Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Revelation 1:16

"And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength." — Revelation 1:16 (ASV)

“In his right hand he held seven stars.” The right hand is the place of power and safety, and the “seven stars” Christ held in it are identified with the seven angels of the seven churches in Asia (v.20). This is the only detail in the vision that is identified. The seven angels are those to whom the letters to the seven churches are addressed (chs. 2–3). Stars are associated in the OT and in Revelation with angels (Job 38:7; Revelation 9:1) or faithful witnesses to God (Daniel 12:3). The letter to Ephesus includes in its introduction a reference to the seven stars (2:1), and in 3:1 they are associated closely with the “seven spirits of God.” John sees a “sharp double-edged sword” going forth from the mouth of Christ. The metaphor of a sword coming from the mouth is important for three reasons: (1) John refers to this characteristic of Christ several times (1:16; 2:12, 16; 19:15, 21); (2) he uses a rare word for “sword” (GK 4855), one found only once outside Revelation ; and (3) there is no scriptural parallel to the expression except in Isa 11:4, where it is said that the Messiah will “strike the earth with the rod of his mouth” and “with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.” The sword is both a weapon and a symbol of war, oppression, and political authority. But John intends a startling difference in the function of this sword, since it proceeds from the mouth of Christ rather than being wielded in his hand. Christ will overtake the Nicolaitans at Pergamum and make war with them by the sword of his mouth (2:12, 16). He will strike down the rebellious at his coming with such a sword (19:15, 21). The figure points definitely to divine judgment, but not to the type of power wielded by the nations. Christ conquers the world through his death and resurrection, and the sword is his faithful witness to God’s saving purposes. The weapons of his followers are loyalty, truthfulness, and righteousness (19:8, 14).

Finally, the face of Christ is likened to “the sun shining in all its brilliance.” This is a simile of Christ’s divine glory, preeminence, and victory (Matthew 13:43; Matthew 17:2; cf. Revelation 10:1).