What Christ Thinks of the Church: An Exposition of Revelation 1-3

by John R.W. Stott

This expostition of Revelation 1-3 explores the letters to seven churches of the ancient world.

Genres: Theology, Biblical Studies, New Testament, Christian, Faith, Church

128 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

John R. W. Stott is known worldwide as a preacher, evangelist, and communicator of Scripture. For many years he served as rector of All Souls Church in London, where he carried out an effective urban pastoral ministry. A leader among evangelicals in Britain, the United States and around the world, Stott was a principal framer of the landmark Lausanne Covenant (1974). His many books, including Why I Am a Christian and The Cross of Christ, have sold millions of copies around the world and in dozens of languages. Whether in the West or in the Two-Thirds World, a hallmark of Stott's ministry has been expository preaching that addresses the hearts and minds of contemporary men and women. Stott was honored by Time magazine in 2005 as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World."

Reviews

[Don Harton · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Stott’s exposition of the letters from Jesus to the seven churches in Asia is magisterial. He carefully walks with us thru the background of the seven communities, explaining how the symbolism relates to these places and these times. You will come away with a better understanding - what Christ was saying to believers then and what Christ is saying to believers now.

As John the first century author tells us in Revelation 1:3 (CSB) “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep what is written in it, because the time is near.” John Stott’s What Christ Thinks of the Church will help you to keep what is written in Revelation.

May you find strength for repentance and endurance in the words of Christ to His followers, in whatever condition His words may find you.

[Matt Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

There have been many volumes on the seven churches that the book of Revelation is addressed to. But this one reminds us that Christianity is not an ethnic religion. Their churches were given a specific instructions for themselves, but it is also a general call to all who claim the name of Christ. The vision was not too, John he was described. It was for the churches we are taught that hating evil is not the same as loving Jesus. We are reminded of the willingness and the cost of suffering. That we are supposed to love the truth and avoid synchronism. That in this day and age of tolerance, we must have the courage to correct. We must not appeal to the works of the world and claim the name of Christ for that is pure hypocrisy. But rather the cross has opened the door and if we would just stop going through the motions, we would join the Church triumphant.

[Jasmine Shadows]

While this is not one of my favorite books by Stott, I did enjoy it. I appreciated his strong stand for the truths of what is actually being said about each of the seven churches. I do wish that he went in to a little more detail. It is a quick read, and it has some lovely illustrations of the locations of where the churches had been. I would not have a problem recommending it to others.

[Tim Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great exposition of the first three chapters of Revelation. Stott offers great insight, and this is a very devotional read.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Expositors fail to consult this master of exposition at their own risk!

[Don Ekback]

This is well worth the time and energy for an in-depth look at this portion of scripture.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, concise and challenging. It's an exposition, not a commentary. Excellent companion to your study of what the Spirit says to the churches! I also like how the biblical text is included at the start of each chapter.

[E · Rating 3 out of 5]

I suppose there are several books out there concerning the 7 ecclesial letters in Revelation, and this one is probably roughly par for the course. Less thrilling than some other Stott works I've studied, but he covers the bases ably. The 7 letters are tailor-made for a short sermon series, and if I do that one day, I imagine I will use this book. I wish it were more exegetical and less surface-y, hence the rating.

[Crossroads Ecc · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Christ thinks of the church is a question of great concern to all Christians. What we ourselves think of it from the inside and what others think of it from the outside are also important. But far more significant is the view of Jesus Christ himself, since he is the church's founder, head and judge.

[David Campton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A series of sermons now over 50 years old, but still the normative evangelical expostion of the Letters to the 7 Churches in Revelation. A little dated when it starts dealing with "current" social issues, but the application is still valid, and the historical context is beautifully described.

[L. R. Bouligny Bouligny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good summary of the first 3 chapters of Revelation, and the significance of the churches to whom Jesus speaks.

[Marcelus Lima]

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