Revelation 2-3: The Letters to the Seven Churches in Asia

1.    To Ephesus (2:1-7)

a.    Characterization of Christ (1)

                                                             i.      The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand

                                                           ii.      The One who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands

b.    Commendation (2-3)

                                                             i.      I know your works, labor, patience, and intolerance for evil

                                                           ii.      Tested those who claimed to be apostles and proven them false

                                                         iii.      Persevered for My sake and not grown weary

c.     Condemnation: You have left your first love (4)

d.    Correction (5)

                                                             i.      Remember, Repent, and Renew

                                                           ii.      Otherwise I am coming quickly and will remove your lampstand

e.    Concession: You do hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans (6)

f.      Conclusion (7)

                                                             i.      He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches

                                                           ii.      He who overcomes will eat of tree of life in the Paradise of God

2.    To Smyrna (2:8-11)

a.    Characterization of Christ (8)

                                                             i.      The first and the last

                                                           ii.      Who was dead and has come to life

b.    Commendation (9)

                                                             i.      I know your tribulation, your poverty, and your true wealth

                                                           ii.      I know the blasphemy of false Jews who are a synagogue of Satan

c.     Comfort and Encourage (10)

                                                             i.      Do not fear the tribulation you must endure

                                                           ii.      Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life

d.    Conclusion (11)

                                                             i.      He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches

                                                           ii.      He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death

3.    To Pergamos (2:12-17)

a.    Characterization of Christ: Who has the sharp, two-edged sword (12)

b.    Commendation (13)

                                                             i.      I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is

                                                           ii.      You did not deny My faith even when Antipas was killed

c.     Condemnation (14-15)

                                                             i.      Tolerate teaching of Balaam: stumbling block, idol-meat, immorality

                                                           ii.      Tolerate teaching of the Nicolaitans

d.    Correction (16)

                                                             i.      Repent

                                                           ii.      Otherwise I am coming quickly to make war with My sword

e.    Conclusion (17)

                                                             i.      He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches

                                                           ii.      He who overcomes will have hidden manna, white stone, new name

4.    To Thyatira (2:18-29)

a.    Characterization of Christ (18)

                                                             i.      The Son of God

                                                           ii.      Who has eyes like a flame of fire and feet like fine brass

b.    Commendation (19)

                                                             i.      I know your deeds, love, faith, service, and perseverance

                                                           ii.      Your recent deeds are more than your first

c.     Condemnation (20-21)

                                                             i.      Tolerate Jezebel who teaches saints fornication and to eat w/ idols

                                                           ii.      I gave her time to repent, but she has not repented

d.    Correction (22-25)

                                                             i.      Judgment on wicked: sickness, tribulation, death

                                                           ii.      Judgment for righteous: no other burden, hold fast till I come

e.    Conclusion (26-27)

                                                             i.      He who overcomes will share in authority of Christ and morning star

                                                           ii.      He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches

5.    To Sardis (3:1-6)

a.    Characterization of Christ (1a)

                                                             i.      He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars

b.    Condemnation (1b)

                                                             i.      I know your deeds You have a name that you live, but you are dead

c.     Correction (2-3)

                                                             i.      Wake up and strengthen what is about to die

                                                           ii.      Remember, retain, and repent

                                                         iii.      If you do not, I will come like a thief when you do not expect it

d.    Concession (4)

                                                             i.      A few in Sardis have not defiled their garments

                                                           ii.      They will walk with Me in white because they are worthy

e.    Conclusion (5-6)

                                                             i.      He who overcomes will be clothed in white, recorded and confessed

                                                           ii.      He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches

6.    To Philadelphia (3:7-13)

a.    Characterization of Christ (7)

                                                             i.      He who is holy and true

                                                           ii.      He who has David’s key to open and shut and no one can alter it

b.    Commendation: I know your deeds (8a)

c.     Comfort and Encouragement (8b-11)

                                                             i.      I have opened a door which no one can shut

1.    Because you have a little power and have not denied My name

                                                           ii.      I will cause Satan’s synagogue to bow to you and know I love you

                                                         iii.      I will keep you from the hour of testing coming on the whole world

                                                         iv.      I am coming quickly: hold fast so you don’t lose your crown

d.    Conclusion (12-13)

                                                             i.      He who overcomes will be pillar in God’s temple and wear new name

                                                           ii.      He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches

7.    To Laodicea (3:14-22)

a.    Characterization of Christ (14)

                                                             i.      The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness

                                                           ii.      The Beginning of the creation of God

b.    Condemnation (15-16)

                                                             i.      I know your deeds that you are lukewarm

                                                           ii.      Because you are lukewarm, I will vomit you out of My mouth

c.     Correction (17-20)

                                                             i.      Since you are proud and do not realize your miserable state…

2.    Buy gold from Me to be truly rich

3.    Buy white garments from Me to be truly clothed

4.    Buy eye salve from Me to be able to truly see

                                                           ii.      Whoever I love I rebuke and discipline, so be zealous and repent

                                                         iii.      I knock at the door; I will dine with the one who opens to Me

d.    Conclusion (21-22)

                                                             i.      He who overcomes will sit with Me on My throne

                                                           ii.      He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches

Summary of the Seven Churches in Asia