THE LETTERS TO THE CHURCH IN REVELATION – PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

In approximately AD 96, during his exile to the island of Patmos John the Apostle received instructions to record what Jesus revealed to him in a book (Revelation), including seven letters to seven congregations in Asia minor (Revelation 2-3; see the map below).  The Table below summarizes the messages to these congregations, highlighting Jesus praise (commendation), reproof (condemnation), exhortation (counsel) and promised reward to the overcomer (compensation).

Table summarizing Revelation 2-3

Church	Character	Commendation	Condemnation	Counsel	Compensation
Ephesus	Loveless	Patiently enduring persecution, hate deeds of false teachers	Left your first love	Repent, do again your 1st works	Eat of Tree of Life
Smyrna	Persecuted	Rich in faith and good works in spite of tribulation and hypocrites	NONE	Be faithful unto death	Receive crown of life, not be hurt of second death
Pergamos	Compromising	Held firm to Jesus’ name and did not deny the faith	Tolerance of Nicolaitanes, Balaamism, compromise,idolatry, and immorality	Repent	Receive hidden manna, white stone, new name
Thyatira	Tolerance	Love, faith, patience, and good works	Tolerance of Jezebel,idolatry, immorality	Hold fast what you already have	Power over nations, Morning Star
Sardis	Dead	A few are not defiled	Dead works	Watch, strengthen what remains, hold fast, repent	White raiment, keep name in Book of Life
Philadelphia	Faithful	Kept the Word and not denied Jesus	NONE	Hold fast to the faith	Pillar in temple, keep from hour of temptation Have name of God
Laodicea	Lukewarm	NONE	Lukewarm, spiritually poor, blind, and naked	Secure gold tried in fire, white raiment, eyesalve, be zealous, repent	Sit with Christ on His throne and eat with H

 

Personal reflection questions

Considering the table above, prayerfully consider what Jesus would (1) write to your personally  or (2) to your congregation, would he write a letter such as the seven in Revelation 2-3:

1.a) Which of these commendations (or praises) could be said of you personally?  Why would you say so?

1.b) Which of these condemnations (or rebukes) convict your own heart? Why do you say so?

1.c) What will you do in response to this conviction?

2.a) Which of these commendations (or praises) could be said of your congregation as a whole?  Why would you say so?

2.b) Which of these condemnations (or rebukes) would be most for your congregation as a whole? Why do you say so?

2.c) In response to your answer above (2.b) what could you do to reform your congregation in response to your convictions above?

Prayer

Pray as the Lord leads you (a) for yourself and (b) for your congregation, and pray that you may be a bright light for Christ in your community.