Jesus Revealed as Son of God (Revelation 2:18)

Revelation 2:18 introduces Jesus as “the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass.” This isn’t a soft description. It’s a vision of His authority, His purity, and His ability to see right through the heart.

To really grasp what this title means, we’ll trace it through the Old Testament hints, the Gospels, the Apostolic writings, and then back to Revelation. Each step shows how the Bible consistently reveals Jesus as the Son of God—both divine and kingly.

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Old Testament Foundations and Hints

The Old Testament laid the groundwork for understanding Sonship.

• Psalm 2:7, 12 declares, “Thou art my Son… Kiss the Son.” This sets up the Son as the royal heir of the nations. Later Acts 13:33 and Hebrews 1:5; 5:5 point straight back here.
• 2 Samuel 7:12–14; 1 Chronicles 17:11–13 promise that David’s descendant will be God’s Son. Jesus is that ultimate heir.
• Psalm 89:26–27 calls Him the firstborn, not by birth order but by rank—higher than all kings.
• Proverbs 30:4 asks, “What is his name, and what is his son’s name?” Already a glimpse that God’s wisdom includes a Son.
• Isaiah 7:14 promises Immanuel, God with us, fulfilled in Matthew 1:23.
• Isaiah 9:6–7 names the child as Mighty God and ties Him to David’s throne.
• Hosea 11:1 (“Out of Egypt have I called my son”) is applied to Jesus in Matthew 2:15.
• Daniel 3:25 shows a deliverer in the fire “like the Son of God.” Even there, the Son is seen walking with His people.

All these pieces point forward. The Son of God is not a new idea—it’s threaded through the Old Testament.

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Gospel Witness to the Son

When Jesus came, the title Son of God was spoken over Him again and again.

• Luke 1:35 – His very birth is marked by the Spirit: “that holy thing… shall be called the Son of God.”
• At His baptism (Matthew 3:17; Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22) the Father’s voice confirms, “This is my beloved Son.”
• At the transfiguration (Matthew 17:5) the Father repeats it and adds, “Hear ye him.”
• The disciples worship in Matthew 14:33: “Of a truth thou art the Son of God.”
• On trial (Matthew 26:63–64; Luke 22:70) Jesus affirms His identity.
• At the cross (Matthew 27:54; Mark 15:39) even the Roman centurion confesses, “Truly this was the Son of God.”
• John’s Gospel piles on testimony:
  • John 1:14, 18 – “the only begotten of the Father.”
  • John 1:34, 49 – both John the Baptist and Nathanael say, “the Son of God.”
  • John 3:16–18, 36 – believing on the Son is the way to life.
  • John 5:18–23 – calling God His Father makes Him equal with God.
  • John 9:35–38 – the healed man believes and worships the Son.
  • John 11:4, 27 – Lazarus’ raising glorifies the Son; Martha confesses Him.
  • John 20:31 – John writes so we’ll believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life in His name.

From start to finish, the Gospels make it crystal clear—Jesus is revealed as the Son of God.

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Apostolic Preaching and Teaching

The apostles preached and wrote with full conviction that Jesus is the Son of God.

• Romans 1:3–4 – He’s of David’s line, but declared Son of God with power by resurrection.
• Romans 5:10; 8:3, 29, 32 – The death of God’s Son reconciles us, we’re conformed to the image of His Son, and the Father spared not His Son.
• 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 1:9–10 – We’re called into fellowship of His Son and wait for His Son from heaven.
• 2 Corinthians 1:19 – In the Son every promise is “yes.”
• Galatians 2:20; 4:4–6 – We live by faith in the Son of God; God sent His Son so we could be adopted.
• Ephesians 4:13 – The Son defines what maturity looks like.
• Colossians 1:13–15 – We’re transferred into the kingdom of His dear Son, the image of God.
• Hebrews 1:1–5 – God spoke by the Son. He’s heir, creator, exact image, enthroned. Psalm 2 and 2 Samuel 7 confirm it.
• Hebrews 4:14; 5:5; 7:3 – His Sonship makes Him the perfect priest.
• 1 John 3:8; 4:9–10, 14–15; 5:5, 10–13, 20 – The Son of God came to destroy the devil’s works, reveal God’s love, and give eternal life.

The apostles weren’t guessing. They saw His death, His resurrection, His power, and knew He was the Son of God.

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Revelation Links and Outcomes

Revelation ties it all together.

• Revelation 1:14–15; 2:18 – The Son has eyes like fire and feet like brass. He sees all and judges with purity.
• Revelation 12:5 – The male child rules all nations with a rod of iron—straight out of Psalm 2.
• Revelation 19:11–16 – The royal Son returns, King of kings and Lord of lords, to judge and reign.

Here we see the Son not just revealed but enthroned forever.

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Quick Takeaways

• The title Son of God connects Jesus to the promises given to David and to the identity of God Himself.
• The Father declares Him Son, His works prove it, His resurrection seals it.
• From the Psalms to Revelation, the Son of God is the one who saves, searches, rules, and reigns.

So when Revelation 2:18 says “the Son of God” with eyes of fire and feet of brass, it’s reminding us that the same Son who died and rose is also the one who sees everything, purifies His people, and holds all authority.