“And the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.” (Rev 1:20)
The early chapters of Revelation detail Jesus’ letters to seven churches (seven being the divine number of completion). Earlier, the apostle Paul had led missions to establish all seven churches once located in Asia Minor, now modern Turkey.
The apostle John later became the church’s overseer. However, the Romans banished him to a penal colony on the island of Patmos for faithfully preaching the gospel (1:9), sparing him from execution. While there, the Lord gave John a series of prophetic visions about the future of the world. He also instructed him to dictate seven letters and send them to the seven churches, each containing a personal message.
In Revelation 1, John describes a vision of the Son of Man, Jesus, holding seven golden lampstands (the churches) and seven stars (the angels representing the churches). The seven churches correspond with the seven lamps in Zechariah 4.
“I am looking, and there is a lampstand of solid gold with a bowl on top of it, and on the stand seven lamps with seven pipes to the seven lamps.” (Zech 4:2)
The lampstands also correspond with Jesus Himself. John 1:9, 8:12 records Jesus proclaiming that He is the “Light of the World.” As the church, believers are commanded to spread that Light (Mt 5:14). Therefore, John’s vision of the lampstands in Revelation is a physical representation of that command—The “Light of the World” standing among His churches (Rev 2:1).
John’s Audience and Themes
Many of the biblical authors wrote their books in response to special historical events with a specific audience in mind. John wrote Revelation in the same manner. The seven letters hold strong meaning for modern churches; however, Jesus intended them primarily for these seven churches in John’s time to address their current circumstances.
As much influence as the cities had, the churches personally experienced Roman and Greek influences, including paganism, persecution, and potential death. Most believers were required to either denounce their faith and join the Roman way of life or risk execution. Hostile Jewish communities were also prevalent, causing many believers to fall away from their faith.
Despite these risks, God promises in Revelation’s final vision (ch. 21-22) that those who remain faithful will receive eternal life. God’s promises, along with warnings and a call to repentance, are the themes of Jesus’ letters to the seven churches.
Ephesus, the Loveless Church (Rev 2:1-7)
Ephesus, located on the Aegean Sea coast, was a significant Roman city in its time, with a prominent commercial and cultural center. As a result, the church, planted by Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18), thrived for many years, eventually becoming one of the city’s dominant religions. Ephesus is where John was based at the time of his arrest.
Despite its growth, the church often struggled against false teachings, producing harmful, lasting effects. Even with Paul and Timothy’s fervent guidance, the church often argued instead of seeking godly edification.
Though many in the church remained faithful, the church in general had forgotten its first love, i.e., their heart was not in it. They had become too focused on performing good works and not enough on building their faith and sharing the gospel (see Jms 2:26).
However, God offers them a way back to their first love. He offers them hope if they repent and return to the original spiritual disciplines they practiced as new believers (v5). If they do not, He warns them that He will remove them from His lampstand, i.e., He will remove their power and influence.
God reminds them that there are consequences when we wander away from Him. But He always offers a way to return to Him. His door is always open, and His grace is always sufficient. According to verse five, there are four things we need to do.
- Recognize how far we have strayed,
- Remember where we started when we were new believers,
- Repent of our sins, and
- Return to our passion for the truth of His word and endless love.
Smyrna, the Suffering Church (Rev 2:8-11)
Like Ephesus, Smyrna (modern-day Izmir) was a powerful and wealthy city. Some attribute the city’s growth to a large Jewish population that eventually turned and accepted Christ.
However, other Jews maintained a strong dislike for Christians. They often slandered believers and complained to the Roman authorities about them (Acts 14:2, 19; 17:13). Others bullied the Christians in Smyrna because they resisted worshiping pagan gods or the Roman emperor.
For these reasons, God calls Smyrna the persecuted church.
Because of their oppression, Smyrna was one of only two churches that God did not reprimand. Instead, He encouraged them to remain strong in the faith. His message is poignant for all believers when they face similar situations and uncertain futures. Recall His words to Peter in Luke 22:31-32.
“And the Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail.’”
Though the enemy seeks a believer’s destruction (1 Pt 5:8), Jesus assures us that He is praying for us so that our faith will not fail. His divine prayers are why we must be fearless; His power lives through us. We are more than conquerors, and nothing can separate us from His love (Rom 8:35-39).
God further encourages the church by promising they would have the crown of life if they persevered (v10), not life on this earth, but eternal life. The reward for our faith is not in this life but in the life we will receive if we persist.
Pergamos, the Morally Compromising Church (Rev 2:12-17)
Pergamos was so significantly political and commercial a city that some called it “Satan’s throne,” perhaps attributing it to the Great Altar of Zeus in the Acropolis built by King Eumenes II. More likely, it refers to the city’s rampant pagan worship, culture, and politics.
Nevertheless, the Pergamos church remained courageous, yet pagan ideology eventually crept in, creating syncretism within the church. One of the doctrines that took root began with a false teacher named Nicolas (v15).
“Nicolas” means “one who conquers the people.” Though the apostles made him a deacon in Acts 6, he was never a true believer. But before he turned from the faith, he used his position to lead the church astray into wickedness, idolatry, and sexual immorality, often mimicking Balaam’s pagan teachings in Numbers 25:1-13 and 31:15-16. Second-century Christian apologist Clement of Alexandria described them by saying, “They abandoned themselves to pleasure like goats, leading a life of self-indulgence.”
Satan will do everything he can to cause us to compromise our faith and tolerate viewpoints that go against God’s word. Obedience and purity within the congregation are essential. Therefore, believers must confront and, if necessary, remove false teachers from the church (see Mt 18).
Additionally, we cannot give in to false doctrine or cultural influence. Others may view it as intolerance, but we cannot concern ourselves with such things. God calls us to “remain in Him” even in the face of opposition.
Jesus promises in Revelation 3:17 that those who persevere will receive three blessings:
- “Hidden manna” – consistent spiritual nourishment
- A “white stone” – a pass to the winners’ circle/an entrance to heaven
- A “new name” – an intimate, personal message from Christ Himself that only the receiver can see
Jesus warns those who aid in false teaching—He will come quickly to destroy them and their followers (2:16). But much awaits the one who can hold onto God’s word and pursue obedience even when culture tries to sway them away.
Thyatira, the “Corrupt Church” (Rev 2:18-29)
Thyatira is another wealthy commercial city once located on the Lycus River in modern Turkey. The Christian population there was small, but they grew in faith and service (2:19). However, they, too, had issues with false teachers.
Jesus nicknames one of these teachers “Jezebel,” who led the Thyatira church astray. Her teachings and actions had similarities to the Old Testament Jezebel of Elijah’s time (1 Kin 18:4, 13; 19:1-2; 21:1-16), but the church did not confront her about it.
“Jezebel” refused to repent, prompting God’s promise to cast her “into a sickbed” (death) and her followers (either literal or figurative, spiritual children) into “great tribulation (v21-23).” In essence, Jesus reminds them of Hebrews 10:31.
“It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
Here again, God provides an opportunity for the church to repent. He commands those who resist corrupt influencers to “hold fast what you have (v25),” promising those who are successful will receive “power over the nations (v26)” and victory over all enemies (v27).” They will also rule with Him, the “morning star (v28),” in the Millennial Kingdom.
Confronting spiritual enemies while persevering in the faith are necessary for a healthy, strong church as well as personal maturity. But if we should stumble, God invites us to repent and “hold fast.”
Victory and eternal life await us if we do not give up the race set before us (Ps 23:5; 1 Cor 9:24-27; 2 Tim 4:7; Heb 12:1-2).
Sardis, the Dead Church (Rev 3:1-6)
Widely known for its textile production, Sardis (modern Sart) was another wealthy, busy trade city with a significant Jewish population. Perhaps secular influence is why the church struggled here.
As a reminder of the fullness of the Holy Spirit (“seven Spirits of God,” v1), Jesus addresses how Sardis had forsaken Him and become more religious than spiritual. They performed good works but lacked the life of Christ in their hearts, like “tares among the wheat” (Mt 13:24-30), resulting in an unredeemed church.
God does not desire ritualistic followers; He requires genuine faith. Recall Jesus admonishing the Pharisees in Matthew 23:27-28 for being “whitewashed tombs.” The Sardis church behaved the same way, except for a few. Because of them, He offers them hope.
In His message, Jesus provides four critical instructions to reignite a church’s faith.
- “Be watchful.” (v2), We must be sensitive to sin in the church and deal with it appropriately (Mt 18:15-17). Becoming complacent to sin often results in spiritual death.
- “Strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die.” (v2), When we turn from God, a church dies, and many perish with it. Mature Christians must lift others who are weaker in the faith so that the church continues to thrive.
- “Hold fast.” (v3), “Hold fast” is a common instruction in God’s word. Holding onto God and His Spirit is essential for spiritual growth. When we let go, Satan easily draws us away. Jesus reminds us of this vital element of the faith in John 10:10.
“The thief [Satan] comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (with addition)
Likewise, new believers are not molded into Christlikeness if those who are spiritually mature let go of them. Worse, potential believers may never meet the Lord.
4. “Repent.” (v3), A congregation dies when it compromises, providing opportunities for people to fall away. The Lord did not want this for the Sardis church (v5-6). We must repent when we sin and do it quickly.
Jesus promises to clothe those who overcome in His purity, and He will never blot their names from the Book of Life, i.e., they will receive eternal life. Repentance is vital to a prosperous church.
Philadelphia, the Faithful Church (Rev 3:7-13)
Philadelphia (modern Alasehir, meaning “God’s city”) was another thriving city that stood on one of the largest Roman trade routes of its time, the Imperial Post Road.
Now a defunct seat of the Roman Catholic Church, Philadelphia once was the home of a sizeable but another hostile Jewish community. However, the church stayed faithful.
Jesus begins by acknowledging the positive things the Philadelphia church was doing—they kept His word and remained faithful in the face of opposition. However, Jesus is quick to call out the religious hypocrites among them, who Jesus calls the “synagogue of Satan (3:9).” Jesus uses this same moniker concerning the persecutors in Smyrna in Revelation 2:9. These people claimed to be Jewish but were more closely aligned with pagan worship, going so far as attempting genocide of Christians.
Despite the hostile environment, the church remained faithful. As a reward, Jesus ensured that He would hold the door of heaven open (v8) and keep them from the “hour of trial” (v10), the seven-year Tribulation period. This verse is essential to understanding the coming rapture of the saints.
The Rapture and Day of Wrath
People hold varying philosophies about the Rapture. Will Jesus remove the church before the Tribulation (pre-tribulation), sometime during the middle (mid-tribulation), or in its final days (post-tribulation)? This verse in Revelation 3, along with 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 4:16-17, and 5:9, 1 Corinthians 15:51-54, and Matthew 24:29, suggests a pre-tribulation timeframe.
Regardless of personal theologies, Jesus promises the church that He will spare them from at least some, or, more likely, all of the Tribulation. This promise applies to all believers, not just to this one church. Those who have sincerely placed their faith in Jesus and continue walking in obedience daily will not experience the Day of Wrath when He returns to conquer Satan once and for all (Rev 20:7-10).
Jesus further promises that the faithful will be pillars “in the temple of My God” and that He will “write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem (3:12).” Believers will not only enjoy eternal security in His presence but also have His name—an imprint of His righteous character—written on them. God will also honor them for their faithfulness (“pillar”) in His temple. These are great and precious promises.
Jesus’ letter to Philadelphia is a great encouragement to the church today. Though we may experience opposition, ridicule, or perhaps worse treatment, if we remain faithful, our rewards in the eternal kingdom will be glorious (Rom 8:18).
Laodicea, the Lukewarm Church (Rev 3:14-22)
Jesus’ seventh, final, and harshest letter is to the church in Laodicea, another bustling industrial and commercial center. Its inhabitants enjoyed great prosperity, including the church. Unfortunately, the church’s wealth diminished its spiritual fire for the Lord. They “choked the word” and made it unfruitful (Mk 4:19).
In many ways, Laodicea is a picture of the church in the last days, but it also describes many churches today. They are “lukewarm,” and their lack of commitment to being either cold or hot sickens the Lord, prompting Him to declare that He will “vomit” them out of His mouth like poison (v16, see also Mt 7:21).
Jesus’ words are a stern warning to all churches.
Jesus loves the unconverted; however, He reprimands the obstinate. A church should never become so complacent that its faith is undetectable. Here again, Jesus invites repentance before it is too late. He stands at the door and knocks (v20). Many interpret this verse to pertain to individuals, which is true, but here, Jesus addresses the church. He longs to enter a church that bears His name but lacks any true believers.
It only takes one to recognize their spiritual poverty and return to the Lord. In doing so, Jesus promises to restore fellowship with the entire church (v20), granting them the privilege of reigning with Him in heaven. But somebody must respond.
Though wealth had extinguished Laodicea’s zeal, Jesus reminds us that true wealth comes only through an active, personal relationship with Him (v18). Spiritual wealth is found only in our faith in the Lord Jesus.
Come Boldly to the Throne of Grace
Some modern churches might resemble Revelation’s churches, falling into one of the seven categories that describe a congregation in rebellion. Regardless, the Lord offers them all His continual gift of grace. It is always available when we respond.
“Choose for yourselves whom you will serve.” (Josh 24:15)
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb 4:16)
Sin always has consequences, some even fatal, but Jesus promises many beautiful rewards to those who overcome:
- Consistent spiritual nourishment (2:7)
- His personal presence and protection (2:26-28; 3:12)
- His imprinted character and the promise of heaven (2:7; 3:12)
- A place by His side in the throne room of heaven (3:21)
- Eternal life (2:7, 10; 3:5, 12, 21)
Much awaits those who recognize sin, repent both personally and corporately, prioritize God’s word, and seek to build up the church even in the face of persecution. But God’s warning is clear to those who do not—He will cast them out.
Just as they applied to the churches in Revelation, Jesus’ promises and warnings still apply to all those who call themselves believers today. Choose to walk in obedience to Him always, remembering how great His love is for you.
