The Seven Churches

Revelation 2:9-20

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 of 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 their 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 (Revelation 2:1–7)

1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. 6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

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.

It is believed that John was the bishop (pastor) of Ephesus

2. Smyrna Revelation 2:8–11

8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; 9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. 10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

“Smyrna” means myrrh, an aromatic substance used in the embalming process or the anointing on bodies of the deceased. 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.

It is believed that Polycarp was the bishop in Smyrna.

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

3. Pergamos (Revelation 2:12–17)

12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; 13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. 14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

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.

It is believed that Antipas was a bishop of Pergamos who was martyred by the wicked leaders of Aesculapius.

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.

This church was in trouble for mixing politics and religion. They compromised with them political powers and thus brought about the sin of Balaam, Idolatry and sexual immorality.

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 (Revelation 2:18–29)

18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; 19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. 20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. 21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. 24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. 25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. 26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star. 29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

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). Lydia, Paul’s convert (Acts 16:14) was from this city.

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 the 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 similarly ushered into the church immorality and idolatry.

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

Special note:

Two Old Testament women become “representative” women of two kinds of beauty in the New Testament. One is Sarah whom the Old Testament presents as stunningly beautiful (Gen 12:11) and the New Testament identifies with a deep beauty that originated from within (1 Peter 3:1-6)

The other is Jezebel, who represents a beauty of artificiality and seduction that leads to immorality. Those who join with her face a bed of “tribulation” (sickness). Repentance is the only escape.

Some believers did not succumb to the seduction of the depths of Satan. To those that overcame (and to all that overcome) it is promised a reward of “power over the nations” and the ”morning star” (Jesus).

5. Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6)

1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. 4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Sardis’s acropolis occupied a rocky spur of Mount Tmolus. Twice in it‘s history (in 546 BC by Cyrus II of Persia and again in 214 BC by Antiochus III) Sardis was captured because its guards failed to detect enemy soldiers who had stealthily climbed up a crevice in the cliffs and opened the gates. This passage thus served to warn the congregation in Sardis that they could easily fall in the same way the city itself had twice fallen: through a lack of watchfulness.

Seven is the number of completion, so “the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars” is an expression of the full manifestation of God among them.

“Thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.” Relegating spiritual matteres to secondary status results in spiritual death.

The Lord both encouraged and warned the church to strengthen the things that remain and to be watchful. That he will com “as a thief” is also used in 1 Thessalonians 5:2 and 2 Peter 3:10.

”Have not defiled” means to not soil or make impure. Revelation is a book of symbols. ”White” is a symbol that is characteristic of heaven. For the saints, this “white” signifies being clothed not in earthly fabric, but in divine glory. A robe of righteousness which the Lord himself shall give to us.

The book of life is referred to in Philippians 4:3 and Revelation 13:8, 17:8, 20:12, 15, 21:27, 22:19 . “I will not blot out his name.” To be acknowledged by the Lord as one of His own (”I will confess his name before my Father”) is the greatest recognition in time and eternity, (Matthew 10:32; Luke 12:8).

Please note: it also demonstrates that one can still have their name removed (”blotted out”) of the Lamb’s book of life. We must endeavor to maintain the faith and a “right” relationship with JESUS!

6. Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7–13)

7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; 8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. 10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. 13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

The city of Philadelphia was about 28 miles southeast of Sardis, in Lydia. It‘s name means “brotherly love”.

This church symbolizes the righteous and faithful of all ages.

The church in Philadelphia possessed many characteristics of the original church and pointed towards the last-day church in restoration of that which was lost to Roman ritual and later denominational resistance to the Holy Spirit.

“The key of David” - was a metaphor for the Messiah’s authority to admit or exclude entrance to God‘s kingdom in the New Jerusalem.

An “Open door” is a familiar metaphor. It is predictive of an opportunity. This is indicative of the latter-day outpouring of the Holy Ghost on a worldwide scale. This is a door no one can shut, neither world powers nor the strongholds of darkness (powers and principalities) can prevent the purpose and intent of God!

v10 The promises of spiritual protection (keep …from) that Christ offered is parallel to His prayer for his followers : “I pray not that thou shouldest not take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from evil. (John 17:15)

However, in this book he promises to “keep them from” the hour of temptation, hour of testing or trial. This may well be an indication that Christ intends to remove his church from this earth, before the wrath of God is poured out during the great tribulation.

The promise “I come quickly” is repeated from Rev 2:5, 16, and 3:11 and is used again at the end of the book (22:7, 12, 20). The promise of the quick return of the Lord has been the hope of the church throughout time. This also could imply that there will be a time when the believers are truly praying and anxious for Jesus to deliver them from what is happening on the earth.

Having “the name of my God” (Jesus) upon them will be a prerequisite and the authority to entrance into the kingdom of Heaven. He will write upon them His new name (See Revelation 19:12 ) the greater/further Revelaction of Jesus.

7. Laodicea (Revelation 3:14–22 )

14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

It is interesting to note: that the nearby city of Hierapolis had hot springs; neighboring Colosse, on the other hand, had cold drinking water. But the the city of Denizli about 5 miles away supplied Laodacia, which lacked an adequate water supply, with mineral-laden water from its hot springs via an aqueduct and stone pipes. By the time it arrived, the water was lukewarm and unpalatable. In a similar way, Christ found the smug complacency of this church to be repugnant.

The rebuke contrasted sharply with what Laodacia was known for: financial wealth, raven-black wool, and eye salve. Perhaps the Laodacian church had mistakenly thought that their material wealth showed that God approved of their works.

The name Laodacia literally means (in the Greek) “the justice, or judgement, of the people.” It has thus been explained as “democratic church,” a church of laity ruling.

Laodacia is representative of those of all the church age who have become lukewarm. Their actions/commitment/ relationship declared them to be rich and have need of nothing. Such declarations presuppose their self-satisfaction, However, Jesus said, “Thou art wretched, and miserable,l and poor, and blind, and naked.”

I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thy eyes with eye salve, that thou mayest see. This is the spiritual contrast to their physical condition.

”Lay up treasures in heaven”…

Whom I love, I chased/rebuke. Their condition can obviously be cured, as Christ urges them to repent.

Behold he stands and awaits their response to his knocking.

Positive response will result in “supping” intimate relationship (promised to the rulers in the kingdom of God).

“Sit with” means to reign with Christ in his kingdom.