Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God's will, both publicly and privately--behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; |
Subject: Spiritually, who are the seven churches? |
Bible Note: Greetings John, BTW you have a great name since we are viewing Revelations. Truly, I agree to your points also. Now for those not in the choir I will add this. Also remember that this was a vision. Something not pertaining to a physical realm but to a spiritual realm. As the visions being interpreted in the Old Testament. The use of earthly or heavenly symbols to relate to a higher meaning. Also note how many times the number seven appears. Though, I am no strict numeralist. Numbers used in Scripture also have some merit. Wherein the number seven unanimously relates to completeness. Six days of creation and one for rest - a week. How often do I forgive my neighbor Lord? - seven times? Laboring seven years in the OT as competition of a bond. Seven churches as a completeness of the whole church. And who where the seven angels? Why would God have to write a letter to an angel? The seven angels were the leaders of the seven churches - men. Who would in turn share them with the congregations. Rev 1:12 "I turned and saw" Rev 1:13 "..in the midst of the seven candlesticks.." - was Jesus. Rev. 1:16 "..in his right hand seven stars..." - in the hand, the right hand - a symbol of strength, of Jesus, as we are held. Rev 1:17 "..And he laid his right hand upon me.." - what happened to the stars? It was a vision. It was spiritual. Now Jesus Himself speaks to John. I Am the Alpha. I Am the Omega. I Am the First. I Am the Last. I Am the Completeness. Rev 1:20 "The mystery.." - or the vision you saw. Jesus was in the midst of the churches as He is today. "I Am the same yesterday, today and tomorrow". Yes, there were seven different churches. Yes, there were seven letters. Yes there were seven pastors. But, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" (decern what the I Am is telling you). Again, this phrase is mentioned seven times. Be complete! It is Christ, the Completion of our salvation. Again, in the original question, 'who where they "spiritually"?' must be the basis for an answer. Peace to you! |