Since Jesus speaks to only one "angel" in each congregation, does this mean that each congregation has only one elder? No. As early as Paul's day, the Ephesian congregation has number of elders, not just one. (Revelation 2:1; Acts 20:17) So in John's day when messages were sent to the seven stars to be read to the congregations (including the one in Ephesus), the stars must have stood for all those who served in the bodies of elders within Jehovah's anointed congregation. In like manner, overseers today read to their congregations letter received from the Governing Body, made up of anointed overseers who serve under Jesus' headship. The local bodies of elders have to make sure that Jesus' counsel is followed by their congregations. Of course, the counsel is for the benefit of all those associated in the congregations, not just the elders. - See REVELATION 2:11a.
Since Jesus is the Head of the congregations, the elders are properly said to be in his right hand, that is, under his control and direction. (Colossians 1:18) He is the Chief Shepherd, and they are undershepherds. - 1 PETER 5:2-4.
Next time: REVELATION ITS GRAND CLIMAX AT HAND!/Chapter Six -The Stars and the Lampstands -Conclusion
From the jw.org publications
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