REVELATION 1:4-5a
THE IMPLICATIONS OF…
Read Revelation 1:4-5a.
After stating the source and nature of the revelation in vv. 1-3, John now addresses the prophecy to seven specific churches in Asia (to be identified later). Note that John addresses THE seven churches in Asia. What is unusual is that there were more than seven churches in Asia at the time of John’s writing. Why only mention these seven as if they were the only ones in Asia? And why these specific churches? I am afraid sometimes the questions outnumber the answers!
Some see the revelation’s use of the number seven as denoting fullness or completeness. In other words, though these were seven actual churches in John’s time, the revelation may be referring to the Church as a whole with the various problems of each church described in chapters 2-3 relating to the different problems that the Church presently and would continue to experience throughout its history. My personal feeling is that the revelations to the churches apply both to the actual churches in John’s day and to the Church as a whole. As we will see in later weeks, their messages are easily transferable to us today.
Using the same reasoning, we see further on that John gives the salutation in the name of God (who was, is, and is to come), the seven spirits, and Jesus Christ. Many commentators see in this the Trinity consisting of the God, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ. That would make the “seven spirits” the Holy Spirit. How does one make that leap? Well, if seven is understood to denote fullness or completeness, then the seven spirits would denote the fullness of the Spirit. (Some have pointed to the seven-fold ministry of the Holy Spirit in Isaiah 11:2, but for some reason I only count six listed there.) If this Trinitarian view holds true, this would be the only letter of the New Testament with such a powerful source, making this revelation all the more significant.
All this said, if we are interpreting the number seven correctly, what is about to follow in this prophecy will be applicable and important to us today, perhaps as never before in history. It’s got me wanting to read ahead! If you feel the same way, why not go ahead and read the rest of the chapter? Be warned, though, the symbolism is going to increase.
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As we begin to dig deeper into the revelation, make it a point to pray before reading, asking that God would help you understand His word and make it applicable to you. We cannot go through these Scriptures purely academically. We need His Spirit to open our hearts as well.
