1 Revelation Chapters 2 & 3 The Seven Churches Note this, when Jesus is introduced in chapter #1 certain descriptions are attributed to Him: He who holds the seven stars and the seven gold lamp stands. The first and the last, who was dead and is alive. He who hath the two edged sword. He who has eyes like flames of fire and feet like bronze. He who has the seven spirits of God. He who has the key of David that opens that which no man can shut. The faithful and true witness: the beginning and the end. Now note: That each of these attributes are associated with one of the seven churches. Ephesus: He who holds the seven stars and the seven gold lamp stands. Smyrna: The first and the last, who was dead and is alive. Pergamum: He who hath the two edged sword. Thyatira: He who has eyes like flames of fire and feet like bronze. Sardis: He who has the seven spirits of God. Philadelphia: He who has the key of David that opens that which no man can shut. Laodicea: The faithful and true witness: the beginning and the end. Now here are the two in the combination as revealed in Genesis chapters 2 &3. Here is a general summary of how they are categorized. Ephesus: The church that lost it’s first love. (Attribute of the Church) Ephesus: He who holds the seven stars and the seven gold lamp stands. Smyrna: The persecuted church. (Attribute of the Church) Smyrna: The first and the last, who was dead and is alive Pergamum: The church settled in the world. (Attribute of the Church) Pergamum: He who hath the two edged sword. Thyatira: The church in idolatry. (Attribute of the Church) Thyatira: He who has eyes like flames of fire and feet like bronze. Sardis: The Nominal church. (Attribute of the Church) Sardis: He who has the seven spirits of God. Philadelphia: The church in revival. (Attribute of the Church) Philadelphia: He who has the key of David that opens that which no man can shut. Laodicea: The church in apostasy (Attribute of the Church) Laodicea: The faithful and true witness: the beginning and the end. 2 OK now remember that the #7 represent the number of completion, so the seven churches must represent the complete purpose and mission of the church or an example of its failure to achieve that purpose. So, first what and who is the definition of the church? Anyone who accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior with proclamation and in their heart. (Rom. 10:9-10); Matt. 16:13-19 and many other verses. What is the purpose of the church? To spread the good news of the gospel so that none should be lost. (Matt. 28:18-20). So each one of these seven representative churches portrays some aspect of the failure of the universal church to completely perform its purpose Christ left it here on earth for. Here is a general summary of how they are categorized. Ephesus: The church that lost it’s first love. Smyrna: The persecuted church. Pergamum: The church settled in the world. Thyatira: The church in idolatry. Sardis: The Nominal church. Philadelphia: The church in revival. Laodicea: The church in apostasy First we will be dealing with Ephesus. Ephesus lost its first love. He who holds the seven stars and the seven gold lamp stands. which represents Jesus the head of the church, in charge of leadership, and the true source of the operation of the church is associated with Ephesus. So what is ‘agape’ love? Not an emotion, but an action. So it is something you do. What? Jesus said “If you love me keep my commandments” Ecclessiastes said in 12:13 “ Here is the summary of the whole matter. Fear God and keep His commandments”. Deut. 6: 4-9 says “Love God with all thy heart and soul, and with all thy might ..... “ So ‘agape’ love is doing what is right according to the standards set by God in your relationship with God first, then with your own world view, and also with your relationship with others. So, when Ephesus lost its first love, it lost its total focus upon the standards set by God for the behavior of the church and probably replaced that with the standards of man. However they are commended for knowing at least certain basic fundamentals which allowed them to tell the difference between the real apostles and the fake. They are also commended for the stand they take against the Nicolaitians who believe that mercy not grace is the grounds for salvation, and that just belief in truth has saving grace, and that since law is replaced by grace one can freely sin. The first and the last, who was dead and is alive. Definitely represents the origin and foundation of the church and the target of all anti-Christ, and is associated with Smyrna. 3 Now Smyrna: Jesus is telling this church that it is obviously under persecution both from the outside world and from the legalistic, traditional, religious dogmas of the orthodox, pharisaic Jews that they should not back off of their purpose because 1 John 4:4 “ You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” He reminds them that He is the first and the last, and is He who is resurrected. Pergamum: He who hath the two edged sword. Represents the justice of Jesus through His Word to prune the holy with one side of the sword, and to cut down the evil with the other. You note the connection as Jesus warns them that He knows they hold to the teachings of balaam and the Nicolaitans, and live in a city dominated by Satan but still have not publicly renounced faith in Him. Thyatira: He who has eyes like flames of fire and feet like bronze. Represents Gods ability to see and know all things, and His sanctity of the gospel with feet of bronze after purity in the fire. Note the connection that He notice they are growing in their faith, and actually doing more with it, but they have been contaminated with the Jezebel sexual immorality of the world which His bronze feet will crush. Sardis: He who has the seven spirits of God. Represents the operation of the Holy Spirit in the church to make it strong. He points out that on the outside they look alive spiritually but on the inside they are dying for their deeds are not complete in the spirit as they are operating on their own. Yet there are a few among you who operates through my Holy Spirit. Philadelphia: He who has the key of David that opens that which no man can shut. Represents what Jesus did through the line of David to save all mankind, which cannot be reversed. Jesus points out to them that although they have little strength of their own, they are stronger in His strength as emphasized by Paul in Philippians, and the Jews of the Synagogue of Satan will not be able to shut the door of God’s truth. Laodicea: The faithful and true witness: the beginning and the end. Represents man’s only primary and true source of life eternal. This characteristic is associated with the Church at Laodicea because they have placed their confidence in the things of the world rather than the eternal purpose of Jesus. However Jesus still gives them the opportunity to repent. Note: that as we study each church we will find the theme of Revelation: which is that which was, which is, and which will be. In other words (1). The initial purpose of the church. (2). The present condition of the church. (3). The ultimate eternal destination of the church. 4 The principles we learn in these studies are applicable to contemporary times, although the circumstances, and situations are isolated to the times of their happening. Remember you are living in the first century and cannot be sidetracked by 21st century information. The bible is your sole source of information, knowledge, and wisdom. This same approach will be used when we get to the ‘end times” area of the book of Revelation. So be prepared ... get ready!!! It is again important to internalize that the main purpose of this study is to bring us back to the basics as stipulated in the scriptures so that we can eliminate that which is traditional solely based upon the speculation and wisdom of man. So, firstly let us reiterate who, why, and what the book of Revelation is written to and about. The church: it’s purpose: it’s function: it’s dysfunction and the results of those. To the church: Rev. 1:4 John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, Purpose, function, and dysfunction of the church: Chapters two and three. Proof that the book, Letter, Epistle is directed to the church: Is found in the epilogue of Revelation. Rev. 22:16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” So now there should be no doubt in the minds of us who read and study Revelation who the message is intended for.