📖 Biblical Definition
The seven letters Christ dictated to John for the churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea; each addressing specific commendations, complaints, calls, and conquering-promises (Rev 2-3).
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Christ's seven letters to the churches of Asia.
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The seven letters dictated by the risen Christ for delivery to the seven Asian churches — Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea — each following a deliberate pattern (commendation, complaint, command, conquering-promise) and applicable to the churches of every age.
📖 Key Scripture
Revelation 1:11 — "I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia."
Revelation 2:7 — "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
Revelation 3:20 — "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Read as scolding rather than as Christ's earnest pastoral correspondence to His churches.
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The seven letters are the risen Lord pastoring His churches. Each begins with a self-revelation drawn from Revelation 1, addresses the church's specific situation, and closes with a conquering-promise from Revelation 21-22. Read them as Christ's pastoral mail.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek epistolē — letter.
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['Greek', 'G1992', 'epistolē', 'letter, epistle']
['Greek', 'G1577', 'ekklēsia', 'church, assembly']
Usage
"Read the seven letters as pastoral correspondence."
"Each letter is to all the churches."