Church Period theory – J. Dwight Pentecost was one teacher of this theory in his class on Pauline Epistles and Revelation. His system was put out as follows:
33-100 A.D. was Ephesus
100-316 A.D was Smyrna the persecuted church
316-615 A.D. is Pergamum the state church
615-1517 A.D. Thyatira – Roman Catholicism
1517-1750 Sardis – The Reformed church
1750-1850 A.D. Philadelphia – the Believing Church
1850- Laodicea, Liberalism
Church Type Theory: Today for example, it is hard to believe the church in China, the church in Indonesia, and the church in North America have exactly the same problems, strengths, and shortcomings. The seven churches in Revelation illustrate seven types of churches, each type of which was more or less present throughout all of church history. It is reasonable, that at different times, one type of church seemed to be predominate, but it was not exclusive. Laodicea seems very plausable for a majority of churches today. Remember, though, these 7 churches were true churches of the Lord Jesus Christ; not apostate or illigitimate ones. Thus, the comparison needs to be made with true churches today, not apostate or non-churches.
Similarites amongst the 7 churches:
7 Candlesticks: they are the 7 churches of Asia (1:20).
7 Stars: they are the 7 angels (pastors) of each church in Asia (1:20).
7 Fold Description of Jesus Christ
I know thy works: said to each church, and shows us that Jesus Christ watches the churches very closely and knows exactly what is going on. Works probably refers to the ministries and what they are producing.
Repent: mentioned to 5 of the 7 churches. A Revelation to Repent. Those not repenting had the specific judgement to expect very quickly.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches: said to each church, and shows that some don’t listen to the still small voice.
Overcometh: said to each church, and relates to the overcoming of the warnings given to each respective church.
1 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;
Angel is the pastor (a messenger of God to the church). He is Jesus Christ. Stars are the pastors of each church, which He holds very tightly with full power over them. Walketh; referring to Jesus’ presence in each church (golden candlestick) via the Holy Spirit, and that He is moving about, not sitting in a pew; He is inspecting and fellowshipping.
2 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:
Jesus inspects and truly knows each church’s works (accomplishments thru their ministries via the Word of God), labor (effort level), and patience (waiting for God to bring it to pass, and them not forcing it). They didn’t bear with evil groups; they practiced ecclesiastical separation. They tried so called “apostles” (preachers, teachers) by examining their testimony and belief carefully. Apostles had to have been taught and commissioned directly by the Lord Jesus Christ when He was on earth. Just because you say you are a “church” or that you are a “Christian” or that you “love Jesus”, doesn’t mean that you are or do. We must try them; investigate; verify; be careful; watchful; suspicious. This church was strong against false teachers out there; called them by name; found statements that were false.
3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
There was lots of evil around them and they patiently bore up against this evil generation…just as we live in today. Our government is growing evil; society is getting more evil; even Christendom is growing evil. Don’t faint dear Baptist, dear Christian! There is so much pressure to compromise, set aside differences in doctrine, and all join hands and work together for the ‘good of the world’. Keep labouring for what is right and let them come join us if they like!
4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
Nevertheless – even though this is all very impressive, something is even more impressive. The main point for this letter was not to compliment them, but rather to point out there problem(s). Somewhat is not a whole bunch, but it is not a little either. First love – Jesus Christ has taken offense at His Bride for loving someone (something) else more than Himself. It is possible that they loved themselves and what “they” were doing more than Him. Leaving this love was a process over time. It is related to the first works of verse 5. This first love may be the love of ‘souls’ and evangelism/missions outreach (i.e., the Great Commission). Nonetheless, why do you do what you do? Is it out of a true, genuine love for Jesus Christ?!
5 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.
Whence – focus in on your point of error…where did we actually go wrong at. They got attracted to something else (world, bigness…). To repent is to totally change directions; it involves godly sorrow; it is a major, and very noticable change. A church can repent; but it takes all of its members to individually repent (where appropriate).
First works are the basics of ‘church’ (what a church is to be all about): love for the Groom, obedience, focusing on Him and not us, reaching the lost, edifying the saints. Or else – this is an huge important warning to all of us. Quickly is just what it says. No long period given here. Churches will lose their status with the Lord very quickly if they do not repent. Two views on this: the process of removing the candlestick is not drawn out over time, but quickly; or God will not wait long for you to repent. Removing a candlestick, removes the entity that is designed to hold the light, the power of the Holy Spirit. They will be removed as one of the Lord’s churches, and become just another “assembly” of religous folk, trying in vain to please the Lord Jesus. Thus, if this church at Ephesus did not repent soon, Jesus would remove the Holy Spirit from them corporately, they would no longer be ‘in the Bride’, and thus cease in being one of the Lord’s churches (i.e., apostated). His place – Churches or ‘hers’, but the ‘his’ probably is in reference to a candlestick; or it is referring to Jesus Christ. They were placed there in Ephesus by Jesus Christ. Can a church removed be put back in place again?!
6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
Nicolaitans – they taught the elevation status of the “clergy” above the “laity” (Sacerdotalism). They also taught compromise between the church and the “state” religion of the day. They taught that living an immoral life was perfectly fine for a Christian. There are groups in Toronto, Dallas, California, and elsewhere, trying to teach “churches” things not too different from this.
7 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.
Ear – listen up churches. The Spirit does the actual speaking to the church body. The Spirit speaks to a church through their Pastor(s), and also individually (within their soul). He had specific messages for each church, not just a general “love Jesus” message all the time.
Overcometh – the context does not involve lost people, or lost people getting saved. The context is dealing with a Christian who is a member of one of the Lord’s churches, and who is being exhorted to repent.
Tree of Life – access to this special Tree allow one to get its leaves which bring healing to the nations (Rev 22:2,14); also, it has a new fruit each month (what are these for?). These fruits must be what is referred to here as to what they will ‘eat’. The tree is located in the New Jeruslaem in the midst of the paradise of God (God’s throne). If these members of the church of Ephesus didn’t overcome their mentioned sins to be repented of, then they wouldn’t have a right to eat of this tree. And, it may be that they would not have access to it, and thus not be allowed in this area of the New Jerusalem, and maybe not even allowed in this city at all. It could be that only the saints that truly love the Lord (and/or are committed to Mt 28’s command) and are part of His churches will have this access.
8 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 am sure that Jesus Christ’s description here is related to what He is saying to Smyrna – The resurrected Christ. First – the Creator; the Firstborn among many brethren; the Firstfruits. Last – He is coming again at the very end. There is no-one besides Him; no other Person to look for. Dead – Jesus Christ was particularly fond of this fact of history; it was very special to Him. Also, definitely wanted them to assuredly know that He is alive.
9 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.
Once again God points out that He knows their works. God weighs the amount of suffering a church goes through when He is evaluating how well they are doing. The Smyrna church was in poverty financially, but were very rich spiritually. Compare this church with that of the Laodecians. Today, we have Independent Fundamental Baptist imposters. In every church there are some who ‘say’ they are like you and for you and with you, but in reality they are of Satan’s church!
10 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.
The righteous churches, like Smyrna, tend to suffer. It makes them all the more righteous. A suffering church; we don’t have hardly any of these in America. Other countries do though. If this were a literal ten days then it would not be such a horrible experience at all; just 10 days in jail and then the persecution is all over! The days must be referring to a longer period of time. More likely it is referring to 10 years. It has been said that number 10 refers to deliverance from bondage. Some believe this to be a prophetic pronouncement about the ‘church age’. A few have said that this is referring to 10 signs of judgment from Matthew 24. Others have thought it to be referring to the 10 major persecutions by the Roman Empire and her emporers / popes.
Will anyone in America get this crown?! It is<TOPIC:Itit given for faithfulness despite tribulation, martyrdom.
11 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.
Who is the he here? Anyone in the church membership? The angel, the pastor? Most are not in tune with the Spirit and never even hear Him. All this that is said to this church, and the other 6, is to be applied to all churches everywhere. The context with this church of Smyrna is overcoming persecution; not fearing it. This promise relates to that context: if you are persecuted in this life, don’t fear for you will not be persecuted in the next life. The tables will turn then; all those that persecuted you will then be eternally persecuted in Hellfire! Some may try and interpret this to say that only if you are faithful to the end will you be spared the second death (the Lake of Fire). Being faithful unto death shows that your faith is real saving faith, not dead faith. It could be that it is referring to ‘overcoming by the blood of Jesus’. Nothing bad was said of this church in Smyrna.
12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
The ‘sword’ probably is referring to the Word of God; or is it referring to a very dangerous weapon? Jesus Christ will indeed judge them with His words; “the same shall judge thee in the last day”.
13 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.
Many of these churches were being persecuted but remained faithful. Their Baptist faith remained. Pergamos was a center of Paganism with the notable “god of medicine”. The devil was surely trying to make it impossible for them to meet together, to witness, to survive. It even got so bad that one of their members, maybe a pastor, was murdered for standing so firm.
14 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.
Many churches have some very impressive things that they are doing for the Lord. But…..there are a few things against them. There were in this church of Pergamos those that were teaching others to compromise their ‘standards’ in order to receive reward themselves. Oh how many churches have this sin today! Today, it might be seen in certain in the church leading the church to change their music and dress standards; to not be so hard on those that are ‘living together’; to accept homosexuals. They were motivated to do this by increase in numbers and monies.
15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
Sacerdotalism – H.A. Ironside states that Nicolaitanism is “clerisy” — the subjugation of those who were contemptuously styled ‘the laity’ by a heirarchical order who lorded it over them as their own possessions. Catholicism has breeded this popery style in Protestantism.
16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
The direct warning here is one of God fighting with those that are in error; it doesn’t say that He would fight against everyone in the church though. If these churches don’t repent, it may be that they lose their candlestick just like Ephesus would. Jesus Christ would use His Word, the Bible, to judge them. How was this fighting actually carried out? Maybe it is that God’s promises in the Bible that deal with judgement for sin would all be enforced, without mercy. Or, it could mean that Jesus Christ would pronounce some judgements upon them from His mouth.
17 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.
The ‘he that overcometh’ would refer to overcoming in the area of those in the church who are promoting compromise, and who promote clerisy. I suppose you are one that overcometh by resisting this in your church, standing boldly against it, and definitely not going along with it. Why would God specify these rewards to them if they all would be automatically getting them, since they were saved? I believe these were rewards, or priviledges, that would be given only to those in that church that ‘overcame’ this wickedness. Manna: there will be eating in Heaven. This manna is “hidden” ; it is special and not for just anyone to eat that wants it. Stone – White; referring to acquittal, not guilty. Could it be that only certain get this as a special award for standing for what’s right? Name – Specialness, closeness, endearment. A special award; like a plaque that honors their achievement. The new name will be very unique to the person. I wonder if it will be similar to Paul and Peter’s name changes? Will be a new last name (a married name)?
18 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;
God – very explicit here on His identity. Eyes – this is a very intimidating description; as was also the previous description to Pergamos. Fire often represents judgement and thus fits well with “brass”. This is none other than God Almighty, the Righteous Judge! Jesus Christ judges His churches intensely.
19 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.
Works – there are 2 mentioned here: last and first works. Maybe this list follows each other chronologically. They improved and grew in their works for Jesus Christ over time. By this list it sounds like they are an awesome church.
20 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.
Notwithstanding – it’s not that impressive that you have all that good going on when you have erred so greatly in an area like this. All those nice qualities are blown away by the one negative quality. Sufferest – Allowed despite knowing it was wrong; probably the pastorate, leaders. Jezebel – everything has been taken literally so far, so it should also concerning her. Prophetess – she was without church authority; this was a scriptural ‘gift’ at that time (Phillip’s daughters). Jezebel probably prophetically proclaimed that there was nothing wrong with these things of fornication; she probably told them that it was ‘legalistic’ to have all these rules; taking all the fun out of life. The area of sin for this church was allowing someone to promote worldliness; lowered standards, etc.!
A church can be busy soulwinning, teaching, doctrine, training men, loving people, etc, but yet their standards can be real weak (dress, music, women). And, this weakness can be their demise, despite some awesome works. You can be a church that is busy serving, giving, and standing in the faith, but if you are off in some significant area of doctrine or standard, it can all be for nought! Thus, even though a church may be growing and very ‘busy for the Lord’, it can still apostate!
21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
God is longsuffering and merciful; praise the Lord! God gives churches ‘space’ to repent. How much space? a year? a month? 10 years?! Sadly, most churches repent not. They enjoyed their ‘liberty’ too much!
22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
I wonder if the church as a whole is judged here or just these people? It appears to be just the guilty parties involved. It was spiritual adultery that was committed most likely. It doesn’t directly say that the church ceases to exist, just that certain in it will have some great tribulation.
23 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.
More likely the offspring of the spiritual adultery, i.e. those that decided to follow her, would either physically die or have great damnation come upon their lives; or, maybe not have any spiritual progeny.
24 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.
The clear teaching here is that those that believed right doctrinally, and did not go along with false doctrine in their own church, were not burdened or judged.
25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
I assume this refers to the correct doctrine which they had, as opposed to the others which did not have this correct doctrine. They were exhorted to stay right; keep believing right despite the others in your own church who are in error.
26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
The context has been that local church; to change it suddenly to all the saved might be an error. If a member would ‘overcome’ the Jezebel in their church, they would be given this great priviledge of being given ‘power over the nations’! I don’t believe that every saint of God will be given power over the nations. These are at least the nations of the Millenium. After the Millenium, nations continue existing, so it may be that these will continue ruling.
27 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.
Apparently, these will rule with a rod of iron; i.e. the ones given this ‘power’. There will be lost people on the earth to rule over. Jesus Christ received this authority and power from His Father and will give it to them.
28 And I will give him the morning star.
The ‘morning star’ could be a special designation in Heaven. Jesus Christ is called ‘the Bright and Morning Star’. It probably is that you are considerably more bright and glorious appearing than others of lesser degree.
29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
God wanted to make it clear that this was not an isolated application to this church only.