Spurgeon's notes on REVELATION
"Behold, He cometh with clouds."
Andrew Fuller has said concerning this mysterious book: "It is that to the New Testament church which the pillar of the cloud was to the church in the wilderness, guiding it through the labyrinth of anti-Christian errors and corruptions. It must not be neglected under a notion of its being hard to be understood. As well might the mariner, amidst the rocks, neglect his friendly chart, under an idea of its being difficult to understand it."
Revelation 1:1-3
"To induce us to give the most serious attention to the subject, a blessing is pronounced on those who 'read, and hear, and keep,' the words of this prophecy, especially as the time of its fulfilment was at hand. There does not appear to be any other part of Scripture that is prefaced with such an inducement to read, and understand, and practically regard it."
Revelation 1:4-9
He makes no mention of his being banished there by the persecutor: true virtue never boasts, or even invites others to admire it.
Revelation 1:14-16
to denote that he is the Ancient of days
Revelation 1:17-20
He was overwhelmed by the glory of his Lord's appearance. We are as yet incapable of beholding the full blaze of the Redeemer's glory: this corruptible must put on incorruption before we shall be able to endure the sight.
Revelation 2:1-3
angel messenger or minister
Patient in labor, but impatient of error, the Ephesian church occupied a high position. Would to God that all believers were in as good a condition as the Ephesians were.
Revelation 2:4
Not "lost" it, as some say, as if it were a misfortune and scarcely a fault; but left it, or departed from it. We ought to love Jesus better as we grow older and as we know more of him: to decline in love to him is to do him great dishonor.
Revelation 2:5-6
Probably these were men who preached up licentious freedom under the pretence of spirituality, like certain vicious sects in America. Uncleanness is very hateful to the Lord.
Revelation 2:7
The imagery of this first blessing is taken from Paradise; there was nothing in Eden which grace cannot restore to us.
Revelation 2:8, 9
This church was sorely persecuted, but remained faithful. It has been called "sweet-smelling Smyrna, the poorest and the purest of the seven."
Revelation 2:11
They may die once, but not twice; they shall inherit life eternal.
Revelation 2:12, 13
This church was faithful to the name of Jesus, yet there were evils within it.
Revelation 2:14-16
Jesus will not tolerate filthiness in a church. He will sooner go to war with it than endure it.
Revelation 2:17
Dr. Cumming says, "This is equivalent to triumphant acquittal. This will appear from Acts 26, where Paul says, 'I gave my voice against them;' it is literally, 'I gave my stone against them;' that is, I put in the urn a black stone, denoting my vote for their condemnation. Our blessed Lord says, I will put in your urn a white stone; that is, I will pronounce you absolved at the judgment seat, justified and accepted in me."
Revelation 2:18, 19
This church grew better and better, and did more and more for her Lord. Progress should be the constant characteristic of a church of God.
Revelation 2:23
Probably a party in the church led by a woman had taught that the sins of the flesh might be indulged in without evil. The Lord is most jealous of the purity of his church, and those who enter her midst and teach lasciviousness must expect condign punishment. No church ought to endure such, but should cast them out at once.
Revelation 2:26-28
The grandest conqueror is the man who overcomes sin. He shall not only vanquish the world, but shall win the glory of heavens eternal day. On him Jesus, the morning star, has shone, and the dawning must be near.
Revelation 2:29
Ears are meant to hear with, but some have lost all power to hear the voice of the Spirit. If grace has opened our ear, let us attend to every word which the Spirit utters.
Revelation 3:1-6
Revelation 3:1
The bulk of the members were formalists and hypocrites, yet the church kept up its reputation, and it does not appear that any serious heresy had to be contended with. How beautiful may a fruit appear upon the outside and yet be rotten within.
Revelation 3:4
The Lord does not punish the righteous with the wicked; he discerns the pure in heart, and separates them from the unholy. Are we among those whose garments are unspotted?
Revelation 3:5
This is a choice reward. We are to be clothed like our Lord and to be owned by him. Who will not fight on till he conquers when such a prize is set before him?
Revelation 3:6
We are not to hear what the churches say to us, but what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Be not satisfied with echoes, hear the grand original.
Revelation 3:7, 8
Sometimes the weakest may be the best. We shall not be called to account for the strength which we do not possess, but the Lord will commend us if we are faithful in that which is least.
Revelation 3:9
Those whom God loves, their bitterest foes shall be compelled to honour.
Revelation 3:10, 11
You have the crown of being found faithful, never lose it.
Revelation 3:12
The faithful will hold forth to wondering ages the records of divine love, even as pillars bear inscriptions. Happy souls to be thus devoted for ever to their Lord's glory.
Revelation 3:14-16
Lukewarmness is nauseous to the Lord. The bad may be reclaimed, but those who are neither one thing nor the other are in a hopeless condition, for they are too full of conceit to be led to repentance.
Revelation 3:17-19
When counsel is not sufficient, the Lord uses sharper means with his chosen, for he will not let them slumber on in indifference.
Revelation 3:20
Jesus seeks fellowship with the church as the best means of restoring her. Communion with Jesus makes the heart burn with love, and effectually chases away the lukewarm spirit.
Revelation 3:21, 22
If we are growing chill, let us listen to this solemn rebuke. It will be terrible for us if we ever come to be loathed by our Lord on account of lukewarmness. This sin is common all around us, and we are very liable to it; let us pray for more grace, and, above all, let us open wide our hearts for Jesus to come in. One spiritual feast with him will be of more service to us than all the groaning and moaning in the world. Come, Lord Jesus, and sup with us even now!
Revelation 4:2, 3
jasper of a rich and brilliant color
Revelation 4:2, 3
and a sardine stone of blood red hue
Revelation 4:2, 3
Lest the brightness indicated by the jasper, and the fiery justice symbolised by the sardine stone, should repel the gaze of faith, the throne is surrounded by the covenant rainbow, in which the predominating colour is the gentle green, the ensign of mercy.
Revelation 4:4
These represent the church glorified in heaven. Royal ones, for they are crowned; priestly ones, and therefore clothed in white. "He hath made us unto our God kings and priests."
Revelation 4:6
Probably representing some noble order of creatures which are very near to God, and serve him with great watchfulness and ardor. Perhaps above all angels, cherubim and seraphim, these four orders of beings rise into greater nearness to God.
Revelation 4:7-11
Adoration is the employment of heaven, and none can be desired more honorable or delightful. How happy shall we be when we too shall stand and bow before the throne in concert with that mighty host.
Revelation 5:1
The roll was full and written on both sides. The divine purposes are here intended.
Revelation 5:6
He possesses fulness of power, fulness of wisdom, and fulness of the Holy Spirit.
Revelation 5:7
No man knows the Father save the Son; the Son alone can reveal the decrees of Jehovah.
Revelation 5:8-10
The Lamb is, therefore, God, or he would not thus be adored. Jesus, our Saviour, is assuredly "God over all, blessed for ever. Amen."
Revelation 5:11-14
Do all things thus worship Jesus? then let us adore him. Oh for warm hearts with which to extol his precious name. All hail, Lord Jesus! our very souls worship thee with lowliest and most loving reverence.
Revelation 7:1-3
The most volatile powers of nature are under God's control, and though they are also the most powerful and destructive, yet his angelic messengers have them as thoroughly under control as though they were horses restrained by bit and bridle. God has many servants, and therefore no quarter of the universe shall suffer because there are no agents to protect it. Go where we may, the sacred body-guard shall attend us.
No leaf shall stir, nor ripple rise, until the redeemed are sealed and saved. The agencies of destruction shall lie down like lions in their dens till the elect are secure, and then they will leap forth to destroy the ungodly.
Revelation 7:2, 3
Not a ripple ruffled the waters, not a leaf stirred on the trees, till leave was given to the winds to blow. Evils are impotent till the Lord lets them loose. No child of God need fear the terrible years to come, for until all the Lord's Noahs are safely housed, no destruction can come.
Revelation 7:4
A large number to indicate a great multitude, a certain and complete number to represent a company known to God, and fixed by his decree.
The Lord knows his own, their number is not left to chance. Jesus will see of the travail of his soul. The number mentioned represents the Jewish church, and is used to express greatness, definiteness, and completeness.
Revelation 7:6
He dipped his foot in oil, having a rich anointing here, and glory hereafter.
He gave goodly words, and now enjoys a goodly heritage.
He received a double portion on earth, and yet has his lot in heaven.
Revelation 7:7
Cursed by their father for their sin, yet the tribe yielded an elect remnant.
Now in very deed made priests unto God.
Too fond of ease, yet redeemed.
Revelation 7:8
The sea-dwelling people. Thank God for converted sailors.
Archers shot at him, but his full number is saved.
Last and least in Israel, yet not forgotten by electing love.
These make up the Jewish believers, and the elect among the Gentiles are mentioned next.
The royal tribe takes its part, else were its royalty wretched preferment.
Unstable, but yet preserved. It is not our faithfulness to God, but his faithfulness to us which saves us.
Overcome by troops of trials, they overcome at the last.
Last, but not least, for the smallest tribe is as favored as royal Judah, or fruitful Manasseh.
Revelation 7:9, 10
The Lord has a chosen people among Gentiles as well as Jews, and these waving the palm of victory and wearing the robe of purity shall chant the song of sovereign grace.
Revelation 7:10
In this heavenly song we join with heart and voice. All glory be to Jesus, our Lord. Happy were John's ears to hear the eternal harmonies; we listen not to them as yet, but even now we send up our joy notes to swell their volume.
Revelation 7:11, 12
They use seven words of honour, for they render perfect praise both to the Lord God and to the Lamb. There are in heaven no deniers of the Deity of the Lord Jesus.
Revelation 7:14-17
What poetry is here, and yet all is true! It makes one weep for joy to read the passage; but what bliss it must actually be to enjoy such blessings! Shall we all be among that favored throng? Are we quite sure?
Revelation 14:6, 7
The gospel shall yet be preached in every part of the world. The day will come when the Holy Spirit will arouse the missionary spirit, and many shall go forth to preach the word. Would to God that the time were already come. Cannot we each do something to hasten it?
Revelation 14:8
The Babylon of Popery will soon fall when the gospel is everywhere proclaimed. She has a presentiment of this, and therefore endeavors to keep her victims from knowing the way of salvation.
Revelation 14:9-11
It will be a dreadful thing to be in any way identified with Popery. The warning here given is most terrible. Let us flee from every form of Popery, as Lot fled out of Sodom.
Revelation 14:12
Myriads were martyred by the Church of Rome, but their blood shall be avenged.
Revelation 14:13
Their persecutors cursed them, but the Lord writes them down as blessed, and their works shall live on to bless future ages. "To die for the Lord, as well as in the Lord, is," says Latimer, "the greatest promotion in the world."
Revelation 14:16
Jesus will trust no angel to gather in his wheat, he brings his people into his garner in person.
Revelation 14:17, 18
Here is the judgment of the ungodly. The gathering of them is left to an angel, who cuts them off roughly when they are ripe for vengeance.
Revelation 14:19, 20
By this terrible image the total crushing of the wicked is set forth, with special reference to the persecuting church of Rome. Foxe tells us that the Papists boasted that they would ride up to their saddle-girths in the blood of the Lutherans. How terribly will the Lord punish cruelty!
Revelation 17:3-18
Among other visions, John was favored to see the destruction of the evil system of Antichrist, which was foreshadowed before him under the image of a base and guilty woman. This mother of harlots we believe to be the Church of Rome. Certainly there is nothing upon earth so like to the description, and it is difficult to conceive that any future system could more fully answer to the prophecy.
Revelation 17:3
So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness:
Rome stands literally as well as spiritually in a wilderness.
Revelation 17:3
Names of blasphemy are abundant in that church whose head dares to call himself Infallible.
Revelation 17:4
Dr. Wordsworth remarks that in the description of the Pope's official dress mention is made of scarlet robes, a vest covered with pearls, and a mitre adorned with gold and precious stones.
Revelation 17:5
These words are like a photograph of the Papacy, no portrait could be more accurate.
Revelation 17:8
This beast is thought to be the old imperial power of Rome upon which the spiritual power rode as on a richly caparisoned steed.
God's own chosen cannot be deluded by her, but myriads of others are.
Every schoolboy knows that Rome is built upon seven hills.
Revelation 17:11
Of this many interpretations have been given, but none seems to us to be clear.
Revelation 17:12, 13
Probably these are the kingdoms which arose at the breaking up of the old Roman empire, and all became vassals of the Papal power.
Revelation 17:14-17
The Papacy will perish by the hands of the kings who once supported it. Already its temporal power is shorn away, and in almost every nation the rulers are resolved to curb its insolence.
Revelation 17:18
This must be Rome, for no other city has exercised such imperial authority, and made the kings of the earth her vassals. May the fall of Romanism be speedy and overwhelming.
Revelation 18:4
Renounce the symbols of Rome, abhor her doctrines, and avoid her spirit. Come out, completely out.
Revelation 18:5, 8
Suddenness is a usual attendant of severity. Rome will be spared till her huge measure of sin is full, but not a moment longer. That period cannot be far distant, for it is barely within the power of imagination to conceive a more wicked system than popery, and especially popery intensified by the Jesuits. If a criminal so grossly guilty as the Church of Rome be not signally punished, where is the justice of God? Her end will astound all mankind.
Revelation 18:9, 10
The destruction of such an imperial system will astonish kings, but they will be both unable and unwilling to interfere.
Revelation 18:11-13
Go into any of the rich Popish churches and see whether this is not an exact catalogue of what is to be seen there. It reads like an appraiser's list. When all these things cease to be used in Popish worship it will make a great difference to trade, and hence this bitter lamentation of the merchants.
Revelation 18:15-18
In the middle ages foreign trade was greatly quickened by the luxury of the Popish Church, hence the wailing of mariners at her fall.
Revelation 18:20
Merchants and shipmasters mourn, but saints and angels sing. O Lord, how long shall it be ere this desired end shall come?
Revelation 18:24
This is her monster sin. The Romish Church is essentially persecuting. In every land she has been eager for the blood of the faithful people of God, and it is her boast that she never changes. Her doom is sealed, and glory be to God for it. The sooner such a system, with all its belongings, is swept from off the face of the earth, the better.
Revelation 19:4
The utter overthrow of Popery will fill even heaven itself with superior gladness and bring new glory to God. Let us daily pray for it.
Revelation 19:5-7
When the false church is put away, the true church is revealed, and her time of glory comes.
Revelation 19:11
After the revealing of the church comes the universal triumph of her king and his hosts.
Revelation 19:12-18
The birds of prey were summoned to devour the slain, for those who fight against Jesus will assuredly perish.
Revelation 19:21
However numerous or powerful the foes of Jesus, they must fall. Therefore let us be of good courage, and press forward in his name.
Does not this foretell that there shall come an age in which the agency of Satan in the world shall be suspended by divine power? This will go far to make that period of a thousand years, which is commonly called the millennium, a time of peace and holiness. Glory be to God, the Prince of Darkness is under the power of the Prince of Light. He shall not always triumph.
Revelation 20:5, 6
Surely this is a literal resurrection, and it is clear that the blessed dead will rise before the wicked. Let us strive to attain unto this resurrection.
Revelation 20:7-10
Satan will come out of his prison unchanged; hell is not a reformatory; but his determined pride will not avail him, he must feel the terror of divine wrath. Vain will be the last furious struggle of the hosts of evil.
Revelation 20:13
Good works will be cited as evidences of grace, and evil works as tokens of unbelief. This makes our daily conduct a solemn thing. How shall we bear to be thus weighed in the balances?
Revelation 21:2
After the general judgment comes the full glory of the church, which is here represented as a heavenly city, or a bride in her marriage dress.
Revelation 21:8
fearful or cowardly
Revelation 21:9-11
The city shone in dazzling light a vision of brightness, such as never before was seen of mortal eye.
Revelation 21:12, 14-16
The vision was inconceivably grand, the city seemed to stand on such an eminence, and its buildings reared their stately heads so high aloft, that it was as high as it was broad; and yet its breadth was three hundred and seventy-five miles. This gives us a glimpse of inconceivable vastness and sublimity. The number of the redeemed must be immense to need such a dwelling-place.
Revelation 21:21
The unutterable splendour and grandeur of the church triumphant blazes before us in these dazzling metaphors.
Revelation 21:22, 23, 25-27
How repeatedly in this chapter is falsehood branded as a dreadful sin! This should warn us to be truthful in all things, lest we be shut out of heaven.
Revelation 22:1
In the new Eden as in the old there is a river, but it does not take its rise from the springs of earth, its source is the throne of God.
Revelation 22:2
Eden of old had but one such tree, but it is common in the new Jerusalem, and prevents the possibility of disease and death ever invading that happy city. Fallen man. might not eat of its immortal fruit, but man restored shall feast upon it freely.
Revelation 22:7
How few are watching! How many trifle as if these things were mere dreams, or matters so remote as to deserve no consideration.
Revelation 22:8-11
There is no hope of change of character in another state. Where death leaves us judgment finds us and eternity holds us.
that they may have right or privilege to approach
Revelation 22:16-19
Omissions and additions are equally forbidden. Those who have committed this crime of tampering with the Bible, have generally professed to be Christians, hence their penalty is that their names shall be blotted out of that sacred register in which they believed them to be enrolled.
Revelation 22:21
As we close the year let us pray that our family reading may prove a blessing to us all. God grant that we may not read without profit, but may each one find Jesus in the Scriptures, as the merchant found the one pearl of great price hidden in the field.