The letters to 7 churches in Revelation 2 and 3 are generally recognized to be symbolic of the chronological history of the Christian church from the time of the apostles to the second coming. This study outline proposes that the kingdom parables of Matthew 13 are also chronological in sequence, and are directly related to the 7 churches in Revelation, giving further insight. Note that when a symbol is defined in a parable, that definition applies consistently and universally to the other parables. It is also proposed that Paul's letters to churches likely apply to the 7 churches as well.
1. Ephesus ("desirable"), Rev 2:1-7 — The Apostolic church of the 1st century.
False Apostles teaching error (lies) enter the church Rev. 2:2
- Paul warns the elders of Ephesus in Acts 20:17, 29-30.}
- Liar (errors of the false Apostles) defined:
1 John 2:4 - Lawlessness (lasciviousness).
1 John 2:22 - Antichrist, deny Jesus is Christ (deny He came in the flesh, 1 John 4:1-3).
1 John 4:20 - Persecutes (1 John 3:12).
- Nicolaitanes (Rev 2:6, 9 Smyrna, 14-15 Pergamos) victory over the people, Nike (G3529) Laos (G2992).
Jude 4 - Lawlessness (lasciviousness), denying Jesus Christ.
Jude 11 - way of Cain (persecution), error of Balaam, usurpation/rebellion of Core (Korah - Num 16:1-3).
Jude 16-19 - speak blasphemy, ungodly lusts, lacking the Spirit.
● Parable of the sower — Matt 13:3-23. Mark 4:3-8, 14-20. Luke 8:5-15.
Fowls/birds defined as Satan (Matt.13:4, 19 - Mark 4:4, 15 - Luke 8:5, 12).
● Paul's epistle to the Ephesians.
2. Smyrna ("myrrh" or "sweet smelling"), Rev 2:8-11 — Persecuted by Ancient Pagan Rome. No criticism.
Apostasy, Synagogue of Satan - Say they are Jews but are not, blaspheme (Rev 2:9, 3:9 Philadelphia).
● Parable of the wheat and the tares — Matt 13:24-30, 36-43.
Field defined as the world (v. 38).
Tares are the wicked (v. 38) Seeds are the saved (v. 38).
Reapers are angels (v. 39).
● Paul's epistle to the Philippians (joy through suffering).
3. Pergamos ("elevated by marriage"), Rev 2:12-17 — pergos G4444 tower, gamos G1062 marriage
Satan's seat / Nicolaitanes / Apostasy / church-state union (4th-5th century).
● Parable of the mustard seed — Matt 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, Luke 13:19.
Birds defined as Satan (Matt.13:4, 19 - Mark 4:4, 15 - Luke 8:5, 12) See Rev 18:2, 19:17, 21.
● Paul's epistles to the Corinthians (married to the world).
4. Thyatira ("perpetual sacrifice"), Rev 2:18-29 — The church of the middle ages (6th-16th century).
The word Thyatira comes from the Greek "thuo" sacrifice G2380, and "ateires" unweary.
Jezebel - Rev 2:20, 1 Ki 21:1-26 (represents the Inquisition, Ahab = State, Jezebel = Church).
Rev 2:21 (space to repent), Elijah in the wilderness 1260 days (3 1/2 years) Luke 4:25, James 5:17, Rev 11:2-3, 12:6,14 (538-1798 A.D.) Apostate satanic doctrine in the church (Rev 2:24).
● Parable of the leaven — Matt 13:33, Luke 13:21-30.
Leaven is corrupt doctrine (Matt. 16:11-12).
Leaven is hypocrisy (Luke 12:1).
Leaven is malice and wickedness (1 Cor 5:8).
Unleavened bread is sincerity and truth (1 Cor 5:8).
● Paul's epistle to the Galatians (call out of religious externalism) See Gal 5:9.
5. Sardis ("red ones", from the sardius stone), Rev 3:1-6 — The Reformation era. No praise.
A dead church, but a faithful few remain.
● Parable of the treasure of the field — Matt 13:44.
Field defined as the world (v. 38).
● Paul's epistle to the Romans or Hebrews (salvation by faith).
6. Philadelphia ("brotherly love"), Rev 3:7-13 — The early 19th century to 1844. No criticism.
Church of the door opened by the Key of House of David - The Adventist movement proclaiming the 3 angel's messages of Revelation 14.
● Parable of the pearl of great price — Matt 13:45.
Oysters are unclean, the pearl only has value when separated from the unclean oyster (Rev 18:1-5).
● Paul's epistles to the Thessalonians (second coming not imminent).
7. Laodicea ("a people judged"), Rev 3:14-19 — From 1844 to the second coming. No praise.
● Parable of the net — Matt 13:47-50.
● Paul's epistle to the Colossians (told to exchange letters with Laodicea).
● Summary: Parable of the scribe — Matt 13:52.
The 7 churches of Revelation 2 & 3
First we give an outline of the seven Church Ages as described by John:
Ephesus: “Desirable” (33-64 AD)
Smyrna: “Bitter” or “Myrrh” (64-313 AD)
Pergamos: “Married to Power” (313-529 AD)
Thyatira: “Castle of the Goddess” (529-1517 AD)
Sardis: “Precious Stone, Remnant” (1517-1776 AD)
Philadelphia: “Brotherly Love” (1776-1914 AD)
Laodicea: “Power of the Laity” (1914-1993 AD)
Since there is so much that could be said about each of these churches, we will not write out the passages in Rev. 2 and 3. We hope that you will keep your Bible open and read through each passage before reading our comments.
These Seven Churches also have counterparts in the Old Testament Church (Israel). Understanding these types and shadows give us a more complete picture of what has happened in the 40 Jubilees of the New Testament Churches. So we will list them for you here before starting our study.
The Seven Old Testament Churches
1. Moses' Church at Sinai, which refused to go up the mount to hear from God (Ex. 20:18 -21). They preferred to send Moses and let him tell the Church what God said.
2. The Korah Church, where rebellious Levites desired to be priests, although they were not called by God. (Num. 16:10).
3. The Balaam Church, which joined itself to the Moabites by the council of Balaam (Num. 31:16). This problem extended later to Israel 's joining with the Canaanites, with the same idolatrous results. Temple worship was paganized.
4. The Jezebel Church, which is pictured in King Ahab's marriage to Jezebel, the Baal-worshipping princess of Sidon (1 Kings 16:31, 32). It is a time when the true prophets of God were persecuted (1 Kings 18:13).
5. The Remnant Church during the days of Elijah that was persecuted by Jezebel (1 Kings 19:14 -18).
6. The Hezekiah Church, which had enough strength and faith to forestall captivity and death long enough to bring forth his son, Manasseh (2 Kings 18-20). Then he sowed seeds of destruction by showing his wealth to the Babylonians. This Church ends with the captivity.
7. The Captivity Church, which seemed to prosper in Babylon. Most became too lukewarm to return to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple, because they were getting rich doing business in Babylon. Less than 50,000 returned (Ezra 2:64).
When we see how John describes the Seven Churches in Old Testament terms, it is apparent that there is a close association between the two. That which occurred in Israel in the Old Testament is being repeated in the 40 Jubilees of Church history since the day of Pentecost in Acts 2.
The Seven Churches of the New Testament run parallel to the Old Testament Church periods:
OT Church/NT Church Characteristics of Both
Moses/Ephesus Refusing to hear their first love
Korah/Smyrna The Rebellious Church
Balaam/Pergamos The Paganized Church
Jezebel/Thyatira The Persecuted Church
Remnant/Sardis The Remnant of Grace Church
Hezekiah/Philadelphia The Missionary Church
Captivity/Laodicea The Captive Church
The parallels run very close indeed, as we shall see in our study of Revelation 2 and 3.
Ephesus is the prototype of all churches that adhere closely to the Pauline model: orthodox in doctrine, separated in practice, independent in polity, and evangelistic in priority. Most churches during the Apostolic era remained within the fold of Ephesus. In modern times, Ephesus takes in all churches that may be properly designated as fundamental and independent. We noted earlier that Christ threatens to remove the candlestick of Ephesus. He is intimating that the church most vigilant in opposing error will disappear in the days when leaven pervades the lump.
Smyrna represents all churches under intense persecution. Such churches tend to develop certain features that set them apart as a distinct type. Denominational lines may become blurred. Organizational structures may weaken or disappear. Ordinary rites and observances may be neglected. Believers may gather in private homes or secluded places out-of-doors rather than in church buildings. Although churches like Smyrna became common early in church history, apparently they will disappear before Christ returns. We infer that as the Last Days draw to a close, all governments will, to some extent, tolerate the private exercise of religion. Yet to be a genuine Christian will not necessarily be easy. Public opinion may be hostile to Christianity. Christians may be targets of hate crimes. Many governments may seek to curtail the right of Christians to conduct evangelism and to rear children apart from state supervision.
Pergamos is the forerunner of all churches that cultivate sensational religious experience, while they downgrade the authority of the Scriptures. The first major proliferation of these churches occurred as a result of the Montanist movement in the early third century. Modern allies of Pergamos include the charismatics and Pentecostals.
Thyatira stands for all churches that possess an episcopalian form of government. These began to flourish after Christianity won the patronage of the Roman Emperor. Modern offshoots of Thyatira include the Anglican Church, the Orthodox churches, the Lutheran churches, and the Methodist churches. The Roman Catholic Church is "that woman Jezebel" (Rev. 2:20). (Please understand that this interpretation does not support hatred of Catholics. We should love Catholics no less than we love others. Christ censures not the people in Catholic churches, but the religious system that enthralls them and keeps them from Biblical truth.)
Sardis is Christ's name for all Presbyterian and Reformed churches. Since these have an excessive respect for human learning and human tradition, they readily become intellectual, cold, and worldly. Also, they are characteristically blind to any new and fuller illumination of prophecy. Some Baptist denominations reside in this group.
Philadelphia, which signifies "brotherly love," is embodied in the various Moravian and Brethren churches, especially in the assemblies of the Plymouth Brethren. These churches are characterized by a leveling of leaders and laity. Since Philadelphia is now reduced to an anemic remnant that hardly merits the praise we find in Revelation 3:7-13, we infer that there will be a great revival in Philadelphia.
Laodicea embraces all churches in which power is concentrated in a single pastor. This form of government, allowing the pastor to pursue his own vision with virtually no internal review or external oversight, is conducive to the building of prosperous churches. The many large, independent, evangelical (or neoevangelical, or neofundamentalist) churches we see about us today fit the pattern of Laodicea.
Christ's message to each church deals with certain strengths and weaknesses that have been typical down through history. Yet His concern is less for each church as it existed in the past than for each church as it will exist on the eve of His return. The seven letters are His counsel to the seven churches in the forms they will assume in the Last Days.
1. Ephesus ("desirable"), Rev 2:1-7 — The Apostolic church of the 1st century.
False Apostles teaching error (lies) enter the church Rev. 2:2
- Paul warns the elders of Ephesus in Acts 20:17, 29-30.}
- Liar (errors of the false Apostles) defined:
1 John 2:4 - Lawlessness (lasciviousness).
1 John 2:22 - Antichrist, deny Jesus is Christ (deny He came in the flesh, 1 John 4:1-3).
1 John 4:20 - Persecutes (1 John 3:12).
- Nicolaitanes (Rev 2:6, 9 Smyrna, 14-15 Pergamos) victory over the people, Nike (G3529) Laos (G2992).
Jude 4 - Lawlessness (lasciviousness), denying Jesus Christ.
Jude 11 - way of Cain (persecution), error of Balaam, usurpation/rebellion of Core (Korah - Num 16:1-3).
Jude 16-19 - speak blasphemy, ungodly lusts, lacking the Spirit.
● Parable of the sower — Matt 13:3-23. Mark 4:3-8, 14-20. Luke 8:5-15.
Fowls/birds defined as Satan (Matt.13:4, 19 - Mark 4:4, 15 - Luke 8:5, 12).
● Paul's epistle to the Ephesians.
2. Smyrna ("myrrh" or "sweet smelling"), Rev 2:8-11 — Persecuted by Ancient Pagan Rome. No criticism.
Apostasy, Synagogue of Satan - Say they are Jews but are not, blaspheme (Rev 2:9, 3:9 Philadelphia).
● Parable of the wheat and the tares — Matt 13:24-30, 36-43.
Field defined as the world (v. 38).
Tares are the wicked (v. 38) Seeds are the saved (v. 38).
Reapers are angels (v. 39).
● Paul's epistle to the Philippians (joy through suffering).
3. Pergamos ("elevated by marriage"), Rev 2:12-17 — pergos G4444 tower, gamos G1062 marriage
Satan's seat / Nicolaitanes / Apostasy / church-state union (4th-5th century).
● Parable of the mustard seed — Matt 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, Luke 13:19.
Birds defined as Satan (Matt.13:4, 19 - Mark 4:4, 15 - Luke 8:5, 12) See Rev 18:2, 19:17, 21.
● Paul's epistles to the Corinthians (married to the world).
4. Thyatira ("perpetual sacrifice"), Rev 2:18-29 — The church of the middle ages (6th-16th century).
The word Thyatira comes from the Greek "thuo" sacrifice G2380, and "ateires" unweary.
Jezebel - Rev 2:20, 1 Ki 21:1-26 (represents the Inquisition, Ahab = State, Jezebel = Church).
Rev 2:21 (space to repent), Elijah in the wilderness 1260 days (3 1/2 years) Luke 4:25, James 5:17, Rev 11:2-3, 12:6,14 (538-1798 A.D.) Apostate satanic doctrine in the church (Rev 2:24).
● Parable of the leaven — Matt 13:33, Luke 13:21-30.
Leaven is corrupt doctrine (Matt. 16:11-12).
Leaven is hypocrisy (Luke 12:1).
Leaven is malice and wickedness (1 Cor 5:8).
Unleavened bread is sincerity and truth (1 Cor 5:8).
● Paul's epistle to the Galatians (call out of religious externalism) See Gal 5:9.
5. Sardis ("red ones", from the sardius stone), Rev 3:1-6 — The Reformation era. No praise.
A dead church, but a faithful few remain.
● Parable of the treasure of the field — Matt 13:44.
Field defined as the world (v. 38).
● Paul's epistle to the Romans or Hebrews (salvation by faith).
6. Philadelphia ("brotherly love"), Rev 3:7-13 — The early 19th century to 1844. No criticism.
Church of the door opened by the Key of House of David - The Adventist movement proclaiming the 3 angel's messages of Revelation 14.
● Parable of the pearl of great price — Matt 13:45.
Oysters are unclean, the pearl only has value when separated from the unclean oyster (Rev 18:1-5).
● Paul's epistles to the Thessalonians (second coming not imminent).
7. Laodicea ("a people judged"), Rev 3:14-19 — From 1844 to the second coming. No praise.
● Parable of the net — Matt 13:47-50.
● Paul's epistle to the Colossians (told to exchange letters with Laodicea).
● Summary: Parable of the scribe — Matt 13:52.
The 7 churches of Revelation 2 & 3
First we give an outline of the seven Church Ages as described by John:
Ephesus: “Desirable” (33-64 AD)
Smyrna: “Bitter” or “Myrrh” (64-313 AD)
Pergamos: “Married to Power” (313-529 AD)
Thyatira: “Castle of the Goddess” (529-1517 AD)
Sardis: “Precious Stone, Remnant” (1517-1776 AD)
Philadelphia: “Brotherly Love” (1776-1914 AD)
Laodicea: “Power of the Laity” (1914-1993 AD)
Since there is so much that could be said about each of these churches, we will not write out the passages in Rev. 2 and 3. We hope that you will keep your Bible open and read through each passage before reading our comments.
These Seven Churches also have counterparts in the Old Testament Church (Israel). Understanding these types and shadows give us a more complete picture of what has happened in the 40 Jubilees of the New Testament Churches. So we will list them for you here before starting our study.
The Seven Old Testament Churches
1. Moses' Church at Sinai, which refused to go up the mount to hear from God (Ex. 20:18 -21). They preferred to send Moses and let him tell the Church what God said.
2. The Korah Church, where rebellious Levites desired to be priests, although they were not called by God. (Num. 16:10).
3. The Balaam Church, which joined itself to the Moabites by the council of Balaam (Num. 31:16). This problem extended later to Israel 's joining with the Canaanites, with the same idolatrous results. Temple worship was paganized.
4. The Jezebel Church, which is pictured in King Ahab's marriage to Jezebel, the Baal-worshipping princess of Sidon (1 Kings 16:31, 32). It is a time when the true prophets of God were persecuted (1 Kings 18:13).
5. The Remnant Church during the days of Elijah that was persecuted by Jezebel (1 Kings 19:14 -18).
6. The Hezekiah Church, which had enough strength and faith to forestall captivity and death long enough to bring forth his son, Manasseh (2 Kings 18-20). Then he sowed seeds of destruction by showing his wealth to the Babylonians. This Church ends with the captivity.
7. The Captivity Church, which seemed to prosper in Babylon. Most became too lukewarm to return to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple, because they were getting rich doing business in Babylon. Less than 50,000 returned (Ezra 2:64).
When we see how John describes the Seven Churches in Old Testament terms, it is apparent that there is a close association between the two. That which occurred in Israel in the Old Testament is being repeated in the 40 Jubilees of Church history since the day of Pentecost in Acts 2.
The Seven Churches of the New Testament run parallel to the Old Testament Church periods:
OT Church/NT Church Characteristics of Both
Moses/Ephesus Refusing to hear their first love
Korah/Smyrna The Rebellious Church
Balaam/Pergamos The Paganized Church
Jezebel/Thyatira The Persecuted Church
Remnant/Sardis The Remnant of Grace Church
Hezekiah/Philadelphia The Missionary Church
Captivity/Laodicea The Captive Church
The parallels run very close indeed, as we shall see in our study of Revelation 2 and 3.
Ephesus is the prototype of all churches that adhere closely to the Pauline model: orthodox in doctrine, separated in practice, independent in polity, and evangelistic in priority. Most churches during the Apostolic era remained within the fold of Ephesus. In modern times, Ephesus takes in all churches that may be properly designated as fundamental and independent. We noted earlier that Christ threatens to remove the candlestick of Ephesus. He is intimating that the church most vigilant in opposing error will disappear in the days when leaven pervades the lump.
Smyrna represents all churches under intense persecution. Such churches tend to develop certain features that set them apart as a distinct type. Denominational lines may become blurred. Organizational structures may weaken or disappear. Ordinary rites and observances may be neglected. Believers may gather in private homes or secluded places out-of-doors rather than in church buildings. Although churches like Smyrna became common early in church history, apparently they will disappear before Christ returns. We infer that as the Last Days draw to a close, all governments will, to some extent, tolerate the private exercise of religion. Yet to be a genuine Christian will not necessarily be easy. Public opinion may be hostile to Christianity. Christians may be targets of hate crimes. Many governments may seek to curtail the right of Christians to conduct evangelism and to rear children apart from state supervision.
Pergamos is the forerunner of all churches that cultivate sensational religious experience, while they downgrade the authority of the Scriptures. The first major proliferation of these churches occurred as a result of the Montanist movement in the early third century. Modern allies of Pergamos include the charismatics and Pentecostals.
Thyatira stands for all churches that possess an episcopalian form of government. These began to flourish after Christianity won the patronage of the Roman Emperor. Modern offshoots of Thyatira include the Anglican Church, the Orthodox churches, the Lutheran churches, and the Methodist churches. The Roman Catholic Church is "that woman Jezebel" (Rev. 2:20). (Please understand that this interpretation does not support hatred of Catholics. We should love Catholics no less than we love others. Christ censures not the people in Catholic churches, but the religious system that enthralls them and keeps them from Biblical truth.)
Sardis is Christ's name for all Presbyterian and Reformed churches. Since these have an excessive respect for human learning and human tradition, they readily become intellectual, cold, and worldly. Also, they are characteristically blind to any new and fuller illumination of prophecy. Some Baptist denominations reside in this group.
Philadelphia, which signifies "brotherly love," is embodied in the various Moravian and Brethren churches, especially in the assemblies of the Plymouth Brethren. These churches are characterized by a leveling of leaders and laity. Since Philadelphia is now reduced to an anemic remnant that hardly merits the praise we find in Revelation 3:7-13, we infer that there will be a great revival in Philadelphia.
Laodicea embraces all churches in which power is concentrated in a single pastor. This form of government, allowing the pastor to pursue his own vision with virtually no internal review or external oversight, is conducive to the building of prosperous churches. The many large, independent, evangelical (or neoevangelical, or neofundamentalist) churches we see about us today fit the pattern of Laodicea.
Christ's message to each church deals with certain strengths and weaknesses that have been typical down through history. Yet His concern is less for each church as it existed in the past than for each church as it will exist on the eve of His return. The seven letters are His counsel to the seven churches in the forms they will assume in the Last Days.