What do the 7 Churches of the Apocalypse mean?
The seven churches of the Apocalypse were real physical congregations when the apostle John wrote this puzzling last book of the Bible around 95 AD, but many scholars believe that the passages have a second hidden meaning.
The short letters are addressed to these seven specific churches of the Apocalypse:
Ephesus
Smyrna
Pergamum
Thyatira
Sardi
Philadelphia
Laodicea
Although these were not the only Christian churches existing at the time, they were the closest to John, scattered across Asia Minor in modern day Turkey.
Different letters, same format
Each of the letters is addressed to the "angel" of the church. It could have been a spiritual angel, a bishop or a pastor or the church itself. The first part includes a description of Jesus Christ, highly symbolic and different for each church.
The second part of each letter begins with "I know", emphasizing the omniscience of God. Jesus proceeds to praise the church for its merits or criticism for its flaws. The third part contains the exhortation, a spiritual instruction on how the church should repair its ways or a commendation for its faithfulness.
The fourth part concludes the message with the words: "Whoever has the ear, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches". The Holy Spirit is the presence of Christ on Earth, who guides and convinces forever to keep his followers on the right path.
Specific messages to 7 Churches of the Apocalypse
Some of these seven churches have come closer to the gospel than others. Jesus gave each one a short "report card".
Ephesus had "initially abandoned the love he had" (Revelation 2: 4, ESV). They lost their love for Christ, which in turn influenced the love they had for others.
Smyrna was warned that she was about to face the persecution. Jesus encouraged them to be faithful until death and would give them the crown of life - eternal life.
Pergamon was told to repent. He had fallen prey to a cult called Nicolaitans, heretics who taught that because their bodies were evil, only what they did with their spirit mattered. This led to sexual immorality and the consumption of food sacrificed to idols. Jesus said that those who had overcome such temptations would receive "hidden manna" and a "white stone", symbols of special blessings.
Thyatira had a false prophetess who led people astray. Jesus promised to give himself (the morning star) to those who resisted his wicked ways.
Sardis had a reputation for being dead or asleep. Jesus told them to wake up and repent. Those who did this would receive white clothes, their name would be listed in the book of life and would be proclaimed before God the Father.
Philadelphia endured patiently. Jesus committed himself to being with them in future trials, guaranteeing special honors in heaven, the New Jerusalem.
Laodicea had a lukewarm faith. Its members had become complacent because of the wealth of the city. To those who have returned to their ancient zeal, Jesus promised to share his authority in power.
Application to modern churches
Although John wrote these warnings about 2000 years ago, they still apply to Christian churches today. Christ remains the head of the Church worldwide, lovingly supervising it.
Many modern Christian churches have wandered from biblical truth, such as those that teach the gospel of prosperity or that do not believe in the Trinity. Others became lukewarm, their members simply followed the movements without any passion for God. Many churches in Asia and the Middle East face persecution. Increasingly popular are "progressive" churches that base their theology more on current culture than on the doctrine found in the Bible.
The huge number of denominations shows that thousands of churches were founded on little more than the stubbornness of their leaders. While these letters of Revelation are not as prophetic as other parts of that book, they warn today's drifting churches that discipline will come to those who do not repent.
Warnings for Individual Believers
Just as the Old Testament evidence of the nation of Israel is a metaphor for the individual's relationship with God, the warnings in the book of Revelation speak to every follower of Christ today. These letters serve as an indicator to reveal the faithfulness of each believer.
The Nicolaitans are gone, but millions of Christians are tempted by Internet pornography. Thyatira's false prophetess has been replaced by television preachers who avoid talking about Christ's atoning death for sin. Countless believers have turned from their love for Jesus into idolatrous material properties.
As in ancient times, repercussions continue to pose a danger to people who believe in Jesus Christ, but reading these short letters to the seven churches serves as a severe reminder. In a society flooded with temptation, they bring the Christian back to the First Commandment. Only the true God is worthy of our worship.