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Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Revelation 21:9–27. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have already considered the introduction to the vision of the new Jerusalem in a more general idea of the heavenly state; we now come to the vision itself, where observe,
I.The person that opened the vision to the apostle - one of the seven angels, that had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, Rev 21:9. God has a variety of work and employment for his holy angels. Sometimes they are to sound the trumpet of divine Providence, and give fair warning to a careless world; sometimes they are to pour out the vials of God's anger upon impenitent sinners; and sometimes to discover things of a heavenly nature to those that are the heirs of salvation. They readily execute every commission they receive from God; and, when this world shall be at an end, yet the angels shall be employed by the great God in proper pleasant work to all eternity.
II.The place from which the apostle had this glorious view and prospect.
He was taken, in ecstasy, into a high mountain. From such situations men usually have the most distinct views of adjacent cities. Those who would have clear views of heaven must get as near heaven as they can, into the mount of vision, the mount of meditation and faith, whence, as from the top of Pisgah, they may behold the goodly land of the heavenly Canaan.
III.The subject-matter of the vision - the bride, the Lamb's wife (Rev 21:10); that is, the church of God in her glorious, perfect, triumphant state, under the resemblance of Jerusalem, having the glory of God shining in its lustre, as uxor splendit radiis mariti - the bride comely through the comeliness put on her by her husband; glorious in her relation to Christ, in his image now perfected in her, and in his favour shining upon her. And now we have a large description of the church triumphant under the emblem of a city, far exceeding in riches and splendour all the cities of this world; and this new Jerusalem is here represented to us both in the exterior and the interior part of it.
1.The exterior part of the city - the wall and the gates, the wall for security and the gates for entrance.
(1.)The wall for security. Heaven is a safe state; those that are there are enclosed with a wall, that separates them and secures them from all evils and enemies: now here, in the account of the wall, we observe,
[1.]The height of it, which, we are told, is very high, seventy yards (Rev 21:17), sufficient both for ornament and security.
[2.]The matter of it: It was as jasper; a wall all built of the most precious stones, for firmness and lustre, Rev 21:11. This city has a wall that is impregnable as well as precious.
[3.]The form of it was very regular and uniform: It was four-square, the length as large as the breadth. In the new Jerusalem all shall be equal in purity and perfection. There shall be an absolute uniformity in the church triumphant, a thing wanted and wished for on earth, but not to be expected till we come to heaven.
[4.]The measure of the wall (Rev 21:15, Rev 21:16): Twelve thousand furlongs each way, each side, which is forty-eight thousand furlongs in the whole compass, or fifteen hundred German miles. Here is room sufficient for all the people of God - many mansions in their Father's house.
[5.]The foundation of the wall, for heaven is a city that hath her foundations (Rev 21:19); the promise and power of God, and the purchase of Christ, are the strong foundations of the church's safety and happiness. The foundations are described by their number - twelve, alluding to the twelve apostles (Rev 21:14), whose gospel doctrines are the foundations upon which the church is built, Christ himself being the chief corner-stone; and, as to the matter of these foundations, it was various and precious, set forth by twelve sorts of precious stones, denoting the variety and excellency of the doctrines of the gospel, or of the graces of the Holy Spirit, or the personal excellencies of the Lord Jesus Christ.
(2.)The gates for entrance. Heaven is not inaccessible; there is a way opened into the holiest of all; there is a free admission to all those that are sanctified; they shall not find themselves shut out. Now, as to these gates, observe,
[1.]Their number - twelve gates, answering to the twelve tribes of Israel. All the true Israel of God shall have entrance into the new Jerusalem, as every tribe had into the earthly Jerusalem.
[2.]Their guards which were placed upon them - twelve angels, to admit and receive the several tribes of the spiritual Israel and keep out others.
[3.]The inscription on the gates - the names of the twelve tribes, to show that they have a right to the tree of life, and to enter through the gates into the city.
[4.]The situation of the gates. As the city had four equal sides, answering to the four quarters of the world, east, west, north, and south, so on each side there were three gates, signifying that from all quarters of the earth there shall be some who shall get safely to heaven and be received there, and that there is as free entrance from one part of the world as from the other; for in Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, Barbarian, Scythian, bond, nor free. Men of all nations, and languages, who believe on Christ, have by him access to God in grace here and in glory hereafter.
[5.]The materials of these gates - they were all of pearls, and yet with great variety: Every gate one pearl, either one single pearl of that vast bigness, or one single sort of pearl. Christ is the pearl of great price, and he is our way to God. There is nothing magnificent enough in this world fully to set forth the glory of heaven. Could we, in the glass of a strong imagination, contemplate such a city as is here described, even as to the exterior part of it, such a wall, and such gates, how amazing, how glorious, would the prospect be! And yet this is but a faint and dim representation of what heaven is in itself.
2.The interior part of the new Jerusalem, Rev 21:22-27. We have seen its strong wall, and stately gates, and glorious guards; now we are to be led through the gates into the city itself; and the first thing which we observe there is the street of the city, which is of pure gold, like transparent glass, Rev 21:21. The saints in heaven tread upon gold. The new Jerusalem has its several streets. There is the most exact order in heaven: every saint has his proper mansion. There is converse in heaven: the saints are then at rest, but it is not a mere passive rest; it is not a state of sleep and inactivity, but a state of delightful motion: The nations that are saved walk in the light of it. They walk with Christ in white. They have communion not only with God, but with one another; and all their steps are firm and clean. They are pure and clear as gold and transparent glass. Observe,
(1.)The temple of the new Jerusalem, which was no material temple, made with men's hands, as that of Solomon and Zerubbabel, but a temple altogether spiritual and divine; for the Lord God Almighty, and the Lamb, are the temple thereof. There the saints are above the need of ordinances, which were the means of their preparation for heaven. When the end is attained the means are no longer useful. Perfect and immediate communion with God will more than supply the place of gospel institutions.
(2.)The light of this city. Where there is no light, there can be no lustre nor pleasure. Heaven is the inheritance of the saints in light. But what is that light? There is no sun nor moon shining there, Rev 21:23. Light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is to behold the sun. What a dismal world would this be if it were not for the light of the sun! What is there in heaven that supplies the want of it? There is no want of the light of the sun, for the glory of God lightens that city, and the Lamb is the light thereof. God in Christ will be an everlasting fountain of knowledge and joy to the saints in heaven; and, if so, there is no need of the sun or moon, any more than we here need to set up candles at noon day, when the sun shineth in its strength.
(3.)The inhabitants of this city. They are described here several ways.
[1.]By their numbers - whole nations of saved souls; some out of all nations, and many out of some nations. All those multitudes who were sealed on earth are saved in heaven.
[2.]By their dignity - some of the kings and princes of the earth: great kings. God will have some of all ranks and degrees of men to fill the heavenly mansions, high and low; and when the greatest kings come to heaven they will see all their former honour and glory swallowed up of this heavenly glory that so much excels.
[3.]Their continual accession and entrance into this city: The gates shall never be shut. There is no night, and therefore no need of shutting up the gates. Some one or other is coming in every hour and moment, and those that are sanctified always find the gates open; they have an abundant entrance into the kingdom.
(4.)The accommodations of this city: All the glory and honour of the nations shall be brought into it. Whatever is excellent and valuable in this world shall be there enjoyed in a more refined kind, and to a far greater degree - brighter crowns, a better and more enduring substance, more sweet and satisfying feasts, a more glorious attendance, a truer sense of honour and far higher posts of honour, a more glorious temper of mind, and a form and a countenance more glorious than ever were known in this world.
(5.)The unmixed purity of all who belong to the new Jerusalem, Rev 21:27.
[1.]There the saints shall have no impure thing remaining in them. In the article of death they shall be cleansed from every thing that is of a defiling nature. Now they feel a sad mixture of corruption with their graces, which hinders them in the service of God, interrupts their communion with him, and intercepts the light of his countenance; but, at their entrance into the holy of holies, they are washed in the laver of Christ's blood, and presented to the Father without spot.
[2.]There the saints shall have no impure persons admitted among them. In the earthly Jerusalem there will be a mixed communion, after all the care that can be taken. Some roots of bitterness will spring up to trouble and defile Christian societies; but in the new Jerusalem there is a society perfectly pure. First, Free from such as are openly profane. There are none admitted into heaven who work abominations. In the churches on earth sometimes abominable things are done, solemn ordinances profaned and prostituted to men openly vicious, for worldly ends; but no such abominations can have place in heaven. Secondly, Free from hypocrites, such as make lies, say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie. These will creep into the churches of Christ on earth, and may lie concealed there a long time, perhaps all their days; but they cannot intrude into the new Jerusalem, which is wholly reserved for those that are called, and chosen, and faithful, who are all written, not only in the register if the visible church, but in the Lamb's book of life.
Historical interpretation
Eight Centuries of Reception
8 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
But we do confess that a kingdom is promised to us upon the earth, although before heaven, only in another state of existence; inasmuch as it will be after the resurrection for a thousand years in the divinely-built city of Jerusalem, "let down from heaven," [Revelation 21:2] which the apostle also calls "our mother from above;" [Galatians 4:26] and, while declaring that our πολίτευμα, or citizenship, is in heaven, he predicates of it that it is really a city in heaven. This both Ezekiel had knowledge of [Ezekiel 48:30-35] and the Apostle John beheld. [Revelation 21:10-23] And the word of the new prophecy which is a part of our belief, attests how it foretold that there would be for a sign a picture of this very city exhibited to view previous to its manifestation. This prophecy, indeed, has been very lately fulfilled in an expedition to the East. For it is evident from the testimony of even heathen witnesses, that in Judæa there was suspended in the sky a city early every morning for forty days. As the day advanced, the entire figure of its walls would wane gradually, and sometimes it would vanish instantly. We say that this city has been provided by God for receiving the saints on their resurrection, and refreshing them with the abundance of all really spiritual blessings, as a recompense for those which in the world we have either despised or lost; since it is both just and God-worthy that His servants should have their joy in the place where they have also suffered affliction for His name's sake. Of the heavenly kingdom this is the process. After its thousand years are over, within which period is completed the resurrection of the saints, who rise sooner or later according to their deserts there will ensue the destruction of the world and the conflagration of all things at the judgment: we shall then be changed in a moment into the substance of angels, even by the investiture of an incorruptible nature, and so be removed to that kingdom in heaven of which we have now been treating, just as if it had not been predicted by the Creator, and as if it were proving Christ to belong to the other god and as if he were the first and sole revealer of it.
And in that he says that the sun is not necessary in the city, he shows, evidently, that the Creator as the immaculate light shines in the midst of it, whose brightness no mind has been able to conceive, nor tongue to tell. In that he says there are three gates placed on each of the four sides, of single pearls, I think that these are the four virtues, to wit, prudence, fortitude, justice, temperance, which are associated with one another. And, being involved together, they make the number twelve. But the twelve gates we believe to be the number of the apostles, who, shining in the four virtues as precious stones, manifesting the light of their doctrine among the saints, cause it to enter the celestial city, that by intercourse with them the choir of angels may be gladdened. And that the gates cannot be shut, it is evidently shown that the doctrine of the apostles can be separated from rectitude by no tempest of contradiction. Even though the floods of the nations and the vain superstitions of heretics should revolt against their true faith, they are overcome, and shall be dissolved as the foam, because Christ is the Rock by which, and on which, the Church is founded. And thus it is overcome by no traces of maddened men.
The city which he says is squared, he says also is resplendent with gold and precious stones, and has a sacred street, and a river through the midst of it, and the tree of life on either side, bearing twelve manner of fruits throughout the twelve months; and that the light of the sun is not there, because the Lamb is the light of it; and that its gates were of single pearls; and that there were three gates on each of the four sides, and that they could not be shut. I say, in respect of the square city, he shows forth the united multitude of the saints, in whom the faith could by no means waver. As Noah is commanded to make the ark of squared beams, that it might resist the force of the deluge, by the precious stones he sets forth the holy men who cannot waver in persecution, who could not be moved either by the tempest of persecutors, or be dissolved from the true faith by the force of the rain, because they are associated of pure gold, of whom the city of the great King is adorned. Moreover, the streets set forth their hearts purified from all uncleanness, transparent with glowing light, that the Lord may justly walk up and down in them.
Clearly in many passages an angel symbolizes the church. Since the church is gathered together from people and is lifted high by the promises of Christ, she hopes for equality with the angels and her every intent longs for their company, and for this reason it says, “the measure of a man,” that is, of an angel’s. Or this verse indicates that that city that will reign more fully consists partly of angels who already live there in perpetual happiness and partly of those who are on the way, that is, of people.
We ought to regard the measure to be in the wall itself, for the wall of this city is our Lord Jesus Christ. That it was measured by the measure of a man indicates that the assumed man serves for the protection of the saints and as a guarantee of all bliss. This measure of a man is said to be that of an angel because he is himself the angel of the covenant of whom it is said, “He will suddenly come to his temple, whom you seek, indeed the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire.” And again it is said, “His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Let us see what mystery is contained in the fact that its height is measured to be 144 cubits. One hundred, composed of ten tens, passes to the right side, and from this it is shown that the complete fullness of the saints and all righteousness that is perfected in the fulfillment of the Decalogue and the prophecy of the gospel is blessedly held at the right hand of our Lord Jesus Christ. However, the forty-four when divided into four tens and the remaining four ones indicates similarly that the fourfold truth of the gospel and the perfection of every heavenly doctrine remains by his power. Moreover, the number twenty-four itself is the sum of two equal parts so that it might show that the fullness of the ancient law and the power of the gospel rest in him and come from him. We know that this is a figure of the apostles of the Lamb and of the patriarchs and is the very image of the twenty-four elders. This number [i.e., twenty-four] multiplied six times teaches that in the six days of this present week in which the world exists, the entire congregation and multitude of the saints is included, even as in our Lord Jesus Christ there is every perfection and [in him] the full righteousness of all the saints is shown to be safeguarded.
The measure of a man, which is an angel's. The Church, which is gathered from men and elevated by the promises of Christ, hopes to attain the equality of angels. As for the literal sense, it signifies that the angel appeared to him in the form of a man.
And he measured its wall, one hundred forty-four cubits. This total contains the four-square number of twelve (for twelve times twelve equals one hundred forty-four), signifying the stable perfection of the holy city.
And he measured, it says, its wall at a hundred and forty-four cubits by the measure of a man, which is that of an angel. In many places, according to the customary usage of the divine Scripture, men are called angels. And this is clear from those passages in which Gabriel the Archangel is interpreted as a man of God (see Dan. 9:21). And the prophet said, "You will save men and beasts, O Lord" (Ps. 36:6): men indeed are called angels, beasts the men; for despite the mind of the angels we men happen to be irrational and brute. For he did not say "men and beasts" so that one might be proud, meaning true men and real beasts; for it was said to the apostle about the beasts, "Is God concerned with oxen?" (1 Cor. 9:9) Therefore the things called beasts by the prophet must be understood as men, and those called men as angels.
But the Lord also, according to Luke, called men angels, saying, "Let your loins be girded and your lamps burning, and you likewise are like men awaiting their Lord, when he will be released from the wedding." (Luke 12:35-36) Since therefore in many respects men are called angels from above; and they have eyes toward God. For this reason he says here a measure of man which is an angel. The saying hints that the divine is altogether incomprehensible, for we have conceived Christ as a wall of the city in the things before, and still more by contemplation of the majesty of God men become angels.
Therefore the wall of the city was measured by an angelic rod and not by a human one. And the secret who is to have the number of the rods is by the wisdom of the angels, who also measured it knowingly.
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Summary
Revelation 21:17 provides a specific measurement for the wall of the New Jerusalem, stating it is "an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel." This precise detail, revealed by an angelic guide, emphasizes the divine order, security, and symbolic completeness of God's eternal dwelling place for His redeemed people, bridging the gap between heavenly realities and human comprehension through a relatable unit of measure.
Context
Literary Context
Revelation 21:17 is situated within the climactic vision of the New Heavens and New Earth, culminating in the descent of the New Jerusalem from God out of heaven, as described in Revelation 21:1-8. Following the general description of the city's immense, cubic dimensions (12,000 furlongs in length, breadth, and height) in Revelation 21:16, verse 17 narrows the focus to the specific measurement of its wall. This progression from the macro to the micro underscores the meticulous detail and divine design inherent in God's eternal kingdom, providing tangible, albeit symbolic, descriptions of an otherworldly reality. The immediate context of the city's description, including its gates, foundations, and precious materials, sets the stage for understanding the wall's significance as an integral part of this divinely constructed sanctuary.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient world, city walls were paramount for defense, defining the boundaries of a community and providing security against external threats. The measurement of a "cubit" was a common unit of length, generally understood as the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger (approximately 18-21 inches or 45-53 cm). This human-centric measurement system was familiar to John's original audience. The concept of an angel acting as a guide and interpreter for divine visions was also a recognized motif in biblical prophecy, seen in books like Daniel and Zechariah. The phrase "measure of a man, that is, of the angel" therefore serves to ground a celestial measurement in human terms, making the divine revelation comprehensible and relatable to earthly understanding, while simultaneously affirming its divine origin and authority.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Revelation 21 and the broader book. Firstly, it highlights Divine Precision and Order, demonstrating that God's eternal plan is not chaotic but meticulously designed, down to the very dimensions of His dwelling. Secondly, the number 144 (12 x 12) strongly reinforces the theme of Symbolism of Numbers and Completeness. The number 12 is foundational in biblical numerology, representing the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles of the Lamb, symbolizing the entirety of God's redeemed people from both Old and New Covenants. This echoes the 144,000 sealed in Revelation 7:4, representing the complete number of God's faithful. Finally, the wall's dimensions, while substantial, are not impossibly high compared to the city's vastness, suggesting a theme of Defined Holiness and Accessible Security. The wall defines a sacred space, providing protection and order, but its height also implies that it does not entirely obscure the glory of God that emanates from within, allowing for divine light to permeate.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb signifies ascertaining size by a fixed standard or allotting by rule. In the context of Revelation 21:17, it emphasizes the precise, deliberate, and divinely ordained nature of the New Jerusalem's dimensions. The act of measuring implies order, design, and a tangible reality, even for a heavenly city.
Referring to the fore-arm, this is an ancient unit of linear measure, typically 18-21 inches. Its use here grounds the celestial description in a humanly understandable scale, making the vastness and specific details of the New Jerusalem comprehensible to John and his readers.
This term refers to a human being, emphasizing the human standard of measurement. The phrase "measure of a man" indicates that the angel used a unit familiar to humanity, bridging the gap between divine and earthly understanding, and affirming the tangibility of the heavenly vision.
Meaning "messenger," this term refers to the divine agent conveying the measurement. The angel's role underscores the divine authority and origin of the revelation, confirming that these precise details are not human conjecture but divinely communicated truths about God's eternal dwelling.
Verse Breakdown
"And he measured the wall thereof"
This opening clause introduces the action of the angel, who is systematically surveying the New Jerusalem. The focus shifts from the overall city dimensions in the previous verse to the specific protective and defining structure of its wall. The act of measurement implies a deliberate, precise, and divinely ordered construction.
"an hundred and forty and four cubits"
This provides the exact height of the wall. The number 144 (12 x 12) is highly symbolic, representing the completeness and perfection of God's people (the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles of the Lamb). This dimension suggests a wall that is substantial enough for security and definition, yet not so astronomically high as to be purely impenetrable or to overshadow the city's glory.
"[according to] the measure of a man, that is, of the angel"
This crucial phrase clarifies the standard by which the measurement was taken. It means the cubit used by the angel was equivalent to a human cubit. This ensures that the divine revelation is communicated in terms comprehensible to human understanding, bridging the gap between heavenly realities and earthly perception. It affirms the tangibility of the vision while maintaining its divine origin, as the angel, a divine messenger, is the one performing the measurement.
Literary Devices
Revelation 21:17 employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. Symbolism is paramount, particularly with the number 144. This number, being 12 multiplied by 12, is a powerful symbol of divine completeness and the totality of God's redeemed people, encompassing both Old and New Covenant believers. It connects to the 144,000 sealed in Revelation 7:4, signifying the full company of those preserved by God. The phrase "measure of a man, that is, of the angel" functions as a form of Clarification or Explanatory Parenthesis, ensuring the human reader can grasp the divine dimension. It acts as a Bridge Metaphor, connecting the heavenly realm to earthly understanding by using a familiar unit of measure. This also subtly employs Anthropomorphism in the sense that a divine reality is presented in human terms, making it accessible. The precise numerical detail itself, in contrast to the vast, almost incomprehensible dimensions of the city in the preceding verse, serves as a form of Specific Detail as Emphasis, highlighting the meticulousness of God's design for the New Jerusalem.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Revelation 21:17 underscores the profound theological truth that God's eternal dwelling place is characterized by divine order, security, and perfect design. The specific measurement of the wall, rooted in the symbolic number 144, speaks to the completeness and unity of God's redeemed community, encompassing both Israel and the Church. It signifies that the New Jerusalem is a place where God's people are perfectly gathered, protected, and established in holiness. The "measure of a man, that is, of the angel" highlights God's condescension in revealing heavenly truths in a way that is comprehensible to humanity, ensuring that His ultimate plan for redemption and eternal fellowship is not an ethereal concept but a tangible, meticulously prepared reality. This precision offers immense comfort and assurance, contrasting with the chaos and uncertainty of the fallen world.
Reflection and Application
Revelation 21:17, with its precise measurement of the New Jerusalem's wall, offers a powerful vision of our eternal hope. It reminds us that God's promises are not vague or abstract, but concrete and meticulously planned. The divine precision reflected in these dimensions assures us that our future with God is one of perfect order, absolute security, and complete holiness. In a world often marked by instability, chaos, and uncertainty, this vision grounds our faith in the unshakeable reality of God's kingdom. It invites us to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that God is actively preparing a dwelling place where His presence will be fully realized and His people perfectly protected. This detailed revelation encourages us to trust in God's sovereign design, find peace in His ultimate control, and live in anticipation of the glorious, ordered reality He has prepared for those who love Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the number 144 in Revelation 21:17?
The number 144 is highly symbolic, representing divine completeness and the totality of God's redeemed people. It is derived from 12 multiplied by 12. In biblical numerology, 12 is a foundational number associated with God's people and divine government, seen in the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles of the Lamb. Therefore, 144 signifies the full, perfect, and complete company of God's people from both the Old and New Covenants, securely encompassed within the New Jerusalem. This number also echoes the 144,000 sealed in Revelation 7:4, who represent the preserved and faithful remnant.
Why is the measurement "according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel"?
This phrase serves to bridge the gap between heavenly realities and human comprehension. It indicates that the angelic messenger used a standard of measurement (a cubit) that was familiar and understandable to John, and by extension, to all humanity. It assures the reader that these are not arbitrary or incomprehensible divine dimensions, but tangible, real measurements, even if they describe a spiritual reality. It highlights God's gracious condescension in revealing profound truths in a way that His human creation can grasp, affirming the reliability and tangibility of the vision.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Revelation 21:17, with its precise measurement of the New Jerusalem's wall, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The perfection, security, and divine order of this eternal city are established and guaranteed through Him. As the Lamb of God, Jesus is the very foundation upon which the New Jerusalem is built, as the city's twelve foundations bear the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. The "measure of a man" used by the angel subtly points to Christ's humanity, through which divine truth is made accessible and comprehensible to us. He is the ultimate bridge between God and humanity, the one through whom we can draw near to God. The security and completeness symbolized by the 144 cubits are realized in Christ, who gathers His entire redeemed people, making them one new man in Himself. He is the true and living way into this perfectly ordered, secure, and holy dwelling, having prepared a place for us. Thus, the meticulously measured wall of the New Jerusalem is a testament to the perfect, finished work of Christ, who ensures the eternal safety and blessedness of all who are in Him.