1:13Revelation 1:13

In the midst of the seven golden candlesticks stands one like the Son of man, who is Jesus Christ Himself in risen, glorified humanity, the same Jesus John had known now revealed in heavenly brightness with countenance like the sun, in priestly and royal majesty.AA 581.4–582.2+4 The seven candlesticks are the seven churches in Asia, and the number seven denoting a perfect whole, they represent all the churches in the world, while the seven stars He holds in His right hand are His ministers, the angels of the churches under His special care.Ms 161, 1904, par. 17–18+4 His standing and walking in their midst pictures His close, constant communion with His people, instructing them, ministering to His servants, and remaining among congregations and individual souls everywhere.Ms 46, 1904, par. 3–6+4 Though enfeebled and defective, the church is the object of His supreme regard, and He never slumbers as Watchman and Warden but watches with tender solicitude, knows the works of each church, commends, rebukes, supplies oil and spiritual power by the Holy Spirit, and keeps the lamps burning, for the church has no light of its own.ST Feb 4, 1903+4 The long garment to the foot and golden girdle about the chest display His glory, preciousness, and love as Redeemer, and picture His actual ministry before God's throne as High Priest, Mediator, Advocate, and Sin-bearer who intercedes for repentant, believing sinners against Satan's accusations.Ms 161, 1904, par. 17–18+4 Seen by John in old age when banished to desolate Patmos for faithfulness, separated from believers in a time of persecution, the vision turns exile into the gate of heaven and was given just before opening the history of the church for future ages as assurance of the Saviour's interest and care, calling the remnant to repent, return to first love, overcome, and prepare to meet Him coming in the clouds with power and great glory.Ms 136, 1902, par. 3–5+4

John was in old age when he saw this, banished to the Isle of Patmos, a desert island, for faithfulness to the word of God and the testimony of Jesus and for witnessing to Christ.Ms 136, 1902, par. 3–5+4 It was a time of fierce persecution and great darkness when Satan seemed to triumph over God's faithful witnesses.Ms 100, 1893, par. 2–3 He was separated from his companions in the faith and cut off from his labors in the gospel, hidden alone and cut off from the world, yet not separated from the presence of God.Lt 91, 1896, par. 2–6+2 More than half a century had passed since he had leaned on the Saviour's bosom, and now the risen Saviour personally visited him with special light for the church, showing him more distinctly than ever what will be at the close of this earth's history and giving a bright light of hope reaching to Christ's coming and the glories of the heavenly home.Ms 136, 1902, par. 3–5+2

His desolate place of exile proved to be the gate of heaven.Ms 100, 1893, par. 2–3 Christ Himself came in person from heaven to John there to tell him what to write, opening to him the future of the church and of the world.Ms 139, 1903, par. 33–34+1 God permitted His enemies to triumph in outward appearance and to deprive John of the society of his brethren, not forgetting or casting him off for trusting Him, so that He could give His faithful servant a more wonderful revelation of Himself, a great light and wonderful view of His glory, and make known what was to come upon the earth in the last days.18MR 77.1–2+1 He thus leads His children by a way they know not and permits trials that seem as if He has forsaken them in order to lead them closer to Christ, using their constancy and obedience to enrich them spiritually and to strengthen others.PP 129.2 The revelation given is a wonderful, dignified, exalted, solemn message, and the One standing is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, who is soon to ride forth conquering and to conquer.Ms 139, 1903, par. 33–34+1

John received it while in the Spirit on the Lord's day, the holy Sabbath day God blessed and set apart as His own, the Sabbath instituted in Eden and kept since then.Ms 150, 1899, par. 13–15+3 The presence was made known on that holy day.18MR 77.1–2 The testimony then given to John is given also to present readers, to be searched in the Scriptures for light about the last days.18MR 77.1–2

Hearing behind him a great voice as of a trumpet declaring to be Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, John turned to see the voice that spoke to him.Ms 150, 1899, par. 13–15+2 He then saw seven golden candlesticks with one like unto the Son of man in the midst of them, appearing in human form.Ms 100, 1893, par. 2–3+1 That figure holds seven stars in His right hand, and laying His right hand upon John He said Fear not, declaring He is He that lives and was dead and is alive forevermore with the keys of hell and of death.Ms 155, 1902, par. 10–11+1 He commanded what was seen to be written in a book, to write the things seen and the things which are and the things which shall be hereafter, and to send it to the churches.Ms 100, 1893, par. 2–3+1 Humanity cannot endure that unveiled glory, so when Christ began to reveal Himself John fell as a dead man at His feet.Ms 165, 1904, par. 12–13+1 Jesus revived and strengthened him to endure the sight and to receive the message, for without Christ taking humanity sinners could not see the Lord but would be struck out of existence, so God reaches people through human lips, choosing John for this work instead of sending an angel because an angel could not do it.Ms 165, 1904, par. 12–13+1

The one like a son of man is Jesus Christ himself, the risen, glorified Lord standing among the seven golden candlesticks in a long garment with a golden girdle.AA 581.4–582.2+2 He appears in His glorified person and glorified humanity with heavenly brightness, more than half a century after John had leaned on His bosom, when John was banished to the Isle of Patmos for fidelity to his Saviour and Christ came in person to open to him the future of the church and of the world.AA 581.4–582.2+2 He is changed from the suffering, humiliated Jesus John had seen before, no longer appearing as a man of sorrows bearing the marks of humiliation, but in majesty that overwhelms John.AA 581.4–582.2+1 Yet He is the same Jesus whose voice spoke to John from the cross and whom John honored and loved above all others, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world and the Lion of the tribe of Judah who is soon to ride forth conquering and to conquer.Ms 136, 1902, par. 3–5+1 The nail marks remained in His hands and feet in human form and in glory that a human being could behold and live, and they will forever be His glory.Ms 94, 1897, par. 38–39

He is a real, personal being with personality and human form, not a mere essence, standing and walking in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks.Ms 161, 1904, par. 17–18+3 He appeared in that human form when John turned to see the trumpet-like voice speaking to him, visiting the aged John to give a revelation of what would be in the last days of earth's history.Ms 161, 1904, par. 17–18+1 His countenance is like the sun shining in its strength, and He is clothed with a garment down to the foot and girt about the chest with a golden girdle in priestly and royal majesty.Ms 143, 1901, par. 53–58+2 The seven candlesticks represent the seven churches, and in that glory He will come in the clouds of heaven.Ms 161, 1904, par. 17–18 His glory and majesty as Redeemer are displayed while His people remain in the world of trial, held in His care and sympathy.Ms 143, 1901, par. 53–58

He is the mighty One given by God to the world, Redeemer by creation and by redemption, in whom God endowed human beings with imperishable riches, who receives everyone who comes to Him and will cast out none, so believers are to cling to Him with firm confidence instead of turning to human beings for help.Ms 5, 1901, par. 5–7 He is the One who speaks with authority to His people in the message to the church of Ephesus, holding the seven stars in His right hand.Ms 23, 1903, par. 3–5 The seven stars are His ministers, under His special care and protection, through whom He makes known His will and directs their work of carrying the last message of mercy to the world.Ms 23, 1903, par. 3–5 His standing and walking among the seven churches is joined to His holding the seven stars, for He intends His light to shine through His people to the world.RH Nov 19, 1901

The long garment and golden girdle are described as part of that heavenly appearance, but no further meaning is given to those details beyond displaying His glory, preciousness, and love as Redeemer.RH Nov 19, 1901+1 That majesty as seen in vision on Patmos, standing in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks in long robe and golden girdle, is dimly seen and imperfectly experienced when human agents yield to temptation and are weak to practice the Word.Lt 63, 1893, par. 65–67 That glory must be seen by faith on earth through prayer to see it, for only those who see the Redeemer's glory by faith on earth will see it in its fullness in heaven above.Lt 63, 1893, par. 65–67 His appearance is like the heavenly figure Daniel saw, clothed in linen and girded with fine gold, when the Son of God appeared with another heavenly messenger to teach what would take place in the latter days.BS 42.2–3

The seven golden candlesticks are the seven churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.Ms 161, 1904, par. 17–18+4 The number seven denotes a perfect whole, so those seven represent all the churches in the world.Lt 110, 1902, par. 9–10 His standing in their midst is instruction of John in the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ to be written and sent to the churches.Ms 46, 1904, par. 3–6

Standing and walking among the candlesticks pictures His close relation to the churches in constant communion with His people.Ms 46, 1904, par. 3–6+1 He ministers to His servants bearing heaven's message and intends His light to shine through His people to the world.RH Nov 19, 1901 He walks continually among churches, moving from congregation to congregation and from soul to soul everywhere.STBk 101.2+3 He remains among them as their source of light and effectiveness, to help, comfort, support, and supply spiritual power.Lt 32, 1906, par. 2

The seven stars He holds in His right hand are His ministers and the angels of the churches.Ms 23, 1903, par. 3–5+3 Every church has a guardian angel to minister to that special church.Lt 44, 1898, par. 5–7 They are under His special care and protection, and through them He makes known His will and directs their work of carrying the last message of mercy to the world.Ms 23, 1903, par. 3–5 His ministers serve as instruments in His hands through the grace He gives and the work of the Holy Spirit.Lt 32, 1906, par. 2

Though enfeebled and defective, the church is the object of supreme regard, and standing in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks reveals Him as He is in His relationship to the churches.ST Feb 4, 1903+2 He takes pleasure in His people and remains among them to help, comfort, support and supply spiritual power, constantly watching over them with tender solicitude and strengthening them by His Holy Spirit.ST Feb 4, 1903+2 His ministers serve as instruments in His hands through the grace He gives and the work of the Holy Spirit, held under His special care and protection.Lt 32, 1906, par. 2 The messages He addresses to the church must be heeded and obeyed, with members allowing Him to impress their minds and work through them to His glory, so that redemption is made certain and they meet Him with joy at His coming and are not among those who wail because of Him.ST Feb 4, 1903+1

He guides and rules the churches as the one who knows their works and their true state and condition.Lt 8a, 1890, par. 34–37+2 He is in constant communion and communication with His people, observing their order, vigilance, piety and devotion.Ms 100, 1893, par. 4+1 As the True Witness giving the last days a decided testimony about overcoming, He commends the excellent qualities cherished in the church and rebukes leaving first love, while every church has a guardian angel to minister to that special church.Lt 44, 1898, par. 5–7 Although He is High Priest and Mediator in the sanctuary above, He walks up and down in the midst of the churches on earth, going from church to church, from congregation to congregation, from soul to soul.Ms 100, 1893, par. 4+1

That walking signifies untiring wakefulness and unremitting vigilance, for He is the true Watchman in the Lord's house and the true Warden of the temple courts who never slumbers.STBk 101.2+2 He watches without weariness whether the light of any of His sentinels is burning dim or going out, and His watchfulness never fails even when under-shepherds sleep or are occupied and absorbed with lesser matters.STBk 101.2+3 If the candlesticks were left to mere human care, the flickering flame would languish and die.Ms 100, 1893, par. 4 His continued watchcare, care and sustaining grace are the source of all life and light, and believers are kept by God's power through faith, which is His gift.STBk 101.2+4

The church has no light of its own, for all its light and life come from Christ who supplies the oil and kindles the lamps.Ms 100, 1893, par. 4+2 The church must receive the glory that comes from God and spread that light to people in darkness, since receiving light without sharing it turns a person into a receptacle of darkness, and the church in heaven completes the church on earth and is perfect, with God and the Lamb its light through eternity.EDFCP 3.1–2 Standing among the candlesticks is proof that heaven is closely connected with events taking place on earth and that God cares greatly for those loyal to Him.5T 753.3 The world is not without a ruler, for the program of coming events is in the hands of the Lord, and the Majesty of heaven holds the destiny of nations as well as the concerns of His church in His own charge, so His servants in great emergency are not to trust to themselves.5T 753.3 The vision of one like the Son of man walking among the seven churches was given to John just before God opened to him the history of the church for future ages, as an assurance of the Saviour's interest and care for His people while they were shown the last great struggles with earthly powers and the final victory and deliverance of the faithful.5T 752.3

The One like the Son of man among the candlesticks is the personal Saviour ministering before God's throne on behalf of humanity.MH 419.1–2+2 He veiled the splendor of His divinity and lived as a man, then ascended to heaven with His humanity and now intercedes in the heavenly courts as High Priest, Mediator and Advocate.MH 419.1–2+2 Though He serves in the sanctuary above, He is also pictured walking up and down in the midst of the churches on earth, going from church to church, from congregation to congregation, from soul to soul.Ms 100, 1893, par. 4+1 He is in constant communion with His people and knows their true state, observing their order, their vigilance, their piety and their devotion.Ms 100, 1893, par. 4+1

His walking signifies untiring wakefulness and unremitting vigilance, watching whether the light of any sentinel is burning dim or going out.Ms 100, 1893, par. 4+1 He is the true Watchman in the Lord's house and the true Warden of the temple courts, and if the candlesticks were left to mere human care the flickering flame would languish and die.Ms 100, 1893, par. 4 His continued watchcare and sustaining grace are the source of their life and light.Ms 100, 1893, par. 4+1 As Advocate before the Father He sends messengers throughout His dominion to communicate His will, and He desires to sanctify, elevate and ennoble His followers for higher service in the church above, so that His people show in their lives what the truth has done for them.Ms 78, 1900, par. 46

Standing among the seven golden candlesticks in the long garment down to the foot and the golden girdle about the breast pictures His actual ministry for His people.Ms 124, 1901, par. 18–19+1 His ministry is like that of Joshua the high priest on the day of atonement in behalf of the children of Israel, when the angel of the Lord stood beside Joshua while Satan stood as adversary to accuse him as a transgressor of the law.Ms 124, 1901, par. 18–19+1 While Satan accuses God's sinful people, Christ stands as their Sin-bearer and Substitute to whom all types point, taking away the sin of the repentant, believing transgressor, and He cannot be accused.Ms 124, 1901, par. 18–19+1

In Him, standing clothed in that manner in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, God endowed human beings with imperishable riches.Ms 5, 1901, par. 5–7 He is the mighty One and Redeemer by creation and by redemption, given by God to the world, who receives everyone who comes to Him and will cast out none, to whom believers are to cling with firm confidence instead of turning to human beings for help.Ms 5, 1901, par. 5–7 He is the revelation of God's personality and character, manifesting the nature and attributes of the invisible God as far as human sight could endure.MH 419.1–2+2 Because sin separated humanity from God, people could not otherwise know their Creator without being consumed, and God is made known to them through Christ.MH 419.1–2+1

The vision is part of the revelation God gave to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, to be written and sent to the churches and to be read and heard and kept because the time is at hand.Ms 46, 1904, par. 3–6+2 It is not a sealed book but a mystery unfolded, to be understood, taught, believed and preached concerning scenes to take place in the last days of this earth's history, with great light on solemn truths and events preceding the second coming and reaching from time into eternity.Ms 46, 1904, par. 3–6+3 The figures presented with words of explanation are of greatest importance for the present, and wisdom requires desire to understand the deceptive designs the enemy will bring in.Ms 46, 1904, par. 3–6+1 The light thus revealed is for the present time to be read together with the whole first chapter, not hidden under a bushel, and to be proclaimed with no uncertain sound to warn the world and to teach those unacquainted with truth.Lt 110, 1902, par. 9–10+1 What was shown at Patmos answers the first advent at Bethlehem as an infant with a revelation of the second advent in glory, and the names of the churches of Asia to which it was sent are descriptive of the characteristics of every church, since seven denotes a perfect whole representing all the churches in the world.Lt 110, 1902, par. 9–10+1

Its entire content has no contradiction in the Word of God, being tested by Scripture with Scripture, and was already rehearsed by Moses in the Exodus and in the plagues brought upon Egypt.Ms 132, 1898, par. 1 The words spoken in that appearance were not for John alone nor for the seven churches in Asia alone, but were to come through those churches as an inspired message for the people with powerful impression in every age to the close of this earth's history.Ms 53, 1890, par. 46–47 The messages of the first three chapters give the history of Satan's effort to bring dissension into the church, while the vision gave bright light of hope reaching to Christ's coming and showed the glories of the heavenly home and the counsel of God for future ages concerning events of the last days.Lt 31, 1903, par. 6+1 The glorified One seen as like unto the Son of man is the same Jesus whose voice spoke from the cross, whom John honored and loved above all others.Ms 53, 1890, par. 46–47

As part of those chapters the verse stands in messages that must be heeded and obeyed in preparation to meet the Lord coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.ST Feb 4, 1903+2 Those who heed make redemption certain and meet Him with joy at His coming and are not among those who shall wail because of Him, while indifference to the foretold signs proving the end of the world is right upon us is rebuked.ST Feb 4, 1903+2 As the True Witness walking in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks and holding the seven stars in His right hand, He gives those living in the last days a decided testimony about the work of overcoming.Lt 44, 1898, par. 5–7+1 He knows the works of the church, commends excellent qualities cherished in it, rebukes leaving first love, and delivers a solemn message to the remnant church calling it to repent and return to first love and first works, while every church has a guardian angel to minister to that special church.Lt 44, 1898, par. 5–7+1

The majestic, dazzling description of the Son of God in long robe and golden girdle is the appearance Satan will imitate when, unable to sweep in the whole world, he personates Christ's second coming.GC88 623.2–624.1+3 Satan has power to clothe himself with those same royal garments and will appear in his last desperate effort to overcome the faithful by deception as a beautiful, majestic being clothed with majesty, with soft voice and pleasant words and glory unsurpassed by anything mortal eyes had yet beheld, lifting up his hands just as Christ did when on earth and blessing his deluded followers so they believe him to be Christ and shout that Christ has come the second time.Ms 16, 1884, par. 1–2 The resemblance is only outward and convincing but does not make the appearing Christ's true return, for the false christ's teachings contradict Scripture and his claim to change the Sabbath exposes the deception.GC 624.2–625.2+1 The vision connects this Patmos glory with His return on a cloud surrounded by angels with fiery eyes and feet, and with His coming in judgment with a crown of glory on His brow, a robe whiter than snow reaching to His feet, feet like fine brass, and King of kings and Lord of lords written on His clothing, searching all creation through.Ms 161, 1904, par. 17–18+3 That appearance means people must get ready for judgment and be ready for death, praying that sins are pardoned so they stand clear and cleansed from every stain of sin.Ms 2, 1893, par. 21

The verse means mercy, tenderness and love blending with holiness, justice and power, where sinners find a Father in Him of whom their sins had made them afraid, where mercy and truth meet together and righteousness and peace kiss each other.Ms 38, 1905, par. 8 In place of fleeing from God because of sin, sinners flee to His arms for protection and pardon, and the throne terrible in unbelief becomes in repentance a place of refuge, seen with special light for the church more distinctly than ever before concerning what will be at the close of this earth's history.Ms 38, 1905, par. 8 That glory with its preciousness and love is dimly seen and imperfectly experienced when human agents yield to temptation and are weak to practice the Word, and must be seen by faith on earth through prayer to see it, for only those who see the Redeemer's glory by faith on earth will see it in its fullness in heaven above.Lt 63, 1893, par. 65–67 Believers are to cling to Him with firm confidence as the mighty One and Redeemer by creation and by redemption who receives everyone who comes and casts out none, instead of turning to human beings for help or making gods of them, loving God with the whole being and neighbor as self, which two principles sum up the law and the prophets.Ms 5, 1901, par. 5–7+1 His people are to allow Him to impress their minds and work through them to His glory, to show in their lives what the truth has done for them, as He walks among His churches as Advocate before the Father, sends messengers throughout His dominion to communicate His will, and desires to sanctify, elevate and ennoble followers for higher service in the church above.Ms 78, 1900, par. 46+1

That same Jesus visits believers cut off from the world by the ocean and alone when banished for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ and in the Spirit on the Lord's day, so they are not alone but will find Him of all who call upon Him.Lt 91, 1896, par. 2–6 He manifests His love and His Father's love, making a barren lonely place a heaven by light from the Son of God and by the divine presence honoring the home of those who keep close to Jesus as Elder Brother, keeping eyes uplifted to Him and bringing to Him all griefs and troubles large and small, trusting Him as implicitly as a child trusts its parents.Lt 91, 1896, par. 2–6 He remains with His chosen people amid oppression and persecution, revealing Himself even in prisons and at the stake, and this appearance as the risen Christ gives the church living power and assurance as evidence to believers and unbelievers that Christ is risen.ST Mar 22, 1905+2 In the deepest gloom the glory of God and the light of the Sun of Righteousness shine most clearly, for as stars shine brightest in the darkest night the most brilliant beams of God's glory are revealed when dark clouds seem ready to extinguish His people, and then the most instructive lessons are given.ST Mar 22, 1905+1 Presenting this wonderful, dignified, exalted, solemn message with decided emphasis demands all the talents and capabilities given to man, received while worked by the Holy Spirit as Christ came from heaven to tell what to write.Ms 139, 1903, par. 33–34