Study notes
The people of God are pictured as a woman who gives birth to the Messiah. Even though the devil has already been defeated, he continues to attack her and her children (Revelation 12:1–17). With his two followers, the beast and the false prophet, Satan tries to keep controlling the world (Revelation 13:1–18) before the final battle with the Lord (14:1–20).
standing: See Revelation 5:6; study note on Revelation 12:18.
144,000: God’s righteous remnant (see study note on Revelation 7:4–8).
The mark on their foreheads (contrast Revelation 13:16–17) is the name of both the lamb and his father, showing the unity of Jesus and the Father (see John 5:20–23; 14:5–10; 17:22).
The true lamb and his followers are very different from the evil trinity.
John described the Lamb in ways that Psalm 2 described a certain king. This was the king that God chose to be the son of God.
Other kings, nations and rulers on earth tried to be more powerful than God. But God’s son ruled from Mount Zion as king over all other rulers. Mount Zion was another name for Mount Moriah.
The Lamb that John saw standing on Mount Zion was this king from Psalm 2. The two beasts in Revelation chapter 13 were like the rulers that opposed God in Psalm 2. The Lamb was joined by his faithful followers. They worshipped him with a new song. This was a way to celebrate Jesus’ work of rescuing them from evil.
Being marked with Jesus’ name and the Father’s name showed that they belonged to Jesus. John had seen the crowd of 144,000 people before. They were a sign of all the people throughout history who are God’s faithful people. That’s what it meant that they were a first offering.
This great choir sang a new song that only those redeemed from the earth could learn. These people had died and were already with the Lord. This might explain why John did not include the content of their refrain for readers still facing life's challenges (compare 2 Corinthians 12:4).
These warriors were ceremonially pure (not … defiled) and morally blameless.
for they are virgins: Referring to men as virgins is a metaphor for the faithfulness of God’s people. The image might refer to the church as the virgin bride of Christ (see 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:25–27). It also suggests that the church members are like soldiers in a holy war who must abstain from sexual intercourse (see Deuteronomy 23:9–10; 1 Samuel 21:5).
These faithful people are a special offering, literally called firstfruits (see Exodus 13:14–16; 23:19; Leviticus 23:9–14; Numbers 3:40–51; 18:15–20; Luke 2:22–24), who have been purchased for God.
no lie was found in their mouths: John teaches that liars will never enter heaven (Revelation 21:8, 27; 22:15; see also John 8:44). The followers of Jesus speak and live the truth (see also John 8:32; 14:6).
The first angel announces the eternal good news. This includes the message that God will judge soon. It is a final call to repent.
Three angels fly through the sky carrying messages from God.
The first angel John saw made an announcement to everyone on earth. God is the Creator and is the only one who should be worshipped. He is going to judge the world. That message was good news for people.
The second angel announced that Babylon had fallen. This meant that Babylon had lost all its power. God judged Babylon for not accepting the good news that the first angel announced. He also judged Babylon for causing other nations to sin.
The third angel warned about judgement against all who followed and worshipped the beast. This was the beast that came out of the sea in Revelation chapter 13. Both the beast and Babylon were signs for human governments that seek complete power. These governments treat those who are faithful to Jesus badly. In John’s time, that government was Rome. John’s vision offered comfort to God’s people who were being treated unfairly. They would be blessed even if they were put to death. The Holy Spirit would give them rest.
Babylon likely symbolizes Rome (see Revelation 16:19; 17:5–9). It represents earthly power and corruption. God's arrival as judge (Revelation 14:7) signifies the end of earthly powers.
The third angel announces God's judgment (Revelation 14:7) on the false worship of the beast and his statue (see Revelation 13:12–18; 19:20; 20:4). God responds to the rebellion against his rule with anger, shown as a cup of bitter wine (see Revelation 16; 19:15).
fire and sulfur … smoke: This description of judgment (see also Revelation 19:20; 20:10, 14–15) reminds us of God's judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:16–19:28).
Those condemned to a fiery end will suffer in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb (compare Luke 16:22–24).
Christians who first read this letter faced real threats of persecution and death. John urges God's people to obey and stay faithful (see Revelation 2:10; 3:10; 12:17; 13:10).
A powerful voice from heaven tells John to write again (see Revelation 1:11, 19; 21:5; compare 10:4).
Blessed are … those who die in the Lord: God wants those who suffer persecution to be with him and enjoy his blessings and rest.
Mentioning hard work and good deeds with eternal reward hints at rewards given based on actions (Revelation 20:12).
the Son of Man: Or like a son of man; see study note on Revelation 1:13.
A gold crown symbolizes status or power, clearly distinguishing Jesus from the angels (see Revelation 4:4; 6:2; 9:7; 12:3; 13:1).
The sharp sickle symbolizes God's harvest of judgment (see Revelation 14:17–18; see also Jeremiah 51:33; Hosea 6:11; Micah 4:12–13).
Two short scenes show God's judgment.
In Matthew 9:37–38 and John 4:35–38 Jesus had talked about the world as a harvest field. This meant that people were ready to believe in him and follow him.
In John’s vision, John saw Jesus harvest the earth’s corn. This was a picture of Jesus saving those who belong to him. John also saw an angel harvest the earth’s grapes. This could be a picture of God’s anger and judgement against those who do evil. It could also be a picture of God’s people who were put to death. Their blood was spilled as they laboured to follow Jesus faithfully.
The temple and the altar symbolize God's presence (see Revelation 9:13; 11:19; 16:7).
The ripe grapes (see Amos 8:2) trampled in the winepress highlight God's power to judge (see Revelation 19:15; Joel 3:13).
People built winepresses outside cities and towns; here, the city is Jerusalem. The bloody river of death stretched about 290 kilometers (180 miles). This shows that God’s enemies have no chance when the Son of Man comes in judgment. This destruction is closely linked with the final battle in Revelation 19:17–21. God is just and fair in giving people exactly what they deserve (see Revelation 16:5–7).
Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources