LETTERS TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES

A glance at a map will show that the seven churches were all located in the western edge of the Roman province of Asia (modern Turkey). Pergmum, Smyrna and Ephesus lay on the Aegean seacoast; Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea no more than 100 miles inland on rivers draining into that sea. All seven faced varying circumstances which impaired their faithful witness to Christ.

Ephesus is described as a passionless church. They had suffered and endured, but they had lost their enthusiasm for their faith. They also had some traitors – Nicolaitans – among them. Scholars presume that these were either Gnostics or another heretical sect that still retained some pagan practices such as idolatry and immorality, both rampant in Ephesus.

Smyrna, on the other hand, apparently struggled with a Jewish synagogue. They also were threatened with imprisonment and possibly death for their faith.

Pergamum felt serious oppression from Roman imperial authorities. Already one of their number had been martyred. The Nicolaitans also were causing them trouble, but were not being dealt with decisively.

Thyatira had been faithful but their witness had been compromised by a prophetess who still led some astray into sexual immorality and eating meat sacrificed to idols.

Sardis had fallen into a lazy participation in the life of faith, although some still maintained a vigorous witness.

Philadelphia also struggled with Judaizers, but were patiently enduring. Laodicea, however, had become complacent and lukewarm in their witness. They needed to repent and realize their true situation.

Like all of us today, none were perfect.