The Seven Churches of Asia Minor

All these churches had something in common, they were all encouraged to listen to what the Spirit was saying and reap the benefits provided. Five out of the seven churches were not operating at the level Christ expected, while two were encouraged for having suffered and persevered through very hard times. The other five were all rebuked and admonished to make changes or face the consequences of not listening to the voice of the Spirit. While there are apostles and prophets, pastors, preachers and teachers and evangelists: The Spirit of God through his word must be the dominant voice that is heard above all. It also shows that a church cannot effectively operate where the Spirit is not heard. The letters Jesus gave to John all had a certain pattern to them.

They were addressed to the angels of the churches; they were sent directly to the shepherd or overseer, he had the responsibility to make sure that the church as a body was informed about Christ’s findings and admonitions, and what steps they would be required to take to make corrections. The angel of the church was the messenger who God would hold accountable for taking or not taking steps to instruct the church and lead them “by example” into making the necessary changes. The interpretations of who are the angels differ among commentators, but regardless of who one concludes the angel might be: the messages are unchanged.

Another thing these churches all had in common is that there was a promise that if they did as they were instructed, they would be rewarded. God is a God of promises, and he will fulfil his promises because he is the almighty God, he needs no counsel, he is self-existent, and he decides all by himself: but the responsibility is always on the people who are instructed to do as God required of them in order to reap the benefits of his blessings. To follow God’s instructions historically has had tremendous benefits to his people. When one takes a look at these letters they bring to light Paul’s letter to Timothy concerning the application of God’s word to his life. In the same manner all who will apply God’s word to their daily lives, will reap the benefits to be derived.

Here is something of great interest, and worthy of observation; while Jesus sent the letters to all of the churches, he identified himself in seven different ways to each of them. A broader look will be taken when observing the different descriptions in looking at the churches individually. But here is a preview of how he introduced himself to the seven churches. One, Ephesus, he introduced himself this way, “These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks”. The second church is Smyrna, as he writes, “These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive”. Three, the church of Pergamos: “These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges” Church number four (Thyatira) he states, “These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass”. Church number five is the church of Sardis, “These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars”. The church of Philadelphia is no less interesting in how it is addressed: “These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth , and no man shutteth, and he that shutteth and no man openeth”. Church number seven, the final church is the church of Laodecia in which he states, “These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God”.

This should be an interesting study by looking at what all these different descriptions meant to the churches individually. The theme that followed consistently; no matter how he introduced himself, was his Omniscience, “I KNOW THY WORKS!”

They all have been through different experiences, and have had their own personalities, actions and reactions, but when it was all over they were all admonished in similar manner, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” This statement cannot be ignored at any point in the life of the church. One can only make wrongs right or build his hope and confidence by listening to the wooing of the Spirit. He is the one who searches the heart, reveals the world of sin and judgment, and instructs in the path of righteousness. Everyone individually, or all collectively should learn from this instruction and never fall in the predicament these churches found themselves in. There are always voices vying for the attention of the church. The devil is out like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, but likewise is the Spirit of God speaking constantly creating an awareness of the craftiness of the devil. So a listening ear must constantly be given to the voice of the Holy Spirit as He speaks. He does not always speak with a loud voice (as the devil does trying to convince men to listen) but often he reasons deep within the inner man with a still small voice.