Scriptures: Rev. 2:1-29
Key Insights
Introduction
Christian scholars attribute the physical writing of Revelation to John the Apostle, son of Zebedee (Mark 3:17) and author of the Gospel and Epistles of John. But although John literally wrote Revelation, the Book makes it clear that the source of the revelations is Jesus (Revelation 1:1-2). Chapters 2 & 3 of the Book of Revelation address seven letters to seven churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey).
Why Were These Seven Churches Chosen to Receive the Apocalyptic Message?
These particular seven churches may have been chosen to receive Christ’s apocalyptic message because, geographically, the churches were located along an established, circular trade route that brought together the most populous and influential parts of the province – Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea.
However, these seven churches were not the sum total of all the congregations of the Church of God in the first century. Additional congregations, among others, mentioned in the New Testament, were located at: Antioch (Acts 13:1), Derbe, Lystra and Iconium (Acts 16:1-2), Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:2), Philippi (Philippians 1:1), Colosse (Colossians 1:2), Rome (Romans 1:7).
Three ways the message to the Churches can be interpreted:
- Instruction for the first-century churches
- Progressive history of the Church – Rev. 1:19
- Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) – the first century Church
- Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) – the church under persecution
- Pergamos (Revelation 2:12-17) – the church mixing with the world
- Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29) – how evil progresses in the church and idolatry is practised
- Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6) – the church as dead, yet still having a minority of godly men and women
- Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13) – revival and a state of spiritual advance
- Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-19) – the final state of apostasy which the visible church will experience
- Advice for Christians throughout the ages
Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; Revelation 3:6, 13, 22.
Each message concludes with a reminder that those who overcome will be rewarded by God – Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21.
The Church of Ephesus
The Church that has Abandoned Its Love for Christ and His Teachings – Revelation 2:1-7
The letter to Ephesus warns against false teachers and evil in the world and admonishes for having forsaken their first love, but it offers the community hope if they repent and rekindle their love for Christian living.
The lesson – truth and love must go hand-in-hand.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you still in touch with your first love? If no, how can you get back to your first love?
- Where are you in your Christian journey? Are you still pressing into God or have you given up and resorted to idolatry and worldly living?
Prayer Points
- We’re in a Christian nation for such a time as this. In our time, we will not lose ground in the Kingdom to the enemy. Whatever God needs us to do to enlarge the territory of the Kingdom, we shall do and receive grace to do it.
- Just as each of the 7 Churches had its own strengths and weaknesses, our current congregations or places of worship have their peculiar strengths and failings. Let us thank God for the strengths and ask for grace to serve as the Lord’s battle axe to break and destroy every hindrance to the purpose of God in our respective Churches. – Jeremiah 51:20.
