Revelation 1:9-20 "I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Y'shua HaMashiach (Jesus Christ), was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of G-d, and for the testimony of Y'shua HaMashiach (Jesus Christ). I was in the Spirit on the L-rd's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden 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. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Write the things, which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; 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." (KJV)
Here we learn why John was on the Island of Patmos. John was banished Patmos because he was preaching and teaching about Y'shua.
To paraphrase this, John is saying, "I was transported by the Holy Spirit into the future to the "Day of the L-rd".
In John 21:22-24 "Y'shua (Jesus) saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Y'shua (Jesus) said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? This is the disciple which, testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true." (KJV)
In a way John did tarry (stay on) until Y'shua's return because John was transported into the future to see the "Day of the L-rd".
He hears a voice like a trumpet. In the Tanakh (Old Testament) the trumpet was used as a call to worship and also as a call to war. The trumpet is also associated with the "Day of the L-rd". See Zephaniah 1:14-16.
This is Y'shua and He instructs John to write to the 7 churches (groups of believers) in western Turkey. They represent all believers.
The number 7 signifies "Moral completeness". Gold signifies divine righteousness. The 7 candlesticks symbolize 7 churches (groups of believers). So the 7 golden menorahs symbolize the church in its completeness and perfection here upon the earth. The true church, made up of Jewish and Gentile believers, is perfect, and without spot or wrinkle. (See Ephesians. 5) The candlesticks give light, which is the principle function of the church (believers). Olive oil is implied which is symbolic of Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) issuing a witness.
Later He describes the Seven Churches at the time and we also believe it represents the different Churches throughout the ages ending with the last church age today.
Y'shua is walking in the midst of the Menorah making sure that it continues to give light unto the churches. This is symbolic of Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit).
Next we see a description of Y'shua. Each part of the description represents/symbolizes something.
The title "Son of Man" emphasizes His humanity and Messianic character.
The robe reaching to His feet is best explained by the clothing of the High priest and judge. (See Ex 28:2)
The Golden girdle across His breast symbolizes His righteousness and Faithfulness.
His White hair symbolizes His purity and perfection.
His Flaming eyes are burning, penetrating, searching exposing sin.
His shining face shows the glory of G-d
His brass feet symbolizes judgment (The Brazen Alter and other items of Brass in connection with sacrifice for sin.)
His voice like the sound of many waters speaks of His authority.
The two-edged sword coming out of his mouth tells us G-d will judge by the force of His word. He never uses his hands or any other body part only His word. He speaks.
Y'shua comes to receive power and authority over the entire world. John fell at His feet as a dead man. John realized his sinful state before Almighty G-d and collapses in fear and awe.
The description of our L-rd is humbling to me. How awesome and Holy is Our L-rd. I would not want to be on the receiving end of His wrath. It is comforting to know that we do not have to fear His wrath. We will however be judged concerning what rewards we will receive.
Y'shua told him not to be afraid. A touch by the Messiah calms his fears and he is able to receive the revelation.
Y'shua reminds John that he was dead and is alive forever more. He tells John that He has the keys to death and hell. This tells us He is sovereign over physical death as well as over Hell, spiritual death. In his death and resurrection, Y'shua gained from Satan any authority the devil may have has over death.
John is instructed to write about: things seen (chapter 1), things, which
are (chapters 2 and 3), things, which shall be hereafter (chapters 4
22)