The Churches of Revelation

Copyright © 2019 by Kim HowardAll rights reserved. This information can be printed for non-profit use only. Any and all material can be used to further God's Kingdom. This material may not be used in any form of profit. CHURCHES OF REVELATION – PURPOSE OF THE MESSAGES   While the messages to the seven churches given in Revelation chapters 2 and 3 should be understood individually, it is also important to understand them collectively.   I believe there are three main reasons for these messages:   1.   They prepare Christians for the end times -- these messages do contain several references to the end times, including some promises and some warnings. In this sense, they complement the commands of Jesus in the Olivet discourse (Matt. 24, Mark 13, Luke 21) to be alert, ready, and prepared for his coming. 2.   They help us understand why the end times will be so severe for the churches -- The churches are supposed to be holy (Eph.5:27, 1 Peter 1:14-16) and they are c...

  This Bible study provides an introduction and overview of the churches of Revelation.   What is the church?  The word “church” is translated from the Greek word  ekklesia , which means “an assembly” or “called-out ones.” The church is the body of Christ, of which He is the head. This body is made up of all believers in Jesus Christ—from the day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2 until Christ’s return. It includes all those who are in full agreement with what Peter taught in Acts chapter 2—those who have believed on Jesus Christ, been baptized in His name, and received the baptism of the Holy Ghost.   Paul wrote to “the church of God which is at Corinth” ( 1 Corinthians 1:2 ), to “the churches [plural] of Galatia” ( Galatians 1:2 ), and to “the church of the Thessalonians” ( 1 Thessalonians 1:1 ). Likewise, Christ, through the apostle John, addressed “the seven churches which are in Asia” ( Revelation 1:11 ). Though these were individual congregations, they were a...

2.    Smyrna – The suffering Church (Revelation 2:8-11) -- the church that would suffer persecution (2:10). History of the City: Smyrna was an important and prosperous city located in western Asia Minor, along the Aegean Sea. It was known for its excellent harbor, strong trade, and thriving marketplaces, making it one of the most beautiful and influential cities of its time. Today, it is the modern Turkish city of  Izmir . Because of its loyalty to Rome, Smyrna became a center of emperor worship. The city had temples dedicated to Roman emperors, and citizens were expected to declare Caesar as lord. This created great difficulty for Christians, who refused to worship anyone but Jesus Christ. Smyrna was also home to a large Jewish population, some of whom strongly opposed the early Christians. This added to the persecution faced by the church. Although the Bible does not record the founding of the church in Smyrna, it is believed to have been established during the spread o...

3.   Pergamos — The compromising Church (Revelation 2:12-17) -- the church that needed to repent (2:16). History of the City: Pergamos (Pergamum) was located in western Asia Minor, north of Smyrna, and was one of the most important cities of its time. It was built on a hill overlooking the surrounding plains and served as a major cultural, political, and religious center in the region. Pergamos was known for its strong connection to pagan worship. The city was filled with temples dedicated to various Greek and Roman gods, including Athena, Dionysus, and the Roman emperors. It was also home to the famous  Altar of Zeus , which many believe is what Jesus referred to as “Satan’s seat” in the book of Revelation. The city was deeply committed to emperor worship, making it a dangerous place for Christians who refused to declare Caesar as lord. This led to intense persecution of believers. One well-known martyr from this church was  Antipas , whom Jesus called “my faithful marty...