“IOW, Paul was the first Reformer?”
Paul played a major role in the early church conflict about keeping the Mosaic law. His epistles clearly reflect where he stood. I’ve never heard him being called a “reformer” before. Would you mind explaining what you mean?
“I’ve seen the 7 churches expressed as different eras before. It’s an interesting thought. I’m more inclined to believe they exist concurrently.”
It doesn’t have to be either/or, it can be both concurrent and prophetic. The near-far phenomena is quite common in prophecy. Meaning the messages to the seven churches addressed then-existing conditions in each individual church, while at the same time a prophetic projection of church history.
Rev. 1:3 refers to the entire book as prophecy, that would include the seven churches.
I put the question mark at the end because I really wasn't sure where you were headed with the initial post. I do agree with your analysis.
I suppose reformer wouldn't be the correct term because he was bringing a new revelation to the Apostles not returning to something that had been before. Even though it had previously been revealed to Peter that Gentiles were to be saved as well, he remained steadfast in his Mosaic view and it was Paul that The Gospel of Grace was revealed to.
It doesn’t have to be either/or, it can be both concurrent and prophetic. The near-far phenomena is quite common in prophecy. Meaning the messages to the seven churches addressed then-existing conditions in each individual church, while at the same time a prophetic projection of church history.
Looking at how the Reformation churches triggered a change in Christianity certainly lends to this argument that each church represents an era in Christianity. It's a view I haven't examined in any great detail.