The Book of Revelation: Class 1
The Prologue and The Seven Letters
March 9, 2003

The Prologue

The book is a revelation given to Jesus by God, and witnessed (transcribed) by John.  The allusion to the seven spirits comes from Isa 11:1-2 and Zech 4:6, indicating that God’s spirit is with the recipients of this letter.

• Its contents are “acute” because the “appointed time is near.” 
• It is one revelation, to be taken in its entirety.
• Note that John applies prophetic information from Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and Zechariah to his situation in 95 C.E. 

The Seven Letters

The seven letters were written from John while in the Roman prison on Patmos Island to the seven Asian Churches discussed below. A good map of these churches can be found in The NIV Study Bible. Grand Rapids, MI:  Zondervan Publishing House, 1995), page 2488.  The seven stars (churches) in Jesus’ right hand are under his protection.

• The letter may have been a circular, sent from one church to another.
• “Seven” = holy, whole, complete, people of God.
• The letters all describe Christ, list the church’s good works, describe Christ’s warning or encouragement, describe Christ’s promise to those who overcome
  • Christ is present in power to the churches (the seven lamp stands from Zech 4:2 representing Israel
  • In 1:13-16 Jesus is described as a ‘Son of Man,’ finely dressed (suing imagery from Ezekiel) with eyes like flames of fire (From Daniel). 

Ephesus

• Chief city in Asia; Mother God and Artemis worshipped there; Caesar also worshipped there.
• City of hard work and endurance.
• Inhabitants exhorted to return to idea of love of God.

Smyrna

• City that died and was rebuilt; Cybele worshipped here (god who died and was rose again).
• Jews and Romans persecuted Christians.
• Smyrna to be spared at second coming.

Pergamum

• Roman provincial capital
• Location of regional court, so Christ is the one who pronounces God’s judgment from there.
• Issue of eating idol meats was addressed by John, and John favored strict separation of Christians from others.

Thyatira

• Temple to Apollo located here.
• Persons who buy or eat idol meats are condemned
• “Deep-secrets of Satan” refer to Gnostics.  John did not approve of Gnosticism

Sardis

• City on a hill, and stars easily visible, hence can see the Pleiades “seven stars” from here.
• Had huge necropolis
• People were to be vigilant in case the thief came in the night.

Philadelphia

• City was gateway to Asia Minor.  John equates this city with a gateway of access to God, and Jesus holds the key to God’s throne room.
• John feels that God will prove to the Jews that the Christians are the true Israel (Chapman, 32).  This illustrates Jewish persecution of Christians. 
• A great tribulation and judgment of Rome are coming (not a trial of Christians). 

Laodicea

• A ‘lukewarm’ (complacent) and rich city.  John worried that it was ripe for corruption.  They were rich with earthly goods (they had medical schools), but may have been poor spiritually. 
• Christ was knocking at their door (collectively) and for each member individually.

For Discussion

The churches individually seem to represent qualities that our own churches (including St. Paul’s) possess today. 

• Are we content?  Could the thief come tonight?
• Rich?  Rich with what?
• Complacent?  Why?  Why not?
• Ready for ministry?  What kind?
• Tolerant?  Tolerate of what?  What are we intolerant of?
• Do we stand for Christ?  What does that mean?

The Art of Revelation

A beautiful collection of art by Pat Marvenko Smith inspired by the Book of Revelation can be found on line at http://www.revelationillustrated.com. Her work is for sale and can be ordered on line.