messagese to the seven churches
TRANSCRIPT
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 1
MESSAGES TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES
PRESENTED BY
JOY JOSEPH.M
KONKANI CHRISTIAN
(BRETHREN) ASSEMBLY
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 2
SEVEN CHURCHES
THIS BRIEF STUDY COVERS
What the seven churches were ?
What the churches represented ?
Whose message to the churches ?
To whom it was revealed ?
To whom it was given ?
To whom it applies now ?
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 3
SEVEN CHURCHES
Revelation 1: 10-11 I (John) was in the Spirit on the Lord'sday, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last:
and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto theseven churches which are in Asia;
unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, andunto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, andunto Laodicea. (Messages from the Lord only)
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 4
SEVEN CHURCHES
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, toshew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass;and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John.(Rev.1: 1)
Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my righthand, and the seven golden candlesticks. (Rev.1: 19-20)
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 5
SEVEN CHURCHES
• Geographically, Asia minor bordering with Black sea on North,
• Aegean sea on west,
• Mediterranean on the south
• and with provinces of Bythinia, phrygia, Taurus and Lycaonia on
the east.
• Once known as Asia minor, but now part of Turkey.
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 6
SEVEN CHURCHES
• 1.EPHESUS
• 2.SMYRNA
• 3.PERGAMUS
• 4.THYATIRA
• 5.SARDIS
• 6.PHILADELPHIA
• 7.LAODICEA
(Troas, Colosse, Hierapolis and Melita were also in Asia minor-But seven were taken as typical example to show the charector)
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 7
SEVEN CHURCHES
WHY SEVEN CHURCHES ONLY CHOSEN ?
1. Book of Revelation is Apokalupsis
(Unveiling of “things which shall be hereafter”)
2. Represents the whole church period
(Seven chosen as typical to represent periods)
3. Mystery of seven churches
(Revealed how it will be thru the centuries)
4. Call given “He that hath an ear let him hear”
(For all who are willing to hear now)
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 8
SEVEN CHURCHES
NAME Ref: NATURE PERIOD
1.Ephesus 2:1-7 Backslidden AD.70-170
2.Smyrna 2:8-11 Persecuted AD.170-312
3.Pergamos 2:12-17 Licentious AD.312-606
4.Thyatira 2:18-29 Laxative AD.606-1520
5.Sardis 3:1-6 Dead AD.1520-1750
6.Philadelphia 3:7-13 Favoured AD.1750-1900
7.Laodicea 3:14-22 Lukewarm AD.1900-
(Study will reveal how the messages are relevant to the time, its nature, and to the church period)
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 9
SEVEN CHURCHES
• Revelation 2:1-7 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 10
SEVEN CHURCHES(EPHESUS)
GEOGRAPHICAL A city of Lydia in the coast of Asia minor.
Midway between Miletus and Smyrna.
Junction of a trade route.
RELIGIOUS Famous for temple of Artemis (Diana) Acts.19: 23-25
Had Jewish settlement and synagogue (Acts.19: 8)
Had followers of John the Baptist (Acts.19: 1-7)
People had lot of book of curious arts (Acts.19: 17-20)
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 11
SEVEN CHURCHES(EPHESUS)
CHRISTIAN HISTORY
Short visit of Paul in 2nd Journey (Acts.18: 8) Ministry of Aquila and Priscilla (Acts.18: 24-28) Ministry of Appollos (Acts.18: 24-28) Paul’s ministry over 2 years 3rd Journey (Acts. 19) Paul’s advice to elders (Acts.20: 17-35)
(Blessed to have apostle’s direct teaching- Acts.20: 27)
A good beginning Began by burning all curious books (Acts.19: 17-18) Blessed with responsible elders (Acts.20: 28)
(Had an exemplary beginning)
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 12
SEVEN CHURCHES(EPHESUS)
ADDRESSINGRevelation 2:1 he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand,who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; (Authority- Mat.16: 18)
APPROVALRevelation 2: 2-3 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thypatience
How thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hasttried them (False apostles)
And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sakehast laboured.
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 13
SEVEN CHURCHES(EPHESUS)
REPROOFRevelation 2: 4 Thou hast left thy first love.
INSTRUCTIONRevelation 2: 5 Remember therefore from whence thou artfallen, and repent.
WARNINGRevelation 2: 5 And repent, and do the first works; or else Iwill remove thy candlestick out of his place.
COMMENTRevelation 2: 6 Thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 14
SEVEN CHURCHES(EPHESUS)
REWARDSRevelation 2: 7 To him that overcometh will I give to eat ofthe tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
Tree of life- Gen.2:9; 3:22; 24; Pro.3:18; Rev.22: 2;14)
INVITATIONRevelation 2: 7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spiritsaith unto the churches.
(This call a universal call, with messages to every church)
REPRESENTED PERIOD. AD.70- 170
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 15
SEVEN CHURCHES
• Revelation 2:8-11 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 16
SEVEN CHURCHES(SMYRNA)
GEOGRAPHICAL
A city 40 miles north of Ephesus on west coast.
Once known as the “Beauty of Asia minor.”
Port of flourishing trade.
HISTORICAL
Earlier under Lydian king then under Greeks.
Alexander rebuilt the city.
Commercial center from BC.133 as part of Asia minor
Rebuilt after the earthquake of AD.178
Famous for culture, arts and religion.
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 17
SEVEN CHURCHES(SMYRNA)
CHRISTIAN HISTORY Nothing given in the message. Paul could be instrumental (Acts.19: 9-10; 20: 1-2)
ADDRESSING These things saith the first and the last (v.8) (Of eternal and sovereign power-Rev.1: 8;11) Which was dead, and is alive; (Glory–Rev.1: 17-18)
APPROVAL I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty (V.9) I know the blasphemy of them which say;…..
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 18
SEVEN CHURCHES(SMYRNA)
Smyrna derived from the word “myrrh”
Myrrh comes from bark of trees of Arabia
Crushed and burned gives fragrance so was Smyrna
Use of myrrh
Making anointing oil (Ex.30: 22-25)
Royal perfumes (S. S 3: 6; Esth.2: 12; Ps. 45: 8) Embalming rich dead (Jn.19: 39)
Suffered church
They suffered poverty (v.9) They suffered reproach
Were cast and tried of Satan, 10 days of tribulation
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 19
SEVEN CHURCHES(SMYRNA)
REPROOF No words of reproof or warning for repentance (May be since they suffered a lot; faithful to the end)
INSTRUCTION Sufferings foretold (v.10)
Sufferings a gift (Phil.1: 29; Rom 5: 3-5)
Could be from within or without
For Smyrna it was from without and diabolic
(Suffering a part of Christian life; Jesus foretold- Jn.14:1, 16: 33; Jn.16: 1-4; Paul-1.The.3: 3-4)
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 20
SEVEN CHURCHES(SMYRNA)
REWARDS I will give the Crown of life (v.10)
Crown of life – (Rev.2: 10; James 1: 12)
He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second
death (v.11) Second death (Casting to hell-Re.20: 13-14; 21: 8) Overcometh (1.Jn.5: 4)
(“I am alive for evermore” – words of comfort and strength for all who suffer elsewhere)
Period represented AD.170- 312 (Persecuted)
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 21
SEVEN CHURCHES
• Revelation 2:12-17 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 22
SEVEN CHURCHES(PERGAMUS)
GEOGRAPHICAL Once most important city of Asia minor
Not so big as Ephesus or beautiful as Smyrna
Pergamum 40 miles north to Smyrna
20 miles far from sea on the Bank of R. Caicus. Now known as BERGAMA
HISTORICAL Once “Attalus” capital of king Attalus-1 –BC.241
Eumenes (Son) established big library – BC.197
Become the capital of Asia minor-BC.133
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 23
SEVEN CHURCHES(PERGAMUS)
RELIGIOUS Acropolis famous for its immense alter of Zeus and the temple of Athene
Out side the city have famous shrine of Aeuculaplus (the god of medicine)
Even now with much relics and antiques.
Was seat of Satan for a while (v.13)
CHRISTIAN HISTORY Paul could be instrumental in establishing
Martyrdom of Antipas (v.13)
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 24
SEVEN CHURCHES(PERGAMUS)
ADDRESSING Rev.2: 12 He which hath the sharp sword with two edges; Sword of God (Heb.4: 12; Eph.6:17; Rev.2:16; Hos.6: 5)
APPROVAL I know thy works, and where thou dwellest (v.13) Thou holdest fast my name, Hast not denied my faith.
REPROOF Have those hold doctrine of Balaam and Nicolaitans
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 25
SEVEN CHURCHES(PERGAMUS)
Doctrine of Balaam (v.14) Num.Ch.22-24; Way of Balaam.2.Pet.2: 15; Jude.11 (Evil, subtle, to err people to fall to sin, destruction)
Doctrine of Nicolaitans (v.14) Niche means to subdue, Laitans means people (To subdue people – “Priest craft” Lord also hates)
INTIMATION Calls for repentance (v.16) Jer. 8: 4
WARNING Will fight with sword of his mouth (Num.22: 31; 31: 8)
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 26
SEVEN CHURCHES(PERGAMUS)
COMMENTS Rev.2: 13 Thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is:
Satan is…. (2.Cor.4: 4; Eph. 2: 2)
(For a while Pontifix Maximus had seat in pergamum) Will Satan have a throne in hell? (Rev.20:10)
Satan places his throne where he is accepted now
Thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was slained. Antipas means “one stand against”
(World is against the believer and he is against world)
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 27
SEVEN CHURCHES(PERGAMUS)
REWARDSTo him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna. (V.17) (Manna- Ex.16; Jn.6: 31-59, Heb.9: 4; Types Christ)
Will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written. (Like “Domain name and Password”-Authority)
INVITATIONHe that hath an ear let him hear (V.17)
REPRESENTED PERIOD AD. 312- 606
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 28
SEVEN CHURCHES
• Revelation 2:18-29 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 29
SEVEN CHURCHES(THYATIRA)
GEOGRAPHICAL Small city near to the boundary of Mysia Small city but known from BC.300 Midway between Pergamos and Sardis
HISTORICAL Known as Pelopia and Euhippia before
Seleucus Nicator BC.280 changed to Thyatira
A Greek colony with much archeological remains.
Famous for dyeing the purple
Lydia (Acts.16) was from this place
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 30
SEVEN CHURCHES(THYATIRA)
CHRISTIAN HISTORY No reference other than of Lydia (Acts.16)
Paul could be instrumental in establishing church
ADDRESSINGRevelation 2:18 The Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
“Son of God”- Need to accept for Salvation (Rom.10: 9-10)
Description of eyes and feet- Who will do judgment(Rev.1: 15; Is.63: 2-3)
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 31
SEVEN CHURCHES(THYATIRA)
APPROVALI know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. (V.19)
REPROOF Thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
(Judgment to Jezebel-v.22-26) Work of Jezebel (1. Ki.19:1;18:19: 21: 25) murdered Naboth- 1. Ch.21:1-16; Her end. 2. Ki.9: 29-37)
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 32
SEVEN CHURCHES(THYATIRA)
INSTRUCTION Repent of their deed (V.22)
Hold fast ye have already till end (v.25)Every believer need –Tit.1: 9; 1.Thes.5: 21; Heb.3: 6; Heb.10: 23
WARNING Behold, I will cast her into great tribulation (v.22)
I will kill her children with death. (v.23)
(The judgment to the religious BabylonThe apostate church left behind in rapture. (Rev.17)
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 33
SEVEN CHURCHES(THYATIRA)
COMMENTSUnto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan.(Babylonian religion full with mysteries and occult)
REWARDS (v.26-28) Power over the nations-Rev.20:6;Ps.2:8-9; 2.Tim.2:11 Give the morning star – Num.24: 17; 2.Pet.1: 19
INVITATION He that hath an ear, let him hear (V.29)
REPRESENTED PERIOD AD.606-1520
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 34
SEVEN CHURCHES• Revelation 3:1-6 And unto the angel of
the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 35
SEVEN CHURCHES(SARDIS)
GEOGRAPHICAL A city at the foothill of Mt.Tmolus
On the bank of River Pactolus, a fertile land
50 miles east of Smyrna
Acropolis crowned a hill of 950 feet
City thought to be un-invadable
HISTORICAL A Lydian town, Romans built the acropolis
BC.546 Cyrus made the seat of Persian satrap
Athenians burned it in BC.499
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 36
SEVEN CHURCHES(SARDIS)
HISTORICAL BC.334 Alexander the great invaded it
BC.214 Antiochus the great also invaded it.
Later Romans took over and annexed to Pergamos
Presently a hamlet known as Sert-Kalessi
RELIGIOUSOn the Lydian side have remains of Artemis temple Not far from it have the remains of Zeus temple.Remains of 4th century Christian church on east side
(Of over confidence and not watching; two times city fallen to enemies during night, in spite of its position)
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 37
SEVEN CHURCHES(SARDIS)
ADDRESSINGHe that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars. (Rev.3:1)Seven spirit (Is.11: 2) Seven stars (Rev.1: 20; Ps.16: 3)
APPROVALI know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. (V.1)Are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. (Eph.5: 14)
REPROOFHolds the name that thou livest, and art dead (v.1)
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 38
SEVEN CHURCHES(SARDIS)
INSTRUCTION Be watchful (*v.2) enemies like thief (v.3) Nah.2: 1
Strengthen the remains ready to die (v.2) Ephe.5: 14
Remember how received and heard (v.3) 2.Tim3: 13
Hold fast (v.3)
Repent (v.3)
WARNINGIf therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. (V.3)
*Fallen to enemies two times
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 39
SEVEN CHURCHES(SARDIS)
COMMENTSThou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments. (Heb.12: 14; 1.Jn.3: 3)
REWARDS Who are worthy shall walk with him in white (v.4)
Overcometh shall be clothed in white (v.5)
Will not blot out his name of the book (v.5)
Confess his name before my father (v.5)
INVITATION (V.6) “let him hear”
MORE REWARDS FOR THIS PERIOD AD.1520-1750
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 40
SEVEN CHURCHES
• Revelation 3:7-13 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 41
SEVEN CHURCHES(PHILADELPHIA)
GEOGRAPHICAL A city of Lydia 27 miles south east of Sardis
On the part of Mt.Tmolus on the plains of Hermus
Now known as Allah shehr
HISTORICAL Built by Attalus Philadelphus and named Philadelphia
Rebuilt soon after the earthquake of AD.17
Remains of walls, temples and building exists now
CHRISTIAN HISTORY No reference in Acts. But by the labour of Paul.
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 42
SEVEN CHURCHES(PHILADELPHIA)
ADDRESSINGHe that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; (V.7)
Key of David (Is.22:15-23) Greater than Eliakim (1.Cor.16:9;Acts.16:14; 13:46-49)
APPROVALRevelation 3: 8 I know thy works: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 43
SEVEN CHURCHES(PHILADELPHIA)
REPROOFThou hast a little strength (v.8) Thou hast kept the word of my patience (v.8)
INTIMATIONI will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, (Rev.2: 17-29)
I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world. (v.10)
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 44
SEVEN CHURCHES(PHILADELPHIA)
INSTRUCTION Behold, I come quickly: (v.11)
Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. (Assure of his return-2: 5;16;25; 3:3;11)
COMMENTS Thou hast kept the word of my patience (v.10)
Patience-Heb.10: 35-36;Phil.4: 4-7; Js.5: 11; Rom.5: 3)
Promise of deliverance from tribulation (v.10)
REWARDS I will make him a pillar (1.Ki.7: 21;2.Chr.3: 17)
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 45
SEVEN CHURCHES(PHILADELPHIA)
REWARDS I will make him a pillar (1.Ki.7: 21;2.Chr.3: 17) I will write upon him the name of my God, and the city of my God; the new Jerusalem (Most desired) I will write upon him the new name We shall bear his image(Rev.19: 14-15)
INVITATION He hath an ear let him hear
REPRESENTED THE PERIOD AD.1750-1900Philadelphia mean “brotherly love” After Ephesus the church with zeal of evangelism, You will not be barren (2.Pet.1: 5-8)
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 46
SEVEN CHURCHES• Revelation 3:14-22 And unto the angel of the
church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 47
SEVEN CHURCHES(LAODICEA)
GEOGRAPHICAL A city of Phrygia Pacatiana Asia minor
South to Colosse, and Hierapolis on bank of R.Lycos
56 miles far south east of Smyrna
HISTORICAL City originally called Diospolis after Zeus
Enlarged by Antiochus II renamed Laodicea
Earthquake of AD.65 destroyed cities of area
People rebuilt soon without help of Rome
Ruins could be seen at Eski Hissar near Denizlu
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 48
SEVEN CHURCHES(LAODICEA)
City famous for its garments of local black wool
Seat of a medical school specially ophthalmia
Famous for Phrygian powder for Ophthalmia
A wealthy city compared to other
CHRISTIAN HISTORY Epaphras may be the founder (Col.4: 12-16) Paul wrote an epistle to them (Col.4: 16)(Probably the letter to the Ephesians-Eph.1: 1)
ADDRESSINGThe Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God (v.14)
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 49
SEVEN CHURCHES(LAODICEA)
APPROVALI know thy works, thou art neither cold nor hot: (v.15)
Thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing (v.17)
(Real state of the present day church)
COMMENT Not a single word of comment
REPROOF Thou art lukewarm (v.16)
You are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 50
SEVEN CHURCHES(LAODICEA)
INSTRUCTION I counsel thee to buy..(v.18)
Gold – Word of God-Ps.19: 10; 119: 72,127;162 Pro.8: 19; Lk.12: 21
White raiment-Is.61: 10; Rev.6: 11;7: 9;14; 22: 14
Balm for eye (2.Cor.4: 4; Ps.119: 18)
INTIMATIONAs many as I love, I rebuke and chasten-V.19)
WARNINGBe zealous and repent (v.19)
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 51
SEVEN CHURCHES(LAODICEA)
Because thou art lukewarm, I will spue thee out of my mouth. (v.16)
If any man hear my voice, and open the door (v.20)
I will enter and sup with him (Contrast to-Rev.1: 13)
REWARDSHim that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne (v.21)
INVITATIONHe that hath an ear let him hear (v.22)
PRESENT CHURCH PERIOD FROM AD.1900
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 52
SEVEN CHURCHES
COMMON TO ALL THE CHURCHES
Addressing – Relevant to each church
“I Know” – To every church
Reproof- to repent- To all except Smyrna;
and Philadelphia (a little rebuke)
Rewards- To every church
Invitation- To every church
IN GENERAL
From Ephesus degeneration began with falling from the first love
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 53
SEVEN CHURCHES
Smyrna suffered persecution until AD.312 Constantine approved Christianity; ever since Paganism entered to the Christendom.
Pergamos became a licentious church; lost its purity; Accepted the doctrine of Nicolaitans where in Ephesus hated and not allowed
Thyatira was the dark and longest of all periods where the depths of Satan were brought in.
Sardis was of reformation; succeeded in reestablishing the fundamental truths of the scriptures; eventually went to a morbid state later
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 54
SEVEN CHURCHES
Philadelphia was the church again had the zeal of evangelism. Was true to the name and was not barren.
Laodicea in spite of all its activities; in the sight of the Lord Lukewarm, wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked. (Has emprise the worldly riches)
Place of Christ out side the door in contrast to the first seen in the midst of the churches.
“He that hath an ear let him hear”
THE LORD CALLS YOU AND ME
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 55
SEVEN CHURCHES(The chart)
CHURCH REF:
APPROX YEARS
(AD)
NATURE
PERIOD IN
HISTORY
ADDRESSING ACKNOW- LEDGING
REPROOF INSTRU- CTIONS
WARNINGS REWARDS OFFERED (HIM OVERCOMETH)
UNIVERS-AL CALL
EPHESUS 2: 1- 7
70 –170 BACK- SLIDEN CHURCH (2: 5)
EARLY CHURCH
HOLDING 7 STARS WALKING IN THE MIDST OF 7 CAN- DLE STICKS (2: 1)
WORKS, LABOUR, PATIENCE, NOT FAINTED (2: 2; 3 )
HAST LEFT THE FIRST LOVE (2: 4)
REPENT, DOTHE FIRST WORK. (2: 5)
WILL REMOVE CANDLESTICK OUT OFHIS PLACE (2 : 5)
GIVE TO EAT OF THE TREE OF LIFE IN PARADISE OF GOD. (2: 7)
2: 7 HE THAT HATH AN EAR ,LET HIM HEAR.
HIM HEAR SMYRNA 2: 8-11
170 –312 PERSE- CUTED CHURCH (2: 10)
UNDER ROMAN PERSECU- TION.
THE FIRST AND THE LAST, WAS DEAD AND IS ALIVE (2: 8)
WORKS, TRIBULA-TION.BLAS- PHEMY OF JEW (2: 9)
NIL
FEAR NONE THOSE (2: 10)
DEVIL MAY CAST SOME IN PRISON,YE BE TRIED. (2: 10)
SHALL NOT BE HURT OF THE SECOND DEATH. (2: 11)
2: 11 HE THAT HATH AN EAR ,LET HIM HEAR
PERGA- MOS 2:12- 17
312-606 LICEN- TIOUS CHURCH (2: 14)
UNITED WITH THE WORLD UNDER (ROMAN)
HATH THE SHARP SWORD WITH TWO EDGES (2: 12)
WORKS, WHERE THOU DWELL (2: 13)
DR’NE OF BALAAM, NICOLA-INTENES (2: 14, 15)
REPENT (2: 16)
FIGHT WITH THE SWORD OF MY MOUTH. (2: 16)
HIDDEN MANNA, WHITE STONE, IN WHICH WRITTEN A NEW NAME.
(2: 17)
2: 17 HE THAT HATH AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR
THYA- THIRA 2:18-29
606-1520 LAXAT- IVE CHURCH (2: 20)
CHURCH OF THE DARK AGE
SON OF GOD,WHO HAS EYES LIKE FLAMES OF FIRE AND FEET FINE BRASS (2: 18)
WORKS, CHARITY SERVICE, FAITH (3: 19)
SUFFER WOMAN JEZEBEL (2: 20)
REPENT (2: 22)
GIVE EVERY-ONE ACCORDING TO WORKS (2: 23)
GIVE HIM THE MORNING STAR. (2: 28)
2: 29 HE THAT HATH AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR
SARDIS 3: 1- 6
1520-1750 DEAD CHURCH (3: 1)
CHURCH OF REFOR- MATION PERIOD
HATH 7 SPIRITS OF GOD AND SEVEN STARS . (3: 1)
WORKS, LIVETH BUT DEAD. (3: 1)
WORKS NOT PER- FECT.(3:.2)
REPENT (3: 3)
COME ON THEE AS THIEF,IN AN HOUR NOT KNOWN (3: 3)
WHITE RAIM-ENT,NAME NOT BLOTTED (3: 5)
3: 6 HE THAT LET HIM HEAR
PHILAD- ELPHIA 3: 7-13
1750-1900 FAVOU- RED CHURCH (3: 10)
MODERN AGE OF MISSION ZEAL
HE THAT IS HOLY HE THAT IS TRUE, HATH THE KEY OF DAVID. (3: 7)
WORKS, LITTLE STRENGTH, KEPT WORD (3: 8)
NIL MAKE THEM TO COME WORSHIP (3: 9)
HOLD FAST, NO MAN TAKE THY CROWN (3: 11)
MAKE PILLAR, NAME OF GOD, NAME OF CITY, AND HIS NAME. (3: 12)
3: 13 HE THAT HATH AN EAR. LET HIM HEAR
LEVO- DECEA 3: 14-
1900-TILL THIS DAY
LUKE- WARM CHURCH (3: 16)
FINAL APOSTATE CHURCH
AMEN, FAITHFUL & TRUE WITNESS, BE: OF CREATION OF GOD (3: 14)
WORKS, NO COLD NO HOT (3: 15)
THOU LUKE- WARM (3: 16,17)
REPENT IF ANY MANOPEN. (3: 19,20)
BUY GOLD, WHITE RAIMENT, EYE SALVE (3: 18)
SIT WITH HIM ON THRONE (3: 21)
3: 22 HE THAT HATH AN EAR, LET
04/12/23 Email: [email protected] 56
SEVEN CHURCHES
BELOVED IN THE LORD
Hope this study on “SEVEN CHURCHES” is
edifying.
In case of any doubts, comments or
questions please write to me.
Email: [email protected]