Bible Question: What do the letters to the seven churches represent? |
Bible Answer: The seven letters are letters to seven literal churches that existed at the time of writing (about 96 AD). Some people see them as allegorical but I do not see any reason not to take them at face value: seven letters to seven existing churches. Explaining their meaning would take quite a while and I will not attempt to explain them in any detail. Each letter includes a salutation, description, appraisal, condemnation or criticism, exhortation and warning, and a promise and assurance. Two exceptions are the churches at Philadelphia and Smyrna. They receive no criticism. Here is a brief characterization of each church: Ephesus ........ the indifferent church Smyrna ......... the suffering church Pergamum ..... the carnal church Thyatira ......... the apostate church Sardis ........... the dead church Philadelphia ... the victorious church Laodicea ....... the lukewarm church Pemican |