OPTION #2: This is referring to the Holy Spirit.Īdvocates of this view note that it fits better with the context of Revelation 1. Sometimes angels are called “spirits” (Heb. Mark 8:12)… Angels are contrasted to spirits in Acts 23:8–9.” Although, this is not always the case. Walvoord writes, “The word spirit (Gr., pneuma) is commonly used of evil spirits, that is, demons or fallen angels of the human spirit (cf. The term “spirit” (Greek pneuma) is normally used of demons or fallen angels in the Bible. If these are angels, why not identify them as such, as he does consistently throughout the rest of the book?ĥ. John never refrains from mentioning angels in Revelation in fact, angels are mentioned in almost every chapter of Revelation (with the exception of chapters 4 and 13). While the later context refers to angels (chapters 2 and 3), the immediate context refers to God the Father and God the Son.Ĥ. In chapter one, John’s focus seems to be focused on God-not angels. This doesn’t seem to fit with the context. 1:20), but then, who or what are the seven spirits? These two are clearly different.ģ. Revelation 3:1 seems to differentiate between “the seven Spirits” and “the seven stars.” Of course, the seven stars are angels (Rev. This seems to contradict the commands against angel worship later in the book (Rev. 1:4) would come from seven angels, rather than from God himself. However, this view has a number of problems:ġ. Advocates of this view note that “the seven spirits who are before His throne” (1:4) correspond to “the seven angels who stand before God” (8:2). On this view, these seven angels would correspond to the seven angels of the seven churches in chapters 2 and 3. RESPONSE: There are two possible options that interpreters hold here: OPTION #1: This is referring to angels sitting before the throne of God. What is he referring to? The Holy Spirit or angels? 1:4) What are the seven spirits mentioned here?ĬLAIM: John writes of “the seven Spirits who are before His throne” (Rev. The "Seven Fold Spirit of God" could be the "perfect" Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit.(Rev.
Sevenfold may also be connected with the Biblical understanding of the number 7 representing perfection. "Powers and principalities" can apply to both angelic and demonic beings, more often in the New Testament to demonic beings. Note: the word "Dynamis" means something closer to 'strength', 'power' or 'ability' not 'virtues', as examinations of a Greek lexicon or concordance would reveal.
In the New Testament, the term "Dynamis" (translated as Virtues) suggests a class of exalted spiritual beings the same perhaps parallel to the "chief Princes" (Sar rishown) in the Old Testament, of which Michael is stated to be one (Daniel 10:13). The reference to the lamb in Revelation 5:6 relates it to the Seven Spirits which first appear in Revelation 1:4 and are associated with Jesus who holds them along with seven stars. Including the Spirit of the Lord, and the spirits of wisdom, of understanding, of counsel, of might, of knowledge and of fear of the LORD, here are represented the seven spirits, which are before the throne of God. In this interpretation, "The "seven Spirits" represent the sevenfold ministry of the Spirit as depicted in Isaiah 11:2." As it is written in the Holy Bible in the Book of Isaiah, 2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD Isaiah 11:2 (KJV). The "Sevenfold Ministry of the Spirit" interpretation holds that the seven Spirits refer to Book of Isaiah 11:2. The Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord. The Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, Revelation 5:6 - And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. Revelation 4:5 - And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. Revelation 1:4 - John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne Revelation 3:1 - And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. The seven Spirits of God are mentioned four times in the Book of Revelation, and in the book of Isaiah it names each Spirit.