Revelation 1 discusses how Christ is the Almighty God and the heart of the book of Revelation. Revelation 2 introduces us to seven letters. These letters were written to seven Christian churches that sprang up throughout Asia Minor, which is present-day Turkey.
Although these messages applied to the experiences of the specific churches they were written to, they are also prophetic of the experiences of the Church through the centuries. Each of the letters also contains admonishments appropriate to God's people in every age. We will concentrate largely on the prophetic aspects of the letters to the churches.
John is told, "Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter" (Revelation 1:19). This text reveals that John had seen the events described in visions, "which thou hast seen." It reveals that the visions had application for his time, "the things which are." And it reveals that the vision had application for the future, "things which shall be hereafter." This principle is applicable to the letters written to the seven churches. The letters have a then-time and an end-time application.
The seven churches to which the letters were addressed were Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. These cities stood along one of the ancient postal Roman roads of that day, and, beginning at Ephesus, would have been visited in the order in which they are named. The distance between each is about 50 kilometres; a full day's journey on foot.
The names of the cities are significant in that they convey a spiritual message relevant to the Church as a whole. It is incredible that their names so accurately reflect the history of the Church. It is one of the great evidences for the inspiration of the Word and the omnipotence of God. The letters contain a number of common features that applied to the Church in John's day, but also reflect the Church in prophetic time.
Names in ancient times conveyed a message. One of the names given to the Messiah was Emmanuel, conveying the message that God would live among us. In the same way, the names of the seven cities convey a message about the state and nature of the Church from John’s time to the end of time.
Read about the letters to each of these churches:
1. Ephesus (which means “desirable”)
2. Smyrna (which means “sweet smelling,” like myrrh)
3. Pergamos (which means “elevation” or “exalted”)
4. Thyatira (which means “sacrifice of contrition” or “sweet savor of labor”)
5. Sardis (which means “renewal”)
6. Philadelphia (which means “brotherly love”)
7. Laodicea (which means “judgment” or “judging the people”)
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Persecution in the First Centuries
An Era of Spiritual Darkness The Waldenses
John Wycliffe Huss and Jerome
Luther's Separation From Rome
Luther Before the Diet The Swiss Reformer
Progress of Reform in Germany
Protest of the Princes The French Reformation
The Netherlands and Scandinavia
Later English Reformers
The Bible and the French Revolution
The Pilgrim Fathers Heralds of the Morning
An American Reformer Light Through Darkness
A Great Religious Awakening A Warning Rejected
Prophecies Fulfilled What is the Sanctuary?
In the Holy of Holies God's Law Immutable
A Work of Reform Modern Revivals
Facing Life's Record The Origin of Evil
Enmity Between Man and Satan
Agency of Evil Spirits Snares of Satan
The First Great Deception
Can Our Dead Speak to Us?
Liberty of Conscience Threatened
The Impending Conflict
The Scriptures a Safeguard The Final Warning
The Time of Trouble God's People Delivered
Desolation of the Earth The Controversy Ended
Is Revelation a Sealed Book?
Revelation 1: Jesus, The Heart of Revelation
Revelation 1 Commentary: The Revelation of Jesus
Revelation 2-3: Letters to Seven Churches
Revelation 2 Commentary: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira
Revelation 3 Commentary: Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea
Revelation 4 Commentary: The Throne in Heaven
The Lamb and the Sealed Book
Revelation 5 Commentary: The Scroll and the Lamb
Revelation 6 Commentary: The Vision of Seven Seals
Revelation 7 Commentary: The 144,000
Revelation 8 Commentary: Seven Trumpets
Revelation 9 Commentary: The Bottomless Pit
Revelation 10 Commentary: A Little Book
Revelation 11 Commentary: Two Witnesses
Revelation 12 Commentary: The Woman and the Dragon
Revelation 13 Commentary: Two Beasts
Revelation 14 Commentary: Three Angels' Messages
Revelation 15 Commentary: Seven Angels, Seven Plagues
Revelation 16 Commentary: Seven Bowls of God's Anger
Revelation 17 Commentary: A Woman Rides the Beast
Revelation 18 Commentary: Babylon Falls
Revelation 19 Commentary: The Rider on the White Horse
Revelation 20 Commentary: Millennium and the Judgment
Revelation 21 Commentary: The New Jerusalem
Revelation 22 Commentary: Invitation and Warning