John’s vision of life in the eternal age to come continues on with the sort of symbolism that is so typical of apocalyptic writing in general, and the Book of Revelation specifically. What John sees in this portion of the vision strains the capacity of human language. He sees a city so massive it is hard to imagine. It is a perfect cube and shines with the color of jasper, though it is clear and crystal.

The city is described as having 12 foundations, each named for an apostle of the Lord Jesus. In its construction are incorporated 12 semi-precious stones which remind us of the breastplate worn by the High Priest, a stone for each of the tribes of Israel. John sees 12 gates into the city, each made from a single massive pearl. “The street of the city” is made of gold that John describes as transparent. At the center of it all is presence of God. There is no need for a temple for the entire city is the Lord’s dwelling place. Indeed, the cubic dimensions of this holy city ought to remind us of the Holy of Holies in the temple which was also constructed as a cube.

What are we to make of this city? The answer may be simpler than we think. Indeed, the symbolism employed points us toward a very particular reality. And if the symbolism is still too hard for us to decipher, the angel speaking to John makes it clear. After telling John that he is going to show him “the Bride, the wife of the Lamb” (a familiar metaphor for the church), the angel shows him “the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God” (vv. 9-10). God’s people, his church, are the place of his holy dwelling. The details of this depiction of this people / city give us insight into the nature of the church.

“The radiance that John once saw emanating from the throne of God, whose glory appeared like jasper and sardius (4:3), now permeates the city. The Lord’s glory indwells his people and floods his new community with the beauty of his holiness” (Johnson, 309).