The Seven angels and the Proper Food

On the Lord’s Day the apostle John banished upon the island of Patmos was in spirit when he saw one like the Son of Man standing in the midst of seven golden lamp-stands. In his right hand he held seven stars. He later explained to John that the seven stars were the angels (or messengers) of the seven churches, and that the seven golden lamp-stands represented the seven churches. (Rev 1:9-20)

These seven churches we understand represent the seven stages of the one church throughout its history during the Gospel age. One specific “star” (angel or messenger) was appointed to each stage of the church.

“That they are in his right hand indicates that they are special favored ones who are to bring light to the church. Our Lord would use these individuals at key times and places to reveal his plans and intentions to the church. That they would receive their instruction through the Holy Spirit is indicated by the message at the end of each church message, “He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith to unto the churches.” The seven stars are mentioned again in Rev 3:1.

“IT IS IMPORTANT to note that all of these messages are specifically written TO the ANGELS (the appointed messengers), and NOT to the CHURCHES themselves.

For example: “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write…”, “To the angel of the church of Smyrna write…” and so on and so forth to all seven churches.

Without hearing the angels and the messages GIVEN THEM to relate to the Church, the various Churches could not receive the message.

Thus, it is important that we attempt to correctly identify the specific angel appointed to each church age so that we might receive the correct message intended for us. Unfortunately, the professing church has little idea about these messengers and who they are. Some even imagine them to be actual angels, spirit beings. As for those who understand them to be human beings, they have nevertheless chosen to disregard the Lord’s choice in the matter and have chosen for themselves their own guides and messengers, with their own messages. Thus, depriving themselves and their listeners of the true message needed to help them overcome”.

As whether these messengers were actual angels or men consider the following:

Messenger: Strong’s # 32 (ággelos) can refer to “a human messenger” (Compare John the Baptist, Matt 11:10, quoting Mal 3:1; see also Luke 7:24; 9:52)

“Behold, I send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant, whom ye desire, behold, he comes, saith Jehovah of hosts.” (Mal 3:1)

“This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way before thee.” (Matt 11:10)

Aggelos is used 176 times in the NT (usually of heavenly angels), but only the context determines whether a human or celestial messenger is intended. For example, 32 (ággelos) in Rev 1:20 can refer to heavenly angels or key leaders (perhaps pastors) of the seven churches.”

“The word angel: aggelos (ang’-el-os); from aggello [probably derived from 71; compare 34] (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an “angel”; by implication, a pastor: KJV– angel, messenger.

From the meaning of the word angel, we can see that the angels or messengers to the churches would not necessarily have to be actual spirit beings, but rather men or pastors who had the responsibility to take care of the church, and to bring them light and spiritual food at the proper time. Each angel or messenger had the responsibility to deliver his message, good or bad, to each stage of the church.” (Revelation Notes: Southern Wisconsin)

Continued with next post.