Revelation 2–3
The seven letters
John is told to write what he sees and send it to the seven churches in Asia. The lamps are churches; the stars are their messengers. The One who walks among them still speaks.
- 01
Revelation 2:1–7
Ephesus
First love
The laboring church that left her love. Orthodoxy and labor without affection. Duty that replaced the first works of love.
- 02
Revelation 2:8–11
Smyrna
The crown
The suffering church with no rebuke. Fear none of those things which you shall suffer. Be faithful unto death.
- 03
Revelation 2:12–17
Pergamos
The sword
The church that dwells where Satan’s seat is. Compromise to belong. Mixing the holy with a pagan table. Teaching that makes peace with sexual sin and idolatry.
- 04
Revelation 2:18–29
Thyatira
Morning star
The church that tolerated Jezebel. Tolerance of a corrupting voice. Calling it love when it is refusal to confront what seduces the house.
- 05
Revelation 3:1–6
Sardis
White garments
The church that has a name that it lives. Reputation without reality. Motion without life. Unfinished works and a sleeping watch.
- 06
Revelation 3:7–13
Philadelphia
Open door
The church of little strength that kept the word. Hold that fast which you have, that no man take your crown.
- 07
Revelation 3:14–22
Laodicea
The knock
The lukewarm church that needed nothing. Comfortable self-sufficiency. A lukewarm life that does not feel its poverty. The Messiah outside, knocking.