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Introduction to Revelation Chapter 2
Taken from Jon Courson's Application Commentary (1670). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.
Chapter 2
We come now to the second section of the Book of Revelation, which deals with the things which are (Revelation 1:19). As he addresses the seven churches of which he was an overseer, John paints a portrait of church history in its entirety. The seven messages that follow have a four-fold application.
First, they are to be applied locally. The cities of the seven churches are given in the order of an ancient Roman postal circuit. Thus, they could be easily circulated among the churches addressed.
Second, they apply ecclesiastically. Anyone who cares about the church or is involved with the church needs to study these letters because every problem, difficulty, and challenge facing the church is addressed in these seven letters.
Third, they apply personally. These letters apply to us individually. How do I know? Because each letter ends with Let he that hath an ear, hear what the Spirit saith. Thus, this applies to anyone who has an ear. If you have two ears, its a double directive!
Fourth, the letters apply prophetically. For us today, most of the events are history because were approaching the end of the church age. But for John, at the beginning of the church age, the events of which he wrote had not yet transpired.
In addition to a four-fold application, there is also a four-element pattern seen in each letter.
First, there is positive affirmation, where Jesus finds something to affirm in the churches. Second, there is corrective exhortation. Third, there is an eternal motivation. And finally, there is partial revelationas each of the churches reveals something of the nature of Christ. You see, the only way were going to see the complete picture is to embrace the church in totality. Thats what is so important about the body of Christ. As I look at the body, each person exhibits a unique aspect of Jesus Christ. It takes the whole body to truly magnify the Lord. Thats why the psalmist said, O magnify the Lord with me (see Psalm 34:3).
May we be those who embrace other believers and other churches because they each reveal something of Him.
Taken from Jon Courson's Application Commentary (1670). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.