The church of Laodicea was located in a city of economic prosperity and social prominence.
Jesus greets this church, acknowledging Himself as the first, last, faithful, and final authority.
No expressions of commendations were found here. They were rebuked for being spiritually lukewarm. Materialism overshadowed their spirituality; thusly, causing awareness of their true condition (wretchedness, misery, nakedness, blindness, and spiritual poverty) to be lacking.
Jesus exhorted them to invest in righteousness, purity, spiritual insight, zealousness, and repentance. The promise to the overcomer was a place of honor and rulership.
The characteristics and state of this church were that of a rich, materialistic, complacent church.
When I studied this church, which supposedly represents this present age, I was saddened, and tears came to my eyes. Here is a picture of our Savior standing outside of the church knocking, trying to get in, and attempting fellowship. This is a colossal indictment against us. I am sure we ask Him in when we have a need, but as soon as that need is met, like the children of Israel, we soon forget Him and kick Him back to the curb. My prayer for all of us and our churches is that this scenario is not existing in our lives.
The church of Philadelphia was located in the city situated on the route of the Imperial Post from Rome to the East. It was recognized for its’ temples Artemes, Zeus, and Aphrodite.
Jesus introduces Himself to the church as Holy, Truth, and a Controller.
This church had access to Jesus; there was no rebuke found here. They were physically weak; however, they kept His Name and His word. For this, Jesus commended them. He recognized the persecution done to them by Jewish impersonators and informed them He would show His love for them by making their enemies subject to them.
They were exhorted to hold fast and not surrender to the world: thusly, losing their victor’s crown. The overcomers would have a secure place in God.
The characteristic feature of this church is that of a missionary, and its’ state was obedience, faithfulness, and favor.
Jesus said that this church stood before an open door. I believe that this door was not just for the natural things of the world but also for spiritual. If you stood before an open door, what would be your priority, the natural or the spiritual?
The church of Sardis was located in the city rebuilt by the Romans. This city was known for its’ trade, military center, and manufacture of woolen garments.
Jesus greets this church identifying His composition of the seven spirits (Isaiah 11:2) and control of the leadership.
This church was found lacking. They were known to be influential yet spiritually lifeless. For this, they were rebuked. This church was encouraged to repent, be alert, build on things that were spiritually correct, and to remember and endorse former teachings.
Jesus commends the true remnant who will walk with Him. The promise to the overcomers were their names in the book of life and representation to God
The characteristics of this church were that of a well-known, influential church. Their state was lethargic and deteriorating.
The lesson to be learned from this church is a great name means nothing to God. What he desires to see is the power of the Holy Spirit in operation. As a believer, let us repent for our slothfulness, and become vigilant to the things of God.
The church of Thyatira was located in a city that had a large number of trade guilds, such as bakers, tanners, potters, and linen workers.
Jesus introduces Himself with authority to this church as a judge and discerner.
He acknowledges their toil, love, convictions, endurance, and ministry. However, he rebuked them for permitting a false prophetess to teach, promote fornication, and condone digestion of foods sacrificed to idols.
Jesus says he gave this prophetess and opportunity to repent, but she refused. The consequence of her actions and her followers were severe, along with generational curses. Jesus reminds them; their reward results from the intent of their heart and what controls them.
Rejecters of the prophetess are exhorted to keep pure and not to give in. To the overcomer is given the promise of receiving Christ and rulership in His millennium kingdom.
The characteristic of this church is a growing church; their state is a compromising, corrupt church.
Remember, though you are abounding in God, do not accept erroneous teachings. God wants us to be seekers of truth.
The church of Pergamos was located in the capital city of the Roman province. The scriptures called it the place of Satan’s throne because it was the Asian headquarters for the cult of the emperor – worship. Numerous spectacular temples, such as the temple of Zeus, Athena, Dionysus, and Esclepius, were erected there.
Jesus introduces Himself as the sharp, double-edged sword. He is the one who discerns and judges.
They were commended for their loyalty to their faith despite experiencing one of their members, Antipas, martyred for his belief. Jesus rebuked them for allowing supporters of the following false doctrines:
The doctrine of Balaam permitted eating things sacrificed to idols, sexual immorality, and preaching for hire.
The doctrine of Nicolaitans taught immorality and idolatry.
Jesus exhorted them to repent, or the Word of God would challenge their life and actions. The promise for overcoming was receiving a white stone which represented acquittal in ancient times and the opportunity to be fed (receive revelation knowledge).
The feature characteristic of this church was licentiousness. Their state was worldly, and a willingness to compromise their morals, teachings, and doctrinal standards.
Today, believers are being questioned about civil liberties. It is necessary for us to stand for the truth of God’s word. Say, what the bible says. If we compromise our stand, we must repent so that we appear guiltless before God. Remember, Mark 8:34-38:
“And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Whosoever, therefore, shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
The church of Smyrna was located in a wealthy seaport city that was on the direct trade route from India and Persia to Rome. The wealth that surrounded them did not exist in this church; however, they were spiritually rich.
Jesus introduces Himself to this church by emphasizing His eternal nature, His death, and His resurrection. He knew the churches toil, persecution, and extreme poverty.
This church had no rebuke. They were commended for their faithfulness even to the point of death. They were informed of future persecution and told not to fear but to remain strong. A crown of life which comes to those who perseveres under trials will be given to the faithful. Finally, the believers who overcame fear and endured suffering would not partake of the second death, which is spiritual death or eternal separation from God.
Their characteristics and state were that of poverty and persecution.
For those of us that reside in countries that allow religious freedom and welfare to the poor, we cannot comprehend real suffering. We cry because of wants, pleasures, and someone talking about us. In this age, there are people living in countries where Christians who do not deny their faith are being slaughtered. For them, there is a constant struggle for the basic necessities of life. Let us remind our flesh, who fear and hate pain, and lack, that longsuffering which is part of the fruit of the spirit is in our life for a reason.
The city of Ephesus is the largest city of the seven churches. At one time John and Timothy ministered there. Paul established a church in Ephesus during his third missionary journey. The Temple of Diana was located there, and it was a crucial commercial and political center.
Jesus starts His message to this church stating His position of the keeper, supporter, and moving amid the churches. He informs this church and the subsequent churches that He knows their works. Sometimes believers act like Jesus is uninformed, that we can hide from Him, and that He does not see all that we do. Guess what? He does.
The church of Ephesus was commended for their labor in the ministry, intolerance of evil, discerning the character of leadership, patient endurance of adversity for Jesus’ namesake, and hating the deeds of Nicolaitanes who taught immorality and idolatry.
The church was rebuked for their decline in a relationship with their savior. They were cautioned to remember and return to their enthusiasm for God and all things that pertained to Him. This was to be accomplished with a repentant spirit. If they did not get it together, the church would eventually cease.
Their characteristics were that of a busy church; however, their state was loveless as seen in their faults. If they overcame their waning love and pursued the right relationship, He would feed them resulting, in eternal life.
As believers, our aim is to have a right relationship with our Lord. Remember the story of Martha and Mary. Martha was a busy person, and Mary just wanted to be in the presence of Jesus. Jesus positively acknowledged Mary’s action, not Martha. Thus, our goal should be pursuing a love relationship that deepens and not falters. Anything that hinders this must be overcome.
Hearing and overcoming are two activities in which all believers should be engaged.
Since the words “hear” and “overcometh” is repeatedly used in Revelation chapters 2-3, we should also understand their definition. They are:
Hear: listen, pay attention to
Overcometh: surmounting, conquering, overpowering, getting the best of
These words can be found in the address to each of the seven churches, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh…..” This statement leads me to believe the following:
1. The letters to the churches are for all believers to use in improving their Christian stewardship to God and man.
2. The Spirit will speak to those who will listen.
3. Life holds many situations that believers must overcome.
4. If Jesus says to be partakers of specific benefits that He offers, we must be overcomers; then it is doable.
Let’s pray for hearing ears and the Spirit of an Overcomer.
In bible numerology, the number seven represents completion and perfection. In the book of Revelation the number seven will be seen numerous times in various scenarios. The first two sevens are given with their interpretation by Jesus.
They are:
Seven candlesticks: seven churches
Seven Stars: angels, (leaders of the church)
The stars (angel/leaders) found in the right hand of Jesus, which denotes a place of favor and support. The letters to the seven churches directed to the angel (leader) of that particular church. Jesus used the protocol. His message is sent to the leader (pulpit) and not to the church (pew). It was then the leaders’ responsibility to deliver the message to their church.
The candlesticks represent the church as the vehicle that brings light to the world, and a source generates it; namely, Jesus, whose presence is to be in the midst of the church.
Revelation chapters 2- 3 serves as an example of the problems and strengthens not only in the churches of Asia but also in our present-day churches. After studying these churches, some commentators believe each church represented a stage in history from the first century to our current age. For those of you that are lovers of history; this would be a great personal study for you.
To assist us in understanding the letters to the seven churches, many commentators suggest examining the contents of each letter using the following guidelines:
Salutation (greetings)
Commendations (praise)
Reproof (rebuke, existing faults)
Exhortation (admonishment, encouragement)
Promise (pledge)
In our study of chapters 2-3, I will briefly discuss some of the findings from these guidelines of each of the letters. I will also address the characteristics and state of each church.
As we conclude chapter 1, a few helpful hints to remember are:
1. The chapters in Revelation separates two stories which parallel one another; one occurs in the earth and the other in heaven.
2. Revelation covers past, present, and future events.
According to Revelation 1:10, John was in the spirit when Jesus first spoke to him. The voice came from behind him. The voice was loud and clear, but it came from a direction that made it indistinguishable to John. To recognize who was speaking to him, John had to turn to see the voice; and being turned, he saw. (Revelation 1:12)
This was John the beloved disciple, the one who was in Jesus’ inner circle, the one with whom Jesus entrusted His mother when He was on the cross, and the one who was in the spirit on the Lord’s day; yet, he did not recognize the voice of Jesus.
When John turned (changed his position), he saw the greatness of Jesus and all that Jesus represented.
In our Christian walk, though we are spiritual and in a relationship with God, we sometimes do not recognize that God is speaking to us because He is speaking from an unexpected direction. Thus, we need to change our position to receive enlightenment. The things that we hear see, or experience may overwhelm us; however, God is there to strengthen and guide us through the process.
The Teacher's Pick 