Messagese To The Seven Churches

1. 05/27/09 Email: [email protected] 1
MESSAGES TO
THE SEVEN CHURCHES
PRESENTED
BY
JOY JOSEPH.M
KONKANI CHRISTIAN
(BRETHREN) ASSEMBLY

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SEVEN CHURCHES
THIS BRIEF STUDY COVERS
What the seven churches were ?
What the churches represented ?
Whose message to the churches ?
To whom it was revealed ?
To whom it was given ?
To whom it applies now ?

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SEVEN CHURCHES
Revelation 1: 10-11 I (John) was in the Spirit on the Lord's
day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last:

and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the
seven churches which are in Asia;

unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and
unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and
unto Laodicea.

(Messages from the Lord only)

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SEVEN CHURCHES
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to
shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass;
and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John.
(Rev.1: 1)
Write the things which thou hast seen,
and the things which are,
and the things which shall be hereafter;
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right
hand, and the seven golden candlesticks.
(Rev.1: 19-20)

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SEVEN CHURCHES
•Geographically, Asia minor
bordering with Black sea
on North,
•Aegean sea on west,
• Mediterranean on the
south
• and with provinces of
Bythinia, phrygia, Taurus
and Lycaonia on
the east.
•Once known as Asia minor,
but now part of Turkey.

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SEVEN CHURCHES
•1.EPHESUS
•2.SMYRNA
•3.PERGAMUS
•4.THYATIRA
•5.SARDIS
•6.PHILADELPHIA
•7.LAODICEA
(Troas, Colosse, Hierapolis and
Melita were also in Asia minor-
But seven were taken as
typical example to show the
charector)

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SEVEN CHURCHES
WHY SEVEN CHURCHES ONLY CHOSEN ?
4.Book of Revelation is Apokalupsis
(Unveiling of “things which shall be hereafter”)
7.Represents the whole church period
(Seven chosen as typical to represent periods)
10.Mystery of seven churches
(Revealed how it will be thru the centuries)
13.Call given “He that hath an ear let him hear”
(For all who are willing to hear now)

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SEVEN CHURCHES
NAME Ref: NATURE PERIOD
1.Ephesus 2:1-7 Backslidden AD.70-170
2.Smyrna 2:8-11 Persecuted AD.170-312
3.Pergamos 2:12-17 Licentious AD.312-606
4.Thyatira 2:18-29 Laxative AD.606-1520
5.Sardis 3:1-6 Dead AD.1520-1750
6.Philadelphia 3:7-13 Favoured AD.1750-1900
7.Laodicea 3:14-22 Lukewarm AD.1900-
(Study will reveal how the messages are relevant to the time, its
nature, and to the church period)

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SEVEN CHURCHES
•Revelation 2:1-7 Unto the angel of the church of
Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth
the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in
the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I
know thy works, and thy labour, and thy
patience, and how thou canst not bear them
which are evil: and thou hast tried them which
say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found
them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience,
and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast
not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat
against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
Remember therefore from whence thou art
fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else
I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove
thy candlestick out of his place, except thou
repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the
deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He
that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit
saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh
will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the
midst of the paradise of God.

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(EPHESUS)
GEOGRAPHICAL
A city of Lydia in the coast of Asia minor.
Midway between Miletus and Smyrna.
Junction of a trade route.
RELIGIOUS
Famous for temple of Artemis (Diana) Acts.19: 23-25
Had Jewish settlement and synagogue (Acts.19: 8)
Had followers of John the Baptist (Acts.19: 1-7)
People had lot of book of curious arts (Acts.19: 17-20)

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(EPHESUS)
CHRISTIAN HISTORY
Short visit of Paul in 2
nd
Journey (Acts.18: 8)
Ministry of Aquila and Priscilla (Acts.18: 24-28)
Ministry of Appollos (Acts.18: 24-28)
Paul’s ministry over 2 years 3rd Journey (Acts. 19)
Paul’s advice to elders (Acts.20: 17-35)
(Blessed to have apostle’s direct teaching- Acts.20: 27)
A good beginning
Began by burning all curious books (Acts.19: 17-18)
Blessed with responsible elders (Acts.20: 28)
(Had an exemplary beginning)

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(EPHESUS)
ADDRESSING
Revelation 2:1 he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand,
who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
(Authority- Mat.16: 18)
APPROVAL
Revelation 2: 2-3 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy
patience
How thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast
tried them (False apostles)
And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake
hast laboured.

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(EPHESUS)
REPROOF
Revelation 2: 4 Thou hast left thy first love.
INSTRUCTION
Revelation 2: 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art
fallen, and repent.
WARNING
Revelation 2: 5 And repent, and do the first works; or else I
will remove thy candlestick out of his place.
COMMENT
Revelation 2: 6 Thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans,
which I also hate.

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(EPHESUS)
REWARDS
Revelation 2: 7 To him that overcometh will I give to eat of
the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
Tree of life- Gen.2:9; 3:22; 24; Pro.3:18; Rev.22: 2;14)
INVITATION
Revelation 2: 7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit
saith unto the churches.
(This call a universal call, with messages to every church)
REPRESENTED PERIOD. AD.70- 170

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SEVEN CHURCHES
•Revelation 2:8-11 And unto the
angel of the church in Smyrna write;
These things saith the first and the
last, which was dead, and is alive; I
know thy works, and tribulation,
and poverty, (but thou art rich) and
I know the blasphemy of them which
say they are Jews, and are not, but
are the synagogue of Satan. Fear
none of those things which thou shalt
suffer: behold, the devil shall cast
some of you into prison, that ye may
be tried; and ye shall have
tribulation ten days: be thou faithful
unto death, and I will give thee a
crown of life. He that hath an ear, let
him hear what the Spirit saith unto
the churches; He that overcometh
shall not be hurt of the second death.

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(SMYRNA)
GEOGRAPHICAL
A city 40 miles north of Ephesus on west coast.
Once known as the “Beauty of Asia minor.”
Port of flourishing trade.
HISTORICAL
Earlier under Lydian king then under Greeks.
Alexander rebuilt the city.
Commercial center from BC.133 as part of Asia minor
Rebuilt after the earthquake of AD.178
Famous for culture, arts and religion.

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(SMYRNA)
CHRISTIAN HISTORY
Nothing given in the message.
Paul could be instrumental (Acts.19: 9-10; 20: 1-2)
ADDRESSING
These things saith the first and the last (v.8)
(Of eternal and sovereign power-Rev.1: 8;11)
Which was dead, and is alive; (Glory–Rev.1: 17-18)
APPROVAL
I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty (V.9)
I know the blasphemy of them which say;…..

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(SMYRNA)
Smyrna derived from the word “myrrh”
Myrrh comes from bark of trees of Arabia
Crushed and burned gives fragrance so was Smyrna
Use of myrrh
Making anointing oil (Ex.30: 22-25)
Royal perfumes (S. S 3: 6; Esth.2: 12; Ps. 45: 8)
Embalming rich dead (Jn.19: 39)
Suffered church
They suffered poverty (v.9) They suffered reproach
Were cast and tried of Satan, 10 days of tribulation

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(SMYRNA)
REPROOF
No words of reproof or warning for repentance
(May be since they suffered a lot; faithful to the end)
INSTRUCTION
Sufferings foretold (v.10)
Sufferings a gift (Phil.1: 29; Rom 5: 3-5)
Could be from within or without
For Smyrna it was from without and diabolic
(Suffering a part of Christian life; Jesus foretold-
Jn.14:1, 16: 33; Jn.16: 1-4; Paul-1.The.3: 3-4)

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(SMYRNA)
REWARDS
I will give the Crown of life (v.10)
Crown of life – (Rev.2: 10; James 1: 12)
He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second
death (v.11)
Second death (Casting to hell-Re.20: 13-14; 21: 8)
Overcometh (1.Jn.5: 4)
(“I am alive for evermore” – words of comfort and strength
for all who suffer elsewhere)
Period represented AD.170- 312 (Persecuted)

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SEVEN CHURCHES
•Revelation 2:12-17 And to the angel of the
church in Pergamos write; These things saith
he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
I know thy works, and where thou dwellest,
even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest
fast my name, and hast not denied my faith,
even in those days wherein Antipas was my
faithful martyr, who was slain among you,
where Satan dwelleth. But I have a few things
against thee, because thou hast there them that
hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac
to cast a stumblingblock before the children of
Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to
commit fornication. So hast thou also them that
hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which
thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto
thee quickly, and will fight against them with
the sword of my mouth. He that hath an ear, let
him hear what the Spirit saith unto the
churches; To him that overcometh will I give to
eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a
white stone, and in the stone a new name
written, which no man knoweth saving he that
receiveth it.

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(PERGAMUS)
GEOGRAPHICAL
Once most important city of Asia minor
Not so big as Ephesus or beautiful as Smyrna
Pergamum 40 miles north to Smyrna
20 miles far from sea on the Bank of R. Caicus.
Now known as BERGAMA
HISTORICAL
Once “Attalus” capital of king Attalus-1 –BC.241
Eumenes (Son) established big library – BC.197
Become the capital of Asia minor-BC.133

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(PERGAMUS)
RELIGIOUS
Acropolis famous for its immense alter of Zeus
and the temple of Athene
Out side the city have famous shrine of Aeuculaplus
(the god of medicine)
Even now with much relics and antiques.
Was seat of Satan for a while (v.13)
CHRISTIAN HISTORY
Paul could be instrumental in establishing
Martyrdom of Antipas (v.13)

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(PERGAMUS)
ADDRESSING
Rev.2: 12 He which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
Sword of God (Heb.4: 12; Eph.6:17; Rev.2:16; Hos.6: 5)
APPROVAL
I know thy works, and where thou dwellest (v.13)
Thou holdest fast my name,
Hast not denied my faith.
REPROOF
Have those hold doctrine of Balaam and Nicolaitans

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(PERGAMUS)
Doctrine of Balaam (v.14)
Num.Ch.22-24; Way of Balaam.2.Pet.2: 15; Jude.11
(Evil, subtle, to err people to fall to sin, destruction)
Doctrine of Nicolaitans (v.14)
Niche means to subdue, Laitans means people
(To subdue people – “Priest craft” Lord also hates)
INTIMATION
Calls for repentance (v.16) Jer. 8: 4
WARNING
Will fight with sword of his mouth (Num.22: 31; 31: 8)

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(PERGAMUS)
COMMENTS
Rev.2: 13 Thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is:
Satan is…. (2.Cor.4: 4; Eph. 2: 2)
(For a while Pontifix Maximus had seat in pergamum)
Will Satan have a throne in hell? (Rev.20:10)
Satan places his throne where he is accepted now
Thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my
faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was slained.
Antipas means “one stand against”
(World is against the believer and he is against world)

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(PERGAMUS)
REWARDS
To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna.
(V.17)
(Manna- Ex.16; Jn.6: 31-59, Heb.9: 4; Types Christ)
Will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written.
(Like “Domain name and Password”-Authority)

INVITATION
He that hath an ear let him hear (V.17)
REPRESENTED PERIOD AD. 312- 606

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SEVEN CHURCHES
•Revelation 2:18-29 And unto the angel of the church
in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God,
who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet
are like fine brass; I know thy works, and charity,
and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy
works; and the last to be more than the first.
Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee,
because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which
calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my
servants to commit fornication, and to eat things
sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent
of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I
will cast her into a bed, and them that commit
adultery with her into great tribulation, except they
repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with
death; and all the churches shall know that I am he
which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give
unto every one of you according to your works. But
unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many
as have not this doctrine, and which have not known
the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you
none other burden. But that which ye have already
hold fast till I come. And he that overcometh, and
keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give
power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a
rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be
broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
And I will give him the morning star. He that hath an
ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the
churches.

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(THYATIRA)
GEOGRAPHICAL
Small city near to the boundary of Mysia
Small city but known from BC.300
Midway between Pergamos and Sardis

HISTORICAL
Known as Pelopia and Euhippia before
Seleucus Nicator BC.280 changed to Thyatira
A Greek colony with much archeological remains.
Famous for dyeing the purple
Lydia (Acts.16) was from this place

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(THYATIRA)
CHRISTIAN HISTORY
No reference other than of Lydia (Acts.16)
Paul could be instrumental in establishing church
ADDRESSING
Revelation 2:18 The Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a
flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
“Son of God”- Need to accept for Salvation (Rom.10: 9-10)
Description of eyes and feet- Who will do judgment
(Rev.1: 15; Is.63: 2-3)

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(THYATIRA)
APPROVAL
I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith,
and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more
than the first. (V.19)
REPROOF
Thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a
prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit
fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
(Judgment to Jezebel-v.22-26)
Work of Jezebel (1. Ki.19:1;18:19: 21: 25)
murdered Naboth- 1. Ch.21:1-16;
Her end. 2. Ki.9: 29-37)

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(THYATIRA)
INSTRUCTION
Repent of their deed (V.22)
Hold fast ye have already till end (v.25)
Every believer need –Tit.1: 9; 1.Thes.5: 21; Heb.3: 6; Heb.10: 23
WARNING
Behold, I will cast her into great tribulation (v.22)
I will kill her children with death. (v.23)
(The judgment to the religious Babylon
The apostate church left behind in rapture. (Rev.17)

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(THYATIRA)
COMMENTS
Unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine,
and which have not known the depths of Satan.
(Babylonian religion full with mysteries and occult)
REWARDS (v.26-28)
Power over the nations-Rev.20:6;Ps.2:8-9; 2.Tim.2:11
Give the morning star – Num.24: 17; 2.Pet.1: 19
INVITATION
He that hath an ear, let him hear (V.29)
REPRESENTED PERIOD AD.606-1520

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SEVEN CHURCHES
•Revelation 3:1-6 And unto the angel of
the church in Sardis write; These things
saith he that hath the seven Spirits of
God, and the seven stars; I know thy
works, that thou hast a name that thou
livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and
strengthen the things which remain, that
are ready to die: for I have not found thy
works perfect before God. Remember
therefore how thou hast received and
heard, and hold fast, and repent. If
therefore thou shalt not watch, I will
come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not
know what hour I will come upon thee.
Thou hast a few names even in Sardis
which have not defiled their garments;
and they shall walk with me in white: for
they are worthy. He that overcometh, the
same shall be clothed in white raiment;
and I will not blot out his name out of the
book of life, but I will confess his name
before my Father, and before his angels.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the
Spirit saith unto the churches.

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(SARDIS)
GEOGRAPHICAL
A city at the foothill of Mt.Tmolus
On the bank of River Pactolus, a fertile land
50 miles east of Smyrna
Acropolis crowned a hill of 950 feet
City thought to be un-invadable
HISTORICAL
A Lydian town, Romans built the acropolis
BC.546 Cyrus made the seat of Persian satrap
Athenians burned it in BC.499

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(SARDIS)
HISTORICAL
BC.334 Alexander the great invaded it
BC.214 Antiochus the great also invaded it.
Later Romans took over and annexed to Pergamos
Presently a hamlet known as Sert-Kalessi
RELIGIOUS
On the Lydian side have remains of Artemis temple Not far
from it have the remains of Zeus temple.
Remains of 4
th
century Christian church on east side
(Of over confidence and not watching; two times city fallen to
enemies during night, in spite of its position)

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(SARDIS)
ADDRESSING
He that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars.
(Rev.3:1)
Seven spirit (Is.11: 2) Seven stars (Rev.1: 20; Ps.16: 3)
APPROVAL
I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest,
and art dead. (V.1)
Are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect
before God. (Eph.5: 14)
REPROOF
Holds the name that thou livest, and art dead (v.1)

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(SARDIS)
INSTRUCTION
Be watchful (*v.2) enemies like thief (v.3) Nah.2: 1
Strengthen the remains ready to die (v.2) Ephe.5: 14
Remember how received and heard (v.3) 2.Tim3: 13
Hold fast (v.3)
Repent (v.3)
WARNING
If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief,
and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. (V.3)
*Fallen to enemies two times

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(SARDIS)
COMMENTS
Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled
their garments. (Heb.12: 14; 1.Jn.3: 3)
REWARDS
Who are worthy shall walk with him in white (v.4)
Overcometh shall be clothed in white (v.5)
Will not blot out his name of the book (v.5)
Confess his name before my father (v.5)
INVITATION (V.6) “let him hear”
MORE REWARDS FOR THIS PERIOD AD.1520-1750

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SEVEN CHURCHES
•Revelation 3:7-13 And to the angel of the
church in Philadelphia write; These things
saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath
the key of David, he that openeth, and no man
shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I
know thy works: behold, I have set before thee
an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou
hast a little strength, and hast kept my word,
and hast not denied my name. Behold, I will
make them of the synagogue of Satan, which
say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie;
behold, I will make them to come and worship
before thy feet, and to know that I have loved
thee. Because thou hast kept the word of my
patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of
temptation, which shall come upon all the
world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which
thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him
that overcometh will I make a pillar in the
temple of my God, and he shall go no more out:
and I will write upon him the name of my God,
and the name of the city of my God, which is
new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of
heaven from my God: and I will write upon
him my new name. He that hath an ear, let him
hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(PHILADELPHIA)
GEOGRAPHICAL
A city of Lydia 27 miles south east of Sardis
On the part of Mt.Tmolus on the plains of Hermus
Now known as Allah shehr
HISTORICAL
Built by Attalus Philadelphus and named Philadelphia
Rebuilt soon after the earthquake of AD.17
Remains of walls, temples and building exists now
CHRISTIAN HISTORY
No reference in Acts. But by the labour of Paul.

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(PHILADELPHIA)
ADDRESSING
He that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David,
he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no
man openeth; (V.7)
Key of David (Is.22:15-23)
Greater than Eliakim (1.Cor.16:9;Acts.16:14; 13:46-49)
APPROVAL
Revelation 3: 8 I know thy works: for thou hast a little strength,
and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(PHILADELPHIA)
REPROOF
Thou hast a little strength (v.8)
Thou hast kept the word of my patience (v.8)
INTIMATION
I will make them to come and worship before thy feet,
and to know that I have loved thee.
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience,
(Rev.2: 17-29)
I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which
shall come upon all the world. (v.10)

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(PHILADELPHIA)
INSTRUCTION
Behold, I come quickly: (v.11)
Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
(Assure of his return-2: 5;16;25; 3:3;11)
COMMENTS
Thou hast kept the word of my patience (v.10)
Patience-Heb.10: 35-36;Phil.4: 4-7; Js.5: 11; Rom.5: 3)
Promise of deliverance from tribulation (v.10)
REWARDS
I will make him a pillar (1.Ki.7: 21;2.Chr.3: 17)

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(PHILADELPHIA)
REWARDS
I will make him a pillar (1.Ki.7: 21;2.Chr.3: 17)
I will write upon him the name of my God, and the
city of my God; the new Jerusalem (Most desired)
I will write upon him the new name
We shall bear his image(Rev.19: 14-15)
INVITATION
He hath an ear let him hear
REPRESENTED THE PERIOD AD.1750-1900
Philadelphia mean “brotherly love” After Ephesus the church
with zeal of evangelism,
You will not be barren (2.Pet.1: 5-8)

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SEVEN CHURCHES
•Revelation 3:14-22 And unto the angel of the
church of the Laodiceans write; These things
saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness,
the beginning of the creation of God; I know
thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I
would thou wert cold or hot. So then because
thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I
will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou
sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods,
and have need of nothing; and knowest not that
thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor,
and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of
me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be
rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be
clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness
do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with
eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I
love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous
therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the
door, and knock: if any man hear my voice,
and open the door, I will come in to him, and
will sup with him, and he with me. To him that
overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my
throne, even as I also overcame, and am set
down with my Father in his throne. He that
hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith
unto the churches.

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(LAODICEA)
GEOGRAPHICAL
A city of Phrygia Pacatiana Asia minor
South to Colosse, and Hierapolis on bank of R.Lycos
56 miles far south east of Smyrna
HISTORICAL
City originally called Diospolis after Zeus
Enlarged by Antiochus II renamed Laodicea
Earthquake of AD.65 destroyed cities of area
People rebuilt soon without help of Rome
Ruins could be seen at Eski Hissar near Denizlu

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(LAODICEA)
City famous for its garments of local black wool
Seat of a medical school specially ophthalmia
Famous for Phrygian powder for Ophthalmia

A wealthy city compared to other
CHRISTIAN HISTORY
Epaphras may be the founder (Col.4: 12-16)
Paul wrote an epistle to them (Col.4: 16)
(Probably the letter to the Ephesians-Eph.1: 1)
ADDRESSING
The Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of
the creation of God (v.14)

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(LAODICEA)
APPROVAL
I know thy works, thou art neither cold nor hot: (v.15)
Thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have
need of nothing (v.17)
(Real state of the present day church)
COMMENT
Not a single word of comment
REPROOF
Thou art lukewarm (v.16)
You are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(LAODICEA)
INSTRUCTION
I counsel thee to buy..(v.18)
Gold – Word of God-Ps.19: 10; 119: 72,127;162
Pro.8: 19; Lk.12: 21
White raiment-Is.61: 10; Rev.6: 11;7: 9;14; 22: 14
Balm for eye (2.Cor.4: 4; Ps.119: 18)
INTIMATION
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten-V.19)
WARNING
Be zealous and repent (v.19)

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(LAODICEA)
Because thou art lukewarm, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
(v.16)
If any man hear my voice, and open the door (v.20)
I will enter and sup with him (Contrast to-Rev.1: 13)
REWARDS
Him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne
(v.21)
INVITATION
He that hath an ear let him hear (v.22)
PRESENT CHURCH PERIOD FROM AD.1900

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SEVEN CHURCHES
COMMON TO ALL THE CHURCHES
Addressing – Relevant to each church
“I Know” – To every church
Reproof- to repent- To all except Smyrna;
and Philadelphia (a little rebuke)
Rewards- To every church
Invitation- To every church
IN GENERAL
From Ephesus degeneration began with falling from the
first love

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SEVEN CHURCHES
Smyrna suffered persecution until AD.312 Constantine approved
Christianity; ever since Paganism entered to the Christendom.
Pergamos became a licentious church; lost its purity; Accepted
the doctrine of Nicolaitans where in Ephesus hated and not allowed
Thyatira was the dark and longest of all periods where the depths
of Satan were brought in.
Sardis was of reformation; succeeded in reestablishing the
fundamental truths of the scriptures; eventually went to a morbid
state later

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SEVEN CHURCHES
Philadelphia was the church again had the zeal of evangelism.
Was true to the name and was not barren.
Laodicea in spite of all its activities; in the sight of the Lord
Lukewarm, wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked. (Has
emprise the worldly riches)
Place of Christ out side the door in contrast to the first seen
in the midst of the churches.

“He that hath an ear let him hear”
THE LORD CALLS YOU AND ME

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SEVEN CHURCHES
(The chart)
CHURCH
REF:
APPROX
YEARS
(AD)
NATURE

PERIOD
IN
HISTORY
ADDRESSING
ACKNOW-
LEDGING
REPROOF INSTRU-
CTIONS
WARNINGS
REWARDS
OFFERED (HIM
OVERCOMETH)
UNIVERS-
AL CALL
EPHESUS

2: 1- 7
70 –170 BACK-
SLIDEN
CHURCH
(2: 5)
EARLY
CHURCH
HOLDING 7 STARS
WALKING IN THE
MIDST OF 7 CAN- DLE
STICKS (2: 1)
WORKS,
LABOUR,
PATIENCE,
NOT FAINTED
(2: 2; 3 )
HAST LEFT
THE FIRST
LOVE
(2: 4)
REPENT,
DOTHE
FIRST
WORK.
(2: 5)
WILL REMOVE
CANDLESTICK OUT
OFHIS PLACE
(2 : 5)
GIVE TO EAT OF
THE TREE OF LIFE
IN PARADISE
OF GOD. (2: 7)
2: 7
HE THAT
HATH AN
EAR ,LET HIM
HEAR.
HIM HEAR
SMYRNA

2: 8-11
170 –312 PERSE-
CUTED
CHURCH
(2: 10)
UNDER
ROMAN
PERSECU-
TION.
THE FIRST AND
THE LAST, WAS
DEAD AND IS
ALIVE (2: 8)
WORKS,
TRIBULA-
TION.BLAS-
PHEMY OF JEW
(2: 9)

NIL
FEAR
NONE
THOSE
(2: 10)

DEVIL MAY CAST
SOME IN
PRISON,YE BE
TRIED.
(2: 10)
SHALL NOT BE
HURT OF THE
SECOND DEATH.
(2: 11)
2: 11
HE THAT
HATH AN
EAR ,LET
HIM HEAR
PERGA-
MOS

2:12- 17
312-606 LICEN-
TIOUS
CHURCH
(2: 14)
UNITED
WITH THE
WORLD
UNDER
(ROMAN)
HATH THE SHARP
SWORD WITH TWO
EDGES (2: 12)

WORKS,
WHERE
THOU
DWELL
(2: 13)
DR’NE OF
BALAAM,
NICOLA-
INTENES
(2: 14, 15)
REPENT
(2: 16)
FIGHT WITH
THE SWORD OF
MY MOUTH.
(2: 16)
HIDDEN MANNA,
WHITE STONE, IN
WHICH WRITTEN
A NEW NAME.
(2: 17)
2: 17
HE THAT
HATH AN
EAR, LET
HIM HEAR
THYA-
THIRA

2:18-29

606-1520 LAXAT-
IVE
CHURCH
(2: 20)
CHURCH
OF THE
DARK
AGE
SON OF GOD,WHO
HAS EYES LIKE
FLAMES OF FIRE
AND FEET FINE
BRASS (2: 18)
WORKS,
CHARITY
SERVICE,
FAITH
(3: 19)
SUFFER
WOMAN
JEZEBEL
(2: 20)
REPENT
(2: 22)
GIVE EVERY-
ONE
ACCORDING TO
WORKS
(2: 23)
GIVE HIM THE
MORNING
STAR.
(2: 28)
2: 29
HE THAT
HATH AN
EAR, LET
HIM HEAR
SARDIS

3: 1- 6
1520-1750 DEAD
CHURCH
(3: 1)
CHURCH
OF REFOR-
MATION
PERIOD
HATH 7 SPIRITS
OF GOD AND
SEVEN STARS .
(3: 1)
WORKS,
LIVETH
BUT DEAD.
(3: 1)
WORKS
NOT PER-
FECT.(3:.2)
REPENT
(3: 3)
COME ON THEE
AS THIEF,IN AN
HOUR NOT
KNOWN (3: 3)
WHITE RAIM-
ENT,NAME NOT
BLOTTED
(3: 5)
3: 6
HE THAT
LET HIM
HEAR
PHILAD-
ELPHIA

3: 7-13
1750-1900 FAVOU-
RED
CHURCH
(3: 10)
MODERN
AGE OF
MISSION
ZEAL

HE THAT IS HOLY
HE THAT IS TRUE,
HATH THE KEY OF
DAVID. (3: 7)
WORKS,
LITTLE
STRENGTH,
KEPT WORD
(3: 8)
NIL MAKE
THEM TO
COME
WORSHIP
(3: 9)
HOLD FAST,
NO MAN TAKE
THY CROWN
(3: 11)
MAKE PILLAR,
NAME OF GOD,
NAME OF CITY,
AND HIS NAME.
(3: 12)
3: 13
HE THAT
HATH AN
EAR. LET
HIM HEAR
LEVO-
DECEA
3: 14-
1900-TILL
THIS
DAY
LUKE-
WARM
CHURCH
(3: 16)
FINAL
APOSTATE
CHURCH
AMEN, FAITHFUL &
TRUE WITNESS, BE: OF
CREATION OF GOD
(3: 14)
WORKS,
NO COLD NO
HOT
(3: 15)
THOU
LUKE-
WARM
(3: 16,17)
REPENT IF
ANY
MANOPEN.
(3: 19,20)
BUY GOLD, WHITE
RAIMENT,
EYE SALVE
(3: 18)
SIT WITH HIM
ON THRONE
(3: 21)
3: 22
HE THAT
HATH AN
EAR, LET

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SEVEN CHURCHES
BELOVED IN THE LORD
Hope this study on
“SEVEN CHURCHES” is edifying.

In case of any doubts, comments or
questions please write to me.
Email: [email protected]