Revelation 1:11
New International Version
which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.”

New Living Translation
It said, “Write in a book everything you see, and send it to the seven churches in the cities of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”

English Standard Version
saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”

Berean Standard Bible
saying, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”

Berean Literal Bible
saying, “What you see, write in a book and send to the seven churches: to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamum, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

King James Bible
Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

New King James Version
saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

New American Standard Bible
saying, “Write on a scroll what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”

NASB 1995
saying, “Write in a book what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”

NASB 1977
saying, “Write in a book what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”

Legacy Standard Bible
saying, “Write in a scroll what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”

Amplified Bible
saying, “Write on a scroll what you see [in this revelation], and send it to the seven churches—to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”

Berean Annotated Bible
saying, [“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and,] “Write on a scroll (papyrus roll) what you see and send it to the seven churches {ekklēsiais}: to Ephesus (appealing), Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia (brotherly love), and Laodicea.

Christian Standard Bible
saying, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
saying, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”

American Standard Version
saying, What thou seest, write in a book and send it to the seven churches: unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamum, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

Contemporary English Version
The voice said, "Write in a book what you see. Then send it to the seven churches in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea."

English Revised Version
saying, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it to the seven churches; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamum, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
saying, "Write on a scroll what you see, and send it to the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea."

Good News Translation
It said, "Write down what you see, and send the book to the churches in these seven cities: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea."

International Standard Version
saying, "Write on a scroll what you see, and send it to the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea."

NET Bible
saying: "Write in a book what you see and send it to the seven churches--to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea."

New Heart English Bible
saying, "What you see, write on a scroll and send to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and to Laodicea."

Webster's Bible Translation
Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia; to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamos, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.

Weymouth New Testament
It said, "Write forthwith in a roll an account of what you see, and send it to the seven Churches--to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyateira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea."
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
saying, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”

World English Bible
saying, “What you see, write in a book and send to the seven assemblies: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “Write what you see in a scroll, and send [it] to the seven assemblies that [are] in Asia: to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamos, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

Berean Literal Bible
saying, “What you see, write in a book and send to the seven churches: to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamum, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

Young's Literal Translation
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last;' and, 'What thou dost see, write in a scroll, and send to the seven assemblies that are in Asia; to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamos, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.'

Smith's Literal Translation
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send to the seven churches which in Asia; to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamos, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Saying: What thou seest, write in a book, and send to the seven churches which are in Asia, to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamus, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.

Catholic Public Domain Version
saying, “What you see, write in a book, and send it to the seven Churches, which are in Asia: to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamus, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

New American Bible
which said, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”

New Revised Standard Version
saying, “Write in a book what you see and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamum, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
What you see, write in a book, and send it to the seven churches; to Eph'e-sus, and to Smyrna, and to Per’ga-mos, and to Thy-ati’ra, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to La-od-i-ce’a.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Which said, “Those things which you have seen, write in a book and send to the seven assemblies: to Ephesaus, to Zmurna, to Pergamaus, to Thawatyra, to Sardis, to Philadelphia and to Laidiqia.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
saying: What you see, write in a book, and send to the seven churches; to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamos, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.

Godbey New Testament
saying, Write what you are seeing in a book, and send it to the seven churches; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamum, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

Haweis New Testament
saying, I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last; and what thou seest write in a book, and send to the churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamos, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.

Mace New Testament
saying, "I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, what you shall see, write in a book, and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia; to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea."

Weymouth New Testament
It said, "Write forthwith in a roll an account of what you see, and send it to the seven Churches--to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyateira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea."

Worrell New Testament
saying, "What you see, write in a book, and send it to the seven assemblies; to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamum, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea."

Worsley New Testament
saying, I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last; and, What thou seest write in a book, and send it to the seven churches in Asia, to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamos, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.

Additional Translations ...



Context
John's Vision on Patmos
10On the Lord’s day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 11saying, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.” 12Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands,…

Cross References
“Write on a scroll what you see

Jeremiah 36:2
“Take a scroll and write on it all the words I have spoken to you concerning Israel, Judah, and all the nations, from the day I first spoke to you during the reign of Josiah until today.

Habakkuk 2:2
Then the LORD answered me: “Write down this vision and clearly inscribe it on tablets, so that a herald may run with it.

Isaiah 8:1
Then the LORD said to me, “Take a large scroll and write on it with an ordinary stylus: Maher-shalal-hash-baz.
and send it to the seven churches:

Acts 15:23
and sent them with this letter: The apostles and the elders, your brothers, To the brothers among the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings.

Acts 16:4
As they went from town to town, they delivered the decisions handed down by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey.

Colossians 4:16
After this letter has been read among you, make sure that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.
to Ephesus,

Revelation 2:1
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of Him who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.

Ephesians 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:

Acts 19:1
While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the interior and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples
Smyrna,

Revelation 2:8
To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of the First and the Last, who died and returned to life.

Songs 3:6
Who is this coming up from the wilderness like a column of smoke, scented with myrrh and frankincense from all the spices of the merchant?

John 19:39
Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.
Pergamum,

Revelation 2:12
To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of the One who holds the sharp, double-edged sword.

1 Corinthians 10:14
Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

1 Corinthians 10:20-21
No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons. / You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot partake in the table of the Lord and the table of demons too.
Thyatira,

Revelation 2:18
To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like a blazing fire and whose feet are like polished bronze.


Treasury of Scripture

Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What you see, write in a book, and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia; to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamos, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.

I am.

Revelation 1:8,17
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty…

What.

Revelation 1:19
Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

Revelation 2:1
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;

Revelation 10:4
And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.

seven.

Revelation 1:4
John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

Revelation 2:1,8,12,18
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; …

Revelation 3:1,7,14
And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead…

Ephesus.

Acts 18:19-21,24
And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews…

Acts 19:1-41
And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, …

Acts 20:17
And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

Laodicea.

Colossians 4:15,16
Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house…

Jump to Previous
Alpha Asia Assemblies Book Churches Ephesus First Forthwith Laodicea Omega Pergamos Pergamum Per'gamum Philadelphia Roll Sardis Scroll Seest Seven Smyrna Thyateira Thyatira Thyati'ra Write
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Alpha Asia Assemblies Book Churches Ephesus First Forthwith Laodicea Omega Pergamos Pergamum Per'gamum Philadelphia Roll Sardis Scroll Seest Seven Smyrna Thyateira Thyatira Thyati'ra Write
Revelation 1
1. The preface.
4. John's salutation to the seven churches of Asia.
7. The coming of Christ.
8. His glorious power and majesty.












saying, “Write on a scroll what you see

The risen Christ commanded John to preserve the revelation in written form so that the churches would receive His authoritative message accurately. The vision was not private spiritual experience but divine truth intended for public reading, obedience, and endurance.

Jer 36:2 Take a scroll and write on it all the words I have spoken…
Hab 2:2 Then the LORD answered me: “Write down this vision…
Isa 8:1 Then the LORD said to me, “Take a large scroll…

and send it to the seven churches:

The seven congregations were real churches in the Roman province of Asia, arranged along a natural travel route for the delivery of the scroll. Their conditions, commendations, warnings, and promises address the continuing needs of Christ’s people until He returns.

Act 15:23 The apostles and the elders, your brothers,…
Act 16:4 As they went from town to town, they delivered the decisions…
Col 4:16 After this letter has been read among you,…

to Ephesus,

Ephesus was a leading commercial and religious center, dominated by the worship of Artemis. The church labored faithfully and resisted false teachers, yet Christ called it to repent because it had left its first love.

Rev 2:1 To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:…
Eph 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,…
Act 19:1 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through…

Smyrna,

Smyrna was a prosperous port city whose believers suffered poverty, slander, and persecution for Christ’s sake. Jesus declared them spiritually rich and called them to faithfulness even unto death.

Rev 2:8 To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:…
Sng 3:6 Who is this coming up from the wilderness…
Jhn 19:39 Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night…

Pergamum,

Pergamum was a major center of emperor worship and pagan religion, making Christian loyalty especially costly. The church held fast to Christ’s name, even after the martyrdom of Antipas, but needed to reject compromise with idolatry and immorality.

Rev 2:12 To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:…
1Co 10:14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
1Co 10:20-21 No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons.…

Thyatira,

Thyatira was known for its trade guilds, whose social and economic life often involved pagan feasts. Christ commended the church’s love, service, faith, and perseverance while condemning its tolerance of false teaching that led believers into sin.

Rev 2:18 To the angel of the church in Thyatira write:…
Act 16:14 Among those listening was a woman named Lydia,…
Act 16:15 And she persuaded us to stay at her house.…

Sardis,

Sardis possessed wealth and a celebrated past but had become marked by complacency. Christ exposed the church’s reputation for life as hollow and called its members to wake up, strengthen what remained, and repent.

Rev 3:1 I know your deeds; you have a reputation for being alive…
Eph 5:14 So it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead…
Rom 13:11 And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come…

Philadelphia,

Philadelphia stood in a strategic region for travel and communication. Though the church had little strength, it kept Christ’s word and did not deny His name; Christ set before it an open door that no one could shut.

Rev 3:7 To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:…
Heb 13:1 Continue in brotherly love.
Rom 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.…

and Laodicea.”

Laodicea was wealthy in banking, textiles, and medicine, yet its church had become spiritually self-sufficient and lukewarm. Christ called it to recognize its poverty apart from Him, receive His refining grace, and open the door to restored fellowship.

Rev 3:14 To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:…
Col 4:15 Greet the brothers in Laodicea, as well as Nympha…
Col 4:13 For I testify about him that he goes to great pains…

Persons / Places / Events
1. John the Apostle
The author of the Book of Revelation, who receives the vision from Jesus Christ while exiled on the island of Patmos.

2. Seven Churches
Specific congregations in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) that are addressed in the Book of Revelation. They are Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.

3. Jesus Christ
The speaker in this verse, who instructs John to write down the vision and send it to the seven churches.

4. Patmos
The island where John receives the revelation. It is a place of exile, symbolizing isolation and persecution.

5. Scroll
The medium on which John is instructed to write the vision, signifying the importance and permanence of the message.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Revelation
The instruction to write on a scroll signifies the importance of preserving divine revelation. As believers, we should value and study the Scriptures as God's revealed word.

The Role of the Church
The message is directed to specific churches, highlighting the role of the church as the body of Christ. Each church has unique strengths and challenges, and we should learn from their examples.

Obedience to God's Command
John's obedience in writing and sending the message serves as a model for us to follow God's commands, even when they require effort or sacrifice.

Community and Accountability
The interconnectedness of the seven churches reminds us of the importance of community and accountability within the body of Christ. We should support and learn from one another.

Perseverance in Trials
John's situation on Patmos reflects the reality of trials and persecution. As believers, we are called to persevere and remain faithful, trusting in God's ultimate plan.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Revelation 1:11?

2. What is the significance of Jesus speaking directly in Revelation 1:11?

3. How do the seven churches in Revelation 1:11 relate to modern churches?

4. Why is it important to "write in a book" as instructed in Revelation 1:11?

5. How can we apply the message to the seven churches in our lives?

6. What other scriptures emphasize the importance of listening to Jesus' words?

7. What is the significance of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation 1:11?

8. Why does Revelation 1:11 emphasize writing to specific churches?

9. How does Revelation 1:11 relate to the overall message of Revelation?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Revelation 1?


What Does Revelation 1:11 Mean
Write on a scroll

“Write on a scroll…” (Revelation 1:11) highlights the Lord’s explicit command to record His revelation in permanent form.

• The instruction ensures accuracy and preserves the vision for every generation (cf. Revelation 1:19; Jeremiah 30:2).

• Scripture itself is the product of such divine directives (2 Peter 1:20-21).

• Because the words are written, they are both authoritative and accessible (Deuteronomy 17:18-19).


what you see

John is told to write “what you see,” underscoring eyewitness testimony.

• The apostle records a real vision granted in real time (Revelation 1:12; 22:8).

• His role parallels other inspired witnesses (1 John 1:1-3).

• The phrase assures us that Revelation communicates actual sights and events, not mere impressions or guesses.


and send it

The scroll is to be delivered, not kept private.

• God’s word is intended for the whole body (Colossians 4:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:27).

• By commanding distribution, the Lord affirms that Revelation is pastoral as well as prophetic (Revelation 22:16).

• Sharing the message protects against selective editing and keeps every church accountable.


to the seven churches

Seven specific congregations in Asia Minor receive the scroll (Revelation 1:4, 20).

• The number seven often signifies completeness, suggesting the message is for the universal church while still addressing local assemblies.

• These churches form a rough postal circuit, making delivery practical and ensuring all will hear in sequence.

• Each church’s unique condition will be confronted in chapters 2–3.


Ephesus

• A bustling port and missionary hub (Acts 19).

• Commended for labor yet warned for “leaving your first love” (Revelation 2:1-7).

• Teaches that orthodoxy without devotion displeases Christ.


Smyrna

• A suffering congregation facing persecution (Revelation 2:8-11).

• Encouraged: “Be faithful even to the point of death” and promised “the crown of life.”

• Reminds believers that trials refine faith (James 1:12).


Pergamum

• Situated where “Satan’s throne is” (Revelation 2:12-17), perhaps referencing pagan temples or emperor worship.

• Praised for loyalty yet rebuked for tolerating false teaching.

• Calls the church to doctrinal purity amid hostile culture.


Thyatira

• Known for trade guilds and idolatrous feasts (Acts 16:14).

• Commended for love and service, but admonished for permitting immorality (Revelation 2:18-29).

• Illustrates the danger of compromise in daily commerce.


Sardis

• A city once famous for wealth and an impregnable acropolis.

• Spiritually “you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead” (Revelation 3:1-6).

• Urges vigilance; past glory cannot substitute present obedience (Matthew 24:42).


Philadelphia

• Small yet faithful, with “an open door that no one can shut” (Revelation 3:7-13).

• Promised protection in trial and a permanent place in God’s presence.

• Encourages perseverance for all who have little strength yet keep His word.


Laodicea

• Prosperous banking and textile center.

• Neither hot nor cold—“I am about to spit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:14-22).

• Warns against lukewarm self-sufficiency; Christ invites intimate fellowship instead.


summary

Revelation 1:11 shows Jesus commissioning John to record an unfiltered, eyewitness account and circulate it among seven literal churches that together represent the whole church age. Each assembly receives a tailored message, yet every believer is meant to listen and respond. The verse affirms the authority of written Scripture, the necessity of sharing God’s revelation, and the Lord’s intimate concern for His people in every place and time.

(11) I am Alpha and Omega.—In this verse we pass from St. John to Him who was the Word, of whom St. John gave testimony. He who is the faithful witness now speaks. “What thou seest, write,” &c. The previous words, “I am Alpha,” &c., are not found in the best MSS. The words “which are in Asia,” are also omitted.

The seven churches.—There were more than seven churches in Asia Minor; but the number selected indicates completeness. Thus, though having special reference to the conditions of those churches, the epistles may be regarded as epistles conveying ever appropriate lessons to the churches of succeeding ages. The names of the seven churches are enumerated, as they would naturally be by a person writing from Patmos. “First, Ephesus is addressed, as the Asiatic metropolis, and as the nearest church to Patmos; then the other churches on the western coast of Asia; then those in the interior” (Wordsworth).

Verse 11. - On ample evidence (א, A, C, and all versions), "I am Alpha ... the Last; and" must be omitted; also "which are in Asia." Write in a book; literally, into a book (εἰς βιβλίον). Over and over again, twelve times in all, St. John reminds us that he writes this book by Divine command (ver. 19; Revelation 2:1, 8, 12, 18; Revelation 3:1, 7, 14; Revelation 14:13; Revelation 19:9; Revelation 21:5; comp. Revelation 10:4). The seven Churches. The order is not haphazard. It is precisely that which would be natural to a person writing in Patmos or travelling from Ephesus. Ephesus comes first as metropolis; then the city on the coast, Smyrna; then the inland cities in order, working round towards Ephesus again. In short, it is just the order in which St. John would visit the Churches in making an apostolic circuit as metropolitan. With the exception of what is told us in these chapters, the history of the Churches of Pergamum, Thyatira, and Sardis in the apostolic or sub-apostolic age is quite unknown. It was an ancient objection to the Apocalypse that in Thyatira there was no Church (see on Revelation 2:18).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
saying,
λεγούσης (legousēs)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

“Write
γράψον (grapson)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1125: A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.

in
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

a scroll
βιβλίον (biblion)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 975: A papyrus roll. A diminutive of biblos; a roll.

what
(Ho)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

you see
βλέπεις (blepeis)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 991: (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

send [it]
πέμψον (pempson)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3992: To send, transmit, permit to go, put forth.

to the
ταῖς (tais)
Article - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

seven
ἑπτὰ (hepta)
Adjective - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2033: Seven. A primary number; seven.

churches:
ἐκκλησίαις (ekklēsiais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1577: From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

Ephesus,
Ἔφεσον (Epheson)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2181: Ephesus, a coast city, capital of the Roman province Asia. Probably of foreign origin; Ephesus, a city of Asia Minor.

Smyrna,
Σμύρναν (Smyrnan)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4667: Smyrna, a great port of the Roman province Asia. The same as smurna; Smyrna, a place in Asia Minor.

Pergamum,
Πέργαμον (Pergamon)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4010: Pergamum, an important city of the Roman province Asia. From purgos; fortified; Pergamus, a place in Asia Minor.

Thyatira,
Θυάτειρα (Thyateira)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2363: Thyatira, a place in Asia Minor.

Sardis,
Σάρδεις (Sardeis)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 4554: Sardis, an ancient city of Lydia in the province of Asia. Plural of uncertain derivation; Sardis, a place in Asia Minor.

Philadelphia,
Φιλαδέλφειαν (Philadelpheian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5359: Philadelphia, a city of the Roman province Asia. From Philadelphos, a king of Pergamos; Philadelphia, a place in Asia Minor.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

Laodicea.”
Λαοδίκειαν (Laodikeian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2993: From a compound of laos and dike; Laodicia, a place in Asia Minor.


Additonal Resources
Revelation 1:11 Blue Letter Bible
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NT Prophecy: Revelation 1:11 Saying What you see write (Rev. Re Apocalypse)

Revelation 1:10
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