INTRODUCTION
to The Seven Churches

Remember that there are three divisions in the book of Revelation. The First division is in Chapter One.  Jesus here instructed John to write the things that he has seen, or if you will, the things which 'were' meaning John's experience in the first vision, and those things leading up to this. The Second division is the things that 'are' and this concerns the churches. Although those churches are long past, the messages contained in these two chapters, live on as examples for us. Many of these scenarios are prominent in our present Church Age.  The Third division begins with Chapter 4, and is the things that will be hereafter (or in the future). When we are able to think of this book in this way, it is much easier to understand.

The study of the seven churches is curious because the entire second and third chapters are written in red...the words of Jesus.  All the following chapters are John's renderings of the visions he beheld.  Apparently Jesus felt it important to include the messages of the seven churches. These seven churches were literal, historic churches at the time John penned the words of Revelation, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  The message for each church was current for them, and is also relevant for us today.   One might wonder what significance prompted Jesus to include these two chapters.  However, if we look closely at each church, we can see their counterparts today in these last days.  Many want to exclude the book of Revelation, saying that it is allegorical; some think the scenarios contained in this book have already occurred (in 70AD), and still others see it as a mythical science fiction of sorts.  There are many who believe that these churches are representative of seven eras of church history.  I cannot dispute this; neither can I verify this because there is no biblical verification of this interpretation. There are indeed some instances where interpretation is not entirely clear.  But the fact is, the prophecies contained in this book from Chapter 4 onward, provide enough guidance for us to see the majestic unfolding of the future with the revelation of Jesus Christ at His second coming.

This book speaks of the future, a future much closer than most think. These two chapters contain warnings and promises that are both enlightening and thought provoking.  One of the central themes that run through each church is the admonishment that he who has an ear (spiritual and physical), needs to hear and digest what the Spirit says to the churches.

Keep in mind these words of Timothy, as we begin our study of the Seven Churches.

2 Timothy 3: 16-17
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished (prepared) unto all good works."

Tara Hart © 2005