let him hear
This is an imperative command, urging the listener to actively engage with the message being delivered. In the biblical context, hearing implies obedience and response, not just passive listening. This call to hear is a recurring theme in the Bible, seen in Deuteronomy 6:4, where the Shema begins with "Hear, O Israel," underscoring the importance of listening to God's word with the intent to act upon it.

what the Spirit says
The Spirit refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, who communicates God's will and truth to believers. In the context of Revelation, the Spirit is the divine source of the messages to the churches, indicating that these are not merely human words but divinely inspired instructions. This aligns with John 16:13, where Jesus promises that the Spirit of truth will guide believers into all truth.

to the churches
The term "churches" refers to the seven churches in Asia Minor addressed in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. These were real, historical congregations located in cities such as Ephesus, Smyrna, and Pergamum. Each church receives a specific message tailored to its unique circumstances, yet the messages also have a universal application for all churches throughout history. This reflects the communal nature of the early Christian faith and the shared challenges and responsibilities faced by believers.

Jesus opens with a universal call. Everyone possesses physical ears, yet Scripture distinguishes between merely hearing sounds and truly receiving truth (Deuteronomy 29:4; Jeremiah 5:21). By saying “He who has an ear,” the Lord invites every listener to self-examination:

• Do I have the spiritual capacity to respond?

• Am I willing to submit to what I am about to hear?

Mark 4:9 records Jesus repeating the same phrase after the Parable of the Sower, underscoring that receptivity precedes fruitfulness. Revelation 2:7 shows the identical wording, proving that this invitation is consistent across all seven letters.

Hearing in biblical thought includes heeding—an obedient response, not passive reception (James 1:22). Romans 10:17 reminds us, “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ”. Hearing, then, is the God-ordained conduit for faith, conviction, and transformation.

Practical implications:

• Approach the Word expectantly, believing it is living and active (Hebrews 4:12).

• Respond promptly; delayed obedience dulls spiritual hearing (Hebrews 3:15).

• Test every message by Scripture itself (Acts 17:11).

The message originates with the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Godhead, who “will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). Although John pens the words, the Spirit empowers and applies them. Cross references reinforce this:

• Acts 2:4—early believers “were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak.”

• 1 Corinthians 2:10—“These are the things God has revealed to us by His Spirit.”

Because the Spirit never contradicts the written Word He inspired (2 Timothy 3:16), believers can trust every warning, promise, and commendation in these letters without reservation.

The plural form underscores that each letter, while directed to a specific congregation, carries lessons for the entire body of Christ. Revelation 1:11 lists seven literal churches in Asia Minor, demonstrating the historical reality of the audience. Yet the Spirit intends these truths for every generation:

• 1 Corinthians 1:2—Paul addresses “all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

• Revelation 3:22 repeats the same admonition after the final letter, book-ending the section and confirming its collective relevance.

Whether facing persecution (Smyrna), compromise (Pergamum), or lukewarmness (Laodicea), churches today encounter parallel challenges. Christ’s closing words ensure that no assembly can claim exemption from the Spirit’s scrutiny and counsel.

Revelation 2:29 is Christ’s recurring refrain that brings every letter to a decisive point: If you possess spiritual ears, prove it by attentive, obedient listening. The Holy Spirit, speaking through infallible Scripture, addresses not only first-century congregations but the entire Church until Jesus returns. Our responsibility is simple and weighty—hear, heed, and hold fast to the Spirit’s voice.

Parallel Commentaries ...