Imperatives!

[Tessa]

Hmm, Angel = messenger, which might be the main teacher there or even an Evangelist passing through, but I don't see how it could be the congregation.

I think this deserves more discussion; it seems so odd for even John the beloved to be instructed to write to an Angel ...

Ray that is exactly what went through my mind. The person who gives messages to the church. Otherwise how would John get the letter to them.
If Jesus had wanted an angel to give the message surely the Lord would have told the angel himself?

 

[Tessa]

It's shaping up to be a great study.
It's coming up differently than what I had originally thought the list would show. But it's a pleasant surprise. And that's why we need to study.

Also notice that I have included the whole verse but not necessarily the whole sentence. And that I'm underlining the imperitives (at a minimum). It just helps us see what is said a bit better.

I noticed that John. I had missed doing it. I agree it does help

 

[ezra]

the angel of the church is the minister

 

[ezra]

Ray that is exactly what went through my mind. The person who gives messages to the church. Otherwise how would John get the letter to them.
If Jesus had wanted an angel to give the message surely the Lord would have told the angel himself?

that is who he is talking to

 

[Tessa]

We all seem to be on the same track

 

[JohnDB]

Rev 3:1
Write to the angel of the church in Sardis:
“The One who has the seven spirits of Godand the seven stars says: I know your works; you have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead.

Rev 3:2 Be alert and strengthen what remains, which is about to die, for I have not found your works complete before My God.

Rev 3:3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; keep it, and repent. But if you are not alert, I will come like a thief, and you have no idea at what hour I will come against you..

Rev 3:6 Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.

Rev 3:7 Write to the angel of the church in Philadelphia: The Holy One, the True One, the One who has the key of David, who opens and no one will close, and closes and no one opens says:

Rev 3:9 Take note! I will make those from the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews and are not, but are lying—note this—I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and they will know that I have loved you.

Rev 3:11 I am coming quickly. Hold on to what you have,so that no one takes your crown.

Rev 3:13 Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.

Rev 3:14 Write to the angel of the church in Laodicea: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God’s creation says:

Rev 3:18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire so that you may be rich, white clothes so that you may be dressed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see.

Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be committed and repent.

Rev 3:20 Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me.

Rev 3:22 Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.”

 

[JohnDB]

The first set of churches all were told to not be afraid, hold on, remember and one repent...
The second set in chapter 3 seems to get a bit different set of instructions. A whole bunch of "listen"

 

[Razeontherock]

I love reading the red letter edition of this section of the book! That "whole bunch of listen" makes for a great addition to the prayer closet ...

That's the same guy that taught us to pray beginning with "OUR Father;" sometimes just that much still causes me to tremble

 

[for_his_glory]

This is the command given to John by Jesus, Rev 1:11 Saying, 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; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

John was instructed to write down what the Spirit of God was to show him. Then he was to send what he wrote down to the seven churches in Asia. We have to remember that John was only in the Spirit as he was imprisoned on the isle of Patmos when these revelations were given him.

The symbolism of the seven angels being messengers (vs. 12-20) where actual men that followed John, possibly being Elders from the seven churches in Asia. John was taken prisoner by the Roman guards in Asia as he was arrested for preaching the word of God and he would have to sneak these letters out to the churches. These seven men would have to of pretended to be workers on the merchant ships that brought supplies to the isle of Patmos. They would go visit John and hide these letters on their person.

Rev 2-3, These letters were instruction from Christ to the seven churches, which represent all of us being the body of Christ. Jesus was not pleased with what He was seeing within the body in Asia as even today these letters (Bible) remain as instruction of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, reverance and the Spirit of the Lord.

 

[JohnDB]

I love reading the red letter edition of this section of the book! That "whole bunch of listen" makes for a great addition to the prayer closet ...

That's the same guy that taught us to pray beginning with "OUR Father;" sometimes just that much still causes me to tremble

There's a thing with that prayer closet...it doesn't hold enough people. Because when you pray like Jesus taught...the first word is "our"...as in one voice for a collection of people. And "where two or three are gathered in my Name..."

But... I will get off topic and get back tonight when I get home.

 

[Tessa]

v18 .... buy from me gold refined in the fire

We have to buy it - it comes at a price - but then we will be rich (in faith)

I've always loved that verse.