UNDERSTANDING
THE BOOK OF REVELATION
Part
Two
The
Seven Churches
By
Gary Ray Branscome
John’s first vision begins with the
words, “To the seven churches that are in
As we read the text, the words, “I was
in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a
trumpet,” tell us that John is seeing something “in the Spirit,” a vision (Rev.
1:10). Then, as he turns to see who is speaking, he sees “one like the Son of
man,” (Rev. 1:13). Notice that he does not claim to actually see Jesus. In his dream/vision
he sees an image that looks like Jesus. And Jesus is standing in the midst of
seven candlesticks, and has seven stars in his hand (Rev. 1:16). The words, “The
seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks
that you saw are the seven churches,” then make it clear that the vision John
was seeing was highly figurative (Rev. 1:20). Remember, it is not the words
that are figurative, it is the vision which is
figurative. Notice also that the seven stars in the vision are said to be seven
“angels”. In understanding this section it is important to know that in the
original Greek, the word “angel” means “messenger”. This is significant because
the context and substance of the messages indicates that they are addressed to
the pastor of each congregation, not to a spirit being. [NOTE: The words, “I was in the Spirit” tell us that John was in a trance. See, Acts 10:10, 11:5, and 22:17.]
As you read Christ’s message to each of
the churches, you will find that many of the things said are relevant to
situations we face today. For example: The angel/messenger of the church at
After commending those things worthy of
praise Christ goes on to say, “Nevertheless I have something against you,
because you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have
fallen, and repent,” (Rev. 2:4-5). Far too often, when people read these words
they assume that the problem is lack of works. However, that is not point at
all! Our works are as filthy rags in the sight of God (Isaiah 64:6). The words,
“first love” call to remembrance the love for the gospel, and the zeal for
spreading it, that is characteristic of a new convert. And the words, “Remember
therefore from where you have fallen,” indicate that he had forgotten how
sinful his life was before. In other words, those who do not think they have
many sins tend to have less appreciation (love) for Christ and the things of
faith, than those who, like Paul, are fully aware of their sin (Luke 7:47, 1Timothy
1:15).
As to other problems, both Pergamos
and Thyatira are rebuked for allowing sexual sin, and that is all too common
today (Rev. 2:14, 20). In fact, the words, “I have a few things against you,
because you allowed that woman Jezebel… to teach and to seduce my servants to
commit fornication,” sounds very much like a congregation that I have heard of,
which has a lesbian pastor.
However, in looking at the statements that might
relate to us today we should never loose sight of the fact that these churches
were actual congregations that existed at that time. And, because they were
actual congregations, some things that are said may seem cryptic to someone
living almost two thousand years later. For example: in Rev. 3:18 we read “anoint
your eyes with eye salve, that you may see”. What on
earth does that mean? Well, it is interesting to know that archeologists have
discovered that eye salve was being manufactured in
In verse 20 we read, “Behold, I stand at the door, and
knock: if any man hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him,
and will sup with him, and he with me,” (Rev. 3:20). Although this passage is
well known and often quoted, the people who quote it generally pull it out of
context and misrepresent what it says. Read it carefully! It says nothing about
asking Jesus into your heart. If the people at
Conclusion
Two important things to remember are
1) These seven churches were actual congregations that existed in
In the next
section we will examine John’s vision heaven and the seven seals.