Rev 1:4, 16 | PNT | STEP | John to the seven churches which are in Asia . The churches are named in . The term "Asia" did not mean in the first century what it does now, but only the Roman province called Asia, of which Ephesus was the capital. All the seven churches are in that province. It is supposed that SEVEN, the perfect and sacred number, were chosen, because the seven were to symbolize the whole Church of Christ. There were in the province of Asia more than seven churches at this time, as we know, Colosse, Miletus ( ) and Hierapolis ( ) being named in the New Testament. Grace [be] to you . The benediction, like that in the apostolic epistles, shows that Revelation is an epistle also, addressed directly to seven churches and through them to all the church. From him which is . The I AM. See . From the seven Spirits . The Holy Spirit. The numeral seven indicates fulness, perfection. It is the sacred number. The sevens are constantly repeated through Revelation. There are seven churches, seven spirits, seven trumpets, seven thunders, seven vials, etc.

Revelation of John 1:4

John to the seven churches which are in Asia. The churches are named in Re 1:11. The term "Asia" did not mean in the first century what it does now, but only the Roman province called Asia, of which Ephesus was the capital. All the seven churches are in that province. It is supposed that SEVEN, the perfect and sacred number, were chosen, because the seven were to symbolize the whole Church of Christ. There were in the province of Asia more than seven churches at this time, as we know, Colosse, Miletus (Ac 20:17) and Hierapolis (Col 4:13) being named in the New Testament.

Grace [be] to you. The benediction, like that in the apostolic epistles, shows that Revelation is an epistle also, addressed directly to seven churches and through them to all the church.

From him which is. The I AM. See Ex 3:14.

From the seven Spirits. The Holy Spirit. The numeral seven indicates fulness, perfection. It is the sacred number. The sevens are constantly repeated through Revelation. There are seven churches, seven spirits, seven trumpets, seven thunders, seven vials, etc.

Revelation of John 1:16

In his right hand seven stars. See Re 1:20.

And out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword. This two-edged sword is a symbol of the word by which Christ's conquests are won. See Eph 6:17 Heb 4:12, and compare Re 19:15.

His countenance [was] as the sun shineth in his strength. The glory of his countenance is the same that was manifested at the Transfiguration (Mt 17:2).