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Revelation of Jesus ChristThis book is a revelation from Jesus Christ about Himself. This is extremely important, for (1) it reveals Jesus’ evaluation of His churches 60-65 years after His resurrection and ascension to heaven, and (2) it discloses future events concerning the tribulation, God’s triumph over evil, the return of Christ to reign on earth, and the blessedness of God’s eternal Kingdom.

Blessed is he that readeth

Above all, it should draw us nearer to

Jesus Christ in faith, hope, and love.

We should read the book not only to understand God’s future program for the world and His people, but also to learn and apply the great spiritual principles emphasized in it.

This is the first of seven blessings found in Revelation, given to those who read, hear, and obey the things written in the book.

That believers must keep the commands of Revelation indicates that this a practical book with moral instructions and not a mere prophecy of the future.

To the Seven ChurchesRevelation is addressed to seven churches in Asia (located in what is now part of Western Turkey). Each particular church was comprised of various congregations. These churches were probably selected because they represented the totality of churches of that day, for the word “seven” stands for completion. What was said to them is meant for the church today. In other words, the “seven churches” represent all the churches of all ages.

Summary of Verses 9-201) Jesus Christ is pictured in the midst of the

seven churches.2) Christ has seven stars in His right hand –

the messengers to the churches derive their strength and authority from Christ.

3) Christ has on a special robe – He is our prophet, priest, and king.

4) Christ has on a golden girdle – He is our righteous servant.

5) Christ has white hair – He is the eternal one.

Summary of Verses 9-20

6) Christ has eyes like a flame – He has the ability to see what is within our hearts.

7) Christ has feet like brass – All that He is and does is righteous.

8) Christ has a voice like many waters – This symbolizes the power of His Word.

9) Christ’s countenance is like the sun – His glory is as bright as the sun.

Seven Candlesticks – These are actually stands that hold oil lamps, not candles; they represent the seven churches mentioned.

Seven Stars – These represent either angels who are assigned, each to a church, to assist it in its spiritual warfare, or the pastors of these churches.

Seven Golden Candlesticks & Seven

Stars

The “twoedged sword” represents the Word of God, which either cuts away sin from the churches and brings God’s grace, or cuts a church away from the kingdom of God in judgment.

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What do each of the Seven Letters have in common?

1) They begin with a brief salutation describing to whom the letter is written.

2) Each letter contains a description of the risen Lord, taken from John’s vision in chapter one.

3) Each letter contains a statement from the risen Lord assuring them that He knows their works.

4) Each letter is a brief characterization of the work of the church. There is a commendation of that which is good, and a condemnation of that which is evil.

5) Each letter has a reminder to the church that He is coming again.

6) Each letter has an admonition from Jesus to “hear”, or heed the warnings found within the letter.

7) Each letter has a promise to the ones who do heed the Words of Christ and overcome.

Message to Ephesus (“desired”)

REMEMBER

REPENT

RETURN

A.D. 30-100 Much as Christ desired

it, evangelistic, etc. Actively working for

Jesus. It was costing this

church to serve Jesus. They stayed in the battle

and remained faithful. They left their first love. Doing right things but

for wrong reasons.

Message to Smyrna (“myrrh”)

FEAR NOT

ENDURE TRIBULATION

BE FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH

A.D. 100-300 Church went through

much tribulation. The age of the

martyrs. Actively working for

Jesus. Poor as beggars

materially but rich as kings spiritually.

Message to Pergamos (“evil marriage”)

REPENT

DO NOT TOLERATE SIN

BE OVERCOMERS

A.D. 300-800 Constantine legalized

Christianity. He had whole cities

baptized. The church became

very worldly and corrupt.

There began to be a distinction between the laity and the clergy.

Message to Thyatira (“continual sacrifice”)

HOLD FAST

BE EMPOWERED

BE OVERCOMERS

A.D. 800-1500 Known as the “Dark

Ages”. Period when the Roman

Catholic Church ruled the world.

Historians call this period “The Reign of Filth”.

The church was the official voice of God.

Anyone who challenged the church was killed.

Message to Sardis (“those escaping”)

BE WATCHFULSTRENGTHENREMEMBERHOLD FAST

REPENTOVERCOME

A.D. 1500-1800 A remnant came out

of the Catholic Church that had become so wicked.

This was the period of the “Reformation”.

Martin Luther, John Bunyan, Wycliffe, Savanarola, John Huss, etc.

Message to Philadelphia (“brotherly love”)

HOLD FAST

BE RAPTURE READY

OVERCOME

A.D. 1800-1900 God opened the door

for the church during this period once again to spread the Gospel all over the world

William Carey, Spurgeon, D.L. Moody, Charles Finney, John Wesley, Adoniram Judson, Luther Rice, etc.

Message to Laodicea (“people ruling”)

BE ZEALOUS

REPENT

OPEN THE DOOR

A.D. 1900-the Rapture The church during this

period is characterized by unconcern for spiritual things, and is obsessed with self rule.

The church is wealthy, etc., but Jesus has been pushed outside.