Letters to the Seven Churches

Seven Letters to Seven Churches:

And what we can Learn from them in Today’s Church!

1. The Writer, The Recipients & the Author!

The historical background and the world situation when John wrote the book of Revelation is crucial to understand if we are to benefit fully from the book:

1. The Writer & the People to whom it was Sent:

John wrote the book of Revelation while he was in exile on the island of Patmos(1v9) toward the end of the first century, during the reign of Emperor Domitian1.

The book is addressed to 'the seven churches which are in Asia' (1v11). Perhaps John exercised 'oversight' over these churches while living in Asia during the latter years of his ministry.

2. Rome: The World Super-Power:

At this time Rome was the dominant world-power. It was immensely rich and powerful but also immoral and pleasure-seeking.

It is estimated that up to a third of the Empire's populace were slaves.

Christianity was coming under pressure from the Roman authorities(c/f 2v10,13;6v9;17v6;18 v24;19v2) because it refused to worship the Emperor or submit to its control (c/f 13v4,15f; 14v9-11;15v2;16v2;19v20;20v4).

It was also increasingly popular, emptying its temples and thereby effecting its economy. Rome therefore could no longer tolerate what it considered a threat to Caesar.

This may be hinted at in the words of Jesus to the church at Philadelphia:"Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth"(3v10).

This may suggest that a localised persecution, such as the one that a few of the Asian churches were experiencing would soon become a universal, or empire-wide persecution that would engulf the majority of the churches.

3. The Risen Christ in the Midst of the Churches : 1v9-20.

a. The Setting(v9-11):

"in Patmos"(v9b) - a labour camp (marble quarries).

Here he was sharing together with Jesus, His sufferings, rule and patient endurance "in the Spirit"(v10).

"in the Spirit"(v10) - taken over by the Spirit

"on the Lord's Day" - the Day of the Resurrection

b. The Vision of the risen Christ(v12-16):

"Like a Son of Man"(v13) - c/f Daniel 7v13-27. The title is one of authority - c/f Dan10v4-21 see also Ezek 43v2.

Both in Daniel and here in 1v18 it carries the idea of through suffering to glory.

c. The Message of the Vision(v17-20):

"Don't be afraid" (as 2v10).

"I am the Living One'(as 1v8).

"I hold the keys of Hades and death" c/f Acts 2v27-31

"write" the message (v20) for the church, for which He is caring(v16a)

"seven stars" (as v16) in His safe keeping.

"seven golden lampstands"(as v12,13).

"the angels of..' :- Could be....

(i). literal angels - each church's spiritual guardian (c/f The angels of individuals(Mtt.18v10); of nations(Dan.10v13).

(ii). The spirits of the churches - the churches personified.

(iii). The leaders of the churches - presiding elder/Overseer who pass on the message.

II. The Letters Common Features:

1. Sent to real churches in real cities.

They are an integral part of the whole Book - e.g The description of Christ from chapter 1 provide helpful promises which refer to something later on.

Each church is different - yet the message to each a message to all (2v7 etc.).

2. Have a common basic structure:

The messages to churches are of a similar pattern - A basic 4-fold pattern....

(i). A personal greeting.

(ii). A description of Christ.

(iii). The Message - usually includes ....

A COMMENDATION though significantly not in the case of Sardis(3v1b) and Laodicea(3v15) .

A CONDEMNATION though significantly not in the case of Smyrna and Philadelphia .

A CHALLENGE - 'repent'(9v5) and/or 'hold fast'(3v11;2v22); the exhortation (eg. v7a "he who....")

(iii). The Promise -

a promise to overcome(v7b) or of Christ Himself (i.e. the life that is in Him.).

III. The Letter to the Loveless Church : (2v1-7).

1. Commended (v2) - for their zeal for the truth(v6).

2. Condemned (v4) - for their lack of love(for Christ, one another, those outside)

3. Challenged (v5) - Cease if not repent.

4. Promised (v7) - see 22v2,14.