There are two chapters in the Book of Revelation I believe Jesus Christ would have all believers to read and understand – chapters two and three. In these two chapters Jesus addresses Himself to seven different congregations situated in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). Those seven are Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. Why these seven? Look at a map of the ancient Roman Empire. These seven cities were close to the Island of Patmos, where John was then a prisoner of the Romans. The nearest city to Patmos was Ephesus. These seven congregations all sent elders to Patmos to inquire of John what to expect in the days ahead since John was the last surviving apostle. Roman prisoners were permitted to receive visitors. We know that from the visitors Paul was permitted to receive during his Roman imprisonments. (See Acts 23:16; Acts 27:1-3 and Acts 28:15-16 and 30). The reason many miss this simple explanation is because they fail to realize that the Greek word for “angels” and “messengers” is the same Greek word! Therefore, when the translators came across the Greek word aggelos (pronounced ANG-el-os), they had to determine whether it should be rendered “angel” or “messenger.” They did not always make the right choice. For instance, the word “angel” in Acts 12:15 should be translated “messenger.” These believers did not believe Peter’s “angel” was at the door. They thought Peter’s messenger was at the door, and that Rhoda had mistaken the messenger’s voice for Peter’s voice.
In Revelation, chapter one, verse eleven, we read, “What you see, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia…” Well, just HOW was the imprisoned John going to obey this command? Chapter 2, verse 1, of Revelation tells us HOW John could accomplish this task: “Unto the angel (human messenger) of the church of Ephesus write; These things says He that holds the seven stars in His right hand. Are we to believe John was directed to write to angels??!! How do you write to an angel? How do you deliver what you have written to an angel? Why write an angel about matters dealing with human believers? When one changes the word “angel” to “messenger” – and the Greek does allow such a translation – the mystery is cleared up and it makes all the sense in the world. John was told to write down Jesus’ message for these congregations, because these seven congregations had sent messengers, elders, to John asking, “Do you have a word for us from the Lord?”
When reading chapters two and three of Revelation remember that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (See Hebrews 13:8). He changes not (See Malachi 3:6). What angered him two thousand years ago angers Him yet today. Also, note well that to each of these seven assemblies Jesus Christ says, “I KNOW THY WORKS!” (See Revelation 2:2, 9, 13, etc.). Jesus Christ is imminently aware of all we say, do or think. He has the very hairs of our head numbered, and since their number is constantly changing (look at your comb, or in the sink), saying He has all the hairs on our head numbered is the same as saying His attention is riveted on us always, at every moment, never deviating, never relenting – FOR OUR GOOD! Also notice that to five of these seven congregations Jesus Christ commands that they REPENT! Jesus Christ does not tolerate ongoing sin in His body. True believers are the body of Christ, and we are to be morally upright as He is morally upright. To all seven of these assemblies, Jesus says, “He who has an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Jesus never force-feeds. He tells it like it is and then says, “If you can receive it, there is the truth.”
Notice that the very first thing Jesus mentions in addressing Ephesus is “You have tried (tested, examined) them which say they are apostles (messengers, spokesmen of Christ), and are not, and have found them liars.” (See Revelation 2:2). That is of paramount importance with our Lord. Of course, one cannot possibly PROVE whether someone is a true representative of Jesus Christ, saying what the Bible teaches on any given matter unless they themselves KNOW what the Bible teaches. It is imperative that a believer gets to know and understand the Word of God to some degree. We are not to gullibly accept any “preacher” that appears on the scene, claiming to be one of God’s truly anointed and ordained spokesmen. Men and women become preachers for a variety of reasons, e.g., it is an honorable profession. It was expected of them by their mother or father. Their best buddy entered seminary training, so they simply followed suit. And, of course, there are many other such reasons – NONE BUT ONE BEING SCRIPTURAL. Such men and women are ripe to be used by Satan in spreading his clever deceptions. That is one primary reason why there are over TWO HUNDRED denominations in the Christian “religion.”
Christ’s Faithful Servant (Galatians 1:10-12),
Donald Wiley