1. Revelation Letters to the Seven Churches Chapters 2 and 3

2. Map

3. 1. EPHESUS 2:1-7 Doctrinally Pre-Occupied Church JESUS: Sovereign Lord* 2:1, see 1:16 “… Him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lamp- stands.”

4. PRAISE: Preserved correct doctrine 2:2, 6 CRITICISM: Forsaken first love 2:4 ADVICE: Recapture initial responses OR removal 2:5 PROMISE: Eternal life 2:7

5. 2. SMYRNA 2:8-11 Suffering Church JESUS: Risen Lord* 2:8, see 1:17-18 “ … Him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.”

6. PRAISE: Endured Jewish persecution from synagogue of Satan 2:9 CRITICISM: None ADVICE: Persevere to martyrdom 2:10 PROMISE: Deliverance from second death 2:11

7. 3. PERGAMUM 2:12-17 Compromising Church JESUS: Warring Lord* 2:12, 16, see 1:16 “… Him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.”

8. PRAISE: Consistency in spite of opposition ~~Satan’s throne 2:13 ~~martyrdom of Antipas 2:13 CRITICISM: Practice of cultural conformity ~~error of Balaam ~~Nicolaitanism ADVICE: Repent OR Divine attack* 2:6 PROMISE: Satisfaction and security 2:17

9. 4. THYATIRA 2:18-29 Apostate Church JESUS: Judging Lord* 2:18, see 1:14-15 “… The Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.”

10. PRAISE: Increasing Christian activity 2:15 CRITICISM: Moral and religious complacency* 2:20 ADVICE: Hold fast in opposing false teaching OR death 2:22, 25 PROMISE: Rule with Christ 2:26-27

11. 5. SARDIS 3:1-6 Formalistic Church JESUS: Omniscient* Lord 3:1, see 1:16 “ … Him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.”

12. PRAISE: A few consistent Christians 3:4 CRITICISM: Complacent, empty profession 3:1-2 ADVICE: “Wake up” OR Divine intrusion 3:3 PROMISE: Acknowledged before God 3:5

13. 6. PHILADELPHIA 3:7-13 Loyal Church JESUS: Authoritative Lord 3:7 “…Him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.”

14. PRAISE: Endurance of Jewish persecution 3:8-10 CRITICISM: None ADVICE: Hold on to what you have 3:11 PROMISE: Preservation and security 3:10-12

15. 7. LAODICEA 3:14-22 Materialistic Church JESUS: Accurate Lord* 3:14 “… words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.”

16. PRAISE: None CRITICISM: Ineffective and self-reliant 3:15-16 ADVICE: “Open door” OR be permanently separated 3:16, 19-20 PROMISE: Fellowship and reign 3:20