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The Epistles to the Churches. (Rev. 2:, 3:).
(A demonstration of the essential unity of the Book).
pp. 97-101
In our last article we drew attention to the marked connection that is made with the
book of Daniel, thereby establishing more clearly than ever the truth that the book of the
Revelation has special relation to the people of Israel. We further drew attention to what
we consider to be the true interpretation of Rev. 1: 19, which disposes of the idea that the
seven churches must refer to the history of professing Christendom. We saw that the
passage taught that what John saw, and what the visions meant, were the things that
should be hereafter. If this be so, chapters 2: and 3: contain an unfolding of the
mystery of the seven stars and the seven golden lampstands, and relate to the future.
Before we consider the epistles to these churches in detail, we would draw attention to
the way in which they fit into the remaining part of the book. Some will be more
obviously connected than others, but we believe we shall be able to indicate sufficient
points of contact to establish the important fact that the period to which these seven
epistles refer is identical with the period covered by the remainder of the Revelation. In
other words, the seven epistles throw light upon the spiritual history of the churches from
WITHIN, while the remaining visions throw light upon the spiritual history of the same
period from WITHOUT. Now although it is not a necessity that the inner history of any
particular period should always at all points reflect the outer history, yet we should
expect, at places, to find some reflection, and it is to that reflection we now call attention.
In Vol. 4: & 5:, page 46, the reader will find the structure of the book as a whole.
The central member covers chapters 4: to 20:, and exhibits a seven-fold division of the
visions. In order to show the connection between this seven-fold series of visions, and
the seven churches, we will call the first section of this seven-fold division Ephesus, the
last Laodicea, and the intervening members according to the order of the seven churches.
We can then note anything that seems to connect the attitude of the church with the
period indicated by its name.
In the midst seven stars in right hand.
The Ephesus Church
Threat to remove lampstand out of its place.
(2: 1-7).
In the midst seven-sealed book in right hand.
The Ephesus Period
Seven lamps, eyes, spirits.
(4: 1 - 7: 3).
Mountains and islands "moved" (same word as above) out of their
places.
Tribulation; faithful unto death; second death; hurt.
The Smyrna Church
(2: 8-11).
The great tribulation; two witnesses slain; death; slay; hurt.
The Smyrna Period
(7: 9 - 11: 14).