Verse 19
19. Write This command naturally appears to presuppose immediate writing; precluding the notion of John’s penning the Apocalypse after leaving Patmos. He is to be a recorder of speeches made. Doubtless the authority that could command the dead was competent to enable his hand to write, if need be, with all the rapidity and accuracy of a modern stenographic reporter. Ουν therefore is found in the Greek, in all the MSS., and in all the Versions except our English. It is an important, a hinging, word. It was for this write that the Christophany takes place. Because of my personal presentation in glorious form, and my authenticating self-annunciation, therefore write.
Things… seen The Christophany, the annunciation, and the symbols of stars and candlesticks.
Things which are The present facts and conditions of the seven Churches as symbolic of the normal condition of all Churches.
Which shall be The future destinies of the Churches as dependent on their present conduct. We might, indeed, suppose from the comprehensive terms of this threefold range of topics, that the whole book is here included in the commission. But the symbols of stars and angels indicate that the things of the seven Churches, and the constituency they represent, are alone embraced.
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