True Mysteries

One of the best-selling literary genres after romance is the category of crime and mystery. These novels often keep readers in suspense until the end, when the mystery is revealed. But the bestselling book of all time is the Bible, with an estimated five billion copies sold and distributed. And in contrast, in the Bible’s last book, Revelation, the mysteries are revealed from the very beginning.

The “stars” are “angels”; the “lampstands” are the “churches.” The term used here for “angels” is the Greek word ággelos, which is typically used in Scripture to mean supernatural beings, as we commonly understand it. But the most basic definition of the word simply means “messenger,” as in a representative of God who does His will on earth.

For example, in speaking of John the Baptist, the synoptic Gospels all used this same term when quoting this Old Testament prophecy: “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You” (Matthew 11:10; Mark 1:2; Luke 7:27, emphasis added). It is also possible that “the angels of the seven churches” are addressing the leaders or superintendents who guided these seven congregations in Asia Minor.

And what words of comfort Jesus spoke to them! Christ was protecting the leaders of His church during the severe conflict of the apostolic age, plainly proving to His people: “They shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:28). Thus, they could say as David did, “Your right hand upholds me” (Psalm 63:8), and as did Ethan the Ezrahite singer, “Strong is Your hand, and high is Your right hand” (89:13). At the very time when the early church was tempted to believe that Christ had abandoned them to persecution, He was giving them unequivocal assurance that He had not. As long as they remained in His care, their salvation would be secured—and the same applies to every believer today.

Dear Jesus, may I “abide under the shadow of the Almighty” all of my days, for I know that You are able to protect against all enemies.

For Further Study: Matthew 23:37; 1 Timothy 3:16; Revelation 12:4, 9

Key Bible Texts

The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. (Revelation 1:20 KJV)