Revelation 2 - Introduction

Letters To the Churches Revelation Two

The letters to the seven churches are very similar in the way they are designed. The letter is addressed to a certain church, like Ephesus or Smyrna. The letters include some introductory statements about Jesus like, "These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks."

The letters also contained a statement concerning the spiritual condition of the church like, "I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted." After the condition of the church is stated Jesus gave His verdict of the situation like, "Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love."

Each of the letters contained a command from Jesus to the church like, "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works." In most of the letters there were statements of commendation like, "But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate."

Each letter closed with an exhortation to all Christians, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." There was also a promised reward to all that would obey, "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God." A careful study of these seven letters is of great benefit to children of God.