The Seven Churches Revelation

Revelation 1:9–20

9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. 12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. 17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. 19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; 20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

Jesus dictated a special message or oracle for each o the seven churches. The seven embedded messages follow a common pattern. Jesus began by introducing and describing Himself, often with terms from Revelation 1. This compelled the assemblies to consider their actions in light of who Jesus is. After stating that He knew thire deeds or circumstances, Christ presented each church with a commendation (except for Laodacia), a rebuke (except for Smyrna and Philadelphia), an exhortation, and a promise to those who conquer evil (often referring to elements from Revelation 19-22).

These particular churches were most probably chosen because they collectively capture the characteristics and problems evident in every generation of church history. Although each message describes the historical situation of a first-century congregation, each message concludes with a universal call to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

1. Ephesus

Ephesus was known for its idolatry, especially its devotion to the goddess Diana (Acts 19:23-41).

The Nicolaitans were a heretical group about which little is conclusively known. It is possible the group’s teachings and practices were similar to those of the O.T. diviner or fortuneteller, Balaam, and Jezebel, who promoted immorality and idolatry.

If the churches in Ephesus refused to repent, Christ would remove their lamp stand (candle-stick) from its place. That is, He would severely judge them, and they would lose their status as an assembly.

2. Smyrna

Smyrna was the center for the cult of emperor worship and also retained a large Jewish population hostile to Christians. The self description of Christ in this passage reiterates Revelation 1:17-18, reminding the church that He rules all of History as well as life and death.

”Synagogue of Satan” refers to those who falsely claimed to be Jews (although being Jewish by birth) yet rejected Christ and persecuted Christians.

The second death corresponds to an eternal death in the lake of fire.

3. Pergamos

Pergamos (Pergamum or Pergamon) was built on a cone-shaped hill situated more than 1,000 feet above the plain of the Caicus River. This idolatrous city was known for the worship of Zeus (king of gods), Athena (goddess of victory and patron of the city), Asclepius (god of healing, symbolized by a serpent), Dionysius (god of wine), and the cult of the emperor. Christians were persecuted in Pergamos mainly because they refused to show political loyalty by participating in emperor worship.

The idolatrous city was referred to as the place of Satan’s seat. Unfortunately, as is always the case, over time that idolatrous spirit began to creep into the church. Jesus called them out and commanded them to repent or he would come and fight against those holding to idolatry.

v17 In contrast to eating food sacrificed to idols and practicing sexual immorality, partaking of “the hidden manna” may indicate a personal relationship with the unseen Christ.

Another view points to the Jewish tradition that the Ark of the Covenant and jar of manna (Exodus 16:32-34, Hebrews 9:4) were hidden at the destruction of Solomon’s temple and would remain concealed until the Messiah established His kingdom on earth.

The ”white stone” could signify purity from sin, an invitation to the messianic feast (Rev. 19:6-9) or perhaps both. In ancient trials, jurors would cast a white stone for acquittal or a black stone for guilt. White stones were also used as admission tickets to feasts.

In the context of Revelation, a new name seems to indicate a fresh and closer relationship between God and His people. Secret names (Rev 19:12), like secret songs (Rev 14:3) suggest intimacy.

4. Thyatira

Thyatira sported a large number of trade guilds and was known especially for its shoemakers, metalworkers, artisans, and sellers of dyed cloth (Acts 16:14).

Here Christ’s flaming eyes and burnished feet have been vividly portrayed in the language of the local metalworkers’ gild. This description evokes the initial vision of Rev 1:14-15 as well as echoing vibrant Old Testament images (Ezekiel 1:27; Dan 10:6)

Of special note, this verse is th only passage in Revelation where the title “Son of God” is used to describe Christ. Fittingly, the use of this designation directly challenged the primary god worshiped in Thyatira: Apollo, the son of Zeus.

v20-24 Jezebel was apparently a nickname for a prominent woman in the congregation at Thyatira. Like her Old Testament counterpart, this Jezebel also promoted immorality and idolatry.

v28 The gift of the morning star is Christ Himself. (Rev 22:16)