Before you read this–I have encompassed a lot of information. The most improtant aspect I feel that each person should take note of are the STRENGTHS, FAULTS, INSTRUCTION AND PROMISES. Even though this was directed at the Seven Churches we can apply it to our own personal relationship and walk with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
EPHESUS: The city of change–was colonized by the Greeks no earlier than 1200 BC and was located near the Aegean Sea, providing a major harbor and caravan gateway for trade to all of Asia Minor and beyond. They worshipped Diana, the roman goddess of nature and fertility, identified with the Greek goddess Artemis. At the present day, Ephesus has all the appearancce of an inland city, caused by natural changes in the coastline. Paul founded the church at Ephesus.
Strength:hard work, patience, reject evil,
persevere–Faults:You have forgotten your first love (Christ)–Instruction:repent and do the works as you did at first–Promise:You will eat from the tree of life–(Rev 2:1-7)
SMYRNA: The city of life–a thriving seaport city now called Izmir, about 35 miles north of Ephesus. Founded as a Greek colonymore than 1000 years before Christ. It paralleled Ephesus in wealth, beauty and commerc. Boasted to be the city of the poet Homer. It was filled with pagen temples of Apollo, Asclepia, Aphrodite, Cybele, Emperor Tiberius, and Zeus. It was free city but gave full allegiance to the Roman Empire. Although the origin of the city is not mentioned in the Bible, the church was probably founded by believers from Ephesus.
Strength:endure your suffering and poverty, yet you are rich–Fault:none–Instruction:remain faithful even when facing prison, persecution, or death–Promise:I will give you the crown of life. You will not be hurt by the second death. (Rev 2:8-11)
PERGAMUM: The city of authority–founded no later than 399 BC, became the capital city of the Roman province in Asia giving the traveler the impression of a royal city, the home of authority. Located about 60 miles north of Smyrna and 15 miles from the Aegean Sea. It was a center of learning, medicine and religious books. The library, rivaling the Alexandrian library, drew many princes, priests and scholars. Noted for marble carving, it excelled the other six cities in architectural beauty. They worshiped Zeus Olympus, the savior-god, Athena, patron Goddes of Athens; the Roman Emperor, as god; Dionysus, god of vegetation; and Asclepius, god of healing. The animal cult workship of the God-Serpent and the God-Bull were also practiced. Some scholars believe that Gaius, addressed by John in the book of 3 John, was the first Bishop of Pergamum.
Strength:Loyalty to Christ, refused to deny Him–Faults:Tolerate cults, heresies, idolatry, and immorality–Instruction:repent–Promise:Hidden manna and a stone with a new name on it (Rev 2:12-17)
THYATIRA: Weakness made strong–a small town about 35 miles southeast of Pergamum, was founded by general Seleucid Nicator under Alexander the Great in about 300 BC. Military garrisons greatly strengthened the city which was noted for commerce and guilds such as tanners, copper-smiths, potters, and purpledyers. Object of workshop included the Emperor, the Thyatiran war hero, Tyrimnos, and trade guild gods, e.g., bronze smiths workshop the goddess was Pallas Athena. How the church was established is unknown but “Lydis, a sell of purple, of the city of Thyatira,” came to the Lord under Paul’s ministry in Philippi (Acts 16:14-15)
Strength:deeds, love, faith, service. Patient endurance, constant improment–Faults:tolerate cult, idolatry and immoraltiy–Instruction:judgment coming, repent, hold fast until I come–Promise:I will give you authority over the nations and gift of the morning star. (Rev 2:18-29)
SARDIS: The city of death–was founded in about 1200 BC and became the capital of the Lydian kingdom located 30 miles southeast of Thyatira. It stood on a lofty plateau above the Hermus valley. Sardis was twice defeated, once by King Cyrus of Persia (359 BC), and again by Antiochus IIIof Syria (218 BC). The wealth of the Lydian kings arose from trade and the commerce with the East. An impressive acropolis housed a temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Goddesses Artemis and Cybele were commemorated on local coinage. By the second century AD, Sardis lay in decay. Today Sardis is a small village called Sart. When and how the church there was started are unknown.
Strength:some have kept the faith–Faults:church is dead–Instruction:wake up, repent, turn to Jesus again, strengthen what little remains–Promise:faithful will walk with Jesus and not be blotted out of the book of life. (Rev 3:1-6)
PHILADELPHIA: The Missionary City–founded by King Attalus of Pergamum (140 BC), was located in the Hermus River Valley about 28 miles SE of Sardis. An earthquake destroyed the city in AD 17. It was rebuilt by Emperor Tiberius. Famous for its grape industry, adn was also noted for textiles and leather goods. It became a strong fortress city and was called the “gateway to the East.” Although Dionysis was the major pagan god, people also worshiped sun and serpent gods. The last of the Byzantine cities, was finally captured by the Turks in 1390. Christians lived there until the beginning of the 20th century. When and how the church was established there is not know, but it prospered for many centuries.
Strength:kept my work, have not denied my name–Fault:None–Instruction:I have placed before you an open door, I will keep you from the hour of trial–Promise:I will make you a pillar in the temple of my God. (Rev 3:7-13)
LAODICEA: The City of Compromise–was located on a fertile plain overlooking the Lycus River about 50 miles SE of Philadelphia. Became the capital of ancient Phrygia, was established by Antiochus II(261-246 BC) and named in honor of his sister-wife Laodice before their divorce in 253 BC. Being on a major trade route running from Ephesus to Syria, banking and the manufacture of expensive cloth made from soft black wool, enabled Laodicea to accumulate great wealth. Its medical school became famous for the development of an ear slave made of spice and Phrygian power. Zeus Azeus and Men Karou were the main Phrygian god. Cicero lived in Laodicea in 50 BC. Laodicea was so wealthy that when a massive earthquake destroyed the city in 60 AD, it refused aid from Rome and rebuilt at its own expense. Most scholars believe that Epaphras started the church there (Colossians 1:7, 4;12-13). Paul was aware of their spiritual struggles (Colossians 2:1)
Strength:none–Faults:neither hot nor cold, you rely on riches but don’t realize your wretched condition–Instruction:turn from indifference and repent–Promise:I will invite those who overcome to sit with me on my throne.
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