Rev 2:18, 19:12 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 18. And unto the angel of the church . . These things saith the Son of God . This is the first time, in these epistles, that the name of the speaker is referred to. In each other instance, there is merely some attribute of the Saviour mentioned. Perhaps the severity of the rebuke contemplated here made it proper that there should be a more impressive reference to the authority of the speaker; and hence he is introduced as the "Son of God." It is not a reference to him as the "Son of man"--the common appellation which he gave to himself when on earth--for that might have suggested his humanity only, and would not have conveyed the same impression in regard to his authority; but it is to himself as sustaining the rank, and having the authority of the Son of God--one who, therefore, has a right to speak, and a right to demand that what he says shall be heard. Who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire . . Before the glance of his eye all is light, and nothing can be concealed from his view. Nothing would be better fitted to inspire awe then, as nothing should be now, than such a reference to the Son of God as being able to penetrate the secret recesses of the heart. And his feet are like fine brass . . Perhaps indicative of majesty and glory as he walked in the midst of the churches. (a) "eyes"

Revelation of John 2:18

Verse 18. And unto the angel of the church. Rev 1:20.

These things saith the Son of God. This is the first time, in these epistles, that the name of the speaker is referred to. In each other instance, there is merely some attribute of the Saviour mentioned. Perhaps the severity of the rebuke contemplated here made it proper that there should be a more impressive reference to the authority of the speaker; and hence he is introduced as the "Son of God." It is not a reference to him as the "Son of man"--the common appellation which he gave to himself when on earth--for that might have suggested his humanity only, and would not have conveyed the same impression in regard to his authority; but it is to himself as sustaining the rank, and having the authority of the Son of God--one who, therefore, has a right to speak, and a right to demand that what he says shall be heard.

Who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire. Rev 1:14. Before the glance of his eye all is light, and nothing can be concealed from his view. Nothing would be better fitted to inspire awe then, as nothing should be now, than such a reference to the Son of God as being able to penetrate the secret recesses of the heart.

And his feet are like fine brass. Rev 1:15. Perhaps indicative of majesty and glory as he walked in the midst of the churches.

(a) "eyes" Rev 1:14,15

Revelation of John 19:12

Verse 12. His eyes were as a flame of fire. Rev 1:14.

And on his head were many crowns. Many diadems, indicative of his universal reign. It is not said how these were worn or arranged on his head--perhaps the various diadems worn by kings were in some way wreathed into one.

And he had a name written. That is, probably on the frontlet of this compound diadem. Compare Rev 13:1; Rev 14:1.

That no man knew but he himself. Rev 2:17. This cannot here mean that no one could read the name, but the idea is, that no one but himself could fully understand its import. It involved a depth of meaning, and a degree of sacredness, and a relation to the Father, which he alone could apprehend in its true import. This is true of the name here designated--"the word of God"--the Logos--λογος; and it is true of all the names which he bears. See Mt 11:27. Compare a quotation from Dr. Buchanan in the Asiatic Researches, vol. i., vi. p. 264, as quoted by Rosenmuller, Morgenland, in loc.