But the Bible urges us to “not conform to the pattern of this world” but be transformed by the renewal of our mind in accordance with God’s Word (Romans 12:2). Smyrna — Izmir. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Christ promises that if Philadelphia’s congregants remain faithful to Him, He will protect them from the “hour of trial” and make them pillars in God’s heavenly temple (Revelation 3:10-12). These seven churches were some of the most prominent churches at that time to which John the Apostle would have been close enough to communicate effectively. Ways of Christ. Article Images Copyright © 2020 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Walvoord John F. and Roy B. Zuck. 3:8). USA: Victor Books, 1984. New religions and end of days cults have sprung up around some of these theories. Significance Today: Like the church in Laodicea, it’s easy to become complacent in our faith during times of abundance. The Temple and city of Jerusalem had been destroyed, and the Jews dispersed 26 years before, and John's attention was called to the condition of the "Seven" representative churches … The letter then addresses the church’s sin by denouncing some of its members for following false teachings that brought about religious and moral compromise (Revelation 2:14-15). Thyatira. Revelation 1:4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; The number ''seven'', The Bible numeric, this is the number of perfection. of Some theologians ascribe to a combination of these three theories, while others have their own, but these three are prominent. Summary and Explanation: Ephesus was the prominent commercial and cultural center of Asia. Located in Asia Minor (now modern Turkey), these churches represented actual communities of early Christians—not buildings or meeting halls.In addressing each of these congregations, God said that He knew their works. Smyrna in ancient times was a very wealthy and powerful city, indeed it vied with Ephesus and Pergamon for influence in… He chided them however, “...you have abandoned the love you had at first” (Revelation 2:4b). John was exiled to the Island of Patmos by the Roman Empire. The messages to the church played their part in God’s perfect plan historically, and may still be a part of it currently, depending on which view of the Book of Revelation and the churches an individual takes. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1991. The periods overlap in a way that is messy, pro-Reformation, and can only be applied with difficulty in retrospect. Some of these questions may not have good answers until the Lord returns. Seven is the number of perfection or completion in the Bible. Jesus Christ is the infallible Revelator. The message ends with encouragement for those who did not follow this prophetess. Summary and Explanation: Laodicea was a prosperous industrial and commercial center. 7. He encourages them to find that fire again and continue where they were doing well. Who Are the Four Horsemen in Revelation? Summary and Explanation: The city of Pergamum was renowned for its pagan practices. It was also God’s divine will to communicate with these seven churches. 6. However, the seven churches in Revelation also have spiritual significance for churches and believers today. Instead, Jesus urges us to keep seeking the Lord’s face even after His hand has bestowed riches in our lives. However, the seven churches in Revelation also have spiritual significance for churches and believers today. The Lord reminds us in this revelation that He will repay each of us according to our deeds (Revelation 2:23). The seven churches listed in Revelation chapters 2 and 3 are seven actual letters from Jesus — one to each church. In the book of Acts, Lydia was a wealthy benefactress and convert to Christianity. For example, Revelation 2:1 says, "The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands." A number of expositors down through history have held that the seven churches represent seven sequential stages of church history. They most likely put their faith in their works, prideful and assuming they were saved, or in good standing with the Lord. Thyatira: The church whose false prophetess was leading … Barnhouse, Donald. This “forsaken love” can mean that the Ephesians had become less devoted to Christ or that the work they did was no longer motivated by love for one another. The names of the seven churches of Revelation are symbolic names and represent the church down through the ages from the beginning of the New Testament church, right to the end at the second coming of Christ Jesus, and reveals the condition of the church at different periods in history. Although the seven letters in Revelation are tailored to the named churches, these churches and their stated deficiencies can symbolize all churches in one respect or another. The Jerusalem Church was scattered, and his writings to Rome would have been scrutinized. Before we look at these letters as a whole, let’s briefly look at the seven cities where the recipients lived. The "7 Churches" of the Revelation, and the Churches of today and questions of the oecumene -. The church was not beyond hope, but it needed to find that passion for Christ again. “I know your works. These trumpets follow seven seals of judgements. This number shows the completeness of God’s wrath, as well as the perfection of His love throughout the Bible, and becomes a motif in the Last Days. These seven historical churches also serve as archetypes of churches all over the world throughout history. The letter to the Ephesian church does offer the community hope if they repent and rekindle their love for Christian living (Revelation 2:5-7). Much of this prophecy is shrouded in description that can be confusing, and many theologians debate the extent of what is symbolic and what is literal in the visions described by John the Apostle. This letter warns all Christians that although we may suffer greatly, the length of tribulation will be short compared to the promise of eternal life. Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7): known for having labored hard and not fainted, and separating themselves from the wicked; admonished for having forsaken its first love (2:4); Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11): admired for its tribulation and poverty; forecast to suffer persecution (2:10) Chicago: Moody Press, 1968. Chapters two and three. Ephesus, the Loveless Church. The seven churches of Revelation described in Revelation chapters 2 through chapter 3 are seven literal churches at the time that John the apostle was writing Revelation. Laodicea. What Are the Different End Times Opinions Amongst Denominations? The Church that Remains Faithful Amidst Persecution (Revelation 2:8-11). Knowing the challenges they were facing and how they were responding, He admonished them to repent of their mist… To them, he gave this advice, “To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12). They did receive consolation as well because many from this church had been martyred. The messages could have been easily passed onto other believers. Indeed, the primary purpose for John writing his letters to the seven churches was to deliver Christ’s "report card" for the churches of that time. Revelation 1:20 defines the "seven stars" as the angels or messengers of the seven churches that are held in the hand of Jesus. Biblestudytools.com, New International Version. The seven churches in Revelation are literal churches from the first century AD. Thru the Bible Vol. The Church at Ephesus received a letter, the Book of Ephesians, from the Apostle Paul. The Church that is Spiritually Dead (Revelation 3:1-6). The stars = the angels of the seven churches 2. The book of Revelation opens with seven letters to seven churches. Thyatira — The Adulterous Church (Revelation 2:18-29) Some Christians and churches feel a need to … ; Smyrna: The church that would face severe persecution (Revelation 2:10). Although the false prophet remained unrepentant, Jesus affirms that the congregation can still repent by turning away from the prophet’s ways (Revelation 2:21-22). The Church that Compromises Its Beliefs (Revelation 2:12-17). 1 While we do not favor this view, it is instructive to understand the arguments for and against such a view since it will frequently be encountered by students of the book of Revelation. It’s another port city about forty or fifty miles north of Ephesus… Significance Today: The lesson in the letter to Ephesus teaches that truth and love must go hand-in-hand. Christian scholars from the second century to date have attributed the physical writing of Revelation to John the Apostle, son of Zebedee (Mark 3:17), and author of the Gospel and Epistles of John. Wilmington’s Guide To the Bible. They are represented by seven golden lampstands, and the seven angels – or messengers – of the churches, represented by seven stars in the right hand of Jesus. Although John literally wrote Revelation, the Book makes it clear that the source of the revelations is Jesus (Revelation 1:1-2). The next church, in Philadelphia, receives encouragement and affirmation in their message. Those who repent will be given the “hidden manna” that is the grain of Heaven (Psalm 78:24), and a “white stone” or clean slate with a new identity in Christ (Revelation 2:17). Instead, Jesus reveals that a church fashioned in His image must teach God’s Truth in love. Those who persevere in faith, however, will receive a share of Christ’s messianic authority over all nations and triumph over death (Revelation 2:26-28). Some of these cities do not exist today like they did during John’s day, such as Pergamum. Those in Laodicea’s church who open the door to Christ will share in His Heavenly banquet and have the right to sit with Him on His throne (Revelation 3:20-21). Only one of the churches is in another part of the Bible. Ryrie, Charles. You can find her on Twitter @LolaWordSmyth. He alone can infallibly interpret the symbols of the book of Revelation. While there are still some believers in these cities, they all exist in modern day Turkey, an Islamic nation. a.) Sardis was a seemingly active church, full of good works. The Church with a Lukewarm Faith (Revelation 3:14-22). To this church, Jesus commended them for their endurance, their longsuffering, and their dislike of false doctrine and evil behavior. God has given this woman, and the church, time to turn from this sin; “I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality” (Revelation 2:21). Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue. What action items should the church take in light of these seven messages? EDITOR'S NOTE:  This previously-written article has become a resource for many seeking to understand if the Coronavirus pandemic is an End Times plague. Ultimately, Christians should meditate on these things, but not allow the unanswered questions to dictate their lives. While in Patmos, John was seized by the Holy Spirit and received prophetic visions from Christ instructing him to: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea” (Revelations 1:1-2; 9-11). The seven churches in Revelation are literal churches from the first century AD. Nor does it seem to include Orthodox church movements. Some say they are merely representative churches of the … These churches are located in Asia, modern Turkey, some believe they represent seven church ages, while others argue they represent seven … The seven churches are the primary focus of the first three chapters of Revelation. Significance Today: Just as some in Thyatira’s church were led astray by a false prophet, Christians today fall prey to cult leaders, occult practices, and other false teachings. Christ scolds this church for allowing its economic prosperity to cause it spiritual bankruptcy and reveals that, despite its economic wealth, only He can provide spiritual wealth (Revelation 3:17-18). Summary and Explanation: Philadelphia was home to a synagogue community hostile to Christians. Our Lord faults the church in Sardis for maintaining an outward appearance of being “alive,” while actually being spiritually dead (Revelation 3:1). Each letter, as proclaimed by Jesus and recorded by John the Apostle, declares the triumphs and failings of the recipient churches and warns each congregation to repent. Others indulged in false doctrine. In the first century A.D., the Apostle John was exiled to the island of Patmos, a Roman penal colony near Asia Minor. Though they would suffer in this life, God had a reward for them. Each letter, as proclaimed by Jesus and recorded by John the Apostle, declares the triumphs and failings of the recipient churches and warns each congregation to repent. Here, Jesus asks for them to let Him in. The Book of Revelation addresses seven letters to seven churches in Asia Minor. In fact, those who persevere despite weaknesses will stand strong as pillars in Heaven. The advice in these letters is prophetic, forewarning present-day Christian communities of the … Usually, when a group of seven things are mentioned, the order has some relevance. Significance Today: Like the church in Smyrna, Christians are persecuted worldwide in obvious and insidious ways. In addition, the following articles may offer more encouragement for all to remember as we face the trials of COVID-19 together: Christianity.com is a member of the Salem Web Network of sites including: Copyright © 2020, Christianity.com. What Is the Mark of the Beast in the Bible? … Smyrna. The Book of Revelation contains the prophecies of the last days, before the New Heaven and the New Earth go on into eternity, with believers living for their God with no sin, no sorrow, and no pain. However, the wealth and good works of this church meant nothing because the church was spiritually dead. One example of the use of the number seven in the Revelation given to John is the seven churches the text is addressed to. The payment for sin is death. The first level is historical. Philadelphia. John was not far from 100 years old, and the only remaining Apostle. The seven golden lampstands represent the seven churches Jesus walked among. Summary and Explanation: Sardis was a city that had endured two surprise attacks despite its fortifications. 4. Some believe the seven churches are only relevant to people living in the 1st century A.D. Others believe the seven churches are relevant today. The seven early churches … “As for the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. Revelation 1:20 (NASB95) Jesus explained what the images symbolize. However, I doubt that the order of the churches has any particular theological importance.That’s not to say that the order is random either. Summary and Explanation: Smyrna was home to a large Jewish community hostile to Christians. They no longer had the burning, consuming passion for their God they had when they were first saved and settled into the routine of the faith. These seven churches really existed, and each was experiencing the particular problem to which the Lord referred as He dictated the letters to John. Smyrna is the second church mentioned in Revelation. Significance Today: Today, Christians can fall into the trap that ensnared the church in Sardis if we merely go through the motions of practicing our faith without really feeding our spirit. One such section is at the very beginning, where John addresses the seven churches in Asia - an area in modern Turkey. Third, since both the challenge and promise with which each letter ends are pers… The Lord said, “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Each of these periods can be traced and assigned to a specific phase of the growth and change of the body of Christ over time, from its inception, to its decline before Christ’s return. A. The Lord Jesus commands John to write a message to each of these churches. Those in Sardis who heed Christ’s warning will be “dressed in white,” a symbol of purity and victory, and will be acknowledged in Heaven’s Book of Life (Revelation 3:5). They were mocked and persecuted for their faith, and it was going to get worse before it got better. The primary role of these letters concerns what was actually happening in each of the seven local churches that existed during the time of John’s writing. There were seven stars and seven lampstands. The answer lies in the realization that the letters of chapters 2 and 3 have a representative as well as a specific purpose. Jesus does not reproach this congregation but condemns its persecutors. Jesus’ letter to Thyatira praises the church for having grown in faith and service (Revelation 2:19). Despite poverty and hardship, they stayed true to God. Are there seven church ages? The Church of Smyrna received words of comfort. The seven churches are representative of the church as a whole; the number seven symbolizing completion or perfection. Additions to part 2. Should We Always Be Watchful for Jesus’ Return? Sardis. Copyright © 2020, Bible Study Tools. The seven churches of Revelation 2-3 is a topic of much speculation. All rights reserved. (Revelation 3:9). The church’s downfall was its devotion to a false prophet that led some members to commit idolatry and immorality (Revelation 2:20). The message is, “Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God” (Revelation 3:2). The Church that Patiently Endured Despite Weaknesses (Revelation 3:7-13). Pergamum. The other point of view is that each church would represent different kinds of churches through history. We hope it can direct you toward scriptural truths about plagues and a study of the Book of Revelation. The Church that Follows False Prophets (Revelation 2:18-29). THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF REVELATION — Introduction — Untold numbers of professing Christians have been taught, as I was, that the seven churches of Revelation are somehow related to the body of Christ. Revelation, An Expository Commentary. Christ does not reprimand this church but warns of impending imprisonment for some of its members, urging them to remain faithful “even to the point of death” and remember the promise of their “victor’s crown” (Revelation 2:10). Did God Send the Coronavirus as a Biblical Plague from Revelation? Theologians believe many of the laborers of this church were expelled from their labor guilds - and unable to legally work in their craft - because of their conversion. The Lord calls on the community to repent or risk the judgment that will emanate from the “sword of [His] mouth” (Revelation 2:16). What Do the 7 Churches in Revelation Represent? We can avoid becoming “the living dead” by engaging in our faith through Bible study, prayer, and fellowship. The Church that Has Abandoned Its Love for Christ and His Teachings (Revelation 2:1-7). They are represented by seven golden lampstands, and the seven angels – or messengers – of the churches, represented by seven stars in the right hand of Jesus. One church may have the hard work and patience of Ephesus, while another the lukewarm attitude of Laodicea. What Does the Bible Say About Coronavirus: Is it a Sign of the End Times? Second, since all the churches were to read all the letters, the letters were also admonitory to all. Thyatira-Akhisar. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). 3. Each letter, as proclaimed by Jesus and recorded by John the Apostle, declares the triumphs and failings of the recipient churches and warns each congregation to repent. Their location was so full of wickedness the Bible calls it, “where Satan’s throne is...the place where Satan dwells” (Revelation 2:13). These churches were seven real churches at the time, and some believe they represent seven church ages, while others argue they represent seven church types that have existed since the church began, and will exist until Christ returns. The Seven Churches (Revelation 2-3) (Past and Present Church Prophecy) Introduction Although the ‘seven churches’ are not used for proving ‘pre-tribulation’, they are extremely important nonetheless. Chart 17-1 lists fourteen occurrences of the number seven in Revelation. Christ praises the Philadelphians for remaining faithful in the face of trials despite their limited strength (Rev. Christ’s revelation to Smyrna commends the community for its material poverty but spiritual wealth and acknowledges its wrongful persecution (Revelation 2:9). Article Images Copyright © 2020 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Pergamum: The church that needed to repent of sin (Revelation 2:16). In the letters He applauds and chastises each church and He offers them advice on how to get back on track. To share in Christ’s victory, we are to avoid these “so-called deep secrets” of Satan (Revelation 2:24) and hold firm to Christ’s teachings. Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6) This letter addresses Sardis, a “dead” church3 Jesus’ oracle to Ephesus challenges a loveless… The Book of Revelation addresses seven letters to seven churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) (Revelation 2-3). Which kind of church is best? Wilmington, H.L. Ephesus Smyrna Pergamos Thyatira Sardis Philadelphia Laodicea. These particular seven churches may have been chosen to receive Christ’s apocalyptic message because, geographically, the churches were located along an established, circular trade route that brought together the most populous and influential parts of the province. 3. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament. We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. The city of Sardis was also a city of wealth, known for the carpet industry and for minting coins. Revelation’s seven churches were among a number of early Christian communities in Asia Minor. The Revelator says plainly that the seven golden lampstands (obvious symbols) ARE the seven churches, and He identifies those seven churches as “seven churches which are in Asia” (1:11). I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name” (Revelation 3:8). Finally, John addresses the Church of Laodicea. The advice in these letters is prophetic, forewarning present-day Christian communities of the snares that can lure us away from our faith. Significance Today: The message to Philadelphia shows us the blessings that come when we maintain our faith despite life’s tribulations. Jesus’ letter to this church wastes no time denouncing the congregation for its lukewarm faith, threatening to “spit” the congregation out of His mouth (Revelation 3:16). Ephesus. The view is known as the historical-prophetical view: It’s been almost 2,000 years since the apostle John was instructed by Jesus to write letters to the seven churches mentioned in the book of Revelation. Answer: The seven churches described in Revelation 2-3 are seven literal churches at the time that John the apostle was writing Revelation. Obviously the Seven Churches. Ephesus: "The Era of Transition" (September 70 to 82 = 12 years) Revelation 2:1-7: (1) To the angel … The Church of Pergamum was surrounded by wickedness in their city, but they held fast to their beliefs. There is one perspective that these messages only applied to those seven specific churches and the messages have no lasting significance.