Revelation 1:11

Berean Standard Bible
saying, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”
 
King James Bible
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.
 
NET Bible
saying: "Write in a book what you see and send it to the seven churches--to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea."
 
Greek:
λέγων· Ὃ βλέπεις γράψον εἰς βιβλίον καὶ πέμψον ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις ταῖς ἐν Ἐφέσῳ καὶ ἐν Σμύρνῃ καὶ ἐν Περγάμῳ καὶ ἐν Θυατείροις καὶ ἐν Σάρδεσι καὶ ἐν Φιλαδελφείᾳ καὶ ἐν Λαοδικείᾳ.
 
Transliteration:
legōn· Ho blepeis grapson eis biblion kai pempson tais ekklēsiais tais en Ephesō kai en Smyrnē kai en Pergamō kai en Thyateirois kai en Sardesin kai en Philadelphiai kai en Laodikeiai.
 
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Study Bible:
 
saying
The Greek word used here is "λέγων" (legōn), which is a present participle of "λέγω" (legō), meaning "to say" or "to speak." This word indicates a continuous action, suggesting that the message is not just a one-time command but an ongoing directive from Jesus to John. It emphasizes the authority and immediacy of the communication, underscoring the divine nature of the revelation being imparted.
 
Write
The Greek word "γράψον" (grapson) is an imperative form of "γράφω" (graphō), meaning "to write." This command highlights the importance of recording the vision accurately. In the ancient world, writing was a means of preserving and transmitting important information. Here, it underscores the permanence and authority of the revelation, ensuring that the message is faithfully communicated to the intended recipients.
 
on a scroll
The term "βιβλίον" (biblion) refers to a scroll or a book. In the first century, scrolls were the primary medium for written communication. This phrase indicates that the message is to be documented in a formal and enduring manner, suitable for distribution and public reading. The use of a scroll also connects the revelation to the Jewish tradition of sacred writings, reinforcing its divine origin.
 
what you see
The phrase "ὃ βλέπεις" (ho blepeis) emphasizes the visionary nature of the revelation. John is instructed to write down not just words but the entire visual experience. This highlights the prophetic and apocalyptic genre of the book, where visions are a primary means of divine communication. It also underscores the importance of faithful witness, as John is to record exactly what he perceives.
 
and send it
The Greek word "πέμψον" (pempson) is another imperative, derived from "πέμπω" (pempō), meaning "to send." This command indicates that the message is not just for John's personal edification but is intended for a wider audience. It underscores the communal aspect of the revelation, as it is meant to be shared and disseminated among the churches.
 
to the seven churches
The number seven is significant in biblical literature, often symbolizing completeness or perfection. The seven churches mentioned here represent the entirety of the Christian community at the time. This phrase indicates that the message is comprehensive and relevant to all believers, not just those in the specific locations mentioned.
 
to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea
These were actual cities in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), each with its own unique challenges and characteristics. By addressing specific churches, the message becomes both personal and contextual. Each church represents different aspects of the Christian experience, and the specific mention of these cities underscores the historical reality of the early church and its diverse circumstances. This phrase invites readers to consider the universal application of the message, as the issues faced by these churches are reflective of challenges encountered by believers throughout history.
 
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Commentary:
 
Context and Setting:
 
Authorship: The verse is part of a vision received by the Apostle John while he was on the island of Patmos. John, the last surviving apostle, is believed to have written Revelation around AD 95-96.
 
Divine Vision: This vision is presented as a direct revelation from Jesus Christ, conveyed to John. The imagery and instruction suggest a supernatural encounter meant to convey important messages to early Christian communities.
 
Meaning and Symbolism:
 
“Write in a book what you see”: John is instructed to record the visions and revelations he receives. This implies the importance of documentation and dissemination of divine messages. The visions were not only meant for John but were intended to be shared with a broader audience.
 
“Send it to the seven churches”: The specific instruction to send the message to the seven churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) signifies a targeted communication. Each of these churches had distinct characteristics and faced unique challenges, which are addressed in the subsequent letters (Revelation 2-3).
 
Seven Churches: The number seven holds significant symbolism in biblical literature, often representing completeness or perfection. This suggests that the messages to the seven churches are not just for those specific communities but are also applicable to the universal church throughout history.
 
Historical and Cultural Context:
 
Early Christian Persecution: During the time Revelation was written, Christians faced persecution from the Roman Empire. This context of suffering and the need for encouragement and guidance is reflected in the tone and content of the messages.
 
Spiritual Insight: The letters to the seven churches provide a mixture of commendation, rebuke, and exhortation. They highlight the spiritual condition of each church and offer promises to those who overcome their challenges.
 
Theological Implications:
 
Authority of Christ: The instruction comes directly from Christ, underscoring His authority over the church. The churches are reminded that their ultimate allegiance is to Christ, not to worldly powers.
 
Eschatological Themes: Revelation as a whole is eschatological, meaning it deals with the end times and the final consummation of God's plan. This verse sets the stage for the unfolding of apocalyptic visions and prophecies that follow.
 
Encouragement and Hope: Despite the often grim and vivid imagery in Revelation, the underlying message is one of hope and assurance for believers. The call to overcome and the promises of future glory are central themes.
 
Reflection for Modern Readers:
 
Relevance Today: The messages to the seven churches are still relevant, offering insights into the spiritual health and challenges faced by Christian communities today.
 
Call to Faithfulness: Like the early churches, contemporary believers are called to remain faithful, resist complacency, and hold fast to their faith amidst trials.
 
Revelation 1:11 serves as a pivotal verse that introduces the core messages to the seven churches, setting the tone for the prophetic and apocalyptic content that follows. Its themes of divine authority, documentation, and the relevance of Christ's messages to His followers continue to resonate with readers throughout the ages.