The Book of Revelation 

Chapter 2 

Some have claimed these seven churches of Asia are representative of “church ages” and they make claims that each church age represents the distinct traits of the typical church during those particular ages.  For example, we are to believe that for the first few hundred years the first church was representative of Ephesus, for the next few hundred years, the church was acting like Smyrna, and so on. One of the problems with teaching “church ages” is that there is never a specific time period given for each church (except in one case where certain “non standard and non specific” years were assigned apparently at random).   One has only to examine the time period stated for the church of Philadelphia to find this "age theory" to be a false teaching.  I will not get into the specific aspects of the teaching,  nor will I address at this time why that particular teaching is false but I will say this much:  The teaching originated from a man who called himself the “angel of the church of Laodicea”.  Furthermore, there is no biblical precedent for such a teaching.    

As chapter 2 opens, we have the first letter to the church of Ephesus.  There is an item of significance that must be noted:   In every letter to every church, Jesus states:  “I know thy works” and an additional phrase “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches”.  We can see a definite pattern in the letters to each of the churches. 

To each Church, Jesus gives:             

1.       A greeting to the “angel of the church” which includes a title of the risen Christ taken from Revelation chapter 1.

2.       A praise or a condemnation (except Laodicea which had no praise)

3.       A rebuke

4.       An warning to repent

5.       A promise to those who overcome

As you read of these churches, note the historical order of the rewards!   

Ephesus – promised the tree of life – just as Adam and Eve had in the beginning. 

Smyrna  - Promised a crown of life and promised that they would not suffer the “2nd death” IF they would overcome. – Adam and Eve had life and would never have died, not physically nor spiritually, if they would have “overcome” evil. 

Pergamos – Promised the Hidden Manna – Jesus was that manna in the desert 

Thyatira – Promised power over nations (Rod of Iron) – Moses’ rod was used to stand against Pharaoh, to cross the Red Sea and to defeat Amolek. 

Sardis – Promised white raiment – White raiment given as the garments of the priests (saints) 

Philadelphia – Promised to be a pillar in the temple – Solomon’s Temple had the first glorious pillars.  Every temple afterward was upheld by magnificent pillars. 

Laodicea  - Promised they would sit with Jesus – Solomon reigned in glory, wisdom and peace

Notice also that every reward promised was futuristic!   

Ephesus – will eat from the tree of life. 

Smyrna – will receive a crown of life. 

Pergamos – will receive the hidden manna. 

Thyatira – will rule and reign with Christ 

Sardis – will be clothed with white raiment. 

Philadelphia – will have a new name. 

Laodecia – will sit with Christ on a throne.

On the next page we will begin to deal with the letters to the 7 churches of Asia. 

Α Ω