Life in Sardis was comfortable and self-indulgent. Geographically the city existed on an acropolis 1500 feet above a valley floor. It was literally impregnable from three sides: from four sides if the watchmen would stay…
Read More
Write this at once to the messenger of the assembly at Sardis. These are the words of the One who is the exact essence and expression of God. He convicts, teaches, and comforts the local…
Read More
The church of Ephesus historically represents the apostolic church: orthodox and discerning, but cold and sterile. Smyrna was the persecuted church which remained faithful. The assembly at Pergamos was the compromising church; outwardly they gave…
Read More
To the messenger of the assembly of believers in Thyatira, write this urgent message. These are the direct words of God’s Son. His eyes glisten like blazing fire. His feet are like furnace-fired bronze. I…
Read More
Pergamum was the administrative center for Rome in Asia Minor in the first century. It served as the capital of the Roman province for 250 years. Its geographical location and political position in the region…
Read More
To the messenger of the assembly of believers in Pergamos, write this immediately and with urgency. The very meaning of your name, “married,” reflects an attitude common among you of compromise, acceptance, and tolerance toward…
Read More
The ancient city of Smyrna, located just thirty-five miles north of Ephesus, had a long and illustrious history. The city enjoyed an accessible harbor, a prosperous economy, fertile fields, and close ties with Rome. It…
Read More
To the messenger of the assembly of Christ-followers at Smyrna (whose name reflects the myrrh plant, which releases its fragrance when crushed), write this at once. This message is directly from the One who is…
Read More
The seven churches of Asia referred to in the book of Revelation were geographically identified assemblies of ordinary believers. They each had various conditions of terrain, politics, and economics. Each received their spiritual identity from…
Read More
Ephesus, your assembly is representative of the birth and early years of God’s community, the Church. From disciples and apostles and from Acts to the epistles, a foundation was established. You existed in a secular…
Read More
