Letters to the 7 Churches (Part 1)

Introduction

Outline for Revelation (1:19)

the things which you have seen (Ch 1)

the things which are (Ch 2-3)

Letters to the 7 Churches

Location of the Churches (Map)

Common Element of each letter (Chart)

No Concern/Correction (Rebuke): Smyrna and Philadelphia

No strength or Commendation: Laodicea

the things which will take place (Ch 4-22)

Ephesus

Important City

Port City (major trade route)

Artemis’ temple (Diana) - One of the wonders of the ancient world

Fornication and prostitution

Paul founded the church (AD 52)

References

Acts 18-19.

Epistle of Ephesus

1, 2 Timothy

Letter

To: the angel of the church in Ephesus (2:1)

From: The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands,

Contents: I know your good deeds and perseverance.

Commendation:

toiling in good deeds (2:2)

enduring patiently in trials (2:2-3)

perseverance - used in 1:9

Matthew 24:13 NASB95

13 “But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.

Matthew 10:22 NASB95

22 “You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.

standing against false prophets (2:2, 6)

Nicolatians

Clergy

Nikao (victory, to overcome)

Laos (people)

Nicolas (Acts 6:5)

Concern: left your first love.

Ephesians 6:23–24 NASB95

23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love.

Correction:

Remember.

Repent.

Return.

Call: The one who has an ear, let him hear

Exhortation: I will grant to eat from the tree of life.

The one who overcomes.

1 John 5:4–8 NASB95

4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 6 This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood. It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit and the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.