Seven letters to seven churches:  real or imaginary, symbolic?  Some think that the seven churches represent seven time periods in history from the 1^st century to the last days of apostasy.  Are they seven separate letters?  Not likely!  It is more likely …

These were seven real churches in seven real cities of Asia.

The letters are not seven individual letters, but seven messages in the overall letter to be read to all seven churches and representing the greater church as a whole – complete = 7.  This was a time of preparation for the coming persecution!

Each letter has a pattern:

            Greeting – “to the church in …”

            Title – Jesus is referred to by a specific title in each letter

            I know section – a statement of what is known about that church

            Criticism – if there is a fault, it is exposed here – the church is criticized

            Warning – a warning of judgment if the issues are not addressed

            Exhortation – “he who has an ear …”

            Promise – “to him who overcomes I will give …”

There are usually seven components of the seven letters to the seven churches.  Churches one and seven are in grave danger; churches two and six are in excellent shape; churches three, four, and five are mediocre – neither good nor bad.