Revelation 2–3

The Seven Churches of Asia

Christ's letters to seven historical churches, each with its own commendation, rebuke, exhortation, and promise to the overcomer.

Revelation 2:1–7

Ephesus

"He that holdeth the seven stars, who walketh in the midst of the seven candlesticks"

Revelation 2:1–7

Commendation

Labour, patience, discernment of false apostles

Rebuke

Thou hast left thy first love

Exhortation

Remember, repent, and do the first works

Promise to the overcomer

To eat of the tree of life in the paradise of God

Revelation 2:8–11

Smyrna

"The first and the last, which was dead, and is alive"

Revelation 2:8–11

Commendation

Tribulation, poverty (yet rich), endurance under slander

Rebuke

No rebuke recorded

Exhortation

Be thou faithful unto death

Promise to the overcomer

A crown of life; not hurt of the second death

Revelation 2:12–17

Pergamum

"He which hath the sharp sword with two edges"

Revelation 2:12–17

Commendation

Holding fast Christ's name where Satan's seat is

Rebuke

Some hold the doctrine of Balaam and the Nicolaitans

Exhortation

Repent

Promise to the overcomer

Hidden manna, a white stone with a new name

Revelation 2:18–29

Thyatira

"The Son of God, whose eyes are as a flame of fire"

Revelation 2:18–29

Commendation

Charity, service, faith, patience, works — the last more than the first

Rebuke

Tolerating Jezebel that calleth herself a prophetess

Exhortation

Hold fast till I come

Promise to the overcomer

Authority over the nations, the morning star

Revelation 3:1–6

Sardis

"He that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars"

Revelation 3:1–6

Commendation

A few names have not defiled their garments

Rebuke

Thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead

Exhortation

Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain

Promise to the overcomer

White raiment; the name not blotted from the book of life

Revelation 3:7–13

Philadelphia

"He that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David"

Revelation 3:7–13

Commendation

A little strength, kept my word, not denied my name

Rebuke

No rebuke recorded

Exhortation

Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown

Promise to the overcomer

A pillar in the temple of my God, a new name

Revelation 3:14–22

Laodicea

"The Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God"

Revelation 3:14–22

Commendation

None recorded

Rebuke

Neither cold nor hot; wretched, poor, blind, and naked

Exhortation

Buy of me gold tried in the fire, white raiment, eye-salve; be zealous therefore, and repent

Promise to the overcomer

To sit with Christ in His throne