Revelation 1:4

To the seven churches which are in Asia; we are to understand here the Roman province of Proconsular Asia, embracing the provinces of Mysia, Lydia, Caria, and as it would seem, the western part of Phrygia also, in which Laodicea was situated. From the naming of these seven it does not follow that there were not other churches in Asia. The number seven, which is the symbol of completeness, prevails throughout this book, and is designedly chosen here.

Which is, and which was, and which is to come; that is, the self-existent and eternal God, who has life in himself. The words seem to be an exposition of the meaning of the Hebrew word Jehovah. See note to Exodus 6:3.

The seven spirits which are before his throne; the same as the "seven lamps of fire burning before the throne," chap Revelation 4:5. As this and the following verse contain a benediction from the Father and the Son, we must suppose that it is them, as elsewhere, and not any created spirits. In accordance with the emblematical character of this book, he is described under the number seven, to denote his manifold and perfect divine operations. Compare the seven "eyes of the Lord which run to and fro through the whole earth," Zechariah 4:10; and the seven eyes of the Lamb, "which are the seven spirits of God sent forth into all the earth," chap Revelation 5:6; both which represent one and the same Holy Spirit proceeding from the Father and the Son.