The book of Revelation addresses letters to seven churches in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) (Revelation 2-3). Each letter, proclaimed by Jesus Christ and recorded by the apostle John, declares the victories and defeats of the receiving churches and warns each congregation to repent.
The advice in these letters is prophetic and warns the Christian communities today about the pitfalls that can lead us away from our faith.
Who wrote to the seven churches in Revelation?
Since the second century, Christian scholars have attributed the physical writing of Revelation to John the Apostle, the son of Zebedee (Mark 3:17) and the author of the Gospel and the Epistles of John. Although John literally wrote Revelation, the book clearly states that Jesus is the source of these revelations (Revelation 1:1-2).
In the first century AD, the apostle John was exiled to the island of Patmos, a Roman penal colony near Asia Minor. John’s “crime” was practicing Christianity. While in Patmos, John was possessed by the Holy Spirit and received prophetic visions of Christ instructing him:
“Write what you see on a scroll and send it to the seven churches:
Ephesus
Izmir
Pergamon
Airplane
Sard
Philadelphia
(Revelation 1:1-2; 9-11)
The seven churches in Revelation and their symbols
1. Church of Ephesus
A church that has abandoned its love for Christ and his teachings (Revelation 2:1-7)
Summary and explanation: Ephesus was the prominent commercial and cultural center of Asia. Christ’s letter to the Ephesian church praises the congregation for their “works…hard work…and endurance” and their rejection of false apostles (Revelation 2:2-3).
Despite their hard work and doctrinal integrity, Christ rebukes the community for “forsaking the love they had at first” (Revelation 2:4). This “abandoned love” could mean that the Ephesians became less faithful to Christ or that what they were doing was no longer out of love for one another. The letter to the Ephesian church gives hope to the community, provided they repent and rekindle their love for the Christian life (Revelation 2:5-7).
Today’s Importance: The lesson of the letter to Ephesians is that truth and love must go hand in hand. A church that emphasizes doctrinal purity at the expense of showing love is just as flawed as a church that emphasizes congregational harmony at the expense of true teachings. Instead, Jesus shows that the church, made in his image, must teach God’s truth with love.
2. Izmir Church
A church that remains faithful in the midst of persecution (Revelation 2:8-11)
Summary and explanation: Izmir was the residence of a large Jewish community that was hostile to Christians. The Bible mentions that the Jews’ slanderous accusations against Christians led to the persecution of Christians by the Roman authorities (Acts 14:2, 19; Acts 17:13).
Christ’s revelation to the Church of Izmir praises the community for its material poverty but its spiritual wealth and acknowledges its unjust persecution (Revelation 2:9). Christ does not punish this church, but warns of the imminent imprisonment of some of its members and asks them to remain faithful “even unto death” and remember the promise of their “crown of victory” (Revelation 2:10 ).
Today’s relevance: Like the Church of Izmir, Christians around the world are being persecuted in overt and hidden ways. This letter warns all Christians that although we may suffer much, the time of tribulation will be short compared to the promise of eternal life.
3. Church of Pergamum
A church that compromises its beliefs (Revelation 2:12-17)
Summary and explanation: The city of Pergamum was famous for its pagan practices. The letter to the church of Pergamum commends the congregation for keeping their faith despite the rampant influence of idolatry in the city (Revelation 2:13). The letter then addresses the sin of the church by condemning some of its members for following false teachings that led to religious and moral compromise (Revelation 2:14-15).
God asks the congregation to repent or risk the judgment that will come from “the sword of [His] mouth” (Revelation 2:16). Those who repent will be given the “hidden bread” which is the seed of heaven (Psalms 78:24) and a “white stone” or clean tablet with a new identity in Christ (Revelation 2:17).
4. Tayatira Church
A church that follows false prophets (Revelation 2:18-29)
Summary and explanation: Thyatira was a rich trading city. Jesus’ letter to the church in Thyatira praises it for its growth in faith and service (Revelation 2:19). The fall of this church was due to attachment to a false prophet, which led to idolatry and immorality of some of its members (Revelation 2:20). Even though the false prophet did not repent, Jesus confirms that the congregation can still repent by turning from that prophet’s ways (Revelation 2:21-22).
God reminds us in this revelation that he will reward each of us according to our deeds (Revelation 2:23). The wages of sin is death. However, those who persevere in faith will receive a share of Christ’s messianic authority over all nations and will overcome death (Revelation 2:26-28).
5. Sard Church
A spiritually dead church (Revelation 3:1-6)
Summary and explanation: Sard was a city that, despite its fortifications, endured two surprise attacks. Our Lord rebukes the Sardis church for maintaining the appearance of being “alive” while being spiritually dead (Revelation 3:1). Referring to the history of previous surprise attacks on the city, Jesus warns the congregation to “wake up” and repent, lest he “come like a thief” to bring down his judgment (Revelation 3:2-3).
Those who heed Christ’s warning in the Church of Sardis will be clothed with “white robes” that symbolize purity and victory, and will be recognized in the heavenly book of life (Revelation 3:5).
6. Church of Philadelphia
A church that patiently endured despite weaknesses (Revelation 3:7-13)
Summary and explanation: Philadelphia was the residence of a community of Jews who were hostile to Christians. Christ praises the church of Philadelphia for remaining faithful in the face of trials despite their limited strength (Revelation 3:8).
Jesus does not rebuke the church in Philadelphia, but condemns their persecutors (Revelation 3:9). Christ promises that if the congregation of Philadelphia remains faithful to Him, He will protect them from the “hour of trial” and make them pillars in God’s heavenly temple (Revelation 3:10-12).
7. Church of Laodicea
A church with lukewarm faith (Revelation 3:14-22)
Summary and explanation: Laodicea was a thriving industrial and commercial center. Jesus’ letter to the church of Laodicea wastes no time in rebuking the congregation for their lukewarm faith and threatening to “spew” the congregation out of His mouth (Revelation 3:16).
Christ rebukes this church for allowing their economic prosperity to bankrupt them spiritually, showing that despite their economic wealth, only He can provide spiritual wealth (Revelation 3:17-18). Those who open their hearts to Christ in the church of Laodicea will share in his heavenly banquet and have the right to sit with him on his throne (Revelation 3:20-21).
Today in the article : What Do the 7 Churches in Revelation Represent? We reviewed useful information about the Bible and the way of Jesus. If you wish, you can view other articles of Ali Vahidi about Christianity
