Each of these churches were scrutinized by Jesus to show what was lacking or what was appealing about their spiritual condition. Based on their standing in the world; they would receive blessings and in certain circumstances; judgment. Although these churches do not exist today; we are reminded of the prophetic application by the phrase that is repeated on seven occasions .... He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches!
Indeed; this has relevance to every Christian; who calls himself one by name. These conditions are often typical of what a Christian can experience during his lifetime. And yet; we will see another prophetic aspect that the scriptures reveal. The same predominant fault of each church; has reflected the same period as having occurred; on the earth over the last 2 000 years ... even in the same order. But that's for the end of the age; lets first consider; what Revelation provides as to the "church Age".
After Jesus was crucified, the Gospel was spread to people in groups. Initially, they would form cells of small groups of people and would collectively read the scriptures; and pray and worship together. Over an initially short period, many of these cells became so large, that they started to erect their own halls or homes to house the many believers. This developed and was later named churches. The church age is a period of time where Jesus allows the gospel to be spread. It ends when Jesus returns for His believers, as promised in various books of the New Testament. The church age began in approximately 30/33 AD on the day of the Pentecost. [When the disciples received the Holy Spirit to guide them].
The first church chosen by Jesus for illustration was the church of "Ephesus". You might recall from the new testament book named after this church; the Ephesians were a lively bunch of Christians. They were known for there Bible teaching and for the passion they had for Christ. Yet; by the time John received this message; less than 60 years later .... they had lost their passion for Jesus. They had still all the good points of exposing false teachings; good works and were even persevering amidst some very desperate times. But they had lost there focus and had started to backslide. Jesus warned them to repent; failing which he would remove them from His presence. Like many Christians who take their focus off Christ; this church failed to repent; and as a result; lost its place in the community.
By the end of the first century; Ephesus fell to Arabian rule and the church ceased to exist. Spiritually; this church was described as the "backsliding" congregation.
Interestingly enough; when we look back on the church age; this was indeed the predominant "characteristic" of the initial church. Between 70ad and 100ad; many churches had begun a long descent into a backslidden tradition. A characteristic; that was only going to last a short while ....
Smyrna was a trading city that had incredible beauty. Just behind the city was a hill that housed a temple and many architectural buildings. In the scriptures of Revelation 2; Jesus reveals that He has nothing against this church or its people. Remarkably; out of the seven letters; this was also the shortest letter. The scriptures reveal that these people were under severe persecution but held on to the word of God. Jesus instruction is as relevant then as it is now; "In this world you will have trouble; but remember I have overcome the world". Jesus encouraged them to remain faithful; even until death.
This church did not survive the persecution that sprang up against Christians on a worldly scale. We mentioned previously that the initial part of the church age; predominately portrayed a "backsliding" church in line with the scriptures.
Historically; this age of church persecution commenced around 96ad and lasted for well over 200 years. During this period of time; hundreds of thousands of Christians were martyred for failing to denounce Christ as their Lord. Once again; the predominant characteristic of the second church was reflected in history on a world-wide scale. Amidst all suffering; Jesus only demands that we seek His face; no matter how bad the situation is.
After being so supportive of Smyrna; the scriptures of Revelation 2 shows the opposite side to Jesus. Here they see the Son of God in fury. The city of Pergamos was home to the Greek god "Zeus" and as a result the people were heavily influenced by both the Roman and Greek gods. All these beliefs started influencing the Christians; and having come out of a period of persecution; these Christians started to compromise. Jesus warning is as relevant today; as it was then. They were told to repent; or failing which he would wage war against them and remove them.
When we look back on the church age, we see that it was Emperor Constantine that stopped the persecution of the Christians in 313ad. As a result of the various beliefs in operation in Pergamum; all beliefs started to compromise in terms of basic tenants and doctrines. This lasted for well over 300 years; before this compromising would be openly accepted in the church.
That is now 3 out of 3!
Will the church age continue to reflect the condition of these churches? ...
Thyatira was located in a valley near the capital, Pergamum. There was a fortune telling
shrine which was resided over by a female oracle named Sambathe.
It was a commercial centre and was the producer of the much sought after "purple" dye.
Jesus commended this church for the great works it performed and was performing as well as their faithfulness and perseverance in carrying out there mission. However; He quickly pointed out that they were tolerating false teachings in their church and were allowing pagan teachings to infiltrate the doctrines and beliefs of the church.
Unlike the other 2 churches; Jesus does not ask this church to repent. Instead; He says that the entire church will be thrown into a "great Tribulation" where its children will be killed. Jesus also warned those that do not know the plan that Satan has for this church; that they must wait for Him to return. It obviously makes sense; that as Jesus has yet not returned to the earth; this church must prophetically exist today; otherwise why wait for His coming?
Historically; following the compromising period that commenced with Emperor Constantine; it was the rise of the Roman Catholic church in +/- 600ad that started off a lengthy period of tolerating pagan practices and incorporating it into the church. One looks no further than praying to the dead; bowing before images; and the worship of Mary to illustrate the adoption of practices that were not accepted in the Bible. Prophetically Revelation 17 continues to describe this "religion" of the last days. Once again; Revelation 17 provides she being seated on the seven hills of Rome; her people are dressed in purple; and provides many other details.
Many believe that it is the Roman catholic church that will attempt to unite the world religions. For now; it is important to illustrate that the next period in the church age was dominated by the tolerating practices of the Old Roman Catholic church. We are also told she will experience a part in the Great Tribulation, as previously discussed.
Whilst he is walking amongst them he is holding 7 stars in His right hand. That is the vision. So how are we to interpret it?
