The Seven Churches of Revelation 2-3
Introduction: Revelation 2-3 is a compilation of seven distinct letters, written to seven unique churches in specific locations during a distinct period of time. Each letter specifically addresses that respective churches congregational life and at times even regional distinctives. Faithfulness and perseverance is a common theme among these letters.
How to interpret and apply these letters: Some interpret these letters as “characteristic of various kinds of Christian congregations that have existed from John’s day until the present time.”1 Undoubtedly, “they were historical churches in Asia Minor.”2 While there are varying views on how to interpret these letters, we will view them as “actual correspondence addressed to [literal and historical] churches that existed in Asia minor at this time.”3 Where there are similarities between the seven churches of Rev. 2-3 and modern churches we can transfer principles and make modern application. For instance, the church in Ephesus had forsaken it’s first love and the church in Pergamum was experiencing persecution. Modern churches in similar situations can draw strength and insight from the parallels that they may experience from these historical churches. The letters follow a similar pattern; 1) A description of Jesus, 2) some sort of summary or commentary on the life and activity of the congregation from Jesus’ perspective, 3) An offer/promise to those that overcome through faithfulness and perseverance.
Ephesus (Rev. 2.1-7) Jesus is revealed as: “The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, The One who walks among the seven golden lampstands...” Summary: Ephesus was the most prominent city in Asia Minor. It was home to various pagan religious practices including the worship of the Roman emperor and types of magic. The Ephesian church is commended for its perseverance and discernment but is corrected in relation to having “left your first love” - most likely referring to affection and intimate devotion to Jesus. They are instructed to remember, repent and return to their original state of affection for God. To the overcomer: “I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.”
Smyrna (Rev. 2.8-11) Jesus is revealed as: “The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life…” Summary: The church in Smyrna would often have found itself stuck between gentiles who were faithful to Rome and the Emperor or Jewish people who did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah. This resulted in tribulation and difficulties, not the least of which would be financial, as they struggled to do business with those around them. Jesus does not correct them, but does instruct them to bravely persevere in the face of persecution, which results in imprisonment for
1 Zondervan NASB Study Bible note on Rev. 2.1-3.22 2 Ibid 3 Introducing the New Testament, Mark Allan Powell, pg. 538 at least some. To the overcomer: “Will not be hurt by the second death.”
Pergamum (Rev. 2.12-17) Jesus is revealed as: “The One who has a sharp two-edged sword…” Summary: Pergamum (modern-day Bergama, Turkey) was built on a cone-shaped hill4 and was the home of temples and worship centers for various Greek and Roman gods like Asclepios, Zeus and others. The church is commended for remaining faithful even while one of their own, Antipas, was martyred (reportedly roasted slowly in a kettle5). The church is corrected by Jesus regarding some false teaching that was leading to idolatry and immorality. Jesus instructs them to repent. To the overcomer: “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.”
Thyatira (Rev. 2.18-29) Jesus is revealed as: having “eyes like a flame of fire” and “feet like burnished bronze”. Summary: “Metalworking was a prominent industry in Thyatira, so its residents would be familiar with the image of glowing bronze.”6 The church is commended for its love, faith, service, perseverance and trajectory/momentum. Jesus confronts a woman named Jezebel (Perhaps 1: A literal woman by that name, or 2: A literal woman in the congregation behaving like Jezebel in 1 Ki. 16-21, or 3: As some conclude, a demonic spirit that operates in sexual immorality and idolatry, all the while being opposed to the authentically prophetic). To the overcomer: “Authority over the nations...and the morning star.”
Sardis (Rev. 3.1-6) Jesus is revealed as: having “the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars…” Summary: Sardis was “a city of great wealth and fame.”7 The church in Sardis receives one of the most sobering messages from Jesus. From the perspective of Jesus, this church in a wealthy and famous city was “dead”, incomplete, with little remaining and only a few people that had not soiled their garments (moral filth). He instructs them to “wake up” and be strengthened. The church in Sardis does not appear to have an accurate picture of itself and Jesus graciously provides them the gift of self-awareness. To the overcomer: Clothing of “white garments” and “I will not erase his name from the book of life” and “I will confess his name before my Father and before His angels.”
4 Zondervan NASB Study Bible note on Rev. 2.12-17 5 Ibid 6 NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible note on Rev. 2.18 7 Zondervan NASB Study Bible note on Rev. 3.1-6 Philadelphia (Rev. 3.7-13) Jesus is revealed as: “He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David8, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one one opens…” Summary: Jesus has only words of encouragement and no words of correction for this congregation. Jesus reminds them that He is aware of their situation, will vindicate them and acknowledges their perseverance. To the overcomer: “I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God...and my new name…”
Laodicea (Rev. 3.14-22) Jesus is revealed as: “The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the Creation of God…” Summary: Laodicea was known for its banking industry, medical school and textiles (fabric). Laodicea did not have much of a water supply so it would pipe water from the hot springs of Hierapolis or the cold mountain water of Colossae. In any event, the piped water would have been lukewarm and full of noxious mineral deposits when it arrived in Loadicea. Jesus compares the Laodicean congregational life to that lukewarm water at the opening of His message to them. Jesus advises the Laodiceans to buy gold (banking), white garments (textile), eye salve (medical school) in an attempt to restore their congregational vitality. To the overcomer: “I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”
8 Isa. 22.22