Volume 1 of 2 on
REVELATION 
  

WHAT MAKES THIS COMMENTARY ON REVELATION UNIQUE?

It offers:

·         An easily accessible theological narrative

·         Application of historical trends to current events

·         A linguistic, exegetical display of each verse

·         Pertinent discussions on rewards, angels, and demons

·         Encouragement that Jesus Christ controls the universe

Students can mine the shaded grammar/syntax sections or skip over them and enjoy the unfolding drama of characters and events.

Rev. 1:1 The revelation [unveiling] of Jesus Christ [pertaining to His battlefield royalty], which God [the Father] gave to Him, for the purpose of making known to His bondslaves [primarily Jews], things which must [by divine fiat] take place with rapidity. Furthermore, He [Jesus Christ] communicated this message by sending it through His angel [Gabriel] to His bondslave, John,

Rev. 1:2 Who [John] made a written declaration [testimony], with reference to the Word [doctrine] from God [the Father] and the verbal confirmation from Jesus Christ, on everything he saw as an eye witness.

Rev. 1:3 Happy is he [pastor or teacher] who repeatedly teaches and they [congregation] who repeatedly listen to the doctrines of this prophesy and who make it a practice to guard the things [teachings] which have been written in it [the book of Revelation], for the appointed time [for both the application of its teachings and the fulfillment of its prophetic events] is near.

Rev. 1:4 John, to the seven assemblies in Asia: Grace to you and prosperity from Him, Who is [Jesus Christ in hypostatic union at the right hand of the Father] and Who was [Jesus Christ existed in eternity past] and Who is to come [at the 2nd advent] and from the seven spirits [from Isaiah 11:2] who are before His [the Father's] throne,

Rev. 1:5 Even from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn [primogeniture] from the dead [resurrection] and the ruler over kings of the earth. To Him [Jesus Christ] who loves us [His bride] and set us free from our sins by means of His blood [representative analogy for His spiritual death on the cross],

Rev. 1:6 And Who provided to us a royal power [indwelling and filling of the Spirit] for the purpose of [motivating] our priestly function toward God, even His Father, to Him [Jesus Christ] belongs the glory and the sovereign power unto the Ages of the Ages [eternity future]. Acknowledge it.

Rev. 1:7 Suddenly [without warning], He will return [2nd Advent] with the clouds [armies of believers], and every eye [those on planet earth] will see Him [Jesus Christ], including those [unbelieving Israel] who pierced [crucified] Him, and all the tribes of the land [regathered Israel] shall wail with grief concerning Him. Indeed, acknowledge it.

Rev. 1:8 I am the Alpha [pre-incarnate Christ] and the Omega [Christ in hypostatic union], proclaims the Lord God [Jesus Christ controls history], Who is [the omega glory of His hypostatic union], Who was [the alpha glory of His deity], and Who will return [at the 2nd advent], the Omnipotent One.

Rev. 1:9 I, John, your fellow believer and partner in pressure [trials & tribulations] and royal power [filling of the Spirit] and persistence [faith rest] in Jesus, came to be on the island called Patmos [banished there by Domitian] because of the Word of God and the testimony about Jesus.

Rev. 1:10 I became in the Spirit on the Lord's Day [of judging and ruling], and I heard a loud voice [which interrupted his private worship service] like a trumpet from behind me [announcing the debut of historical trends],

Rev. 1:11 Which said: Write on a scroll what you see and send it [the Revelation manuscript] to seven churches [of Ionia]: to Ephesus [centre of heathen idolatry] and to Smyrna [wealthy commerce centre] and to Pergamos [centre of learning, refinement, science] and to Thyatira [famous dyers guild] and to Sardis [home of wealth and politics] and to Philadelphia [many churches] and to Laodicea [mining town].

Rev. 1:12 And I turned around to see the voice that was speaking with me, and when I had turned around, I saw seven golden lampstands [representing the seven churches].

Rev. 1:13 And in the middle of the lampstands: the likeness of the Son of Man [the humanity of Christ in hypostatic union], clothed with a long robe and a golden sash wrapped about His chest [representing authority, royalty, and aristocracy].

Rev. 1:14 Moreover, His head and hair were white like snow [wisdom of age], white like wool [purity of holiness], and His eyes were like a flame of fire [reference to personal judgment].

Rev. 1:15 And His feet were like bronze [judgment] when it is refined in a furnace [His earthly trials], and His voice was like the sound of many waters [a waterfall representing the majesty of His absolute, divine sovereignty].

Rev. 1:16 And He had in His right hand [a sign of honor and delegated authority] seven stars [pastors of the seven churches], and a sharp, two-edged broadsword [the Word of God bringing judgment] came out of His mouth, and like the sun [glory], His outward appearance [resurrection body] shines in the sphere of His power.

Rev. 1:17 And when I saw Him [the resurrected Christ], I fell at His feet as though dead [fainted]. Then He placed His right hand upon me, saying: Stop being afraid. I am the first [eternal sonship] and the last [hypostatic union],

Rev. 1:18 And the living One [reference to the 1st advent]. Moreover, I became dead [both spiritually and physically on the cross], but look, I am alive [resurrected] unto the Ages of the Ages [eternity future]. Furthermore, I have the keys to death and Hades [temporary home of the unbelieving dead].

Rev. 1:19 Start writing, therefore, what you have seen [past], both what is [present historical trends during the Church Age] and what is destined to occur [the future tribulation, 2nd advent, millennial reign] after these things [historical trends]:

Rev. 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars which you have seen on My right and the seven golden lampstands. The seven stars [which give light] are the doctrinal messengers [pastors] to the seven churches and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

Rev. 2:1 Start writing to the doctrinal messenger of the church in Ephesus. He [Jesus Christ] Who has empowered the seven stars [doctrinal messengers] on His right hand, the One who continues to walk in the middle of the seven golden lampstands [the seven churches in Ionia], communicates these things.

Rev. 2:2 I know with absolute certainty your accomplishments [Christian production], both your strenuous effort [hard work] and perseverance [patient endurance]. Furthermore, you are not able to tolerate evil [Satan's counterfeit system], and you have tested those who call themselves apostles, but are not; indeed, you discovered them to be false [lying].

Rev. 2:3 Furthermore, you continue to have perseverance [consistent application of faith rest], and you have endured [passed spiritual momentum tests] because of My Name, and have not tired under pressure [did not grow weary of the spiritual battle and succumb to satanic wiles].

Rev. 2:4 However, I hold this against you, that you are beginning to abandon [early stage of doctrinal rejection] your most important [#1 priority] love [occupation with Christ through the Word of God].

Rev. 2:5 Therefore, keep on remembering from what state [of spiritual momentum] you are falling [through involvement with sin], and change your mind [confess sin and return to doctrine] and resume executing the most important production [functional virtue]. Otherwise, I will come to you [with discipline] and I will remove your lampstand [local church] from its place [loss of honored status], if you do not begin changing your mind.

Rev. 2:6 However, you do have this [in your favor], that you despise the deeds of the [licentious] Nicolaitanes, which I [Jesus Christ] also despise.

Rev. 2:7 He who has an ear [teachability], let him start listening to what kind of things [doctrines] the Spirit is communicating to the churches. To the one who is a winner [overcomer, mature believer], I will authorize him to eat [as a reward for being faithful to the Word] from the tree of life [total happiness], which is located in the Paradise of God.

Rev. 2:8 Now, write to the doctrinal messenger [pastor-teacher] of the church in Smyrna. The First [pre-incarnate Christ] and the Last [Christ in hypostatic union], Who became a dead person [physically and spiritually] and came back to life [resurrection], communicates these things:

Rev. 2:9 I know about your pressures [momentum tests] and poverty [destitution] - yet you continue to be spiritually prosperous - as well as the slander from those who claim themselves to be [true] Jews, but are not, but are instead a congregation [synagogue] of Satan.

Rev. 2:10 Stop being afraid [inability to think under pressure] of what you are destined to suffer [undeservedly]. Note that the devil [by means of his servants in SPQR] is destined to cast some of you [troublesome, mature believers] into prison, so that you might be tested to see what you are made of [accelerated spiritual growth is possible]. Moreover, you will have difficult circumstances [persecution because of their successful evangelical movement] ten times [dispensed by Rome]. Keep on being faithful until death [martyrdom], then I will give you [at the Judgment Seat of Christ] the victor's crown of life [reward for passing momentum tests to the point of death].

Rev. 2:11 He who has an ear [the ability to perceive doctrinal truth], let him start listening to what sort of thing [doctrine] the Spirit is communicating to the assemblies. He who is a winner [overcomer] shall never be found guilty [spiritually short-changed] at the second death [eternal destiny with rewards].

Rev. 2:12 Now write to the doctrinal messenger [pastor-teacher] of the assembly in Pergamos: He [Jesus Christ] Who holds the sharp, two-edged broadsword [symbol for divine discipline by military conquest] communicates these things.

Rev. 2:13 I have always known [omniscience] exactly where you live [in the society of Pergamos], where the throne [seat] of Satan [center of idolatry & demonism] is located; nevertheless, you continue to hold fast to My Name [right under Satan's nose], that is, you have not refused My doctrine even during the time of Antipas [former pastor of Pergamos], My witness, My faithful one, who was murdered [as a martyr for refusing to denounce Christ] in your presence [in Pergamos] where Satan resides [has his regional HQ in this city].

Rev. 2:14 However, I have a few things against you, because you have in that place [Pergamos] believers who are embracing the teachings of Balaam [phallic cult religion], who kept on advising Balak [King of Moab] to set a trap [enticement] against the citizens of Israel [in order to destroy their spiritual momentum], to eat things offered to idols and to engage in sexual immorality.

Rev. 2:15 In the same manner, you also have believers who adhere to the teaching of the Nicolaitanes [a cult of licentious Gnosticism] as well.

Rev. 2:16 Therefore, change your mind [confess your sins and stop following false teachings]. Otherwise, I will come to you shortly [with divine discipline]. In fact, I will wage war against them [violence against believers toying with evil] with the broadsword of My mouth [cycles of discipline].

Rev. 2:17 He who has an ear [ability to perceive doctrinal truth], let him start listening to [positive volition] what sort of thing [doctrine] the Spirit is communicating to the assemblies: To the person who is a winner [a believer who is advancing to spiritual maturity], I will give to him a portion of the manna which is hidden [super-abounding grace blessings from the daily study of the Word], and I will give to him a white stone [privileged access badge] and on this stone a new name [spiritual reputation: highest honor reserved for winners only], which has been inscribed [written for eternity], which nobody knows except the person who receives it.

Rev. 2:18 Now write to the doctrinal messenger [pastor] of the assembly in Thyatira: The Son of God, Who has eyes like a flame of fire [divine judgment], communicates these things, and His feet are like bronze [economic judgment].

Rev. 2:19 I know with absolute clarity [divine omniscience] your accomplishments [Christian production], both virtue love and faith rest [relaxed confidence], also ministerial activity [exercise of spiritual gifts] and endurance [steadfast during testing]. As a matter of fact, your last accomplishments [application of doctrine] are greater than [produce more accelerated growth] the first [perception and metabolization of doctrine].

Rev. 2:20 But I have this against you [loser believers], that you continue to tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess [an arrogant and ambitious falsehood]. She both teaches and seduces My bondslaves to engage in sexual immorality and to eat food offered to idols [both functions of the phallic cult].

Rev. 2:21 And so I gave her time [grace before judgment] so that she might change her mind [confess sins], nevertheless, she did not wish to change her mind about her sexual immorality [representing the whole system of evil she was involved in].

Rev. 2:22 Now hear this, I will cast her into a bed [divine punishment], as well as those who commit adultery [physical and spiritual varieties] with her into great disaster [social degeneration], unless they change their minds [confess their sins and alter their lifestyle] about her deeds [evil modus operandi].

Rev. 2:23 Furthermore, I will execute her followers [practitioners in the cosmic system] by means of the sin unto death. And so, all the assemblies [as far as the message could travel in that day] will come to know with absolute certainty that I am He Who examines the emotions and mentality of the soul, and I will administer punishment [divine discipline] to each one of you [who refuses to confess their sins and change their wicked lifestyle] according to your activities [evil modus operandi].

Rev. 2:24 But I say to you [John’s non-resident congregation], the others [believers who are growing in grace and knowledge] in Thyatira: As many as do not adhere to this teaching [licentious Gnosticism expressed by the phallic cult], such a category of believers who have not come to know by personal experience the things of Satan that are alleged [by carnal believers who are involved in such satanic activity] to be deep [profound and meaningful secrets], I place no additional demands [negative mandates] upon you,

Rev. 2:25 Only start holding fast to what you have [spiritual maturity] until which time I return [for the rapture of the Church].

Rev. 2:26 Furthermore, the one who keeps on conquering [the winner believer], even he who continues to observe [functions in] My planned actions [divine protocol] until the end [death or the rapture], I will delegate to him [as a reward at the Judgment Seat] authority [joint-rulership] over the nations [during the Millennial Reign],

Rev. 2:27 And he [the winner believer] shall rule them [the nations] with an iron scepter [aggressive use of authority during the Millennial Reign]. It [Satan’s attempt to unite the world through a United Nations type or organization] will be shattered [broken into pieces] like clay pottery,

Rev. 2:28 On the grounds that I also [Jesus Christ] received [delegated authority] from My Father. Moreover, I will give to him [the winner believer] the Order of the Morning Star [the highest award given by God to the mature believer who is victorious in the spiritual life].

Rev. 2:29 He who has an ear [the ability to perceive doctrinal truth], let him start listening to [positive volition] what sort of thing [doctrine] the Spirit is communicating to the assemblies [divine classrooms].

Rev. 3:1 Now write to the doctrinal messenger [pastor, teacher] of the assembly in Sardis: He Who has the seven spirits [divine power system administered by the Holy Spirit] of God and the seven stars [pastors] communicates these things. I know with absolute clarity [divine omniscience] your accomplishments [alleged production], namely that you have a reputation that you are spiritually alive [sanctified experientially], however [in spite of this positive self-assessment], you are spiritually dead [not functioning in God’s plan].

Rev. 3:2 You yourself [pastor of assembly at Sardis] keep on being constantly alert [vigilant watch] and start strengthening [stabilizing] the remnant [believers who still seek the truth] who are about to die spiritually [due to peer pressure from carnal believers in their assembly], for I have not found in the past nor do I currently find your accomplishments [production] completed [adequate] according to the standards of My God.

Rev. 3:3 Therefore, keep on remembering [recall] what [doctrine] you have received in the past and continue to receive and have heard. Moreover, keep on guarding [retention] it [doctrine] and resume changing your mind [confession of sin and restoration to fellowship]. If, therefore, you are not alert, I will return [to administer discipline] like a thief [suddenly]. Furthermore, you will definitely not know what hour [divine timing] I will return [lost opportunity] to you.

Rev. 3:4 But you have a few persons [remnant of mature believers] in Sardis who have not soiled their garments [invisible uniform of honor defiled by residing in Satan’s cosmic system]. In fact, they [mature believers only] shall walk with Me [fellowship with Christ] in whites [translucent robe of glory worn over the resurrection body], because they are deserving [having passed all the momentum tests and attained spiritual maturity].

Rev. 3:5 Thus, the one who keeps on conquering [mature believer] shall clothe himself in white garments [translucent robe of glory], and I will never erase his honorable title from the Book of Life [registry of honors in eternity]. In fact, I will praise his honorable title in the presence of My Father and His angels.

Rev. 3:6 He who has an ear [the ability to perceive doctrinal truth], let him start listening to [positive volition] what sort of thing [doctrine] the Spirit is communicating to the assemblies [divine classrooms].

Rev. 3:7 Now write to the doctrinal messenger [pastor, teacher] of the assembly in Philadelphia: The holy One, the truthful One, the One Who continues to possess the key of David [authority over Israel during the millennium], He Who opens and no one will shut, and Who shuts and no one will open [millennial authority and power], communicates these things.

Rev. 3:8 I know with absolute clarity [divine omniscience] your accomplishments [spiritual production]. Now hear this. I have placed before you a door which was opened in the past and remains open [opportunities for the believer to grow spiritually], which no one has the power to shut [God retains His sovereign control over the people and events of history], because you have a little power [spiritual muscle from continued execution of God’s plan], and you have kept My Word [spiritual momentum from doctrine], and you have not denied My Person.

Rev. 3:9 Now hear this. I will present from the synagogue of Satan [Jewish religion] those who allege to be Jews [genetic arrogance: Jews in the flesh only]. However, they are not Jews [by regeneration], but are rather lying. Now hear this. I will prepare them [unbelieving Jews] in order that they will come and kneel [showing respect after their conversion] before your feet. They will also come to know that I have always loved you [intimate fellowship].

Rev. 3:10 Because you have guarded doctrine [the Word of God] by means of My perseverance [Jesus Christ as our spiritual prototype], I also will guard you [provide a wall of fire protection] out from the time of testing [historical disasters] which is destined to occur upon the entire inhabited land [the Roman Empire at that time] for the purpose of testing those [believers] who live on the earth.

Rev. 3:11 I will return soon [to punish involvement in evil]. Hold fast to what [spiritual status] you have, so that no one [cosmic evangelists] may take away your crown [super-abounding grace reward].

Rev. 3:12 He who keeps on overcoming [the winner]: I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God [a permanent historical record]. Furthermore, he will never vanish again [disappear from history]. In addition [to this historical record], I will inscribe upon him [his spiritual coat of arms] the name of My God [on the right side of the escutcheon] and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem [the Holy Spirit represented on the center of the escutcheon], which shall descend from the immediate source of heaven from the ultimate source of My God, also [on the left side of the escutcheon] with My new name [Jesus Christ].

Rev. 3:13 He who has an ear [the ability to perceive doctrinal truth], let him start listening to [positive volition] what sort of thing [doctrine] the Spirit is communicating to the assemblies [divine classroom].

Rev. 3:14 Now write to the doctrinal messenger [pastor, teacher] of the assembly in Laodicea: The Amen [our Lord Jesus Christ], the faithful and true Witness, the origin of the creation of God, communicates these things:

Rev. 3:15 I know with absolute clarity [divine omniscience] your accomplishments [Christian modus operandi], that you are neither cold [unbelievers] nor hot [maturing believers]. I wish you were cold [I could give you the Gospel and you would become a Christian] or hot [I would give you advanced doctrine for accelerated spiritual growth].

Rev. 3:16 So, because you are lukewarm [apathetic], and neither hot nor cold [no additional provision is needed from the Lord], I am about to vomit you [and your involvement with evil] out of My mouth [sin unto death].

Rev. 3:17 Because you claim [verbal rationalization]: I am financially well-to-do, in fact, I have grown quite rich [monetary arrogance], and I have need of nothing [fails the prosperity test by implying he did it all on his own and has no need for Bible doctrine], when, in fact, you do not know [colossal ignorance] you are [status quo] miserable [no capacity to truly enjoy his prosperity] and despicable [extremely unhappy] and impotent [spiritual poverty] and blind [no spiritual life] and naked [no spiritual problem-solving devices].

Rev. 3:18 I advise you [godly counsel] to start purchasing [soul recovery] from Me [Jesus Christ] gold [Bible doctrine] which has been refined by fire [inspiration & canonicity], in order that you may become spiritually prosperous and clothe yourself with white garments [invisible uniform of honor], and so that the shame of your disgraceful nakedness [sinful lifestyle] may not be revealed [loss of rewards at the Judgment Seat of Christ], and so that eye-salve [doctrine of historical trends] may be rubbed into your eyes, so that you may keep on seeing [understanding of eschatological events].

Rev. 3:19 Those [maturing believers] whom I love [personal friendship], I repeatedly [as often as necessary] reprimand [warning discipline] and discipline [intensive correction]. Therefore, be zealous [properly motivated] and start changing your mind [confess your sins].

Rev. 3:20 Now hear this. I have been standing in the past and am still standing at the door [escape hatch from Satan’s cosmic system] and I keep on knocking [warning discipline to motivate the believer to confess sin and be restored to fellowship]. If anyone hears My voice [warning discipline] and opens the door [confession of sin], then I will enter face-to-face with him [partnership with the Lord] and will dine with him [fellowship with Jesus Christ] and he with Me.

Rev. 3:21 The one who continues to be a winner [the overcomer, believer who attains super-abounding grace status], I will give to him the reward [Order of the Morning Star] and privilege to sit down and rule with Me on My throne [David’s throne during the millennium], as I also conquered [strategic victory during His 1st advent: death, resurrection, and ascension] and had the reward and privilege to sit down and rule [session] with My Father on His throne.

Rev. 3:22 He who has an ear [the ability to perceive doctrinal truth], let him start listening to [positive volition] what sort of thing [doctrine] the Spirit is communicating to the assemblies [divine classroom].

Rev. 4:1 After these things [the Rapture and the closing of the Church Age], I paid close attention. In fact, now hear this: A door was opened in heaven [to allow raptured believer’s entrance], and the first voice which I heard, like a war trumpet blasting [a battlefield command from Jesus Christ], communicated with me: Come up here [to heaven], and I will reveal to you what things [prophetic events related to historical trends] must happen after these things.

Rev. 4:2 Immediately I was in the sphere of the Spirit, and there was a throne standing in heaven [representing divine authority], and He was [Jesus Christ] sitting upon the throne.

Rev. 4:3 Furthermore, He [Jesus Christ] Who was seated was similar by appearance to a precious stone [Christ as our high Priest], even a ruby, and a rainbow [Christ’s integrity] encircled the throne, similar by appearance to an emerald [the eternality of God’s Word].

Rev. 4:4 Also encircling the throne were twenty-four thrones, and sitting upon the thrones were twenty-four angelic staff officers clothed in translucent uniforms of glory and on their heads were golden crowns [high authoritative rank].

Rev. 4:5 Also out from the throne proceeded lightnings [disasters in progress] and roaring sounds [warning of impending disaster] and thunders [aftershocks], and seven torches of fire were continually burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God [the restraining ministry of the Holy Spirit].

Rev. 4:6 Also before the throne [of Christ] was, as it were, a glassy sea resembling a crystal [transparent]. Furthermore, in the middle of the throne and encircling the throne were four living creatures [angelic heralds] which were full of eyes [wisdom designating rank higher than Satan] in front and in back [of their coat of arms].

Rev. 4:7 Now the first living creature was like a lion [Lion of the tribe of Judah], and the second living creature was like a young bull [kenosis, virgin birth, impeccability], and the third living creature had a face like a man [humanity of Christ in hypostatic union], and the fourth living creature was like an eagle which is flying [national deliverance by sovereign grace].

Rev. 4:8 Now the four living creatures [highest ranking seraphs], each one of them having six similar wings [insignia of rank], are covered with eyes [wisdom] inside [perception of doctrine] and outside [application of doctrine]. Furthermore, they do not receive an opportunity of rest, day or night, continually saying: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord [humanity of Christ], the God [deity of Christ], the Almighty One [absolute sovereignty], Who was [existed in eternity past] and Who is [at the right hand of the Father] and Who shall be [eternal sonship].

Rev. 4:9 And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanksgiving [threefold praise] to the One [Jesus Christ] Who sits on the throne, to Him Who lives [in hypostatic union] unto the Ages of the Ages [eternity future].

Rev. 4:10 The twenty-four angelic staff officers will fall down before the One [Jesus Christ] Who sits on the throne and they will worship Him who lives unto the Ages of the Ages [eternity future], and they will place their crowns before the throne, and say:

Rev. 4:11 You [Jesus Christ] are worthy [of ultimate worship], our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power, because You created all things. As a matter of fact, by means of Your sovereign will they were created and continue to exist.

Rev. 5:1 Then I saw a scroll [doomsday manuscript] in the right hand of the One [God the Father] Who was sitting on His throne, which was written on the inside and on the outside [both sides], having been thoroughly sealed [prophesy is sealed up during the mystery of the Church Age] with seven seals [brief table of contents].

Rev. 5:2 Then I saw a powerful angel [high ranking king of arms] who challenged with a loud voice: Who is worthy to open the scroll, that is, break its seals [representing categories of prophetic events]?

Rev. 5:3 And no one in heaven [angels] or upon the earth [mankind] or under the earth [Sheol or Hades] was able [had the prerequisite power] to open the scroll [unleashing the next series of historical events], nor could they look upon it [Jesus Christ alone controls history].

Rev. 5:4 And I wept loud and continuously because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look upon it.

Rev. 5:5 Then one of the angelic staff officers [a spokesman] advised me: Stop crying! Now pay attention! The Lion [Jesus Christ] from the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has won the victory [at the Cross] and as a result may open the scroll and its seven seals.

Rev. 5:6 Then I saw in the middle of the throne room and the four living creatures and in the midst of the angelic staff officers, a Lamb [Jesus Christ], standing as though it had been slain [strategic victory on the Cross], having seven horns [omnipotence] and seven eyes [omniscience], which are the seven spirits of God [seven-fold ministry of the Holy Spirit], which have been sent out unto all the earth [global evangelism is coming to a close].

Rev. 5:7 Then He [Jesus Christ] came and took it [the doomsday scroll] out of the right hand of Him [God the Father] who sat upon the throne.

Rev. 5:8 And when He [Jesus Christ] had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four angelic staff officers fell down before the Lamb [Jesus Christ], each one having a lyre [harp] and a golden bowl of incense, which [bowls of incense] are the prayers of the saints.

Rev. 5:9 Then they sang a previously unheard song of praise, singing: You [Jesus Christ] are worthy to take the [doomsday] scroll and to break open its seals [Jesus Christ controls history], because You were sacrificed and You ransomed [redeemed] believers for God by means of Your blood [representative analogy for His spiritual death on the Cross] from every tribe [of Israel] and language and nation and people [former pagans, heathen, racial mix].

Rev. 5:10 In fact, You [Jesus Christ] have appointed them [winner believers] for our God [the Father] a royal kingdom [collectively] and priests [individually], and they [winners] will rule over the earth [during the millennium].

Rev. 5:11 Then I shifted my focus [to the outer crowd] and I heard the roar [chorus] of many angels circling the throne, as well as the living creatures and the angelic staff officers, and the number of them was a group of ten thousand [length] times a group of ten thousand [depth], as a matter of fact [as he turned his head in all directions], countless thousands,

Rev. 5:12 Shouting [singing] with a loud [unified] voice: Worthy is the Lamb [Jesus Christ] Who was sacrificed for the purpose and end result of receiving [the following heptad of praise] power [unlimited ability] and spiritual riches [prosperity] and wisdom [mental excellence] and ultimate authority [superhuman ability] and honor [praise of character] and glory [majestic radiance] and praise [thanksgiving].

Rev. 5:13 Then I heard every creature who is in heaven [the bride of Christ] and upon the earth [those living after the rapture on land] and beneath the earth [dead believers after the rapture] and on the sea [those living after the rapture on water] and all who are in them [those who died and were buried at sea], singing to Him [God the Father] Who sits on the throne and to the Lamb [Jesus Christ]: Blessing and honor and glory and sovereign power to Them [the Trinity] unto the Ages of the Ages [eternity future].

Rev. 5:14 Then the four living creatures replied [responded to what the believers had just sung]: It’s true! And the angelic staff officers fell down and worshipped.

Rev. 6:1 Next I watched while the Lamb [Jesus Christ] broke open the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures shouting with a voice like thunder: Let’s go!

Rev. 6:2 Then I watched with intense concentration and suddenly a white horse [representing conquest] appeared, and the one [the Antichrist] who sat upon it held an archer’s bow [unconventional warfare: terrorism and guerilla warfare] and a crown [bureaucratic authority] had been given to him [by a weak, degenerate, intimidated society]. As a matter of fact, he [the Antichrist] began to conquer, indeed, so that he [Satan] might conquer [through him: by demon possession].

Rev. 6:3 And when He [Jesus Christ] broke open the second seal, I heard the second living creature, shouting: Let’s go!

Rev. 6:4 Then another horse appeared [on the scene of tribulation history], fiery red, and to the one [Antichrist] who sat upon it, authority was given to him to take peace from the earth, as a matter of fact, with the result that they will slaughter each other [civil war & rebellion]. In fact, a great sword [international police force] was given to him.

Rev. 6:5 And when He [Jesus Christ] broke open the third seal, I heard the third living creature, shouting: Let’s go! Then I looked and there was a black horse [representing famine and economic depression], and the one [Antichrist] who sat upon it had balance scales [scarcity of food] in his hand.

Rev. 6:6 Then I heard, as it were, a voice [from Jesus Christ] in the middle of the four living creatures, saying: A quart of wheat for a denarius [one day’s wage for enough high quality food to barely keep you alive] and three quarts of barley [one day’s wage for enough low quality food for you, your wife, and a child] for a denarius. Furthermore, do not damage [because the wealthy will buy them from you] the olive oil [luxury food supplement] or the wine [luxury beverage].

Rev. 6:7 And when He [Jesus Christ] broke open the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature, shouting: Let’s go!

Rev. 6:8 Then I looked, and there was a pale horse, and the one who sat upon it had the name Death, and Hades [home of unbelievers and fallen angels] kept on accompanying [following] him. Furthermore, authority was given to them [Death & Hades] over one-fourth of the earth [including its inhabitants] for the purpose of killing by means of broadsword [military: war and terrorism] and by means of hunger [famine, economic depression] and by means of terminal illness [civilian: disease] and by wild animals on the earth.

Rev. 6:9 And when He [Jesus Christ] broke open the fifth seal, I saw beneath the altar the souls of those [tribulation believers] who were butchered [martyred] because of the Word of God [the presence of Bible doctrine in their souls was a threat to Satan’s plan] and because of the testimony [their evangelistic depositions in court] which they tried their best to maintain.

Rev. 6:10 Furthermore, they [the tribulation martyrs] cried out with a loud voice, saying [imprecatory prayer]: How long, sovereign Lord, holy [without sin] and true [veracity], before you judge and avenge our blood [death] against those [their prosecutors and executors] who continue to inhabit the earth?

Rev. 6:11 In addition, a white robe was given to each one of them [tribulation martyrs], and it was communicated to them that they should refresh themselves [enjoy some rest & relaxation in heaven] for a little while longer, until their fellow servants, even their brethren, those who are destined to be murdered just as they also were murdered, were brought to completion [the last martyr to be murdered would complete this phase of God’s plan].

Rev. 6:12 Then I looked when He broke open the sixth seal, and a great earthquake occurred, and as a result [of the volcanic ash] the sun became ink black like goat’s hair sackcloth and the moon became red like blood,

Rev. 6:13 And meteors from the sky fell on the earth like a fig tree drops its unripe figs when being shaken by a great wind [historical disaster].

Rev. 6:14 In addition, the atmosphere was split apart [recoiled] like a scroll when it is rolled up and every mountain and island [lithosphere or crust of the earth] was moved out from their places.

Rev. 6:15 Both the rulers of the earth [presidents, kings] and men with political influence [congressmen, government officials], as well as military leaders and wealthy businessmen and men with ability [white collar professionals], in addition to every laborer [blue collar worker] and retired person [exempt from work], hid themselves [no classification of people can escape historical disaster] in caves [underground tunnels] and among the rocks of the mountains [fallout shelters].

Rev. 6:16 Furthermore, they shout [under extreme duress] to the mountains and to the rocks: Fall upon us [suicidal wish] or hide us [concealment] from the presence of Him [God the Father] who sits on the throne and from the wrath [just retribution] of the Lamb [Jesus Christ],

Rev. 6:17 Because the great day of their wrath [retribution] has arrived, and who [except believers during the tribulation] has the ability to make a stand [hold one’s ground under such profound judgment]?

Rev. 7:1 After these things [the opening of the 1st six seals], I saw four angels [4th class weather angels] standing firm [ready for action] at the four corners [hemispheres] of the earth, restraining the four winds [air currents] of the earth, so that no wind might blow over the land [tornadoes] or over the sea [typhoons] or against every tree [hurricanes & monsoons].

Rev. 7:2 Then I saw another of the same kind of angel [cherub-ranked officer superior to the four weather angels], who had the seal [in the form of battlefield orders] of the living God, coming up from the direction of the rising sun [command headquarters], and he shouted with a loud voice to the four [weather] angels, to whom authority was about to be delegated to them [battlefield orders directly from heaven] to unleash damage upon the land and the sea,

Rev. 7:3 And he said: Do not start damaging the land nor the sea nor the trees [the upcoming environmental judgments are temporarily on hold] until we have sealed the bondslave of our God [divine protection for the 144,000 Jewish warrior-priests] on their foreheads.

Rev. 7:4 Then I heard the number of those [Jewish warrior-priests] who had been sealed: one hundred forty-four thousand [a complete, literal number of individuals], sealed out from each tribe of the sons of Israel.

Rev. 7:5 Out from the tribe of Judah twelve thousand were sealed, out from the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand, out from the tribe of Gad twelve thousand,

Rev. 7:6 Out from the tribe of Asher twelve thousand, out from the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand, out from the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand,

Rev. 7:7 Out from the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand, out from the tribe of Levi twelve thousand, out from the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand,

Rev. 7:8 Out from the tribe of Zebulon twelve thousand, out from the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand, out from the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand were sealed.

Rev. 7:9 After these things [sealing of the 144,000 Jewish warrior-priests], I looked and there was a great crowd [tribulation martyrs] which no one by himself was able to count, out from each nation and tribes and the masses and foreign languages, standing before the throne [God the Father] and before the Lamb [Jesus Christ], and they were wearing white robes [covering interim bodies] and palm branches were in their hands [anticipating the victory of the 2nd advent].

Rev. 7:10 Then they [tribulation martyrs] shouted with a loud voice, saying: Victory over persecution belongs to our God [the Father] who sits upon the throne and to the Lamb [Jesus Christ].

Rev. 7:11 Furthermore, all the angels [restricted to the elect only] were standing around the throne and the angelic staff officers and the living creatures, and they [the angelic multitude] fell upon their faces before the throne and worshipped God,

Rev. 7:12 Saying: We agree! Praise and glory and divine wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and sovereign power and omnipotence belong to our God unto the Ages of the Ages [eternity future]. Acknowledge it!

Rev. 7:13 Then one of the angelic staff officers commented to me, asking: These [individuals] who are wearing white robes [tribulation martyrs], who are they and where did they come from?

Rev. 7:14 Therefore, I answered him: Sir, you know very well. Then he said to me: These are they [martyrs] who will come out of the great tribulation. Furthermore, they have washed their robes [confession of sin] and have bleached them white [consistent life of faith and perseverance] by means of the blood [representative analogy for the spiritual death of Christ on the cross] of the Lamb [appropriation of the sanctifying benefits of Christ as the sacrificial Lamb].

Rev. 7:15 Because of this [living a life of faith and perseverance up to the point of martyrdom], they [tribulation martyrs] are before the throne of God. In fact, they will worship [priestly sacrifice during the millennium] Him [God the Father] by day and by night in His [earthly] temple, and He Who sits on the throne [God the Father] will dwell over them [during the Millennial Reign of Christ].

Rev. 7:16 They [the tribulation martyrs] will never again be hungry nor ever be thirsty [torture by food & water deprivation], neither will the sun beat down upon them again [torture by sunlight] nor any searing heat [torture by furnace or exposure to exceptionally hot weather],

Rev. 7:17 Because the Lamb [Jesus Christ] Who is in the midst of the throne will care for them like a shepherd. Furthermore, He [Holy Spirit] will lead them to the springs of the waters of life [still learning doctrine throughout eternity], and God [the Father] will wipe away every tear from their eyes [comfort for the tortures they endured during the tribulation].

Rev. 8:1 Then when He [Jesus Christ] had broken open the seventh seal, silence occurred in heaven [anticipating the judgments to come] for about half an hour.

Rev. 8:2 Then I saw seven angels [messengers, 3rd class] who were standing before God [on red alert], and seven trumpets were given to them [in answer to the imprecatory prayers of the tribulation martyrs].

Rev. 8:3 And another angel [cherub-ranked] came and was instructed to stand before the altar, and he held a golden incense shovel. Consequently, a large quantity of incense will be given to him [as needed] so that he may keep on offering it [incense] along with the imprecatory prayers of all the saints [tribulation martyrs] on the golden altar in front of the throne.

Rev. 8:4 Then the smoke from the incense along with the imprecatory prayers of the saints [tribulation martyrs] began to ascend from the hand of the [cherub-ranked] angel before God.

Rev. 8:5 Then the [cherub-ranked] angel took the incense shovel and filled it [with burning incense coals] from the fire on the altar, and he hurled it to the earth. Then there followed peals of thunder and loud noises [explosions] and lightning flashes and an earthquake.

Rev. 8:6 Then the seven [messenger, 3rd class] angels who had the seven trumpets began preparing themselves for the purpose of sounding the trumpets [the judicial response to the imprecatory prayers of the tribulation martyrs is about to begin].

Rev. 8:7 Then the first one [messenger angel, 3rd class] sounded his trumpet. And there followed hail and fire mixed with blood and it [the hail, fire & blood storm] was hurled to the earth, and one-third of the land surface was consumed; also one-third of the trees was consumed, and all green vegetation was consumed.

Rev. 8:8 Then the second [messenger, 3rd class] angel sounded his trumpet, and an object [perhaps a meteor] as large as a great mountain burning with fire was hurled into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood,

Rev. 8:9 And a third of the creatures in the sea [fish and other marine life] which had life were killed, and a third of the sailing vessels [shipping industry] were destroyed.

Rev. 8:10 Then the third [messenger, 3rd class] angel sounded his trumpet, and there fell out of heaven a giant star blazing like a torch, and it fell upon a third of the rivers and upon underground springs of water [contaminating fresh water],

Rev. 8:11 And the name of the star was called: Wormwood. And one third of the fresh water became wormwood [poisoned] and many people died by means of the waters [by drinking], because they were polluted.

Rev. 8:12 Then the fourth [messenger, 3rd class] angel sounded his trumpet, and one third of the sun and one third of the moon and one third of the stars were struck, so that one third of them [their intensity] became darkened. As a matter of fact, the day did not provide light for one third of its duration and the night likewise.

Rev. 8:13 Then I looked and I heard one eagle flying in mid-heaven, proclaiming with a loud voice: Woe, woe, woe to those who live on the earth [during the tribulation], because of the remaining blasts of the trumpets from the three [messenger, 3rd class] angels who are about to sound their trumpets!

Rev. 9:1 Then the fifth [messenger, 3rd class] angel sounded his trumpet, and I saw a star [Satan] who had fallen out of heaven [cast out permanently] to the earth, and the key to the pit [shaft] of the prison-house of demons and evil spirits [abyss] had been given to him [so he could release them upon the earth].

Rev. 9:2 Then he opened the [entrance to] the pit to the prison-house of demons and evil spirits [unleashing the demon], and smoke rose up out of the pit like smoke from a great furnace, and both the sun and the atmosphere became darkened because of the smoke from the pit [a thick barrage to hide the advance of the enemy].

Rev. 9:3 And out from the smoke [barrage] came locusts [invading demon army] upon the earth, and they were given power similar to the ability scorpions possess on the earth [to inflict intense, torturous pain].

Rev. 9:4 And they [locust-demons] were instructed that they could not injure the grass on the earth nor any vegetation nor any tree [command restrictions], but only those men [unbelievers] who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads.

Rev. 9:5 In addition, it [a command] was given to them [the locust-demons] that they could not kill them [humans], but that they could be repeatedly tortured severely for five months. Furthermore, their torture was like the torment of a scorpion when it stings a man.

Rev. 9:6 Consequently, men in those days [first half of the tribulation] will seek death, but they will not find it [suicide is impossible]. As a matter of fact, they will have an intense desire to die [to be put out of their misery because of the severity of the torture], but death will elude them.

Rev. 9:7 Now the appearance of the [demon] locusts was like cavalry horses which have been thoroughly prepared for battle [wearing protective armor and carrying weapons], and on their heads, as it were, were crowns [helmets] like gold, and their faces were similar to the faces of men.

Rev. 9:8 Furthermore, they had hair similar to the hair of women [long, but unattractive], and their teeth were like a lion’s [jagged incisors].

Rev. 9:9 Furthermore, they had breastplates [body armor] like breastplates of iron [resistant to human weaponry], and the roar of their wings was like the roar of many horse-drawn chariots charging into battle [inducing fear and panic in the minds of men].

Rev. 9:10 Moreover, they [demon-locusts] had tails and stingers like scorpions, and in their tails was supernatural power to torment those men [who are alive during the tribulation] for five months.

Rev. 9:11 They have a commanding general over them, the [fallen] angel of the prison-house of demons and evil spirits [abyss]. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon [The Destroyer] and in Greek he has the name Apollyon [The Destroyer].

Rev. 9:12 One woe [locust-demons] has passed, but behold, two woes [calamities] are still coming after these things.

Rev. 9:13 Then the sixth angel [messenger, 3rd class] sounded his trumpet, and I heard a single voice [from their cherub-ranked angelic officer] from the direction of the four horns of the golden altar [where imprecatory prayers are offered] in the presence of God,

Rev. 9:14 And he [the cherub-ranked angelic officer] issued a command to the sixth [messenger, 3rd class] angel who was holding the trumpet: Release the four angels [demon army generals] who have been imprisoned [during human history] at the great river Euphrates [prison barracks for 200 million demon soldiers with bodies, armor, and weapons].

Rev. 9:15 Then the four angels [demon generals] were released [each in command of 50 million demon soldiers] who have been thoroughly prepared [in a state of red alert] for this hour and day and month and year [the time of the invasion was planned well in advance], in order that they might kill one-third of mankind.

Rev. 9:16 In fact, the numbers of troops, including cavalry, is two-hundred million. I heard their number.

Rev. 9:17 And furthermore, I saw in the vision the horses and those [demon soldiers] who rode upon them, each [horse] having breastplates the color of fire [artillery] or hyacinth [infantry] or sulfur [cavalry], and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions [powerful attacking momentum], and from their mouths came fire and smoke and sulfur [integrated weapon system].

Rev. 9:18 By means of these three deadly weapons one third of mankind was killed: by means of fire and by means of smoke and by means of sulfur which came out from their [horse’s] mouths.

Rev. 9:19 For the supernatural power of the horses keeps on coming from their mouth [frontal assault] and from their tails [rear assault], for their tails are like snakes having heads, and by means of them [the weapons in their tails] they cause severe pain.

Rev. 9:20 But the rest of mankind [demon possessed unbelievers], who were not killed by these weapon systems, did not change their minds [repent] about the works of their hands [idolatry], with the result that they will not stop worshipping demons, as well as idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which [lifeless forms] are not able to see nor hear nor walk.

Rev. 9:21 Moreover, they did not change their minds [repent] about their murders [homicides] nor about their occult activity [mysticism] nor about their sexual immorality nor about their thefts [criminal activity].

Rev. 10:1 And then I saw another of a different kind of angel [high ranking seraph], a powerful one [king of arms], coming down from heaven, and he was clothed by a cloud [the glory, power and wisdom of the Lord], and a rainbow was over his head [the justice, integrity  and mercy of God], and his face was like the sun [in opposition to the king of darkness], and his feet were like columns of fire [divine protection in times of historical disaster],

Rev. 10:2 And he [the angelic king of arms] had in his hand a little scroll [title deed to planet earth] which was opened. Then he placed his right foot upon the sea and his left [foot] upon the land [claiming control of planet Earth for Jesus Christ].

Rev. 10:3 Then he [the angelic king of arms] shouted with a loud voice just as a lion roars. And when he had finished shouting his announcement [claiming title of planet Earth for Jesus Christ], the seven thunders [cherubim squad] relayed the message with their own voices.

Rev. 10:4 And while the seven thunders [cherubim squad] were relaying the message, I was about to write [take notes]. Then I heard a voice from heaven saying: Seal up [censor] that [message] which the seven thunders relayed, and do not begin writing it [it was not to be included in the completed canon of Scripture].

Rev. 10:5 Then the angel [king of arms], whom I had seen standing upon the sea and upon the land, raised his right hand toward heaven [saluting Christ],

Rev. 10:6 And he [the king of arms] took a solemn oath by Him [recognizing the higher authority of Christ] Who lives unto the Ages of the Ages [eternity future], Who created both the heaven and the things in it and the land and the things on it and the sea and the things in it, so that there would be no more delay [for the seventh trumpet judgment].

Rev. 10:7 However, in the days of the blast of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound his trumpet, then the mystery of God [concerning the regathering of Israel] will be accomplished, just as He [the Holy Spirit] announced the good news [of the regathering at the 2nd advent] to His Own bondslaves and prophets.

Rev. 10:8 Then the voice [of the Holy Spirit] which I heard from heaven spoke with me and said: Go, take the scroll [Doomsday scroll] which has already been opened from the hand of the angel who has been standing upon the sea and upon the land.

Rev. 10:9 Then I went face-to-face with the angel [king of arms] and asked him to give me the little scroll [title deed to planet Earth], and he said to me: Take it and eat it, and it will make your stomach bitter [because of the terrible judgments that remain], but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey [due to the anticipated return of Christ].

Rev. 10:10 Then I took the little scroll [title deed to planet earth] from the hand of the angel [king of arms] and I devoured it. Furthermore, it [the anticipated return of Christ] was as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, it [the remaining tribulation judgments required for its final conveyance] became bitter in my stomach.

Rev. 10:11 Then they [the Holy Spirit and the angelic king of arms] said to me: You must speak God’s prophetic message again, against peoples and nations and languages and many kings [future political leaders].

Rev. 11:1 Then a measuring rod, somewhat like a staff [stadia rod], was given to me, and he [the angelic king of arms] said: Get up and start measuring the inner temple [Holy Place and Holy of Holies] of God [rebuilt on earth during the tribulation] and the altar of burnt offerings [portraying the sacrifice of Christ] and those [unbelieving Jews during the tribulation] who worship in it [nothing but legalism and ritual],

Rev. 11:2 But exclude the outer court of the temple and do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. As a matter of fact, they [Gentile nations] will surely keep under subjection [stomp on] the holy city [Jerusalem] for forty two months [3-1/2 years].

Rev. 11:3 And I will give authority [with accompanying power] to My two prophetic broadcasters, and they will prophesy [foretell the future] one thousand two hundred sixty [1,260] days wearing sackcloth.

Rev. 11:4 These [two prophetic broadcasters] represent [by analogy] the two olive trees [anointed ones] and the two lampstands [truth bearers] which are standing in the presence of the Lord of planet earth.

Rev. 11:5 Furthermore, if anyone [demon possessed unbeliever] desires to harm them [two prophetic broadcasters], fire will come out of their mouth and it will consume their enemies. In addition, if anyone [demon influenced believer] desires to harm them, in the same manner, even he [the demon influenced believer] must be killed.

Rev. 11:6 These [two prophetic broadcasters] possess the authority [and power] to shut down the sky so that rain will not fall [causing a widespread economic crisis] during the days of their prophetic ministry. Moreover, they possess the authority [and power] at the same time to turn the waters into blood and to strike the land with all types of plagues as often as they might need to do so.

Rev. 11:7 Now when they [two prophetic broadcasters] have finished their testimony, the beast [demon in charge of terrorism] who comes up from the prison-house of demons and evil spirits [abyss] will make war against them and he will both conquer them and kill them.

Rev. 11:8 And their corpse will remain on display on the main street of the great city [Jerusalem], which is figuratively called Sodom [immoral degeneracy] and Egypt [religious degeneracy], even where their Lord [Jesus Christ] was crucified.

Rev. 11:9 And they, namely the people [citizens of Israel] and tribes [historical Jewish families] and foreign languages [Jewish immigrants] and nations [the rest of the world population], will see [no doubt by satellite television] their corpse for three and one half days.  Furthermore, they [local officials] will not permit their corpses to be placed in graves [tombs].

Rev. 11:10 And those who inhabit the earth will gloat [global celebration] over them [the death of the two prophetic broadcasters] and they will celebrate, and they will send gifts to each other, because these two prophets have tormented those who inhabit the earth.

Rev. 11:11 However, after three and one half days, the breath of life from the source of God entered into them [the two prophetic broadcasters] and they stood up on their feet [resurrection]. Then great fear fell upon those who were viewing [watching over] them.

Rev. 11:12 Then they [the two prophetic broadcasters] heard a loud voice from heaven, saying: Come up here! And they went up into heaven [ascension] in a cloud, while their enemies observed them.

Rev. 11:13 And in that hour [of their resurrection] there was a great earthquake, and one-tenth of the city [of Jerusalem] fell and seven thousand human beings were killed by the earthquake, and the rest [survivors] became terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.

Rev. 11:14 The second woe is over. Behold, the third woe will begin soon [after Satan is cast out of heaven].

Rev. 11:15 Then the seventh angel [messenger, 3rd class] sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices [angelic college of heralds] in heaven which said: The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord [God the Father] and His Christ [God the Son], and He [Jesus Christ] shall reign as king unto the Ages of the Ages [eternity future].

Rev. 11:16 Then the twenty-four angelic staff officers who were sitting upon their thrones in the presence of God fell upon their faces [genuine humility] and worshipped God,

Rev. 11:17 And said: We are thankful to You, Lord God [Jesus Christ], the Omnipotent One, Who continues to exist [in hypostatic union] and Who was [as eternal God], because You have taken Your great power and You are about to reign [the millennial reign of Christ is about to begin].

Rev. 11:18 Nevertheless, the nations become angry [furious hatred of fallen man against divine control], therefore Your judgment will return [at the 2nd advent of Christ], as well as the time of the dead to be evaluated, that is, to give rewards to Your bondslaves [Jewish tribulation martyrs], the prophets [two prophetic broadcasters], and the saints [Gentile tribulation martyrs], namely, those who respect Your name [personal love for Jesus Christ], lower [spiritual babes] and upper [spiritual adults] classes [spiritual inequality], and to destroy those [Satan’s human followers] who keep on destroying the inhabited earth.

Rev. 11:19 Then the temple of God which is in heaven was opened, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple, and there followed lightning flashes and loud noises and thunders and an earthquake and a great hailstorm.