The Seven Churches of Asia (1) Introduction

John’s Vision Revelation 1:9-20 Revelation is apocalyptic (meaning symbolic or hidden language) A book about God’s judgment against the ungodly. A book about the Christian’s endurance (Is it worth it?) John is writing from the Isle of Patmos, on “the Lord’s day” (Revelation 1:9-10)

John’s Vision Revelation 1:9-20 To the 7 churches of Asia -(Revelation 1:11)

John’s Vision Revelation 1:9-20 John hears a voice that calls for him to write to these 7 churches He turns and sees the voice and a vision.

John’s Vision Revelation 1:9-20 7 Golden lampstands (1:12) Identified as the 7 churches (1:20) Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com , used with permission

One like the Son of Man (1:13) John’s Vision Revelation 1:9-20 One like the Son of Man (1:13) How Jesus identified Himself Matthew 9:6, 16:13; John 1:51, 5:27 Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com

Clothed with a garment down to His feet (1:13) John’s Vision Revelation 1:9-20 Clothed with a garment down to His feet (1:13) Possibly a priestly robe Hebrews 2:17, 4:14-15 Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com

Chest girded with a golden band (1:13) John’s Vision Revelation 1:9-20 Chest girded with a golden band (1:13) Again, showing authority cf. Rev. 15:6, Daniel 10:5 Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com

His head and hair were white as wool, snow (1:14) John’s Vision Revelation 1:9-20 His head and hair were white as wool, snow (1:14) White – the color of purity! Rev. 7:13-14, 19:11, 14 Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com

Eyes like flames of fire (1:14) John’s Vision Revelation 1:9-20 Eyes like flames of fire (1:14) All seeing and piercing - Hebrews 4:13 Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com

Feet like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace (1:15) John’s Vision Revelation 1:9-20 Feet like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace (1:15) Strong and tested. Pure. Moving with power Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com

His voice as the sound of many waters (1:15) John’s Vision Revelation 1:9-20 His voice as the sound of many waters (1:15) A powerful and universal voice – Hebrews 4:12 Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com

In His right hand seven stars (1:16) John’s Vision Revelation 1:9-20 In His right hand seven stars (1:16) These are the “angels of the seven churches” – 1:20 Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com

Out of His mouth goes a sharp sword (1:16) John’s Vision Revelation 1:9-20 Out of His mouth goes a sharp sword (1:16) The word of God speaking – Hebrews 4:12 Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com

His countenance like the sun shining in strength (1:16) John’s Vision Revelation 1:9-20 His countenance like the sun shining in strength (1:16) Jesus our source of light Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com

His message reveals Him (1:17-18) John’s Vision Revelation 1:9-20 His message reveals Him (1:17-18) “I am the first and the last, He who lives” etc.” Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com

Letters to the churches The 7 churches to whom this letter was written go in a circuit. In examining their environment, we find their surroundings have an impact (for good and/or bad) on their character as congregations. THUS, we need to be careful in how we allow society to influence us

Letters to the churches Why 7 churches? More than 7 churches in Asia - Troas (Acts 20:5) - Hierapolis (Colossians 4:3) - Colossae (Colossians 1:2) Courtesy of Biblestudy.org

Letters to the churches Why 7 churches? 7 in Revelation often is symbolic of completeness or perfection It could be that these represent “the Lord’s Church as a whole” (Harkrider) Thus, every congregation could be described in one or more of these situations

Letters to the churches Each congregation was independent An individual message to each one Each congregation had strengths/weaknesses and was addressed based upon these Local congregations have their own character. We must respect autonomy (cf. Acts 20:28)

Letters to the churches Each congregation answered directly to Christ He was in the midst of them Each letter begins with a description of Him (e.g. Revelation 2:1) It is His church – Acts 20:28, Romans 16:16, Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:25-27

Letters to the churches Each congregation answered directly to Christ “I know your works” Revelation 2:2, 9, 13, 19, 3:1, 8, 15 – He examines those who wear His name and makes judgment accordingly. OUR first concern should be whether or not we are pleasing to Him

Letters to the churches BUT, we will be judged individually Romans 14:12, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Hebrews 9:27, Revelation 20:12-13, etc.

Letters to the churches BUT, we will be judged individually Even in these letters we find appeal to individuals – 2:24 “now to you I say, and to the rest…” 3:4 “you have a few names even in Sardis…” 3:19 “as many as I love I rebuke…” “To him who overcomes” (2:7, 11, 17, 26, 3:5, 12, 21)

Letters to the churches Each congregation represented by a candlestick Light – Jesus IS the light – Revelation 1:16 John 8:12, 9:5 “I am the light of the world” We SUPPORT that light – 1 Corinthians 2:2, 15:1-4 1 Timothy 3:15 Revelation 2:5 - Ephesus

Letters to the churches “He who has an ear, let him hear” Light – Jesus IS the light – Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29, 3:6, 13, 22, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” ONE standard for every congregation – 1 Corinthians 4:17, 2 Peter 3:15-16, Colossians 4:16

Letters to the churches “Repent 5 congregations had errors – Revelation 2:5, 16, 21-22, 3:3, 3:18-19 – All were called upon to repent! IF we, as the Lord’s church, are not what we ought to be, we ought to repent (cf. 2 Corinthians 7:10-11)

What would the Lord say to us?