shellfish from the Mediterranean Sea, known as a murex, and extracted purple dye from it, using the dye to color wool (see Acts 16:14). This letter reminds us that sometimes God approaches us with warm and upbeat words; but at other times He uses much firmer language. The latter sort of divine love is disciplinary, and it should never shock us (see Hebrews 12:5-11). Jesus introduces Himself to this church as the Son of God—the only time that term is used in Revelation. It speaks of authority. The