The Seven Churches Which Are In Asia - Part 1

by Smith, A. K. | Category: The Seven Churches Which Are In Asia - Part 1 | Feb 1978

The Lord Jesus Christ sent a personal message to seven churches of God, reviewing their condition and progress. He was in the midst of them and as He surveyed the scene nothing could be hidden from His eyes. In Revelation chapters two and three His just appraisals of these churches are recorded for all to see.

Clearly the message to the seven churches are not given as a symbolic dispensational form of teaching but pertain to churches of God in existence at that time. The words of the Lord Jesus to the apostle John are, "Write therefore... the things which are, and the things which shall come to pass hereafter". "The things which are" refers to conditions at that time in those seven assemblies.

Ephesus

This was the largest city in Asia and the centre of Roman administration in that province. Here a church of God had been planted in the days of Paul and had become a centre of evangelism.

Unseen, the Lord Jesus views, not the grand organization of that capital city, but the assembly there. "I know", He says, "thy works, and thy toil and patience". The saints had fought against false teachers, impostors and liars. Paul had warned the elders of the church in Ephesus that from among their own selves there would arise men who would teach perverse things (see Acts 20:30).

It was to the credit of this church that they had executed judgement on

such men and separated from them. However, a spirit of inquisition and legality made them cold of heart. Although zealous to maintain the correct doctrine they had lost their first love. How sad to think that a church of God could be in this state! The Lord Jesus gives the remedy, "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent and do the first works". Their early motive for service was love for Christ. Is everything we do in our church activity done because we are constrained by the love of Christ?

A church of God that resists the pleading of Christ will eventually cease. Christ must be the centre of our worship, doctrine and service. A future reward awaited faithful saints: to eat of the tree of life in the new Jerusalem.

Smyrna

This was the most prosperous city in Asia Minor and many rich and powerful Jews lived there. They were bitterly opposed to the gospel. In that rich city the Lord Jesus sees a church of God in poverty as far as worldly affluence goes. Perhaps organized oppression, mob violence and even looting had caused their poverty. "I know thy tribulation, and thy poverty (but thou art rich)", says the Lord Jesus. Their riches were not the transient wealth of this world. They were rich in faith.

A period of great tribulation faced them, perhaps torture, imprisonment and even death. He introduces Himself as, "the First and the Last, which was dead and lived again". As He had conquered they too would overcome because they were on the victory side.

No word of censure was given to this church, only a strengthening message of exhortation. "Be thou faithful unto death", He says. Awaiting them was a crown of life given to those who endure trials and temptations (Jas. 1:12).

Pergamum

Behind this city stood a hill 1,000 feet high, covered with heathen temples. Foremost of all was the huge altar of Zeus on a platform cut out of a rock. However, there was something even more diabolical than this. In Pergamum a temple had been erected for the worship of Augustus, who was given divine honours. Many saints were slaughtered because they refused to worship that false god. Truly Satan's throne was in this wicked place.

The Lord Jesus is seen in warlike form as He addresses this church and appears as One who has the sharp two-edged sword. But He bears in mind their difficult circumstances and surroundings. "I know where thou dwellest, even where Satan's throne is". Christ also said they held fast to His name and had not denied His faith. These are two very commendable features of any church of God in an evil world. One such faithful saint, Antipas, had been cruelly martyred and the Lord tenderly owns him as His witness. Troubles from without were allowed for, but now there were serious troubles from within which were inexcusable. The teachings of Baalam and of the Nicolaitans were being introduced into the church and those who taught these needed to be silenced. These teachings were based on idolatry and immoral practices and though the scripture does not say that some actually practised these things, they may have been in grave danger of doing so. "Repent", commands the Lord Jesus, "or else I come to thee quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth". Anyone who seeks to introduce wrong, destructive teachings into churches of God and remains unrepentant must incur the swift judgement of the Lord.

Special rewards were offered to the overcomers here, the hidden manna and a white stone. Some suggest the hidden manna speaks of a special portion of Christ who described Himself as the Bread of Life. In the days of the Greek games a white stone was given to the victors and so one day the Lord Jesus Himself will present a distinctive prize for those conquerors.

(to be continued)

Smith, A. K. | Feb 1978
The Seven Churches Which Are In Asia - Part 1