This letter was specifically addressed to seven actual churches located in the modern country of Turkey.
##### White #####
White is a color that often symbolizes holiness or righteousness in scripture. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])
#### Important figures of speech in this chapter ####
##### "Him who is, and who was, and who is to come" #####
The phrase explains that God has always existed, exists now and will always exist. Not all languages have a way to easily translate the past, present and future aspects of a verb. It is possible this is a play on the name of God, Yahweh, which means "I am."
##### His blood #####
This is a reference to Jesus' death. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
#### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter ####
##### "He is coming with the clouds" #####
Many scholars believe Jesus will come back in two stages. Jesus' first return will be subtle, like a "thief in the night." Then, Jesus will come in an undeniable way where everyone will see him. It is this latter coming that the book of Revelation is about.
##### Jesus #####
The image of the man in heaven is probably Jesus. Overall, the image is a description of Jesus in all of his glory. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/glory]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
##### "The angels of the seven churches" #####
The Greek word translated as "angels" can also be translated as "messengers." It is possible this is a reference to the messengers or leaders of these seven churches.
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