Seven Historical Churches - Bible Prophecy Revelation

Revelation

Chapter 1

Part 8

INTRODUCTION

A. Four major approaches to the interpretation and study of Revelation.

1. Idealism (Spiritual, Symbolical, and Dramatic approach)

1) Depicts transcendent spiritual realities.

2) Reoccuring prophetic patterns.

3) Concerned with the Here and Now.

4) Relevant to all Christians throughout church history.

2) Spiritual types;

a. War of Light against the Darkness

b. Christ against Satan

c. Church against the World

d. Promotes church unity without stressing doctrine.

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. -- Rev 2:5 (KJV)

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. -- Rev 2:7 (KJV)

2. Preterism

1) Most popular method throughout theological circles.

2) History of Church and Imperial Rome of John's day.

a. Destruction of Jerusalem

b. Fall of the Roman Empire

c. Christianity victorious over Judaism

The 7 literal Churches of Asia in John's day ???

Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. -- Rev 1:11 (KJV)

NO EVIDENCE THAT ALL OF THESE SEVEN CHURCHES EXISTED IN JOHN'S DAY

1. Tertullian (145-220 A.D.) writes that no church existed

at Thyatira.

2. Epiphanius (367 A.D.) writes that John MUST have

wrote prophetically of a future church at Thyatira.

3. Council of Laodicea (363 A.D.)

a) Included 36 prominient bishops of Asia

b) Included the bishop of Ephesus

c) Rejected Book of Revelation as Non Canonical

The historical Church of Ephesus

Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; -- Rev 2:1 (KJV)

I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: -- Rev 2:2 (KJV)

And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. -- Rev 2:3 (KJV)

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. -- Rev 2:4 (KJV)

But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate. -- Rev 2:6 (KJV)

False Apostles Rev. 2:2

a. grievous wolves Acts 20:29-30

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. -- Acts 20:29 (KJV)

Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. -- Acts 20:30 (KJV)

Mystery Religions

Rome, Greece, Persia, Egypt, Babylon, etc.

Roman Imperial Cult

Worship of the Roman emperor as a god

Horus, Osiris, Isis

Worship of the Apollo, the Sun God

The Occult

Magic, Sorcery, Witchcraft, Augury, Divination, Necromancy,

Excorcism

Philosophy of Plato

Material World (Imperfect) V.S. Spiritual World (Perfect)

Gnosticism

Asceticism essential for salvation

Renounce lustful and sexual cravings

Kill the body to release the spirit

Neo-Platonism

Spirit of man is essentially good

Flesh of man is essentially evil

The two cannot be joined together, they are incompatible

incarnation of God and bodily ressurrection of man inconcievable

Epicureans

No divine purpose of design

No God created the universe, accidental collision of atoms

If the gods do exist, they would not be at all concerned with us

No life after death

Man should live on the earth for himself and his own pleasure

Stoicism

Universe has a divine purpose

Controlled by Absolute Reason

Man's personal desire should give way to the ultimate good of all

God is impersonal, not at all interested in man

God could not have sent his son, concept is absurd

Cynicism

Highest virtue of man is to abandon all fleshly desires

Man is a slave to his lusts, the only freedom his to abandon them

Life has nothing at all to do with rules and norms

Man is not accountable to anyone but himself

Skepticism

No absolute truth or standard by which one might be judged

Life is about personal experience

Experience is not positive or negative, it just is

There is nothing to be saved from

The historical city of Ephesus

1. Home of the Goddess Diana (rom.)

(Artemis grk.) Acts 19:35

a. Temple of Diana

1. One of the 7 wonders

2. Destroyed and rebuilt 7 times

b. "Purification with blood" was an ancient greek rite

2. Religion mixed with Magic arts Acts 19:19

3. Nicolaitans Rev 2:6

a. Irenaeus says disciples of Nicolas Acts 6:5

1. unrestrained indulgence (v. 1, p. 352)

2. indifference to adultery

3. indifference to eating things sacrificed to idols

b. Hippolytus says disciples of Nicolas

1. departed from true faith and doctrine (v. 5, p. 114)

c. Ignatius says false disciples of Nicolas

1. Nicolas was not the heretic but some falsely claimed

him as their apostle and teacher (v. 1, p. 71, 83)

The historical Church of Smyrna

And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; -- Rev 2:8 (KJV)

I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. -- Rev 2:9 (KJV)

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. -- Rev 2:10 (KJV)

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. -- Rev 2:11 (KJV)

The historical city of Smyrna

1. Famous for the martydom of Polycarp (155 A.D.)

2. Completely destroyed by earthquakes 178 - 180 A.D.

3. Birthplace of Homer (Not Simpson)

a. Strong influence of Olympian Theology

1. Homer and Hesiod are regarded as prophets

4. Myrrha was mother of Adonis (Tammuz)

a. suffering savior/death/ressurrection

b. Mother-Child Cult

The historical Church of Pergamum

And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; -- Rev 2:12 (KJV)

I know thy works and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. -- Rev 2:13 (KJV)

But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. -- Rev 2:14 (KJV)

So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. -- Rev 2:15 (KJV)

Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. -- Rev 2:16 (KJV)

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. -- Rev 2:17 (KJV)

The historical city of Pergamum

1. Became the capital of the Roman province of Asia

a. Satan's seat ???

b. Emperor worship - principal centre of imperial worship

2. The great gymnasium

3. The second largest library (Alexandria Egypt is #1)

a. 200,000 books

b. Ptolemy of Egypt, Papyrus, and the invention of

Codex (animal skin books) parchment (pergamena)

4. Religious center of the worship of Zeus.

a. Athena,

b. Dionysos,

c. Asklepios (serpent god)

1. people came from all over the world to be healed

2. a great world wide acknowledged shrine

5. Antipas was roasted in a brazen bull.

The historical Church of Thyatira

And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; -- Rev 2:18 (KJV)

I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. -- Rev 2:19 (KJV)

Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. -- Rev 2:20 (KJV)

And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. -- Rev 2:21 (KJV)

Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. -- Rev 2:22 (KJV)

And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. -- Rev 2:23 (KJV)

But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. -- Rev 2:24 (KJV)

But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. -- Rev 2:25 (KJV)

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: -- Rev 2:26 (KJV)

And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. -- Rev 2:27 (KJV)

And I will give him the morning star. -- Rev 2:28 (KJV)

The historical city of Thyatira

1. Most obvious peculiarity - Trade Guilds

a. Religious beliefs.

1. Tyrimnos (Apollo grk.) was patron of the guilds

2. Guild members must keep the pagan feasts

3. Gulid dictated accepted norms and lifestyles

b. Mandatory to belong to a guild (Masons, Lodges)

1. wool workers, linen workers, outer garments,

dyers, leather workers, potters, bakers, slave dealers,

bronze smiths, etc.

2. Jezebel taught it ok to be christian and belong to guild

a. Prophetess of the goddess Sambethe

1. uttered the oracles of the goddess.

2. Oracle of Delphi - prophetess of Apollo

b. whoredoms and witchcrafts 2 Ki 9:22

The historical Church of Sardis

And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. -- Rev 3:1 (KJV)

Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. -- Rev 3:2 (KJV)

Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. -- Rev 3:3 (KJV)

Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. -- Rev 3:4 (KJV)

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. -- Rev 3:5 (KJV)

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. -- Rev 3:6 (KJV)

The historical city of Sardis

1. Captial of Lydia.

a. Lydians were the first to mint precious metal coins

b. Government stamped with Lion's head.

1. Lion's head was the royal emblem of Sardis

c. Legendary King Midas and the golden touch

2. Worship of Artemis (Cybele) as protectress of the city

a. Also worshipped: Zeus, Heracles, Dionysus.

b. The Taurobolium rite (Cult of Attis)

1. Immortality achieve through bathing in a bulls blood.

c. Sexual orgies practiced at festivals in her honour

The historical Church of Philadelphia

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; -- Rev 3:7 (KJV)

I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. -- Rev 3:8 (KJV)

Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. -- Rev 3:9 (KJV)

Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. -- Rev 3:10 (KJV)

Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. -- Rev 3:11 (KJV)

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. -- Rev 3:12 (KJV)

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. -- Rev 3:13 (KJV)

The historical city of Philadelphia

1. Chief center of wine industry.

a. Worship of Dionysus

2. Great Opposition - Church and Jew.

a. Much attacks against the New Testament writings

1. refused acceptance of apostolic authority

b. Jewish Old Testament Canon

1. Unless I find it in the archives I will not believe it

c. historically noted for being center of christian prophecy

1. book of Revelation under tremendous attack

The historical Church of Laodicea

And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; -- Rev 3:14 (KJV)

I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. -- Rev 3:15 (KJV)

So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. -- Rev 3:16 (KJV)

Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: -- Rev 3:17 (KJV)

I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. -- Rev 3:18 (KJV)

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. -- Rev 3:19 (KJV)

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. -- Rev 3:20 (KJV)

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. -- Rev 3:21 (KJV)

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. -- Rev 3:22 (KJV)

The historical city of Laodicea

1. City founded by Antiochus II 261 B.C.

a. named after his wife Laodice

b. populated with Syrians and Jews from Babylon

2. Great medical school

a. pioneered the field of opthalmology

b. world renown for their eye powder

c. world renown for their glossy black wool

3. perhaps the richest commercial centres of the world

a. world renown for its banking

3. Historical

1) Most common protestant method historically.

2) History beginning with John and ending with second

coming.

3) Most prophecies already fulfilled.

4) Strong emphasis against the Papacy.

B. Value of this approach

1) Encourages familiarity with Church history;

i.e. persecutions.

2) Encourages holiness and church seperation from the

world.

The 7 Church Ages

The dispensation of Ephesus (70 - 170 A.D.)

Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; -- Rev 2:1 (KJV)

Ephesus means - to let go or relax

Home of the Goddess Diana (rom.)

(Artemis grk.) Acts 19:35

Temple of Diana

"Purification with blood" was an ancient greek rite

Religion mixed with Magic arts Acts 19:19

+++back+++

False Apostles Rev. 2:2

a. grievous wolves Acts 20:29-30

Home of the Goddess Diana (roman goddess)

Mystery Religions

Rome, Greece, Persia, Egypt, Babylon, etc.

Roman Imperial Cult

Worship of the Roman emperor as a god

Horus, Osiris, Isis

Worship of the Apollo, the Sun God

The Occult

Magic, Sorcery, Witchcraft, Augury, Divination, Necromancy,

Excorcism

+++back+++

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. -- Acts 20:29 (KJV)

Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. -- Acts 20:30 (KJV)

+++back+++

And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. -- Rev 2:3 (KJV)

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. -- Rev 2:4 (KJV)

Left its First Love - Backslidden

But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate. -- Rev 2:6 (KJV)

Trying to establish a new priesthood

Niko - to conquer and overthrow

Laos - the people or laity

Clergy: The appointment of

Bishops, Archbishops, Cardinals, Popes

Ecclesiastical priestly order

Clement of Rome (92-101 A.D.)

Ignatius of Antioch (110-116 A.D.)

thrown to wild beasts at Rome

as early as the writings of Clement of Rome 92-101 A.D.

1. Bishops authority is equated to that of the twelve

apostles as they are surely their successors.

2. Contention against the governing authorities of the

church are equated with contention against Aaron

and the high priesthood.

Ecclesiastical priestly order

as early as the writings of Ignatius 110 - 116 A.D.

1. No one could be baptized without the bishop

being present or providing his consent.

2. The bishop's authority was as one under Christ.

Nothing was to be done without his approval.

3. Priests were inferior to bishops but they alone

could offer or administer the sacraments.

4. Deacons were inferior to the priests and therefore

subject to the priests.

5. All members of the church were inferior to the priests

and subject to the priests.

The dispensation of Smyrna (170 - 312 A.D.)

Smyrna from the root meaning bitterness

means myrrh

Myrrh - ointment associated with death

1. Famous for the martydom of Polycarp (155 A.D.)

2. Completely destroyed by earthquakes 178 - 180 A.D.

+++back+++

And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; -- Rev 2:8 (KJV)

3. Birthplace of Homer (Not Simpson)

a. Strong influence of Olympian Theology

1. Homer and Hesiod are regarded as prophets

4. Myrrha was mother of Adonis (Tammuz)

a. suffering savior/death/ressurrection

b. Mother-Child Cult

c. Woman would mourn and weep 40 days for Tammuz

I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. -- Rev 2:9 (KJV)

Irenaeus of Lyons (177-200 A.D.)

Clement of Alexandria (150-215 A.D.)

Tertullian (150-220 A.D.)

*** Tertullian is credited with

a. the doctrine of the trinity

b. invention of ecclesiastical Latin

c. in-depth teachings on water baptism

1. regeneration by water baptism

2. only covers sins before baptism

d. introduced the doctrine of penance

1. seven mortal sins which are considered

unforgivable after baptism

e. taught extreme asceticism in his later life

f. taught the imminent incarnation of the Holy Spirit

g. Apostles ONLY (not all christians)

have the filling of the Holy Ghost with all

power of tongues, healings, prophesy, etc.

h. recognized the Holy Spirit as the

ONLY Vicar of Christ

i. branded a heretic himself

j. taught the primacy of Rome until his later life