What do the seven candlesticks in the Bible represent?

"...I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw SEVEN GOLDEN CANDLESTICKS[lampstands]; and in the midst of the SEVEN CANDLESTICKS One like unto the Son of Man [Jesus Christ]... And He had in his right hand seven stars: and out of His mouth went a twoedged SWord: and His countenance [face] was as the sun shineth in his strength." (Rev.1:12-16)

The Bible clearly reveals at the outset of this chapter, that this book is the REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST [NOT 'THE REVELATION OF SAINT JOHN THE DIVINE' as early renditions of the King James Version subtitles this book]:

It's the Revelation of Jesus Christ: "...which God [the Father] GAVE TO HIM, to shew his servants [God's Faithful followers -- His 'called-out-ones -- His church] things which must shortly come to pass..." (Rev.1:1).

"...and He [Jesus Christ] sent and SIGNIFIED [made it known; communicated] it BY HIS ANGEL unto HIS SERVANT JOHN." (same verse)

And John: "...turned to see the voice [from the angel who bore Christ's message to John] that spake with me. And being turned, I saw SEVEN GOLDEN CANDLESTICKS[lampstands]; and in the midst of the SEVEN CANDLESTICKS [lampstands] One like unto THE SON OF MAN [Jesus Christ]..." (verses 12-13).

So, this is JESUS CHRIST'S INTERPRETATION OF THE"SEVEN LAMPSTANDS":

"The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in My right hand, and the SEVEN GOLDEN CANDLESTICKS[lampstands]. The seven stars are the angles of the seven churches: and the SEVEN CANDLESTICKS[lampstands] which thou sawest are THE SEVEN CHURCHES." (Rev.1:20)

Jesus Christ is CENTRAL TO... and STANDS IN THE MIDST OF HIS CHURCH [GOD'S WIFE: amid those whom His Father is calling out of the world, to teach and preach His Word]. He is the Living, Guiding, Ruling Leader of His church sitting at the Right Hand of His Father in heaven.

"For the Husband is THE HEAD OF THE WIFE, EVEN AS CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH: and He is the Saviour of the Body. Therefore as the church is SUBJECT UNTO CHRIST, so let the wives be to their own husbands IN EVERYTHING." (Eph.5:23-24)

"This is a great mystery: but I SPEAK CONCERNING CHRIST AND THE CHURCH." (verse 32)