Revelation 1:15-16

Revelation 1:15-16

His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters (Revelation 1:15).

His feet like fine brass – clear reference to judgment on sinners in the church.  Kings in ancient times sat on elevated thrones, so those being judged would always be beneath the king’s feet, so the feet of a king came to symbolize his authority. Christ is seen here moving through His church to exercise His chastening authority. (Hebrews 12:5-10).

His voice as the sound of many waters – this is the voice of Sovereign Power, Supreme Authority, and the voice that will one day command the dead to come forth from the graves (John 5:28-29). When Christ speaks the church must listen! (Matthew 17:5; Hebrews 1:1-2).

He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength (Revelation 1:16).

In His right hand seven stars – These are identified in verse 20 as the angels (Angeloi, Gk.), better rendered “messengers” as in Luke 7:24; 9:52; James 2:25. Most likely, they were the leading elders or pastors, one from each of the 7 churches. They are to be instruments through which Christ, the head of the church, mediates His rule (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9).

A sharp two-edged sword – speaks of judgment against enemies from within the church (Revelation 2:12, 16; Acts 20:30). His Word is potent and will be used against the enemies of His people.

His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength – The radiant glory of God through the Lord Jesus Christ shines in and through His church, reflecting His glory to the world (2 Corinthians 4:6), and He is glorified (Ephesians 3:21).