The Seven Churches- Rev. 2-3 by: Francis Jackson

                Over the next few weeks we will be taking a look at what God had to say to the seven churches of Asia Minor.  Within this region, these churches were located in the following cities: Ephesus, Smyrna, Thyatira, Pergamum, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.  These churches may have been formed by the students whom Paul taught in the lecture hall of Tyrannus for two years while in Ephesus (Acts 19:9-10).  The book of Revelation was written by the Apostle John around AD 95.  It is introduced as “the revelation of Jesus Christ,” (1:1) which is a more detailed title for the book.  The word revelation comes from the Greek word apokalupsis which means “uncovering” or “unveiling.”  There are certain unique characteristics in how these seven churches are addressed.  In chapter 1, God gives some characteristics of Himself which are significant in relation to these churches.  These characteristics of Himself are pronounced in accordance to how He is addressing each church.  So in other words, when reading the introduction of each address to the churches, you will see a characteristic of God mentioned from chapter 1.  This will be covered in more detail as we discuss each church.  God also uses the same blueprint in addressing each church.  The pattern starts with 1) the church’s location, 2) description of Christ from Revelation one, 3) a commendation, 4) rebuke, 5) exhortation to change, 6) consequence if they don’t change, 7) and praise for overcomers which root from Revelation 21-22.  Certain parts of this pattern are omitted depending on the church’s condition.  This too will be covered in more detailed as we discuss each church.   John tells us the line of communication in which this revelation was able to make its way to listeners untainted.  This line of communication goes from the Father to Christ (1:1a), from Christ to an angel and from an angel to John (1:1b), from John to a book (1:2), from a book to a reader and from the reader to the listener (1:3).  This is how the “revelation of Jesus Christ” was penned and how it became available to be read by mankind proving its accuracy, reliability, and inerrancy.  Hopefully this study will reveal certain commendable things as well as things needing respectable, godly rebuke within your local church.  I hope that you follow up next Friday, Lord willing, when take a look into the first church addressed, the church in Ephesus.  God Bless