Letters To The Seven Churches In Revelation Chart
The Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, is the last book of the New Testament. It is a prophetic book that contains a series of visions given to the apostle John by Jesus Christ. Among the many topics covered in the Book of Revelation are the seven churches of Asia Minor, to whom letters were addressed by Jesus. These letters are recorded in chapters two and three of the Book of Revelation and are commonly referred to as the Letters to the Seven Churches in Revelation Chart.
The Seven Churches
The seven churches were located in the Roman province of Asia, which is modern-day Turkey. They were the churches in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Each of these churches received a letter from Jesus Christ, which was intended to address their particular situation and commend or reprove them for their spiritual condition.
The Letters
The letters to the seven churches in Revelation chart are structured in a similar way. Each letter begins with an address to the church, followed by a statement about Jesus Christ's knowledge of their works. Then, a commendation or reproof is given, followed by a warning or exhortation. Finally, each letter concludes with a promise to the one who overcomes.
The Letter to Ephesus
The first letter is addressed to the church in Ephesus. Jesus commends them for their works, labor, and patience, but rebukes them for leaving their first love. He exhorts them to repent and promises that they will eat from the tree of life in the paradise of God.
The Letter to Smyrna
The second letter is addressed to the church in Smyrna. Jesus commends them for their tribulation and poverty, but warns them of upcoming persecution. He encourages them to be faithful unto death and promises them the crown of life.
The Letter to Pergamum
The third letter is addressed to the church in Pergamum. Jesus commends them for holding fast to His name, but rebukes them for tolerating false teachers who taught the doctrine of Balaam and the Nicolaitans. He warns them to repent or else He will come and fight against them with the sword of His mouth. He promises to give the one who overcomes hidden manna and a white stone with a new name written on it.
The Letter to Thyatira
The fourth letter is addressed to the church in Thyatira. Jesus commends them for their works, love, and faith, but rebukes them for tolerating Jezebel, who taught and seduced His servants to commit sexual immorality and eat food sacrificed to idols. He warns them to repent or else He will cast them into great tribulation. He promises to give the one who overcomes power over the nations and the morning star.
The Letter to Sardis
The fifth letter is addressed to the church in Sardis. Jesus rebukes them for their dead works and warns them to wake up and strengthen what remains, which is about to die. He promises to give the one who overcomes white garments and to not blot out his name from the Book of Life.
The Letter to Philadelphia
The sixth letter is addressed to the church in Philadelphia. Jesus commends them for their little strength and for keeping His word and not denying His name. He promises to keep them from the hour of trial that is coming upon the whole world and to make them a pillar in the temple of His God with a new name written on them.
The Letter to Laodicea
The seventh and final letter is addressed to the church in Laodicea. Jesus rebukes them for being lukewarm and neither cold nor hot. He warns them to buy from Him gold refined in the fire, white garments, and eye salve. He promises to stand at the door and knock, and to the one who opens the door, He will come in and dine with him.
Conclusion
The Letters to the Seven Churches in Revelation Chart are a valuable resource for Christians who seek to understand the spiritual condition of the church. They provide a clear picture of what pleases and displeases God and offer hope and encouragement to those who overcome. May we take heed to the words of Jesus and strive to be faithful, even in the midst of persecution and tribulation.
