Seven letters are addressed to seven churches in Asia Minor, or present-day Turkey, in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 2–3). According to what Jesus said in each letter and what John the Apostle wrote, it highlights the accomplishments and shortcomings of the recipient churches and issues a call to repentance for each one.
In Revelation, who wrote to the seven churches?
The author of the Gospel and Epistles of John, John the Apostle, son of Zebedee (Mark 3:17), is credited by second-century Christian academics with composing the book of Revelation. Revelation makes it apparent that Jesus is the source of the revelations, even though John authored the book of Revelation literally (Revelation 1:1–2).
The Apostle John was banished to the island of Patmos, a Roman prison colony close to Asia Minor, in the first century A.D. John’s “crime” was following the Christian faith. John was overtaken by the Holy Spirit when he was in Patmos, and Christ sent him prophetic visions that told him to:
“Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches:
- Ephesus
- Smyrna
- Pergamum
- Thyatira
- Sardis
- Philadelphia
- Laodicea (Revelations 1:1–2; 9–11).
Why were the apocalyptic messages received by these seven churches?
The seven churches of Revelation were just one of several early Christian settlements in Asia Minor. Geographically, the seven churches were situated along a well-established, circular trade route that connected the province’s most populous and powerful regions, which may have contributed to their selection as the recipients of Christ’s apocalyptic message. The message of apocalypse would reach the Christian communities throughout the province when it was delivered to the churches in these well-known cities.
Even though the seven letters of Revelation are specifically addressed to the churches listed, these churches—as well as their alleged shortcomings—can represent all churches in some way. As a result, Christian congregations today can benefit from the teaching imparted to Revelation’s churches.
The Symbolism of the Seven Churches in Revelation
1. The Church of Ephesus
The Assembly that Has Forsaken Her Love for Jesus and His Precepts (Revelation 2:1–7)
Synopsis and Justification: Ephesus was a major commercial and cultural hub in Asia. In Revelation 2–3, Christ commends the Ephesian church for their “deeds, hard work, and perseverance” as well as for rejecting false apostles.
Christ criticises the group for having “forsaken the love [they] had at first” (Revelation 2:4), notwithstanding their diligence and theological integrity. This “forsaken love” could indicate that the Ephesians had drifted away from their devotion to Christ or that their love for one another had ceased to be the driving force behind their activity.
The letter to the church of Ephesus does offer the community hope if they repent and rekindle their love for Christian living (Revelation 2:5-7). Significance Today: The lesson in the letter to Ephesus teaches that truth and love must go hand-in-hand. A church that upholds doctrinal purity at the expense of showing love is just as flawed as a church that upholds congregational harmony at the expense of truthful teachings. Instead, Jesus reveals that a church fashioned in His image must teach God’s Truth in love.
2. The Church of Smyrna
The Church that Remains Faithful Amidst Persecution (Revelation 2:8–11)
Summary and explanation: A sizable Jewish community that was antagonistic towards Christians resided in Smyrna. According to the Bible, false charges made by Jews against Christians resulted in their persecution by the Roman government (Acts 14:2, 19; Acts 17:13).
Christ’s revelation to the church in Smyrna recognises the community’s unjust persecution and praises it for its spiritual prosperity despite its material poverty (Revelation 2:9). Instead of criticising this church, Christ forewarns that some of its members are about to be imprisoned and exhorts them to hold fast to their faith “even to the point of death,” keeping in mind the promise of their “victor’s crown” (Revelation 2:10).
Importance Today, Christians face blatant and subtle forms of persecution everywhere, just like the church at Smyrna did. This message alerts all Christians to the fact that, despite our suffering, the length of tribulation will be short compared to the promise of eternal life.
3. The Church of Pergamum
The Church that Compromises Its Beliefs (Revelation 2:12-17)
Summary and Explanation: The city of Pergamum was renowned for its pagan practices. The letter to the church of Pergamum lauds the congregation for upholding its faith despite the city’s pervasive pagan influences (Revelation 2:13). The letter then addresses the church’s sin by denouncing some of its members for following false teachings that brought about religious and moral compromise (Revelation 2:14-15).
The Lord calls on the community to repent or risk the judgement that will emanate from the “sword of [His] mouth” (Revelation 2:16). Those who repent will be given the “hidden manna,” which is the grain of Heaven (Psalm 78:24), and a “white stone” or clean slate with a new identity in Christ (Revelation 2:17).
Significance Today: Like the Christians in Pergamum, it’s easy to normalize the non-Christian behavior of those around us and allow that behaviour to dilute our values (1 Corinthians 15:33). But the Bible urges us to “not conform to the pattern of this world” but be transformed by the renewal of our mind in accordance with God’s Word (Romans 12:2).
4. The Church of Thyatira
The Church that Follows False Prophets (Revelation 2:18–29)
Summary and Explanation: Thyatira was a wealthy commercial city. Jesus’ letter to the church of Thyatira praises it for growing in faith and service (Revelation 2:19). The church’s downfall was its devotion to a false prophet, which led some members to commit idolatry and immorality (Revelation 2:20). Although the false prophet remained unrepentant, Jesus affirms that the congregation can still repent by turning away from the prophet’s ways (Revelation 2:21–22). This revelation from the Lord serves as a reminder that we will all be rewarded for our deeds (Revelation 2:23). Sin comes with a price: death. But those who hold fast to their faith will share in Christ’s messianic rule over all peoples and their victory over death (Revelation 2:26–28).
5. The Church of Sardis
The Church that is Spiritually Dead (Revelation 3:1-6)
Synopsis and explanation: Despite its defences, Sardis was the target of two unexpected attacks. The church at Sardis is chastised by Our Lord for appearing to be “alive” on the outside but being spiritually dead (Revelation 3:1). Jesus tells the audience to “wake up” and repent lest He “come like a thief” to bring His judgement, making reference to the city’s history of previous surprise attacks (Revelation 3:2-3).
According to Revelation 3:5, those in the Sardisian church who follow Christ’s warning will be recognised in Heaven’s Book of Life and “dressed in white,” a symbol of victory and purity.
Significance Today: If we only go through the motions of practicing our faith without feeding our spirit, Christians can slip into the trap that ensnared the church in Sardis. By practicing our faith via Bible study, prayer, and community, we may keep from becoming “the living dead.”
6. The Church of Philadelphia
The Church that Patiently Endured Despite Weaknesses (Revelation 3:7-13)
Synopsis and explanation: There was a hostile synagogue community in Philadelphia that opposed Christians. In spite of their frailty, Christ commends the church in Philadelphia for enduring hardships and being steadfast (Rev. 3:8).
While Jesus does not criticise the Philadelphia church, he does rebuke those who persecute it. (Rev 3:9). According to Revelation 3:10–12, Christ guarantees that if Philadelphia’s followers stick to Him, He will shield them throughout the “hour of trial” and establish them as pillars in God’s celestial temple.
Significance Today: The message to Philadelphia demonstrates the benefits that arise from holding fast to our faith in the face of hardships. Indeed, those who endure in the face of adversity will be resolute like pillars in Heaven.
7. The Laodicean Church
Lukewarm Faithful Church (Revelation 3:14–22)
Recap and explanation: Laodicea was a thriving commercial and industrial hub. Jesus doesn’t waste any time in chastising the Laodicean church for their wan faith and threatening to “spit” them out of His mouth (Revelation 3:16).
In spite of its financial abundance, Christ chastises this church for allowing it to lead to spiritual bankruptcy and makes it clear that only He can offer spiritual wealth (Revelation 3:17–18). According to Revelation 3:20–21, those in Laodicea’s church who welcome Christ will be allowed to join Him at His heavenly feast and on His throne.
