THE STORY OF SEVEN CHURCHES
The letters to the Seven Churches are found in chapters 2 and 3 of the Book of Revelation. In the
vision of apostle John, Jesus dictates letters to the Seven Churches of Asia Minor that are relevant
to the Church in any age. There are different ways to understand the letters to the Seven Churches.
They can be interpreted as relating to the church in universal terms or for the life of the church at
different points during it is long history. The apostle John is very interested in the number 7; he is
instructed by Jesus to write seven letters to the seven churches. The letters follow
identical formats, and each letter has 7 sections.
The Seven Churches
Ephesus
Ephesus
(Revelation 2:1-7): known for having labored hard and not fainted, and separating themselves from the wicked; admonished for having forsaken its first love (2:4)
Sardes
Sardis
(Revelation 3:1-6): admonished for – in contrast to its good reputation – being dead; cautioned to fortify itself and return to God through repentance (3:2-3)
Thyateira
Thyatira
(Revelation 2:18-29): known for its charity, whose “latter works are greater than the former”; tolerates the teachings of a false prophetess (2:20)
Pergamum
Pergamum
(Revelation 2:12-17): located where ‘Satan’s seat’ is; needs to repent of allowing false teachers (2:16)
Smyrna
Smyrna
(Revelation 2:8-11): admired for its tribulation and poverty; forecast to suffer persecution (2:10)
Laodicea
Laodicea
(Revelation 3:14-22): called lukewarm and insipid (3:16)
Philadelphia
Philadelphia
(Revelation 3:7-13): known as steadfast in faith, keeping God’s word and enduring patiently (3:10)
Our Favorite
Questions
Why does Turkey have Seven Churches ?
The Seven Churches of Revelation were in desperate need of hope and guidance when John wrote to them. His message gave them that hope through allegories they would understand. And today, the ruins of those cities and their churches serve as a powerful reminder to Christians of what the early church endured.
Who are the 7 Churches of Revelation today ?
- Ephesus.
- Smyrna.
- Pergamon.
- Thyatira.
- Sardis.
- Philadelphia (modern Alaşehir)
- Laodicea.
What is the main message of the Book of Revelation ?
Revelation is an apocalyptic prophecy with an epistolary introduction addressed to seven churches in the Roman province of Asia. “Apocalypse” means the revealing of divine mysteries; John is to write down what is revealed (what he sees in his vision) and send it to the seven churches.
Who wrote the Book of Revelation ?
The Book of Revelation was written sometime around 96 CE in Asia Minor. The author was probably a Christian from Ephesus known as “John the Elder.” According to the Book, this John was on the island of Patmos, not far from the coast of Asia Minor, “because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus” (Rev. 1.10).
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