John, to the seven congregations in Asia. Grace be with you and peace, from him which is and which was, and which is to come: and from the seven spirits which are present before his throne,

saying, "Write down in a book what you see and send it to the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicia" [Note: These seven congregations were all located in western Asia Minor].

and the mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the messengers of the seven congregations: And the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven congregations.

Unto the messenger of the congregation of Ephesus write, 'These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, and walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks:

So, remember where you have fallen from and repent [i.e., change your hearts and lives] and do the things you did at first [i.e., when you were first converted], or else I will come and remove your lampstand from its place [i.e., I will not permit the congregation to survive], unless you repent.

Let him that hath ears hear, what the spirit saith unto the congregations. To him that overcometh, will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.'

"And unto the angel of the congregation of Smyrna write, 'These things saith he that is first, and the last, which was dead and is alive:

I know thy works and tribulation and poverty, but thou art rich. And I know the blasphemy of them which call themselves Jews and are not, but are the congregation of Satan.

Let him that hath ears hear, what the spirit saith to the congregations: He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.'

"And to the messenger of the congregation in Pergamum write, 'This saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges.

Let him that hath ears hear what the spirit sayth unto the congregations: To him that overcometh will I give to eat Manna that is hid, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth, saving he that receiveth it.'

"And unto the messenger of the congregation of Thyatira write, 'This saith the son of God, which hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, whose feet are like brass:

And I will kill her children with death. And all the congregations shall know that I am he which searches the reins and hearts. And I will give unto everyone of you according to your works.

Let him that hath ears hear what the spirit says to the congregations.'

And write unto the messenger of the congregation of Sardis, 'This saith he that hath the spirit of God, and the seven stars. I know thy works, thou hast a name that you livest, and thou are dead.

Let him that hath ears hear what the spirit saith unto the congregations.'

"And write unto the tidings-bringer of the congregation of Philadelphia, 'This saith he that is holy and true, which hath the key of David; which openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth and no man openeth.

Behold, I make them of the congregation of Satan - which call themselves Jews and are not, but do lie -Behold, I will make them that they shall come and worship before thy feet: and shall know that I love thee.

Let him that hath ears, hear what the spirit saith unto the congregations.'

"And unto the messenger of the congregation which is in Laodicea write, 'This saith - amen - the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creatures of God.

Let him that hath ears, hear what the spirit saith unto the congregations.'"

"I, Jesus, sent mine angel, to testify unto you these things in the congregations. I am the root and the generation of David, and the bright morning star."