St John continues his account by describing what happened when he turned toward the voice that spoke to him. He says that when he turned around, he saw seven golden lampstands. Standing among them was a figure “like a son of man.” This figure wore a long robe reaching down to his ankles and a golden sash around his chest. The description immediately shows that this was not an ordinary human being, but a divine and powerful presence.
The image of the seven lampstands may have been inspired by the Jewish menorah, the seven-branched lampstand used in the Temple. In the vision, however, these lampstands take on a new meaning and represent Christian communities rather than a physical object Christianity and the Imperial Cult.
The Appearance of the Son of Man
St John gives a very detailed description of the figure he sees. The hair of his head is white, like white wool or snow, which symbolizes purity, wisdom, and eternity. His eyes are like flames of fire, suggesting that he can see everything clearly and judge all things. His feet look like polished bronze refined in a furnace, a symbol of strength and stability.
The voice of the figure sounds like rushing water, powerful and overwhelming, similar to the sound of a great waterfall. In his right hand he holds seven stars, and from his mouth comes a sharp, two-edged sword. This sword does not represent physical violence but the power of divine truth and judgment. His face shines as brightly as the sun at its strongest, emphasizing his divine nature City Tours Istanbul.
Fear and Reassurance
When St John sees this vision, he is overcome with fear. He falls at the feet of the figure as though he were dead. This reaction is common in biblical visions, where humans are unable to stand in the presence of divine glory.
The figure then touches St John with his right hand and comforts him, saying, “Do not be afraid.” He identifies himself as “the first and the last,” a title that expresses eternity and authority over all time. He explains that although he was once dead, he is now alive forever and holds the keys to death and the underworld. This clearly identifies the figure as the risen Christ.
The Meaning of the Symbols
The figure commands St John to write down what he has seen, what is happening now, and what will happen in the future. He then explains the symbolic meaning of the vision. The seven stars in his hand represent the angels, or heavenly protectors, of the seven churches. The seven golden lampstands represent the seven churches themselves.
This explanation shows that the vision is not meant to be taken literally. Instead, it uses symbols to communicate spiritual truths about the Church and Christ’s authority over it.
Literary Tradition and Interpretation
The vision of St John follows a long tradition of visionary writing found especially in the Book of Daniel. In these earlier texts, God or heavenly beings are often described with superhuman brightness, size, and beauty. Many of these features also resemble images of gods from ancient Near Eastern religions.
It is not known for certain whether St John experienced these visions as real events or whether he used established literary conventions to express his message. What is clear, however, is that the vision was meant to inspire awe, strengthen faith, and remind Christians that Christ remains present among them and holds power over life, death, and history itself.
