The white stone (Revelation 2:17)
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
Revelation 2:17 - King James |
⚪ The sealing of the Holy Spirit
Rev 2:17 [...]
And [will give him] a white stone.—"In ancient times the Greeks and the Romans had a custom of noting and perpetuating friendship by means of a white stone. This stone was divided into halves, and each person inscribed his name on the flat surface, after which the parts of the stone were exchanged. The production of either half was sufficient to insure friendly aid. Thus the divided stone became a mark of identification. There Is an individual and personal relationship between the Lord and the overcomers, who may be said to receive the mark of identification—the antitypical white stone—now, in this life. This mark Is the sealing of the Holy Spirit "— Z.12-315. Source : 🇺🇸 1917- Studies in the Scriptures, Vol 7, The finished mystery, page 36 + Cover |
Z.12-315 -->
THE WHITE STONE GIVEN THE OVERCOMERS
"To him that overcometh will I give... a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth save he that receiveth it."-Rev. 2:17. In ancient times the Greeks and the Romans had a custom of noting and perpetuating friendship by means of a white stone. This stone was divided into halves, and each person inscribed his name on the flat surface, after which the parts of the stone were exchanged. The production of either half was sufficient to insure friendly aid, even from the descendants of those who first divided the stone. A similar custom was sometimes observed by a king, who would break a white stone into two parts, one of which he would retain and the other part give to a special ambassador. That part could be sent to the king at any time and would insure aid. Thus the divided stone became a mark of identification. Rev. 2:17 seems to refer to this ancient custom. The white stone signifies a precious token of the Lord’s love, and the new name written in the stone suggests the Bridegroom’s name. The statement indicates a special acquaintance with the great King of kings’ secret between himself and the individual. The overcomers are not to be recognized merely as a class - the bride class but each will have the personal favor of the Lord. Of this no one will know save himself and the King. There is an individual and personal friendship between the Lord and the overcomers, who may be said to receive the mark of identification - the antitypical white stone-now, in this life. This mark is the sealing of the holy Spirit by which the Lord identifies the overcomers. While this is said to be a part of the final reward of the church, yet from the very beginning of our experience we have this personal acquaintance with the Lord. The full seal of the holy Spirit will he given in the resurrection, when we receive the new body. Then we shall have the complete knowledge of the name by which we shall be known to the Lord and he to us forever. Source : 🇺🇸 Zion's Watch Tower, October 1 1912, page 315 |
⚫ The Lord confessing the names of such approved ones before his angels
Rev 2:17
In addition to the hidden manna the Lord says: 'I will give you a white stone.' The word stone, as here used, is from the Greek word meaning "election" or "privilege to vote". (Acts 26: 10, Diag.) The Lord gives his vote for the approved ones, and this seems to correspond with the Lord's confessing the names of such approved ones before his angels. (Luke 12: 8) Source : 🇺🇸 1930 - Light, vol 1, page 24 + Cover |