The voice said, “Write what you see on a scroll and send it to the seven churches in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”
Even though you’ve never seen Jesus, you love him. Though you don’t see him now, you believe in him and you’re filled with a glorious joy that can’t be put into words.
Even though I’m away from you in body, I’m with you in spirit, and I am glad to see that you’re well-disciplined and that your faith in Christ is so strong.
During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, with loud cries and tears he prayed to and pleaded with the God who could save him from death, and God listened to him because of his reverence.
Earlier, in the city of Philippi, we suffered and the people treated us very badly, as you also know. But God still gave us the boldness to tell you his good news, even when people strongly opposed us.