The Seven Churches of Revelation

When referring to the Book of Revelation, one of the most commonly asked question is...  "What do the seven churches in Revelation stand for?"  The actual answer has three (3) theoretical conclusions: literal, spiritual and epochal.

• Literal ... are the seven churches, which are described in Revelation 2-3; were the seven literal churches during the historic era when John [of Patmos] was writing the Book of Revelation.
• Spiritual ... for believers today, the first purpose of John's letters to the ancient churches were to communicate with those churches and meet their needs at that time. The second purpose revealed that seven different type of churches throughout history would be instructed in the Creator's truth.
• Epochal ... for some scholars this refers to seven different periods (representing seven different eras) in the history of the Church. Other theologians find this view speculative as the issues described [within the seven churches] could fit the Church during any time in its history.   

The Seven Churches of Revelation:                      

                     

• Ephesus - Rev. 2:1-7 - "the church that had forsaken its first love" 

Ruins of the Church of Ephesus

The ancient Greek city of Ephesus (once located on the coast of Ionia, near modern-day Selcuk in Izmir Province, Turkey) was an important center for Christianity during the 1st century AD and has been reputed to be where the Apostle Paul and Mary (mother of Jesus) once resided. The Ephesian church was a hard-working congregation of believers who were full of fortitude; they were gate-keepers of God's truth, did not associate with evil-doers and were patient, as well as enduring, under  the hardships they faced. However, Jesus [Christ] pointed out their shortcomings: 1) their passion for Christ [who was this church's first love] had drastically waned, and, 2)  their work was no longer motivated by love. A warning was issued decreeing the church would be destroyed if the congregation did not repent.

"Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first." Rev. 2:5

They failed to heed the words of Jesus, who in turn, sealed his promise by disbanding the Church of Ephesus. The once credited heartland of Paul's ministry to Asia Minor, is 99% Muslim and completely devoid of Christianity today.

• Smyrna - Rev. 2:8-11 - "the church that would suffer persecution"

Ruins of the Church of Smyrna

The ancient Greek city of Smyrna (once located on the Aegean coast of modern-day Anatolia, Turkey) was reputed to be hostile towards Christianity and is the locale of the martyrdom of Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna - and regarded as a saint in the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Anglican and Lutheran churches. The message to this church was simple: prepare for persecution.

"I know your afflictions and your poverty--yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan." Rev. 2:9

Jesus acknowledged the trials and tribulations of Smyrna, yet He assured the congregation they were "rich" with spiritual wealth no one could take away. As for the identity of the "synagogue of Satan", one scholarly view states an assumption that Christians, even Gentile Christians, by the end of the 1st century AD were regarding themselves as the "true Jews" or the chosen people of God. Yet this group of "Jews" did not follow the tenants of Judaism, instead they worshiped  the Roman emperor and spoke out against the Christians in Smyrna.

• Pergamum - Rev. 2:12-17 - "the church that needed to repent"               

 Ruins of the Church of Pergamum 

The ancient Greek city of Pergamum (once located near modern-day Bergama, Turkey) was once regarded, by some scholars, as the historical colony of Arcadia. 

According to Revelation 2:13, Antipas (Bishop of Pergamum) was put to death for being a "faithful witness" of Christianity and rebuking the demons from the Arcadians who were pagan idol worshipers. Jesus affirmed the church's positive actions, yet also took note of their sin of holding to the teachings of Balaam.

“Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.” (Rev. 2:14-15)

The "teaching of Balaam" is described in Numbers 25:1-3 and Numbers 31:15-16. It is explained in context as Christians eating food that had been sacrificed to idols (religious compromise) and committing lewd sexual acts (moral compromise). The Nicolaitans, who were likely a group of people who also believed the teachings of Balaam, are mentioned only in this letter to Pergamum and the letter to the Ephesian church.

• Thyatira - Rev. 2:18-29 - "the church that had a false prophetess"          

Ruins of the Church of Thyatira 

The ancient Greek city of Thyatira (located in the modern city of Akhisar, Turkey) was another place the Church was engaging is sexual misconduct and dabbling in idolatry. 

The main character in this story revolves around a woman named Jezebel, a false prophetess who was leading believers into immoral compromise. While Jesus praised the church's positive actions of love, faith, service, endurance and greater works, He also reprimanded them for their transgression of associating with Jezebel. 

"Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immortality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols." Rev. 2:20 

There is a possibility that "Jezebel" [of Revelation] was her real name, but many scholars and theologians agree it is more likely to be a metaphorical reference to the "Jezebel" of the Old Testament, who was an idolatrous woman who opposed the ways of the Great Creator. Heedlessly, Jesus pronounced judgment on "Jezebel" and called Thyatira to repent of their sins; to the faithful believers who did not fall into Jezebel's trap, they would be rewarded with authority over the nations, victory over all enemies and the morning star.

• Sardis - Rev. 3:1-6 - "the church that had fallen asleep"                                               

Ruins of the Church of Sardis

The ancient Persian city of Sardis (located in modern-day Turkey's Manisa Province) was once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia, one of the important cities during the Persian Empire reign. About 1200 years before the birth of Christ, Sardis was the home to the wealthy Lydian king, Croesus (who worshiped Greek Gods). As in the days of Croesus, this city was wealthy in its own right, but sinfully worthless. Jesus was quick to pronounce condemnation on the church for their lifeless place in Christianity and told them, "I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead." (Rev. 3:2) Jesus swiftly promised a judgment upon Sardis if they did not repent in their slacking ways. 

“If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you” Rev. 3:3

To the remnant of believers in Sardis who had remained true and faithful, Jesus made an eternal promise... "they will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy." (Rev. 3:4) and, Jesus further granted them a blessing... "He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels." (Rev. 3:5) While the church was reprimanded and told to repent, only a select few were rewarded with the promise and blessing.

• Philadelphia - Rev. 3:7-13 - "the church that had endured patiently"

Ruins of the Church of Philadelphia

The ancient Roman city of Philadelphia (located in modern-day Manisa Province in the Aegean region of Turkey) was first called Alaşehir, which stood elevated over the fertile plain of the Hermus River (today's Gediz River). King Eumenes II of Pergamon is credited with bestowing the name "Philadelphia" on the town in 189 B.C. in honor of his brother, Attalus II, whose loyalty earned him the nickname of "Philadelphus" (meaning "one who loves his brother").  Like the church of Smyrna, Philadelphia was found in good standing with the Creator. 

"I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name” Rev. 3:8

While this particular church was weak in some respects, they had remained faithful in the face of many tribulations and afflictions, which had earned them the blessing of the "open door". Jesus was fast to condemn the enemies of the Philadelphian believers and told the church, "I will make them [synagogue of Satan] come and fall at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you." (Rev. 3:9) The church of Philadelphia would always be victorious over its enemies and promised to be kept from the hour of trial that will one day come upon the whole world. Jesus also encouraged these believers to retain their faithful endurance because it would one day lead to rewards in the afterlife.

• Laodicea - Rev. 3:14-22 - "the church with the lukewarm faith"

Ruins of the Church of Laodicea

The ancient Roman city of Laodicea (located in Anatolia near the modern-day village of Eskihisar in Denizli Province, Turkey) was the Hellenistic metropolis of Phrygia Pacatiana and built by the River Lycus. There are three biblical characters associated with this ancient city: Nymphas (Colossians 4:15); Archippus (Colossians 4:17); Diotrephes (III John 1:9). In stark contrast to the other six churches of Revelation, the Laodicean church had nothing to commend it. This was a result of their fluctuation towards spiritual things.  Jesus began His message to them with condemnation.

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” (Rev. 3:15-17)

Jesus was quick to emphasize the church's "lukewarm" nature and pointed out their apathy, which had caused a spiritual blindness within them. Jesus called the Laodiceans to repent of their sins, reminding them that their material wealth had no eternal benefits in the Kingdom of Heaven. To the faithful believers, Jesus promised entry to His future kingdom.

In Conclusion...

While there are seven different characteristics and seven different messages aimed at the seven ancient churches, there were seven angels who played a major and important role in the scenario. (The number (7) is very prominent in Revelation 2-3)

Origen, the 3rd century A.D. theologian, explained the "angels" were guardian angels from God's realm, while Epiphanius, 4th century A.D. bishop of Salamis, Cyprus, explicitly rejected such a view. Of course, Epiphanius wrote Panarion, a book of antidotes for those bitten by the serpent of heresy, and could have based his thoughts on such reasoning. Regardless of these men's views, these "angels" were installed as overseers to the seven churches, which indicated that Jesus was not only serious, but adamant about his messages to those churches. 

It is also interesting to note that there are seven (7) sections in the seven (7) letters to the seven (7) churches:

1. Greetings to the church
2. Descriptive title for Jesus (who is addressing the church)
3. Insights into the life of the churches
4. Criticisms for individual churches (2 churches were exonerated)
5. Warnings and instructions
6. Final exhortations
7. Promises and assurances    

From the mysterious number seven (7) associated with the seven Churches of Revelation to the monumental messages delivered by Jesus to these churches, the ancient letters John of Patmos penned [so long ago] continues to hold a enigmatic message that mankind has tried to unravel for hundreds of centuries... 

Religion of the Native American Indians

Religion of the Native American Indians are primarily spiritual practices and can vary widely among the many different tribes in North America. Traditional ceremonies and rituals, based on differing beliefs and/or histories of individual tribes, clans and bands, also have distinct variations. Theologies of the various tribes may be monotheistic, polytheistic, henotheistic, pantheistic, animistic, or some combination thereof. While it is impossible to name all the North American Indian bands, as blog space does not allow room, the following are the top three (3) largest tribes [according to the 2010 American Federal Census] and their religious practices:   

Navajo Indian Gourd Dance

1) Navajo (population: 308,013): This particular tribe is classified as pantheistic and the most important figures are the Changing Woman, the consort of the Sun God and her twin sons, the Monster Slayers. Navajo believe in good and evil and conceives everything in the universe has a purpose. This clan firmly believes it is important that the universe remain in balance or evil could take over. Their ceremonies are designed to restore harmony. Hosteen Klah was credited with documenting aspects of the Navajo religion and related ceremonial practices in the early 20th century. For more information, please visit Navajo - Religion and Expressive Culture       

"My children, education is the ladder to all our needs. Tell our people to take it." 
~ Manuelito, Navajo Chief

Cherokee Indian Sun Worship

2) Cherokee (population: 285,476): This tribe holds strong belief that certain beings came down from the skies and formed the world, the moon and the stars. The sun is held in great esteem and is the principal object of worship; prayers for abundant crops and good health was their primary focus. According to Robert Shaw [an author from the late 19th century], the religion of the Cherokee could be classified as both polytheistic (incorporating systems of Pagan Greece and Rome) and monotheistic (instilling some beliefs of Christianity). The Cherokee also believe in an afterlife. Those who were "good" went to a place that was light and pleasant; those who were "bad" were sent to a place to face torture. It is believed there are seven (7) heavens associated with the Cherokee, with the Supreme Being (aka: Ye ho wah) residing in the first heaven. Redbird Smith, a renowned Cherokee, was a traditionalist and political activist during the late 1800s-early 1900s. He sought to return to the original Cherokee religion and revitalize traditional spirituality. For more information, please visit Religion of the Cherokee 

"Don't forget the legacy we passed on. Don't let it lapse. Pass it on, stronger and stronger to your children. Let the Cherokee language laugh, speak and sing again. Let our history be known and discussed." 
~ Chadwick "Corntassel" Smith, Principal of the Cherokee Nation

Sioux Indian Grass Dance

3) Sioux (population: 131,048): For the Sioux Indians, religion was a part of everyday life and everything had a spirit (humans, animals, plants, etc.). According to Carl Jung, the Sioux were both polytheistic and animistic; their beliefs resembling those of the indigenous Scandinavian people known as the Sami. Besides the Great Spirit, who was the most powerful of all spirits, the Thunderbird came in a close second when it came to power. The Thunderbird was considered a single, intelligent entity that could also be wrathful. Another spirit, known as the White Buffalo Woman, gave each Sioux clan a sacred pipe, which were  called "Medicine Pipes". These sacred pipes, when smoked could entail a person to have a vision. Visions, as well as dreams, were sometimes prophetic in nature. Most bands of Sioux Indians had one medicine man per tribe who performed the ceremonies, which was held at various times throughout the year. For more information, please visit Sioux Religion. 

"A very great vision is needed and the man who has it must follow it as the eagle seeks the deepest blue of the sky" ~ Crazy Horse, Sioux Chief

The early European explorers described individual Native American tribes as each having their own religious practices and traditional beliefs, which were commonly passed down in the forms of oral histories, stories, and allegories. Most (if not all) bands, clans and tribes relied on teaching from one's family and even the community when it came to learning about the spiritual and religious side of their lives.

From the early 1600s, European Christians (both Catholic and Protestant) sent missionaries to convert the Native American tribes to Christianity. These efforts intensified during the mid-1800s through the mid-1900s as the US government and Christian churches joined efforts, forcibly registering Native Americans as Christian. This caused contemporaneous official government records to show "Christianity" as the major religion of the Native American Indians, which was based on false claims. When Native American children were forcibly removed from their homes and installed in American Indian boarding schools to be indoctrinated in European Christian beliefs, as well as the English language, many bands and tribes reluctantly converted to Christianity. (Note: this happened to many Jews, such as Nostradamus' family, when King Louis XII - in the 16th century- decreed that all Jews renounce their religion and convert to Christianity or leave the area). Sadly enough, this forced conversion of the Native American Indian continued up until the late 1970s and for over 80 years (1898-1978) the government suppressed Native ceremonies and rituals associated with the traditional indigenous religions through a series of US Federal laws! However, that did not stop the devout American Indian from continuing to practice their sacred spiritual rituals in secrecy.

Today, in the 21st century, most Native American tribes have reverted to their religious beliefs, under the passage of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978. The Native American traditional ceremonies, such as the sun dance and sweat lodge (among many other rituals) were also reinstated with this government bill. Even though modern Native American Indians do not usually have public organizations or membership rolls, it is estimated that there are tens of thousands of people [if not more] in the United States who are members of a traditional Native American religion and participate in traditional ceremonies.        

"Trouble no one about their religion;

respect others in their view and demand that they respect yours."

~Chief Tecumseh, Shawnee Chief

The Prophet Isaiah

Isaiah, son of Amoz, lived in Jerusalem during the 8th century B.C. and his prophecies [that flourished around c/740] threatened judgment upon the corrupt and debased Israelites from both kingdoms (Judah and Israel); he predicted the captivity of Assyria and Babylon. Later, he foretold of the exiles and the coming of the Messiah. These predictions included a magnificent future for Israel. His prophecies were made 500 years before the birth of Jesus. The ancient prophet prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, the kings of Judah. Isaiah was the most noted of all the Hebrew prophets.

Judgment of the Israelites

It was during the period where Assyria ruled the land that Isaiah proclaimed the Creator's indictment against Judah and Israel, and forewarned of a coming judgment against them. 

According to the Book of Isaiah, the prophet predicted that God would use Assyria, Babylon and the Medes to execute this promise if the nation of the divided kingdoms [Judah and Israel] did not repent from their sinful ways. 

In chapters 1-12, Isaiah pronounced those prophecies tirelessly and endlessly, yet the Israelites did not take notice of his warnings. The northern kingdom of Israel was the first to be carried away into bondage by the Assyrian king, Tiglath-Pileser III and remained captive for at least 20 years. The kingdom of Israel was scattered throughout the ancient world after being released from bondage. These particular Jewish tribes later became known as the "Ten Lost Tribes of Israel".

Captivity of Babylon

St. George's Anglican Cathedral stained glass art-
Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel

The Babylonian captivity is an ancient period in Jewish history during which a large number of Israelites [from the kingdom of Judah] were taken captive into Babylonia over a 16 year period. Just as Isaiah had predicted. 

The battle for the Holy Land began when King Jehoiakim refused to pay tribute to King Nebuchadnezzar (of Babylon). Jehoiakim was eventually killed by the Babylonian army and Jeconiah was instated as king of Judah. It was during Jeconiah's reign that the ancient Jews were taken into bondage around 597 B.C. The Jewish king and his court, along with many others, were the first to be taken into captivity. The prophet Daniel was among those who were captured. 

A decade later, in 587 B.C., King Zedekiah and others were deported to Babylon; the prophets Ezekiel and Jeremiah were among those taken in the second bondage. A third deportation occurred in 582 B.C. The great Creator had warned this was to happen for the transgressions of a sinful Hebrew nation known as Judah. In chapters 13-27, the prophet Isaiah prophesied that the surrounding nations would also eventually be destroyed in the Creator's bid for cleansing the land of sinful people.   

Exiles of Babylon

Depiction of Judaic Exile

As Isaiah had foretold, the nation of Judah was eventually exiled. Not long after the fall of Babylon, which was conquered by Cyrus the Great in 539 B.C., the Jews began returning to the land of Judah. Although, many scholars will agree that it [the exiles] was a gradual process which spanned many years. The last king of Babylon was Belshazzar. 

The Book of Ezra states that it was during this same time period construction of the Second Temple (aka: Herod's Temple) in Jerusalem commenced. It is interesting to note that not all of the population of Judah was deported into bondage. 

According to archaeological studies, it reveals that Jerusalem was totally destroyed; yet, there were a few places in the ancient Jewish kingdom that continued to be inhabited during the exile period. Then there were other ancient Jews, as well as their descendants, that did not return to their homeland. The source of the ancient deportees true deliverance can be found in chapters 28-35.

Coming of the Messiah

Depiction of Isaiah
predicting the coming of the Messiah

There are many verses scattered throughout various chapters in the Book of Isaiah that makes an inference to the 'coming of the Messiah'. 

In the Tanakh/Christian Bible the scriptures inform mankind what will be done during the reign of the Messiah; yet the views vary from among the theologians of ancient Israel and the rabbinical scholars.

When comparing Jesus Christ with the prophetic coming of the Messiah, the New Testament of the Christian Bible correlates with many scriptures of Isaiah. For a complete list, please click here. The Qur'an states that Isa (Jesus), son of Mariam (Mary), is the Messiah and Prophet sent to the Children of Israel, but the Muslims does not agree that Jesus was an omnipotent incarnation of God, but a powerful prophet of Allah who will return during the "last days" to defeat the Dajjal (Armilus/Anti-Christ). 

Magnificent Future for Israel

In chapters 40-66, Isaiah focuses on the coming of the Messiah and the comfort of a magnificent future that was promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 

It was during the Babylonian period of captivity that Isaiah inspired hope during troubled times, promising a bright future for those descended from the ancient Hebrew nation. 

In chapters 40-48, the prophet reiterated there was only one true God; in chapters 49-53, he promised the kingdom of Israel (including Judah) would experience salvation through a suffering servant (Christians correlate this with Jesus Christ); and, in chapters 54-66, Isaiah said there would be a glorious future for the Children of Israel and the promise made to Abraham, Issac and Jacob would finally be bestowed upon them. While Isaiah did not go into extreme detail about Israel's glorious future, he indicated and expressed assurance [through the promise of God] that it would transpire.

Book of Isaiah & Points of Interest

It is interesting to note the various points of interest when it comes to the Book of Isaiah... 

• The Book of Isaiah incorporates many skillful literary forms into his [Isaiah] writings, such as prose and poetry.
• The Book of Isaiah is divided into 66 chapters, which parallels the entire Christian Bible's 66 books (39 Old Testament books/ 27 New Testament books).
• The first 39 chapters of Isaiah contain strong themes of the Creator's judgment, resembling the 39 Old Testament books; the last 27 chapters of Isaiah focus on comfort and the coming of the Messiah, bearing a similar likeness to the themes of the 27 New Testament books.
• The New Testament quotes Isaiah 66 times, which is surpassed only by the Psalms.

Isaiah, who is also called the Prince of Prophets, shines above all the other prophets of Scripture. He was most noted for his committed obedience over his long 50+ year ministry as a prophet of God. He was a true patriot who loved his country and his kinsmen. Tradition suggests that Isaiah died a martyr's death under the reign of King Manasseh.

Today, in our modern world, we can see that many of Isaiah's prophecies have been fulfilled with the worldwide dispersion of the Jews , the worldwide persecution of the Jews, the re-establishment and restoration of Israel in 1948 and, the worldwide migration of Jews back to Israel [during the past century]. 

For more information, please visit: Biblical people profile of the prophet Isaiah