Apocalypse | 010 | To The Seven Churches

"I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet. Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: " (Revelation 1:10-11)

Said the apostle, "I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength." (Revelation 1:12-16)

Who was this?

John fell on his face at the sight, but he felt hand touch him and heard an encouraging voice said, "Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death." (Revelation 1:17-18) This was none other than John's Master; the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Son of God had an important task for John, "Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches." (Revelation 1: 11, 19-20)

The number seven refers to a complete chronological series of events. If you want to read more on this, please click here. The Christian Church established by Christ began at His baptism and His three and a half-year ministry, continued by the disciples and will continue right to His second coming. As long as this present world exists, God will have a church, a people to which the oracles of God are entrusted. 

The seven churches represent the seven eras within God's church from its establishment right down to the end of time. On behalf of his Lord, John was to write to the angels (Greek: messengers) of the seven churches.

We will, in later posts examine the messages to each church. Until then, God bless you.