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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Who was God addressing in seven churches | Rev 2:1 | jlowe | 191770 | ||
Who was God referring to when addressing the angels of seven churches? | ||||||
2 | Who was God addressing in seven churches | Rev 2:1 | mark d seyler | 191771 | ||
HI jlowe, Great question! Rev 2:1 "To the angel of the Ephesian assembly, write . . . " While we generally think of "angel" as a non-human spirit-being, the words simply means, "messenger". It is used of humans in James 2:25, referring to the spies that entered Jericho. To the Ephesian messenger, Jesus says, "you have left your first love." The the Smyrnan messenger, "don't be afraid of what you are about to suffer." I think that these angels, or messengers, are those individuals that bring God's message to those individual churches, what we would think of now as the pastor. I think that the first letter may have been given to Timothy in Ephesus, the second to Polycarp in Smyrna, and so on. Of course, we know that these letters are also intended for the people in those churches themselves (he who has an ear let him hear), and to all churches (what the Spirit says to the churches). But they are first addressed to that person whom God refers to as "the messenger", and I see that as indicative of our responsibility towards those whom God has placed in our care. I hope this helps! Love in Christ, Mark |
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