Make a Donation

Exhibit 2
The Evidence of a Numerical Significance

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.

Revelation 1:20

One question that emerges in the debate over church eras is why there are only seven letters written to God’s people in Asia when there were more than seven actual congregations in that region. History and the scriptures identify at least four other churches of God, including Colosse, in that area. Furthermore, why are there so many sets of seven in Revelation? In addition to seven churches, this remarkable book identifies seven seals, seven trumpets, seven vials, seven thunders, seven gentile kingdoms, and seven resurrections of the Holy Roman Empire.

The Power of Seven

The fact that there are seven letters is not simply the result of chance. In truth, this number reflects a pattern that is woven throughout the scriptures and appears prolifically in the book of Revelation. But what is the significance of this number and why would God chose to employ it? In his book, Numbers In Scripture, the prominent Bible scholar, E.W. Bullinger discussed this question.

Ethelbert William Bullinger

1837 - 1913

In Hebrew, seven is (shevah). It is from the root (savah) to be full or satisfied, have enough of. Hence the meaning of the word "seven" is dominated by this root, for on the seventh day God rested from the work of creation. It was full and complete, and good and perfect. Nothing could be added to it or taken from it without marring it. It is seven, therefore, that stamps with perfection and completeness that in connection with which it is used.

Throughout the scriptures, seven is the number God uses to symbolize completion. There are seven days in the week and seven annual holy days. Additionally, as was just mentioned, the book of Revelation describes seven distinct groups. Furthermore, each of these groups is comprised of seven parts. This simply cannot be the result of chance. The use of the number seven cries out that something more is taking place in this prophecy. Therefore the fact that there are exactly seven churches being addressed should come as no surprise.

The use of seven when numbering these congregations strongly suggest that they are the complete New Testament Church down through time. Notice how Christ uses this number when describing them.

I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; and in the midst of the seven candlesticks [one] like unto the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and [his] hairs [were] white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes [were] as a flame of fire; and his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two edged sword: and his countenance [was] as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, fear not; I am the first and the last: I [am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; the mystery of the seven stars which thou saw 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 saw are the seven churches (Revelation 1:12-20).

Here, the Messiah states that there are seven candlesticks and that they are “the seven churches.” Notices what He does not say. At no time does Christ say they are seven “OF” the churches, but rather THE seven churches. Since seven is the number of completion, these specific churches must be understood as complete—part of a whole. As such, these letters are addressed to the entire Church of God. It is also important to note that the candlesticks are in Christ’s right hand and that He is in their midst. This means that they are under His authority. He is the head of His church—the entire church.

        

Who are the Seven Angels?

          

    In the first chapter of Revelation, Jesus is described as being in the midst of the seven golden lamp stands and having seven stars in His right hand. While explaining the meaning of this symbolism, Christ states that the lamp stands are the seven churches. He also states that the stars are the angels of the churches.

    Some have thought that these angels are the human leaders (pastors or apostles) presiding over the church. Others take the view that they are literal angelic beings. But what is the truth? Are they spirit beings, or human beings?

        

    Those who believe the term is referring to angelic beings cite the fact that the Greek word used in Scriptures is “aggelos.” This word is Strong’s number 32, and is rendered “messenger,” especially an “angel.” Furthermore, the book of Revelation itself uses the word "angel" or “angels” to refer to heavenly beings 77 times, and nowhere else in the book does it have another meaning. Finally, the symbol of a star is frequently used to represent angels in the Scriptures (Job 38:7; Isaiah 14:13; Revelation 9:1). 

        

    On the other hand, the word "angel" can also refer to a human messenger. In Malachi 2:7 the priest who is to give instruction is called the messenger of the Lord. Later, the one announcing Christ’s return at the end of the age is also called a messenger (Malachi 3:1). Additionally, "stars," which are often a reference to angels are also used as a reference to human beings. For example, in Daniel 12:3 we are told that those who lead many to righteousness shall shine like the stars. In Jude 1:13, false teachers are called “wandering stars.” Further, the Greek word aggelos is used in Matthew 11:10 to identify John the Baptist, and it is used of the representatives sent to Jesus from John (Luke 7:24). It is the term used in James 2:25 referring to the spies who were protected by the harlot Rahab. A final point to consider is that it is highly unlikely that the apostle John was to write messages that were to be read and understood by angelic beings living both in his time and centuries later.  With this said, who are these angels?

        

    Perhaps the answer to this question can be found in the duality in the Bible. In Scripture, there is often a physical representation of that which is spiritual. There is that which is earthly with the earthly often reflecting the heavenly. For example, man on earth is made in the image of God in heaven. There is a first Adam, and the second Adam—Christ. There was a physical temple on earth, and it was patterned after the spiritual temple in heaven. There was physical Israel and later—spiritual Israel—the church. In light of such duality, is it possible that this same form of duality is represented in the angels of these churches?

        

    From the example of the damsel who upon seeing Peter, thought she had seen his angel, it is reasonable to conclude that, at the very least, God’s servants may have specific spirit beings assigned to them. As Peter had an angel assigned to him, is it possible that each church has an angelic spirit being who is responsible for it? It is not difficult to consider that, as servants of the Almighty, the angels in heaven minister, protect, and influence the human heirs to salvation on the earth. As the angels in heaven bring messages from God to men, God’s human servants on the earth bring the message of God to other human beings. 

        

    Could it be that the stars in the hand of Jesus are representative of the seven angels in heaven who are spiritual guardians over the churches, and that they also reflect a physical counter part in the human realm? Are the angelic spirit beings the heavenly representation of the physical leaders that God would send to guide His churches down through the ages? Such a scenario could explain why Christ caused the apostle John to write to the angel, a human messenger of the church, while at the same time, He describes Himself as holding the seven stars that are angelic beings in His hand.

Exhibit 3