the seven churches” (Rev 1:20). The purpose of the vision is for John to write to the seven churches, telling them about Christ, who stands among them. A part of this vision is found in the first six churches (Rev 2:1, 8, 12, 18; 3:1, 7). Then the seventh message ends with a reference to Christ’s ascension. “To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne” (Rev 3:21). This is the logical contextual background for