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Revelation Chapter Twenty-One

 

I. Content of the Chapter

 

A New Heaven and A New Earth

I. Replacing the first heaven and the first earth (v.1)

II. New Jerusalem came down out of heaven (v.2)

III. The new relationship between the residents of the new earth and God (v.3-7)

IV. The condition for the acceptance of the new earth (v.8)

 

New Jerusalem

I. The holy city Jerusalem is the Lamb’s wife (v.9-10)

II. The glorious appearance of the city (v.11)

III. The outline of the wall and gates of the city (v.12-14)

IV. The measurement of the city (v.15-17)

V. The structure of the city (v.18-21)

VI. The temple of the city (v.22)

VII. The light of the city (v.23-25)

VIII. The relationship between the nations and the city (v.26-27)

 

II. Verse by Verse commentary

 

Rev. 21:1 “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.

   YLT: “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth did pass away, and the sea is not any more;”

   Meaning of Words: “new”: fresh; “first”: first of all, beginning; “pass away”: go away, start out, go; “more”: still.

   Literal Meaning: Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth,” some Bible exegetes held that “the new heaven and the new earth” is only the renewal of the first heaven and the first earth (See v.5) and the reason is that it is written in the Bible that “but the earth abides forever” (See Eccl. 1:4). However, it is also written in the Bible that “heaven and earth will pass away” (See Mark. 13:31; Heb. 1:11; 2Pet. 3:10). And therefore the so-called “the earth abides forever” should be explained that “there will be earth for men to dwell forever”. This way, a new heaven and a new earth replaced the first heaven and the first earth and there isn’t contradiction in the Bible.

    In the original the word “new” refers to “newness” which does not exist before and it is the “newness” of a new thing. “A new heaven and a new earth” symbolizes that the old creation will be taken away and the will of God is to lead us to live in the completely new creation.

“For the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.” On one hand, from the face of God the earth and the heaven fled away (See 20:11) and on the other, the heaven shall pass away and the earth shall be burned up (See 2Pet. 3:10, 12).

Also there was no more sea.” The “sea” is the outcome of God’s judgment on creatures in the prehistoric age with water (See “the face of the deep” in Gen. 1:2). Later, God let the dry land appear and created the new creatures again (See Gen. 1:9-25). And therefore the sea becomes the arena for two kinds of living things: 1) the living things of the prehistoric age became the dwelling place of the spirits without bodies (i.e. the unclean spirits) after judgment (See Matt. 8:31-32; 12:43); 2) the various kinds of living creatures created by God which can bring forth in the sea (See Gen. 1:21). They survived from the judgment of flood in the age of Noah. However, after the sea was asked to give up the dead who were in it (i.e. the unclean spirits) in the judgment of the great white throne (See 20:11, 13), the existence of the sea will be unnecessary and therefore the living things in the sea will be wiped out with the sea.

   Spiritual Meaning: “for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.” “First” is “number one” in the original. The principle on which God works is the “second” men and things (See Exod. 12:12; 1Cor. 15:47; Heb. 8:7, 13) and therefore the “first” have to be dealt with that the “second” shall be brought in. 

Also there was no more sea.” “Sea” symbolizes having no rest, being unsteady and full of danger (See Is. 57:20; James. 1:6).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Any man in Christ is a new creation (See 2Cor. 5:17), however, we Christians still have the flesh and we have to deal with the flesh by the cross (See Gal. 5:24) that we can walk as new creatures (See Gal. 6:15).

2) Be off with the old, on with the new. And therefore we believers should not value the things of the old creation or treasure and pursue the things which will be passed away in the end. We should turn our eyes and look upon the spiritual and heavenly things, that the spiritual change and renewal will be brought in.

3) In the new heaven and the new earth, the tempestuous sea will no longer exist but peace and security forever.

 

Rev. 21:2 “Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

   YLT: “and I, John, saw the holy city -- new Jerusalem -- coming down from God out of the heaven, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband;”

  Meaning of Words: “prepared”: make ready, complete; “adorned”: put in proper order, decorate, garnish, order, dress up; “for her”: for self.

   Spiritual Meaning: “Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem,” “the holy city, New Jerusalem” symbolizes the assembly of the saints who are redeemed and bestowed grace by God from ages and from generations. Her features are as follows: 1) she is “holy”----being completely sinless, full of the divine nature and fully separated to God; 2) she is a “city”----being compact together and separated from all things out of the city. It is the witness of God in the universe; 3) she is “new”----old things are passed away and all things are become new (See 2Cor. 5:17); 4) she is “Jerusalem”----being full of peace and rest.

“Coming down out of heaven from God,” it means that she is of God and of heaven. This sentence implies that believers who have been bestowed grace will be raptured to God’s throne in heaven one after another when they have become mature to the degree of God’s acceptance (See 7:9; 11:12; 12:5; 14:1, 16; 19:1, 7; 20:4, 6) and they will be fully one. Then they will come down out of heaven as “a corporate man”.

“Prepared” means that all believers all become mature and have achieved victory. The course of edification in the great tribulation and the kingdom of a thousand years is needed that all common believers who are unqualified to be overcomers will have paid the price to be filled with the Holy Spirit (See Matt. 25:9).

“As a bride adorned for her husband” “A bride” symbolizes that the heavenly and spiritual church is the satisfaction and joy of Christ. “Adorned” has the same meaning with “prepared”. “Husband” symbolizes Christ (See Eph. 5:25- 32).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Today all believers’ behavior, works and achievements on the earth with everlasting value will be gathered and built in heaven (See Matt. 6:20; John. 4:36) and become a part of New Jerusalem in future.

2) Though believers are on earth, our citizenship is in heaven (See Phil. 3:20) and the Jerusalem above is our mother (See Gal. 4:26). It is a city whose builder and maker is God and which we desire and wait for (See Heb. 11:10, 16).

3) The ultimate will of God is to make all believers a part of New Jerusalem and therefore we should not look on our own victory only (See Phil. 2:4). We should look on brothers and sisters around us and pray for them and try our best to purse the Lord with them. 

4) This sentence shows us that our everlasting residence is not in heaven and therefore it is not the paradise but the holy city New Jerusalem which will come down to the new earth.

5) The holy city Jerusalem is the Lamb’s wife, and therefore she is not a physical city but a corporate man, i.e. the assembly of all saints who have been redeemed by God----the church that has been made holy and without blemish by Christ (See Eph. 5:25-27). Only she can satisfy Christ.

 

Rev. 21:3 “And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.

   YLT: “and I heard a great voice out of the heaven, saying, `Lo, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and He will tabernacle with them, and they shall be His peoples, and God Himself shall be with them -- their God,”

   Meaning of Words: “tabernacle”: tent; “with”: together, amid, accompany; “dwell with”: tabernacle with; “people”: the populace, all the people.

   Literal Meaning: “And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying,” “a loud voice from heaven” means that the following words show the will of God.

“‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men,” it means that New Jerusalem is the perfect accomplishment of “the tabernacle of God is with them”. In order to achieve this aim, God has come through the following courses: 1) asking Moses to make a sanctuary among the people of Israel (See Exod. 25:8-9; Lev. 26:11); 2) building and repairing the holy city in Jerusalem many times; 3) the Lord Jesus was made flesh (See John. 1:14); 4) brining forth and building the church (See Eph. 2:21-22; 1Pet. 2:5).

  “The tabernacle of God is with men” is the theme and general principle and the following four sentences and the words in the fourth verse are its detailed descriptions.

“And He will dwell with them” here men are stressed on, showing that there are neither the Jews nor the Gentiles. “With” is “tabernacle” in the original, showing that He cares about and satisfies all men’s living necessities.

“And they shall be His people.” It means that they shall fully turn to God, love Him and hear His voice.

God Himself will be with them” “Himself” emphasizes that there isn’t intermediate medium or gap between God and men. “With” refers to the obvious presence which is different from the hidden presence today.

“And be their God.” It means that God will visit them according to what is pleasing in His sight and bestow favor upon them.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The church built by the Lord on the earth is the model of New Jerusalem in future. God’s will is in her and therefore we should never hold the opinion of individualism.

2) God will take away the intermediate classes between Him and men ultimately and therefore God’s servants should never build their own influence and dominion today which cannot be taken into heaven and will be judged by God.

3) The most important thing of preachers is to make men who have been saved turn to God Himself----making men turn to God instead of any man or organization. 

4) In eternity, there is none else besides Him. He is the only one whom we love and pursue.

5) We can identify and know God as our God through His presence with us. In other words, if God is not with us, He is only the empty doctrine and knowledge and we cannot have a taste of His authenticity.

 

Rev. 21:4 “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.’”

   YLT: “and God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes, and the death shall not be any more, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor shall there be any more pain, because the first things did go away.'”

   Meaning of Words: “wipe away”: smear out, obliterate; “sorrow”: grief; “crying”: clamor.

   Literal Meaning: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes;” it means that God will take away all the reasons for men’s tears.

“There shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain,” death is the greatest sorrow of men. “Sorrow” refers to the feeling men’s inner pain. “Crying” refers to the expression of men’s outer pain. “Pain” refers to men’s physical sufferings. All these conditions are caused by sin and therefore there shall be no such conditions, showing that there shall be no trace of sin.

“For the former things have passed away.’” “The former things” is “the first things” in the original. It means that the miserable phenomena of life brought in by men’s sin and fall have been cleared up completely. 

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The feature of life is that every man has tears. No matter how happy one’s life is, the occasions of tears are unavoidable and the only difference is that some may have many occasions and others may have few.

2) Believers have tears today and can be stronger because of the Lord’s care and consolation, however, tears are not good. It would be better if we can avoid tears. The fact also tells us that the tears of many believers are always caused by themselves.

3) Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning (Ps. 30:5). All men who are asleep in the Lord will never have sorrow, outcry, pain and death when they wake up and they can sing Hallelujah forever.

 

Rev. 21:5 “Then He who sat on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said to me, Write, for these words are true and faithful.’”

  YLT: “And He who is sitting upon the throne said, `Lo, new I make all things; and He saith to me, `Write, because these words are true and stedfast;'”

   Meaning of Words: “make new”: do new; “faithful”: loyal, trustworthy, trustful.

   Literal Meaning: “Then He who sat on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.’” “He who sat on the throne” refers to God or the Lord Himself. “Making new” refers to “making or doing new” in the original and it does not refer to the modification of appearance or making up as new but the newness of nature. “Make all things new” means that all things are God’s new creation or makings.

And He said to me, Write, for these words are true and faithful.’” “Write” means that these words are very important. “True and faithful” means that they should be accepted by faith because every word will come true.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Believers’ real condition is that the new creature lives in the old creature and it is our trouble. In order to keep under our bodies, and bring them into subjection (See 1Cor. 9:27), we almost struggle every day.

2) God’s plan made in the past eternity is being carried out progressively, today our states are half new and constantly changing, however, God will make us completely new and without any blemish one day.

3) The words written in the Bible are true and faithful. There shall fall unto the earth nothing of the word of God spoken through His servants (See 2Kings. 10:10) because with God nothing shall be impossible (Luke. 1:37).

 

Rev. 21:6 “And He said to me, It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.

   YLT: “and He said to me, `It hath been done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End; I, to him who is thirsting, will give of the fountain of the water of the life freely;”

   Meaning of Words: “It is done”: to become, cause to be; “Alpha”: the first letter of the Greek alphabet; “Omega”: the last letter of the Greek alphabet; “freely”: without a cause, for free.

   Literal Meaning: “And He said to me, It is done!” “He” refers to the one who sat on the throne (See v.5). “It is done” is mentioned both in the beginning and at the end of the Bible----in the beginning it is “it was so” (See Gen. 1:24, 30) and at the end it is “it is done”. The following two sentences of “I am” are the assurance of “it is done”.

I am the Alpha and the Omega,” the first and last Greek letters are mentioned three times in this book (See 1:8; 21:6; 22:13). It not only implies that He is the one who initiates and ends all things but also shows that all the intermediate letters between them are included----He is whatever we need and He can give us all that we need.

“The Beginning and the End.” It means that He will accomplish whatever He had established in the beginning unto the end.

I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.” “The fountain of the water of life” indicates that: 1) it is of “life” and it can satisfy men’s innermost need; 2) it is a kind of “fountain” and it can supply us continuously; 3) it can relieve men’s thirst like “water”.

  “Give…freely” indicates that one does not need to pay any price but receive. “Him who thirsts” refers to men who feel that they are in want.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) God said that, “it is done”. Every word of God shall be accomplished, that His will shall be done.

2) God is the Alpha and the Omega. He is the Beginning and the End. He will accomplish what He establishes and initiates unto the end.

 

Rev. 21:7 “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.

   YLT: “he who is overcoming shall inherit all things, and I will be to him -- a God, and he shall be to me -- the son,”

   Meaning of Words: “inherit”: obtain inheritance.

   Literal Meaning: “He who overcomes shall inherit all things” “He who overcomes” refers to all believers in eternity because at that time we have to overcome so that we can have part in the holy city New Jerusalem. “All things” refers to all things that God has made new and done (See v.5-6). “Inherit” refers to having the dominion.

“And I will be his God and he shall be My son.” “Son” enjoys greater blessing than “people” (See v.3). Though “people” enjoy some rights, they need to perform some duties. As to “son”, he enjoys rights completely.

The “people” in the third verse and “son” in this verse are two different groups of men. “People” are the populace, i.e. the nations (See v.24, 22:2). “Son” is the one who inherits, i.e. the one who shall reign (See 22:5).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) God has appointed Christ heir of all things (See Heb. 1:2; Ps. 2:8) and we, the children of God, are joint-heirs with Christ (See Rom. 8:16-17). And therefore one day, we shall inherit everything that God has prepared for us above all that we imagine (See 1Cor. 1:9-10).

2) It obviously shows us that the features of the son of God are as follows: a) they are overcomers----they not only overcome the enemies but also overcome themselves; b) they are men who inherit special inheritance----they have the right to manage a share of inheritance; c) their relationships with God are personal (God calls Himself “I” and calls them “he”) and therefore they are very close to God.

 

Rev. 21:8 “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.’”

   YLT: “and to fearful, and unstedfast, and abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all the liars, their part [is] in the lake that is burning with fire and brimstone, which is a second death.'”

   Meaning of Words: the cowardly”: timid, fearful; “abominable”: disgusted; “murderers”: manslayer; “sexually immoral”: a male prostitute; “part”: portion, share.

   Literal Meaning: “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers” “the cowardly” refers to those who dare not confess that they have received Christ as their Savior publicly because they are afraid of being mocked or persecuted by men. “Unbelieving” refers to those who are stubborn and obstinate and are unwilling to believe in the Lord Jesus. “Abominable” refers to those who worship others besides the true God. “Murderers” refers to those who do not cherish men’s lives in their minds (See Matt. 5:21-22) or acts.

“Sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars” “Sexually immoral” refers to those who are sexually promiscuous in their minds or acts. “Sorcerers” refers to those who believe in the devil or actually deal with the devil. “Idolaters” refers to those who worship visible or invisible idols. “All liars” refers to those who tell various kinds of lies for different motives.

“Shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.’” “Their part” refers to the judgment they deserve. “The lake which burns with fire…the second death” please see the note in 14:10-11; 20:10, 14.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Christians who defect in the great tribulation may be the nominal Christians who dare not confess that they are believers when persecution comes. They are untrustworthy (“unbelieving” has this meaning in the original) believers.

2) The immoral things such “murder, sexual immorality and lie” are related to the ungodly things such as “abomination, sorcery and idolatry”. We Christians should not make light of the moral problems because all men who disregard morality must have problem in their faith.

 

Rev. 21:9 “Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife.’”

   YLT: “And there came unto me one of the seven messengers, who have the seven vials that are full of the seven last plagues, and he spake with me, saying, `Come, I will shew thee the bride of the Lamb -- the wife,'”

   Meaning of Words: “fill”: be full, swell out.

   Literal Meaning: “Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying,” this sentence implies that the judgment of God’s seven bowls (See 16) aims at ending the old creation and paving the way for New Jerusalem.

“‘Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife.’” “Bride” is a newly-wedded woman. This appellation only applies to the newly married period, i.e. the period of the kingdom of a thousand years. “The Lamb’s wife” this is a lifelong appellation and therefore it applies to eternity. New Jerusalem is the Lamb’s wife in eternity.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The judgment of seven bowls not only deals with the old creation but also brings in the new creation. If Babylon the great is not fallen, the holy city New Jerusalem cannot appear.

2) Many believers, in their opinions, always pay attention to the positive pursuit only and neglect the negative dealings. Actually, dealing with and taking away have the relationship of reciprocal causation and grow and decline with pursuit and growth. They are the two sides of one and must be carried out equally.

 

Rev. 21:10 “And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

   YLT: “and he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and did shew to me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, coming down out of the heaven from God,”

   Meaning of Words: “carry away”: bring, send; “descend”: come down, fall down.

   Literal Meaning: And he carried me away to a great and high mountain,” “a great and high mountain” is opposite to the “wilderness” to which John was carried by the angle to see the vision of Babylon the great (See 17:3). He must go to the spiritual wilderness to see the great harlot and climb up the spiritual high mountain to see the bride (See Deut. 34:1-4).

“And showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,” the angel intended to show John the bride and what John saw was the holy city New Jerusalem in a result. It is both a woman a place. The object that God delights in is us “men”, however, He will build us into a dwelling “place” (See Eph. 2:22).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) If we want to see the vision and receive the revelation of God, the two steps are necessary: a) one must be in the spirit that his mind will be enlightened; b) one must go up to the spiritual high mountain to pursue the spiritual achievements upward.

2) The holy city’s descending out of heaven shows that she was built by God instead of men. If we do not labor with God today, all our buildings are wood, hay and stubble instead of gold, silver and precious stones (See 1Cor. 3:9-12).

 

Rev. 21:11 “having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.

   YLT: “having the glory of God, and her light [is] like a stone most precious, as a jasper stone clear as crystal,”

   Meaning of Words: “glory”: dignity, honor; “light”: brilliancy, luminary; “precious”: costly, valuable, expensive.

   Literal Meaning: “having the glory of God.” it means that the glory of God is manifested in the city. The glory of God is the manifestation of God, i.e. God who is manifested.

Her light was like a most precious stone,” “Her light” means that the city shines and illuminates the glory of God. “A stone” is one thing refracting light. The true illuminator is not the city itself but the glory of God in the city (See v.23).

“Like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.” “Like a jasper stone” is used to describe God Himself (See 4:3) and therefore it means that the holy city has manifested God completely. “Clear as crystal” describes that there are not any impurities and it is without any cover and shadow and completely sparkling and bright.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Christians are called that we have been ordained unto glory (See 1Cor. 2:7). And now we are in the course of being changed into the glorious image of the Lord (See 2Cor. 3:18). The Lord Himself is bringing us to glory (See Heb. 2:10). One day, we shall be glorified with the Lord (See Rom. 8:17).

2) Believers are children of light (See Eph. 5:8). The Lord has given us His life of light (See John. 8:12) that we can be the light of the world (See Matt. 5:14). Our cooperation is needed that we can be the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom we shine as lights, holding forth the word of life (See Phil. 2:15-16).

3) The glorious God today lives in us and will be glorified in us (See 1Cor. 6:19-20). However, we have not purged ourselves from dishonorable vessels and we cannot be vessels unto honor like precious stones (See 2Tim. 2:21). Nevertheless, God does not abandon us and He will make us into full brightness that God can be manifested in us. 

 

Rev. 21:12 “Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:

   YLT: “having also a wall great and high, having twelve gates, and at the gates twelve messengers, and names written thereon, which are [those] of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel,”

   Spiritual Meaning: Also she had a great and high wall” there are no longer enemies in a new heaven and a new earth and therefore the wall is not for protection but for separation and testimony. It not only separates the inside and the outside of the city (See v.27; 22:15) but also is the glorious testimony of God mainly (See v.24-26). “A great and high wall” shows that the boundary is clear and the testimony is obvious to all.

“With twelve gates,” “gate” is the entrance and exit of the city and it symbolizes the acceptance and refusal of communion. Those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life (See v.27) can have part in the communion of the holy city. “Twelve” symbolizes the perfection in eternity. He whoever is qualified to enter the city will never be left out.

“And twelve angels at the gates,” it means that one angel is authorized to guard the entrance of one door respectively and everyone has to be checked by the angel whether he is accepted or not.

“And names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:” it has the following symbolic meanings: 1) the holy city has a close relationship with the elect of God; 2) the saints in the dispensation of the Old Testament also have part in the holy city; 3) the salvation comes out of the children of Israel and therefore all Israel will be saved in future (See Rom. 11:26).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) We believers must have clear testimony in our daily life, showing that we are separated ones before the world.

2) Since the door of the city is the place where the people of God get in and out, today we need to pursue the full experience in the spiritual life. And we should not always stay on the primary stage but go unto full growth (See Heb. 6:1).

3) Christians should pray for the children of God, the elect of God and ask Him to deal kindly with them.

 

Rev. 21:13 “three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west.

   YLT: “at the east three gates, at the north three gates, at the south three gates, at the west three gates;”

   Spiritual Meaning: there are tree gates on the east, on the north, on the south and on the west respectively and it symbolizes that: 1) men from different sides of the world and all nations have the opportunity to be bestowed grace to have part in the holy city; 2) the holy city is the center of all the land and all nations shall bring glory into it (See v.26).

 

Rev. 21:14 “Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

   YLT: “and the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”

   Spiritual Meaning: it symbolizes that the separation and testimony (the wall) in eternity are built upon the teachings and testimony passed on by Christ’s twelve apostles, i.e. being built upon God’s grace and truth (See John. 1:17).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel are written on the wall of the holy city (See v.12) and the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb are written on the foundations of the wall. It shows that both the law of the Old Testament and grace of the New Testament are related to the holy city and all saints of both the New and Old Testaments are the essential factors to make up the holy city.

2) When drinking water, one thinks of its source. Believers should never be ungrateful. The teachings and testimonies handed down from apostles are the foundation for us to learn and imitate.

 

Rev. 21:15 “And he who talked with me had a gold reed to measure the city, its gates, and its wall.

   YLT: “And he who is speaking with me had a golden reed, that he may measure the city, and its gates, and its wall;”

   Meaning of Words: “measure”: admeasure, gauge.

   Spiritual Meaning: in the Bible gold symbolizes the divine disposition. A gold reed is used as a ruler to manifest that the holy city built by God all accord with the divine standard, so that God shall be satisfied.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The holy city built by God conforms to the divine standard certainly and it is beyond-all-question. However, do all our services and works today conform to the standard of God?

2) The word of God has revealed His disposition and will to us and therefore we should always come to the light of God to prove ourselves and measure our works.

 

Rev. 21:16 “The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal.

   YLT: “and the city lieth square, and the length of it is as great as the breadth; and he did measure the city with the reed -- furlongs twelve thousand; the length, and the breadth, and the height, of it are equal;”

   Meaning of Words: “square”: four-cornered.

   Spiritual Meaning: “The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth.” “A square” symbolizes that it is not slanting and it is ship shaped, balanced and straight. 

And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs.” “Twelve thousand furlongs” is “twelve thousand stadia” in the original. It is about two thousand and four hundred kilometers and it is quite high and magnificent. The number “twelve thousand” in the Bible symbolizes the absolute and everlasting perfection.

Its length, breadth, and height are equal.” It shows that the holy city is four-cornered, just as the holiest of all is cubic----it is twenty cubits in length, in breadth and in height (See 1Kings. 6:20).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The true building of God must be as a square----ordered, balanced and upright. If the disordered phenomena occur in our service in the church, undoubtedly the problem shall be our error.

2) The holy city and the holiest of all are as a square, showing that if we live, work and serve in the presence of God, everything shall be steady.

 

Rev. 21:17 “Then he measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel.

   YLT: “and he measured its wall, an hundred forty-four cubits, the measure of a man, that is, of the messenger;”

   Meaning of Words: “cubit”: the length of the forearm, it is about equal to forty-five centimeters.

   Literal Meaning: “Then he measured its wall: according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel.” It shows that a man and an angel are different today (See Heb. 2:7), however, the differences between a man and an angel will no longer exist in eternity (See Matt. 22:30) and therefore the measure is the same.

  “One hundred and forty-four cubits” one cubit is equal to eighteen inches and it is about two hundred and sixteen inches----sixty five meters. Some Bible exegetes held that it referred to the thickness of the wall of the city. However, the majority of the Bible exegetes held that it referred to the height of the wall of the city instead of the thickness. Multiply twelve and twelve and we get one hundred and forty-four which means everlasting and absolute perfection.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) In the realm of resurrection, the measure of a man is the measure of an angel. Men’s natural compositions must be dealt with by the cross and experience death and resurrection and then shall be used by God for the building.

2) Multiply twelve by twelve cubits makes the size of the wall of the city. Only the thing completely of God can bear glorious witness of God (the spiritual meaning of the wall of the city).

 

Rev. 21:18 “The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass.

   YLT: “and the building of its wall was jasper, and the city [is] pure gold -- like to pure glass;”

   Meaning of Words: “pure”: clean, clear (pure and clear are the same word in the original).

   Spiritual Meaning: “The construction of its wall was of jasper;” “jasper” symbolizes the manifestation of God (See v.12; 4:3).

“And the city was pure gold,” “pure gold” refers to solid gold and gold symbolizes the disposition of God.

“Like clear glass.” It symbolizes that it is completely transparent, without any cover.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The materials to build the holy city and its wall are pure gold and jasper. Believers must be full of God’s glorious quality and disposition (the spiritual meaning of pure gold) in us and manifest the glorious image of God (the spiritual meaning of jasper) upon us, that we can be used by God to build the holy city.

2) All our natural impurities must be refined that we can be manifested clear, like pure glass.

 

Rev. 21:19 “The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald,

   YLT: “and the foundations of the wall of the city with every precious stone have been adorned; the first foundation jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald;”

   Meaning of Words: “adorned”: decorate, put in proper order.

   Spiritual Meaning: “The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones:” “precious stones” came into being after they were fused under high temperature and high pressure and it symbolizes the result of the Holy Spirit’s work upon believers. The following twelve precious stones symbolize the various kinds of fruit of the Spirit (See Gal. 5:22-23).

“The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire,” “jasper” is the translucent and light green diamond and it symbolizes the glory of God. “Sapphire” is the sky blue precious stone and it symbolizes the heavenly peace.

“The third chalcedony, the fourth emerald,” “chalcedony” is the peacock green (it is close to green of the peacock’s tail) precious stone and it symbolizes hope. “Emerald” is the grass green (or dark green) precious stone and it symbolizes kindness. 

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The twelve precious stones are piled up with one another and become the foundations of the wall of the city and they are the foundations of the heavenly beautiful witness of the holy city. The various kinds of states manifested upon us after we have been worked by the Holy Spirit are beautiful witness in the sight of the world.

2) The Holy Spirit makes us under various kinds of different circumstances to train us that we can have various kinds of heavenly dispositions upon us. All things work together for good to them that love God (See Rom. 8:28).

 

Rev. 21:20 “the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.

   YLT: “the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprasus; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst.”

   Literal Meaning: “the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius,” “sardonyx” is the red-and-white precious stone and it symbolizes faithfulness. “Sardius” is the blood-red precious stone and it symbolizes the love of sacrifice.

“The seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl,” “chrysolite” is the golden precious stone and it symbolizes goodness. “Beryl” is the sea-green (or navy-blue) precious stone and it symbolizes longsuffering.

“The ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase,” “topaz” is the yellow-green precious stone and it symbolizes joy. “Chrysoprase” is the apple green precious stone and it symbolizes meekness.

“The eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.” “Jacinth” is the violet precious stone and it symbolizes self-control. “Amethyst” is the transparent purple precious stone and it symbolizes dignity.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The color shown by the twelve kinds of precious stones is equal to the color of the rainbow. It shows that God is the one who is faithful and keeps the covenant and He is able to keep that which we have committed unto Him against that day (See 2Tim. 1:12).

2) Probably the fruit of the Spirit upon every believer has its own feature, however, if they are harmonized with one another, they make up the beautiful, firm and solid foundations. And therefore we should learn to respect and appreciate the features of others because God does not intend to make us into the same ones.

 

Rev. 21:21 “The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

   YLT: “And the twelve gates [are] twelve pearls, each several one of the gates was of one pearl; and the broad-place of the city [is] pure gold -- as transparent glass.”

   Meaning of Words: “transparent”: clear.

   Spiritual Meaning: “The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl.” “Pearl” is the precious thing. It comes into being after the clam makes secretions to surround the sand and stone when it is hurt by the sand and stone in the sea. It symbolizes that the cross works upon us and changes and renews us to make us be liked by the Lord (See Matt. 13:45). “Each individual gate was of one pearl” symbolizes that believers must be changed and renewed that we can enter and have part in the holy city.

And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.” “The street” symbolizes life, activities and communion. “The street of the city was pure gold” symbolizes that the life, activities and communion must have the divine dispositions. “Like transparent glass” symbolizes walkings, words and deeds are opened without any concealment.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) If the tribulations or pain we suffer today can change into the lessons of the cross, they will help us to acquire the “right” to enter the city of New Jerusalem. And therefore we should have the mind to suffer for the Lord (See 1Pet. 4:1) and this way, we shall be glad with exceeding joy in future (See 1Pet. 4:13).

2) The communion among saints in the church should be open and aboveboard, without any concealment.

 

Rev. 21:22 “But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.

   YLT: “And a sanctuary I did not see in it, for the Lord God, the Almighty, is its sanctuary, and the Lamb,”

   Spiritual Meaning: “But I saw no temple in it,” “temple” is the place for God to dwell (See 2Sam. 7:5). Since God dwells with men publicly (See v.3) in the new heaven and the new earth, it shows that He lives in the holy city and the whole holy city is the holiest of all (See the notes in v.16) and therefore there is no temple.

“For the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.” It means that: 1) the Lord God, Almighty and the Lamb are one. 2) The whole holy city is holy. There is no gap of sin between God and men and men can come to God at any time and have intimate communion with Him.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Today believers have to confess our sins continuously and ask God to forgive us and cleanse us from all our sins that we can have fellowship with Him in the light (See 1John. 1:7-9).

2) One day, all believers shall be edified and become overcomers (See v.7) and be a member of the holy city. At that time we will no longer have sin and uncleanness (See v.27) and therefore we can have close communion with God face to face at any time.

 

Rev. 21:23 “The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light.

   YLT: “and the city hath no need of the sun, nor of the moon, that they may shine in it; for the glory of God did lighten it, and the lamp of it [is] the Lamb;”

   Literal Meaning: “The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it,” “the sun or the moon” are the natural light source or reflected light of the creation. They were smitten in the period of the Great Tribulation (See 8:12) and we are uncertain whether the sun and the moon still exist in the new heaven and the new earth.

“For the glory of God illuminated it.” God Himself is light (See 1John1:5).

The Lamb is its light.” It means that just as the glory of God is manifested through Christ (See Heb. 1:3), the light of God shines through the Lamb (Christ).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) In the holy city, God will be the direct source of our power, motive power and light which are needed in our life and activities. We do not need to get help from the indirect natural energy sources and light sources which are inconvenient and have side effects.

2) It also shows that we will see the glory of God and the Lamb as He is face to face then and we won’t be unable to see them (See Exod. 33:20-23; 1John. 3:2).

 

Rev. 21:24 “And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it.

   YLT: “and the nations of the saved in its light shall walk, and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it,”

   Meaning of Words: “walk”: walk about, act.

   Literal Meaning: “And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light,” “the nations” refers to the common residents in the new heaven and the new earth. They belong to the sheep who are judged by the Lord as the blessing righteous ones who can enter the realm of eternity and inherit the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world (See Matt. 25:33-34, 46). “Walk in its light” means that the nations of the new heaven and the new earth live in the light of the holy city indirectly, compared to the residents of the holy city who live in the light of God and the Lamb directly because the holy city will shine the whole new earth like a large lighthouse at that time.

“And the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it.” “The kings of the earth” refers to the servants of God and the Lamb and they shall reign (See 22:4-5). “Their glory” probably refers to all the good things produced out of their own dominion (See Gen. 31:1).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The difference between the residents of the holy city and the nations lies in their constitution----the former is made up of believers and the elect (the people of Israel) and the latter is made up of the unbelieving righteous ones. We have eternal life and they enter the realm of eternal life.

2) Concerning everything we have obtained in grace, we should not only render thanks to God but also share them with all brothers and sisters.

 

Rev. 21:25 “Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there).

   YLT: “and its gates shall not at all be shut by day, for night shall not be there;”

   Literal Meaning: “Its gates shall not be shut at all by day” “day” refers to the time there is light (See John. 9:4; 12:35). “Its gates shall not be shut at all” means that the so-called safety is no consideration.

(There shall be no night there).” “No night” means that the whole day is the daytime.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Today the qualification and opportunity must be considered if one wants to enter a door and the two things are indispensable to him for entering it. However, the door is always open to the qualified ones that day and they can enter it at any time. 

2) We must work and walk today while it is day because we can neither work nor walk when night comes (See John. 9:4; 11:9). It means that we have to strive to serve and pursue while we are alive. However, it is the day all the time in eternity and it means that we are no longer restrained by time.

 

Rev. 21:26 “And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it.

   YLT: “and they shall bring the glory and the honour of the nations into it;”

   Literal Meaning: the residents of the new heaven and the new earth fear God and respect those who are of God.

 

Rev. 21:27 “But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life.

   YLT: “and there may not at all enter into it any thing defiling and doing abomination, and a lie, but -- those written in the scroll of the life of the Lamb.”

   Meaning of Words: anything that defiles”: all profaning.

   Literal Meaning: “But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie,” it does not mean that these men and things still exist in the new heaven and the new earth because these men and things are the materials of the lake of fire. They shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone (See v.8). Here it emphasizes that everything in the holy city is completely holy.

“But only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life” It means that only those who have been saved can enter the holy city and they certainly include believers and the children of Israel who have been bestowed grace and saved (See Rom. 11:26).

 

III. Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons

 

A New Heaven and A New Earth

I. The new nature----the original meaning of the word “new” (v.1, 5)

II. The new circumstance----there was no more sea (v.1)

III. The new relation----God is with men Himself (v.3)

IV. The new life----there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain (v.4)

V. The new condition----giving freely (v.6)

VI. The new light source----the nations shall walk in the light of the city (v.24)

VII. The new attitude----men shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into the city (v.26)

 

The Holy City New Jerusalem (I)

I.  Nature:

  A. the holy city (v.2, 10)----it is holy

  B. New Jerusalem (v.2)----it is new

II. Origin:

  A. from God (v.2, 10)----it is of God

  B. out of heaven (v.2, 10)----it is of heaven

III. Identity:

  A. a bride (v.2, 9)

  B. the Lamb’s wife (v.9)

IV. Members:

  A. he who overcomes (v.7)

  B. the son of God (v.7)

 

The Holy City New Jerusalem (II)

I. It is a great and high city (v.10, 15-17).

II. It is a holy city (v.10, 27).

III. It is a magnificent city (v.11, 18-21).

IV. It is a bright city (v.11, 23-25).

V. It is a firm and solid city (v.12).

VI. It is a rich city (v.18-21).

VII. It is a city of honor (v.24, 26).

 

The Holy City New Jerusalem (III)

I. Its outward appearance----showing the glorious light of God (v.11)

II. Its construction:

  A. a high and great wall (v.12)----it is of jasper (v.18)

  B. the wall had twelve gates:

a. the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel were written on the gates (v.12-13)

b. each individual gate was of one pearl (v.21)

  C. the wall of the city had twelve foundations:

a. on the foundations were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb (v.14)

b. the foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones (v.19-20)

  D. the city was pure gold, like clear glass (v.18)

  E. the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass (v.21)

  F. no temple was in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple (v.22)

III. Its measure:

  A. Its length, breadth, and height are equal and it is twelve thousand furlongs (v.16)

  B. the wall is one hundred and forty-four cubits (v.17)

IV. Its light:

  A. the glory of God illuminated the city (v.23)

  B. the Lamb is its light (v.23)

  C. the nations shall walk in the light of the city (v.24)

  D. there shall be no night (v.25)

 

── Caleb HuangChristian Digest Bible Commentary Series

   Translated by Sharon Ren