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.
In, х epi (G1909), 'Aleph (') B C] - 'upon my right hand;' but A х en (G1722)], 'in.'
The mystery ... candlesticks - in apposition to, and explaining, "the things which thou hast seen," governed by "Write." Mystery, the hidden truth veiled under this symbol, now revealed: its correlative is revelation. Stars symbolize lordship (Numbers 24:17: cf. Daniel 12:3, of faithful teachers; Revelation 8:10; Revelation 12:4; Jude 1:13).
Angels. Not as Origen, 'Homily 13 on Luke 20:1-47 on Numbers,' the guardian angels of the churches, as individuals have their guardian angels. For how could heavenly angels be charged with the delinquencies charged against these angels? If a man be meant (as the Old Testament analogy favours, Haggai 1:13, "the Lord's Messenger (angel) in the Lord's message;" Malachi 2:7; Malachi 3:1), the bishop, or superintendent pastor, must be 'the angel.' For whereas there were many presbyters in the larger churches (as, e.g., Ephesus, Smyrna, etc.), there was but one angel, whom the Chief Shepherd and Bishop of souls holds responsible for the church under him. Angel, designating an office, may be in accordance with Revelation's enigmatic symbolism, transferred from the heavenly to the earthly ministers of Yahweh: reminding them that, like the angels above, they below should fulfill God's mission zealously and efficiently. "Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven!" The term is more probably from the synagogue. Note 2 Corinthians 8:23. The 'legate of the church' [sheliach tsibbur, corresponding ing to an angel or an apostle (special messenger)] recited the prayers in the name of the congregation. The president of the synagogue was legate ex officio.