1:4-5).Īnd to the angel of the church in Sardis write: These things he says who has the seven spirits of God, and the seven stars: I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, and you are dead (Rev. John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from him who is and who was and who is to come and from the seven spirits that are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ (Rev. The expression “seven spirits” is found only in the book of Revelation, and then just four times. The Holy Spirit in the New Testament. London: Macmillan and Company, 1910.Ĭopyright © 2005 By George M.“What are the ‘seven spirits’ mentioned in the book of Revelation?” Word Pictures in the New Testament, Vols. The Lion and the Lamb. Nashville: Broadman Press, 1986. The Book of Revelation. Grand Rapids: Willlima B. Jude. Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing House, 1966. A Commentary on the Revelation of John. Grand Rapids: William B. The Ultimate Victory. Springfield: Gospel Publishing House, 1991.
There, concerning the Spirit upon Christ, Isaiah declares: “The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.” NAU For Further Study Isaiah 11:2 provides an excellent illustration of this truth. The Spirit is one person in various manifestations. In no way, as some think, does this divide the Spirit into parts. In my view, the expression “seven Spirits” refers to the Holy Spirit and, especially, to seven aspects of the Spirit’s presence and work. No doubt this explains why scholars go to such lengths to defend the position that the Spirit is a person. At other times, one might think of a force or power. Sometimes, the Spirit is clearly identified as a person. The language of the Spirit, throughout the New Testament, is fascinating. Although only a conjecture, it would seem that they are perhaps part of a heavenly entourage that has a special ministry in connection with the Lamb. Thus a survey of the four places in Revelation where the seven spirits of God are mentioned fails to provide sufficient information to arrive at a certain understanding of this enigmatic phrase. 26) acknowledges that some hold the view that seven Spirits refers to angels, but his own view is that John means the Holy Spirit and his sevenfold manifestation. 129) says, “The seven spirits which are before God’s throne symbolize the Holy Spirit, seven again symbolizing completion or perfection.” The number seven in the Scriptures often is used this way. As examples of how scholars treat this expression, we cite the following: The last view is really an extension of the second. However, these views stand out: (1) the expression refers to angels (2) John is referring to the Holy Spirit and (3) he is identifying seven manifestations of the Spirit. Many different explanations of the “seven spirits” are given. The question is, “To whom does the expression “seven Spirits” refer? However, the second phrase is the subject of considerable discussion. The last phrase, of course, specifically names Jesus Christ, the faithful witness. He is the One who is and who was and who is to come. Very clearly, the first phrase refers to God the Father. The grace and peace is (1) from Him who is and who was and who is to come, (2) from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, and (3) from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. John bestows upon the seven churches “grace and peace” from the Triune source. Because we are studying the Holy Spirit, we will focus our attention here on this expression. In the salutation, John mentions the “seven Spirits.” This same expression is used in 3:1, 4:5, and 5:6. He begins his covering letter with a salutation (1:4-8). Although he will write to each church, he intends that they all read all of the letters. Then, he writes a covering letter to the seven churches in Asia (1:4-20).
John introduces his book in Revelation 1:1-3. – Revelation 1:4-7, New International Version Introduction And all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.”
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