Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

Revelation

Revelation 
Day 
Day 3

"To the seven churches which are in Asia"

Text: Revelation 1:4

THE SEVEN CHURCHES IN ASIA MINOR

The identity of the churches becomes clearer when we know more about their locations. These churches were found in a region historically called “Asia Minor”. This is to be distinguished from the great geographical land mass called Asia today.

“John, to the seven churches which are in Asia:
Grace to you and peace from Him
who is and who was and who is to come,
and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne.”
Revelation 1:4

1. The seven churches identified.

a) The church at Ephesus Revelation 2:1

b) The church at Smyrna Revelation 2:8

c) The church at Pergamos Revelation 2:12

d) The church at Thyatira Revelation 2:18

e) The church at Sardis Revelation 3:1

f) The church at Philadelphia Revelation 3:7

g) The church at Laodicea Revelation 3:14

The churches were located in Asia Minor.

2. Apostolic greetings.

a) The usual greeting was sent.

b) The blessing of “Grace and peace” was pronounced.

c) They may be usual words of greetings.

d) But they are nonetheless blessings that must not be taken for granted.

3. Identification of the Source of these blessings.

a) The Lord Jesus is described as coming from “Him who is and who was and who is to come”.

b) This may appear to be cryptic.

c) John was filled with a great sense of wonder as he wrote these words to refer to his beloved Teacher who had taught him personally.

i) The Lord Jesus is “Who is”.

John was referring to His eternal divine being.

ii) He also is “Who was”.

John recalled how the Word became flesh and dwelt among men.

iii) He is further described as “Who is to come”.

John wrote in happy anticipation at the thought of the Lord’s Return.

d) John was also conscious of the special role of the Holy Spirit.

i) He brings about regeneration.

ii) He indwells all believers.

e) The seven spirits who are before His throne.

i) These are not individual spirits.

ii) We recall how the Spirit of God was described in Isaiah 11:2.

iii) This text is fondly described as “the sevenfold spirit of God”.

iv) “Grace and peace” are administered by the sevenfold Spirit of God.

v) The Spirit of God is of Divine essence as well.

vi) He is ever present at the throne of God and here in this text, he is associated with the Lord Jesus Christ.