The Book of Revelation, particularly, its chapters two and three, contains the letters written by John the Apostle to the Seven Churches in the Asia Minor (situated not in the whole territory of the continent, but just in its Roman territory). These letters were created by Jesus and had to be sent by John. The writings are believed to be appropriate in any time (Barnett, 2004).
During the whole period of studying the Holy Script, there were many attempts to analyze the letters from different point of view. Generally, researchers agree that these writings were written for Christian `churches` meaning groups of people, communities, but not the Christian `churches` meaning the buildings themselves (Hemer).
The number seven is very interesting too. There obviously were more than seven Christian churches in the abovementioned territory (as Paul the Apostle founded much more than that), but it is believed that the number seven was chosen for some reason. It is still argued why they did not send letters to such important churches as Jerusalem church (which was the first to be founded) or Antioch (the missionary one), while some churches from the list are not so well-known, but there is no consensus for now (Barnett, 2004).
All the seven letters had identical format and contained seven sections: Greeting, Title for Jesus, Insights (for particular churches), Criticism (for particular churches), Instructions and premonitions, Final sermon, Assurances and promises (Siders, 2007).
Every letter also has the message, which differs in every given case (Hemer).
Ephesus gets the writing that it is waited to see a bright light of seven stars in the hands of Jesus. Smyrna, gets the writing that Jesus Christ is `the first and the last`, `the alpha and omega`(Barnett, 2004).
Pergamum gets the writing that Jesus has authority and power who gives a blessing for people who follow Him and condemnation for those who do not. Thyatira gets the writing that Jesus has penetrating insight and wisdom in all the existing things (Hemer).
Sardis gets the writing that Jesus holds the seven spirits of God, the seven stars, and the seven-fold spirit of God. Philadelphia gets the writing that Jesus is the one who is holy and true. Laodicea gets the writing that Jesus is `the Amen`, `the faithful and true witness`, `the ruler of God’s creation`(Barnett, 2004).
Some letters also have the insights, which also differ for every church:
Ephesus: `I know your deeds and hard work`.
Smyrna: `I know your afflictions and poverty, and yet you are rich`.
Pergamum: `I know that you remain true to My Name` (Siders, 2007).
Some letters contain criticism:
Ephesus: `I know your deedsYet I hold this against you: you have forsaken your first love`.
Pergamum: `Yet I hold this against you: You have held to teachings of traitors, ate food sacrificed to idols, committed sexual impurity, etc`.
Laodicea: `Yet I hold this against you: you have such an exaggerated opinion of your importance and effectiveness ` (Hemer).
These writings are believed to be pertinent to any epoch and it is still true, as the teachings of false leaders, idols, sexual impurity, exaggeration of own importance and other things were not problems of just the early Church, but, for sure, exist somewhere in the Christian world (Siders, 2007). And it is very important to find them and help them find the right way to the grace of the Lord, his eternal forgiveness and love. It is significant to be genuine in the believing of Jesus Christ.
References
Barnett, J. (2004). Revelation from Now to Forever. BFM Books.
Siders, S. (2007).The Seven Churches of Asia/ Revelation 2-3. AuthorHouse.
Hemer, C. Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia In their Local Setting. Bloomsbury Publishing
