“In Revelation 2:2, Jesus tells the church in Ephesus something intimate–Google Street View intimate. He says, ‘I know your works’ (Oida ta erga sou). Four words don’t seem like much, but in the Greek, it packs a punch…. Jesus chooses the Greek word oida, which expresses total, comprehensive knowledge. It is intimate knowledge that comes from being up close and personal. This knowledge isn’t … knowledge isn’t hazy on the details. It doesn’t struggle to remember. It preserves the particulars. In the mind’s eye, everything is sharp and clear, like a well-taken photograph.” –Chris Palmer
Letters from Jesus: Studies from the Seven Churches of Revelation explores Christ’s warnings to the seven most prominent churches in Asia Minor in the book of Revelation. These letters date back to 95 A.D., but they help us make a fascinating discovery about civilization: life hasn’t changed that much over the last two millennia.
Author Chris Palmer illustrates the truths contained in the Letters from Jesus using modern, everyday examples. The host of the popular podcast Greek for the Week, he unpacks Greek words and phrases in these verses from Revelation with humor, joy, and biblical scholarship.
Why study Greek, even just a little bit? As Chris explains, looking at the New Testament in the original language in which it was written can offer us some beautiful insights into God’s Word. “It’s like reading the Bible in high definition,” he says. Also, “studying God’s Word in the original language forces us to approach it with reverence and awe, humbling ourselves to obey what it says, whether it’s something we want to hear or not.”
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Letters from Jesus : Studies from the Seven Churches of Revelation , Greek for the Week is a 52 weeks bible study / Devotional. The Author, Chris Palmer has written a very detailed, yet fun study of the Seven Churches in Revelation. Palmer starts study with a bible verse or portion of a bible verse in both English and Greek. He includes modern applications for the verse, historical background surrounding the verse, a prayer for the week, activity for the week and Bible verses to study for the week. Note: I did not read this entire book, however I read several lessons from each section. I really enjoyed the weeks of the study that I have read and plan on doing the entire study with my husband for 2020. I think this study would be great to do alone, with a friend, or accountability partner.
I received a complimentary copy for this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
This book has been very informative and intense at times. I do enjoy books that look at different topics in the bible and break them down piece by piece and explain the scriptures. Have you ever heard the saying, “Well that’s Greek to me?” That is how I feel sometimes when reading the Bible. This book has helped me understand meanings of words which made me look at the scriptures in a new light.
It was interesting to read about the Seven Churches that are talked about in Revelation. The author takes us through the scriptures and unlocks the words that reveal what Jesus was talking about. One example was the word lychnia which means lampstand. In the verse the author is speaking about the word that means the seven churches. How interesting that a Greek word would come to mean the presence of God in the old testament.
One of the chapters I especially like was How To Stay On Top. In this chapter the author talks about the church at Sardis. They had gotten to a place where they were lax . Jesus then tells the church “to wake up” or in Greek , gregoreo. It was time for the church to stop being comfortable and be “on alert.” How many of us have become carefree in our spiritual walk? It is so easy to miss church one Sunday and then the next. Before you know it, the enemy has taken you out of your covering and made you vulnerable. God wants us to always be watching and guarding our walk with Him.
At the end of each chapter the author has provided a prayer, activity and scriptures for the week. I found them to be helpful and reaffirm the importance of knowing what scriptures mean. It is a well written book filled with insight that helps readers delve into the Word with more clarity.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion
As someone who majored in English literature, I have always had an affinity for languages. I took four semesters of Latin in college because of how much this ancient language undergirds English etymology. Similarly, ancient Greek holds an appeal, although I have never studied it. As soon as I heard about Chris Palmer’s “Letters From Jesus”, I requested a review copy, and I am definitely glad that I did. Although I needed to read through this book more quickly in order to post a review, it is best to proceed slowly and take time to absorb the gems of knowledge therein.
Focusing on the first three chapters in the Biblical book of Revelation, “Letters From Jesus” examines the seven churches and how the original Greek language informs the text. This, in turn, enhances our understanding of Jesus’ message to each church and how we can and should apply them to our own lives today. One of many interesting things that I learned while reading was how “the seven spirits of God represent seven functions of the Holy Spirit that make up His fullness”. Palmer hones in on a different area of study for each church, dividing them into sections within the book. The church at Ephesus concentrates on love; Smyrna, endurance; Pergamum, worldview; Thyatira, holiness; Sardis, the Holy Spirit; Philadelphia, Christian living; and Laodicea, faithfulness. Something that stood out to me was that several of these are fruits of the Spirit.
Revelation is a book that speaks of the future and the coming of the Lord’s kingdom here on earth, and while that in itself is enough to make it undoubtedly pertinent, Palmer points out many other facts that demonstrate that God’s Word is truly living and active. The New Testament was written in Koine Greek, which was the language of the everyday man, emphasizing that the Gospel was not and is not only for the upper class but rather for ALL people. Indeed, reading Palmer’s analyses is insightful and truly drives home the point that we are in a daily battle against evil and the enemy of our souls. In response to someone wondering where God was when a horrific event occurred, Palmer says that “God puts up with evil so people have a chance to repent and be saved. Until the time of judgment comes, God will be patient and forbearing. Meanwhile, Satan will continue to stir up evil to make the world hateful toward Christ”. This is why it is so important for us as Christians to remain steadfast in our faith and to keep the light of Jesus burning strongly within us. Today’s cultural ethos “will let you keep moving further and further from the Lord without ever saying a word” because the focus is always on you and what is best for you, whereas Jesus will tell us what areas in our lives need to change in order for us to be aligned with His will and to receive His priceless gift of eternal life.
Intended as a weekly devotional, “Letters From Jesus” contains 52 relatively short chapters. Each opens with a Scripture verse followed by the Greek with a few corresponding words highlighted. A personal, contemporary introduction leads into the situation of the church that is being discussed, with bonus information in blue boxes. Then there is both a prayer and an activity for the week, followed by a list of six Scriptures to explore each week. Endnotes are included and are almost exclusively relating to Greek grammar for the word and language lovers among us. I did notice editing errors throughout the book, but although it is not marked as such, my hardcover copy may be an ARC. I hope that the Kindle edition includes hyperlinks to the Scripture passages at the end of the chapters for easier reference. Regardless, I highly recommend this enlightening book, particularly for those interested in Greek and for group studies, but also for intrepid individuals endeavoring to better understand the letters to the seven churches and how they apply to us.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
Letters from Jesus, Studies from the Seven Churches of Revelation by Author Chris Palmer is a wonderful insightful look at the book of Revelation and the Greek language. I was mesmerized by the deep meaning that each Greek word possessed. This is a book that I did not know I needed so much until I read it.
Author Palmer obviously did his research well. This is a well planned and organized book. It is also very well written. His words are clear and easy to understand.
He opens with an introduction sharing that we might find some of ourselves in one of the churches or maybe a little of ourselves in all the churches. Well, he was right. This book will step on some toes, but that is okay.
Letters from Jesus is divided into weekly chapters. Chapters are only four pages and end with a prayer, short activity, and Biblical references for deeper insight. Beginning with a Scripture phrase in English and Greek the study continue with a story. Then it goes into the meaning of the Greek word.
This book taught me so much. It is one that I will definitely refer to as well as reread. The author made it timely and interesting. His style of writing is so nice. I would definitely read more from him.
I highly recommend this to all Christians. It would be good for either personal or group study. Church libraries would benefit from having this. I rated it a 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided but these are my honest thoughts.
Letters From Jesus by Reverend Chris Palmer examines the book of Revelation and the seven churches Paul addressed. As a Christian and the wife of a Primitive Baptist elder (preacher), I recognize the importance of learning Biblical history. Having attended a church at one point where the preacher emphasized the study of Greek and the study of Revelation, I was pleased to have the opportunity to review this book.
His initial discussion of Koine Greek drew me back to a desire to study and learn Greek so I can interact with the original Biblical text in a more meaningful way. I appreciated how he discussed how the Greek language allowed writers to arrange words in a way that emphasized the points they wanted to stand out.
I also appreciated how he reiterated the fact that the book of Revelation holds great relevance for us today. I also appreciated his discussion of the number 7 and how the letters to the seven churches represented a complete message for the “entire” Church or all Christians. I also appreciated how he provided insights into the geography and Church history of the time.
The way Reverend Palmer includes prayers for the week, an activity for the week, and Scriptures for the week encourages Biblical interaction and interaction with God as well. I also appreciated how he included Scriptures at the begining of each chapter that are presented in both English and Greek.
So if you are looking for a Biblcial study of the book of Revelation and the Greek language that is presented in a straight-forward manner, check out this book for yourself.
I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.
Chris Palmer laid out a wonderful study with his latest release, Letters from Jesus: Studies from the Seven Churches of Revelation. His study of Greek and the relationship to the original words of the Bible brings great insight into how the scriptures relate to our current world situation in churches today. Even after studying Revelations in another Bible Study format, I found this one more appealing with the depth of how the Greek words apply to today.
Each letter written to the seven churches is divided into seven short chapters to read during the week. The chapters focus on a particular verse for that particular church with emphasis on some specific key words and the original Greek meaning. Palmer’s easy format for the study is enlightening and meaningful. Each study is concluded with a prayer for the week, activity for the week and additional scriptural passages to read.
Each church letter is correlated to our world today. The Church at Ephesus-Studies on Love; The Church at Smyrna-Studies on Endurance; The Church at Pergamum-Studies on Worldview, The Church at Thyatira-Studies on Holiness; The Church at Sardis-Studies on the Holy Spirit, The Church at Philadelphia-Studies on Christian Living and the Church at Laodicea-Studies on Faithfulness. Each letter and study brought new awareness how easily Christian churches has allow societal or political thinking with the sin to enter churches today. As Palmer mention in the section, “Why Greek”, knowing the original Greek in the Bible is like reading it in high definition.
I went through this study at a faster pace by being on the book tour. However, I will be studying each letter and chapter in further depth in days ahead. This book is perfect for individual use, a Bible study group and will be beneficial for church leaders to heed the messages.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and the publisher. I was under no obligation to write a positive review but I have expressed my own sincere thoughts.
Letters from Jesus: Studies from the Seven Churches of Revelation by Chris Palmer is a jewel. The word “Greek” on the cover might be a little off putting to some, but nothing could be more personable and down to earth than this study. Palmer is a skilled and knowledgeable communicator, and the topic – Jesus’ letters to seven churches in Asia Minor – couldn’t be more relevant for us today.
I took a semester of Greek while in Bible college many years ago – not long enough to fully grasp a wealth of learning that would last a lifetime, but long enough to comprehend how vital a knowledge of the original Greek language is to our clear understanding of God’s Word. Greek is a formidable language; Palmer makes the meaning of key words and phrases not only easy to understand, but interesting. There’s often a sharper meaning than that conveyed by our English words.
The book’s topic is one that I’ve always found fascinating, but never actually studied in depth. (One of my college classes was called James to Revelation, but we never made it to Revelation.) Even if you’ve never studied Jesus’ letters, I’m pretty sure you’ll recognize some of these passages from them …
— “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.” (Revelation 2:4)
— “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10)
— “The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.” (Revelation 3:4-5)
— “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:15-16)
— “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline…” (Revelation 3:19)
— “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20)
The book is laid out in seven main sections, each one addressing a particular church. Chapters are four pages in length, ending with a short prayer, reflective activity, and Scripture references for additional insight. Each chapter begins with a phrase from the letter, with certain words highlighted, and the study delves into the Greek meaning behind those words.
Palmer points out in the introduction that we might find a lot of ourselves in one of the churches, or a little of ourselves in all the churches – and he’s exactly right. I learned a lot from this book and a lot about myself. Letters from Jesus would work well for personal study or in a small group setting. I had to read at a steady pace for review purposes but look forward to digging deeper very soon.
Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.