He laid his right hand on me, saying, “Don’t be afraid. I am the first and the last,
18and the Living one. I was dead, and behold, I am alive forever and ever. Amen. I have the keys of Death and of Hades.
20The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lamp stands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven assemblies. The seven lamp stands are seven assemblies.
The seven churches are first introduced in 1:4 whereby John addresses the Book of Revelation to them (1:11). Described as the “seven lampstands” in 1:20, these real churches, namely, Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, are located in the Roman province of Asia Minor (modern southwestern Turkey). In chapters 2-3 a letter is specifically written to each of them, dictated to the apostle John from Jesus Christ (e.g., Rev. 2:1). Each letter addresses their spiritual conditions. For example, the church at Ephesus is commended for its rejection of evil, its endurance, patience, and doctrinal vigilance. But this church is rebuked for serving God out of orthodoxy, not passionate agape-love (cf. Matt. 10:37; Mark 12:28-34). In fact, an examination into each letter reveals a general outline used for all: (1) self-description of Christ which is most apropos to the church’s situation (cf. drawn from Revelation 1:12-20), (2) commendation, (3) criticism, (4) correction, (5) consequence of disobedience, and (6) a promise or incentive for obedience.
There are three minor exceptions to the comments seen above in reference to four of the churches. Smyrna and Philadelphia were not rebuked, though they were warned of the need to obey the instructions of Christ. Sardis and Laodicea are unique among the churches in that they received no commendation. The messages given to the historical churches are applicable today, and the admonition to overcome refers to all believers (cf verses 2-3, 10c, 13, 19, 25; 3:3, 8, 10; 1 Jn 5:4-5.