Outline overview notes
The Seven Churches of Revelation
Outline overview:
| Church | Characteristic | Description of Jesus | Desired Response |
| Ephesus, the Steadfast (2:1–7) | Works hard, perseveres, rejects the wicked, endures, but left its first love | He walks among the seven lamps (is in heaven) | Return to first love |
| Smyrna, the Persecuted (2:8–11) | Suffers, is in poverty, endures persecution | He who died, is alive again | Remain faithful |
| Pergamum, the Morally Compromising (2:12–17) | Remains true, is faithful to death, but tolerates immorality | He holds a sharp, double-edged sword | Repent of evil ways |
| Thyatira, the Doctrinally Compromising (2:18–29) | Does more than at first, but tolerates immorality, false doctrine | Eyes of fire, feet of bronze | Hold to the truth |
| Sardis, the Counterfeit (3:1–6) | Reputed to be alive but spiritually dead, deeds are incomplete | Holds the Spirit, angels, in His hand | Wake up, obey what they have already heard |
| Philadelphia, the Obedient (3:7–13) | Has little strength yet has kept the Word, patiently endures | Holds the key of David (messianic authority) | Hold tight to what they have |
| Laodicea, the Materialistic (3:14–22) | Neither cold nor hot, wealthy, but poor spiritually | Ruler of creation | Be earnest, repent under discipline |
Another Approach to the Seven Churches
Some commentators have taken the seven churches of Revelation as contemporary churches which double as symbols of the Christian church through the ages. According to this view each church represents a period in church history, during which Christianity itself is marked by the characteristics specified in the related letter. Usually those who take this view related each church of Revelation 2–3 to the following periods.
Ephesus The Apostolic Age
Smyrna The post-apostolic era of persecution
Pergamum The Catholic era, during which the priesthood developed
Thyatira The Dark Ages
Sardis The Reformation
Philadelphia The “true church” of every age
Laodicea The “lukewarm” church of the twentieth century[1]
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[1]Richards, L. 1991. The Bible reader's companion. Includes index. Victor Books: Wheaton, Ill.