The Letters to the Seven Churches

There is a definite structure to each of the letters: 1.Each letter begins with a charge to write the letter 1.Each letter contains a connection with the description of Christ in 1: There is an acknowledgement of the church’s achievements 1.There are words of encouragement, censure, or counsel or all three 1.Each letter ends with a promise and exhortation

The Letters to the Seven Churches Let’s look at the first letter: Revelation 2:1-7 - "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands: I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

The Letters to the Seven Churches Let’s look at the first letter: Revelation 2:1-7 - "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands: I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. The charge to write

The Letters to the Seven Churches Let’s look at the first letter: Revelation 2:1-7 - "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands: I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. The connection to the description of Christ in Rev. 1:13-18

The Letters to the Seven Churches Let’s look at the first letter: Revelation 2:1-7 - "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands: I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. Acknowledgements of church’s achievements

The Letters to the Seven Churches Let’s look at the first letter: Revelation 2:1-7 - "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands: I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. Words of encouragement, counsel and/or censure

The Letters to the Seven Churches Let’s look at the first letter: Revelation 2:1-7 - "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands: I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. Promise and exhortation to those who overcome and are victorious

The Letters to the Seven Churches A lot of ink has been spilled trying to explain the seven letters. Why seven letters? There were more churches in Asia other than just these seven (Colossae, Heirapolis, Troas, etc.) As we saw above, the seven churches do form a circular postal route. The number seven is one of perfection and completion. Seven letters to seven churches would represent all Christians. Note that each letter ends “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (The plural is important).

The Letters to the Seven Churches A lot of ink has been spilled trying to explain the seven letters. This plural tells us that all seven letters were included in each of the communications sent to every church. Some have suggested that the seven letters trace the history of the church from the first century (Ephesus) all the way through history until the very end of days (Laodicea).

The Letters to the Seven Churches More spilled ink Some have suggested that the seven letters trace the history of the church from the first century (Ephesus) all the way through history until the very end of days (Laodicea). Typically this is the view of those who see Revelation from a historicist point of view.

The Letters to the Seven Churches More spilled ink Some have suggested that the seven letters trace the history of the church from the first century (Ephesus) all the way through history until the very end of days (Laodicea). Ephesus – Apostolic age to about 100AD Symrna – the church under persecution AD Pergamum – a church compromised with carnality and false doctrine ( ) Thyatira – the Papal church ( ) Sardis - the Reformation age ( ) Philadelphia – the church today Laodicea – the liberal church of modern times

The Letters to the Seven Churches Others, have suggested that the letters form a pattern. One literary device used by ancient writers to emphasize a point is called CHAISM. It is a structure where the point to be made is put in the middle like this: A B C B’ A’ Where A and A’ have some connection to each other as do B and B’. “C” is where the author makes his/her point

The Letters to the Seven Churches With a little bit of ingenuity, we can construct a chiasm using the letters from chapters two and three: AEphesusin danger of being discarded (v. 5) BSymrnafaithful and loyal even in weakness CPergamummixture of compromising with pagan culture and loyalty CThyatirasee verse 23 CSardisworst of the three “middle’ churches B’Philadelphiafaithful and loyal even in weakness A’Laodiceain danger of being discarded (v. 16) This structure puts the worst two churches as first and last.

The Letters to the Seven Churches With a little bit of ingenuity, we can construct a chiasm using the letters from chapters two and three: AEphesusin danger of being discarded (v. 5) BSymrnafaithful and loyal even in weakness CPergamummixture of compromising with pagan culture and loyalty CThyatirasee verse 23 CSardisworst of the three “middle’ churches B’Philadelphiafaithful and loyal even in weakness A’Laodiceain danger of being discarded (v. 16) The churches with problems form the “core.” Overall the church is in fairly bad shape (only 2/7 are good). Revelation 2:23b - Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.

Chapters Four and Five The Throne Scene in Heaven

Chapter Four Revelation 4:1 - After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.“

Chapter Four Revelation 4:1 - After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.“ In Greek Meta. tau/ta Literally, “after this” – it’s the great time connective in New Testament literature. What follows takes place sometime after what precedes. It could be a little while or a long time. Indefinite length of time.

Chapter Four Revelation 4:1 - After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.“ The Greek verb tense depicts an open door that remains open for others to enter.

Chapter Four Revelation 4:2 - a t once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.

Chapter Four Revelation 4:2 - a t once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. Once more John is having a visionary experience. It is during this vision that he “experiences” the throne scene. The action at this point takes place in heaven. As we move forward we will see the focus move back and forth between heaven and earth.

Chapter Four Revelation 4:3 - And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne. In keeping with Jewish literature, God is never directly described. God is described using symbols and metaphors. Finite human language is incapable of expressing the majesty and glory of God. Even our symbols fall short. The question is, should we mine the text to attempt to extract meaning out of each and every detail, or is John simply heaping metaphor on top of metaphor to build a picture of the transcendence of God? Probably the latter.

Chapter Four Revelation 4:3 - And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne. Jasper is a semi-translucent stone Carnelian is a reddish stone that appears to have “fire” smoldering inside of it. What a poetic portrayal of God!

Chapter Four Revelation 4:3 - And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne. The rainbow reminds us of the covenant God made with Noah (Genesis 9) The emerald is a green colored stone and green is a soothing color. Perhaps this is indicative of God’s mercy.

Chapter Four Revelation 4:4 - Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. Not all of John’s images are easily understood. For example who are the 24 elders? Some suggest the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles making the connection between the OT and the NT church and the two covenants of God’s people. Others suggest it refers to the 24 orders of priesthood in 1 Chronicles 24:4-18. Still others hold that it represents the 24 orders of musicians in 1 Chronicles 25. A very small contingent claim they are individual Christians who have sealed their faith through martyrdom.

Chapter Four Revelation 4:4 - Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. Not all of John’s images are as easily understood. For example who are the 24 elders? A council of elders is not mentioned anywhere else in Scripture. However, there is mention of a heavenly court or council (e.g. Job 1:6; 2:1; Ps 89:7; Dan. 7:9-10).

Chapter Four Revelation 4:4 - Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. Not all of John’s images are as easily understood. For example who are the 24 elders? Regardless of their identity, the 24 elders are important because of their function: - They wear white robes (purity) and have gold crowns (authority) - They prostrate themselves before God and offer up their crowns. - They take part in the heavenly worship liturgy. - They sing hymns to God.

Chapter Four Revelation 4:4 - Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. Not all of John’s images are as easily understood. For example who are the 24 elders? Regardless of their identity, the 24 elders are important because of their function: - They hold harps and golden bowls containing the prayers of God’s people. - Several of them will speak directly to John - They may have a judicial function (20:4)

Chapter Four Revelation 4:5 - From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. The heavenly thunderstorm introduces the awesome power and majesty of God. Lightening and thunder are always in a temple setting (8:5; 11:19; 16:17-18) and typically announce a important event.

Chapter Four Revelation 4:6a - Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. A sea is a very large body of water. Perhaps John is implying the magnitude of the distance that remains between the majesty and glory of God and a mere mortal. Here John may be alluding to the passage in Exodus where the elders of Israel went up on the mountain and witnessed first-hand the glory of God. Exodus 24:10 - and saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was something like a pavement made of sapphire, clear as the sky itself.

Chapter Four Revelation 4:6b-8a - In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Once again, a very difficult image to interpret. Most likely, John patterned the four living creatures after those in Ezekiel 1:4-21 and Isaiah 6:2-3. Eze 1:10 - Their faces looked like this: Each of the four had the face of a man, and on the right side each had the face of a lion, and on the left the face of an ox; each also had the face of an eagle.

Chapter Four Revelation 4:6b-8a - In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Once again, a very difficult image to interpret. Most likely, John patterned the four living creatures after those in Ezekiel 1:4-21 and Isaiah 6:2-3. Isaiah 6:2-3 - Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."

Chapter Four Revelation 4: Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: 11 "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."

Chapter Four Revelation 4: Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: 11 "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.“ Crowns were a symbol of authority. Laying their crowns before God, the elders are acknowledging that their authority comes only from God. Whatever honor is afforded them is given over to God.

Chapter Five Chapters four and five form the fulcrum of the letter. In chapter four John develops this very transcendent picture of God. However, without chapter five there is no connection between God’s throne image and creation. Without chapter five, chapter four is not good news.