2:7 unto the churches. Note that each of the seven letters was intended to be heard, not by just the one church to which it was addressed, but by all “the churches.”

2:7 overcometh. Each epistle has a special promise to those who “overcome.” We are urged to “overcome the wicked one” (I John 2:13) “by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death” (Revelation 12:11).

2:7 tree of life. John confirms that “the tree of life” and “paradise” were historical realities and will also be future realities (Revelation 22:2).