Near the beginning of the book of Revelation, the apostle John writes a series of seven letters to congregations of the church in Asia Minor, in modern Turkey. These letters follow a common template; each letter has three sections which begin with the following words:
- “These things saith he…” — followed by a description of Jesus Christ
- “I know thy works.” — with an explanation of what they are doing well, and what they need to do better
- “To him that overcometh…” — followed by some of the blessings of exaltation
Each letter also contains the following sentence, either before or after the final section: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” This echoes the Savior’s repeated invitation, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 11:15, Matthew 13:9, 43, Mark 4:9, 23, Mark 7:16, Luke 8:8, Luke 14:35). It also echoes Moses’ observation that his people did not have “an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear” as they wandered in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 29:4) and King Benjamin’s admonition to his people: “Open your ears that ye may hear, and your hearts that ye may understand, and your minds that the mysteries of God may be unfolded to your view” (Mosiah 2:9).
With a desire to have ears that hear, and believing that John’s words to these seven churches are applicable to me as well, I’ve summarized his letters in the following table. I’ve also added a few references to related Book of Mormon passages and links to some relevant blog posts:
| To the church at… | These things saith he… | I know thy works. | To him that overcometh… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-11) | That holds seven stars in his right hand, walks among seven candlesticks | You have been faithful and patient, but you have left your “first love.” Repent, and do “the former works.” | “Eat of the tree of life,” in “the paradise of God” (1 Nephi 8:10-12, Alma 5:34, 62) |
| Smyrna (Revelation 2:12-17) | “The first and the last” “Was dead and is alive” | You are suffering and will continue to suffer, but don’t be afraid. Be faithful. | Not “hurt of the second death” (Alma 13:30, Helaman 14:18-19) |
| Pergamos (Revelation 2:18-23) | Has a sharp, double-edged sword | You have kept the faith in the midst of evil influences. But you need to repent, because some among you have embraced false doctrines. | “The hidden manna“ White stone with a new name (Ether 3:1-13) |
| Thyatira (Revelation 2:24-29) | Eyes like “a flame of fire” Feet like “fine brass” | You have charity, service, faith, and patience, but some of you are following a false prophetess. | Power over the nations “The morning star” (3 Nephi 1:15-21) |
| Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6) | Has “seven spirits of God” and “seven stars” | You live, and are dead. Strengthen the parts of you that are still alive. | “Clothed in white” (1 Nephi 12:10-11, Ether 13:10) Name in “the book of life” (Alma 5:58) |
| Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13) | Holy, true, has “the key of David” | You have “kept the word of my patience,” and I will keep you from “the hour of temptation.” | “A pillar in the temple” God’s name written upon us (3 Nephi 27:5) |
| Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) | “The Amen, the faithful and true witness, The beginning of the creation of God” | You are “lukewarm,” and you think you are rich. You need to accept the true, durable riches I offer. “I stand at the door and knock.“ | Sit with Jesus on His throne (Alma 34:36) |
Here are my observations after studying these letters:
- Jesus has a universal perspective. He is uniquely capable of saving us because He rose from death. He sees and teaches with power and clarity.
- God recognizes and appreciates the good things we are doing. He also sees the areas where we need to repent. He wants us to invite Him into our lives, receive the eternal riches He offers us, and follow Him whole-heartedly.
- Those who endure to the end will experience the supernal joy of receiving God’s love. They will overcome spiritual death, receive power and glory, and be welcomed into God’s kingdom forever.
Today, I will be grateful for the saving power of Jesus Christ. I will strive to do good and to repent of my shortcomings. I will look forward to the time when I can receive every blessing God offers to His children.
Thank you very much for this detailed but succinct explanation of the book of Revelation. I teach the adult Sunday School class, and I begin preparing for my next lesson the day I give my last lesson. I’ve taken to giving background information at the beginning of each lesson and the class seems to like that. This information will definitely be included when I teach on 12/17.
Thanks for the comment! I’m glad you found the post useful. Next Monday, I’ll publish an overview of learnings from Revelation 6-14, so you might find that post useful as well.