The Sermons to the Seven Churches of Revelation
A Commentary and Guide
About
A New Testament scholar, preacher, and tour guide to the lands of the New Testament explains the meaning of the seven sermons of Revelation 2-3 and shows how these ancient messages are relevant for the church today.
Jeffrey Weima offers readers not only detailed exegesis of the seven "letters" (actually sermons) to the seven churches of Revelation 2:1-3:22 but also sample sermons that show how these ancient messages, despite their subtle Old Testament allusions and perplexing images, are relevant for the contemporary church. The book provides an informed commentary on a challenging portion of Scripture and help toward preaching the text. Weima avoids going too deeply into scholarly debates that are difficult for readers to wade through, but he also corrects those who handle the text in a superficial manner that embraces popular interpretations not grounded in biblical exegesis or historical evidence. The book includes photos, maps, and charts and will be of interest to preachers, students, teachers, and Bible study groups.
Contents
Introduction
1. Ephesus
2. Smyrna
3. Pergamum
4. Thyatira
5. Sardis
6. Philadelphia
7. Laodicea
Appendix: Grammatical Outlines
Indexes
Endorsements
"This useful and well-researched book offers a persuasive and spiritually enriching reading of the messages to the seven churches in Revelation 2-3. Weima first carefully sets each message within its first-century Roman context and then produces clear, engaging sermons on these ancient messages. The result is a model for the preparation and delivery of accurate and applicable expository sermons on any biblical passage. This book is not only a fascinating and compelling guide to Revelation 2-3 but a helpful textbook on expository preaching."
Frank Thielman, Presbyterian Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School
"With his trademark care and judiciousness, Weima offers a particularly useful interpretive guide to the seven sermons of Revelation 2-3. He asks what Christ's message was to the original churches and what it is to the contemporary worldwide church. Weima provides engaging historical detail but also presents inviting contemporary sermon models based on the sermons of Revelation. Weima's evident faith and compassion make this book a great companion for teachers and pastors."
L. Ann Jervis, professor of New Testament, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto
"Weima has provided an excellently detailed analysis of the seven sermons in Revelation 2-3, which he clearly demonstrates are not letters. He is fully conversant with the historical context of these sermons and shows both how a judicious analysis of that context illumines our understanding of the text in its original setting and how these homilies can be preached today. Further, he is right on target in saying that these sermons are exercises in truth-telling not in foretelling. Highly recommended."
Ben Witherington III, Amos Professor of New Testament for Doctoral Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary
"With precision and potency, Weima provides an insightful corrective for some misunderstandings of Jesus's sermons to the seven churches in Asia Minor. This is one of the most comprehensive and helpful resources on Revelation 2 and 3, equipping preachers to interpret, communicate, and apply Jesus's timeless instructions for modern listeners. You will want to get your hands on this significant book."
Matthew D. Kim, George F. Bennett Professor of Preaching and Practical Theology, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary; author of Preaching with Cultural Intelligence and Preaching to People in Pain
"Weima has again written a detailed study of a New Testament text that is both comprehensive and a pleasure to read, both historically informed and theologically focused. He explains the truth of the gospel and assists pastors in their task of preaching the word of God. This is the best commentary on the messages to the seven churches in Revelation 2-3 written in a long time."
Eckhard J. Schnabel, Mary F. Rockefeller Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
The Author
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Jeffrey A. D. Weima
Jeffrey A. D. Weima (PhD, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto) is professor of New Testament at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he has taught for more than twenty-five years. He is the author of Paul the Ancient Letter...
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