Comments on: NLT Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, NIV Study Bible, and “The Seven Churches” (Revelation 1:4)

By: Jo Bernard

Jo Bernard — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 20:18:59 +0000

Jesus is not dealing with a moment in time here, he’s setting a precedence for all time unto the end of time, I’m sure if you consider closely and open your eyes to see it, the seven churches are symbolic of the spirit of all churches of all times, yes I know it is difficult for you to fathom, but Jesus is saying here that there is and will be certain characters and attitudes or “types of people” in the church from beginning to end, that’s difficult for most Christians because we live in an age which have convince most Christians that obedience is works, thus since we are not saved by works we are dismissed from obedience, but true obedience is not works of righteousness but the substance that makes evident a true belief and is the faith whereby we receive grace. Conclusion: Jesus is saying most of the people, even those in the church are servants of sin of whom candles shall be extinguished in due time.

By: Justin Taylor

Justin Taylor — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 01:44:13 +0000

Brent,

I’m afraid you’ve misunderstood the ESVSB note as well. It certainly doesn’t deny that these were seven actual churches. But it does affirm that these seven were chosen as representative of “all the churches” (cf. 2:23, 2:7). But as Sean mentions with regard to the NLTSB, the ESVSB notes on the various letters show pretty clearly that these were actual churches with real historical situations being alluded to and addressed.

Blessings!

By: Sean Harrison

Sean Harrison — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:32:55 +0000

Hi, Brent. The NLTSB note is not intended to spiritualize the individual churches, as the notes on the individual churches’ letters show — each church’s letter addresses that church with reference to some aspect of that church’s historical setting. The NLTSB note is simply making the somewhat basic point that we should not conclude that these were the only churches in the region. The NIV Study Bible note aptly states the point.

By: Joe

Joe — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:49:09 +0000

I believe Revelation could bring out many interesting notes :-).

The verse does seem very specific and we know those congregations existed so why ignore the literal possibility? Another sentence or two would have completed the possibilities.

I am pleased not to find a “seven churches represent seven different periods in the history of the church” type of note.