John sees two signs in heaven (Revelation 12), a woman and a dragon. Sharply different as they are, John’s language brings out their similarities.1) Both are called semeion, vv. 1, 3.2) John uses the passive ophthe to introduce both, vv. 1, 3.3) Both are signs in heaven (en to ourano, vv. 1, . . . . Continue Reading »
Jesus has the key of David to open and shut (Revelation 3:8). He puts an “open door” before the angel of Philadelphia. Which way is the angel to go: In or out? The passage is typically understood with reference to mission. The angel is pictured on the inside of some enclosed . . . . Continue Reading »
Jesus has the key of David (Revelation 3:7), which allows him to open and shut. The statement is chiastic:A. who opensB. and no one shutsB’. and shutsA’. and no one opens.The sentence’s structure mimics the sentence’s content: It speaks of “opening” at the . . . . Continue Reading »
Jezebel and her children are ostensibly the ones who are obsessed with the “deep things (bathea) of Satan” (Revelation 3:24). That fits into the letter to Thyatira in various ways.For starters, Jehu accused Jezebel of being involved in sorcery (2 Kings 9:22), and the church’s . . . . Continue Reading »
Jesus threatens to throw the self-appointed prophetess Jezebel onto a bed (Revelation 3:22). The threat carries multiple resonances.The original Jezebel died by being thrown from a window to the ground in front of conquering Jehu. Jesus is the new Jehu throwing Jezebel to her . . . . Continue Reading »
Every morning Venus lights up in the sky before the sun rises - a speck of light before the sun.Jesus is the morning star (Revelation 22:16), who shines before the light of the Father is revealed. Jesus is the morning star that announces a day where there will be no night, a day with no Sun except . . . . Continue Reading »
Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10). That means He cares for His flock, leading them to pasture and water (Psalm 23; 1 Peter 5:2; Revelation 7:17). The Good Shepherd is a gentle, nurturing shepherd.Also a shattering shepherd. Jesus shepherds (poimaino) with an iron rod, suitable for smashing and . . . . Continue Reading »
Jesus searches the entrails and hearts of His people (Revelation 2:23), but then judges everyone “according to your deeds” (erga).Why does He need the internal inspection when he’s going to judge by behavior in the last instance?That question highlights what might be called one . . . . Continue Reading »
Revelation 3:1-2 is organized in a new chiasm:A. Thus saith He who has seven Spirits, even the seven starsB. I know your deeds (erga)C. You have a name that you are alive, but you are deadD. Wake up and strength the remainderC’. Which is about to dieB.’ for I have not found your deeds . . . . Continue Reading »
Jesus’ message to Sardis uses the word “name” (onoma) four times, first in the sense of “reputation” (Revelation 3:1), then as a stand-in for person (v. 2), and finally twice in Jesus’ promise to those who keep up with their laundry (v. 5).We have the odd . . . . Continue Reading »
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