CERTAIN CONCLUSIONS DRAWN

Certain Conclusions Need to be Drawn Right Here

These are Principles of Interpretation for the Book

Mystery must be explained in order to revelation.
And here the secret of the stars and the candlesticks is made plain.

Plain things are to be taken in the same way and require no explanation. The vision of Christ requires no explanation.

Symbols not explained in the book of Revelation have their explanation elsewhere in the Bible. That is why they are not explained in the book of Revelation. Robe and Girdle (Isa. 22:21-22). "And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah." "And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open."

Unless there is good reason in the book of Revelation or elsewhere in Scripture to regard as symbolical, then the words should be taken literally.

Note: More in this book is literal than people are willing to admit.

The Stars in the Hand of the Son of Man are Angels

The place of the stars in relation to the right hand.

In verse 16 these stars and said to be "in" his right hand. This marks the place of refuge, rest, and regu­lation. "And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength."

But in verse 20 these stars are said to be "upon" (epi) his right hand. This preposition marks direct contact with the hand. This may then indicate that there are those who have oversight of the church who are in direct contact with the Lord of the Church, namely, Christ. This is true even though the church itself may be like that one in Laodicea, where Christ is actually knocking for entrance. "The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest upon my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches."

The Purpose of the Stars in the Relation to the Right Hand

So far as divine operations are concerned, it may indicate that the Lord not only brought the church into existence, but is also building his church and caring for it and now administers affairs through servants who can be depended upon without doubt that they will perform the tasks that are left to them.

Refuge, rest, and regulation is therefore sure.