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 (2:1-7)

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

(2:8-11)

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 (2:12-17)

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 (2:18-29)

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

(3:1-6)

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 (3:7-13)

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 (3:14-22

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-times lukewarm church.

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Chart is adapted from “The Bible Knowledge Commentary”

Back. MS Word Chart. PDF Chart.