In Revelation, in the vision of John, on the Greek Island of Patmos, Jesus Christ instructs his servant, to "write on a scroll what you see and send it to the 7 churches of Asia Minor: to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamos, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.
The purpose of the letters is to communicate with them and meet their needs revealing 7 different types of individuals in the form of churches throughout history and instruct them in God's Truth.
Each of the 7 churches describes issues that fit Christ's Church in any time in its history.
- Ephesus: the church that had forsaken its first love.
He speaks of the 7 stars and 7 lamp-stands. The lamp-stands symbolize the expectation that each of the 7 individuals have as a bright and shining light. The seven stars symbolize the 7 Guardian Spirits. Jesus emphasizes that he holds these stars in his right hand and they are secure in Him as well as dependent on Him.
Soul's Insight: "I know your deeds, hard work, and perseverance. You have not grown weary. I know what you are doing, and you are doing it well (and I know what you are refusing, and that you are right in your refusal). "
- Smyrma: the church that suffer persecution.
Jesus is the first and the last, the one who died and came to life again. He is the alpha and omega and everything in between. Jesus lives in the power of endless life.
Soul's Insight: "I know your afflictions and poverty, and yet you are rich. I know the challenging circumstances under which you live, and are destitute in material things, but are strong in faith and rich in spirit. Be encouraged."
- Pergamum: the church that needed to repent.
Jesus has the sharp, double-edged sword. He is in the position of authority and power and when he wields authority, it is a blessing for those who follow and a condemnation for those who do not.
Criticism: "Yet I hold this against you, 'You have held to teachings of traitors, ate food sacrificed to idols, committed sexual impurity, etc. You are leading (encouraging even) people away from the teachings from Jesus and moving people toward idolatry -putting created things before the creator (to be interested more in the temporal than in the spiritual). This leads to immoral behavior.' "
Soul's Insight: "I know where you live, where Satan has his throne, and you remain true to My Name."
- Thyatira: the church that have a false prophetess.
Jesus is one whose eyes are like blazing fire and his feet are like burnished bronze. He has penetrating insight and wisdom in all things. He is also swift to move and in action, and will perform quickly to do what needs to be done.
- Sardis: the church that have fallen asleep.
Jesus holds the 7 Spirits of God, the 7 stars, and the 7-fold Spirit of God. He holds those in leadership in his hands, and also provides the 7-fold Graces of the Spirit.
- Philadelphia: the church that endures patiently.
Jesus is the one who is Holy and True, who holds the key of David. What He opens, no one can shut; what He shuts, no one can open.
- Laodicea: the church with the lukewarm faith.
Jesus is the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. Jesus is the exclamation of what God is saying. He is faithful to all God is, totally true, and is the ruler of all God's creation. He has glorious authority.
Criticism: "Yet I hold this against you, 'You have such an exaggerated opinion of your importance and effectiveness, that it has become misleading. You are not even close to being the church that you think you are.' "
The letters follow identical formats, and each letter has 7 sections: 1) Greetings, 2) Descriptive title for Jesus, 3) Insights into the personal life, 4) Constructive criticisms, 5) Warnings and instructions, 6) Final exhortations, 7) Promises and assurances.
Jesus promises that, for those who overcome, there are untold blessings to come, and Jesus assures the individual, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. Anyone who hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in, I will eat with him and they with me."
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