The Context of Revelation

The Book of Revelation, written by St. John during his exile on Patmos, begins with a vision where Christ communicates directly to him. This vision takes place in a cave, symbolizing a significant spiritual space, and is characterized by Christ's appearance among seven lampstands, which represent seven churches. The letters that follow are Christ's dictation to John, intending to reach the specific Christian communities in cities like Ephesus. This direct communication emphasizes the importance of these messages as they provide not merely general teachings but specific guidance intended for the collective life of those communities.