1. MESSAGES TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES PRESENTED BY JOY JOSEPH.M KONKANI CHRISTIAN (BRETHREN) ASSEMBLY SMYRNA EPHESUS PERGAMOS THYATIRA SARDIS PHILADELPHIA LAODICEA

2. 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 ?

3. 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)

4. 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)

8. 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)

10. 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)

11. 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)

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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

16. 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.

17. 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;…..

18. 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

19. 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)

20. 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)

22. 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

23. 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)

24. 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

25. 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 )

26. 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)

27. 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

29. 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

30. 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)

31. 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 )

32. 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 )

33. 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

35. 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

36. 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)

37. 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)

38. 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

39. 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

41. 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.

42. 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.

43. 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)

44. 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)

45. 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)

47. 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

48. 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)

49. 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

50. 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)

51. 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

52. 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

53. 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

54. 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

55. SEVEN CHURCHES (The chart)