The letter proceeds from him who “holds” the 7 stars in his right hand and who “walks” in the midst of the 7 golden lampstands. The meaning of this symbolism is given in the immediately preceding verse (1:20). But notice the advance made from the description in 1:13, 16 to that of 2:1. He not only “has” the stars, he “holds” (lit., grasps) them. He not only “stands” in the midst of the lampstands, he “walks” among them! Our Lord patrols the churches with an intense and ever present awareness