He Who Has An Ear

I guess Van Gogh's out, huh?  Oh, he still has one left...

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches”—This phrase is used in every letter.  It is a phrase used to call attention to the significance of each letter.  It is based on Jesus’ commonly used phrase, “He who has hears to hear, let him hear.” (e.g. Mark 4:9)  

This means if one has the ability to physically hear then that one should pay attention because this is important. 

The addition, “what the Spirit says to the churches” makes it clear that this is a prophecy that John is receiving from the Spirit and it is being given to Jesus’ churches.  Again, this emphasizes the importance of the message.

The fact that it is repeated after each letter not only makes it seven-fold significant, but points out the fact that each letter was, in fact, a separate letter, to be sent to each church, not just a general revelation.