Lesson 3 0f Revelation: The Seven Churches of Revelation:

Lesson 3 0f Revelation: The Seven Churches of Revelation:  Commentary'sThe Seven Churches of Revelation:

 The book of Revelation contains seven letters from Jesus to churches in seven important cities in the Roman province of Asis Minor (modern-day Turkey). In these letters, after a brief description of himself, Jesus speaks about the spiritual condition of each church. He praise their strengths and challenges their weaknesses, and each letter ends with a promise to “the one who is victorious” (Rev. 2:7, 11,17,26; 3:5,12,21). These promises reflect the main point of the entire book of Revelation to give assurance and comfort to suffering and persecuted believers. The book assures Christians of God’s final victory over the power of evil and death.

And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him. And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.  And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. Revelation 22:3-5.

#1. The First Church is EPHESUS (Rev, 2:1-7).                                                

Strengths:  Persistence, rejecting false apostles.   

Weaknesses:  Forsaking Christ, their first love.                                        

Instructions:  “Do the things you did first.”                                                                     Promises:  Eat from the tree of life.

Ephesians was an important business and cultural center built in the tenth century BC, Ephesus was the main center for worship of the goddess Artemis. Much of it status and city life revolved around the activities of Artemis’s temple, carried out by thousands of priests. It’s likely that all citizens, including Christians, faced social, cultural, and legal pressures to worship Artemis and other  Romans gods.

Artemis is known in Rome as Diana, was an ancient goddess of hunting and fertility. The Temple of Artemis in Ephesus was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Praise:  The church in Ephesus is praised for working  hard and not giving up, for not tolerating wicked people, for testing the claims of leaders (possibly the Nicolaitans mentioned in (Rev. 2:6) and rejected them when proven false, and for enduring hardships. The statements build on each other: Persisting in their faith leads to not tolerating wicked people and becoming even stronger, even though some leaders have tried to negatively influence them. Jesus noted their carefulness and praised it.

Nicolaitans: As a group, the Nicolaitans compromised their Christian identity by including pagan practices in their lives. Possibly, they corrupted the teachings of Nicolas from Antioch, one of the church’s first deacons (Acts 6:1-5).

Challenge:  “you have forsaken the love you had at first” Rev. 2:4). This love probably refers to one of the following;

 1.      The burning love for Jesus that Christians experience when they first believe, trust in the promise of a new life, and have the desire to put God first in their lives.

2.      The love that believers have for one another.

3.The love that must always be the motivating force behind a believer’s every action.

4.The love of sharing about Jesus with nonbelievers—some scholars suggest that because of their focus on rejecting false teachings, the Ephesians had put aside sharing about the love of God and salvation through Jesus Christ.

Temple of Hadrian, Ephesus.

Regardless of the correct reference, the solution Jesus identifies is clear: “Repent and do the things you did at first” (Rev. 2:5). Love is not an option. It is a central part of what it means to belong to Christ.

#2. The Second Church is SMYRNA (Rev. 2:8-11).                                                           Strengths: Enduring suffering and poverty; yet are rich.                           Weaknesses: None.                                                                                         Instructions: “Be faithful, even to the point of death”.                                      Promises: Receive eternal life as a victor’s crown.

Smyrna was an ancient and wealthy port, it was one of the most important Roman cities of the area. Emperor worship was central to the life and reputation of the city, although the temple to Athena was also a source of pride and a significant part of the city’s economy. Smyrna had a large population of Jews, many of whom cooperated with the city leaders by persecuting Christians, revealing by their actions that they opposed God (a synagogue of Satan,” Rev. 2:9).

Praise:  The Lord praises the church in Smyrna for the richness of their persistence, faithfulness, and loyalty despite their suffering.  “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 now, but are the synagogue of Satan” (Rev. 2:9). “Yet you are rich” might refer to the following; (1) the richness that will come when Jesus returns in glory, or (2) Jesus’ statement in Matt. 5:10-12: “Bless are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake; for there is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you”.

Important cities in Asia Minor: Ephesus, Smyrna, and Pergamum were three main citiesin the Roman province of Asia Minor. Each one completed with the others to be considered the most important. Ephesus and Pergamum severed as the capital of the province.

   The Ruins of marketplace in Syrna.

Challenge: “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´(Rev. 2:10). The church in Smyrna had remained faithful, even in the face of persecution and distress, and Jesus tells them to press on even when the future holds more suffering. In fact, it is possible that they will have to surrender their lives for the sake of Jesus. As much of a challenge as this is, however, Jesus is not asking them to do anything he himself was not willing to do.

#3. The Third Church PERGAMUM (Rev. 2:12-17).                                               Strengths: Remaining true to Christ’s name.                                              Weaknesses: Tolerating false teachers.                                                   Instructions: “Repent!”                                                                             Promises: “Hidden manna” (provision); a new name.  

Pergamum was an important center of learning, especially for medicine, and the site of a Sanctuary of Asclepius, the God of healing. The city contained the second largest library in the ancient world, smaller only than the library of Alexandria in Egypt. Pergamum was also an administrative center for the province and famous for its emperor worship and its great altar to Zeus.                              

  Temple of Trajan at Acropolis of Pergamum.

Praise:  Although it struggles in difficult and demanding society and culture, the church in Pergamum is praised because it remains loyal to Christ. In fact, as the death of Antipas suggests, “I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth” (Rev.2:13).

Challenge: “Repent therefore!” Despite their faithfulness, some church members have allowed immoral and wrong teachings to take root in the church. Both

Nicolaitans and followers of Balaam have led some in the church astray, and several now take part in both Christian and pagan practices. The false teachings and practices must be wiped out because evil is destructive. However, darkness and lies have no power over the light and truth of Jesus. Lack of repentance will cause judgment: “Repent; or else; I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth” (Rev. 2:16).

Balaam: In the Old Testament, Balaam was a pagan prophet hired by Balak, the Moabite king, to curse Israel. But God had Balm speak only what God put in his mouth (Num. 22:35), and Balaam ended up only blessing Israel. Unfortunately, Balaam eventually led Israel to worship idols, and around the time the New Testament was written, the Jews considered Balaam a person whose teachings should not be followed (2: Peter 2:15; Jude 1:11).

Satan’s Throne: In his letter to the church at Pergamum, Jesus wrote, “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 waw slain among you, where Satan dwelleth” (Rev.2:13). This might refer to the city’s large altar to the Greek god Zeus, but more likely it refers to a famous ancient “hospital” dedicated to Asciepius, the chief god of healing. Snakes were thought to bring healing and were placed in the beds of patients. To Christians and Jews, snakes were a biblical symbol of Satan. This false healing center was a barrier to the true physical and spiritual healing available to believers in Christ.

  Ruins of Asclepieion of Pergamon in Turkey.

#4. The Forth Church THYATIRA (Rev.2:18-29):                                                 Strengths: Deeds, love, faith, and service.               Weaknesses: Tolerating false teachers.                                                         Instructions: “Repent”.                                                                Promises: “Hidden manna” (provision); a new name.

Thyatira was a business center, located between Pergamum and Saris, on an important Roman road.  It served  an important as a crucial military post for whoever controlled the area and was well known for its many trade guilds: craftsmen of wool and linen; makers of leather, bronze, and outer garments; dyers, potters, and bakers; and dealers in slaves.

Praise: The church is noted for its deeds, love, faith, and serve and for enduring hardship and constantly improving. “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. (Rev. 2:19). The Lord of the universe is aware of what people are doing, and He cares about their actions. Love and faith are the wellspring of the believer’s deeds. In other words, actions, works, and deeds must be motivated by love and faith. Serving the weak and needs as well as sharing about the goodness and love of God were characteristic of the church in Thyatira.

Challenge: “And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and heart; and I will give unto every one of you according to your work” (Rev. 2:23). Church members who “tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet”—in other words, those who allow pagan practices in the church—will be made to “suffer intensely, unless the” put on them except to hold on to what they have until Jesus comes. ”But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon none other burden. And he that overcometh, and keepeth ky works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations. (Rev. 2:24-25). Notice that despite their sin, Jesus promises a good future if they repent.

   Ruins of ancient Thyatira:

Jezebel is the name of the wife of Abah, one of the kings of Israel in the Old Testament. “And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and serve Bl and worshiped him (1 King 16:31). She led her husband and Israel to worship the pagan gods of her native land. As used in chapter 2 of Revelation, Jezebel probably refers to an actual person who received it as a nickname because they taught false ideas that were accepted by the church.

#5, The Fifth Church SARDIS (Rev. 3:1-6).                                                     Strengths: Some have remained faithful.                                                   Weaknesses: Unfinished deeds / dead works.                                           Instructions: “Wake up! Strengthen what remains.”                                       Promises: Walk with Jesus, dressed in white; name in the Book of Life.

Sardis, the Capital of the powerful and wealthy Lydian Empire, was built high above a plain, making it important from a military standpoint. Located on an Important highway, it was, at least for a time, a center of trade and crafting of carpets and woolen goods. Sardis was also known as the first city to produce gold and silver coins, the start of modern currency. A large synagogue and a bathhouse-gymnasium complex covered more than five acres of the city.

The gymnasium and bath complex of Sardis.

Praise: Christ is pleased that some of Sardis believers have remained true to the faith. Because they are free of guilt, they will be clothed in white and walk with Jesus, and their names will never be erased from the Book of life. “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. 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. (Rev. 3:4-5.). But in general the Sardis church hasn’t grown. Its members have been going through the motions and participating in practices that no longer hold their interest and for which they show little, if any, enthusiasm. Some believers have actually “soiled their clothes” (Rev. 3:4), a possible reference to the sin of worshiping idols.

 Challenge: The Church of Sardis is dead! The diagnosis is a critique on their idol worship—they have practiced the cult of the goddness Cybele.

The message does not make a clear reference to persecution; however, the people who are “dressed in white” and “worthy” (Rev 3:4) are probably those who suffered for the sake of Jesus (Rev. 7:9-17). The challenge to the church in Sardis  is to wake up from its spiritual stupor and recall what they had heard and learned.

The message encourages the church to remember what they first believed and loved—what they practiced and shared with others. They are instructed to remember and act upon that memory and to repent of their ways.

Today, believers in church also must stand guard against things that, although good, can distract them from God and become idols—for example, money, properties, status, and education.

#6. The Sixth Church PHILADELPHIA (Rev. 3:7-13).                                Strengths: Keeping Christ’s Word; not denying his name.                       Weaknesses: None.                                               Instructions: “Hold on to what you have”.                                                       Promises: Kept from the hour of trail; made a pillar in God’s temple.

Philadelphia was a successful business center, mainly because it was located at the entrance of a fertile valley. It was also known for its many temples and religious festivals. In AD 17, the city was completely destroyed by a devastating earthquake but eventually rebuilt. The city was founded only about two hundred years before Christ. King Eumenes II named it Philadelphia in honor of his brother. The name means “city of brotherly love.”

 The Seven Churches of Revelations.

Praise: Although very little is known about the church in Philadelphia, it is clear from the letter that inspite of apparently not having a loud voice in the community, It remains faithful and true to Christ. God praised them for having obeyed his “command to endure patiently.’ “because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. (Rev.3:10). Like all churches at the time, the believers in Philadelphia also experienced persecutions.

Challenge: “I will…keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come to the whole world” “Rev.3:10). The church in Philadelphia is in very good shape spiritually. Because of their endurance and faithfulness, the Lord will deal with their accusers and spare the church form suffer9ng that is to come. He encourages them to “hold on to” the strength they have so they will win the “crown” of eternal life. “Behold, I come quickly; hold fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” (Rev. 3:11). Becoming a pilar, a symbol of permanence and stability, is a particular encouragement for believers in Philadelphia because endurance, which shows trust in him.

   Ruins of  Philadelphia, Turkey- the Sixth of the seven’s.

Philadelphia, the city of Brotherly Love. Attalus, brother of King Eumenes II, was an accomplished military commander. Because of his loyalty to his brother, he earned the nickname Philadelphus, which means “the person who loves his brother.” Eumenes even announced that upon his dealth, Attalus was to be his successor.

#7. The Seventh Church of the seven’s is LAODICEA (Rev. 3:14-22).           Strengths: Keeping Christ’s Word; not denying his name.                         Weaknesses: None.                                                                             Instructions: Open the door to Christ; become rich in him.                            Promises: Sit with Christ on his throne.

Laodicea was located at the crossroads of two crucial trading routes. In Roman times, it was a prosperous business center known for its banking, its textile industry (especially the production of black wool), and its school of ophthalmology (noted for an eye slave it developed). The city was financially strong, even able to rebuild without help from the Roans when it was destroyed by earthquake in AD60. It lacked a good water supply, so and aqueduct was built.

Praise: This is the only church that does not receive a positive message.

Challenge: “I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth (Rev. 3:16). In previous messages, Jesus’ presence brings comfort. Here, however, it is bad news, because the church is “lukewarm,” much like the city’s water (Rev. 3:16). The church has little, if anything, to offer for spiritual encouragement, refreshment, or growth, because it has lost its focus on Jesus. The city was located close to a region with several volcanoes. Hierapolis in the north and Colossae in the east had hot and cold waters, respectively. Hierapolis had hot water from its many hot springs, which were helpful for treating certain illnesses. Colossae had cool, refreshing waters that made the entire valley fertile. These waters were part of their identity as cities. Because Jesus said that the church in Laodicea was neither hot or cold, it seems that, like the city’s water, its zeal and love for God had become lukewarm. It had lost its Christian identity.

Focused on gaining wealth and status, the church shows no dependence on God. True riches come only from God, who can clothe them in white and soothe and open their eyes so they see what is truly important. “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”. (Rev. 3:18).

“Be earnest and repent”. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore, and repent”. (Rev.3:19). God’s call is to return to faithfulness and persistence. The church must recognize that it is spiritually bankrupt and has pushed Jesus out. Jesus is there, however, knocking on the door, making his presence available to the church.

  Ruins of the Ancient Town Laodicea.