John Newton, eighteenth-century slave-ship-captain-turned-abolitionist and hymn writer, wrote of Jesus, “In [Christ], I have an offering, an altar, a temple, a priest, a sun, a shield, a Savior, a Shepherd, a hiding place, a resting place, food, medicine, riches, honor, wisdom, righteousness, holiness, in short, everything.”

The Apostle John also was deeply moved by the glorious vision of Christ. John was in exile, a brother and companion in persecution alongside his original readers (vv. 9–11). For the sake of the gospel, they shared in “the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus”—a striking phrase. On the Lord’s Day, Sunday, the day Christ rose from the dead, John was worshiping “in the Spirit.” He heard a voice “like a trumpet” instructing him to write down what he was about to see and send it to the seven churches.

Naturally, he turned around to see who it was. There stood “someone like a son of man” (an allusion to Daniel 7:13), the Messiah, Jesus Christ (vv. 12–16). He wore a robe and a golden sash, indicating royalty. His white hair symbolized wisdom and eternality. His eyes blazed fire, indicating His penetrating insight and omniscience (Heb. 4:13). His feet of glowing bronze stood ready to trample His enemies. His voice sounded like rushing waters, powerful and beautiful. He held seven stars, the angels of the seven churches (v. 20). Out of his mouth came a double-edged sword, the Word of God (Heb. 4:12). His face shone like the sun (Num. 6:24–26). He is “the First and the Last,” “the Living One,” and holds the keys to everything.

John fell on his face in worship (vv. 17–18). Jesus, however, said, “Do not be afraid,” and told him again to write “what is now and what will take place later” (vv. 19–20).

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