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Bible Study:
An Overview of The Seven Churches of Revelation
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In chapters two and three of Revelation we have an address from the Lord to the seven churches of Asia. These letters deal with the good, bad, and the ugly. Jesus is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34; Galatians 2:6; James 2:1). He deals with all of mankind righteously, according to His Word (John 12:48). In dealing with these seven churches, only two receive commendation, Smyrna and Philadelphia. Four of the remaining five receive both commendation
and reprimand. The church in Laodicea receives only reprimand. Jesus is clear on the fact that repentance is required to overcome His reprimand.
I. To the church at Ephesus, Revelation 2:1-7.
A. The inspired record relating to the beginning of this
congregation is found in Acts 19. Verses 17-20 highlight the
love the Ephesians had for truth and righteousness.
B. Geographic information:
1. A coastal city located off of the Aegean Sea.
2. Great economic importance.
a. Import and export. Three major trade routes came
through Ephesus.
b. Temple of Diana, or Artemis located here.
One of the seven wonders of the world. This Temple was four
hundred and twenty five feet long, two hundred and twenty five
feet wide, and sixty feet high. It had a stairway made from
solid vine from Cyprus. This was an elaborate Temple where the
god Diana was worshiped. Idol worship was a great
economic contributor (Acts 19:23-28).
c. Free city. A miniature Rome, complete with self rule,
and military might.
d. Ephesus was a judicial center. Rome would try the
major cases.
e. Annual games were held here.
C. The church in Ephesus was informed.
1. Paul spent many hours laboring with the brethren here
(Acts 20:31).
2. Timothy the evangelist (2 Timothy 4:2,5), labored with this congregation as their preacher
(1 Timothy 1:3).
3. Tradition says that John son of Zebedee spent many
of his last years here. Ephesus was only between sixty
to seventy miles from Patmos.
4. Verses 2 and 6, demonstrate the fact that the Ephesians
knew the truth. They were a doctrinally sound congregation.
D. Commendation:
1. They worked and toiled, v.2. The word toiled is
discussing the fact that they labored until the point
of exhaustion.
2. They were patient, v.2. Verse three defines their patience.
3. They would not bear evil men, v.2. The word bear means
“to support as a burden, to pick up and to carry”. They
tried those who falsely called themselves apostles, and took
the proper action when they proved that they were in error.
a. Is it proper for us to question men today?(Hebrews 13:17),(1 John 4:1).
b. Ezekiel 3:16-21 demonstrates the principle involved here.
4. They hated the deeds of the Nicolaitans, v.6.
a. The word “Nicolaitans” is the product of combining the word
“Laos” (people), with the word “Niklam” (to conquer). We
will look further into their teaching when we study the
letter to the church at Pergamum.
b. It is not enough to love the things God loves. We must
hate the things that God hates.
c. Failure to hate what God hates is the sin of
indifference. Consider Isaiah 5:20-21.
E. The Lord’s reprimand.
1. Their love had grown cold, v.4.1 Corinthians 16:22, and
1 John 4:8 reveal the bitter consequences of failing
to keep the fires of love burning. Remember to know God is
to be known by Him (Galatians 4:9).
a. The type of love which pleases the Lord
is more than mere emotion. We are to love Him with our total
being (Mark 12:29-30). We must give ourselves to the Lord (2
Corinthians 8:5), because in Christ we are joined, or married
to Him (Romans 7:4).
b. Acts of worship must be rendered in spirit and in truth
(John 4:24). They had the truth down, but without love their
worship was in vain.
c. From the outside this congregation probably looked
like a good one to belong to. They were sound in the faith,
yet they were lost in their present condition. Consider Ezekiel
3:20 in this vein of reasoning.
F. The Lord’s counsel.
1. Repent and do the first works, v.5.
a. They were to remember where they once were and return to
that place. Repentance is more that declaring ones error,
it is a change in attitude and action. Repentance and heart
felt sorrow work together in God’s plan of salvation
(Acts 2:38; 2 Corinthians 7:9- 10).
2. Change or else!
a. The Lord would remove their candlestick, or lampstand. In
1:20 we are informed that the candlesticks are the churches.
Refusal to repent finally resulted in the end of their
congregation.
3. Overcomers are invited to come over and eat of the tree of
life.
a. Paradise is lost in the book of beginnings, and regained
in Christ.
b. The tree of life offered eternal life (Genesis 3:22).
In Revelation 2:7 the reference is relating to salvation.
Remember that the lost will also live forever
(Matthew 18:8; 25:30,41). Eternal life
with God will be life in paradise. Heaven is only for
individuals who desire to be there, for only the sincere will
repent of error and walk in the light.
c. This is a good place to righteously correct those who
believe that paradise will be here on earth. The paradise of
God in not on earth, but in the third heaven
(2 Corinthians 12:1-4).
II. To the Church at Smyrna.
A. Geographical and economic information.
1. The second most important city in Asia. A
commercial metropolis with a
population of 200,000 to 250,000 in John’s day. Today
it is a city of 2,000,000, named Izmar.
2. A center of Emperor worship. Emperor worship consisted
of burning incense and calling Caesar Lord. An annual
certificate was given to the worshipers. This certificate
proved loyalty to the Roman government.
3. The city attracted a large Jewish population.
B. Description of the author, v.8.
1. Referring to His eternal existence.
2. The Son of Man died and was resurrected from the
dead. His resurrection proves His Deity (Romans 1:4), and
guarantees life for everyone in Him (Revelation 1:17-18; 1
Corinthians 15:20).
3. In Moscow you can see the body of Lenin
encased in a crystal casket. A sign beside it says that Lenin
WAS the Lord of new humanity. When we speak of Buddha,
Mohammed, Confucius, Zoroaster, or any other founder of world
religions, we must speak of them in past tense. This is not
the case with Jesus, He lives. (Hebrews 13:8).
C. Church’s condition evaluated, v. 9.
1. Tribulation: The term is discussing intense suffering.
2. Poverty: These folks were at the very bottom of the
financial scale in Smyrna. When they obeyed the gospel
they lost their jobs, possessions, and earthly security.
3. Riches: In spite of their economic standing, they were rich
(James 2:5; Ephesians 2:1- 7; 3:8; Luke 12:15).
4. Blasphemy: The Jewish population persecuted this
congregation, along with the Romans. The true Jew is one
who has obeyed the gospel (Galatians 3:27-29; 6:14-16).
D.Promise of things to come, v.10.
1. Where do people get the idea that God will bless His
people with financial increase as a general
rule? If the suffering saints in Smyrna would have been evaluated on
such a scale they would have been multimillionaires!
2. More suffering was on its way. Some of the brethren
would be cast into prison, tried, and executed.
3. They were not to fear the thing they were about
to suffer. Consider Matthew 10:28 and Hebrews 13:5-6.
4. “Unto death” here does not mean a natural death after
a long and prosperous life. It means in the very face
of death. History relates the account of Polycarp,
a Smyrnean saint and a personal acquaintance of John
the apostle. In the year 155 he was given a choice.
If he would deny Jesus, and publicly avow that Caesar was
Lord, his life would be spared. He would not deny his
Lord. He reminded his enemies that he
had served Jesus for 86 years and that Jesus had never done him any
harm. He was not going to turn on Him now.
E. Rewards for the overcomers.
1. Crown. Stephanos refers to the victory crown, not a diadem.
Consider James 1:12 and 1 Corinthians 9:25.
2. Would not be hurt in the second death.
III. To the church at Pergamos. Revelation 2:12-17.
A. Geographical and economic information.
1. Capitol of the Roman province.
a. Center of emperor worship. It bore the name “Thrice
Neokoros”, because of its three temples for emperor worship.
2. This city had a great library, second only to Alexandra. During
a time in which Egypt denied them of papyrus for their books,
they made parchment. The name “parchment” is derived from
the name “Pergamos”.
3. Great medical center. The famous physician of
antiquity, Galen, lived and practiced medicine here.
a. Aesculapius, the god of medicine was worshiped here. The
sign of this god was a serpent wrapped around a cross. It is
the same sign physicians use today. Consider verse 13, the
serpent is a universal symbol for Satan.
4. This city mined white stones, which were used commercially.
Usually they were presented to people with a name on it for the
following reasons:
a. Given to one tried and acquitted.
b. Given to one freed from slavery, and made a citizen.
c. Given to a winner of a contest, to show that he had overcome
opposition.
d. Given to warriors coming back from victory.
5. A city given to idolatry. The temple of Zeus was located here.
It remains as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
B. Description of the author.
1. He that hath the sharp two-edged sword. When will the
frail man whom He created learn that we cannot successfully oppose
Him? No enemy can stand before Him.
C. The one with the sharp two-edged sword knows all things.
Hebrews 4:12.
1. He knew that they were dwelling in a corrupt city, v.13.
This city did not have a great family atmosphere.
2. They held fast His name.
a. We also must hold fast His name. 1 Peter 4:16.
3. They held fast His faith.
a. Many today talk about “my faith”, or “your faith”.
There are faiths of men, then there is “His faith”.
His faith is the only hope mankind has.
D. Something changed in this congregation along the way.
1. They had some holding the doctrine of Balaam, v.14.
a. We learn of Balaam’s counsel in Numbers 22-24; 31:16.
b. “Balaam” is derived from “Baal” meaning to conquer, and
“aam” meaning people.
c. Balaam’s doctrine is defined in Scripture. Consider Micah 6:5; 2
Peter 2:15; Jude 1:11.
d. Compromise takes place daily for various reasons. Loved ones
involved in sin. Fear of offending people and
running them off. Fear of a dwindling contribution.
2. They had some holding the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.
a. A distinction is made between these two groups. The former probably
allowed sin to exist in the church, the later probably practiced it.
E. They were to repent. Notice that the church was to repent!
Failure to do so would result in meeting His sword in battle. John
12:48.
IV. To the church at Thyatira. Revelation 2:18-29.
A. Geographical and economic information.
1. This city was the home of Lydia (Acts 16:14).
2. Thyatira produced expensive dyes, and linens.
3. A city known for its trade guilds.
4. Apollo the sun god was worshiped here.
B. Description of the author.
1. Verse 18 He is the one
to be worshiped, not Apollo
C. Commendation, verse 19.
1. Their works were increasing, unlike the church at
Ephesus. This congregation was involved in loving, faithful,
service. Christians must be motivated by love (1 Corinthians
13:1-3). 2. Like Christ, our perfect example (1 Peter 2:21), we must
be involved in service or ministry (Matthew 20:28). Also see 1
Corinthians 16:15; Ephesians 4:12; Galatians 6:10; Titus 3:1,8,14).
3. In pointing to their faith, Jesus was discussing fidelity to God
and His Word. Without faith we cannot please Him (Hebrews 11:6). Our
faith will be demonstrated in our works (Galatians 5:6; James
2:24,26).
4. The “patience” of these Christians was characterized by
the increase of their works.
D. Condemnation, verses 20-23.
1. They “suffered”, that is permitted, a false teacher referred to as
Jezebel, to teach and seduce the saints to commit fornication, and
to eat things sacrificed to idols.
2. (See Revelation 6:5-6).
3. Her doctrine was sold under the pretenses that we cannot understand
wrong unless we practice it ourselves (v. 24).
4. The church should have stood firm on 2 Timothy 2:12-15, 1
Corinthians 14:32, and 1 John 4:1. They needed the unyielding
nature of the Ephesians, and the Ephesians needed their loving
service. We must strive for the proper balance of the two.
E. God gave Jezebel and her followers time to repent.
1. He is patient with all men (2 Peter 3:9,15).
2. His goodness leads man to repentance (Romans 2:4).
3. Man must repent or perish (Luke 13:3,5; Acts 17:30-31).
F. The word “bed” in verse 22 is used to describe a bed of
sickness. It can also refer to a “banquet couch.”
1. In verse 23 Christ said that He would
kill her children with death. The word translated “death” can also
be translated “pestilence”. People have been punished by immediate
physical death (Acts 5:1-5; 12:23). They were certain to meet the
second death if their condition was not repented of (Ezekiel 18:20;
Romans 6:23; James 1:15).
2. Christ said that He would do this so that all the
churches would know that He “searches” man’s reins and
hearts.
a. “Reins”.
b. The heart refers to our center of intellect.
c. Christ will give to each person according to his
works. (See Galatians 6:7-8; Hosea 8:7; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Proverbs
22:8).
G. Christ offers admonition, verses 24-25.
1. He addresses “the rest”, that is those who do not hold this doctrine.
2. Christ said that He would put no other burden on them. In verse 20 we see
that He held the church accountable for permitting the woman to
teach her false doctrine. The burden placed on the church was to
stop permitting false teachers from spreading their error. 3. In
verse 25 He instructs them to hold fast. Literally He is instructing
them to remain faithful at all cost.
H. Promise of reward to the overcomers.
1. Verses 26-27 discuss the fact that we are reigning
with Christ in our efforts to carry out the Great
Commission (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:44f) Right now
Christ is the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings (Revelation
17:14). Christians share that reign with Him (Romans 5:17; 1
Corinthians 6:2; 2 Timothy 2:12).
2. Verse 28 discusses the “morning star”. Revelation 22:16
reveals who the morning star is.
V. To the church at Sardis. Revelation 3:1-6.
A. Geographical and economic information.
1. One of the oldest and most important cities in Asia.
2. The city was built on the northern slope of Mt. Tmolus.
Its acropolis occupied one of the spurs of the
mountain, which was about 950 feet high. The city also had three
walls around it.
3. Sardis was a wealthy city. Gold was mined here,
and money was first minted here.
4. The city was located on an earthquake fault. In 17 A.D.
the city was devastated by an earthquake. It was rebuilt by
Tiberius, but never regained its former economic significance.
5. There was a temple of Cybele
located here. Her worship resembled that of Diana of the Ephesians.
B. They had a name that they were alive.
1. I wonder what it would have been like to visit this congregation?
C. They were instructed to be watchful.
1. It is interesting to point out the fact that in 546
B.C. and in 218 B.C., the cities acropolis was scaled, and the city
was captured because they were not watching.
2. Faithfulness requires watchfulness. Christians must guard
themselves against error (Ephesians 4:27; 6:11; 1 Peter 5:8; James
4:7).
3. Most of those in Sardis had fallen into the snare of the
Devil. Our gracious Lord was providing them with a way of escape.
D. Their works were not perfected before the Lord.
1. It is often said that we cannot be perfect. Consider Jesus’
teaching on this subject in Matthew 5:48.
E. The Lord’s remedy, Verse 3.
1. “Remember therefore how thou hast received and didst hear”.
They received the Word at first with joy. They had the attitude
that they would live according to the truth at any cost.
2. They were to repent and obey the truth as they once did.
Repentance is always the step the child
of God must take in order to remain in the grace of God.
3. Failure to repent would result in the Lord’s judgment.
F. The faithful few, verse 4.
1. They were the human hope of this
congregation. The unfaithful do not offer any hope.
2. These faithful few are not proof that the faithful can serve
in a liberal hour and still remain faithful.
a. Where does one read of the church at Sardis compromising
the truth?
b. This congregation was correct in form. Notice from verse
two, that they were to establish the things that remain.
Their service and worship must have been void of spirit
(John 4:24; Joshua 24:14).
3. Anytime the unfaithful dominate a congregation
it will eventually die.
G. Promise to the overcomers, verses 5-6.
1. Arrayed in white garments. Equivalent to putting on
Christ, and remaining faithful to Him (Galatians 3:27;
Revelation 7:14).
VI. To the church at Philadelphia, Revelation 3:7-13.
A. Geographical and economic information.
1. Located 20-30 miles southwest of Sardis.
2. Built in the second century B.C. by Attalus II. He named it
Philadelphia in honor of his brother Eumenes II. Philadelphia
means “brotherly love.”
3. The city was referred to as “Little Athens” because it had many temples
of idolatry there. Philadelphia was built to spread the Greek
culture and language.
4. Located on a terrace 650 feet above sea level, with volcanoes
behind her, and fertile vineyards to her side.
a. The worship of Bacchus (Greek), or Dionysus
(Roman), the god of wine, was very important here.
5. Hot springs with medicinal value were located here.
6. The city was destroyed by an earthquake in 17 A.D. andrebuilt by Tiberius Caesar. He suspended their taxes, andprovided financial aid.
This action built a strong tie between the city and the
Caesars.
B. Description of Christ, verse 7.
1. He that is holy. The word holy means separated. The
religious significance is separation from sin. Jesus is
the absolute holy one (Hebrews 4:15). This great tribute
to our King is noted in Hebrews 7:26.
2. He that is true. He is the “Logos” (John 1:1), or the
Word personified. He is truth (John 14:6). Truth is essential
to salvation (John 8:32; 1 Timothy 2:4).
3. He that hath the key of David. This is an allusion to
Isaiah 22:22. Keys are symbolic of authority. Isaiah 22:22
places the key of David on His shoulder. This symbolizes
His government as indicated in Isaiah 9:6. Jesus is
the only one with the authority to establish His government
(Matthew 28:18).
4. He is the one that openeth and none shall shut, and that
shutteth and none openeth. This is the truth experience in the days of Noah.
As the door to the ark was sealed, no one else could enter.
C. Jesus set an open door before them, verse 7.
1. Much like the door which was opened to Paul, mentioned in
three of his epistles ( 1 Corinthians 16:9;
2 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 4:3). Outside opposition is
powerless against God’s open doors. Are we praying daily for an
open door to make disciples?
2. Philadelphia was built to spread the Greek culture.
What a blessing this was for the church, since the New Testament
was written in their language.
D. No censure given to this congregation. They line up with
Smyrna in the dedication department.
1. From verse 8 we determine that they were of little power.
They might not have possessed big numbers and finances, yet
they were powerful in Christ.
2. Their support for the cause of Christ did not grow
weak, even though it was very unpopular. See Acts 4:12, 1 Peter
4:16, and Acts 5:41.
E. The synagogue of Satan was going to worship before the
feet of the Philadelphians, verse 9.
F. They would be spared from the hour of trial, verse 10.
1. Because of their steadfast
endurance (1 Corinthians 15:58). They had already been tried
and found faithful.
2. We need to remember that the gospel does not promise
Christians a life free from persecution. See Galatians 5:11, and 2
Timothy 3
G. Consider the admonition in verse 11.
1. We must hold on to the fidelity which bonds us to Christ.
2. We must hold on to that which is good ( 1 Thessalonians 5:21).
3. If we listen to what the Spirit (v.13) is saying, we will
remain steadfast so that we will not loose our crown of life.
H. Promise to the overcomers, verse 12.
1. Philadelphia was earthquake country. Becoming a pillar
in the temple of God was significant to them. This is a
wonderful lesson concerning strength. Strength is not found in
numbers and dollars, it is found in fidelity to God and His Word!
Remember, we are the pillar of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15).
2. When Philadelphia was destroyed in 17 A.D. and rebuilt, Tiberius changed
its name to Nerocaesares. When we overcome, we are found worthy to
wear Jesus’ name. Please consider 2 Timothy 2:19.
VII. To the church at Laodicea, Revelation 3:14-22.
A. Geographical and economic information.
1. Laodicea was built on the same earthquake fault as
Philadelphia. In 60 A.D. the city
was almost entirely destroyed by an earthquake.
2. The city was of little significance until 190 B.C. when the Roman
province of Asia was formed. Then it became a great industrial
center, especially famous for its black wool. Some have called
this city the wall street of Asia.
3. Laodicea was also as a medical center. They were famous for
their ear salve, and phrygian eye power.
4. Warm mineral springs in the area were
turned into a health resort.
5. The people of Laodicea were so
wealthy and proud that they refused the governments offer to
rebuild their city after the earthquake in 60 A.D.. Here is a
classic example of 1 Timothy 6:10.
6. The church here is mentioned in Colossians 2:1, and 4:16.
B. Description of the author.
1. In verse 14 Jesus called Himself the “Amen.” The
word “amen” is transliterated from the Hebrew into both the
Greek and English languages. When the word is spoken by
Jehovah it means, “it is and shall be so.” When the word is
spoken by man it means, “so let it be.” In Deuteronomy 7:9 the
word “faithful” is the Hebrew word “amen.” In Psalms 19:7 we
learn that because God is faithful, His testimonies and
precepts are sure (amen). In Hosea 5:9 we also learn that his
judgments will surely (amen) come to pass. From all of this we
need to learn that when Jehovah says something He means
business, therefore Jesus is the Amen!
2. He is the faithful and true witness. The word translated
“witness” here is from
the Greek word “Martus” (Whence Eng., martyr, one who bears
witness by his death), which denotes “one who can aver what he
has seen or heard or knows”. The assessment of our Lord is
always right on the money.
3. He is the beginning of the creation of God.
a. The Greek word translated beginning in verse 14 is
the word “arche”. This word is not dealing with the order of
creation, but rather the cause of it. See also John 1:1-3,
Colossians 1:15- 17, Hebrews 1:1-2, and 1 Corinthians 8:6.
c. Clearly, we see the Lord as creator. As creator He is the
faithful and true witness, the Amen.
C. This letter is the saddest of the seven letters in Revelation. Really, we are reading the obituary of a dead church.
1. In verse 15 the Lord addresses their lukewarm attitude. This
statement is not referring to their standing with Christ, for
there is no middle ground. We are simply looking at their view
of the faith.
2. Why did Jesus say that He would prefer these brethren to be
cold rather than lukewarm? Lukewarmness can do more damage to
the church than complete separation from the church. Some
profess to be Christians, yet by their fruit they bring
reproach upon the church. If these would identify with their true
state, it would be less injurious to the church.
3. Of all the sin mentioned in Scripture, lukewarmness is the
only one we read of producing the results in verse 16. Lukewarmness
is nauseating at best.
D. In verse 17 Jesus illustrates the Laodicean’s true colors.
1. They were living like the rest of their society. They had an
attitude of self sufficiency, and self reliance. In reality they
were self condemned. Instead of saying “I can do all things in him
that strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13), they were saying, “I can
do all things through myself.” Like many today, they possessed the
idea that the Lord needs to conform to my way of life. The Bible
teaches us that we must conform to His way of life (1 Peter 2:21;
Hebrews 5:9). 2. The Amen, the faithful and true one said that they
were miserable, poor, blind, and naked. The Laodiceans were so proud
of their wealth, eye powder, fine woolen products, and their health
resort, that they forgot about the one who died for their sins.
E. They needed the attitude of John (John 3:30).
1. Change can only come through true wealth. They needed to buy
the Lord’s gold which is refined by fire. Fire will do one of two
things. It will either purify, or destroy. Our faith must
be proved by fire (1 Peter 1:7; 4:12-13).
2. The Lord counseled them to purchase His white garments.
White is symbolic of purity. The lukewarm Laodiceans must have
looked nice in their fine purple linen. Inside they were clothed
with the filthy rags of unrighteousness. The only way a Christian
can continue to walk in purity, is by walking in the light of God’s
Word (1 John 1:7).
3. Laodicea was famous for its eyesalve. The
saints here were suffering from blurred vision concerning the truth.
The wisdom of the psalmist is in order here. “The commandment of
Jehovah is pure, enlightening the eyes” (Psalms 19:8).
F. The Lord still loved these saints.
1. In verse 19 He called for the
Laodiceans to repent. The severity of the rebuke was a sign of the
Lord’s love for His people.
2. He stands at the door and knocks,
v.20. Compare verse 20 with Matthew 7:7. Jesus wants everyone to
open the door. The door is only opened to those who want it opened.
3. Verse 21 runs concurrent with Revelation 2:27.
4. If we will listen to the Spirit (v.22), we
will look for the areas within these seven churches that please the
Lord, and we will pattern ourselves after them. This is the only way
a church can be faithful to the Lord.
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