Church of Philadelphia

Revelation 3:7-13

Christ's Introduction: The Holy One, the true One, the One w/the key of David
Reveals: His purity and righteousness, His control over the doors of the kingdom. vs 7

Affirmations: Some strength, faithfulness to the Gospel and to the name of Christ vs8,
patience vs10

Faults/sins: No direct indictments against them. Verse 8 could indicate that they had a dim vision of what God was calling them to do. He declared plainly that the door He had opened, no one could shut. Somewhat like saying I have cleared the way, now complete your journey.

Instructions: He warned them of the coming trial/testing vs10 and of His coming. vs11
He exhorts them to hold on to what they possessed. (see affirmations)

Promises: He would humble the liars/counterfeiters and cause them to acknowledge that the church of Philadelphia was loved and chosen by Him.vs9
The overcomer would be more than a resident in His kingdom, he would be a visible testimony of strength and steadfastness. A pillar of stones was often used as a memorial to a divine appearance or intervention; like the 12 stones taken from the Jordan in Joshua 4:2-9 Furthermore the overcomer would need never to leave or be driven from the presence of God. Christ promised to write upon the overcomer 3 names; the name of God, the name of the city of God, and Christ's own name.

Link-Intro w/promises: The Holy and True possesses the key/power of the kingdom. He is the one who denies or grants the privileges of citizenship.

Application: To become a citizen of the heavenly kingdom, one must be an overcomer. To be an overcomer, one must keep the Word of God, be loyal to Christ, be patient, endure temptation, and be diligent to hold on to what they have in Christ.

This church could be characterized as spiritually sincere but existing with little progress. A church that was long in patience but short in vision.

The Church of Sardis

Revelation 3:1-6

Christ's Introduction: Rev 3:1 The One who has the 7 spirits and holds the 7 stars. Again, the 7 stars are the angels of the churches.

Reveals: The word 'hold' in reference to the stars/churches, indicates His control over them. As for the 7 spirits of God, the NIV footnote inserts "seven-fold Spirit of God" Regardless of which rendering is correct, the idea of the fullness of the Spirit can be drawn from the use of the number 7. Seven being the number of completion.
The words "I know" follow His introduction to each of the churches. Of course this indicates His omniscience. Nothing is hidden from Him.

Affirmations: Previous works that built a good reputation for the church. vs 1 Some good qualities remain. vs 2 There are a few saints w/pure hearts. vs 4

Faults/sins: No longer a thriving church. vs 1 Works incomplete & good works declining.vs 2
Continuing to exist as a church- under false pretense. Living in the past/reputation rather than perpetuating new life in the church.

Instructions/penalties: Wake up. Examine your condition. Instead of letting true ministry wane, build up the truth. vs 2 Remember your faith and doctrine. (what you have heard- faith comes by hearing....) Repent! Change directions. Choose faith and sound doctrine over the things that are killing your ministry. If you don't watch i.e. prepare yourself, you will be surprised as my judgements come upon you.

Promises: The pure will walk w/Christ as worthy recipients of eternal life. vs 4 Christ Himself will be witness to their worthiness. vs 5

Link- Intro w/penalties & promises: The all -knowing One will be the one to determine the churches fate; be it cursed or blessed. He has the power to release or withhold the spirits and angels to minister to the churches.

Application: A good reputation is gained through consistent service over the course of time. That reputation will become blemished and useless when the service is no longer up to par. It is better to have no reputation at all and to be building one, than to loose it through poor judgement and complacency. If a church is not thriving it is dying.

This church could be characterized as a nominal one that was content w/past experiences rather than present efforts and future goals. It could be described as 'having a form of godliness, yet denying (not possessing) the power thereof.' II Timothy 2:5

Church of Thyatira

Revelation 2:18-29

Christ's Introduction: Son of God, with eyes like fire, and feet like burnished bronze Rev 2:18
Reveals: His Deity as the Messiah, His eyes that penetrate and discern all things, His feet or foundation has been tried in the fire and is hardened and unbreakable.

Affirmations: good works of charity/love, service, faithfulness, and patience. He acknowledges that the church has made some advancement. Rev 2:24- some have been partakers of the false doctrine being promoted in their midst.

Faults/Sins: Allowed a false prophetess to remain in leadership; teaching a doctrine of sexual immorality and condoning participation in pagan feasts/activities.

Penalties: Suffering to the false prophetess and her followers, death to her children (those she had begotten in her adulterous relations) perhaps not only her biological children but her spiritual offspring. Each will reap the wages of their works. vs 23

Instructions: To the ones who had not followed her nor accepted the doctrine she taught: Hold on to the little discernment you do have. Don't fall prey to her deception. Don't give up the true doctrine that you possess.

Promises: No additional burden given to the righteous ones. The promises given are with the following condition: they must continue in righteousness until the end. Authority over nations means they will rule with Him. verse 27 is a quotation from Psalms 2:9 speaking of the authority and power of the Messiah. The church is also promised the morning star. The darkness of their present circumstances will be replaced with His glorious light. Rev 22:16 Christ refers to Himself as the morning star.

Application: No church or individual can have authority outside of their submission to Christ's authority. Failure to expel impostors from the church will bring suffering and death.

This church could be characterized as one that had fallen prey to an idolatrous cult leader. It was a church of compromise taking the path of least resistance.

Additional reference regarding discipline in the church: I Corinthians 5:11-13

The Church of Pergamos

Revelation 2:12-17

Christ's introduction: One who holds the sharp two-edged sword. One who knows where they live both physically and spiritually. Rev 2:12,13
Reveals: Christ equipped and ready to separate the false prophets from the true.

Affirmations: Some had been faithful to Christ in days of persecution and martyrdom.

Faults/sins: The church tolerated people (perhaps leaders) who held to false and seducing doctrines.

Instructions/Penalties: Repent. Christ will do battle and cut down the unrepentant.

Promises to overcomers: will receive some of the hidden manna- strength for the days ahead; a white stone w/a new name on it- no longer will they be known as part of a sinful divided church; the new name that only they will know may indicate that only they will understand the full meaning of their new name. Much like the person who is saved is the only one that knows the fullness of his own pardon. That new name will show the overcomer's relationship w/Christ.

Application: God is not pleased w/a church divided. Those who tolerate false doctrine are just as guilty as those who pedal it.

This church could be characterized as a politically correct church, tolerating false doctrine at the expense of Christ's approval.

---Again, I want to say that these posts are not meant to be exhaustive in anyway, there is much more to explore in regards to the geography, culture, historical data, etc. These are merely gleanings taken directly from the text.

Church of Smyrna

Revelation 2:8-11

Christ’s Introduction: Rev 2:8 The first and last, once dead, but now alive.
Reveals: Christ's eternal existence and His resurrection power.

Affirmations: Rev 2:9 works, survivors of tribulations, poverty, and slander

Faults/sins Rev 2:9 poor self-image/estimation of worth, possibly fear since they are told not to fear in verse 10

Instructions: Rev2:10 Don’t fear, be faithful through imprisionment, trials, and tribulations even unto the point of death. Forcast of severe tribulation for 10 days.

Promises to the overcomer: Will not be harmed by 2nd death, will receive a crown of life

Link of intro w/promise: Christ’s power over death will give the overcomer eternal life

Application: No matter how impoverished in this life, if we have Christ we are rich.
The resurrection power of Christ will raise the dead.
Additional references: Philippians 3:10,11 Romans 8 :11

This church could be characterized as a missionary type church that had become in-grown. A church experiencing dire hardships, and expecting more. They did however have the opportunity to overcome and receive eternal life.

The Church of Ephesus

Revelation 2:1-7

Christ's Introduction: One who holds the 7 stars (angels of the churches) Rev 1:20 and One who walks in the midst (Rev 1:13) of the 7 candlesticks (the 7 churches) Rev 1:20
Reveals: Christ's protection and control of the churches

Affirmations: good works, perseverance in labors, patience, endurance, abhorrence of evil, tested and exposed false apostles, hate the deeds of the Nicolaitanes (name means: to consume the people) Rev 2:2,3,6

Faults/Sins: left their first love, fallen from a higher standing or relationship w/Christ, lost zeal of service and commitment Rev2:4,5

Penalties & Instructions: Remember prior relationship/commitment, Repent (change direction), Do first works- Return to prior level of service/ put back in order Rev 2:5
Failure to do these things will result in the removal of the church from Christ's presence.

Promises to overcomers: Access to the Tree of Life which is in Paradise/eternal life in the place of fellowship w/Christ. Rev 2:7

Link- intro w/penalties & promises: He who holds the angels of the churches and walks in the midst of the churches, determines the eternal position of the same.

Application: True love and worship can be lost in the wake of service/works. Works will never replace relationship.

This church could be characterized as a traditional church complete with programs yet lacking love. With out love, this church had lost it's vitality; it could be called a 'has-been' church. One that had replaced true Christian service with man's traditions, much like the scribes of
Matthew 15:6..."Thus you have made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition."