The Seven Churches in the Book of Revelation

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Although there is some minor disagreement, tradition and research attribute the apostle John with writing the Book of Revelation. Evidence for John as the author includes: (1) the writer references himself as John, (2) he had personal relationships with the seven churches spoken of, (3) his circumstances (time and location) match those of John the Apostle as retrieved from reliable historical sources during that time period, and (4) the Old Testament imagery of the book implies a Jewish writer operating in Gentile Asia Minor.1

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This last book of the Bible includes the longest letter written in the New Testament, and the first chapter acts as an introduction and explanation for the message. In his greeting, John describes the missive as coming from God the Father to Jesus the Messiah, who then transmitted it through an angel to his servant John, for the benefit of God’s workers in seven early church locations.2

The majority of the Book of Revelation predicts what must take place at the end of this age, but chapters 2 and 3 address seven reports sent to the seven established local churches in the area, which is now modern-day Turkey.3

The advice to the churches listed in the reports can be construed as a prophetic warning to present-day Christian communities, concerning the snares which can lure us away from our faith.4 But many scholars believe these passages have other hidden meanings. Some think these seven Christian communities represented varying eras during the last two thousand years as humanity advanced through the Age of Grace. Others believe they represent only the vast difference in spirituality to appear during the last days prior to the Millennial Age.

There were probably more than just seven church communities in Asia Minor at the time, but in the early days, these Christian assemblies were prominent. Yet, most likely, these particular churches were chosen to be documented because of the lessons they would provide to all of God’s people.5

 

Messages to the Seven Churches

When John was confined on the small island of Patmos, southwest of Ephesus in the Aegean Sea (circa 95 AD), he heard a loud voice saying: “Write in a book what you see and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamum, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea,” (Revelation 1:11, NRSV).6 All these churches had been built in communities some 25 to 50 miles (40.2 to 80.5 km) apart from each other.

The message to all describes Christ as standing among seven golden lampstands, representing churches which give light to the world. In our Lord’s hand are seven stars, symbolizing the angels who care for each church. These churches were not to hide the truth, but give their light to everyone; they should be perfect and present an example to all those who see them.7

We will examine specifics of the message to each group, but as biblically written there is a pattern involved. Each message includes, (1) a favorable opinion (except the one to Laodicea), (2) an unfavorable judgment (except the ones to Smyrna and Philadelphia), (3) an advisement or persuasion, and (4) an encouraging promise to those heeding this information, if they repent of their shortcomings. In general these comments to the churches address the same problems inherent in church communities throughout history and are discriminate and comprehensive disclosures of how Christ evaluates local churches.8

Read Revelation chapters 2 and 3 for Christ’s thoughts on their behavior. While many people turn to other portions of the New Testament to gather church truth, these messages from Christ himself to the seven churches are often completely ignored.9 How does your own church rank in comparison?

 

The Church of Ephesus (Revelation 2:1–7)

Ephesus was the most widely known and esteemed port city of Asia Minor. It was a center of travel, trade, and commerce, as well as the seat of the Roman provincial governor. With a population of 225,000, it had many imperial cult temples10 and also the great temple of Artemis (Diana), goddess of nature  and hunting, which was one of the seven wonders of the world.

And some 43 years previous to the writing of his Revelation letter, Paul spent several years in this city, preaching the gospel. So many were stirred by Paul’s message that the local silversmiths created a riot, because their business of making shrines and ornaments of Artemis was threatened.11

In John’s letter, this church was commended for their hard work. In particular, Christ was pleased because members hated the practices of the Nicolaitans (followers of Nicolas). That sect, like those who held the doctrine of Balaam, believed it was lawful to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to also commit fornication.12

But the Lord rebuked them for not maintaining a high level of service. It appeared that the second generation of worshipers at Ephesus had lost the deep love for God that the founders of the church had in the beginning.13

 

The Church of Smyrna (Revelation 2:8–11)

Smyrna was another major city on the west coast of Asia Minor, some forty miles (60 km) north of Ephesus. Located at the end of a major road, it had good harbor facilities and was surrounded by rich farmland. This was one of two churches that the Lord spoke no negative word, (Philadelphia was the other).14 So, the Lord did not rebuke this church.

However the Christians did have a particular problem, as they were rather poor, and they were persecuted by both Jews and Romans. The Jews would use slander, by implying they were not real Jews.15 Because of this, John records the local synagogue as nothing but a house of Satan.

 

The Church of Pergamum (Revelation 2:12–17)

Pergamum was a city of about 120,000 citizens and the site of a Zeus altar, now displayed in the Pergamon Museum in Germany. It was also the home of a university that housed a library of 200,000 volumes. Probably most important is that this city was where parchment was manufactured. They crafted this material for use in writing and copying scrolls.16

Cult of Asklepios

Like in Ephesus, the church here was guilty of severe compromise by holding to the teachings of Balaam and Nicolaitans. And intermarriage with heathen women was a problem too, since most any social contact also involved worship of idols. As an example, even meat in the marketplace had been offered to idols earlier.17 And the people, being of a strong Greek culture, also worshiped Asklepios, a god of healing. The hospitals were actually temples to that god.18 So any compromise with such pagan morality and departure from biblical faith soon corrupted the church.

There are two other things that may help in explaining what John wrote about in his missive to this church. When Jesus says he will “make war against them with the sword of my mouth,” (Revelation 2:16), this was a symbolic characterization. The two-edged sword represents the Word of God’s twofold ability to separate believers from the world and condemn the world for its sin — a sword of salvation as well as a sword of death.19

And, what about that white stone? “To everyone who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give a white stone, and on the white stone is written a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it,” (Revelation 2:17).

The hidden manna would be spiritual food in contrast to food offered to idols. And a white stone was used at that time as a token of acquittal in legal cases as well as a symbol of victory in an athletic contest. So, in similar fashion, it would be a reward given by the Lord to the overcomer and therefore express individual approval by Christ; the new name indicates acceptance by God and a secret title to glory.20

For more information about the white stones mentioned in biblical history, see the article titled “Why did some ancient people get their name changed — and what is that about a white stone?” listed in References and Notes.21

 

The Church of Thyatira (Revelation 2:18–29)

Thyatira was a peaceful, busy, and wealthy commercial city in the northern part of the land area (Lydia) which lay on a great trade route. It had an elevation of about 1500 feet (457 meters) above sea level. The population was divided into trade-guilds of artisans and merchants. To belong to these guilds was important as it aided the business and brought many social advantages. The bond of the guild lay in a common religion which included a sacrificial meal to a pagan deity whom they served.22

In that society it was nearly impossible to dissociate membership in a guild from its idolatry, as they exerted great influence upon its adherents. But Christian converts were required to separate themselves from such activities. Jesus’ rebuke to the church here was that a woman prophetess — named, or nicknamed, Jezebel — was teaching that Christians could do both. She insisted that one can be Christian and continue to eat food sacrificed to idols, as well as perform other Satanic activities.23

 

The Church of Sardis (Revelation 3:1–6)

Sardis was the capital city of Lydia in western Asia Minor and situated about 50 miles (80 km) east of Smyrna. The important industries of this city included dyes, textiles, and jewelry-making which had all made the city wealthy.

Although at first it became an important Christian center, by the time John wrote his letter the members had become complacent and relied upon past glories instead of continuing to work in service of our Lord. “Its thriving, healthy appearance masked an inner decay.”24 “But like the Pharisees, their outer appearance was a facade hiding their lack of life. They were falling far short of fulfilling their obligations as believers.”25

 

The Church of Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7–13)

Philadelphia is the only city mentioned that was not a major metropolitan area. But it was strategically important for military personnel, being on a southern highway connecting Pergamum to south Asia Minor. The commercial industry consisted mostly of making wine, for which it was famous. It was also known as a missionary city and the church used the city’s location and status to spread the good news about Christ.26

Like Smyrna this church received no rebuke because they had maintained God’s truth by living it as they patiently endured persecution. Because of their proper life they would be exempt from some tribulation that is coming during the end of this age. The church in Philadelphia is often taken as a symbol of great evangelical awakening.27

 

The Church of Laodicea (Revelation 3:14–22)

Laodicea, located on a highway running from Ephesus to Syria, was well known in the ancient world for its wealth derived from the textile industry. Our Lord had nothing positive to say to its members and indicated their church was neither cold (like the pure sweet waters of mountain streams), nor hot (like the therapeutic waters of geothermal springs). In other words, the church was lukewarm, providing neither refreshment for the spiritually weary, nor healing for the spiritually sick.28

Despite their spiritual uselessness, they wrongly claimed a spiritual wealth equal to their material wealth. But in reality, the Laodiceans were spiritually poor, blind, and naked. They did not even realize that a true spiritual foundation comes from a relationship with Christ, not through human effort.29

They took for granted that just by attending meetings they would gain eternal life. I agree with one sincere Christian woman of our modern age — who I believe speaks under inspiration of God — who said the Laodicean church is symbolic of the ‘end times’ church. They believe that through their meager efforts they are all going to be saved. This of course, is not true.30

 

Conclusion

Today, many of our Christian churches are becoming less and less aligned with Christian morality as our world changes. Since our religious institutions are changing to keep up with social trends and lifestyle differences, they are moving away from being truly Christlike in their teaching. It used to be that the church would help in changing people from their lives of sin to lives of righteousness, but some now move in the opposite direction. Churches are changing from teaching morality to becoming worry-free social clubs. The messages in the Bible did not change, so what happened?

Churches are now doing their best to present themselves as modern and comfortable; they do not want to offend you, no matter what your lifestyle. They are more interested in being politically correct and supporting social justice issues than in teaching and preaching about Jesus Christ. They aren’t interested in God’s blessings or sinners’ redemption, but in presenting sermons to make the audiences feel good.

Many church members now believe all they need do to be a Christian is sometimes attend church services, casually quote a few verses of scripture, and occasionally say the words “praise the Lord.” But Jesus does not tolerate such ungodly attitudes. Our website has a good article titled “Is Your Church Teaching Christian Values?” and you can find a link to that study in References & Notes.31

If we learn about Jesus, we are expected to put that knowledge to proper use in our lives every day. And if when the end of this age arrives and we don’t make it into God’s new paradise, it’s nobody’s fault but our own. And that is the message of the song selected to express the key point of this article. The song “Nobody’s Fault But Mine” is performed by American outlaw country singer Travis Tritt. Selected lyrics are below and a link to the music video is in References & Notes.32

Mother she taught me how to pray;
Mother she taught me how to pray.
If I fail to pray and my soul be lost,
Ain’t nobody’s fault but mine.

Yes nobody’s fault but mine;
Nobody’s fault but mine.
If I die and my soul be lost,
It’s nobody’s fault but mine.

Copyright © 2024, Dr. Ray Hermann
OutlawBibleStudent.org

 

** Feature photograph from plainbibleteaching.com through Creative Commons License.

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Reference & Notes

  1. Luter, A. B., in CSB Study Bible: Notes, (Eds.) E. Blum and T. Wax, (Nashville TN: Holman Bible Publisher, 2017), p. 2016.
  2. Mays, James Luther, (Ed.), Harper’s Bible commentary, (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1988), p. 1302.
  3. Smyth, Dolores, “What Do the 7 Churches in Revelation Represent?” (Christianity, 20 May 2024), https://www.christianity.com/wiki/end-times/what-do-the-7-churches-in-revelation-represent-summaries-and-explanations.html
  4. Hermann, Ray, “The Marriage of the Lamb – Revelation 19″, (The Outlaw Bible Student, OBS, 4 July 2024), https://outlawbiblestudent.org/the-marriage-of-the-lamb-revelation-19/
  5. Cabal, Ted, (Ed.), The Apologetics Study Bible, (Nashville TN: Holman Bible Publisher, 2017), p. 1580.
  6. All scripture quoted is from The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989). Used with permission.
  7. Knowles, Andrew, (Ed.), The Bible Guide: An all-in-one Introduction to the Book of Books, (Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress, 2001), p. 697.
  8. Walvoord, John F. and Zuck, Roy B., (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), vol. 2, p. 933.
  9. Ibid.
  10. Mays, James Luther, (Ed.), Harper’s Bible Commentary, (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1988), pp. 1304-1305.
  11. Walvoord, John F. and Zuck, Roy B., (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, (see above), vol. 2, p. 933-934.
  12. Smith, William, Smith’s Bible Dictionary, (New York: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1831), p. 447.
  13. Walvoord, John F. and Zuck, Roy B., (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, (see above).
  14. Mays, James Luther, (Ed.), Harper’s Bible commentary, (see above), p. 1306.
  15. Brand, Chad, et al., (Eds.), Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2003), p. 1512. (Logos edition)
  16. Walvoord, J. F., “Revelation,” in Walvoord, J.F. and Zuck, R.B., (Eds.) The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, (see above), vol. 2, p. 936.
  17. Ibid.
  18. Knowles, Andrew, (Ed.), The Bible Guide: An all-in-one Introduction to the Book of Books, (see above), p. 698.
  19. Walvoord John F. and Zuck, Roy B., (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, (see above).
  20. MacDonald, William,, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, (Ed.) A. Farstad, (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1995), p. 2357.
  21. Hermann, Ray, “Why did some ancient people get their name changed—and what is that about a white stone and new name for us?” (The Outlaw Bible Student, OBS, 11 June 2019), https://outlawbiblestudent.org/why-did-some-ancient-people-get-their-name-changed-and-what-is-that-about-a-white-stone-and-new-name-for-us/
  22. Ramsay, W. M., in A Dictionary of the Bible: Dealing with Its Language, Literature, and Contents Including the Biblical Theology, (Ed.) James Hastings, (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1911–1912), vol. 4, pp. 757-758.
  23. Ibid.
  24. Youngblood, Ronald, et al. (Eds.), Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995).
  25. Walvoord, J.F., and Zuck, R.B., (Eds.) The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, (see above), vol 2, p. 938.
  26. Barry, John D., (Ed.) “Philadelphia” in Lexham Bible Dictionary, (Bellingham WA: Lexham Press, 2016).
  27. MacDonald, William, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, (Ed.) A. Farstad, (see above), pp. 2359-2360.
  28. Brand, Chad, et al., (Eds.), Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2003), p. 1012.
  29. Ibid.
  30. “Warning dream from the Lord to the Laodicean church!” (Rosie Lost Sheep Blog, 18 October 2023), https://www.rosielostsheep.com/post/warning-dream-from-the-lord-to-the-laodicean-church
    (also see videos at https://www.youtube.com/@Rosielostsheep)
  31. Hermann, Ray, “Is Your Church Teaching Christian Values?” (The Outlaw Bible Student, OBS, 4 September 2020), https://outlawbiblestudent.org/is-your-church-teaching-christian-values/
  32. “Nobody’s Fault But Mine”, Artist: Travis Tritt; CD/DVD: Country Chapel; (recorded live in Nashville, TN, © 2024 Gaither Music Group, LLC). Used under ‘fair use copyright’ for teaching under Section 107 of United States Copyright Act of 1976 – MUSIC VIDEO: https://youtu.be/81-4gThIcOo
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