Revelation 1:12

12 And I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks:

Revelation 1:12 Meaning and Commentary

Revelation 1:12

And I turned to see the voice that spake with me
The Complutensian edition reads, "and there I turned": and so the Arabic version; that is, to see who it was that spoke, from whom the voice came, and by whom it was uttered; see ( Exodus 20:18 ) ;

and being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
which represented the seven churches, ( Revelation 1:20 ) ; in allusion to the seven lamps in the candlestick of the sanctuary, ( Exodus 25:37 ) ( Zechariah 4:2 ) ; compared to "candlesticks", for the use of them, which is to hold forth light; these have none of themselves, but what is put into them, and being put into them, they hold it forth; so the churches of Christ have no light of themselves, but what is put into them; and the light which is put into them, is not the mere light of nature, nor the law of Moses, but the Gospel of Christ; which dispels darkness, and is the means of enlightening sinners, and gives light to saints, by which they walk and work; and this light is put into the churches by Christ, whose the Gospel is, and who is himself come a light into the world; and being put here by him, it is held forth by them, especially by the ministers of it, who are the lights of the world, both by their ministry, and in their lives and conversations: and they are compared to "golden" candlesticks, because of their excellency, preciousness, and value, in the esteem of Christ; and for their brightness and purity in doctrine, discipline, and life; and for their splendour, glory, and beauty; and for their stability and duration; and though they are liable to corruption and taint, yet may be melted, refined, and purified as gold.

Revelation 1:12 In-Context

10 I was in the spirit on the Lord’s day and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

11 Saying: What thou seest, write in a book and send to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamus and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.

12 And I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks:

13 And in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, one like to the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the feet, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

14 And his head and his hairs were white as white wool and as snow. And his eyes were as a flame of fire: