Table of Contents Chapters Overview Alan's Gleanings
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Format of Letters

The letters to the seven churches seem to be written with a template with following format:

  • Address to the angel of the church ... either a human minister or a heavenly angel assigned to that church
  • Description of Christ drawn from Rev. 1 that may be pertinent to that church
  • Claim of knowledge of the details of the church
  • Evaluation of the church ... praise and/or rebuke
  • Instructions and/or warnings
  • Promise of blessing

Chart of the Seven Churches of Revelation

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Purpose of Writing

Without going into a discussion of the date of writing of the Book of Revelation, I would like to mention the changing tide of persecution against Christians.

The Romans viewed early Christianity as a sect of Judaism which was a sanctioned religion and as such Christians were free to practice their religion so long as they were loyal to the empire. This changed when ...

  • Rome suffered a terrible fire in AD 64. The fire destroyed three quarters of the city. The Roman emperor, Nero blamed the Christians for the fire and began to persecute them.
  • Emperor Domitian who ruled from AD 81-96 AD demanded his citizens to worship him as "Our lord and our god". This resulted in a hostile persecution of Christians who refused to do so. 

The Book of Revelation frequently mentions that the recipients were suffering (1:9; 2:9-10,13; 6:9 and 20:4). John wrote to encourage persecuted and suffering Christians to remain faithful until death or until Christ returns.

  • OFFERS OF BLESSING
    For example, Rev. 2:9-10  
    "I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."  
  • THREATS OF CURSES
    For example, Rev. 3:16  
    "So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth."

Reflection

Is the condition of your heart like any of the conditions of the seven churches? Do you hold fast the name of the Lord in the midst of the darkness of this world? In other words, are you a lampstand, a light-bearer? Jesus said, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” What are you hearing from the Holy Spirit today?

© Copyright January 2019 Alan S.L. WONG