Ephesus was a rich and politically important city housing the Roman proconsul for Asia Minor. It also housed the temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Wealth, power, magic, and competing religions caused fireworks for the faithful here. This church had been commended for its love. Surrounded by symbols of how agreeable and interesting secular world can be, they were forced to keep a distance. They had tested false teachings and stayed dedicated to truth. But by resenting the secular world so they could stay away from it, the Christians grew cold. Yet whatever you do, if you lack love (1 Cor 13:1-3), you gain nothing. Ephesus was the new Christian center since Jews were tormenting Christians in Jerusalem and Israel. Which is why Jesus addresses them as the One who holds the churches in His hand (Rev 2:1) – He who knows and controls the churches. So, if they were removed from importance (Rev 2:5) it would be more than shocking to the whole of the Christian world. It is easy to grow active without loving; but then you lose your light. Never let the program replace the passion for the Lord.
Smyrna wanted to be first, ahead of Ephesus, but John makes a point to put Jesus first and last (Rev 2:8). The Christians there had almost nothing at all (Rev 2:9). The city was called “the Jewel of Asia” but the congregation of the church was mostly slaves or ex-slaves. It was the center of the Imperial Cult of Rome, and also had a large stronghold of traditional Jews who hated the Christian movement. And since the Christians were mostly converted Jews, much hatred and persecution with intense suffering left the Christians extremely poor. But they remained faithful. “Crown of Smyrna” was a local expression because of Smyrna’s many buildings. Jesus offered them a crown (Rev 2:10), not a diadem worn by a king to symbolize power, but a wreath awarded to the victor in games. Unfortunately they were to face even more persecution, but Jesus, the martyred and eternal Christ (Rev 2:8), guarantees they will receive the crown of new life. And though they may face death, Jesus promises they will escape the Second Death (Rev 2:11). God will not forsake any valiant saint! Therefore do not fear suffering, for the reward is great.
Pergamum boasted one of the finest libraries of antiquity, and had healing spas between two rivers. But had sordid surroundings that challenged their faith. The acropolis, a tall hill of the city, housed many temples. including one for Caesar Augustus (Rev 2:13). It was a political capital, and so a religious center for all Asia Minor, especially for Emperor worship. John pits Christ’s justice against Roman military law (Rev 2:12, 16), since martyrdom was well known in this city. It was one of the very few cities with the right to impose capital punishment. Jesus’ identity as a two-edged sword symbolizes His ability to separate believers from the world — the true Judge of God’s Word against false religion. The reference to Balaam (Rev 2:14) is as a stumbling block that causes weak Christians to fall into eating food sacrificed to idols. A little immorality here and there does hurt! A strong stance against false teaching and immoral practices must be kept. Jesus promises them manna, that He would supply and meet their needs, along with a white stone which signaled an easy life in a Roman court.
Thyatira was noted for its numerous trade guilds, especially bronze making (Rev 2:18). A small city with a small church, they were devoted to service, but with one “prophetess” gaining influence and teaching evil things to believers. Jezebel (Rev 2:20) was part of the church and thought by a few to be wise, but she lead people bit by bit into pagan worship. Christians knew idols were nothing, so food was just food. They had to share food to be sociable in the guild memberships. Paul warned them not to eat if weaker Christians were present, but John here flat out forbids it since Jezebel’s influence was so strong. “Satan’s deep secrets” (Rev 2:24) probably referred to the science of the day, since teachers said their “science” was from God whereas Jesus says it is from the devil instead. Blazing eyes and feet emphasize the indignation and righteous judgment of Jesus. His authority over the nations (Rev 2:26) is a reference to His coming judgment against anyone who misleads His loyal children. And the morning star (Rev 2:28) refers to His coming glory. They may have been weak, but they would rule the nations with Him.
Sardis was strong in the imperial cult, an ancient city that had risen in splendor but was in gradual decline ever since. The city sat between a river and mountains, and was rich in natural resources. They developed a good reputation as living the “good life”, but not “good” Christians. They were living on their past reputation; so what deeds they performed were for that reputation, not for Christ. The city had great wealth (making it irresponsible) and military might (making it overconfident), so it became soft and spoiled. Jesus is the holder of the spirits of God; spirit means “life giving” (Rev 3:1). Jesus wants them to understand they need to strengthen what faith remained among their flock as good shepherds, before it dies. Thief in the night (Rev 3:3) points out that Sardis had been taken captive twice at night before. Having your name in the Book of Life (Rev 3:5) declared you were a citizen of God’s kingdom, as opposed to the city records that guaranteed one’s citizenship only in that town. Only the kingdom citizens would be acknowledged before the Father (Rev 3:5). Our spiritual life must constantly be moving forward or it will move backward.
Philadelphia was a lesser city than the others, yet they had the power to keep the Word and Name holy. The city was situated at a narrow mountain pass, so it was a doorway to the East. But it was also a city of earthquakes, and a major highway, an imperial post road. There were many Jews in the city that opposed the Christian faith (Rev 3:9). The Key of David (Rev 3:7) symbolizes the power of the Messiah, holding the key to Israel’s future. John believed Christianity wasn’t a “new” religion, but the “true” religion of Abraham and Moses, a recovery back to their beliefs. Jesus says they had kept His Word, so He will keep them from the hour of trials. It is easy to be enthusiastic when we are winning, but often faith calls for us to simply to keep enduring. Christ promises the Christians who endure will be the pillars of God’s temple in reward for their stability (Rev 3:12). Jerusalem is the city of David, and has been promised to David in the future kingdom. So the New Jerusalem will honor the believers who endure, as military leaders were honored with pillars in their name. However weak we are, Jesus remains at the door for us.
Laodicea was one of the richest commercial cities under Roman rule. Jesus as the Ruler of God’s creation (Rev 3:14) is over and above this city that had so much wealth. They were complacent, but they lacked everything. Affluence caused them to close their eyes to their mediocrity(Rev 3:17): we may not be the best, but we are good and that’s good enough. No zeal, no conviction. Jesus wants His people to be fervent in spirit. Lukewarm (Rev 3:15) is a path for the devil, because God can use either hot or cold, but not “middle of the road”. Some Bible versions have “spit you out’ (Rev 3:16) but the Greek literally means “I will vomit you” – you make me nauseous! The Faithful and True Witness (Rev 3:14) was an effort to convince these believers that Jesus was ruler of God’s creation and His throne is the ultimate authority and dominion. John is saying, “Forget the glamour of wealth and re-find Christ” (Rev 3:18). Those who respond to the call will find chastisement true, but only in being made pure, and transformed into companions where Christ will gladly come and dine with them (Rev 3:20). Don’t let go of your commitment in order to grab the “good” life. Turn from spiritual pride and receive glory.
To him who overcomes — To John, the combat between good and evil was relentless, and fills our days and our efforts. Each city was a cosmopolitan center welcoming people from all around and entertaining ideas from everywhere in the world. All housed important temples and surrounded Christians with temptations to average out religious commitments to any one religious faith.
The messages of these churches are the same for the churches of today. Ephesus was a message to remember to love. Smyrna was a message of keeping faithfulness. Pergamum was a message against compromise and fortifying against false doctrines. Thyatira was a message of holiness, of not being seduced away from the faith. Sardis was a message of progress: keep moving for fall to the side. Philadelphia was a message of obedience, and we will be commended for any obedience we display. Laodicea was a message of commitment.
As Jesus tells the church at Sardis, so too we should heed His words. We are to keep what we have and repent of what we haven’t done. If we will obey the truth we already know, we can return to the once-vibrant spirituality we had on first believing. Jesus stands at the door of our lives and knocks. This is not an evangelistic challenge, but a gentle offer. Jesus welcomes any distanced believer to reestablish a relationship with God. He is eager to come in.
God's Word on That 