Comments on chart:
All churches begin with a description of Jesus.
All but the church of Laodicea receive some sort of commendation.
All receive a rebuke of some kind and are told to repent except for Smyrna and Philadelphia.
All are offered gracious options if they obey the exhortations.
THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF REVELATION, Chapters 2 & 3 |
|||||||
|
Christ |
Commendation |
Rebuke |
Exhortation |
Alternative |
Promise |
Historical View |
Ephesus (2:1- |
Holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks in the midst of the seven candlesticks (1:20). |
Works, labor, patience, cannot bear those who are evil, judged the false apostles, hates the deeds of the Nicolaitans. |
Left their first love. |
Remember, repent, do the first works. |
I will come quickly and remove the candlestick out of his place (1:20) |
Will eat of the Tree of Life. |
The Church of the first century. |
Smyrna (2:8- |
First and the Last, Who was dead and is alive. |
Works, tribulation, poverty. |
— |
Fear not, be faithful unto death. |
— |
Will receive the Crown of Life, Will not be hurt of the second death. |
The persecuted church of the second and third centuries. |
Pergamos (2:12- |
Has the sharp sword with two edges (Heb. 4:12) |
Works, Hold fast Jesus’ name, have not denied the faith. |
Hold the doctrine of Balaam. Hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. |
Repent |
I will come quickly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth. |
Will eat of the hidden manna, and receive a white stone with a new name written within it. |
The Church from about 312 (Constantine) to about 500 A.D. |
Thyratira (2:18- |
Eyes like flame of fire, feet like fine brass. |
Works, charity, service, faith, growth in works. |
Tolerated false prophet, Jezebel, to teach immorality and idolatry. |
Repent, hold fast to that which you already have until I come. |
Great tribulation, children will be killed. |
Will give power over the nations, will receive the Morning Star. |
The Church of the Dark Ages till the 16th century. |
Sardis (3:1- |
Has seven spirits and seven stars. |
Works, a name (reputation) of being alive… |
…but are dead. |
Be watchful, strengthen the things that remain, that are ready to die. Remember how you have received and heard, hold fast, repent. |
I will come on you as a thief. |
Will be clothed in white raiment. Name will not be blotted out of the Book of Life. Jesus will confess his name before the Father. |
The Church of the Renaissance and the Reformation. |
Philadelphia (3:7- |
True has the key of David. |
Works, has kept Jesus’ word and not denied His Name. Has kept the word of His patience |
— |
Hold fast that which you have… |
…That no man take thy crown. |
Be kept from the hour of temptation. Be made a pillar in the temple of God in the New Jerusalem. Jesus’ new name will be written on him. |
The Church of the revival of the 19th century. |
Laodicea (3:14- |
The Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning (originating source) of the creation of God |
— |
Lukewarm, neither cold nor hot. Wretched and miserable, and poor, and naked. |
Buy from Jesus refined gold white clothes, and eye salve. Be zealous and repent. |
I will spue you out of my mouth. |
Fellowship with Christ – I will come in to him and sup with him and he with me. |
The end- |
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Chart is adapted from “The Bible Knowledge Commentary”