Revelation 1:11
saying, "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea."
saying, “Write on a scroll what you see
This command emphasizes the importance of recording divine revelation. In biblical times, scrolls were the primary medium for writing, symbolizing the permanence and authority of the message. The act of writing signifies the preservation and dissemination of God's word, ensuring that the vision is accurately communicated to the intended recipients.

and send it to the seven churches:
The number seven often represents completeness or perfection in biblical literature, suggesting that the message is comprehensive and applicable to the entire Church. These churches were actual congregations in Asia Minor, but they also symbolize the universal Church throughout history. The instruction to send the message underscores the communal nature of the revelation, meant for edification, correction, and encouragement.

to Ephesus,
Ephesus was a major city in the Roman province of Asia, known for its significant Christian community and as a center of commerce and pagan worship, particularly the temple of Artemis. The church in Ephesus is commended for its hard work and perseverance but is later admonished for losing its first love, highlighting the need for spiritual fervor and devotion.

Smyrna,
Smyrna, modern-day Izmir, was a prosperous port city. The church in Smyrna is noted for its suffering and poverty, yet it is spiritually rich. This reflects the theme of enduring persecution and remaining faithful, as the believers in Smyrna faced hostility from both Jews and pagans.

Pergamum,
Pergamum was a city known for its cultural and intellectual achievements, housing a famous library and being a center for emperor worship. The church here is praised for holding fast to Christ's name despite living where "Satan's throne" is, indicating the intense spiritual opposition and idolatry present in the city.

Thyatira,
Thyatira was a smaller city known for its trade guilds, particularly in textiles and dyeing. The church in Thyatira is commended for its love, faith, service, and perseverance but is warned against tolerating false teachings and immorality. This highlights the challenge of maintaining doctrinal purity amidst societal pressures.

Sardis,
Sardis was a wealthy city with a reputation for complacency and decline. The church in Sardis is criticized for having a reputation of being alive but being spiritually dead, serving as a warning against spiritual apathy and the importance of genuine faith and repentance.

Philadelphia,
Philadelphia was a city with a strategic location for trade and communication. The church in Philadelphia is praised for its faithfulness despite having little strength, and it is promised protection and an open door, symbolizing opportunities for ministry and evangelism.

and Laodicea.”
Laodicea was a wealthy city known for its banking, textiles, and medical school. The church in Laodicea is rebuked for being lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, reflecting spiritual indifference and self-sufficiency. This serves as a call to repentance and wholehearted commitment to Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. John the Apostle
The author of the Book of Revelation, who receives the vision from Jesus Christ while exiled on the island of Patmos.

2. Seven Churches
Specific congregations in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) that are addressed in the Book of Revelation. They are Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.

3. Jesus Christ
The speaker in this verse, who instructs John to write down the vision and send it to the seven churches.

4. Patmos
The island where John receives the revelation. It is a place of exile, symbolizing isolation and persecution.

5. Scroll
The medium on which John is instructed to write the vision, signifying the importance and permanence of the message.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Revelation
The instruction to write on a scroll signifies the importance of preserving divine revelation. As believers, we should value and study the Scriptures as God's revealed word.

The Role of the Church
The message is directed to specific churches, highlighting the role of the church as the body of Christ. Each church has unique strengths and challenges, and we should learn from their examples.

Obedience to God's Command
John's obedience in writing and sending the message serves as a model for us to follow God's commands, even when they require effort or sacrifice.

Community and Accountability
The interconnectedness of the seven churches reminds us of the importance of community and accountability within the body of Christ. We should support and learn from one another.

Perseverance in Trials
John's situation on Patmos reflects the reality of trials and persecution. As believers, we are called to persevere and remain faithful, trusting in God's ultimate plan.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from the specific mention of the seven churches, and how does this apply to our local church community today?

2. How does the instruction to write on a scroll emphasize the importance of Scripture in our daily lives?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we are obedient to God's commands, as John was in writing and sending the message?

4. How can we foster a sense of community and accountability within our church, similar to the interconnectedness of the early churches?

5. What lessons can we draw from John's perseverance on Patmos that can help us in our own trials and challenges?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 19
Provides background on the church in Ephesus, one of the seven churches, highlighting its early growth and challenges.

Colossians 4:16
Mentions the church in Laodicea, encouraging the sharing of letters between churches, which reflects the interconnectedness of early Christian communities.

1 Peter 1:1
Addresses believers in Asia Minor, showing the broader context of Christian communities in the region.

Matthew 28:19-20
The Great Commission, which underscores the mission to spread the gospel, similar to the instruction given to John to communicate the vision to the churches.

Isaiah 30:8
Speaks of writing down a vision, emphasizing the importance of recording divine revelations for future generations.
The Eternity and Unchangeableness of ChristS. Conway Revelation 1:11
A Great Voice as of a TrumpetJ. Young.Revelation 1:9-11
Brother and CompanionH. Bonar, D. D.Revelation 1:9-11
Christ and LiteratureR. F. Horton, M. A.Revelation 1:9-11
Christian Authorship in its Higher MoodsJ. S. Exell, M. A.Revelation 1:9-11
Companions in the Divine KingdomJames Young.Revelation 1:9-11
Inspiring InfluencesSt. J. A. Frere, M. A.Revelation 1:9-11
John in PatmosJ. Parker, D. D.Revelation 1:9-11
Solitude for ChristJames Durham.Revelation 1:9-11
St John in the Spirit in PatmosJ. Young.Revelation 1:9-11
St. John -- a Sublime CharacterHomilistRevelation 1:9-11
St. John's View of the Sabbath RestG. Matheson, D. D.Revelation 1:9-11
The Cedars and the CandlesticksH. Macmillan, D. D.Revelation 1:9-11
The Christian's SabbathR. P. Buddicom, M. A.Revelation 1:9-11
The Christian's SabbathJ. Parsons.Revelation 1:9-11
The Efficiency of the Passive VirtuesH. Bushnell, D. D.Revelation 1:9-11
The Glorified SaviourWilliam R. Campbell.Revelation 1:9-11
The Influence of Solitude and Suffering Upon a Christian LifeJ. S. Exell, M. A.Revelation 1:9-11
The Kinghood of PatienceM. R. Vincent, D. D.Revelation 1:9-11
The Lord's DayCanon Liddon.Revelation 1:9-11
The Seven Epistles ComparedD. Thomas, D. D.Revelation 1:9-11
The Seven Golden CandlesticksJames Young.Revelation 1:9-11
The Seven Golden LampsH. Bonar, D. D.Revelation 1:9-11
The Threefold Common HeritageA. Maclaren, D. D.Revelation 1:9-11
The Two BiblesHomilistRevelation 1:9-11
Things Common in All the LettersCaleb Morris.Revelation 1:9-11
Voices and Visions from EternityD. Thomas, D. D.Revelation 1:9-11
The Vision of the LordS. Conway Revelation 1:9-20
The Vision of the Son of ManR. Green Revelation 1:9-20
Voices and Visions from EternityD. Thomas Revelation 1:10-17
People
John
Places
Ephesus, Laodicea, Patmos, Pergamum, Philadelphia, Sardis, Smyrna, Thyatira
Topics
Assemblies, Book, Churches, Ephesus, Laodicea, Pergamum, Philadelphia, Sardis, Saying, Seest, Seven, Smyrna, Thyatira
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Revelation 1:11

     5515   scroll
     5638   writing

Revelation 1:10-13

     1457   trance

Revelation 1:10-18

     8630   worship, results

Library
May 10. "I am Alive Forevermore" (Rev. I. 18).
"I am alive forevermore" (Rev. i. 18). Here is the message of the Christ of the cross and the still more glorious and precious Christ of the resurrection. It is beautiful and inspiring to note the touch of light and glory with which these simple words invest the cross. It is not said I am He that was dead and liveth, but "I am He that liveth and was dead, but am alive forevermore." Life is mentioned before the death. There are two ways of looking at the cross. One is from the death side and the other
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Glorious Master and the Swooning Disciple
If our conceptions of the Lord Jesus are very enlarged, they will only be his due. We cannot exaggerate here. He deserves higher praise than we can ever render to him. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high is be above our loftiest conceptions. Even when the angels strike their loudest notes, and chant his praises most exultingly on their highest festal days, the music falls far short of his excellence. He is higher than a seraph's most soaring thought! Rise then, my brethren, as on
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 18: 1872

10Th Day. Dying Grace.
"He is Faithful that Promised." "I have the keys of hell and of death."--REV. i. 18. Dying Grace. And from whom could dying grace come so welcome, as from Thee, O blessed Jesus? Not only is Thy name, "The Abolisher of Death;" but Thou didst thyself die! Thou hast sanctified the grave by Thine own presence, and divested it of all its terrors. My soul! art thou at times afraid of this, thy last enemy? If the rest of thy pilgrimage-way be peaceful and unclouded, rests there a dark and portentous
John Ross Macduff—The Faithful Promiser

Swooning and Reviving Christ's Feet.
AN ADDRESS DELIVERED AT THE CLOSE OF ONE OF THE PASTORS' COLLEGE CONFERENCES. "And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. And He laid His right hand upon me saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold. I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death."--Revelation i. 17, 18. SWOONING AND REVIVING AT CHRIST'S FEET. WE have nothing now to think of but our Lord. We come to Him that He may cause us to forget all others.
Charles Hadden Spurgeon—Till He Come

The Fear of God.
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as one dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying, Fear not; I am the first and the last and the Living one.'--Rev. i. 17, 18. It is not alone the first beginnings of religion that are full of fear. So long as love is imperfect, there is room for torment. That lore only which fills the heart--and nothing but love can fill any heart--is able to cast out fear, leaving no room for its presence. What we find in the beginnings of religion, will hold in varying
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

Catalogue of his Works.
There is no absolutely complete edition of Eusebius' extant works. The only one which can lay claim even to relative completeness is that of Migne: Eusebii Pamphili, Cæsareæ Palestinæ Episcopi, Opera omnia quæ extant, curis variorum, nempe: Henrici Valesii, Francisci Vigeri, Bernardi Montfauconii, Card. Angelo Maii edita; collegit et denuo recognovit J. P. Migne. Par. 1857. 6 vols. (tom. XIX.-XXIV. of Migne's Patrologia Græca). This edition omits the works which are
Eusebius Pamphilius—Church History

The First and the Last
This title is used in Rev. i. 11. It is used again in 1. 17, ii. 8, and xxii. 13, but is never found in connection with "the Church of God." On the other hand, it is a title closely associated with "the Jew and the Gentile," as the following Scriptures will testify. Is. xli. 4, 5: "Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I, Jehovah, THE FIRST AND LAST; I am He. The isles saw it, and feared; the ends of the earth were afraid." Is. xliv. 6: "Thus saith the Lord, the
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

The Lord's Day
In Rev. i. 9 we are told that John saw and received this revelation on "the Lord's Day." Leaving the former part of this verse for the present, let us notice the latter expression, "the Lord's Day." [4] The majority of people, being accustomed from their infancy to hear the first day of the week called the Lord's Day, conclude in their own minds that that day is thus called in Rev. i. 9 because that was the name of it. But the contrary is the fact: the day is so called by us because of this verse.
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

A Great Voice
This expression links on the book of Revelation to the book of Deuteronomy, especially if we regard it in the connection with the fire, with which it is associated in each case. Ten times is the voice of God speaking "out of the midst of the fire" heard in Deuteronomy: viz., chaps. iv. 12,15,33,36; v. 4,22(19) [36] , 23(20), 24(21), 25(21), 26(23). Here, in Rev. i. 10, John hears "a great voice," and it is connected with fire, for the eyes of the speaker were "as a flame of fire" (ver. 14) and his
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

Call to China and Voyage Hence
The known facts in regard to John Talmage's boyhood and youthful days are few. Of the known facts some perhaps are too trivial, others too sacred to bear mention. The sapling grew. Of the inner and outer circles of growth there is but brief record. He spent his boyhood at a quiet country hamlet, Gateville, New Jersey. On the ridge swung the toll-gate, and a little beyond might be heard the hum and rattle of the grist-mill. His father kept the toll-gate. John was a fine horseman, and found great sport
Rev. John Gerardus Fagg—Forty Years in South China

Within the Holiest
Gerhard Ter Steegen Rev. i. 5, 6 His priest am I, before Him day and night, Within His Holy Place; And death, and life, and all things dark and bright, I spread before His Face. Rejoicing with His joy, yet ever still, For silence is my song My work to bend beneath His blessed will, All day, and all night long-- For ever holding with Him converse sweet, Yet speechless, for my gladness is complete.
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

Moreover, to Give a Fuller Demonstration of this Point...
[2829] Rev. i. 5 [2830] 1 Cor. xv. 23 [2831] 1 Cor. xv. 42-4 [2832] animale. [2833] Phil. iii. 21
Various—Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.

The Fire of Love --Book I
Chapter I Note iii., p. 16--C. reads: for thai vnmanerly wyth warldly mone has armyd tham self.' But L. quia terrenas pecunias immoderate amauerunt'; which is probably correct, and which I have therefore followed. Note iv., p. 17--an omission in C. L., reads: Erumpit enim in ostensione operis feruor amoris.' Note v., p. 18--Another omission L. et qui ad amandum deum semper sunt auidi.' Chapter II Note vi., p. 20 The Bible references are to the Vulgate of Sixtus V and Clement VII, and where the
Richard Rolle—The Fire of Love

The Source of Power
'And the Angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep, 2. And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold, a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps which are upon the top thereof: 3. And two olive-trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. 4. So I answered and spake to the Angel that talked with
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Sight of the Crowned Christ
(Revelation, Chapter i.) "Since mine eyes were fixed on Jesus, I've lost sight of all beside, So enchained my spirit's vision, Looking at the Crucified." "The Lord Christ passed my humble cot: I knew him, yet I knew him not; But as I oft had done before, I hurried through my narrow door To touch His garment's hem. "He drew me to a place apart From curious crowd and noisy mart; And as I sat there at His feet I caught the thrill of His heart-beat Beyond His garment's hem. "Rare was the bread He broke
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation

Love's Complaining
Hence our Lord's fitness to deal with the churches, which are these golden lamp-stands, for no one knows so much about the lamps as the person whose constant work it is to watch them and trim them. No one knows the churches as Jesus does, for the care of all the churches daily comes upon him, he continually walks among them, and holds their ministers as stars in his right hand. His eyes are perpetually upon the churches, so that he knows their works, their sufferings, and their sins; and those eyes
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 32: 1886

Our Lord Appears after his Ascension.
^F I. Cor. XV. 8. ^f 8 and last of all, as to the child untimely born, he appeared to me also. [Since Paul reckons this among the bodily appearances of our Lord, we have included it in our work; but it borders upon those spiritual appearances which belong rather to apostolic history and may be classed with the vision of Stephen (Acts vii. 55) and John (Rev. i. 9-17), to which it was near kin. Accounts of the appearance will be found in the ninth, twenty-second and twenty-sixth chapters of Acts. For
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Living One
"I am He that liveth, and was dead" (i. 18). (...) (ho zon), THE LIVING ONE. Like the previous title, it is used as a special designation of the One whose unveiling is about to be shewn to John. Its use is peculiar to Daniel and Revelation. The two books thus linked together by it are linked as to their character and subject matter in a very special manner. It is used twice in Daniel:- Dan. iv. 34 (31 [19] ) and xii. 7; and six time in Revelation:- Rev. i. 18; iv. 9,10; v. 14; x. 6; and xv. 7. [20]
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

Lord God
In i. 8 the title "god" must be added to the word "Lord," according to all the Critical Greek Texts [14] and the R.V. In chap. xxii. 6 we have the same title. Thus at the end of the book and at the beginning we have this peculiar title, which seems to enclose all that the book contains, and stamp it all with that which the title signifies. What is signifies is clear from the place where we first find it, vix., in the second of the twelve divisions of Genesis (chap. ii. 4 - iv. 26). This division
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

Letter v. Yes, My Dear Friend, it is My Conviction that in all Ordinary Cases the Knowledge...
Yes, my dear friend, it is my conviction that in all ordinary cases the knowledge and belief of the Christian Religion should precede the study of the Hebrew Canon. Indeed, with regard to both Testaments, I consider oral and catechismal instruction as the preparative provided by Christ himself in the establishment of a visible Church. And to make the Bible, apart from the truths, doctrines, and spiritual experiences contained therein, the subject of a special article of faith, I hold an unnecessary
Samuel Taylor Coleridge—Confessions of an Inquiring Spirit etc

The Royal Priesthood
Gerhard Ter Steegen Jer. xxxiii. 18; Rev. i. 6 The race of God's anointed priests shall never pass away; Before His glorious Face they stand, and serve Him night and day. Though reason raves, and unbelief flows on, a mighty flood, There are, and shall be, till the end, the hidden priests of God. His chosen souls, their earthly dross consumed in sacred fire, To God's own heart their hearts ascend in flame of deep desire; The incense of their worship fills His Temple's holiest place; Their song with
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

Communion Again Broken --Restoration
Cant. v. 2-vi.10. The fourth section commences with an address of the bride to the daughters of Jerusalem, in which she narrates her recent sad experience, and entreats their help in her trouble. The presence and comfort of her Bridegroom are again lost to her; not this time by relapse into worldliness, but by slothful self-indulgence. We are not told of the steps that led to her failure; of how self again found place in her heart. Perhaps spiritual pride in the achievements which grace enabled her
J. Hudson Taylor—Union and Communion

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