What is this white
stone with our name on it?
Whoever
has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is
victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person
a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives
it. Revelation 2:17
It
sounds a name tag in some way, but it could mean there’s a name Jesus wants to
give us, like he renamed Simon to Peter, which truly describes us (as names did
back then). White would indicate a holy
name and stone gives it a sense of permanence.
It’s cool to think God wants to give us his own personal name.
What historical uses of “white stone” were used
in the first century?
The meaning of this is
unclear. It cannot be taken literally,
since why would God hand us a white stone with a name on it that we have to
carry around for eternity? There have
been some historical possibilities suggested throughout time that the stone could
symbolize.
Token of Innocence - A white pebble was
placed in a ballot box by a Greek judge pronouncing a sentence of acquittal (a
black pebble indicating condemnation).
Jesus is saying by giving you a stone, you are "not guilty."
Token of Privilege - A tessera was given
at Olympic games to the victor with subsequent attendant social
privileges. Jesus is saying by giving
you a white stone, "you win!"
Token of Initiation - A token of
initiation was used to get into the cult of Asklepios. Jesus is saying "welcome to the
club."
Good Omen - Reflecting the practice of a person
who placed a white or black pebble for each happy or unhappy day into an urn.
At his death, the colors were totaled to rate the happiness of his life. If Jesus hands you a white, it summarizes all
the goodness you need for your future.
High Priest’s Headdress/Breastplate - “One explanation
links the white stone with the platelet of gold that graced the high priest’s
headdress (Ex. 28:36-37). The words inscribed on it were ‘Holiness to the
Lord.’ According to this interpretation the overcomer will wear a headdress
with a precious stone, on which shall be engraved the new name which belongs to
the new Lord of the new kingdom, a name equivalent in value to that of Jehovah
under the Old Testament, which no one but the high priest knew how to
utter.” Jesus is saying with this white
stone "you're holy."
Urim and Thummim – stones hidden on
the breastplates of priests used to make decisions about someone’s fate. Jesus is saying that your fate has been
determined, "you receive heaven for eternity."[1]
White means righteousness. Stone
means a guarantee/promise. A new name
means a new identity. Together it could
mean that when we die we are promised righteousness in heaven with our new
identity in Christ.