How one chooses to interpret the signs and symbols in Revelation will strongly influence the overall interpretation of the book. In our study, we will use the following method to interpret the signs and symbols.
1. Interpreted within the passage.
If a symbol is clearly interpreted within the context of the passage, then that is the accepted meaning of the symbol. Revelation chapter 1, verse 20 is a good example:
“The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches”
In this case, we conclude that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven lampstands are the seven churches to whom the letter is written.
2. Interpreted by other passages in the same book.
Notice that the identity of the angels who are the “stars” of the seven churches held in the right hand is not explained in this verse. Following our principle of interpretation, we search for another passage in the same book for assistance. Chapters 2 and 3 contain the messages to the individual seven churches each of which begins with the introductory phrase,
“To the angel of the church in ________, write.”
So, we can reasonably conclude that the angels of the churches are the recipients of the letter which they will read aloud to the congregation. Hence, the angel of each church is most likely the leader of the congregation who will read the letter to the church.
3. Interpreted by other passages in the Bible.
In the Gospel of St. Matthew, Chapter 24, as Jesus and His disciples are leaving the temple in Jerusalem, they call His attention to the splendor of the buildings after which He replies in verse 2,
“Do you see all these things?” he asked. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; everyone will be thrown down.”
Naturally, the disciples are astounded by this prediction and later, while He is sitting on the Mount of Olives, they come to Him privately asking,
“when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
This is the most direct, concise and clear question in all of the New Testament about the destruction of the temple, the second coming of Christ and the end of the age. Jesus’s answer to these questions in the remainder of the chapter is critical to the interpretation of Revelation. It is therefore imperative to properly interpret what Jesus is saying in St. Matthew Chapter 24 and to then harmonize our study of Revelation with our interpretation of this critical prophecy of Christ.
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