Revelation 1:19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

John himself, the beloved disciple and bosom friend of the Lord Jesus, saw Him clothed in dread majesty and fell in fear at His feet. So unbearable it is for mortal nature to recognize the immortal God in glory.

The same happened to many ancient prophets when God appeared to them.

To strengthen the weak mortal for the work before him, this mighty Man laid His hand upon him and told him not to fear, for He knew him.

As One who lived and died, He is man. As One who lives unto the ages of ages, He is God: Jesus Christ, the God-man, who by His death trampled down death and therefore holds the keys of Hades and death.

In conclusion, it must be added that the majestic image of the "Son of Man" appeared to John in the midst of the seven lampstands (Rev 1:13), with this explanation: "the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches" (Rev 1:20).

To them the inspired seer of mysteries was immediately commanded to write corresponding epistles, with praises and instructions, but also with rebukes and threats.

By the image of lampstands, recalling the ancient lampstand of God's tabernacle, it is made clear that each local church is a division or branch of the universal Church.

It spreads around itself the light of the knowledge and worship of God amid the impiety and sinful darkness of this world.

Then the Lord gives him the command to write down what he has just seen, that is, the appearance of Christ.

He is also to write what Christ will then say concerning the state of the Church in John’s own time. Finally, he is to write what will be shown to him concerning the future destiny of the Church.

But before writing the epistles to the seven churches, John must learn that the seven lampstands he has just seen signify the seven churches.

The seven stars signify the seven pastors or presidents of the churches. They are compared with stars, of course, because in antiquity stars served as guides for travelers in general, and for sailors especially.

The churches are called lampstands because they bear within themselves the light of Christ and scatter it in the world covered with darkness.