85. What the Bible Says About the 7 Churches of Revelation (pt1)

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly Bible Study.

Episode 85 - 12/09/25

Tonight we begin our new study series looking at the seven churches of revelation.

1) Setting & aim.

This study opens a new series on the seven churches of Revelation by first grounding us in Revelation 1. The aim is to let the introduction frame the whole series: who speaks (the risen Christ), to whom He speaks (His churches), and why He speaks (to reveal and ready His servants).

2) The prologue & context.

Revelation is “the revelation of Jesus Christ…to show His servants what must soon take place” (Rev 1:1). The study highlights the pastoral weight of the titles in 1:4–8—“the Alpha and the Omega,” “who is and who was and who is to come”—spoken to a persecuted church under Rome. John, “your brother and companion in the tribulation,” writes from exile on Patmos “for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus” (Rev 1:9).

3) The vision of the Son of Man.

John beholds the glorified Christ walking “in the midst of the seven golden lampstands” with blazing eyes, a voice like many waters, and a sharp two-edged sword from His mouth (Rev 1:12–16). The lampstands are the churches; the seven stars are “the angels of the seven churches” (Rev 1:20). Some take these as angelic messengers, others as human leaders, but the central comfort stands: Jesus holds His church in His right hand and dwells among her. Against every imperial claim, the confession remains: Jesus triumphs.

4) Idolatry then & now; Christian identity.

Surrounded by altars “to an unknown god,” the first-century world embodies pervasive paganism (Acts 17:22–31). The gospel confronts it, and the church lives as a faithful minority. Believers are not “of the world,” yet are sent into it (John 17:14–18); friendship with the world is enmity with God (cf. 1 John 2:15; James 4:4). Hope fixed on eternity marks Christian identity, while tangible love makes the witness compelling (John 13:34–35).

5) What kind of book is this?

Revelation stands as apocalyptic prophecy—an unveiling—rich with symbols and Old Testament echoes (Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Zechariah). Four lenses help: preterist (past), historicist (across the church age), idealist (timeless spiritual realities), and futurist (yet to be fulfilled). Rather than absolutising one view, the study affirms Scripture’s patterned fulfilment: the seven churches are literal first-century assemblies, perennial church types, plausible epochs in church history, and profiles that appear at the end.

6) Key verses & pastoral applications.

Rev 1:1–3 teaches that God knows and reveals the future (Amos 3:7; Dan 2:28). A distinct blessing rests on those who read, hear, and keep this prophecy. “The time is near” stands true redemptive-historically (the last days begin with Christ’s death and resurrection; Heb 1:1–2) and personally (our own end may be nearer than we think; therefore be ready—Matt 25:1–13). Rev 1:7 anchors hope: He comes with the clouds and every eye sees Him (Dan 7:13; Matt 24:30; Zech 12:10). Rev 1:17–18 anchors courage: “Fear not… I am the first and the last… I am alive forevermore.”

7) Christ among the lampstands.

The risen Lord stands among His churches—even mixed congregations He must both commend and correct (Rev 2–3). This guards us from pride and sectarianism, calls us to discernment and charity, and keeps us centred on the Word that reforms and revives. As we behold His glory, we are changed (2 Cor 3:18); as we suffer, we endure with Him (Rev 1:9). Revelation’s heartbeat remains profoundly pastoral: Jesus reigns, Jesus returns, and therefore the saints read, hear, keep, and “patiently endure” in holiness and hope (Rev 1:3; 13:10; 14:12).