The Seven Churches

Revelation 1: 1(a) The Revelation of Jesus Christ

3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.

4(a) John, to the seven churches which are in Asia:

Chapters 2 and 3 of the book of Revelation offer seven mini letters, or epistles, written to seven churches. These are filled with advice and counsel specific to the needs of each church. Each letter has a similar structure, with an exception or two (where the specific topic is not applicable to the church).

Before coming to this, regarding verse three (above): of course, this is intended to apply to the entire book, but what can be overlooked is that it also applies to the two aforementioned chapters. There is prophecy specific to each church, and those who hear the prophecy and keep to it will be blessed. Further, we see that “the time is near.” Food for preterists and partial preterists (the second of which I am sympathetic to…though not wedded).

With that said, as there are things common to all seven letters, it would seem, first of all, that these common things are of extreme importance, and, second, that these are universally applicable to all churches and all Christians – even until today.

The first common thing: the prophecy is to the angel of the church. I will address this here, and thereafter address remainder as a group.

Looking up some commentary, in each case I found that “the angel of the church” is intended to mean the leader, or bishop, of the church. I can certainly accept this, yet it also strikes me that it speaks to the spirit of a church – the essence or nature or characteristic that makes up that particular church – and that this same spirit is to be found, in different degrees, in all churches though all time.

From here, to the remaining commonalities in structure of each letter. I will not identify those remaining commonalities by church, instead grouping the common subjects. I have found this helpful, as the structure of the letters all lead to a common conclusion, or climax; this will be included in the second (and concluding) post on this topic next week.

The One Speaking

These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands

These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars

The seven stars have been identified with the seven angels or bishops; held in His right hand describes their obedience.

These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life

The first and the last: the beginning and the end. He was the beginning (before time), and He was the end (the answer or conclusion or solution – He was the One who healed).

These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword

This sword can be considered His strong words. It can also be understood as Law and Gospel. It is a sword that cuts in every direction.

Then we have the words of Jesus elsewhere to help bring understanding:

Matthew 10: 34 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.”

He goes on to describe the division between family members that will be caused by this sword. We are told: know your priorities and know the cost.

These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass

Such eyes see through everything, and such feet allow Him to walk without fear or pain.

These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”

This key can bind and loose; it can open the door of Paradise; it unlocks the mysteries of the Scriptures.

These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God

I Know Your Works

It is important, at least in my understanding, to point out that the first comment after introducing the speaker is one of works. Not “I know your doctrine” or “I know your belief” or “I know your confession of faith.” Certainly, these are important in order to put a boundary around what is meant by “church,” and these letters are addressed to churches. Therefore, the boundary is established.

Once the boundary is established, however, the task of those who live within the boundary is not complete. We are not to be satisfied with doctrine or belief or confession of faith. We are to “do”; we are to work. And Christ tells us, through these seven letters, that this is how He know us – by our works (something we read elsewhere is Scripture).

With that said, here are the (good) works by which these churches are known:

I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.

But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

It is a heresy traditionally attributed by some to the Nicolas found in Acts:

Acts 6: 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.

This heresy is identified with fornication and eating that which was offered to idols.

I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Our good works will possibly lead us to persecution and suffering, even death. It is a lesson taught in the Beatitudes, where after we have grown through each increasing virtue, Jesus ends with telling us that we will be persecuted for His sake.

I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

Living in a land of evil is no reason to hide our faith and ignore good works. A lesson valid in all times and places.

I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.

But hold fast what you have till I come.

Here we see a church that is praised, but reminded to “hold fast,” in other words, one can never rest on past works. That the last are more than the first indicates a church (and an individual) growing in Christ.

I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.

This is a church with individuals who look washed on the outside, but are dark on the inside. This darkness is not necessarily visible to men, but it is visible to the one true judge.

I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.

Note: this is a church which has “a little strength,” yet others will come to worship before their feet and they will be kept from the hour of trial. Just a little strength is all it takes for Jesus to meet us where we are and help us to persevere.

Finally:

I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.

Be passionate for something. Make a decision; don’t remain on the fence when it comes to faith. It is interesting that being wishy-washy is more troubling to Christ than making even the wrong choice.

Conclusion

Part two will follow next week.