Revelation: A Study

[Calypso Jones]

The seven angels are the human leaders—the bishops, elders, or pastors—in the churches. Jesus used the apostle John to write messages addressed to seven notable church leaders, and these leaders would then share the messages with the rest of the church. The fact that the "stars" are held in Jesus' "right hand" is significant. The Lord Himself protects, upholds, and guides the leaders of the church with His strength and wisdom.


From - The Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia in Their Local Setting by Colin Hemer...MorningStar

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Revelation reveals seven messages to seven churches existing in Asia Minor toward the end of the first century A.D. These seven churches were located along one of the mail routes of the Roman Empire. Riders would carry messages along this route from town to town.

The messages recorded in Revelation are intended for us, today, and are not limited at all to just the inhabitants of these small towns. These messages are prophecies and they outlined the seven distinct eras of God's true Church, pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of each, down to the present time of lukewarm Laodicea, where we unfortunately find ourselves and are warned to Repent.

We had best heed that warning. The consequences of not doing so are dire indeed.--CWF


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After thinking about it, the message is pretty specific. Those comments and critiques were specifically meant for those churches at that time. They could also be seen as a general warning to all churches in the future, but we shouldn't read more into it than what is written.

I don't see why Jesus would tell John to write to real angels, since he (Jesus) could just tell them himself. I think we're safe presuming He means the leaders of the churches....no?---RitaMarley

[Calypso Jones]

First Church mentioned, Ephesus. How Christ is described. THe church's good points...the church's problem. this church is an example of what?

[Calypso Jones]

After thinking about it, the message is pretty specific. Those comments and critiques were specifically meant for those churches at that time. They could also be seen as a general warning to all churches in the future, but we shouldn't read more into it than what is written.

I don't see why Jesus would tell John to write to real angels, since he (Jesus) could just tell them himself. I think we're safe presuming He means the leaders of the churches....no?  [

I believe you're right on that. Scripture says that nations have angel princes over them and it is safe to say I think that churches also have protecting angels assigned to them...but in this case...the angel is not delivering the message. The letter is sent to the messenger of that church or the one maybe you might say, in authority, insofar as the one designated as the recipient who would then share that message.

[Calypso Jones]

IMO I believe that he,Jesus, was speaking to the Church at Ephesus as a whole.Although they were doing the works of the faith,keeping house so to speak. They had left their first love.To me that first love means the love of the Word and leading others to Him.I find that a very plausible explanation because it happens even in today's churches.We get comfortable and complacent.I also believe that the message was for both the Church at Ephesus and the Church today wherever it is established.

I also believe this teaches that faithful Christians can indeed lose their salvation if they are not faithful in service.So, it is a warning that should be heeded by all who wear the name Christian.--EOTB

[Calypso Jones]

The Church of Ephesus was a large one but it had lost its passion, it's fervor.-- Jen


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Let's back up and note the importance of Ephesus. Center for land and sea trade, capital of Asia minor. . Along with Alexandria, Antioch(Syria, for there are two antiochs), Ephesus was one of the three most influential cities in the eastern part of the roman empire. The Temple of ARtemis (Diana) is located here and there was a flourishing business of manufacturing the image of Artemis. Paul taught here for 3 years and warned them about false prophets stealing them away from their first love...that would be Christ.

Their good points. hard work, patient endurance, don't tolerate evil people, discerning of false prophets and apostles. They have suffered for Christ without quitting.

Christ has this against them:: You have forgotten how to love me and each other.

[Calypso Jones]

I can't make it out either........ simply because every preacher has something different to say about it. Some things I do know. There has to be a One World Government for the anti-christ to rule. We're headed in that direction now....look at all the countries that want open borders. Open borders set the stage for an actual one world.

The final battle will be in the Valley of Jazreel which is in Israel. The blood will flow to the horse's bridles but in the end Israel will win because the Lord comes back to fight for them. I've never been able to understand where the United States fits in. Maybe we help Israel....maybe we won't be able too. I don't know. One thing I do know....the Bible is just not words on paper....it is real...it is true. My gut instinct tells me the entire race of man is careening towards hell on earth....and....why not....man has put his own laws ahead of God's Laws.

So for the rest of my lifetime hell is going to happen on earth because I was unlucky enough to have been born too late to live my good 30s-70s before that all started. Yep, yep, yep.--Mr.Independent

[drifter106]

You need a good study bible.  Do you have one?  If you don't i can recommend a really good one that i use all the time.

We have several in our house...personally I like The New Jeresulum Bible.  Have a New American Bible at my computer.  Both are Catholic Bibles....not for sure how it works but I think some Protestant Bibles have taken some of the books out of their Bibles.  Not for sure which books they left out but there are a few.

[drifter106]

I believe you're right on that. Scripture says that nations have angel princes over them and it is safe to say I think that churches also have protecting angels assigned to them...but in this case...the angel is not delivering the message. The letter is sent to the messenger of that church or the one maybe you might say, in authority, insofar as the one designated as the recipient who would then share that message.

Concur....when the apparition at Fatima (1917) occured their was a vision of the Angel over Portugal.  I believe every nation has an Angel.

[Calypso Jones]

Concur....when the apparition at Fatima (1917) occured their was a vision of the Angel over Portugal.  I believe every nation has an Angel.

They definitely have a demonic angel...see daniel where the angel had to call michael to help him fight the 'Prince of Persia' (demonic angel) to be able to get God's message to Daniel.

[Calypso Jones]

We have several in our house...personally I like The New Jeresulum Bible.  Have a New American Bible at my computer.  Both are Catholic Bibles....not for sure how it works but I think some Protestant Bibles have taken some of the books out of their Bibles.  Not for sure which books they left out but there are a few.

only about five and then the last two chapters of Daniel.

[Calypso Jones]

Luck has nothing to do with it. There is a reason for everything. -RitaMarley

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Indeed there is Rita.   God places us in the place and time that suits him.

[21Bronco]

IMO, the "Number of the Beast" referred to Nero Caesar.  There are even an alternate Latin portions of the text that have the number of the beast as 616, which would be the Roman spelling or value of Neron Caesar.