John's letters to seven churches in Revelation hold layers of meaning. Conceived during the Apostle Paul's missionary journeys, these churches faced varying spiritual conditions under Roman persecution. John's words of both encouragement and condemnation still resonate today. In general, while John's letter to these ancient churches is undoubtedly a historical inference, a spiritual application also describes church history throughout the last two millennia. The introduction to each church includes a brief history of the ancient church, while the commentary on the scriptural text concentrates on the practical implications for the church throughout history. Bible teachers view these churches through four lenses: Literal and Historical. These seven churches existed in Asia Minor when John wrote Revelation. As early as 90 AD, churches displayed a range of spiritual health but often lacked consistency. Doctrinal. As Paul's epistles apply universally, so do these letters. Any church, at any time, can read them for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). Universal and Timeless. The messages extend beyond the individual church addressed. The phrase "he that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches" (plural) indicates that the truths in each letter apply to multiple churches, not just the one specifically mentioned. They apply to all believers when written and in the future. This application is similar to the epistles written to other churches—the Corinthians, the Ephesians, the Philippians, etc. Those letters apply outside those local bodies of believers addressed in the First Century. R
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