The seven churches of Asia

Revelation - Greek: (Apokalupsis) – Appearing, coming, lighten, manifestation, to be revealed

The book of Revelation is dedicated to the unveiling of the divine mysteries of God, to mankind. This vision was delivered by God’s Angel to John the revelator on the isle of Patmos.

Revelation 1:1-2

In the opening statement of this book to the seven churches later revealed, we learn that everything proceeding the first four words is a description of who Jesus Christ was, is, and is to come.

Revelation 1:3

Here we see the importance of us not only reading the word but hearing it preached and applying it to our lives. The term, “for the time is at hand”, (Revelation 1:3 KJV) echoes many other passages of scripture regarding our short amount of time here on this earth. For example: “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14 KJV).

Revelation 1:4-6

Penned by the hand of John to the seven churches in Asia, John starts his epistle by sending grace and peace to them in the name of Jesus Christ, giving glory to him for the blood atonement that washes our sins away.

Revelation 1:7

Verse seven is Johns blanket statement exclaiming the second coming of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 1:8

Jesus announces to the hearer of his servant John’s message, the identity of himself plainly for all to know and confess. “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8 KJV). Here, the word “Almighty” in its original Greek fashion (Pantokrator), literally means God.

Revelation 1:9-11

God spoke to John through this vision to write down in a book, the things which were shown to him and send that information to the seven churches in Asia including Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. These churches were specifically chosen by the Lord to offer a final warning of his imminent return. God understood both the geographical importance of where to deliver these letters, to best spread the message among the entire region of Asia, as well as the spiritual deficit and need for each chosen church.

Revelation 1:12-16

John describes what he saw as he turned to see the voice that spoke to him. Seven golden candlesticks which represented the seven churches. Just as a candle radiates light in every direction, illuminating and destroying the darkness, so God chose the candle to represent the expectation of the church. Amid these candlesticks, John describes one in the midst as the Son of man, giving some details as to the garment he wore, as well as some physical characteristics. John rightfully noted that the Son of man was “in the midst of” the seven golden candlesticks, showing no sign of separation or desire of distance on his part. In the right hand of the Son of man, John saw seven stars which represented the seven angles of the seven churches. The right hand of God always represents the power of God. Understanding this, we can gather that God had empowered the angles of these churches to help them to be over-comers through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 2:1-3

God starts his message to the church of Ephesus exclaiming that he walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks (churches). Because he walks among them, he sees their efforts, patience, and the trying of self-proclaimed apostles.

Revelation 2:4

The church of Ephesus had many things going for them however, God had some things against them. Their first charge was that they had left their first love.

Revelation 2:5

God calls the church to repentance of their sins and trespasses.

Revelation 2:7

God promised access to the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God, to those who overcome. This verse echoes Genesis 2:9 where God placed man (Adam) inside the garden of Eden where the tree of life was to be found.

A large portion of the people of Ephesus were worshipers of the goddess Diana. Diana was the goddess over the hunt, the moon, nature, and childbirth. Paul visited Ephesus several times preaching Christ to both the Jews and the Gentiles, while trying to ward off the worshipers of Diana who hated Paul and his ministry (Acts 18,19,20). Paul also stated in his epistle to the church of Ephesus, “Be not ye therefore partakers with them” (Ephesians 5:7 KJV). Paul was referencing those who walked in darkness and served other gods.

Revelation 2:8-10

Just north of Ephesus was the church of Smyrna. God sent word to this church that he knew their current situation as well as things which were to come against them. He encouraged them to fear not and be faithful unto death and he would give them a crown of life.

Revelation 2:12-15

Pergamos was the northernmost church of the seven that God had chosen. God recognized their ability to keep the faith even amid Satan dwelling in that place. God also was troubled at them for keeping the company of people who worshiped Baal and those under the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes. God once again urges the church to repent and turn from these things.

Revelation 2:18-25

God, once again acknowledges the well doing of the church of Thyatira prior to shedding light on areas he is displeased with. God announces his distaste for the church allowing Jezebel to come into the town and cause his servants to partake in fornication and eat that which was sacrificed to her idols. God even goes as far as to say that he had given her (Jezebel) room to repent and she did not. The Lord urges the church of Thyatira to repent of their wrong doing and hold fast until he returns.

Revelation 3:1-5

As for the church of Sardis, God does not make mention of any good deeds they have done, nor did he recognize any effort on their part. Rather, God describes the church of Sardis as a people who have a name of someone who is alive but are dead. He prompts them to repent and strengthen the things that remain lest he come upon them as a thief.

Revelation 3:7-10

The church of Philadelphia is the only one of the seven that God did not have to address the sin in their lives. Rather, he commended them on being able to keep his word and to not deny his name. Because they were willing to keep God first, the Lord promises in verse 10 that he would keep them from the hour of temptation which was to come to all the world.

Revelation 3:14-16

God had nothing nice to say about the church of the Laodiceans. Rather, he explained to them that they were neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm. Because they were lukewarm, he would spew them out of his mount. The Laodiceans were blinded by material possessions and wealth, believing they had need of nothing more. God went on to explain to them that though they had financial excess, they were poor (in spirit and love for him).