1:4 From John to the seven churches in the province of Asia. Good will [a] and peace to you from the one who is, the one who was, and the one who is coming, from the seven spirits who are in front of his throne,
From John to the seven churches in the province of Asia.
Seven is the number of completeness or perfection. So while this book (Revelation 1:11) is to seven churches - each with their own individual letters" in Revelation chapters 2 and 3, it is in a broader sense to all churches and believers (Revelation 1:1). The area "ASIA" was the region of greatest missionary activity to both Jews and Gentiles. Paul explains why the Gentiles accepted the gospel while the Jews didn't (Romans 11:25-32). It will be interesting to discover how much of Revelation, especially the middle chapters, is based upon the Jewish tabernacle and traditions. Yet it is the Gentiles who receive the Word most readily.
Good will [a] and peace to you
"Good will" was the Greek way of greeting someone; "Peace" the Hebrew way. Both can only come from God; man is only capable of receiving them.
It is "Good will" which allows us to participate in and have God's riches. Peace results from a close fellowship with Jesus Christ (see verse 5); He leaves it with us (John 14:25-27). It removes trouble and fear.
from the one who is, the one who was, and the one who is coming,
This is a label for God, the Father. It is found in these Revelations (Revelation 1:8, Revelation 4:8, Revelation 11:17, Revelation 16:5). It is a paraphrase of the Hebrew word, YHWH, and equivalent to "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:13-14).
We find God, the Son, described similarly in John 1:1-2.
from the seven spirits who are in front of his throne,
The completeness of the Holy Spirit is shown here. There is only one Spirit (Ephesians 4:4-6), yet He has several ministries. Some believe they are listed in Isaiah 11:1-2.
In any case, the placement of this phrase between God, the Father and God, the Son (verse 5), clearly makes this God, the Holy Spirit. He has a prominent position before God's Throne meaning that the peace He brings is directly from God. See John 14:25-27 that the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, and Jesus Christ work closely together.
The Old Testament, in Zechariah 4:1-7, prophesied of the sevenfold nature of the Holy Spirit and this close relationship to Jesus Christ, the Top Stone. Note, the salutation of "GRACE, GRACE" given at the end....just like our salutation here.
[a] Or “Grace.”