Revelation of John 14:1-5
Summary for Rev 14:1-5: 14:1-5 a The true Lamb and his followers starkly contrast with the evil trinity. 14:1 b standing: See 5:6 c; study note on 12:18.• 144,000: God’s righteous remnant (see study note on 7:4-8).
• The brand on their foreheads (contrast 13:16-17 d) is the name of both the Lamb and his Father, reflecting the union of Jesus and the Father (see John 5:20-23 e; 14:5-10 f; 17:22 g).
Summary for Rev 14:2-3: 14:2-3 h This great choir sang a . . . new song that only those who had been redeemed from the earth could learn. These people had died and were already with the Lord, which might explain why John did not include the content of their refrain for readers still in the battle of life (cp. 2 Cor 12:4 i).
Summary for Rev 14:4-5: 14:4-5 j These warriors were ritually pure (unpolluted) and morally without blame.
• They have kept themselves as pure as 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 Cor 11:2 k; Eph 5:25-27 l); it also suggests that the church constitutes soldiers in a holy war that are required to keep themselves chaste (see Deut 23:9-10 m; 1 Sam 21:5 n).
• These faithful people are a special offering (literally firstfruits; see Exod 13:14-16 o; 23:19 p; Lev 23:9-14 q; Num 3:40-51 r; 18:15-20 s; Luke 2:22-24 t) who have been purchased for God.
• They have told no lies: John teaches that liars will never enter heaven (Rev 21:8 u, 27 v; 22:15 w; see also John 8:44 x). The followers of Jesus speak and live the truth (see also John 8:32 y; 14:6 z).
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