The Structure of the Letters

Each of the letters is addressed to the church's "angel." That may have been a spiritual angel, the bishop or pastor, or the church itself. The first part includes a description of Jesus Christ, highly symbolic and different for each church.

The second part of each letter begins with "I know," emphasizing God's omniscience. Jesus proceeds to praise the church for its merits or criticizes it for its faults. The third part contains exhortation, a spiritual instruction on how the church should mend its ways, or a commendation for its faithfulness.

The fourth part concludes the message with the words, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." The Holy Spirit is Christ's presence on Earth, forever guiding and convicting to keep his followers on the right path.