The Messages to the Seven Churches

John’s Commission
Revelation 1:9-20

“I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.” (Revelation 1”9-11)

John starts out by identifying himself as a Christian, our brother and companion, waiting like us for the Lord’s return. He does not attempt to set himself at a higher level than we are. As brethren, we are equals, and he is struggling with tribulation just like the rest of us. He was on the isle of Patmos, in exile, because of his preaching of Christ. His obedience had gotten him in trouble, but he was walking in the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit was keeping him from depression, and strengthening his faith.

God rarely commissions one who is not actively obeying God or who is not walking in the Spirit. Many who have shown no interest in serving God suddenly claim to have been directed to do some thing. It is probably not God’s direction. Why would God give a special assignments until they complete the work he already gave them, or who isn‘t listening? According to John 7:17 and John 8:31, obedience will enable us to know if the directions are truly from God. John was in a state where he could be given an new assignment, and the speaker clearly identified himself before giving directions.

John was to write down the things he saw, and send them to seven individual churches. All seven churches were active at that time, several having been started by Paul. To me this implies that these churches do not represent different periods of time in church history, but actual churches at the same time. The descriptions of the different churches thus are applicable to churches in any age.

When John turned around, What he observed was definitely in accord with the identity he’d been given. The speaker looked like Christ, whom John had been very familiar with, although in a different state. While still recognizable, he would no longer be accepted as an ordinary man.

“And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.” (Revelation 1:12-16)

John’s response is typical of those who have seen a real vision of God. There was a sense of fear and respect. Every other glimpse of God had the same effect of making mankind aware of their wickedness, and in every case, God gave reassurance, while reminding them of who he is.

“And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” (Revelation 1:17-18)

The Command is repeated, to write what John has seen, with two extensions, that he was to write the things that were then present, and the things which would happen in the future. He then explained part of the vision of himself. The seven stars represent the seven messengers to the churches, by implication the pastors, especially since angels in the common sense would not need a book written to them. The candle sticks represent the churches themselves. The messages to the churches are specifically to the pastors to be given to the churches.

“Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.” (Revelation 1:19-20)

Each of the Churches clearly are God’s churches, as are their pastors. The warnings are for Christian people. While all of revelation is important, perhaps the messages to the churches are the most critical for our day, because they deal with things the churches need to do immediately, before the Lord’s return. The rest of Revelation is for a later date, and is about things we can do little about. The fact that he stresses the need to hear what the Spirit says to the churches seven times underlines the idea. This is important!