19.  Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which
    are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

20.  The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks.  The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches:  and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

Here John received a special commission to write the things of the future that were to be given, the things that were then taking place, and also certain events which had come under his personal observation during his life-time, and which were also included in the symbolic visions, thus covering the entire gospel dispensation.

The special symbols employed in this introductory vision are here explained by Christ himself, thus leaving us in no doubt whatever.  A star is a fit symbol of the position of a Christian minister—­set in the church to give the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world; while a candle-stick fitly represents the congregation working with him and sustaining him in his position.  The special power of Christ—­symbolized by his right hand—­is manifested in upholding his ministers, while he walks in the midst of his churches, ready with the sword of his mouth to defend them from the attacks of their adversaries and to prove their constant Guardian and Protector.

CHAPTER II.

    Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things
    saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who
    walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

2.  I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil:  and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 

    3.  And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake
    hast labored, and hast not fainted.

    4.  Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast
    left thy first love.

5.  Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

    6.  But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the
    Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.

    7.  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto
    the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the
    tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

The special messages to the seven churches of Asia Minor are not of such thrilling interest as are the symbolic visions of the remainder of the book, yet we can learn many beneficial lessons from the various experiences of these congregations.