Comparison Chart Letters To The Seven Churches Of Revelation
Introduction
The book of Revelation is the last book of the New Testament, and it contains seven letters written by John to the seven churches in Asia Minor. These letters contain both commendations and rebukes from Jesus to each of the churches. In this article, we will compare and contrast the letters to the seven churches of Revelation, and see what we can learn from them.
The Church in Ephesus
The first letter is to the church in Ephesus, and Jesus commends them for their hard work, perseverance, and their hatred of false teachings. However, he rebukes them for leaving their first love, and urges them to repent and return to their first love.
The Church in Smyrna
The second letter is to the church in Smyrna, and Jesus commends them for their faithfulness even in the face of persecution and poverty. He encourages them to remain faithful and promises them the crown of life.
The Church in Pergamum
The third letter is to the church in Pergamum, and Jesus commends them for their faithfulness even in the face of persecution and false teachings. However, he rebukes them for tolerating the teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans, and urges them to repent.
The Church in Thyatira
The fourth letter is to the church in Thyatira, and Jesus commends them for their love, faith, service, and perseverance. However, he rebukes them for tolerating the teachings of Jezebel, and urges them to repent and hold fast to what they have until he comes.
The Church in Sardis
The fifth letter is to the church in Sardis, and Jesus rebukes them for being dead even though they have a reputation for being alive. He urges them to wake up, strengthen what remains, and repent.
The Church in Philadelphia
The sixth letter is to the church in Philadelphia, and Jesus commends them for their faithfulness, perseverance, and keeping his word. He promises them an open door that no one can shut, and that he will make their enemies acknowledge that he loves them.
The Church in Laodicea
The seventh and final letter is to the church in Laodicea, and Jesus rebukes them for being lukewarm, neither hot nor cold. He urges them to repent and buy from him gold refined in the fire, white clothes to wear, and salve to put on their eyes so that they can see.
Conclusion
These letters to the seven churches of Revelation contain both commendations and rebukes from Jesus to each of the churches. They serve as a warning and an encouragement to us as believers today, to remain faithful, hold fast to what we have, and repent when necessary. Let us learn from their examples and strive to be faithful to the end.
