The Shape of Things: The Structure of the Letters to the Seven Churches
When you read Revelation 2-3, you are sure to notice a repetitive pattern, a skeleton that supports each letter. Recognizing these patterns can help you understand these passages more clearly. So then, briefly, here is a discussion of the “shape” of the letters to the seven churches.
- Salutation (Command to write): “To the angel of the church in [city] write.” If you compare these introductions with other New Testament letters you will notice some differences, but within Revelation 2-3, each is identical.
- Vision of Jesus: “The words of.” The second component, common to every letter, but unique from church to church, is a description of Jesus. These descriptions are drawn from the vision of Jesus in Chapter 1 and are uniqely suited to the problems faced by each church. They show how Jesus is sufficient to meet the needs of each congregation.
- Commendation: “I know.” Thirdly, Jesus commends, praises, or affirms the good work performed by each church. It is telling that this commendation is absent from the final letter (Laodicia).
- Accusation: “But I have this against you.” The fourth section is normally an accusation due to sin within the church. Neither Smyrna nor Philadelphia face accusation; they were faithful.
- Call to Repent: This call to repent may take the form of a warning or of an encouragement.
- Exhortation to obedience: “He who has an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” The goal of “hearing” is more than auditory stimulation, it is obedience.
- Promise of Reward: “To the one who overcomes.” These promises, like the visions of Jesus, are drawn from other chapters in Revelation, and are particularly appropriate for each individual congregation.
New Testament scholar Greg Beale points out an even bigger “shape” within the letters. He sees these letters arranged by groups:
A. Ephesus: In danger of losing its existence.
B. Smyrna: Faithful.
C. Pergamum: Some who are faithful, some who are not.
C. Thyatira: Some who are faithful, some who are not.
C. Sardis: Some who are faithful, some who are not.
B’. Philadelphia: Faithful.
A’. Laodicia: In danger of losing its existence.
This pattern is known as a chiasm, from the Greek letter Chi (X), and is often used in the Bible to show totality.I hope that you will take notice of these “shapes” in Scripture and that they aid your study of Scripture.
—
Beale, G. K. The Book of Revelation. New International Greek Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1999. See pp. 224-28.
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