Book of Revelation - Chapter 21 - Verse 14
Meaning
The verse "And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb" is found in the book of Revelation, which describes John's vision of the New Jerusalem. In this verse, the twelve foundations of the city's wall represent the strong and unshakable foundation of the Christian faith, with each foundation bearing the name of one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. These apostles were chosen by Jesus to spread his teachings and establish the early Christian Church. By having the names of the apostles inscribed on the foundations, the city symbolizes the enduring legacy and importance of their ministry in the Christian faith.
Furthermore, the number twelve holds significant symbolism in the Bible, representing completeness and perfection. In this context, the twelve foundations not only represent the apostles who were foundational to the Christian faith but also signify the unity and harmony within the city of God. The mention of the Lamb in the verse refers to Jesus Christ, who is often symbolized as a sacrificial lamb in the Bible, highlighting his role as the ultimate sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. Overall, this verse emphasizes the central role of the apostles in the establishment of the Christian Church and the unshakeable foundation of faith on which it is built.
Theological Overview
The verse "And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb" from Revelation 21:14 emphasizes the significance of the apostles in the foundation of the New Jerusalem. The number twelve in the Bible symbolizes completeness and perfection, highlighting the foundational role the apostles played in establishing the Christian church. The mention of the apostles' names engraved on the foundations signifies their authority and their integral part in the building of the spiritual city. Each apostle brought unique gifts and perspectives to the early church, and their collective contributions are honored in the eternal structure of the holy city. This verse serves as a reminder of the apostles' enduring influence and their role in spreading the gospel message to all nations. The theological interpretation of this verse underscores the importance of the apostolic tradition and the unity of the church under their leadership.