In the first three chapters of Revelation, John receives messages specific to seven Christian communities in the southeastern corner of modern-day Turkey. The region is mountainous, and the order of the letters in Revelation 2-3 is the same order as the most logical route for a courier carrying the letters. Ephesus was closest to Patmos. Laodicea was furthest away, and roads in the valleys naturally placed each community in order. Of the seven cities, three offer spectacular views of the ancient world: Ephesus, Pergamon and Laodicea. Note that each church received the entire Revelation, and all seven of the letters (Revelation 1:11).