In the messages to the seven churches, we see illustrated the ministry of the Holy Spirit to God’s people. This is the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise in John 14:16 that the Spirit would abide with His followers forever. These messages were originally written to seven literal churches, but they also describe the spiritual condition of the Christian church down through the ages (SOP 1).
But these messages are not merely history. The Holy Spirit continues to minister to the church today, and we will find that these messages apply personally to us. Wherever we may find ourselves in our Christian experience, there is in these seven messages one that applies to our current spiritual condition
The messages to the seven churches follow a general format:
1. Jesus begins by addressing the church by name.
2. He then identifies Himself using descriptions of Himself from Chapter 1 that apply to that specific church.
3. He appraises the spiritual condition of the church, always mentioning the good (if any) before the bad.
4. He gives counsel of encouragement or rebuke, as needed.
5. He urges the members of the church to listen to the message.
6. He gives a final word of promise to the overcomer, the one who heeds and obeys the counsel of the Spirit.
1. Message to the Church of Ephesus (Verses 1 - 7)
The church of Ephesus represents the Christian church from 31 AD to about 100 AD, the time of the first apostles (SOP 2).
The name of each church has a meaning that applies to their spiritual condition. Ephesus means “desirable.”
Verse 1
He who holds the seven stars in His right hand - Jesus identifies Himself as the One holding the messengers to the churches in His right hand, a sign of favor. The message may be unwelcome or come through a humble messenger, but it is nevertheless from Jesus.
He…who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands – This is a reminder that Jesus is always with us, continually in our midst (Matthew 28:20).
Verses 2-4
This is Jesus’ appraisal of the church of Ephesus. The ancient city of Ephesus was notorious for its wickedness, superstition and occult practices, but the church stood faithfully for Jesus in that environment.
But this church developed a problem, they left their first love. How did this happen? By taking their eyes off Jesus, and not guarding their relationship with Him.
Verse 5
Jesus’ remedy for the problem is threefold:
Remember – Look back at what it was like at the beginning.
Repent – Be sorry for allowing other things to come between you and Christ.
Do the first works – Walk with Christ like you did in the beginning (SOP 3).
Jesus ends His rebuke with a warning. If you fail to do these things, your light will go out and I will have to remove your lampstand from among the seven.
Verse 6
The Nicolatians are believed to be followers of Nicolas (Acts 6:5), one of the seven original deacons. This sect taught that the deeds of the flesh do not affect the purity of the soul and have no bearing on salvation. But Jesus says here that He hates their deeds. (SOP 4)
Verse 7
Jesus concludes with the promise to personally give fruit from the tree of life to the overcomer. This is an assurance of eternal life. Notice that the final promise in each message is addressed to the overcomers in allthe churches, indicating the message is for everyone.
2. Message to the Church of Smyrna (Verses 8 – 11)
The church of Smyrna represents the Christian church from approximately 100 AD to 313 AD, a time of persecution during the pagan Roman Empire. The name Smyrna means “Myrrha,” a sweet spice used for embalming the dead.
Verse 8
Jesus introduces Himself to the persecuted church as eternal, the One who died and came to life again. What an assurance to those who were facing death for their allegiance to Christ!
Verse 9
Jesus assures them that He knows all they are going through. The city of Smyrna was known for its wealth, but many of the Christians living there had all their possessions confiscated. But Jesus says, “You are rich.”
Those who say they are Jews and are not – (Romans 2:28,29) Some among the Smyrna Christians claimed to be followers of Christ, but they were actually followers of Satan. Here Jesus calls their claim to be Christian blasphemy.
Verse 10
These Christians often had to hide in the catacombs, many were thrown into prison, and some were thrown to the lions. But Jesus tells them, “Don’t fear these things.” Why should we not fear persecution? (1 Peter 4:12,13, Matthew 5:10-12, Matthew 10:28-31)
You will have tribulation ten days – Probably refers to a time of intense persecution under the Roman emperor Diocletian from 303 to 313 AD. Note: A prophetic day represents a literal year (Ezekiel 4:6).
Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life – Here Jesus promises the faithful ones a victor’s crown (Romans 8:18, 2 Timothy 4:7,8).
Verse 11
What would this promise mean to those who were facing death? Romans 8:35-39
3. Message to the Church of Pergamos (Verses 12 – 17)
The church of Pergamos represents the Christian church from approximately 313 AD to 538 AD, a time when the church turned away from the Bible and sought the approval of the world. Pergamos means “height” or “elevation,” suggesting that the world is now viewing them with favor.
Verse 12
Jesus introduces Himself as having the sharp two-edged sword, representing the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12). The Bible reveals the true motives and spiritual condition of these Christians who are seeking the favor of the world (1 John 2:15-17).
Verse 13
A few faithful ones stood firm in this time of apostasy and compromise, and Jesus assures them, “I know.”
Where Satan’s throne is – When the kingdom of Babylon fell in 539 BC, some of the priests of the Babylonian cult religion fled to Pergamos, where their religion was preserved. From Pergamos, it then passed to the Roman Empire and to the Church of Rome.
Antipas, my faithful martyr – No historical record of Antipas has survived, but Jesus has not forgotten him.
Verse 14
This verse points us back to Balaam, an Old Testament prophet of God who sold out God’s people for money. Through association with heathen idolators, Israel was led into false worship and sexual immorality (Numbers 22-25, 31:7,8). This is the doctrine of Balaam, and it represents the work of those who led the church into compromise with the world for personal gain (SOP 5).
Verse 15
See on Verse 6. The doctrine of the Nicolaitans is still present in the church of Pergamos.
Verse 16
God offers this compromising church an opportunity to repent.
The sword of My mouth – Represents God’s Word that judges and punishes the unrepentant (Hebrews 4:12,Rev. 19:15).
Verse 17
Jesus promises two things to the overcomer:
Hidden manna – Manna was Israel’s food in the wilderness, used for making bread. Here it represents God’s Word. At a time when the church is turning from the Bible, God promises His faithful followers that He will personally feed them with His Word.
A white stone – Jesus is the stone and white represents purity. This white stone may represent the character of Christ imparted to the overcomer. A new name is given them because, as overcomers, their character has been transformed (Genesis 32:28). This new character is unknown to others because it is unrecognized and unappreciated (1 Peter 2:6-8).
4. Message to the Church of Thyatira (Verses 18 – 29)
The church of Thyatira represents the Christian church from 538 AD to the end of the reformation, approximately 1600 AD. This is the period of the Dark Ages, when the Church of Rome ruled the world. The name Thyatira means “perfume of sacrifice,” referring how God views His faithful ones who stood for Him and His Word during this time of darkness and persecution.
Verse 18
Jesus introduces Himself to this church by three titles:
The Son of God – At a time when Jesus and the gospel were nearly forgotten by the church, Jesus introduces Himself to His followers as the Son of God.
Who has eyes like a flame of fire – It is a time of spiritual darkness, but Jesus can see into the darkest heart and illuminate it.
His feet like fine brass – Here Jesus reminds His faithful followers that He has walked through the furnace of affliction before them.
Verse 19
Notice that Jesus here addresses only the faithful few, not the Church at large. He assures them that He knows all they have gone through for His sake.
As for your works, the last are more than your first – Refers to the Protestant Reformation at the end of this time period.
Verse 20
Jezebel is a symbol of the apostate Church of Rome (1 Kings 21:25,26, Rev. 17:1-6). Her work of leading God’s people into apostasy is very similar to that of Balaam (Rev. 2:14).
Verse 21
The time given to repent refers to the 1260-year rule of the Papacy, from 538 to 1798 AD (Rev. 13:5, Daniel 7:25).
Verse 22
I will cast her into a sickbed – This refers to the deadly wound inflicted upon the Papacy in 1798 (Rev. 13:3), at the end of the time she was given to repent.
Those who commit adultery with her – The kings of the earth (Rev. 17:2) are the political powers that form alliances with the church.
Verse 23
I will kill her children with death – Rome’s children are the Protestant Churches who follow the teachings of the mother church (Rev. 17:5). They will suffer the same punishment as their mother (Rev. 17:16, 19:20).
I will give to each one of you according to your works – See Rev. 22:12.
Verses 24,25
Jesus again addresses His faithful ones, and assures them that He expects nothing more from them than to “hang on” during this terrible time of darkness and apostasy.
Verses 26,27
Jesus promises to give His faithful ones power over the nations. What is the significance of this promise? This is a time when the nations, influenced by the Church of Rome, are persecuting the saints. Here Jesus promises that someday He will turn the tables. A day is coming when Jesus is going to take control, and the saints will rule with Him and judge the wicked (Rev. 3:21, Daniel 7:27, 1 Corinthians 6:2).
Verses 28,29
See Rev. 22:16. Here Jesus promises Himself to these faithful ones. The Morning Star is also a reference to the Protestant Reformation (SOP 6).
Spirit of Prophecy Quotations
1 “The names of the churches are symbolic of the church in different periods of the Christian Era. The number 7 indicates completeness, and is symbolic of the fact that the messages extend to the end of time, while the symbols used reveal the condition of the church at different periods in the history of the world.” – The Acts of the Apostles, page 585.
2 “Of the church at Ephesus, which the Lord Jesus used as a symbol of the entire Christian church in the apostolic age, the faithful and true Witness declared: [Revelation 2:2, 3 quoted].” – The Acts of the Apostles, page 578.
3 “The first works of the church were seen when the believers sought out friends, relatives, and acquaintances, and with hearts overflowing with love, told the story of what Jesus was to them and what they were to Jesus.” – Testimonies to Ministers, pages 167, 168.
4 “The doctrine is now largely taught that the gospel of Christ has made the law of God of no effect; that by ‘believing,’ we are released from the necessity of being doers of the Word. But this is the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which Christ so unsparingly condemned.” – Signs of the Times, January 2, 1912.
5 “Balaam knew that the prosperity of Israel depended upon their observance of the law of God, and that there was no way to bring a curse upon them but by seducing them to transgression. He decided to secure to himself Balak’s reward, and the promotion he desired, by advising the Moabites what course to pursue to bring the curse upon Israel. He counseled Balak to proclaim an idolatrous feast in honor of their idol gods, and he would persuade the Israelites to attend, that they might be delighted with the music, and when the most beautiful Midianitish women should entice the Israelites to transgress the law of God, and corrupt themselves, and also influence them to offer sacrifice to idols. This Satanic counsel succeeded too well.” – Spiritual Gifts, volume 4, page 49.
6 “In the fourteenth century arose in England ‘the morning star.’ John Wycliffe was the herald of reform, not for England alone, but for all Christendom.” – The Great Controversy, page 80.
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