The book of Revelation contains a vision described by the apostle John in which he sees seven golden lampstands. These seven lampstands are interpreted as representing seven churches (Revelation 1:20). Understanding the imagery and significance of the seven lampstands can provide insight into this important prophetic vision.
The Vision of the Seven Lampstands
The vision is recorded in Revelation 1:9-20. John states that he was on the island of Patmos when he heard a loud voice telling him to write down the things he saw and send them to the seven churches in Asia Minor: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea (Revelation 1:11).
When John turned around to see who was speaking to him, he saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of them was “one like a son of man” (Revelation 1:12-13). This radiant figure who was “like the Son of Man” (a title Jesus used for himself) had characteristics resembling the glorified Christ: white hair, blazing eyes, burnished bronze feet, a loud voice like rushing waters, a sharp two-edged sword coming from his mouth, and a face shining like the sun (Revelation 1:14-16).
This glorious figure then speaks and identifies the seven lampstands as representing the seven churches and calls himself “the first and the last, who died and came to life again” (Revelation 1:17-18)—clear references to Jesus Christ.
Meaning of the Seven Golden Lampstands
In Revelation 1:20, Jesus Christ specifically identifies what the seven golden lampstands represent: “As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.”
So the lampstands directly represent the seven churches being addressed in Revelation 2-3. The image emphasizes that the churches shine as lights by holding forth the light of Christ in a dark world (cf. Matthew 5:14-16).
The number seven here symbolizes completeness, indicating how Jesus sees the entire church represented by these seven churches in Asia Minor. Seven is a number of fullness in Scripture that is often associated with completion, totality, or perfection.
The golden nature of the lampstands represents the great value of the church. Gold was very precious and the most noble of metals. This shows how precious the church is to Christ.
Additionally, the Old Testament Tabernacle had a golden lampstand, underscoring how the church shines forth the light of Christ in continuity with God’s work in former times (Exodus 25:31-40).
Old Testament Background
In the Old Testament, a seven-branched golden lampstand stood in the Tabernacle’s Holy Place and then in the temple in Jerusalem (Exodus 25:31-40). It provided light for the priests to perform their duties. This lampstand was to be tended by the priests to keep its light shining continually (Leviticus 24:1-4).
The vision of Zechariah features a lampstand, which represents God’s presence with His people (Zechariah 4:2-6). Zechariah’s vision reinforces the need for God’s Spirit to empower His work.
This background shows how the lampstand was associated with God’s presence. The seven lampstands in Revelation signify the churches shining forth the light of Christ by the Holy Spirit’s power.
Interpreting the Seven Lampstands
Examining how the seven lampstands are described throughout Revelation gives further insight into their meaning:
- Jesus walks among the lampstands, showing His presence with the churches (Revelation 2:1).
- He trims the lampstands by judging the churches’ need for revival (Revelation 2-3).
- Earthly lampstands can be removed when churches abandon the faith (Revelation 2:5).
- But the heavenly lampstands shine continually before God’s throne, picturing the victory of the true church (Revelation 4:5).
Overall, the lampstands represent the corporate witness of churches shining forth the light of Christ on earth by the Spirit. But they can be disciplined or removed by Christ if they depart from the faith. In the end, the lampstands triumphantly shine in perfection in God’s presence.
Significance for the Churches
The vision of Christ walking among the golden lampstands carried great significance for the seven churches mentioned in Revelation 2-3:
- It showed Christ’s presence with them as they faced trials and persecution.
- It called them to faithfulness in representing Christ in their regions.
- It showed that Christ cared deeply about the condition of their churches.
- It warned them that their lampstand (witness) could be removed if they did not repent of false doctrine or immorality.
The vision of the lampstands encouraged the churches that even in difficult times, Jesus was present with them. But it also challenged lax or erring churches to repent and recover their faithful witness to Christ.
Application for Churches Today
While addressed to specific churches at the time, the messages to the seven churches contain timeless warnings and exhortations that apply to churches throughout history. Several key applications emerge:
- Jesus cares deeply about the condition of His Church; He walks among them and trims the lampstands.
- Churches must guard against false teaching, immorality, spiritual apathy, and materialism – failures that will dim their light.
- Jesus disciplines wayward churches in order to restore their faithfulness and witness.
- Churches are responsible to shine forth the light of Christ faithfully until He returns.
- Reliance on Christ is needed to overcome and persevere through trials and persecution.
The lampstands’ imagery makes it vividly clear that churches must shine as light for Christ in the midst of a dark world. This requires staying true to the faith, avoiding compromise with surrounding culture, and preaching the Gospel boldly and uncompromisingly until the end. Just as the lampstands illuminate Christ’s holy presence, so must His churches shine forth His light.
The Seven Individual Lampstands
Each church addressed in Revelation 2-3 is represented by its own individual golden lampstand. This shows Christ’s assessment of each church according to its faithfulness and needs:
- Ephesus – They had persevered and exposed false apostles, but left their first love. Their lampstand could be removed if they did not repent (Revelation 2:1-7).
- Smyrna – They were spiritually poor yet rich, facing persecution but urged to remain faithful unto death (Revelation 2:8-11).
- Pergamum – They dwelt where Satan’s throne was yet remained true to Christ’s name. But they needed to repent of doctrinal and moral compromise (Revelation 2:12-17).
- Thyatira – They exhibited love and faith but tolerated sexual immorality and false teaching. Judgment would fall if they did not repent (Revelation 2:18-29).
- Sardis – They had fallen asleep spiritually. Though near death, they could wake up and strengthen what little remained (Revelation 3:1-6).
- Philadelphia – They had kept Christ’s word patiently under trial. He would keep them through coming hour of testing (Revelation 3:7-13).
- Laodicea – Lukewarm spiritually, Christ would spit them out. His discipline aimed to produce repentance and revival (Revelation 3:14-22).
Examining Christ’s assessment and correction of each church provides many lessons to guide churches in maintaining their witness until He returns.
Conclusion
The vision of the seven golden lampstands provides a rich visual picture of Christ’s presence with His Church on earth. Though composed of local congregations facing trials, the Church is called to shine forth the light of the Gospel into the darkness until Christ returns. By heeding His correction and relying on His empowerment, churches can faithfully shine as lights for Christ until the end. The lampstand imagery is a catalyst for self-examination, reformation, endurance, and hope.