A Study of Revelation (Rev. 1:13): Christ: Priest, Judge, and King in our midst.

---

 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 KJV] 

---

Revelation 1:13 provides a vivid glimpse into John's vision of the glorified Christ. The imagery is rich in symbolic significance presenting Christ as Priest, King, and Judge. First, having turned to see the voice that spoke unto him, John sees seven golden candlesticks (Rev 1:12). But his attention is drawn immediately to the figure who stands "in the midst of" the seven golden candlesticks. This figure, described as "one like unto the Son of man" (Rev 1:13), recalls the messianic figure from the book of Daniel. In Daniel 7:13,  one "like the Son of man, came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days...And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him ( Dan. 7:13-14). John's eyes gaze upon the one whose dominion is an everlasting dominion—the one whose kingdom shall reign eternally. George Eldon Ladd notes that the reference to Daniel 7:13-14 "serves not so much to designate Jesus as the heavenly King as to point out that while he is like a man, he is not merely a man; he is a supernatural being."[1] Christ is fully man, fully God, glorified, radiant, all together otherly. 

 Notice John first describes the one "like unto the Son of man" as being "in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks"(Rev. 1:13). This recalls the imagery of the Old Testament priests attending to the holy instruments and furnishings in the Holy Place. G. K. Beale notes, "Part of Christ's priestly role is to tend the lampstands. The Old Testament priest would trim the lamps, remove the wick and old oil, refill the lamps with fresh oil, and relight those that had gone out. Likewise, Christ tends the ecclesial lampstands by commending, correcting, exhorting, and warning (see chs. 2–3) in order to secure the churches' fitness for service as light-bearers in a dark world." [2] This imagery presents both comfort and warning. It offers comfort in that Christ is present with His Church. He knows their persecutions and troubles and aids them in their need. But it also gives a stark warning to those Churches who do not continue to fulfill their role as light to the world (see Rev. 2:5). 

This verse invites believers to reflect on the Majesty and Sovereignty of Christ in the midst of their individual and collective journeys. Christ's presence is not distant or indifferent; rather, He stands at the heart of the Church, intimately involved in every aspect of her existence. The vision of Christ in priestly robes and kingly attire encourages a sense of reverence and awe. It calls us to approach Him with humility and gratitude, recognizing His dual role as the one who intercedes for us and rules over us with unmatched authority. In our daily lives, Revelation 1:13 encourages believers to acknowledge Christ's central place in the Church and in our personal faith. Just as John beheld this majestic vision, we are invited to cultivate a deeper awareness of Christ's presence in our midst. Let us approach Him with hearts open to His guidance, submitting to His lordship, and finding comfort in His role as our compassionate High Priest.  Our Savior is not distant; He is with us! In our midst! A present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46). He is aiding and correcting, comforting and strengthening, rebuking and chastening, interceding and nurturing, and always tending to His lamps. He is in the midst of her. Behold Him in His blazing glory! Bow before Him in adoration! Worship Him in the beauty of holiness! He is in our midst.

---

Footnotes:
[1]George Eldon Ladd, A Commentary on the Revelation of John (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1972), 32.
[2] G. K. Beale, The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text, New International Greek Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle, Cumbria: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press, 1999), 208–209.​