of the fear of the Lord (11:2-3).”

seven lamps burning: For we know that at Pentecost the Holy Spirit had illuminated the apostles in the form of fiery tongues, as it were of fire (Acts 2:3), and as the Gospel says, “He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit, and with fire (Matt. 3:11).”

before the throne: This is not the same as the 7 spirits before God’s throne that is mentioned in Rev. 1:4, those were the 7 archangels mentioned in Tobit 12:15. But as said above, “before the throne” indicates here that the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit are before the throne ready to be given out to those who are to receive them. which are the seven spirits of God: “Of God” is the indication that the Holy Spirit proceeds from God the Father and God the Son.
 
4:6 and round about the throne, were four living creatures: That is, the heavenly powers/angels, and all creation, the dominations and principalities and all the earth that worships God. This is to say that these are some of the holy living creatures whom Ezekiel the prophet was deemed worthy to see. Each of those had both 4 faces and 8 wings, and they creped along on wheels called Gelgel. And they were the Cherubim, so called by Ezekiel (10:20). And these are also the Seraphim, who were shown to the blessed Isaiah, “

Upon it stood the seraphims: the one had six wings, and the other had six wings: with two they covered his face, and with two they covered his feet, and with two they flew (Isa. 6:2).”

full of eyes before and behind: Their being many-eyed signifies the all-surveying oversight of God over them.

before and behind: All the parts of the throne of God, that is, of the Church, are filled by the light of the gospel, with the knowledge of the past and of the future.
 
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