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[So], John testified concerning everything he saw of God's message and Jesus Christ's testimony [of it].

Verse ConceptsThe Prophecy Towards JerusalemWitness To The GospelWitnessingtestimony

[This book is from] John [and is being sent] to the seven churches that are in Asia [Note: This refers to the province of Asia Minor, a part of present-day Turkey]. May there be unearned favor and peace to you from God, the One who is [in the present], who was [in the past] and who will come [in the future], and from the seven spirits that are in front of God's throne [Note: Because the number "seven" was regarded as the number of perfection by the Jews, it is thought that this refers to the Holy Spirit].

Verse ConceptsSevenSpiritsNames And Titles For The Holy SpiritProvincesThe Existence Of GodSeven PeopleSeven SpiritsGod In Three PersonsGrace Be To YouThe Fact Of His ComingGoing To Church

[It is also] from Jesus Christ, who is the Faithful Witness [to the truth], the Firstborn from the dead [i.e., the first One raised never to die again], the Ruler of the kings of the world. May there be honor and power forever and ever to Christ, who loved us and released us from our sins by His blood [Note: Some manuscripts say "washed us" since the two words are spelled almost alike].

Verse ConceptsGod, Faithfulness OfFreedom, Through Jesus ChristFreedom, Abuse Of ChristianFirstbornExpiationAtonement, Remission Of Sins ByJesus As King Of KingsRulersSalvation, Nature OfWitnessing, Importance OfJesus Christ, Love OfJesus Christ, ResurrectionLibertyNames And Titles For ChristChrist, Names ForChrist The FirstbornThe Witness Of ChristChrist AtoningChrist Is RisenChrist's LoveWitnesses

Look, He [i.e., Jesus] is coming with [i.e., "on"] the clouds! And [then] every eye will see Him, including those who pierced Him, and all the peoples of the earth will grieve because of Him [i.e., because of how they had treated Him]. So it will be. May it be so.

Verse ConceptsEyes, Used In PropheciesClouds And Jesus ChristBeing A WitnessGospel, Essence OfInjustice, Hated By GodRegretSeeing GodSpearsSorrowSecond Coming Of ChristEternal JudgmentSeeing The Risen ChristAmenMourning The Death Of ChristMaranathaAccompanying The Second ComingCloud of gloryBreakupsThe Second ComingcloudsFlat Earth

I [am] John, your brother who participates with you in the suffering and kingdom and endurance [which we experience] in [fellowship with] Jesus. I was on the island called Patmos for [preaching] God's message and for testifying about Jesus. [Note: Patmos was located in the Aegean Sea between present-day Greece and Turkey].

Verse ConceptsCompanionsIslandsKingdom Of God, Entry IntoLonelinessParticipation, In ChristWitnessing, And Holy SpiritSolitudePeople Of The KingdomSharing In ChristSubsequent Witness To ChristEnduranceperserverancepartnershipperseveringChristians Being Called Brothers

saying, "Write down in a book what you see and send it to the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicia" [Note: These seven congregations were all located in western Asia Minor].

Verse ConceptsScrollsWritingChurch, Examples OfPreeminence Of ChristSeven PeopleWriting The New TestamentInspiration

And I turned to see [whose] voice was speaking to me. And when I turned, I saw seven golden lampstands,

Verse ConceptsVisions And Dreams In ScriptureSeven LightsTurning Round

and in the middle of the lampstands I saw someone [who looked] like a son of man [i.e., Jesus. See verses 17-18]. He was dressed in a robe that reached down to His feet and He had a golden sash around His chest.

Verse ConceptsThe Golden LampstandJesus As Son Of ManChestsFine ClothesGold OrnamentsLike Men

"So, write down the things that you have seen, and the things now going on, and the things that will happen later on.

Verse ConceptsPredicting The FutureWriting The New TestamentJournalizingEnd Timesrevelation

The secret of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and the seven golden lampstands [is this]: The seven stars are the angels [i.e., messengers] of the seven churches. And the seven lampstands are the seven churches."

Verse ConceptsThe Golden LampstandLampsRight Hand Of GodSymbolsNames And Titles For The ChurchAngels, Nt AppearancesSeven PeopleSeven SpiritsSeven LightsAngels Interacting With People

So, remember where you have fallen from and repent [i.e., change your hearts and lives] and do the things you did at first [i.e., when you were first converted], or else I will come and remove your lampstand from its place [i.e., I will not permit the congregation to survive], unless you repent.

Verse ConceptsBeginningHeightImpenitence, Results OfPoverty, SpiritualReformationRememberingRepentance, Importance OfRevival, CorporateRejection Of God's CallBeginning Of SalvationPeople Falling From A HeightRepentanceOne's DeedsTaking God's ThingsThe Fact Of His ComingLuciferrevelation

But you have this [in your favor]: You hate the [evil] deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate [Note: These people were probably followers of someone named Nicolas and were known to be false teachers. See verse 15].

Verse ConceptsHatredGod Hating ThingsHating Evil

I know [about] your suffering and your poverty (but you are [really] rich), and the slander of those who say they are Jews, though they [really] are not, but are a synagogue of Satan [i.e., they claimed to be an assembly of God's people, but in reality were serving Satan].

Verse ConceptsSatanticAffluenceInsultsPersecution, Forms OfPoverty, Causes OfPoverty, SpiritualRiches, SpiritualAbuse, To God's PeopleChrist Knowing About PeopleBlessings Of The PoorPoor Or RichAfflictionsSatanJewsMartyrdom

"The person who has an ear should listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to the churches. The person who has victory [in the Christian life] will not be harmed at all by the second death [i.e., the lake of fire. See 21:8].

Verse ConceptsThe DeadPunishment, By GodSafetyOvercomersThe Second DeathOvercoming Through ChristTaught By The SpiritSpiritual DeathBenefits Of HeavenHurt

I know where you are living; [it is] where Satan's throne is. And [I know] that you are holding on firmly to my name, and did not deny [your] faith in me, even in the days of my faithful witness Antipas [Note: The Greek word here for witness is "martyr"], who was killed there where you are, where Satan lives.

Verse ConceptsFaithfulness, Examples OfInjustice, Nature And Source OfMartyrdom, Examples OfSatan, Kingdom OfThroneSatanticThe FaithChrist Knowing About PeopleSubsequent Witness To ChristTribulation MartydomMartyrdomThe Devil

"But I have a few things against you because you have people there [in the church] who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumblingblock in front of the Israelites, [causing them] to eat food sacrificed to idols and to be sexually immoral [See Num. 23-24].

Verse ConceptsBalaams DonkeyFreedom, Abuse Of ChristianFoodAdultery, SpiritualChastityToleranceAbuse, Of Christian FreedomFalse Teachers, Examples OfStumbling BlocksMisteachingFood For Other godsFood Offered To IdolsThey Committed ImmoralitysexSexual Immorality

And in the same way, you also have some people [there] who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans [See verse 6].

Verse ConceptsFalse Teachers, Examples OfMisteaching

And I will strike her children dead [or, "kill her children by some terrible calamity" See Ex. 5:3 LXX]. Then all the churches will know that I am the One who searches the inmost being of people [Note: The Greek says, "searches the kidneys and hearts." In that day these internal organs stood for the inner thoughts, emotions, etc.]. And I will repay each one of you people according to what you have done.

Verse ConceptsOutward AppearanceSearchingJesus Christ, Omniscience OfGod KillingMan's ThoughtsGod Searching HeartsGod And The HeartGod Will Kill The PeoplesGod Will RequiteRepaid For DeedsBemaGod Knowing the Human HeartDeath Of A ChildPatience In Relationships

But I say to all the rest of you there in Thyatira who have not followed this [false] teaching [See verse 20], that is, those who have not known "the deep things of Satan," as people call them --- I will not burden you with anything else [i.e., beyond this problem about Jezebel's false teaching].

Verse ConceptsSatanticSecrecySpiritual DepthsIgnorance Of EvilMisteachingsecrets

Nevertheless, hold on firmly to what you [already] have [i.e., the qualities mentioned in verse 19] until I come [Note: This probably refers to coming with judgment on wrongdoing. See verse 16].

Verse ConceptsEnd Timesrevelation

"And to the person who has victory [in the Christian life], and who continues to do what I want until the end [of his life], I will give him authority over the nations [Note: This probably refers to a spiritual reign with Christ during the Christian age. See 20:4].

Verse ConceptsGoalsVictory, Over Spiritual ForcesOvercomersTo The EndAuthority Of DisciplesDoing God's WorksOvercoming Through ChristOvercomingLucifer

And he will rule them [as a shepherd] with a staff of iron, [and smash them] as the clay jars of a potter are broken to pieces [See Psa. 2:9]. [Note: Some translations begin verse

Verse ConceptsGovernmentIronSceptreSymbolsRodsIron ObjectsAuthority Of DisciplesRelationship Of Father And SonThe Father's Activity Regarding Christ

"And write [this] to the angel of the church at Sardis: These are the words of Him who has the seven Spirits of God [i.e., Jesus, who has the Holy Spirit] and the seven stars [i.e., the seven angels of the seven churches. See 1:20]: I know about your deeds, that you have a reputation for being [spiritually] alive, but you are [really] dead.

Verse ConceptsLettersReputationSpiritsChurch, Examples OfSeven SpiritsSeven LightsNot Maintaining LifeSpiritually DeadChrist Knowing About PeopleWriting LettersOne's Deeds

So, remember how you have received and heard the message [i.e., they had eagerly accepted the Gospel]; [now] obey it and repent. For if you do not become [spiritually] alert, I will come as a thief [i.e. unexpectedly] and you will not know the [exact] time that I will come upon you [in judgment. See 2:16, 25].

Verse ConceptsPast, TheRememberingRepentance, Examples OfBeing PreparedHolding FastIgnorance Of Christ’s ReturnRepentanceThe Time UnknownThe Lord As A Thief

I know about your deeds. (See, I have placed before you an open door, which no one can close). [Note: This probably refers to their being assured of some unspecified opportunity]. [I know] that you have [only] a little bit of strength, but [in spite of that] you have obeyed my word and did not deny my name.

Verse ConceptsGod, All knowingevangelism, motivation forethics, basis ofDoorsSpiritual ImmaturityAdmission Into God's PresenceChrist's Knowledge Of BelieversPeople's Inability To Serve GodThe Act Of OpeningOpening To OthersChrist Knowing About PeopleReceiving God's WordOne's DeedsHard Work And Perseverance

Look at those who belong to the synagogue of Satan [See 2:9]; they claim to be Jews, yet they are not, but are lying. Watch, I will make them come and bow down at your feet [in respect] and [they will] know that I have loved you.

Verse ConceptsFeetSatan, As DeceiverSatanticKnowing About God's KingdomSatanJews

I am coming soon [or, suddenly. See 2:16, 25; 3:3]. Hold on firmly to what you have [i.e., opportunity, obedience, steadfastness, etc.] so that no one takes away your crown [See 2:10].

Verse ConceptsAthleticsPerseverancePrizesReadinessSelf DisciplineUrgencyPersevering To The EndGod Not DelayingCrowns For God's PeopleThe Timing Of His ComingImminencecrowns

I will make the person who has victory [in the Christian life] a pillar in the Temple of my God [i.e., probably a reference to heaven], and he will never leave it. And I will write on him the name of my God, the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem which is coming down from heaven from my God [See 21:2, 10] and my own new name.

Verse ConceptsNewnessPillarsRenewal, Of People Of GodThe Prophecy Towards JerusalemOvercomersMetaphorical PillarsGoing OutsideWriting On PeopleOthers Going DownOvercoming Through ChristTaken To HeavenA New NameCalled By God's NameCitizensOvercomingreuniting

"Write [this] to the angel of the church at Laodicia: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the source [or, ruler] of God's creation [See John 1:3; Heb. 1:1-2]:

Verse ConceptsAttending ChurchAmenRulersWitnessing, Importance OfNames And Titles For ChristChrist, Names ForChrist The BeginningThe Witness Of ChristWriting Letterslukewarm

[Because of that], I advise you to buy from me gold, refined by fire, so that you will become rich; and white clothing to wear, so that you can cover yourself and not be seen as shamefully naked; and eye drops for your eyes, so that you can see. [Note: The foregoing all refer to taking measures for becoming more spiritual].

Verse ConceptsCoveringadvisersAdvice, From GodBuying and sellingGoldHeaven, Inheritance OfMedicineMetalsMoney, Attitudes ToNakednessWise CouncelRefiningRiches, SpiritualHoly Spirit, Types OfSpiritual InvestmentClarityRich ApparelSpiritual TreasuresAlchemyWhite And Bright ClothesWhite ClothsAlternatives To MoneyBuying God's GiftGold TransferredThe Faculty Of Sight

After [seeing all] these things, I looked, and there in heaven I saw [a vision of] an open door, and the voice I had first heard speaking to me like [the sound of] a trumpet [See 1:10], said, "Come up here [i.e., to heaven], and I will show you the things which must happen after these things [i.e., the things just revealed]."

Verse ConceptsNecessityHeaven, Glimpsed By HumansThe Act Of OpeningOpening HeavenGoing Up To HeavenTrumpets For SignallingPredicting The FutureGod's VoiceSpecial RevelationGoing To HeavenRainbowPurgatoryThe Rapturerevelation

Immediately, I was in [i.e., under the influence of] the Holy Spirit [See 1:10], and there before me was situated a throne in heaven, with Someone sitting on it [Note: From the following description, this appears to have been God].

Verse ConceptsecstasyGod, Sovereignty OfSymbolsTheophanyTranceHeaven, God's ThroneGod Sitting In GloryLed By The Spirit

And He who was seated [on it] appeared like jasper [i.e., possibly diamond. See 21:11] and carnelian [i.e., possibly a brilliant red stone], and there was a rainbow, resembling an emerald, surrounding the throne.

Verse ConceptsEmeraldsJewelsRainbowsRainSymbolsTheophanyPrecious StonesJewellery And GodAppearances ofThe RainbowColorRainbow

And around God's throne there were twenty-four [other] thrones, with twenty-four elders sitting on them. [Note: These "elders" are generally considered to represent all the saved of both covenants. The number twenty-four is thought to be derived from the twelve patriarchs and the twelve apostles]. They were dressed in white clothing and had golden crowns on their heads.

Verse Conceptselders, in the churchGoldThroneWhiteWhite And Bright ClothesWhite ClothsGold OrnamentsTwelve BeingsTwenty SomeCrowns For God's PeopleElders In HeavenGreat White Throne JudgmentTwenty Four EldersSpiritual crownsThe Elderlycrowns

And lightning flashes and [loud] sounds of rolling thunder came out of God's throne. And there were seven lighted torches burning in front of the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God [i.e., the Holy Spirit. See 1:4].

Verse ConceptsLightningSpiritsSymbolsThunderSeven SpiritsSeven LightsFire Of The SpiritRumblingThe RainbowThunder Showing God's Presence

[then] the twenty-four elders fall down in front of Him who sits on His throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever. And they will throw their crowns in front of the throne and say,

Verse ConceptsSittingGod Sitting In GloryTwenty SomeCrowns For God's PeopleElders In HeavenSpecific Praising Of GodTwenty Four EldersSpiritual crownsThe Elderlyelderscrownsadoration

Then I saw in the right hand of God, who sat on His throne, a book with writing on the inside and on the back, and sealed with seven seals.

Verse ConceptsBooksScrollsThroneSevenSeven ThingsInside And OutSealing The MessageGod Sitting In GloryBooks In ProphecyFront And Back

And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, "Who deserves to break the seals on it and open the book?" [Note: This "book" was probably a rolled up scroll written on both sides, with wax seals keeping it from unrolling and its contents from being exposed].

Verse ConceptsThe Act Of OpeningOpening DocumentsShout Of GodAngels Doing God's WorkAngels Activities In The End TimesWorthfitness

Then one of the [twenty-four] elders said to me, "Do not cry; look, the Lion from the tribe of Judah, the Root of King David, has gained the victory, so He can break the seven seals on the book and open it."

Verse ConceptsdefeatLions, Figurative Use OfLionsRootsSealsNames And Titles For ChristJesus As Son Of DavidPromised VictorySeven ThingsThe Act Of OpeningOpening DocumentsChrist OvercomingDo Not MournPeople Of JudahLion Of The Tribe Of Judah

Then I saw a Lamb, looking like it had been killed. He was standing in the center of the throne, surrounded by the four living beings and the [twenty-four] elders. He has seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God [i.e., the Holy Spirit. See 1:4], sent throughout the entire earth.

Verse ConceptsAtonement, in NTHornsSpiritsSymbolsCherubim, At God's ThroneAnimal Sacrifices, As A Type Of ChristFour CreaturesSeven SpiritsSeven Body PartsHorns In AllegoryChrist Was KilledElders In HeavenGod Sending ProphetsHeavenLeadership Qualities

And when He had taken the book, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down in front of the Lamb [i.e., to worship Him]. Each one of them held [in his hands] a harp and a golden bowl full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints [See Psa. 141:2; Rev. 8:3-4].

Verse ConceptsSweet Odoursequipping, physicalMusical Instruments, types ofPriesthood, In NtPriests, Tasks In Nt TimesHeaven, Glimpsed By HumansFour CreaturesHarpsTwenty SomeBowing Before MessiahElders In HeavenTwenty Four Elders

And I heard every creature in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, on the ocean and everything in them, saying [See Note at 4:8], "May there be praise and honor and splendor and power forever and ever, to God who sits on His throne and to the Lamb."

Verse ConceptsAdoration, Of ChristEarth, God's GloryGod, Present EverywhereHonorUnceasing PraiseChrist's Exalted GloryEternal PraiseGod Sitting In GloryAngels SingingWorship In Heaven During TribulationPetsThe Seaadorationdominionhonour

And the four living beings said, "May it be so." And the elders fell down and worshiped.

Verse ConceptsReverence, And ObedienceWorship, Times ForAmen

So, I looked, and before me [stood] a white horse, and the man riding on it had a bow. And he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror [going out] to conquer [someone].

Verse ConceptsColors, WhiteBow And Arrows, Symbol Of StrengthConqueringPromised VictoryCrowns For God's PeopleFour Horsemen Of The Apocalypsecrowns

Then another horse came out; it was a red one, and the man riding on it was given [the ability] to take peace from the earth so that people would kill one another. And he was given a large sword.

Verse ConceptsSuffering, Causes OfSuffering, Nature OfRed AnimalsAngel Of DeathCivil WarKilling One AnotherGod's Swordatheism

And when the Lamb broke open the third seal, I heard the third living being saying [to the one on the black horse ?], "Come [out]." So, I looked and before me [stood] a black horse, and the man riding on it had a pair of scales in his hand.

Verse ConceptsDivine BalancesBlackWeighingThe Act Of OpeningOpening DocumentsComing To GodBlack AnimalsThird PersonRight Measuresbalance

And I heard what sounded like a voice coming from among the four living beings, saying, "A quart [measure] of wheat sells for a day's pay [Note: This amount would be $60-$84 in 1994, based on one day of a farm laborer's wages. See Matt. 20:2]; three quart measures of barley sell for a day's pay; but do not damage the [olive] oil and wine [i.e., the orchards and vineyards].

Verse ConceptsDenariusBuying and sellingGrainMoney, Uses OfWagesWeights And Measures, DryWheatFour CreaturesPlenty Of WineProvision Of OilShortagesExpensiveOther Volume MeasuresHurtEnd Timeshurting

So, I looked and before me [stood] a pale green horse, and the name of the man riding on it was "Death," and the unseen place of departed spirits followed along behind him. And they were [both] given authority over one fourth of the earth, to kill people with swords, with famine, with terrible judgments and by wild animals of the earth.

Verse ConceptsPersecution, Nature OfPlaguesGreenFamine KillingApproval To KillA Fourth PartRulers Of A FourthThe Fact Of DeathFamineFour Horsemen Of The Apocalypse

After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth. They were holding back the four winds of the earth so that no wind would blow on the earth, on the ocean or on any tree.

Verse ConceptsStandingBeing CalmFour AngelsFour CornersFour WindsNo WindsFour SidesAngels Doing God's WorkHarming TreesThe Sea StilledWeather In The Last DaysweatherFlat Earth

And I saw another angel coming up from the east; he held the seal of the living God. [Note: This "seal" was a mark of identification or ownership]. And he called out with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given [the power] to harm the land and the ocean,

Verse ConceptsSealsHoly Spirit, Types OfFour AngelsOut Of The EastShout Of GodAngels Doing God's WorkCreatures Going UpOther Creatures Going UpPeople Possibly Doing EvilMark Of The Beastempowerment

After seeing [all] these things, I looked and there [I saw] a huge crowd, which no one could count, from every nation, and tribe, and race, and language group standing in front of the throne [of God] and in front of the Lamb. They were dressed in white robes and had palm tree branches in their hands.

Verse ConceptsMultitudesGentiles, In NtCrowdsAn Innumerable NumberBranches, Types OfAudiencesLanguagesNationalismRobesStandingWhiteGlorified SaintsMany In The ChurchWhite And Bright ClothesWhite ClothsAll LanguagesThe Gospel To The NationsEvangelism During The TribulationGreat White Throne JudgmentLanguageColorRaceculture

saying [See Note at 4:8], "May it be so; May there be praise and splendor and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength to our God forever and ever. May it be so."

Verse ConceptsGlorifying GodPraisedoxologyThanksgivingEternal PraiseAmenThank God!PowerBeing Thankful For BlessingsThanksadorationhonour

So, [now] they are in front of God's throne and they are serving Him day and night in His Temple. And He who sits on His throne will spread His tent over them [i.e., He will protect them].

Verse ConceptsWorship Day And NightNightService To GodRest, EternalThe Presence Of ChristGod Sitting In GloryThe Temple In HeavenHeavennot celebrating christmasWorshiping GodServing GodServing The Churchshelterrevelation

And I saw the seven angels who were standing in front of God, and they were given seven trumpets.

Verse ConceptsStandingHeaven And AngelsSevenSeven SpiritsSeven ThingsSeven TrumpetsAngels Doing God's Work

And the smoke of the [burning] incense, [mingled] with the prayers of the saints, ascended from [the incense holder in] the angel's hand up to the presence of God.

Verse ConceptsSmokeRosesGod Answering Prayerssmoking

[When] the first trumpet sounded [I saw] hail and fire, mingled with blood, being hurled down onto the earth. And one third of it was burned up, and one third of the trees were burned up and all the green grass was [also] burned up.

Verse ConceptsGrassHailOne ThirdThe Universe DestroyedFire From HeavenFire Of JudgementBurning PlantsSeven TrumpetsGreenLifebloodFirst ThingsHarming TreesTrumpet JudgmentsNatural Disasters

[When] the second angel sounded its trumpet [I saw] what seemed like a huge mountain, ablaze with fire, being thrown into the ocean. And one third of the ocean turned to blood,

Verse ConceptsOne ThirdTurned To BloodBad WaterSeven TrumpetsSecond BeingTrumpet Judgments

[When] the third angel sounded its trumpet [I saw] a huge star, like a flaming torch, falling from heaven. It fell on one third of the rivers and on the springs of water.

Verse ConceptsSkyFalling From HeavenSeven TrumpetsThird PersonFailing Riverswaterfalls

And the star was called "Wormwood" [Note: The Greek word here means "bitter," See Lam. 3:15 ASV], and one third of the waters became wormwood [i.e., bitter], and many people died from the waters because they had become bitter.

Verse ConceptsBad WaterBitter WaterDeath Of Other GroupsBitternessEclipseSigns Of The End TimesEnd Times

[When] the fourth angel sounded its trumpet [I saw] one third of the sun, one third of the moon, and one third of the stars being struck, so that one third [of their light] would become darkened. So, the daytime had [only] one third of its [normal] light, and the nighttime was the same way.

Verse ConceptsAstronomyEclipsesOne ThirdFractions, One FourthSeven TrumpetsFourthAffecting Sun Moon And StarsDarkness At The EndCosmic DisturbancesEclipseSolar EclipseThe Moon

[When] the fifth angel sounded its trumpet, I saw a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth. And the key to the shaft leading to the deep pit [Note: This is thought to be the place where the devil and his demons live] was given to him.

Verse ConceptsAbyssKeysFractions, One FifthFalling From HeavenSeven TrumpetsFifthAffecting Sun Moon And StarsLucifer

And they were told not to harm the grass on earth, or any greenery, or any tree, but only those people who did not have God's seal on their foreheads.

Verse ConceptsForeheadsColors, GreenGuaranteeSealsThe Sealing Of The Holy SpiritHarming TreesHurthurting

They had a king over them who was the angel of the deep pit [See verses 1-2]. His name in Hebrew was "Abaddon," and in Greek it was "Apollyon" [Note: These words both mean "Destroyer"].

Verse ConceptsAbyssBottomless PitSatan, Titles ForAngels opposed to GodLanguagesSatan, As The Enemy Of GodNames And Titles For SatanChrist, Names ForThe DestroyerEvil AngelsSatan as Destroyer

And the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, [still] did not repent of what they had made with their hands [i.e., their idolatry]. They did not stop worshiping demons, and gold, silver, brass, stone and wooden idols, which can neither see, nor hear nor walk.

Verse ConceptsDeafnessFalse ReligionDemons, Evil Work Ofdemons, Kinds ofGoldStonesWoodIdolatry Consists OfAtheism, Description OfBrassImpotence Of IdolsIdols Not SeeingIdol WorshipIdolatryUnhearingWorshipping The DevilWood And StoneBronze For IdolsRepentance

And I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven. He was covered by a cloud and there was a rainbow above his head. His face was like the sun and his legs were like pillars of fire.

Verse ConceptsLegsPillarsRainbowsStrength Of AngelsObelisksHeavenly FacesTypes Of FeetAngels Doing God's WorkOthers Going DownDistinctive ClothingThe RainbowRainbow

And the angel I saw standing on the ocean and on the land lifted up his right hand to heaven

Verse ConceptsAngels HandsLifting HandsBlessings For The Right HandThe OceanThe Seagabrielevangelising

and took an oath to God, who lives forever and ever, and who created heaven and earth and [all] the things in them, and the ocean and [all] the things in it [saying], "There will be no further delay [i.e., before God's purposes are fulfilled].

Verse ConceptsEarth, Creation OfGod, Living And Self sustainingHeaven, Nature OfNatureCreation Of The Physical HeavensImminenceCreation Of The SeasGod Not DelayingSwearing ByRainbow

Then the voice which I had heard from heaven spoke to me again, saying, "Go [and] take the open book [being held] in the hand of the angel [See verse 2], who is standing on the ocean and on the land."

Verse ConceptsThe Act Of OpeningOpening Documents

So, I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little book. And he said to me, "Take it and eat it; it will be sweet as honey to your taste, but will cause you to have a sour stomach."

Verse ConceptsEating, Metaphorical UseBitter FoodSweetnessBitterness

So, I took the little book from the angel's hand and ate it. And [sure enough], it was sweet as honey to my taste, but after eating it, it gave me a sour stomach.

Verse ConceptsBitter FoodSweetnessSlaves Of GodVoice Of The Archangel

but do not include the court on the outside of the Temple in your measurements, because it has been given to the [unconverted] Gentiles. And they will trample underfoot the holy city [i.e., Jerusalem ? See 21:10] for forty-two months.

Verse ConceptsThree And A Half YearsForeigners In The Holy PlacesTrampling Placesprepping

And I will give [authority] to my two witnesses and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, wearing sackcloth" [i.e., a black, coarse cloth made of goat's hair].

Verse ConceptsThe Final Days Of TimeCelebrationsTwo WitnessesThree And A Half YearsWitness To The GospelTwo WitnessesThe Two WitnessesEnd Of Daysempowerment

These witnesses have the authority to shut the sky up so that it does not rain during the time they are prophesying. And they have the authority to turn the waters into blood, and to strike the earth with every kind of plague whenever they want to.

Verse ConceptsBlood, Miracles Connected WithPlaguesRainSkyTurned To BloodLack Of RainAuthority Of DisciplesThe Two WitnessesWeather In The Last DaysweatherempowermentGod Controlling The Rain

And when they have completed their testimony, the beast that comes up from the pit [See 13:1ff; 17:3,7] will wage war against them, and overpower and kill them.

Verse ConceptsCreaturesBottomless PitThe BeastMartyrdom, Examples OfSatan, Agents OfAntichrist, Names ForSatanic InvasionBeastsKilling ProphetsCosmic CreaturesTribulation MartydomThe Two Witnesses

And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city [Note: See the following passages on this "great city," 14:8; 16:19; 17:5,18; 18:2,10,16,18,19,21] where the Lord was crucified, which is spiritually called Sodom, or Egypt.

Verse ConceptsBabylonCondemnation Of BabylonChrist Was KilledCorpses Of Other PeopleSignificance Of Christ's CrucifixionHoly CityThe Two Witnesses

And those people living on the earth will be glad over the death of them [i.e., the two witnesses. See verse 3], and they will celebrate by sending gifts to one another, because these two prophets had tormented those living on earth.

Verse ConceptsGiving To OthersMerrinessTwo WitnessesTwo WitnessesIndividual ProphetsRejoicing In EvilUnnamed Prophets Of The LordCelebration

And after three and a half days, God breathed life into them and they stood up on their feet, and the people who saw them became terrified.

Verse ConceptsBreath Of LifeNames And Titles For The Holy SpiritGod Giving LifeThe Two WitnessesLiving For GodThe Rapturebreathrevelationrebirth

Then the two witnesses/prophets heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, "Come up here." So, they went up to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them.

Verse ConceptsHeaven,  Redeemed CommunityGoing Up To HeavenGod Speaks From HeavenTaken To HeavenThe Two Witnesses

At that very hour a severe earthquake occurred and one tenth of the city [See verse 8] was destroyed; and seven thousand persons were killed by the earthquake; and everyone else was terrified and gave honor to the God of heaven.

Verse ConceptsGlorifying GodDanger, PhysicalearthquakesHourSuffering, Nature OfFear, Of NaturalSeven ThousandDestruction Of BabylonTerror Of GodA Tenth Of ThingsThe Rapture

Then God's Temple in heaven was opened, and inside of it was seen the Chest containing God's Agreement [i.e., between Him and Israel]. [Immediately] there came lightning flashes, [loud] sounds, rumbling thunder, an earthquake and a severe hailstorm.

Verse ConceptsearthquakesHailLightningSymbolsTheophanyThunderArk Of The Covenant, PurposeThe Ark In The TempleThe Act Of OpeningOpening The TempleThe Temple In HeavenArk Of The CovenantWorship In Heaven During TribulationThe First TempleThunder Showing God's Presence

And his tail swept away one third of the stars of the sky and threw them to earth. And the dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that he could eat her child as soon as it was born.

Verse ConceptsSatan, As The Enemy Of GodSkySuffering, Of Jesus ChristAnimals, Figurative UseFractions, One ThirdOne ThirdTailsAnimals Eating PeopleAffecting Sun Moon And StarsPutting Things DownRebellion of Satan and Angels

Then the woman ran away to the desert, to a place prepared for her by God, where they could care for her for 1,260 days. [Note: The plural "they" here simply means "she would be cared for" See 10:11].

Verse ConceptsThe Final Days Of TimeFeedingThree And A Half YearsA Place PreparedTaking Care Of The Earthempowermentmistress