Revelation 2

CHURCH 1: EPHESUS

Ephesus was the largest and most important city in the Roman province of Asia. It was also the center for worship of Artemis. Paul, Priscilla & Aquila, Apollos, and Timothy all played major roles in growing the church there (Acts 18-20, 1-2 Tim.).

Three Praises
1. Good Deeds
2. Good Doctrine
3. Good Determination

1 Fatal Flaw
They LEFT their first LOVE (their relationship with Christ)

The Remedy
1. Remember-What it was like when you first were saved
2. Repent-That things aren't that way anymore
3. Return-To the love relationship you once had

Historicist View
Ephesus represents the age of DOCTRINE (70-155)

CHURCH 2: SMYRNA

Smyrna was the second largest city in the Roman province of Asia, but it was the most beautiful. It was called the 'crown of asia' because of its great spendor. The name Smyrna means myrrh (a perfume whose aroma is brought out through crushing). Smyrna is the only city of the seven still standing today. It is one of two churches that receives no rebuke. There was a large population of Jews in Smyrna...and they were most likely persecuting the Christians.

Extremes-
They lived in EXTREME circumstances (love vs. hatred, riches vs. poverty)
Jesus spoke to them in EXTREME language (First and last, death and life)

Jesus knew…
They were afflicted
They were in poverty
They were being slandered

It will get worse, but…
It is a test
It will not last forever
It brings rewards

Historicist View
Smyrna represents the age of MARTYRS (155-320)

CHURCH 3: PERGAMUM

The City/Church
1. The Capital City of Asia
2. The name means ‘Married to power’
3. Home to some major idolatry
4. Home to extensive library
5. Parchment was invented there

They were commended for…
1. Remaining true to the name of Jesus
2. Remaining faithful despite persecution

They were rebuked for…
1. Compromise with teaching of Balaam
2. Compromise with teaching of Nicolaitans

Rewards for Over-comers
1. Hidden manna
2. Secret name/white stone

Historicist View
Pergamum represents the age of Corruption (320-6th Century)

CHURCH 4: THYATIRA

City/Church
1. The least significant of the 7 cities
2. The longest of the 7 letters
3. Small city, but busy commercial center
4. A union town on a major Roman road

Their Deeds
1. Love & Faith
2. Service & Perseverance
3. Growth

The Rebuke: Too Tolerant
1. She calls herself a prophetess
2. She misleads my servants into sexual immorality and idolatry
3. She is unwilling to repent
4. She and her followers will suffer, her children will be struck dead

The Conclusion:
1. They will understand God better
2. Other burdens will not be imposed on them
3. They need to ‘hold on’ until He comes
4. Over-comers will receive ‘authority’ and the ‘morning star’

Historicist View
Thyatira represents the age of compromise (6th-16th centuries)