There are many interpretations of the Book of Revelation over the centuries. Many have taught that the book speaks in symbols and codes of history past and is influenced by the Jewish book of Daniel and his prophecies as well as the books of Zechariah and Ezekiel. Others believe that this was purely symbolism and messages to the existing churches of that day, primarily to the seven churches which are in Asia; to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. Many of these churches were straying from the teachings of Christ and the Apostles and are warned here to repent. Others teach that this is a revelation of the future destruction of the world and the coming reign of Jesus Christ as a ruler over all of mankind. Many over the centuries have simply considered these writings as a metaphoric story of "Good vs. Evil."