They were mocked and persecuted for their faith, and it was going to get worse before it got better. Some of these questions may not have good answers until the Lord returns. In addition to the description of his shining appearance, John sees Jesus standing among seven golden lampstands, holding seven stars … Answer: In Revelation chapters 1—3, “seven stars” are referenced four times. B. 16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. All rights reserved. Thyatira — The Adulterous Church (Revelation 2:18-29) Some Christians and churches feel a need to … They are the seven “sister-churches” in Asia Minor that are mentioned in Revelation 1-3. 2:8-11, 3:7-13 SUMMARY: A church that is successful in God's eyes has characteristics that are likely to be completely out of place to those whose standards are … The Lord said, “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. In March 2019, the Lord woke me up in the middle of the night to teach me about what he called, ‘The Seven Mysteries’ of the bible. In the first chapter of Revelation, the glorified Christ appears to John to give him messages for the seven churches of Asia. The church was not beyond hope, but it needed to find that passion for Christ again. Some of these cities do not exist today like they did during John’s day, such as Pergamum. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue. The Book of the Apocalypse, by John of Patmos, is filled with many symbols. 5 In this context, Jesus proclaimed that He, … 58: The Prophecy (Revelation 1-5). The Church at Ephesus received a letter, the Book of Ephesians, from the Apostle Paul. Only He "walks" among the churches. The church at Ephesus was weak because they had. and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. I am going to presume that you will have the diligence to go and read these chapters for yourselves. Though they would suffer in this life, God had a reward for them. The Lord had seven messages to give before He revealed the visions of the End Times to John, which set the pattern of seven throughout the book. “He that holdeth the seven stars [the leaders of the seven churches] in his right hand” (2:1). It was to these seven churches that John was instructed to write the Lord’s letters. Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7): known for having labored hard and not fainted, and separating themselves from the wicked; admonished for having forsaken its first love (2:4); Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11): admired for its tribulation and poverty; forecast to suffer persecution (2:10) This number shows the completeness of God’s wrath, as well as the perfection of His love throughout the Bible, and becomes a motif in the Last Days. [264:3] But though the symbol of the stars has been thus interpreted by Christ, the interpretation itself has been the subject of considerable discussion. THE SEVEN STARS AND THE SEVEN CANDLESTICKS. In Revelation Chapter 1, John sees a wonderful vision, of Jesus Christ in his glory and standing in the midst of Seven Lambstands with seven stars in his right hand. Thru the Bible Vol. 3:1-6, 14-21 SUMMARY: Even churches that are about to die can receive mercy and new life by responding Christ's warnings and repenting. And … Like Sardis, Laodicea had an abundance of resources but held an indifferent spirit - described as lukewarm - toward the Lord. We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. 2. character of each church. The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 1:20) As Jesus then gives a message to each of the seven churches in Revelation 2-3, he begins each address with the words "To the angel of the church in _____ write", with the name of … The seven stars are aligned in the shape of a question mark. None given “Fear none of … When Jesus spoke of the seven stars as seven angels, our first question is, “Was He speaking of heavenly angels that preside over … The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. 20 As for the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. Your email address will not be published. Rev 1:5. The age of the Church is the period between the time of Adam right up till today. All of them are located in the Asia Minor, present-day Turkey. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. Revelation 4:5: 5 Out from the throne come flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder. the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven lamps stands are the seven churches and then turn to Chapter two. The seven stars in John’s vision (Rev 1-3) were interpreted to him by the spiritual guest to mean seven angels. Every church, local body, will exemplify one of these seven churches.? The sevens are constantly repeated through Revelation. They are the angels of the seven churches (Revelation 1:20). Article Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. These churches were seven real churches at the time, and some believe they represent seven church ages, while others argue they represent seven church types that have existed since the church began, and will exist until Christ returns. The seven churches are named for their locations. Grace Bay: World’s Best Beach. They epitomized a church that seemed good, but many had cold hearts toward the Lord. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: The seven stars become the messengers of Jesus being sent to each church and witness the words of Holy Spirit with the Guardian Angel. Revelation, An Expository Commentary. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. The Seven, often known as the Seven Deacons, were leaders elected by the Early Christian church to minister to the community of believers in Jerusalem, to enable the Apostles to concentrate on 'prayer and the Ministry of the Word' and to address a concern raised by Greek-speaking believers about their widows being overlooked in the daily diakonia or ministry. When John had seen enough, he fell out like one who had died. Much of this prophecy is shrouded in description that can be confusing, and many theologians debate the extent of what is symbolic and what is literal in the visions described by John the Apostle. Christ was standing in His rightful place in the midst of the … 19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; 20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. SYNOPSIS : The visitation of Jesus to each of the Seven Churches prepares the reader to understand the visions that follow the letters to the churches of Asia. Salem Media Group. Related Topics: Age, Church, End Times, Mystery, Prophecy, Great Doctrines 1955 - 1956, 1956, Revelation. Jesus wants you to turn the key of David and enter in or else the day of the Lord will come upon you like a thief in the night meaning you never see it … The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament. “ Behold, I stand at the door and knock. Jesus explains to John that the “stars are the angels of the seven churches” (Revelation 1:20). Add to Library. In his second letter to the church at Thessalonica, Paul answered some questions they had about the days. There were seven stars and seven lampstands. About Those Angels of the Churches. Here, Jesus asks for them to let Him in. Even if that is the case, a better interpretation of the “messengers” of … The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. Revelation. 20 As for the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. They no longer had the burning, consuming passion for their God they had when they were first saved and settled into the routine of the faith. Seven stars encircle the image of the son as he sits upon a globe. One church would be praised for good works but had no discernment tolerating evil, then another with discenment but no depth of intimacy with God. The Seven Churches of Revelation, also known as the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse and the Seven Churches of Asia, are seven major churches of Early Christianity, as mentioned in the New Testament Book of Revelation. Some of the ones that stand out immediately are dragons with multiple heads and crowns, seals that are broken, and lampstands. The words food or funds never appear in any Greek … The Book of Revelation contains the prophecies of the last days, before the New Heaven and the New Earth go on into eternity, with believers living for their God with no sin, no sorrow, and no pain. Walvoord John F. and Roy B. Zuck. Here, the seven golden candlesticks symbolizes, as seven candlesticks are lighted by the same olive oil, that Jesus works in each of the churches with … “Thou hast left thy first love [Christ]” (2:4). The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. 5 In this context, Jesus proclaimed that He, rather than the Emperor, holds the stars in his hand as a mark of supreme authority over all Creation. [265:1] This point, however, has … Ryrie, Charles. He chided them however, “...you have abandoned the love you had at first” (Revelation 2:4b). The messages to the church played their part in God’s perfect plan historically, and may still be a part of it currently, depending on which view of the Book of Revelation and the churches an individual takes. Despite the church’s love, patience, and endurance, they tolerate this wicked woman taking an inappropriate role of leadership, giving false prophecies, and being flagrantly sinful. From the above prophetic verses, we can read that there are “seven stars” or seven angels that represent God’s seven spirits sent forth by God to bring forth the light unto seven Gentile churches. Jesus' authority is unquestioned and of cosmic significance -and not the Roman imperial family's. According to Revelation 1:11, on the Greek island of Patmos, Jesus Christ instructs John of Patmos to: "Write on … Days melt into bliss and you are rejuvenated. What may be more overlooked is the beginning part of this … Nor does it seem to include Orthodox church movements. However, there were members of the church who still held onto their former traditions, not willing to let go of their idols. Remember, the symbols are the stars and the lampstands; the objects of those symbols—the things they symbolize—are the seven angels, or messengers, and the seven churches. Only one of the churches is in another part of the Bible. Jesus holds seven stars. Perhaps the following dictionary and commentary Chicago: Moody Press, 1968. New religions and end of days cults have sprung up around some of these theories. When Christ appeared to John, he saw seven lampstands representing the seven churches. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). The seven stars in John’s vision (Rev 1-3) were interpreted to him by the spiritual guest to mean seven angels. Philadelphia – the faithful church that had endured patiently and … “I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty” (2:9). John tells us in Revelation 1:20 that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches (Revelation 1:20) In the New Testament, the Greek word for angels (aggelos) is not only used for heavenly angels, but also used for human messengers, such as John the Baptist (Matthew 11:10,Mark 1:2,Luke 7:27). The message ends with encouragement for those who did not follow this prophetess. Welcome to Matthew…, The Philistines Capture the Ark of the Covenant, Jacob Dreamed of Angels of GOD Ascending and Descending, Ole Copycat Esau Married the Daughter of Ishmael, Isaac to Jacob: Don’t Wife the Daughters of Canaan, Genesis 39: Joseph Put Through the Trials of Life, Isaac Blessed Jacob the Day Everything Changed, Esau’s Marriage a Grief to Isaac and Rebekah, Genesis 38: Judah Tamar Pretends to Be a Harlot, The Birthright Transaction of Jacob and Esau, The Generations of Ishmael, Abraham’s Son. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name” (Revelation 3:8). Jesus calls on this church to stop these sins. Wilmington’s Guide To the Bible. Copyright © 2021, Bible Study Tools. Next is the Mys… The stars are identified as the angels of the churches to whom the letters were sent (Rev 1:20). The book of Revelation is addressed to first-century churches in seven cities in the province of Asia in western Asia Minor. Looking forward to Christ’s return, Christians are called to live for Him, even if every question about the Book of Revelation remains a mystery. The Mystery of the Seven Stars and The Seven Lamb-stands. To the Church in Ephesus - “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. The Jerusalem Church was scattered, and his writings to Rome would have been scrutinized. Philadelphia, the faithful church. Others indulged in false doctrine. God has given this woman, and the church, time to turn from this sin; “I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality” (Revelation 2:21). John was exiled to the Island of Patmos by the Roman Empire. They are represented by seven golden lampstands, and the seven angels – or messengers – of the churches, represented by seven stars in the right hand of Jesus. As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. Sign up today! There was a woman in the church who claimed to be a prophetess, who committed sins of sexual immorality, and whose behavior was reminiscent of Jezebel, Ahab’s wicked wife, whose story is told in 1 Kings. The seven letters to the seven churches were addressed directly to … They represent those men in each assembly who were responsible to care for and guide the flock. While there are still some believers in these cities, they all exist in modern day Turkey, an Islamic nation. It was also God’s divine will to communicate with these seven churches. The periods overlap in a way that is messy, pro-Reformation, and can only be applied with difficulty in retrospect. The chakras or sympathetic plexuses awaken in accordance with the opening of the seven churches. An Overview: the Ancient Church at Sardis. 3. He wants them to grow hot or cold toward Him, but not to remain lacking in any passion toward the faith. The star is the suprasensual counterpart, the heavenly … In verse 20 Jesus explains, “The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.” Description. While this sacred fire rises, the seven churches open and turn upwards. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Sometimes some of the histories in the Bible escapes some…, Need to Know the Names of the 12 Tribes of…, Studies to Help and Make You a Bible Study Leader…, In this chapter, our species took a detour that has…, The seven churches of Revelation described in Revelation chapters…, Chapter 2 of Genesis begins with the report of the…, Genesis Chapter 14 Summary Genesis Chapter 14 Summary outlines some…, Read Updated Version of Genesis Chapter 12 In chapter…, Genesis Chapter 4 Summary Genesis chapter 4 commences with Adam…, Can you say New Testament chapter summaries? The preceding statements demonstrate the folly of attempting to construct a system of ecclesiastical polity from such a highly-figurative portion of Scripture as the Apocalypse. The Church at Ephesus received a letter, the Book of Ephesians, from the Apostle Paul. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). This is exactly the same configuration of another group of seven sisters that are mentioned in the Bible. The first church mentioned is the Church of Ephesus. Seven Churches, Seven Spirits, Seven Stars John to the seven […] Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers Inc., 1981. One of the criticisms of this theory is that it dismisses the prophetic nature of the messages, and reduces the significance of the prophecies coming from the glorified Christ. However, the wealth and good works of this church meant nothing because the church was spiritually dead. While the other churches received some encouragement or commendation from the Lord, this church received no positive words. Are there seven church ages? They resembled the feet of someone who’d been burned in a furnace. The facial profile was like the sun shining in full strength. 1:20). 'The seven stars are the angels of the seven Churches, and the seven candlesticks are the seven Churches.' revelation they are represented by seven golden lampstands and the seven angels or messengers of the churches represented by seven stars in the right hand of jesus only one of the churches is in another part of the bible revelation 110 11 ome bible teachers regard the seven churches of revelation to be a predictive prophecy representative of the chronological unfolding of the churchs history there are … Despite their lack of spirituality, Christ waits expectantly for them to open their hearts to Him. Get weekly Bible Lessons emailed to you in video, audio, and in text form. ” - Revelation 1:20. “The seven stars are the angels [messengers] of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches” (Revelation 1:20). His voice was powerful, it sounded like the sound of many waters. It is rather reasonable to think that the angles of the congregations mean the spirit beings than human elders. “Repent, and do the first ” (2:5). There are churches that are praised for “love, service and perserverance”, then those praised for “discerment” and those commended for other things as well. If we want to see them as symbols … He then goes on to explain… Revelation 1:20 New International Version … The Imperial Seven StarsIt is possible that Jesus used the term "seven stars" to provide a metaphor that the churches would understand from a related civil context. From the above prophetic verses, we can read that there are “seven stars” or seven angels that represent God’s seven spirits sent forth by God to bring forth the light unto seven Gentile churches. They were also in one of the central hubs of trade, commerce, and communication. The Church of Pergamum was surrounded by wickedness in their city, but they held fast to their beliefs. They most likely put their faith in their works, prideful and assuming they were saved, or in good standing with the Lord. It is used to symbolize completion or perfection. And those that are to take place after this as for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and the seven lambs stands. #Rev 1:11 In each church there was one pastor or ruling| minister, to whom all the rest were subordinate. John was commanded to send each one a copy of the entire book. They constituted a sweeping preview of the whole course of church history … Then John was touched with the right hand of the Being who said to him, “Do not fear; I am the first and the last, I am he that lives, was dead, but now I am alive forevermore; amen. The Seven Spirits of God and the Seven Stars is Gabriel and Jesus says to all the Protestants in America at this time that he has not found your works to be perfect. There are other “sevens,” as well: seven lampstands, seven spirits, and seven churches. Still others spend their entire lives attempting to interpret this final prophetic word from the Lord. He then went on to teach me about The Mystery of the Seven Stars and the Seven Lamb-stands which is revealed in Revelation Chapter 1. Consequently, the critical appraisal, censure and praise, as well as admonition, so … "What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia and to Laodicea". There is also the chronological perspective. SEVEN STARS & SEVEN CHURCHES, PART 3 TWO CHURCHES IN THE THROES OF DEATH TEXT: Rev. As John looked closer, he saw in the right hand of the One he described, seven stars; out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword. The seven stars representing the seven angels of the seven Churches mean the seven leaders of the seven ages of the Church (the body of Christ) and these leaders are Prophets – they are the Prophets God used to actualise his blueprint or LOGOS. "The seven stars," says He, "are the angels of the Seven Churches, and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest, are the Seven Churches." Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1991. The Seven Churches- Sardis Rev.3:1-6 3:1 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. “I know thy , and thy , and thy ” (2:2; see vv. Let us begin with the seven stars. Proud member Jesus wanted this body of believers to continue as they were, and they would spend eternity in Heaven with Him. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, Tools. VI. SARDIS, THE “DEAD DENOMINATIONAL” CHURCH, REV. It could be that every local church has a “guardian angel” who oversees and protects that congregation. 1 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; The description of the voice coming from behind John continued; His feet were like fine brass. Revelation 4:5: 5 Out from the throne come flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder. (Rev. Despite poverty and hardship, they stayed true to God. The Book of Revelation provides descriptions of each Church. 1:10)—each seventh-day of the week, starting from His completed six literal days of creation, that the Creator rested, blessed, and sanctified the first seventh day of […] Rev 1:6. The angel of the church of Ephesus proclaimed these are what He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks (churches) says! The three approaches to understanding these churches all agree they were existing churches that received copies of the Revelation at that time. Only seven churches are named, yet there were more than seven in Asia by the end of the first century. Through the centuries, these churches have increased and decreased, and experienced persecution. They were seen in the right hand of Jesus in the midst of the seven golden lampstands, or churches. Rev … The churches and the angels of each church in his hand now now isn’t that that Ephesus was a church … revelation they are represented by seven golden lampstands and the seven angels or messengers of the churches represented by seven stars in the right hand of jesus only one of the churches is in another part of the bible revelation 110 11 ome bible teachers regard the seven churches of revelation to be a predictive prophecy representative of the chronological unfolding of the churchs history there are … This contrast between the heavenly and the earthly fires - the star shining steadily by its own inherent eternal light, and the lamp flickering and uncertain, requiring to be fed with fuel and tended with care - cannot be devoid of meaning. 15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 2–3, 6). If we want to see them as symbols representing prevailing attitudes in each church, then we learn that nowhere in Scripture is an angel represented in that fashion. The seven letters to the seven churches were addressed directly to the seven angels respectively. The next church, in Philadelphia, receives encouragement and affirmation in their message. 17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. USA: Victor Books, 1984. The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the … Or do it here on Google – Facebook or Twitter. Thank you for joining us today. The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. Also, the first few chapters of Revelation contain letters from Jesus to seven historical churches in Asia Minor. The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The Emperor Domitian minted a coin in memory of his dead son. “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the ” (2:7). Seven stars encircle the image of the son as he sits upon a globe. exclusive communications social registry, you’re MISSING Out. Only one of the churches is in another part of the Bible. They are represented by seven golden lampstands, and the seven angels – or messengers – of the churches, represented by seven stars in the right hand of Jesus. The Scriptures nowhere teach that each Christian community is under the care of its own angelic guardian; neither is it to be supposed that an … There are also seven angels blowing seven trumpets which herald seven judgments. There is one perspective that these messages only applied to those seven specific churches and the messages have no lasting significance. Ultimately, Christians should meditate on these things, but not allow the unanswered questions to dictate their lives. A critique of this perspective is that it is too vague, and general for such specific descriptions and prophecies. Jesus came as the “light of the world” (John 1:9; 8:12), and then commissioned us to be “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). This is the starting summary of the entire Revelation of 22 chapters as well as the essence of Revelation chapter 1, and is the first of the four mysteries in Revelation. The seven stars in John’s vision (Rev 1-3) were interpreted to him by the spiritual guest to mean seven angels. of Wilmington, H.L. The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. An “angel” is literally a “messenger.” But that leads us to the question—are these human messengers or heavenly beings? What may be more overlooked is the beginning part of this prophetic dream John had, where Christ told him to write "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last." They did receive consolation as well because many from this church had been martyred. The seven stars in John’s vision (Rev 1-3) were interpreted to him by the spiritual guest to mean seven angels. Barnhouse, Donald. One church may have the hard work and patience of Ephesus, while another the lukewarm attitude of Laodicea. In His hand, Jesus holds seven stars (Revelation 1:13, 16). The seven stars representing the seven angels of the seven Churches mean the seven leaders of the seven ages of the Church (the body of Christ) and these leaders are Prophets – they are the Prophets God used to actualise his blueprint or LOGOS. McGee, J. Vernon. The other point of view is that each church would represent different kinds of churches through history. Revelation 2:1 King James Version (KJV) 1 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; For example, congregations existed in the cities of Colossae, Troas, and Miletus (2 Corinthians 2:12, 2 Timothy 4:13-20). The Roman Catholic Church ≈ 590 - 1517 A.D. Seven is the number of perfection or completion in the Bible. John tells us in Revelation 1:20 that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches (Revelation 1:20) In the New Testament, the Greek word for angels ( aggelos ) is not only used for heavenly angels, but also used for human messengers, such as John the Baptist ( Matthew 11:10 , Mark 1:2 , Luke 7:27 ). Rev 1:5 - and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. 20 As for the sacred secret of the seven stars that you saw upon my right hand, and [of] the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars mean [the] angels of the seven congregations, and the seven lampstands mean seven congregations. The seven churches are the primary focus of the first three chapters of Revelation. Revelation 1:11. Your Online Bible Study Supplement Source. In Revelation 1, John is “in the Spirit” and hears “a loud voice like a trumpet” behind him (verse 10). Through time, theologians, historians, and even lay-people in the church have tried to come up with a certain, definitive answer about what the messages to these churches, and the churches themselves, mean beyond their historical existence. Revelation Chapter Two look at verses eight to eleven where we read about this church in Smyrna to the church in Smyrna … In Thyatira, the church was also having problems with false teachers. [264:3] But though the symbol of the stars has been thus interpreted by Christ, the interpretation itself has been the subject of considerable discussion.