4 These are they who have not been defiled with women, for they are virgins: these are they who follow the Lamb wheresoever it goes. These have been bought from men [as] first-fruits to God and to the Lamb:
But thou hast a few names in Sardis which have not defiled their garments, and they shall walk with me in white, because they are worthy.
According to his own will begat he us by the word of truth, that we should be a certain first-fruits of *his* creatures.
These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them; for he is Lord of lords and King of kings: and they [that are] with him called, and chosen, and faithful.
And they sing a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open its seals; because thou hast been slain, and hast redeemed to God, by thy blood, out of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation,
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me;
Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple, and he that sits upon the throne shall spread his tabernacle over them. They shall not hunger any more, neither shall they thirst any more, nor shall the sun at all fall on them, nor any burning heat; because the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall shepherd them, and shall lead them to fountains of waters of life, and God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes.
Then shall the kingdom of the heavens be made like to ten virgins that having taken their torches, went forth to meet the bridegroom.
But I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first-fruits of Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the saints for service,)
forbidding to marry, [bidding] to abstain from meats, which God has created for receiving with thanksgiving for them who are faithful and know the truth.
who is [the] earnest of our inheritance to the redemption of the acquired possession to [the] praise of his glory.
But concerning virgins, I have no commandment of [the] Lord; but I give my opinion, as having received mercy of [the] Lord to be faithful. I think then that this is good, on account of the present necessity, that [it is] good for a man to remain so as he is.
for ye have been bought with a price: glorify now then God in your body.
And it came to pass as they went in the way, one said to him, I will follow thee wheresoever thou goest, Lord. And Jesus said to him, The foxes have holes and the birds of the heaven roosting-places, but the Son of man has not where he may lay his head. And he said to another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, allow me to go first and bury my father. But Jesus said to him, Suffer the dead to bury their own dead, but do *thou* go and announce the kingdom of God. And another also said, I will follow thee, Lord, but first allow me to bid adieu to those at my house. But Jesus said to him, No one having laid his hand on [the] plough and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God.
And a scribe came up and said to him, Teacher, I will follow thee whithersoever thou mayest go.
Israel was holiness unto Jehovah, the first-fruits of his increase: all that devour him are guilty; evil shall come upon them, saith Jehovah.
There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, And virgins without number:
Remember thine assembly, which thou hast purchased of old, which thou hast redeemed [to be] the portion of thine inheritance, this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt.
She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of embroidery; the virgins behind her, her companions, shall be brought in unto thee:
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on Revelation 14
Commentary on Revelation 14 Matthew Henry Commentary
Chapter 14
After an account of the great trials and sufferings which the servants of God had endured, we have now a more pleasant scene opening; the day begins now to dawn, and here we have represented,
Rev 14:1-5
Here we have one of the most pleasing sights that can be viewed in this world-the Lord Jesus Christ at the head of his faithful adherents and attendants. Here observe,
Rev 14:6-12
In this part of the chapter we have three angels or messengers sent from heaven to give notice of the fall of Babylon, and of those things that were antecedent and consequent to that great event.
Rev 14:13-20
Here we have the vision of the harvest and vintage, introduced with a solemn preface. Observe,