While exiled on the island of Patmos, the apostle John received a revelation from Y’Shua HaMashiech. That we now call the book of Revelation. In this vision, Messiah gave John seven messages for seven first-century churches in Asia Minor. Read on to discover why Messiah wanted to speak to these seven churches and what the messages mean for us today.
1. Ephesus - The Loveless Church (Revelation 2:1-7)
The church of Ephesus had many positive qualities; Messiah commended them in five specific ways—they were dynamic, dedicated, determined, disciplined, and discerning (Revelation 2:2-3). But verse 4 reveals where they went wrong. “Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” Everything about the Ephesian church looked good on the outside, but inwardly they had heart trouble. Their devotion to Messiah was wanting.
If you find yourself in this place with your relationship with Messiah, here is a three-part formula on how to return to your first love.
“Remember therefor from where you have fallen” (Revelation 2:5). The next logical step after remembering where we started and realizing where we are now is to repent. This means to reverse course and go in the opposite direction. “. . . repent . . .” (Revelation 2:5).
Repeating to the original good works will help you get back to the place where you began. “. . . do the first works” (Revelation 2:5). Return to what you did when you first became a Believers—the spiritual disciplines that kept you close to Messiah and motivated to follow Him.
2. Smyrna — The suffering Church (Revelation 2:8-11)
Believers in developed countries today think little about being persecuted for their faith. But there are churches in the world where such persecution is a daily reality. Such was the case for the ancient church in Smyrna. They suffered because of pressure, poverty, and persecution (Revelation 2:9). Messiah’s words to that church can prepare all believers for what might come.
Believers in developed countries today think little about being persecuted for their faith. But there are churches in the world where such persecution is a daily reality. Such was the case for the ancient church in Smyrna. They suffered because of pressure, poverty, and persecution (Revelation 2:9). Messiah’s words to that church can prepare all believers for what might come.
“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer” (Revelation 2:10). Because Messiah is L-rd over all of life’s circumstances, we have nothing to fear. Paul wrote that there is nothing that can separate us from the love of G-d in Messiah Y’Shua (Romans 8:35-39). Fear is a natural human response, but we live supernatural lives through the power of Messiah in us.
“Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). Given the intensity of the persecution in Smyrna, I believe Messiah was saying, “Yes, you may lose your life for My sake, but be faithful until the end.”
3. Pergamos — The compromising Church (Revelation 2:12-17)
Pergamos was nicknamed “Satan’s City.” The Believers in Pergamos were surrounded by pagan beliefs and practices. In spite of their faithfulness in some areas, the Believers in Pergamos had compromised their faith in others. They had allowed idolatry to creep into their congregation.
Pergamos was nicknamed “Satan’s City.” The Believers in Pergamos were surrounded by pagan beliefs and practices. In spite of their faithfulness in some areas, the Believers in Pergamos had compromised their faith in others. They had allowed idolatry to creep into their congregation.
Satan is still employing the strategy he used in Pergamos: What you can’t curse and crush, you can corrupt through compromise.
Speak the Truth in Love Believers should not be combative or antagonistic. Wherever corruption or compromise tries to gain a foothold, we need to be vigilant, sober, and on guard and speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
Remember the Lesson from Pergamos Guard against the dilution of true doctrine by false teaching and authoritarian leaders. If that makes us intolerant in the eyes of some, then so be it. Messiah will commend us just as He did Antipas, His “faithful martyr.”
4. Thyatira — The adulterous Church (Revelation 2:18-29)
There are Believers and churches today who feel a need to be relevant and all-inclusive when it comes to spiritual and moral boundaries. The ancient church in Thyatira must have felt that way as well. This church allowed an immoral individual to lead many others away from Messiah (Revelation 2:20). What does Messiah say to a church that is tolerating immorality in her midst?
The Threat of Distress (Revelation 2:22) When the prophetess refused the chance to repent, Messiah warned of His judgment: “Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed.”
The Threat of Death (Revelation 2:22-23) This warning is not just to the prophetess but also to “those who commit adultery with her.”
The Message to the Believers (Revelation 2:24-25) This is a message to those who would choose to remain faithful to Messiah “until the end”.
There are Believers and churches today who feel a need to be relevant and all-inclusive when it comes to spiritual and moral boundaries. The ancient church in Thyatira must have felt that way as well. This church allowed an immoral individual to lead many others away from Messiah (Revelation 2:20). What does Messiah say to a church that is tolerating immorality in her midst?
The Threat of Distress (Revelation 2:22)
When the prophetess refused the chance to repent, Messiah warned of His judgment: “Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed.” Whether taken figuratively or literally, we should take those words as a warning. G-d is holy and will not abide rebellion forever. As Hebrews 10:31 says, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living G-d.”
The Threat of Death (Revelation 2:22-23)
This warning is not just to the prophetess but also to “those who commit adultery with her.” They would find themselves in “great tribulation” unless they repented of their immorality.
The Message to the Believers (Revelation 2:24-25)
The message for those that stood their ground and did not engage in the cult of immorality is to “Hold fast what you have till I come” (verse 25.)
The Message to the Conquerors (Revelation 2:26-29)
This is a message to those who would choose to remain faithful to Messiah “until the end”. Messiah promised that they would reign and they would be raptured.
5. SARDIS — The dead church (Revelation 3:16)
With this church there are no commendations; Messiah begins immediately with a denunciation: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.” The church was full of what we today would call “nominal Believers”—Believers in name only. Messiah gives five specific directions for the church that is dead.
Be Sensitive to the Inroads of Sin in the Church (verse 2)
Be Supportive of Those Who Remain True to Messiah in the Church (verses 2, 4)
Be Submissive to the Control of the Holy Spirit in the Church (verse 3)
Be Subject to the Authority of G-d’s Word in the Church (verse 3)
Be Sorry and Repent for the Sin of the Church (verse 3)
With this church there are no commendations; Messiah begins immediately with a denunciation: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.” The church was full of what we today would call “nominal Believers”—Believers in name only. Messiah gives five specific directions for the church that is dead.
Be Sensitive to the Inroads of Sin in the Church (verse 2)
Be Supportive of Those Who Remain True to Messiah in the Church (verses 2, 4)
Be Submissive to the Control of the Holy Spirit in the Church (verse 3)
Be Subject to the Authority of G-d’s Word in the Church (verse 3)
Be Sorry and Repent for the Sin of the Church (verse 3)
6. Philadelphia — The Faithful Church (Revelation 3:7-13)
Messiah commended the church in Philadelphia for four things:
They have an open door, they have a little strength, they have kept the Word of G-d, and they have not denied the L-rd. If we want to be commended by Messiah like this church, we will go through open doors of ministry, depend on His strength, and be true to Him and His Word. What does this mean for us today?
The Potential of the local church - if Messiah is present and the church is committed to Him, there is going to be a door of opportunity for ministry. Every church should pray for those doors to be recognized, open, and walked through.
The people of the local church - many churches today think there are too few people, there is too little money, there are too few gifts, and there are too few opportunities. Remember this simple truth: when we are weak or little, Messiah is strong and big. Building the church of Y’Shua HaMashiech is not up to us. We depend on the head of the church to give His body the strength we need.
The principle of the local church - in verse 8, Messiah summarizes three principles that apply to every church: open doors for ministry, and keeping the Word of G-d, being faithful to G-d's word will lead to open doors for ministry and depending on Messiah's strength since they are both taught in the Bible. When the Word of G-d is the first priority, everything else will fall in place.
The priorities of the local church - because the church of Y’Shua is His church, we are the boldly identify with Messiah regardless of the cost. We must proclaim Messiah as the Bible does - the only name whereby we can be saved (Acts 4:12).
7. Laodicea - the lukewarm church of (Rev. 3:14-22)
The church in Laodicea was lacking in every way. It was a compromising, conceited, and the Messiah said that it made Him sick (v.16). Today's church should take note: those words may apply to us as well. We would be well advised to apply this counsel to our lives and churches today.
The prescription for spiritual poverty - the Laodiceans were rich, but their riches were worldly, not spiritual. They needed spiritual wealth which can only come through Messiah (v. 18).
The prescription for spiritual nakedness - nakedness in Scripture is a metaphor for defeat and humiliation, therefore Messiah counsels them to procure "white garments" from Him that eh shame of their nakedness might be covered (v. 18).
The prescription for spiritual blindness - the only salve for spiritual blindness is repentance and submission to the L-rd Y’Shua HaMashiach, asking Him for the fullness and wisdom of His spirit to restore our spiritual sight.
The prescription for spiritual compromise - there is only one "Therefore be zealous and repent" (v. 19). G-d doesn't love us only when we are doing the right things. He loves us all the time and He wants us to repent when we need to.
Messiah has this to say for any without Him: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20). When Messiah is moved to the margins and pushed outside the Church altogether, He stands knocking and seeking to be invited back in.
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