“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: v1

Angel (angelos) also means messenger, some believe angel could be symbolic of the pastor or bishop.  The One (Jesus Christ)  who holds the 7 stars (Angels/Messengers)

The One (Jesus Christ) who walks among the 7 golden lampstands (Churches/Assemblies)

As we begin looking at The Letters to the 7 Churches, while these are real historical Churches, they are also profiles of the Church ages. They are also a symbolic example of other real Churches through history.

For example, the Church of Ephesus, here a real historical Church, started by the Apostle Paul, Pastored by Timothy, oversaw by the Apostle John himself, over time became known as the “Loveless Church” they lost sight of their first love in Christ. This could also be applied to many Churches throughout time, and representative of the 1rst Century Church

“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars v2

Jesus always starts with something positive or praise for the Church. This Church doesn’t tolerate false doctrine and test the Spirit (1 John 4) Jesus also recognizes the struggle and faith of the Church

One common theme is Jesus knows our deeds, He says this to all the Churches, Christ know everything about us, the good and bad, there is nothing that can be hidden from The Lord

and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. v3

Regardless of the Churches struggle, they endured for the name of Jesus, they put their faith and Christ and didn’t grow weary (Isaiah 44)

Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. v4-5

The Church of Ephesus has forgotten its first love, Jesus Christ. We see this a lot in most Churches today. The Church is more about the world then its about Christ. Jesus says REPENT or I’ll remove your Lampstand (Church/Assembly) . Repent or Christ will dissolve the Church!

One note the great falling away of the Church of Ephesus, I believe supports the historical belief that Revelation was written later, around 95 AD, to suggest Revelation was written before 70 AD, would suggest the Church of Ephesus fell away within a few years, which considering the great spiritual leaders they had in the Church (Paul, Timothy, John, it would be highly unlikely

But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. v6

The Nicolaitans were a heretic Church formed by former deacon of the Jerusalem Church. Nicolas was ordained by Peter by began implementing sexual immorality (debauchery) into his doctrine and split off.

As Jesus stated in the beginning, he commended the Church of Ephesus for not following the heretical teachings of Nicolas and staying true to the gospel.

This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism Acts 6:5

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”v7 

Jesus typically ends his letters with a word of encouragement for the Church. Notice Jesus references the Tree of Life, which was in the Garden of Eden, will also be in the New Heavens and Earth (Paradise of God) Eating from the Tree of Life means Eternal Life

Notice also Jesus ends each letter with “The Spirit says to the Churches” Christ is speaking to ALL Churches and not just specifically Ephesus. Also after Chapter 3, you will no longer here the message addressed to the Churches

“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, ‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: v8

Notice Jesus identifies himself as the First and Last (Isaiah 44) the same God identified himself in Isaiah. And has come to life (Resurrection) Jesus references his resurrection so there is no mistake who is speaking.

Thus says the LORD, the King and Redeemer of Israel, the LORD of Hosts: “I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God but Me. Isaiah 44:6

Church of Smyrna was known as the “Persecuted” Church, again even today, we see many persecuted Churches, especially in Nigeria, ect that could fit this profile.

“I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. v9

This Church is very poor by worldly standards but rich by Gods standards. Jesus recognizes their pain and suffering. And the religious Jews who mocked the Christians and accused them of blasphemy. However Jesus recognized these Jews as people of Satan.

The term Synagogue of Satan is introduced here, which many will use out of context, these are Jewish people who reject Jesus as Messiah, because of their unbelief in the Son of God, they are cut off as Children of God, nobody can come to The Father except through Christ (John 14:6)

Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father, but whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well. 1 John 2:23

Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. v10

Jesus warns them there will be persecution, imprisonment, and even death for some. So much for the prosperity gospel. But Jesus told them even if they lose their life for his sake , they will inherit the Crown of Life in Gods Kingdom. Notice this suffering is not the same as the 7 year tribulation, which Gods Wrath will be poured on the world

“Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” ’ v11

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Jesus has overcome the world, by defeating sin and death at the cross. Through Christ we can overcome also and not be hurt by the second death, meaning the final judgement! We inherit eternal life by the blood of Jesus Christ

Notice again “What The Spirit says to the Churches”

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: v12

Pergamos is known as the Compromising Church

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

The One (Jesus Christ) who has the sharp two-edged sword (The Word of God)…Jesus is the Living Word

“I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. v13

The Church/Assembly of Pergamum is a persecuted Church living in a very hostile and Anti-Christ area. Antipas was a Bishop of Pergamum and was ordained by the Apostle John, he was murdered for being a Christian, historians believe he was burned alive in a pagan brass bull,

Jesus references him as a “Faithful One”.  Jesus is telling the Persecuted Church, he sees and knows the suffering they had to endure

But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. v14

The Church of Pergamum is guilty of following False Doctrine passed down by Balaam through King Balak. This doctrine of SIN was used against Israel to destroy them from within. The same is going on with the Church of Pergamum, as they continue to practice immorality within the Church

While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab, / who also invited them to the sacrifices for their gods. And the people ate and bowed down to these gods. / So Israel joined in worshiping Baal of Peor, and the anger of the LORD burned against them. Numbers 25:1-3

Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate v15

As we noted earlier, Nicolaitans was a heretic Church that taught debauchery. Jesus rebuked other Churches for following this false doctrine. Its important we follow true doctrine from God and not manmade doctrine

Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. v16

Again The Word of God is referenced as a “Sword” Jesus defeats evil with Truth, which is the Word of God and is Jesus himself, the Living Word

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” ’ v17

Hidden Manna, remember Jesus is the “Bread of Life” Jesus is the Hidden Manna, the Bread sent down from Heaven by God. There are many theories on what the interpretation of the white stone may be, one thing we do know. Anything written in stone is permanent. Jesus is permanently writing your name in Paradise. That new name is your sanctification by the Holy Spirit

And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. John 6:35

“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, ‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: v18

The Church of Thyatira is known as the “Corrupt Church”, under the influence of the feminist spirit of Jezebel, many Churches today could be under this profile, as many Churches today are ruled by obedient women with the Jezebel Spirit

The description of Jesus (Son of God) having eyes of fire and feet of bronze, is most likely symbolic of judgement. Typically, Bronze is symbolic of judgement as its refined in the fire. This description is very similar to the prophet Daniels description

His body was like beryl, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude. Daniel 10:6

“I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. v19

Jesus acknowledges the work this Church has accomplished. And also acknowledges this Church is actually growing and not getting lazy

Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. v20

Notice even though Jezebel was a real person in the Old Testament, Jesus applies her wicked spirit to a false prophetess that has seduced the Church with her sexual immorality. You can’t help but correlate this to the WOKE Church of today, that embraces the feminist movement while celebrating sexual immorality in the Church

Jezebel was a Queen in Israel who persuaded her King husband to make Israel abandon the worship of Yahweh and worship false gods of Baal and Asherah. Jezebel went on to persecute and kill the true prophets of God. Again another Church that is following false doctrine instead of the Word of God

(Surely there was never one like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD, incited by his wife Jezebel. 1 Kings 21:25

And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. v21-22

Notice even though this Church is reluctant to Repent of its immorality, Jesus is still giving them time to Repent. This shows the great compassion and patience God has with us. Of course we need to come to repentance however if we fail to do so, its not Gods fault for our destruction. Its our own disobedience.

I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works. v23

Jesus references “Her Children” this would be a reference to the next generation of this Apostate Church, Christ will not allow this to continue! Unless these people repent and remove themselves under her authority, they will be cut off from the Kingdom and this Church will exist nomore

Put an end to the evil of the wicked, but establish the righteous, O righteous God who searches hearts and minds. Psalm 7:9

“Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. But hold fast what you have till I come. v24-25

Notice Jesus addresses part of the Church “to the rest”, “as many as do not have this doctrine” There are still some true believers within this corrupted Church. Don’t write off every Christian that’s in a corrupted Church, instead pull them out of the fire!

And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’— as I also have received from My Father; v26-27

Notice Christ will give the true Church, “power over the nations”, as noted by the Apostle Paul, we will judge the world with Christ!

Christ will rule the world, with a rod of Iron, this is in reference to the Millenial Reign, when Christ will setup His throne in Jerusalem

Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? / Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! 1 Corinthians 6:2-3

and I will give him the morning star. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ v28-29

In Revelation 22:16 , Jesus refers to himself as the BRIGHT Morning Star, now you would also note Lucifier (Satan) was referred to as a morning star (Isaiah 14) You will notice in Revelation, the Anti Christ will try to mimic the real Christ throughout history to get everyone to fall for him

But Jesus reveals he is the Bright or Real Morning Star, Lucifer is a fraud and will be defeated in the end with all his followers! Again Notice Christ says “The Spirit say to the Churches” Amen!