Revelation* ~ The Seven Churches

A few years ago, I was watching a Bible study discussion on TV.  Richard Draper was one of the scholars on the panel and I was struck by his comments relative to the pattern of addressing the seven churches.  He said each letter followed a similar pattern.  They are easier to understand when one recognizes the pattern:

• God addresses the branch of the Church by name.
• God identifies Himself by a common signifier, such as Alpha and Omega.
• God points out the positive things He has noticed about each branch - a compliment.
• God corrects the branch for things they are doing that are leading them astray - a chastisement.
• God makes promises of blessing that will come to those who overcome the world through repentance and faithfulness to His Word.

The two exceptions to this pattern occur in Chapter 3 of Revelation:  the Church at Laodicia receives no compliment; the Church at Philadelphia receives no chastisement.

The number 7:  I have learned from various sources that the number 7 is significant in Hebrew.  It signifies complete and total.  So while the letters address 7 individual branches of the Church in Asia Minor, they can be understood at a deeper level as referring the the total and complete Church.  This means to me that they have relevance for us today if we ask the Spirit to reveal that relevance to us. 

You can see by the map that the 7 Churches are clustered in a small geographical area not far from the Penal Colony on Patmos Island where John was imprisoned.  But there were branches of the Church at Jerusalem and Antioch to the southeast and Corinth, Phillipi, and Rome to the west across the Aegean Sea.  I'm sure these and other branches experienced trials and persecution with varying degrees of faithfulness just as the branches that were included in the Revelation.  Perhaps John wrote letters of compliment and correction to them at other times, letters that we no longer have.  I would love to be there in spirit when all the seals are open and we can see the entire panorama of the world as John did!

* Somewhat of a disclaimer:  I am not an ordained minister nor a Biblical scholar.  What I am sharing are insights I have experienced while reading and studying the text.  If you decide to study the Book of Revelation, do so with a prayerful heart and you will be led to your own insights.  The Spirit speaks to each of us individually and addresses the needs of our hearts as only He can know them.  By the way, whenever I share something I have learned from a scholar, such as Dr. Draper, I will so note.

Text copyright Gebara Education January 2013

 

Picture of the 7 Churches from Grace Baptist Church in Decatur, IL @ www.gbcdecatur.org

Map from the Shepherd of the Hills Church @ www.sothi.com