Revelation 1:4

5 John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne,

A. The common manner of beginning a letter in the first century was to identify the author, then express a greeting to those who were the intended recipients.

B. John, the son of Zebedee is the author. See full discussion in the introduction where the authorship is explained in detail.

C. To the seven churches - We know there were more than 7 churches is this area. The letter to the Colossians was also to be read at the nearby city of Laodicia. (Colossians 4:15-16)

D. Grace and peace - was a common greeting. While these words have theological connections, they mean nothing more here than when we say, “Hello. How are you?” It is a common greeting.

E. Which was - Jesus WAS here on earth. He lived, taught, performed miracles, and had many converts. He was killed, buried and raised from the dead on the third day.

F. Is to come - He promised a 2 nd coming. (John 14:3) We do not worship a dead savior. We serve a living, resurrected Lord. He is alive and coming again.

H. Seven - Seven is an important number throughout the book of Revelation. It must be understood to be symbolic of completeness, perfection, and wholeness. There were 7 churches, 7 angels, 7 seals, 7 trumpets, 7 bowls of wrath, 7 candlesticks, 7 stars, etc. We know that there were more than 7 churches in this area. So, the 7 churches are understood to represent the whole, complete body of Christ.

I. Spirits before the throne - Who are these spirits? Several possibilities - martyrs, angels ready to deliver letters in chapters 2 and 3, the perfect spirit of God, the Holy Spirit.