The church is very much mentioned as the central theme of Revelation. Remember, that the book of Revelation was written to the 7 churches mentioned in chapters 1-3, so whilst they may not rate a mention by name after chapter 3, all that is seen in John's vision is detailed for them as the recipients of the letter.
Certainly there is a return to the Jews in the prophecies, and there has to be, as there are still unfinished prophecies and finalisation of the covenant promise to the Jews awaiting fulfilling. However, throughout the chapters of Revelation, the church is central as can be seen in all chapters, not only the specific ones relating to specific churches. There are many general references as well as those more specific ones.
Chapters 1-3 speak specifically of the churches as Omega and Aineo mentioned
Chapter 5 speaks of Christ's blood having purchased men for God from every tribe, language, and people and nation and made them to be a kingdom to serve our God.
chapter 6 speaks of the voice of the martyrs.. those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. The key to their identity is the reason they were martyred..
The vision in Revelation 7 of those coming out of the great tribulation is a two fold one, of those from the 12 tribes of Israel (vs 5-8)(who had a seal placed upon them, and until that was done, no one could be harmed) and then a vision of multitudes without number assembled before the throne, from EVERY nation, tribe, peole and language.. those who came out of the great tribulation. There has to be two visions here, as in the verses 5-8 specific numbers and tribes are mentioned, yet in verse 9, the great multitude is described as one that no one can count, and which came from every nation, tribe, people and language.
chapter 8 speaks of the prayers of the saints being mixed with incense and offered at the altar
chapter 11 talks of the 24 elders who worship before the throne, and exalt God for the reward given to the prophets and to the saints and those who reverence your name. As the New Testament believers are the saints of God, this has to include the church.
Chapter 19 talks of the wedding feast for the bride (the New Testament picture of the church) and the lamb
Chapter 21 talks of the New Jerusalem and speaks of the bride again, the wife of the lamb.
Chapter 22 speaks of the Bride saying" come" to the Lord.
The chapters between chapters 9 and 11, and 12 and 18 include descriptions of things that will effect the jews only, and others that will encompass the entire earth.
There are many references to parallel experiences for the Jews and as history is continued on, there is much yet to happen in prophecy for the Jewish nation. However, I would like to suggest that this is not for the sake of the Jews, but for the sake of God, who chose Abraham and his offspring to be the carrier of the good news to the world. God promised they would be the carriers of the blessing to the nations, and this final part of the revelation of human history will see that accomplished, and it's final presentation is that of the church, made up of all believers everywhere.
I'm interested in your responses to this webmaster and Aineo. I know that this book of Revelation, as can be seen in the Revelation forum, attracts many different views on it's interpretation, but I must admit, that was the first time I had ever heard that the church is not mentioned in revelation, hence my needing clarification in my last post.
Carol
thanks