In the Midst of the 7 Candlesticks

As we look at verse 13 of Revelations 1, John reveals that he saw Jesus standing in the midst of the 7 Candlesticks.

And in the midst of the seven candlesticks [one] like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. Rev. 1:13

This too is a revealing look at who Jesus is.

In the vision Jesus was addressing the 7 churches which were in Asia at that time.

The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. Rev 1:20

We will find out later that the 7 Churches in Asia are also allegorical, even a prophetic shadow, of the churches today. Not specific churches necessarily but the “spirit” or life of the churches which are here even now.

It is worthy of note to see that Jesus is in the midst of the 7 Churches in this vision. Jesus when addressing these churches will have words of praise for them but he will also have some hard words of admonition. Yet we can be comforted because Jesus is still in the midst of them. He hasn’t left them because there are things they may not be doing right. He’s right here with them as he is even still!

In that same verse, John begins to give us a physical description of Jesus as he saw him in the vision.

First we find that Jesus is clothed with a garment down to his feet.

The word “clothed” is translated from the Greek word “Enduo”. It is the same Greek word “endued” (meaning to Prodivde or Endow) is translated from in our English language. Often we see it used in the conotation of "empowering".

Jesus uses it himself to instruct his disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they be “endued” (or clothed) with power.

“And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” Luke 24:49.

Of course we know this occurs on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descends on the group gathered there in the Upper Room. (Acts 2)

It is my feeling that the symbol of the garment or even the garment itself (which is implied in the word “Enduo” and never translated directly from one greek word) is the power of the Holy Spirit.

Next we find him “girt about the paps with a golden girdle”.

To be "girded about the paps' literally means “belted around the breast”. In the ancient temples, the High Priests were instructed to be dressed as such. The “girdles” or belts were also at times made of gold. (Exd. 28:8)

We now can see Jesus is displaying his role as High Priest to John. I believe it is important to him that he is seen as such especially as he is addressing the churches. He is our great High Priest standing in the midst of us even now, interceding for us before God. He is a worthy High Priest for the people because he knows exactly what we are going through. He too was tempted like us yet he was without sin. (HEB 4: 14-15). Again we see Jesus's desire to show us he is not some God somewhere out there unaware of what we've gone through. That he is truly worthy to be our conduit between us and the Father.

In the Bible to “gird around and about” is used literally also. It means to prepare oneself for service and for rapidity of movement.

Ultimately, by the way he is attired, he is saying to us that He, Empowered by the Holy Spirit, is prepared for service and to do the work of the High Priest on our behalf. What a beautiful picture!