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Revelation 02 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Chapters 2 and 3 together form a single unit. This section is usually referred to as the "seven letters to the seven churches." The translator may wish to set these letters apart from each other to clearly distinguish them.
Some translations set apart quotations of the Old Testament. The ULB and many other English translations indent the lines of 2:27, which is a quotation from the Old Testament.
Special concepts in this chapter
Poverty and wealth
This chapter has a play on the two possible meanings of being poor and rich. The Ephesians were poor financially because they did not have a lot of money. They were not poor spiritually because of the great "riches" they had in Christ. (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit)
"The devil is about to"
The book of Revelation is about the things that Satan is going to do on earth. Despite this, it is ultimately about what God will do in the end to defeat Satan.
Balaam, Balak and Jezebel
These teachings of Balaam are difficult to fully understand if the books of Kings have not yet been translated. This is probably a reference to leading the people of Israel into immorality and the worship of false gods. (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/falsegod)
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Metaphor
Some scholars take chapter 2 and 3 as a metaphor. They understand these churches to refer to types of churches or historical periods of the church. It is best to translate this as instructions to ancient churches in each of these cities. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor)
"If you have an ear, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches."
This is a phrase which acts as a call to repentance for those in the church. (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent)
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
"The angels of the seven churches"
The Greek word translated as "angels" can also be translated as "messengers." It is possible this is a reference to the messengers or leaders of these seven churches.
"These are the words of the one"
This phrase, used to introduce these letters is probably a reference to Jesus. Each letter then describes an aspect of Jesus which is significant for the rest of the letter.