the seven churches of asia minor

 

If Rev. 1 v 19 is the inspired outline of the book of Revelation, then Rev. 2 – 3 deals with “the things which are” In other words, Christ selected seven churches out of many in Asia Minor in order to get across His specific message. Certainly there were sins in the other churches, but the matters discussed in these seven churches cover all possible circumstances. Christ selected these seven churches to illustrate the spiritual conditions possible in the churches until He returns.

There are some who believe these churches also illustrate the “prophetic history” of the church from apostolic times until the end of the age:

Ephesus was the church of apostolic times, starting to lose that first love for Christ; Smyrna was the persecuted church of the first century (c. A.D. 100-300) Pergamos was the church joined to Rome, the state church;

Thyatira represented the dominance of Roman Catholicism; Sardis symbolized the Reformation church; Philadelphia (“brotherly love”) the missionary church of the last days; and Laodicea was the luke-warm, apostate church of the last days. However, keep in mind that all of the conditions named were present in the churches at that one time, and they are present with us today.

While the seven churches may illustrate the general development of the church through the ages, that was not the main purpose of these seven letters.

Note that a special word is spoken to the “overcomers” in each church (2 v 7; 11; 17; 26 then 3 v 5; 12; 21) These “overcomers” are not the “super-saints” in each church, a special group that will receive special privileges from Christ, No! but the true believers in each of these churches. We dare not assume that every member of every local church in every period of history is a true child of God.Those who truly belong to Christ are “overcomers” (1 John 5 v 4 – 5). In every period of history, there have been true saints in the professing church, and Christ speaks a special word of encouragement to them, and certainly, we may apply these words to ourselves today

And note also that Satan is mentioned in connection with four churches:

1) he causes the persecution at Smyrna (Rev 2 v 9)

2) he has his throne (“seat”) at Pergamos, (2 v 13)

3) He teaches his “deep doctrines” at Thyatira ( 2 v 24 )

4) He uses his “synagogue” of false Christians to oppose the soul-winning efforts at Philadelphia ( 3 v 9 )

Christ points out several dangers in these churches:

A. The Nicolaitanes ( 2 v 6, 15 )

The name “Nicolaus” means “conquer the people” and suggests a separation of clergy and laity in the churches. This sin began as “deeds” in Ephesus ( v 6 ) but became a doctrine in Pergamos.So it goes: deceivers introduce false activities into the church, and before long these activities are accepted and encouraged.

B. Satan’s synagogue (2 v 9; 3 v 9 )

This refers probably to assemblies of people who claim to be believers but are really children of the devil (John 8 v 44). The word “synagogue” simply means “to bring together”; it is an assembly of religious people. Satan, then, has a church!

C. The doctrine of Balaam ( 2 v 14 )

Read Numbers Chapters 22 – 25. Balam led Israel into sin by telling them that because they were God’s covenant people, they could mix with the heathen and not be judged. Balaam could not curse them, but he could tempt them with sins of the flesh. This doctrine, then, is the idea that the church can be married to the world and still serve God.

D. Jezebel (2 v 20)

Read 1 Kings 16 through 2 Kings 10. Jezebel was the heathen wife of King Ahab, a woman who led Israel int Baal worship. She seduced Israel with her false teaching.

Note the spiritual problems in these churches and what Jesus instructed them to do if they were to have His blessings.

To follow.