Chapter 1

The Apocalypse is remarkable for the number seven. The first time it is used in the Bible is in Gen.

Ecclesia, then, is a word compounded of ek, “out of,” and klesis, “a call, or invitation.” Hence an

In the rendering of the original before us 1 have not translated the word ekklesiai, but simply transferred it. It is generally rendered churches; but this word does not express the ideas of ecclesia.

“John to the Seven Ecclesias which are in the Asia: joy to you and peace from the Who is, and Who was, and

In Apoc. 1 : 3, the Spirit pronounces a benediction upon individuals of a certain class in relation to the Apocalypse.

Now, this “Apocalypse of the Sons of the Deity” is represented in the Apocalypse by different remarkable symbols. The first is that de­scribed in chap. 1 : 13-16, and styled “Son of Man.” This does not represent an individual man.

However perfect and complete the moral manifestation of the Deity was in Jesus of Nazareth, the divine manifestation was nevertheless imperfect as concerning the substance, or body, of Jesus. This was what we are familiar with as the flesh. It was not angel-flesh, or na­ture; but that common to the seed of Abraham, styled by Paul sarx hamartias, flesh of sin; “in which,” he says, “dwells no good thing”— Rom.

Until nearly 430 years after the typical confirmation of the covenant made with Abraham, (Gen. 15.,) the Deity was known to his servants only by the name of Aih-Shaddai, the Strength of the Mighty Ones. But when the time had come to bring Israel out of Egypt, the Elohim of the Deity were sent to Moses to inform him, among other things, of a new name by which he was pleased to be known to his people.

The apostle who had the honor of receiving the Apocalypse for trans­mission to the servants of the Deity, has called our attention to the consideration of the fountain and origin of life and power in what is commonly called the gospel according to John.

"I am the First and the Last, and the Living One; and 1 was dead, and behold I am living for

the Aions of the Aions; Amen."