The Seven Churches of Revelation
Rev 1–3 · c. AD 95
From Patmos to the seven churches in the province of Asia – John's letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea (Rev 1–3).
The Seven Churches of Revelation
Rev 1–3 · c. AD 95
From Patmos to the seven churches in the province of Asia – John's letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea (Rev 1–3).
Steder (8)
1
Patmos
Rev 1:9-20
The island in the Aegean where John is exiled "on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus". On the Lord's day he hears behind him a loud voice like a trumpet: "Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches."
2
Ephesus
Rev 2:1-7
The hard-working church that has abandoned its first love. "Remember from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first." The promise: the tree of life in the paradise of God.
3
Smyrna
Rev 2:8-11
The persecuted church – poor, yet rich. No rebuke, only encouragement. "Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life." The promise: they will not be hurt by the second death.
4
Pergamum
Rev 2:12-17
The church that lives "where Satan's throne is" – yet holds fast to Jesus' name. But some follow the teaching of Balaam and the Nicolaitans. The promise: the hidden manna and a white stone with a new name.
5
Thyatira
Rev 2:18-29
The church with love, faith, service and patient endurance – but it tolerates the woman Jezebel, who leads people into sexual immorality and eating food sacrificed to idols. The promise: authority over the nations and the morning star.
6
Sardis
Rev 3:1-6
The church that has a reputation for being alive, but is dead. "Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die." Yet a few in Sardis have not soiled their garments. The promise: white garments and a name never blotted out of the book of life.
7
Philadelphia
Rev 3:7-13
The church with but little power – yet it has kept Jesus' word and not denied his name. No rebuke. "I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut." The promise: a pillar in the temple of God, with God's name written on it.
8
Laodicea
Rev 3:14-22
The lukewarm church – neither cold nor hot. "You say: I am rich, but you do not realise that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind and naked." And yet: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him." The promise: to sit with Christ on his throne.