The subject of this book is the letters written to the Seven Churches of Asia Minor in the Book of Revelation. These letters were written by St John of Patmos, who is also known as St John the Theologian or St John the Divine. They were addressed to Christian communities living in what is today western Turkey. The purpose of this book is to explain these letters and the historical places connected with them in a clear and engaging way.
This book is prepared by a former tour guide who has visited the sites of the Seven Churches many times with travelers from different countries. Because of this background, the approach of the book is practical and descriptive rather than strictly academic. It is written for the general reader, not only for archaeologists, historians, or theologians. The goal is to help readers understand the historical setting, religious meaning, and physical remains of these important early Christian sites Historical Background.
The Book of Revelation
The Book of Revelation, also called the Apocalypse, is the final book of the Bible. It is widely considered the most difficult book to understand because it uses strong symbols, visions, and dramatic images. Rather than describing events in a literal way, Revelation communicates its message through symbolic language that was familiar to people living in the ancient world.
The word apocalypse means “revelation” or “unveiling.” This type of writing belongs to a literary tradition known as apocalyptic literature. Such texts reveal hidden truths about the future, the struggle between good and evil, and the final judgment of the world. These writings often appear during times of crisis, when people are suffering and seeking hope.
Apocalyptic Literature and Its Origins
Apocalyptic literature became especially popular between the third century BCE and the first century CE. During this period, many Jewish communities experienced political failure, foreign rule, and social injustice. As hopes for a fair and prosperous kingdom on earth declined, expectations for divine intervention and an end to history increased.
One of the best-known examples of this type of writing is the Book of Daniel, written in the second century BCE. It was composed to encourage Jews who were suffering under the rule of the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175–164 BCE). Daniel uses visions, symbols, and strange creatures to show that oppressive rulers will not last and that God’s justice will prevail Private Tours Bulgaria Varna.
St John and the Use of Symbolism
St John of Patmos often draws on the language and imagery found in the Book of Daniel. In Revelation, he describes dramatic visions such as beasts, angels, plagues, and heavenly battles. One striking example is the image of the locusts described in Revelation 9:7–10, whose appearance is compared to war horses, crowned heads, human faces, and scorpion tails. These images are not meant to be taken literally but symbolically, representing fear, destruction, and divine judgment.
Through these powerful images, St John sought to encourage Christian communities facing persecution and pressure from Roman authority. His message was one of warning, hope, and faithfulness.
Understanding the Book of Revelation requires patience and historical awareness. By placing the letters to the Seven Churches within their cultural and historical context, this book aims to make a complex text more understandable. Through simple explanations and real places that can still be visited today, the reader is invited to explore one of the most fascinating and mysterious parts of the Bible.
