Seven Churches of Asia Revelation Chapters 2 and 3

1 Ephesus 2 Smyrna 3 Pergamos 4 Thyatira 5 Sardis 6 Philadelphia 7 Laodicea

Ephesus Smyrna The Church at Smyrna Starts at Ephesus

Revelation 2:8-11

Name of city - Semitic word“myrrh” Built in 1312 B.C. Highly developed city Main street paved with gold “The flower of Asia”

Agora in Smyrna

Underground Agora

Agora Spring & Cryptoporticus

Izmir - population over 200,000

Idol Worship Zeus Dionysius - wine god Homer - poet Meles – river god EmperorWorship

Beginning of Church No record of it’s establishment May have started when Paul was in Ephesus

“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 Introducing Sender

Angel – read it to the church First and last - eternal Dead and Alive Sender

“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 Praise

I Know Tribulation – Persecution Poverty – Christians were poor But they were rich

The Rich – Poor Church Poor in Money $ Rich in faith – Jas. 2:5 Poor before Men Rich before God

Blasphemy Spoke against Christians Synagogue of Satan Those who act like the Devil are his servants !

Rev. 2:10 “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 Prophecy

Fear Not – more trials to come Devil cast into prison ten days Be Faithful unto Death - martyr Crown of Life Polycarp

Rev. 2:11 “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 Praise

He that hath an ear Hear what the Spirit saith Overcome – -- Not hurt by 2 nd death

The Unbeliever dies and finds another death awaiting him. The Believer dies and finds another life awaiting him!

1. I Know – Christ knows… 2. We will have tribulations 3. Must be faithful to receive crown of life 4. Fear the second death

Christ tasted death for every man, so we would not have to taste the second death Christ tasted death for every man, so we would not have to taste the second death.

1 Ephesus 2 Smyrna 3 Pergamos 4 Thyatira 5 Sardis 6 Philadelphia 7 Laodicea

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