Written by Adrian Isaacs

The second and third chapters of the Revelation present us with a fascinating and sobering perspective: a penetrating appraisal by the ascended Christ of His people. In Revelation 1:11, we are told that John was instructed to write on a scroll what he saw and to “send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.” These churches, located in Asia Minor in what is today Western Turkey, were thus the intended recipients of the Book of Revelation.

Chapters 2 and 3 of the Book focus entirely on these churches, and contain the risen Lord’s words as he corrects, chastises, compliments, and motivates His people. Though these were actual historical churches, they are also understood to be representative of types of churches beyond the immediate historical context. Thus, the messages to these seven churches have application to the wider body of Christ, including the church today.

The messages to the seven churches are sobering. Only two of the churches – Smyrna and Philadelphia – do not receive a rebuke from Christ. A particular strong rebuke is found in Christ’s message to the Laodiceans: “…because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth” (Rev. 3:16).

However, there is also encouragement. Even after chastising the Laodiceans, the tender mercy of Jesus is evident: “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent” (Rev. 3:19). The messages also contain promises from Christ to His faithful people. For example, He promised the church at Thyatira that the one who overcomes and does His will until the end would be given authority over the nations (Rev. 2:26).

As a church family, and as individual believers, these letters should alert us to the fact that Jesus knows. In each and every message, Jesus says “I know”. He knows our deeds, as He told most of the seven churches. This should remind us that the risen Lord sees us, and what we do – whether for self, or for His glory. He knows our tribulation, even as He knew the tribulation and poverty of the church at Smyrna. This should remind us that we have a loving Savior who is not blind to our trial and suffering. And He knows where we dwell, even as He knew where the saints at Pergamum dwelt – where Satan’s throne was. Let us be encouraged by this that Jesus is not blind to any particular difficulties we may face because of our cultural or geographic setting.

In each of the messages to the churches, Jesus said: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Let us heed Jesus’s admonishment and find correction as needed, as well as encouragement, through these seven messages.