MPV Commentary
Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.
Currently viewing commentary for Revelation 14
Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.
Currently viewing commentary for Revelation 14
3:1-2 The angel of God appears to John with a message from Jesus Christ, calling on everyone who has an ear to listen and heed the warning. This is a call to attention, emphasizing the importance of what follows.
3:3-5 The angel proclaims that Babylon, the great prostitute, has fallen. This refers to the corrupt system of false worship and idolatry that has dominated the world. The language used here is reminiscent of Revelation 17, where Babylon is described as a harlot who has deceived the nations.
3:6-7 The angel warns John not to follow after the beast or his image, nor receive any mark on his forehead or hand. This warning is directed at those who would seek to worship and serve the beast system, which is opposed to God's kingdom.
3:8-10 The angel explains that the beast from the sea represents the power of evil in the world, while the beast from the earth represents false prophets and teachers who lead people astray. These two beasts are part of a larger system of deception and oppression.
3:11-12 The angel warns John not to harm or destroy the earth, but rather to worship God who made it. This is a call to reverence and awe for the Creator, rather than worshiping the creation itself.
4:1-2 The four angels standing at the four corners of the earth are holding back the winds of destruction until the servants of God are sealed with the seal of God. This refers to the protection and preservation of those who belong to God's kingdom.
4:3-6 The angel explains that 144,000 Israelites have been sealed as servants of God. These individuals will be protected from the coming judgment and will serve God in his kingdom.
5:1-2 John sees a scroll with seven seals, which represents the plan of salvation and redemption. The Lamb who is worthy to open the scroll is Jesus Christ, who has redeemed humanity through his sacrifice.
5:3-4 The angel explains that no one can open the scroll except the Lion of Judah, who has been slain but is now alive. This refers to Jesus' death on the cross and his resurrection as the victorious Lamb.
5:5-6 John weeps because he sees no one worthy to open the scroll. However, an angel tells him not to weep, for the Lion of Judah has conquered and will soon appear.
5:7-10 The Lamb takes the scroll from God's hand and opens it, revealing the plan of salvation and redemption. This is a moment of great triumph and victory for Jesus Christ.
6:1-2 John sees seven seals on the scroll, which represent the judgments that will come upon the world. These judgments are part of God's plan to bring about justice and righteousness in the world.
6:3-4 The first seal is opened, revealing a white horse with its rider, who represents conquest and victory. This refers to Jesus Christ as the conqueror of sin and death.
6:5-6 The second seal is opened, revealing a red horse with its rider, who represents war and bloodshed. This refers to the conflicts and wars that will come upon the world as a result of humanity's rebellion against God.
6:7-8 The third seal is opened, revealing a black horse with its rider, who represents famine and economic hardship. This refers to the consequences of humanity's sin and rebellion against God.
6:9-10 The fourth seal is opened, revealing a pale horse with its rider, who represents death and Hades. This refers to the ultimate consequence of humanity's sin and rebellion against God.
7:1-3 John sees four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the winds of destruction until the servants of God are sealed. This is a call to reverence and awe for the Creator, rather than worshiping the creation itself.
7:4-8 The angel explains that 144,000 Israelites have been sealed as servants of God. These individuals will be protected from the coming judgment and will serve God in his kingdom.
8:1-5 John sees a great multitude from every nation, tribe, language, and people standing before the throne of God. This refers to the redeemed who have come out of the Great Tribulation and are now worshiping God in heaven.
9:1-2 The fifth seal is opened, revealing the souls of those who were martyred for their faith in Jesus Christ. They cry out for justice and vindication, but are told to wait a little while longer.
9:3-4 The angel explains that the time of their martyrdom was necessary for the sake of the elect, so that they might be purified and made holy.
10:1-2 John sees an angel standing on the sea and on the land, holding a small scroll. This refers to the angel who is commissioned by God to proclaim his message to the world.
10:3-4 The angel proclaims that there will be no more delay or postponement of judgment. The time of reckoning has come, and all humanity will be held accountable for their actions.
11:1-2 John sees a measuring rod being given to him by God, which represents the standard of justice and righteousness. This is used to measure the temple in heaven, which represents the holy and righteous people of God.
12:1-6 The woman who gives birth to the male child represents Israel, who will give birth to Jesus Christ as her Messiah. The dragon represents Satan, who seeks to destroy the child but is thwarted by God's plan.
13:1-2 John sees a beast rising out of the sea, representing the power of evil in the world. This beast has seven heads and ten horns, symbolizing its global reach and influence.
13:3-4 The beast is described as having two horns like a lamb but speaking like a dragon. This represents the false prophet who leads people astray with his lies and deceptions.
14:1-5 John sees the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, representing Jesus Christ as the victorious King of kings. He has a golden crown on his head, symbolizing his authority and power.
14:6-7 The angel proclaims that God has given him the message to proclaim to all humanity, calling them to repentance and warning them of the coming judgment.
14:8-11 John sees an eagle flying in mid-air, representing the swift and powerful spread of God's message. This is a call to attention, emphasizing the importance of what follows.
14:12-13 The angel proclaims that those who worship the beast or its image will be tormented with fire and brimstone. This refers to the consequences of rejecting Jesus Christ and following the false prophet.
15:1-4 John sees seven angels standing before God, each one holding a bowl filled with the wrath of God. These bowls represent the final judgments that will come upon the world as a result of humanity's rebellion against God.
16:1-2 The first angel pours out his bowl on the earth, causing painful sores to break out on all who worshiped the beast or its image. This represents the physical and spiritual consequences of rejecting Jesus Christ.
17:1-3 John sees an angel standing in the sun, proclaiming that God has given him authority over the nations. This refers to the ultimate authority and power of God over all creation.
18:1-2 The seventh bowl is poured out on the air, causing a loud voice to shout from the temple, "It is done!" This represents the finality and completion of God's judgment upon the world.
19:1-3 John sees an angel standing in the sun, proclaiming that Babylon has fallen. This refers to the corrupt system of false worship and idolatry that has dominated the world.
20:1-6 The beast from the sea is thrown into the lake of fire, representing the ultimate judgment and punishment for those who have rejected Jesus Christ.
21:1-4 John sees a new heaven and a new earth, representing the ultimate restoration and renewal of creation. This is a call to hope and expectation, emphasizing the promise of God's redemption and salvation.
22:1-5 The angel proclaims that there will be no more curse or sorrow in the new heaven and new earth. This represents the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over sin and death.
22:6-7 John sees the river of life flowing from the throne of God, representing the source of eternal life and salvation. This is a call to reverence and awe for the Creator, rather than worshiping the creation itself.
22:8-9 The angel proclaims that there will be no more night or darkness in the new heaven and new earth. This represents the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over sin and death.
22:10-12 John sees the throne of God and the Lamb, representing the ultimate authority and power of God over all creation. This is a call to worship and reverence for the Creator, rather than worshiping the creation itself.
22:13-15 The angel proclaims that Jesus Christ has come as the King of kings and Lord of lords. This represents the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over sin and death.
22:16-17 John sees the Spirit and the bride saying "Come!" to all who are thirsty, representing the invitation to eternal life and salvation through Jesus Christ.
22:18-19 The angel proclaims that anyone who adds or subtracts from the words of this book will be cursed. This represents the importance of preserving the integrity and accuracy of God's word.
22:20-21 John sees Jesus Christ saying that he is coming soon, representing the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over sin and death.
22:22-24 The angel proclaims that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. This represents the ultimate authority and power of God over all creation.
22:25-27 John sees the faithful saying "Come!" to all who are thirsty, representing the invitation to eternal