Revelation Session 4

The Churches – Pergamum & Thyatira (Revelation 2:12-29)

I. Opening: Setting the tone

Brief recap of sessions 1-3

Introduce the next two churches

Emphasize the increasing seriousness of the issues addressed–from external persecution to internal corruption

Raise the question: Are we tolerating things Jesus wants removed from His church?

II. Overview of Revelation 2:12-29

These two churches were located in influential cities with pressure from pagan culture and emperor worship

Jesus addresses each with a blend of commendation, correction, and promise (though Thyatira receives the longest and sternest warning)

Read the full passage aloud for context

Interpretive Note: All four eschatological views agree these were real churches; symbolic or prophetic layers vary by view

III. Pergamum: Holding Fast in a Hostile City (2:12–17)

IV. Thyatira: Tolerating False Prophets (2:18–29)

V. Theological Reflections

VI. Application & Wrap-Up

I. Opening: Setting the tone

Session 1: Introduction to Revelation (1:1–8)

We began by clarifying the purpose of Revelation: not to confuse, but to reveal Jesus Christ and strengthen the church in times of testing.

We emphasized how Revelation was written to real believers facing pressure, and how it encourages perseverance through symbolic, apocalyptic language.

We also introduced the four major eschatological views —

Dispensational Premillennialism (DP), Historic Premillennialism (HP), Amillennialism (A), and Postmillennialism (P) — showing that while they differ on timing and symbolism, they agree that Christ reigns and will return.

The big idea: Eschatology matters for daily life because what we believe about the future shapes how we live today.

Session 2: The Glorified Christ (1:9–20)

We explored John’s awe-inspiring vision of Jesus — not as a suffering servant, but as the risen, reigning Lord walking among His churches with eyes like fire and a sword from His mouth.

We noted how Christ’s authority is not future only, but present — He stands as the Lord of His people now.

All four views agree that Christ already possesses full authority, regardless of the millennium’s nature or timing.

We also introduced the “Lord’s Day” and explained from Scripture and early church writings why this most likely refers to Sunday worship, not the Saturday Sabbath.

Session 3: The Churches – Ephesus & Smyrna (2:1–11)

We began examining the first two letters:

Ephesus: commended for doctrinal purity and discernment but rebuked for losing its first love. Christ calls them to remember, repent, and return to love.

Smyrna: persecuted and poor in the world’s eyes but rich in faith. Christ encourages them not to fear suffering, even to the point of death.

We discussed the importance of truth with love, and the faithful endurance needed when opposition arises.

The big lesson: Orthodoxy must be matched with affection, and faithfulness in suffering brings eternal reward.

Today’s Focus: Pergamum and Thyatira (2:12–29)

We now turn to two churches that are growing in love and service but compromising in doctrine and moral purity.

These letters move from external pressure to internal corruption—what happens when we tolerate sin or error in the name of peace, growth, or acceptance?

Jesus commends their strengths but also calls them to account for what they allow within.

Most letters follow a recognizable pattern:

1. Christ’s title and self-description

2. Commendation for what’s right

3. Rebuke for what’s wrong

4. Call to repent or hold fast

5. A promise to those who overcome

6. An appeal to hear the Spirit’s message

Not all letters have all six, but this structure helps us interpret the meaning clearly.

II Overview of Revelation 2:12-29

These two letters are addressed to Pergamum and Thyatira, two real cities in Asia Minor with active Christian communities in the first century.

Both churches were surrounded by pagan influence, emperor worship, and social pressure to conform. However, the real concern in both cases is not just external pressure but internal compromise.

Both of these churches receive praise for some aspects of their deeds and/or attitudes but they both also get rebuked for aspects of their deeds and/or attitudes

Each letter tends to follow this pattern:

1. Christ’s self-description (usually reflecting something from the vision in chapter 1)

2. Commendation (what Christ affirms)

3. Rebuke (what Christ confronts)

4. Exhortation (a call to repent or hold fast)

5. Promise to the one who conquers

6. Call to hear the Spirit’s word

Revelation 2:12–29 LSB

12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: This is what the One who has the sharp two-edged sword says: 13 ‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 ‘But I have a few things against you, that you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality. 15 ‘So you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 ‘Therefore repent. But if not, I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth. 17 ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.’ 18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: This is what the Son of God, the One who has eyes like a flame of fire and His feet are like burnished bronze, says: 19 ‘I know your deeds, and your love and faith and service and perseverance, and that your last deeds are greater than at first. 20 ‘But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and deceives My slaves so that they commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 ‘And I gave her time to repent, and she does not wish to repent of her sexual immorality. 22 ‘Behold, I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds. 23 ‘And I will kill her children with pestilence, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds. 24 ‘But I say to you, the rest who are in Thyatira, who do not have this teaching, who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they call them—I place no other burden on you. 25 ‘Nevertheless what you have, hold fast until I come. 26 ‘And he who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations; 27 and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to pieces, as I also have received authority from My Father; 28 and I will give him the morning star. 29 ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

III. Pergamum: Holding Fast in a Hostile City (2:12–17)

1. Historical Significance: It is now the modern city of Bergama located in western Turkey [pic of modern city]

• Capital city of the Roman province of Asia until around AD 129.

• Famous for its library, which rivaled Alexandria (with over 200,000 volumes).

• Name means “fortress” or “citadel.” [pic of ancient city]

2. Religious & Political Climate

• A major center of imperial cult worship—called the place “where Satan’s throne is” (Rev. 2:13).

• Home to temples dedicated to: [Pic of ruins of temple of zeus]

• Zeus – the Great Altar of Zeus dominated the acropolis.

• Asclepius – the god of healing (symbolized by a serpent); people traveled there for healing.

• Dionysus, Athena, and others.

• The imperial cult was so dominant that not offering incense to Caesar could mean death. [Pic of ancient of temple of zeus]

3. Relevance to Jesus’ Words

• Jesus commends the church for holding fast even where “Satan dwells.”

• The mention of Antipas, a faithful martyr, shows the real cost of faith.

• But the rebuke involves tolerating false teaching, likened to Balaam, suggesting moral compromise and idolatry.

Application Insight

• Pergamum represents a church that’s holding doctrinal truth under pressure but is sliding into cultural compromise morally.

• Jesus’s call is to repent, or He will come and “war against them with the sword of [His] mouth” (v. 16).

A. Christ Self-Description (v.12)

Revelation 2:12 LSB

12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: This is what the One who has the sharp two-edged sword says:

This reflects back to Revelation 1:16 – what does the sword symbolizes?

Hebrews 4:12 LSB

12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

This is significant for a number of reasons:

the Greek word sōtēr applied to both Zeus and Ascelepius means “savior.”

This very Roman city had a popular motto. Almost like the pledge of allegiance, or “In God We Trust”. That motto was Caesar is Lord.

They also elevated the god Asclepius as “the great physician.”

Jesus sends word to his church and identifies himself as:

Revelation 2:12 LSB

the One who has the sharp two-edged sword

In the Greek, this is written with a series of articles for emphasis. It literally reads:

the one who has the sword, the double-edged one, the sharp one.

It was not the Roman proconsul or the governor who decided on matters of life and death, but it was Jesus, with the sharp, double-edged sword of his word proceeding from his mouth. Jesus will indeed fight with this sword against his enemies.

This imagery immediately sets the tone: Jesus is coming with authority, not to comfort but to confront.

B. Commendation (v. 13)

Revelation 2:13 LSB

13 ‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

“Where satan’s throne is; likely refers to Pergamum’s imperial cult center (emperor worship) or the massive altar to Zeus dominating the city and the culture. But there are other interpretations

The church remained loyal to Christ in the midst of this hostile environment

“You did not deny my faith”

They remained publicly Christian, even when it cost them.

Jesus was fully aware of their situation. He knew where they lived and that they lived within the structure of Satan’s domain. These Christians were not travelers or transient people. They were permanent dwellers where there were two opposing forces.

C. Rebuke (vv. 14-15)

Revelation 2:14–15 LSB

14 ‘But I have a few things against you, that you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality. 15 ‘So you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.

Jesus does not enumerate these things but mentions only one, namely, the lack of resistance to false teaching and conduct within the congregation. The believers have tolerated teachers who have spread their insidious doctrine and lifestyle, and they have failed to expel them from the church. Their influence is spreading like cancer cells in a healthy body; and radical measures must be taken before it is too late. While the church in Ephesus exercised discipline (2:2), the church in Pergamum did not.

just as Balaam led Israel into idolatry and immorality (Numbers 22–25), so some in Pergamum were leading others into sin.

Balak was the king of Moab who hired the prophet Balaam to curse Israel.

God prevented Balaam from cursing them (Numbers 23–24), but Balaam still found a way to undermine Israel by advising Balak to use Moabite women to seduce the Israelites, leading to idolatry and sexual immorality

Numbers 31:16 LSB

16 “Behold, these [women]caused the sons of Israel, through the word of Balaam, to act unfaithfully against Yahweh in the matter of Peor, so the plague was among the congregation of Yahweh.

Christ is warning Pergamum: “You’re tolerating people with the same corrupting influence as Balaam — the strategy may look spiritual, but it’s seducing you away from God.”

Some scholars suggest the name Nicolaitans may be a Greek equivalent of Balaam (Hebrew: “Swallower of the people”) Nicolaitans (Greek: “Conqueror of the people”)

Whether literal or symbolic, both represent compromising influences that: Encourage moral laxity. Allow for blending Christianity with cultural/pagan norms.

The main issue was not the existence of these people but the church’s tolerance of them. In this day of inclusivism, we run the risk of doing the same.

D. Exhortation (v.16)

Revelation 2:16 LSB

16 ‘Therefore repent. But if not, I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth.

Notice that there are no real consequences given to the church. It is like a parent saying, “don’t let me come over there” the expectation is that repentance will take place. And repentance is not just being sorry, it means a complete change in direction.

Christ calls the whole church to corporate repentance, even if the compromise came from a few. The purity of the church matters more than peace or unity built on compromise.

1 Corinthians 5:6–8 LSB

6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7 Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, also was sacrificed. 8 Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Jude 4 LSB

4 For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

The Christians of Pergamum had to repent of their failure to expel the Nicolaitans and their followers from among them, to turn their laxity into watchfulness, to enforce spiritual discipline.

E. Promise to the One Who Conquers (v. 17)

Revelation 2:17 LSB

17 ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.’

Hidden manna refers to spiritual nourishment from heaven. The Jews looked for the coming of the messianic age when they would eat the hidden manna. The Christians, however, acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah who ushered in the messianic age. Ever since the coming of Jesus, his followers have eaten the hidden manna and enjoyed his blessings.

John 6:48–49 LSB

48 “I am the bread of life. 49 “Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died.

Jesus called himself the bread of life and contrasted it with the manna that the Israelites ate in the desert . This life-giving bread is indeed the Christian’s spiritual food and the hidden manna. It is hidden from view for the unbeliever but is available to all those who put their faith in Christ. Consider Christ’s words..

Matthew 11:25 LSB

25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants.

The white stones remains a mystery. Commentators have tried to solve in numerous ways without much consensus–could symbolize”

acceptance/acquittal in ancient courts

personal intimacy and identity in Christ (buildings were built with dark stone and a single white stone would have the benefactor’s name).

Some association with the breastplate of the high priest that had 12 stones on them which had the names of each tribe.

Eschatological Views

IV. Thyatira — Love and Service, But Tolerating Evil (2:18–29)

A. Historical Context and Significance

Thyatira is now the city of Akhisar, in Manisa Province, western Turkey . Located about 50 miles inland from the Aegean Sea, it lies in a long fertile valley. [pics of ruins and city]

Smallest city of the seven — but this letter is the longest. Known for its trade guilds (similar to labor unions), including bronze work, textiles, and dyeing (cf. Lydia in Acts 16:14 — a seller of purple cloth from Thyatira).

These guilds often included pagan feasts and sexual immorality connected to idolatrous worship, making it difficult for Christians to earn a living without compromising.

Members of the guild were obligated to attend festivals in honor of these gods, to eat meals in their temples, and to indulge in sexual promiscuity. Noncompliance with these rules meant expulsion from the trade union, lack of employment, and poverty. Christians who refused to honor pagan gods, eat meat sacrificed to an idol, and engage in sexual immorality jeopardized their material necessities. They were regarded as outcasts of society

B. Christ’s Introduction (v.18)

Revelation 2:18 LSB

18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: This is what the Son of God, the One who has eyes like a flame of fire and His feet are like burnished bronze, says:

“Son of God” — strong affirmation of Christ’s divinity and authority (unique in Revelation). He normally does not use this title in Revelation but considering that this society regarded both Caesar and Apollos as sons of gods, Jesus affirms His deity as the One and Only Son of God

“Eyes like fire” — penetrating gaze; sees everything, especially hidden sin.

“Feet like burnished bronze” — strength, stability, judgment; a reference to His ability to trample wickedness. Jesus takes a stand in the city of Thyatira with feet like exquisite brass. This alloy is durable, stable, and firm. The gleam of the metal attracts attention, so that the population takes note of Jesus’ presence. As he takes up permanent residency in the city, so should his followers remain there without fear.

C. Commendation (v.19)

Revelation 2:19 LSB

19 ‘I know your deeds, and your love and faith and service and perseverance, and that your last deeds are greater than at first.

Love – Unlike Ephesus, they hadn’t abandoned their love.

Faith, service, endurance – This church was active in ministry. The Christians in Thyatira visibly demonstrated love to their neighbors and faith and trust in God. Their service to others and their quiet endurance were exemplary

The church could receive no greater praise than that given in the words “your last works are greater than your first.” This means that their works of love, faith, service, and endurance were constantly increasing. This was high praise from the Master.

D. Rebuke (vv. 20-21)

Revelation 2:20–21 LSB

20 ‘But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and deceives My slaves so that they commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 ‘And I gave her time to repent, and she does not wish to repent of her sexual immorality.

Even though the believers had put forth a considerable effort to help needy people materially and trust God spiritually, they had tolerated a bad influence in the church. This influence was spreading like cancer so that in time the spiritual health of the congregation would be seriously jeopardized.

The church at Ephesus hated the works of the Nicolaitans (2:6); the church at Pergamum allowed the Nicolaitans to live among them (2:15); the church at Thyatira tolerated deceptive teaching within the congregation.

The name Jezebel refers to the wife of King Ahab, who had married a princess from Sidon. Jezebel urged Ahab to worship the pagan god Baal and the goddess Asherah, and to construct a temple and a sacred pole (1 Kings 16:31–33; 21:25; see also 2 Kings 9:30–37). The woman in Thyatira is referred to by the name of the wife of King Ahab and called herself a prophetess. This is self-proclaimed

She persuaded the church to engage in illicit sexual relations at the pagan temples and there to eat the food that had been offered to an idol.

The intent of the followers of Balaam (v. 14), the Nicolaitans (vv. 6, 15), and Jezebel is the same: to deceive God’s people by persuading them to adopt a lifestyle that would allow them to be accepted in the world and to continue membership in the church.

By accommodating themselves to the lifestyle that a guild required, the church members no longer had to fear being ostracized. But the Lord says, “No one can serve two masters”

Matthew 6:24 LSB

24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.

To which James adds:

James 4:4 LSB

4 You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity toward God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world sets himself as an enemy of God.

She taught and seduced Christ’s servants into sexual immorality and idol feasts — likely encouraging believers to compromise by participating in pagan guild events.

The rebuke is not just for her sin but for the church’s tolerance of her influence. Christ says, “You love well, but you’re not discerning well.”

E. Warning and Judgement (vv.21-23)

Revelation 2:21–23 LSB

21 ‘And I gave her time to repent, and she does not wish to repent of her sexual immorality. 22 ‘Behold, I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds. 23 ‘And I will kill her children with pestilence, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.

She was warned and given opportunity to repent. It is very likely that faithful servants of the Lord had warned her, maybe even John himself. The Lord always gives opportunity for repentance and correction:

2 Peter 3:9 LSB

9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some consider slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

She will be cast onto a sickbed.

Those who commit adultery with her (likely spiritual adultery) will face tribulation.

Her followers (children) will be struck down — symbolic of judgment on her legacy.

Purpose: “All the churches will know that I am He who searches mind and heart…”

This is Jesus purifying His Church. He takes false teaching personally.

F. Encouragement to the Faithful (vv. 24-25)

Revelation 2:24–25 LSB

24 ‘But I say to you, the rest who are in Thyatira, who do not have this teaching, who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they call them—I place no other burden on you. 25 ‘Nevertheless what you have, hold fast until I come.

Obviously, not everyone was involved in this foolishness and Jesus says to them “I place no other burden on you”. Think of the apostolic decree formulated by the Jerusalem council concerning Gentile Christians,

Acts 15:29 LSB

29 that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from sexual immorality, from which if you keep yourselves, you will do well. Farewell.”

Christ’s encouragement: Hold fast — no need for new programs or burdens, just remain faithful.

“Until I come” — language of imminent expectation, of course the timing is an on going eschatological debate.

G. Promise to the Overcomer (vv.26-29)

Revelation 2:26–29 LSB

26 ‘And he who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations; 27 and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to pieces, as I also have received authority from My Father; 28 and I will give him the morning star. 29 ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

1. Authority over the nations – Echoes Psalm 2:8–9; reign with Christ (interpretations vary by view).

[table of rulling the nations with Christ]

1 Corinthians 6:2 LSB

2 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world is judged by you, are you not worthy to constitute the smallest law courts?

2. Morning star – A symbol of Christ Himself (Rev 22:16); possibly hope, resurrection, or final victory.

I. Eschatological Views and Thyatira

• Dispensational Premillennialism (DP):

• May see this church as representing a corrupt phase in church history (e.g., the rise of institutional corruption in the medieval period).

• Judgment may foreshadow tribulation for unfaithful churches.

• Historic Premillennialism (HP):

• Stresses the ethical call to endurance and purity now, looking forward to ruling with Christ in the millennium.

• Amillennialism (A):

• Emphasizes the ongoing spiritual battle. Christ reigns now and disciplines His church within history, not just at the end.

• Postmillennialism (P):

• Warns against societal or ecclesial compromise that could hinder the gospel’s progress. Calls for reform and faithfulness to expand Christ’s reign.

V. Theological Reflections

A. Christ Knows Everything — The All-Seeing Judge

Christ is described with “eyes like a flame of fire” (v. 18), signifying His piercing omniscience.

He sees beneath the surface — beyond reputation or outward acts — and discerns true motives, affections, and hidden sins.

This underscores Christ’s role not just as Savior but also as Judge (cf. Hebrews 4:13; Jeremiah 17:10).

B. Love Without Truth Is Dangerous

Thyatira is commended for love, faith, service, and endurance (v. 19), but rebuked for tolerating Jezebel.

This challenges a modern trend: valuing love and acceptance without biblical boundaries.

The church is reminded that truth and love must walk together (cf. Ephesians 4:15).

C. Toleration of False Teaching Invites Divine Discipline

Christ’s longsuffering with Jezebel (“I gave her time to repent”) reveals His patience.

But refusal to repent leads to judgment — Christ actively purifies His church (cf. John 15:2; 1 Peter 4:17).

The judgment language (sickness, tribulation, death) is startlingly severe, reminding us of the seriousness of doctrinal compromise.

D. Genuine Believers Are Called to Hold Fast

“Hold fast what you have until I come” (v. 25) implies:

Some in the church were not deceived.

They are not called to “fix everything,” but to remain faithful, trusting Christ will deal with evil in His time.

E. Eschatological Implications

The promise to the overcomer (authority over the nations and the morning star) is deeply eschatological:

Believers are not just saved from judgment; they are invited to share in Christ’s reign.

This reflects a reversal of suffering: the faithful minority in Thyatira will one day rule with the King.

VI. Application & Wrap-up

1. Faithfulness Must Be Paired with Discernment

• Thyatira was active, loving, and persevering — but also accommodating of serious error.

• Application: Don’t assume spiritual activity equals spiritual health.

Churches and believers must be doctrinally alert, not just emotionally warm (cf. 1 John 4:1).

2. Tolerance Isn’t Always a Virtue

• In a culture that prizes tolerance, Jesus confronts the church for tolerating sin and falsehood.

• Application: There are times when loving Christ means drawing clear lines.

This applies to false teaching, immoral influence, and doctrinal drift.

3. Christ Is Watching and Will Act

• His “eyes like fire” and promise to make war with the unrepentant remind us:

Jesus is not passive about sin in His church.

• Application: Churches must correct sin internally before Christ brings correction externally.

4. Judgment Begins with the Household of God

• Jesus’s warnings to Jezebel and her followers should sober every congregation.

• Application: We must regularly examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5)

and lovingly confront destructive patterns in the body.

5. The Call to Overcome Is Personal

• In both letters, Christ calls the individual believer to overcome.

• Application: Even in a compromised church, you can be faithful.

Hold fast. Walk in purity. Wait for His reward.

Encouragement to the Overcomer

• The faithful in Pergamum and Thyatira are reminded:

• You may be in the minority, misunderstood, or mistreated…

• But Christ sees you, honors you, and promises you Himself.

• Endurance matters. Doctrine matters. Love matters. Purity matters.

This is what Christ cares about — and so should we.

⸻

C. Concluding Exhortation

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

– Revelation 2:29

This call is ongoing, not past tense. The Spirit still speaks through these letters to His Church today.