The introduction makes it clear that this is in some sense a normal letter. Indeed, the style is similar to that found in other letters in the New Testament. It is addressed to the seven churches in Asia. The seven churches, who will shortly receive individual letters, actually form a circle.
As in Paul's letters, John blesses the recipients with grace and peace.
"From Him who is, and who was, and is to come" is a reference to God. Then there is reference to Jesus as the faithful witness. Remember that in John's gospel Jesus emphasises that He has come from heaven and is the one who has been sent. He tells of what He has seen the Father do and say. In Revelation Jesus will continue to tell of what He the Father has given Him. By the way, this reinforces the view that this was actually written by John the apostle. The "seven spirits" is an unusual reference. It could be translated "sevenfold spirit", which would make it more likely that it is a reference to the Holy Spirit. This is most likely as we then have a clear trinitarian triplet here.
Seven is a favourite number of John in Revelation. Seven represents completeness, so he is stressing the completeness of the Spirit here.
Jesus is further attributed with being the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. This last reference is central to the whole message of Revelation. All the powers we see at work in the world are ultimately subject to the Lord Jesus Christ.
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