Full-Proof Ministries

Though most, if not all commentators agree that the 7 letters of Revelation 2 and 3 were written to literal churches in the first century, we modern Christians could learn much from the struggles they faced and the problems they were exhorted to overcome.  It comes as no surprise that these passages are the most frequently preached in all of the Apocalypse.

I’m currently teaching through the book of Revelation to a group of teenagers in the area.  It would be impressive enough if these teens were just to come faithfully to any Bible study, but at this particular study, Joe and I are asking them to tackle subjects that many adults would rather avoid.  I’ve already mentioned that I’m teaching through Revelation.  On alternate weeks, Joe is teaching through a course on logic.  Like I said, it’s an impressive thing that they continue to come week after week to learn to rightly divide God’s Word.  Joe has obviously done a good job with them.

Anyway, back to the matter at hand.  I am going to start a series of posts on the seven churches we just covered, with points of application for each.  Every one of them offers something we can learn from – whether it is something to emulate or something to avoid.  It would be good to try to relate each of the items addressed to both the current climate of Evangelicalism in general, and to us (individuals) in particular.  I, for one, know that I struggle with many of the same issues these first century churches dealt with.

Before I do so, however, I want to give you a chance to “chew” on the passage yourself.  The Holy Spirit’s guidance far outweighs any insight I may have and is better than any commentary.  The passage, again, is Revelation 2:1-3:22 (though it would be helpful to read Revelation 1:1-20 as well since it sets the stage for the seven letters.)  Just mouse over the highlighted text and it will pop up on your screen in the English Standard Version.  For now, here’s a sneak peak at the upcoming posts for the 7 churches:

1.  Error-Free in Ephesus
2.  Standing in Smyrna
3.  Placating in Pergamum
4.  Thoughtless in Thyatira
5.  Sleeping on the Job in Sardis
6.  Faultless in Philadelphia
7.  Lukewarm in Laodicea

Each letter follows a similar structure wherein the Risen Christ is given a portrayal or description that unmistakably refers to His deity – most of them coming from titles used of God in chapter one.  Next, the church addressed is given praise for something they have done well (all but two receive some sort of praise).  The commendation is followed by a rebuke (two are excluded from rebuke).  The church is then given a solution to the situation they are facing, a consequence of disobedience and a promise for over-comers.  All the letters include the exhortation “He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.  It is noteworthy that although each letter was addressed to a specific church, each of the churches is invited to read the others’ mail!  The idea here is probably that each church could learn from the mistakes of the others even if they were at the time innocent of any of the particular problems of the others.

We’ll include links to some helpful resources as they become available to help you get the most out of your study of the seven churches.

Blank Chart for filling out the attributes of the 7 churches / Same Chart with Answers

Map of the seven churches of Asia

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Jeff Whittum is the Founder and Director of Full-Proof Ministries. Challenged by a close friend, Jeff set out to discover the intellectual basis for his faith. This led him to a deeper and more substantiated faith in Christ, ultimately founding Full-Proof to reach others who are searching.