Jesus, as the author (or source) of this revelation, has John address his words to the seven churches that are in Asia.
The names of these seven churches are found in Revelation 1:11. These are actual churches that existed some 2,000 years ago when Jesus gave this revelation to John. In the wisdom of God, these real churches needed the instruction and comfort of this revelation in the midst of the trials and temptations they experienced. For details about these churches, see the commentary on Revelation 2:1 – 3:22.
4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia:Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne,