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Appendix 4
A PRINCIPLE OF INTERPRETATION

It is of utmost importance to our understanding of the Apocalypse that we pursue our studies along the way in which the opening chapters of the book direct our attention. This is a foundation principle because of the wording of 1:19, "the things which thou hast seen" (chap. 1) and "the things which are" (chap. 2, 3), form an integral part of the whole book; therefore the interpretation of "the things which shall be hereafter" (chap. 4-22) must build upon the foundation already Divinely established in the first 3 chapters.

The text of Revelation 1 includes an interpretation of one of its details which is especially worthy of attention in this context. John is granted a vision of seven lampstands which are Divinely interpreted as signifying seven representative ecclesias (1:12, 20). This interpretation forms an important precedent to aid our study of the book as a whole. Firstly, it focuses our attention firmly on the community represented by the seven ecclesias and consequently away from the Jewish nation. Secondly it provides a "worked example" of the way in which apocalyptic symbols can be understood as applying to the new constitution of primarily Gentile believers, despite the fact that the Old Testament context of those symbols has to do with the constitution of the Jewish nation. So, when we find other symbols and figures in the Apocalypse drawn from a Jewish context in the Old Testament, we may, on the basis of this Divine precedent, have no hesitation in interpreting them as relating to the Ecclesia of Christ.

The Apocalypse is concerned, therefore, not with the fortunes of Israel, but rather with unfolding history relating to that community, represented in the first chapter by the seven golden lampstands which collectively represent the Bride of Christ.

A.C.