Q - Who are the Seven Churches in Revelation?

A - Letters to the Seven Churches:

The letters to the seven churches speak the mind of Christ in regard to his judgment of the Church at the time that the letters were written, and continuously up until the end of the Church Age.  They even include the portion assigned to each Church member when Jesus comes to remove the Church from the earth. One of the greatest errors in the interpretation of these letters is to assume that these epistles were written to unbelievers or tares in the Church. Each letter addresses the works of the church being examined. As can be seen from the context of the letters, they were written to the individual believers and the call to repentance is to each and every believer in that Church. The call to repentance is always for individual believers.  

Jesus has something good to say about each church, except for Laodicea. He has something bad to say about each church, except for Smyrna and Philadelphia. The statement to each church, “I know thy works” shows that the issue in question in each letter is the works of Christians and not their spirit salvation. This is especially important to remember when reading the section on having one’s name blotted out of the “Lamb’s book of life” because of unfaithfulness. A Christian cannot lose his spirit salvation—even if he is unfaithful until death. Spirit salvation does not depend upon our faithfulness or our being an overcomer. Spirit salvation depends upon the faithfulness of Jesus and upon him overcoming death and the grave. Consequently, the Lamb’s book of life pertains to works and the reward of the “crown of life”, which pertains to soul salvation. Please read my dissertation To Perish or Not to Perish for a detailed explanation of the difference between spirit and soul salvation.  

It is important to note that each letter is addressed to the “angel” of the church being examined. The angel of each church is the messenger to that church, which is the pastor of that church. When God wants to communicate something to a local church body, He generally does so through the pastor of that church. It is very important to understand that all of the commendations, warnings and cautions in these seven letters are for members of the Church.  

The seven churches are literal, figurative and prophetic. There were seven literal churches at the time that received these letters, and the characteristics of these churches were just as described in each letter. In addition, these seven letters describe the seven different types of churches that existed from the time that the letters were written up until the end of the Church Age. Also, every Christian would fall into one of these seven categories. In simple terms, these seven churches, in addition to being literal churches, represent the entire body of the Church in all of its history. These are two of the figurative meanings of the seven letters, and there are others. Finally, prophetically, these seven letters describe seven church ages or periods of the Church from the first church age of Ephesus in the first century until the last church age of Laodicea in the twentieth century. The following chart provides a brief summary of these seven churches and the seven church ages: 

Jesus is judging the churches during the entire Church age. Each Christian is accountable to God and will be judged for his works at the Judgment Seat of Christ at the end of the Church Age. Jesus walking among the seven lampstands in chapter 1 and in this verse portrays Jesus examining closely all Christians during the Church Age. He is among the churches watching and recording the works of each Christian.  

The entire Revelation was sent to each of the seven churches, but each of the seven churches had a portion that specifically pertained to it. The evaluation of each of these seven churches is a picture of how Jesus Christ will judge each Christian at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Some Christians will hear only commendation from Jesus, such as Smyrna and Philadelphia, while other Christians will hear only censure from Jesus, such as Laodicea. The majority of Christians will hear commendation and censure, such as Ephesus, Pergamum, Thyatira and Sardis.  

Each letter has seven distinct parts.

1. An address
2. A citation of one or more of the sublime attributes of the speaker.
3. An assertion of His complete knowledge of the actions of the ones addressed.
4. A description of the state of each, including praise, promise, censure and /or admonition.
5. An allusion to His promised coming, and the character it will assume to the persons described.
6. A universal command to hear.
7. A special promise to the victor.

The order of succession is changed in the last four where the call to attention is placed after the promise "to him that overcometh."  The reason for this is the last four church ages continue right up until the coming of the Lord and the call to attention is placed last for emphasis.

1.  The Letter to the Church in Ephesus (2:1-7)

Rev 2:1-7 (KJV)  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; 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. 6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate. 7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.  

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 remainder of verse 2 through verse 4 shows the state of the church in Ephesus. Ephesus was a hard working church that helped develop patience in the midst of tribulation. The early Church of the First Century is represented by Ephesus, and it was greatly persecuted by the Jews.  

There were apparently deceivers that came into this church pretending to be apostles—ones sent by Christ—but Ephesus tested each one to make sure they were truly apostles. Ephesus worked diligently to avoid being deceived by emissaries from Satan.  

2.  The Letter to the Church in Smyrna (Rev 2:8-11) Rev 2:8-11 (KJV) And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; 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. 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. 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.

Smyrna means myrrh, an aromatic ingredient for embalming the dead. The name of this church describes a church persecuted unto death. It was a church of Myrrh, or bitterness, but was agreeable and precious to the Lord. There were not a lot of works because of its persecution, being poor, and suffering in tribulation. This church had great hopes for the coming kingdom after the resurrection. Polycarp was probably the angel of this Church, and he was burned to death by a group of Jews and Pagans. The reference to the Synagogue of Satan is probable in reference to this group of Jews in the literal sense and to unfaithful Christians in the prophetic sense.

3.  The Letter to the Church in Pergamum (2:12-17)

Rev 2:12-17 (KJV) And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; 13 I know thy works and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. 14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. 16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.  

Pergamum means "Married" and it is a picture of Church history from the accession of Constantine in 312 A.D. up until the crowning of Boniface III as "Universal Bishop" of the Roman church.  It was a time when the Church entered into a union with the State. It was a time when the Church ceased to be persecuted and started being exalted. There was an unholy marriage between Church and State and the Church has never recovered.

4.  The Letter to the Church in Thyatira (2:18-29)

Rev 2:18-29 (KJV) And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; 19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. 20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. 21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. 24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. 25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. 26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star. 29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.  

The church of Thyatira is the Catholic Church.

Who is big into the use of images in their worship services. Mariolatry is actually worship of Astarte. The image of Baal, the Sun god, is also seen in the sacred trees that are used as images of the resurrection of the Sun god. These trees are today called Christmas trees.

There are many pagan practices in the Church that are abominations to God. These rituals will suddenly have no meaning when Christians suddenly realize that many faithful Christians have gone to be with the Lord, and they have been left behind.

The Church Age of Pergamum ended with the beginning of the Church Age known as Thyatira. The message of Jesus to the Church of Thyatira is an accurate picture of the Catholic Church from about A.D. 606 up until the present time and continuing until Jesus returns. Thyatira was active in service and charities, and it was patient in relying on God's promises.  It did not have a zeal for godly discipline and doctrine.  It was indulgent toward errors and false teachers, so that falsehood and idolatry grew and modified the whole character of the church. The false prophets who first enticed the church into a falling away from the faith were women. Women teachers have always been a problem in leading the church astray into false doctrines.  

5.  The Letter to the Church in Sardis (3:1-3:6)

Rev 3:1-6 (KJV)  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. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. 4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.  

The church of Sardis is the Protestant church, represented primarily by the Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist, and Lutheran churches.

The Church Age of Thyatira does not end with the beginning of the Church Age of Sardis, since Thyatira continues until the Lord returns (vs. 2:35).  The word Sardis means "escaping one," "remnant" or those who "come out," so it is an accurate picture of the Protestant churches, which came out of the reformation.  The word Protestant means one who protested against the false teachings of the Catholic Church. The Reformation began with Luther in A.D.1517 when he nailed his 95 theses to the Church door in Wittenberg Germany.  

The cry of the Reformation was "Sola Fide" (i.e., faith alone), and it is amazing how many evangelists and pastors tack on the work of repentance as a prerequisite for spirit salvation.  This is a result of the failure to understand the difference between spiritual rebirth and soul salvation, or the difference between "seeing the kingdom" and "entering the kingdom" (John 3:3,5).  The failure to understand the coming kingdom of Jesus Christ and the Judgment Seat of Christ has caused the entire Church to not understand even the basic doctrines of spirit salvation.  The works of repentance, baptism and obedience have been set forth as necessary for spiritual rebirth.  The gospel of John was written as a testimony so that people would believe and be saved (John 20:31) and the word repent cannot be found in this gospel.  Repentance is a condition for entrance into the kingdom, but this is not the same as spiritual rebirth.  

The Sardis church was called a "dead church" even though it had a reputation for being alive.  This does not mean that they were not truly born again, but that they were barren or unfruitful in their works.  Their works were in the power of the flesh and not the power of the spirit.

6.  The Letter to the Church in Philadelphia (3:7-13)

Rev 3:7-13 (KJV) And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; 8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. 10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. 13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.  

The word Philadelphia means "brotherly love" and characterizes the Church Age that began with the Great Awakenings under George Whitefield, and was followed by John Wesley, Charles G. Finney and D.L. Moody.  This was a time when the evangelistic and missionary labors were carried out in the power of the spirit. It was during this time that the doctrine of the Second Coming was revived.  It was during this time that the Midnight Cry was fulfilled figuratively when the entire Church woke up to the truths of the return of the Bridegroom.  It is the Philadelphia church that is faithful to the Lord, and because of her patient endurance, she will be removed through the "Open Door" before the tribulation period sets in to try the Church.  

7. And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
a. The address and sublime characteristics of Jesus Christ are in this verse. A sublime characteristic is one of high spiritual, moral or intellectual worth that is not to be excelled. It is of supreme value and inspires awe in the observer. Jesus is holy, and this means He is pure and morally blameless. He is the embodiment of holiness.  

b. He is true, and this is relative to his deity. He is real, unfeigned, not fictitious, and this means He is the one true God, and not pretended like idols are only a pretense to being God.  Jesus Christ is God incarnate.  

c. He has the key of David, and this implies administrative or governmental authority. The Old Testament reference is Isaiah 22:22.  The key is a symbol for the undisputed authority to enter and exercise all needful authority. The Isaiah reference pertains to Judah, but this pertains to the Church.  

d. He that "openeth" and "shutteth" has reference to entrance into heaven and the kingdom of the heavens. Having the key of David, Jesus Christ has complete sovereignty over who enters both. Since Jesus is addressing the Church, this entrance pertains to the Church. Israel as a nation has already forfeited their entrance into the heavenly aspect of the kingdom.  The Church is God's heavenly people, and Israel is God's earthly people.  

8. I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

a. Jesus reveals his complete knowledge of their works, and He provides an Open Door for them because they have kept his word and not denied his name, even though they only have a little strength (i.e., power). This "little power" was actively employed in faithfulness to the Word of God. The “Open Door” is a metaphor meaning an opportunity for Missionary work. This was true for the literal church at Philadelphia, since it was on the main trade route between East and West, and it had an opportunity for spreading the gospel of grace to the region beyond. Also, the Philadelphia church age was one of great opportunities for missionary work. Prophetically, the “Open Door” is the open door into heaven provided for faithfulness to Christ.  

b. The Philadelphia church is not popular, powerful or influential in the worldly affairs of the Church on earth, but she is faithful in studying and keeping the faith as taught in the Bible.  

c. Philadelphia has not denied the name of Jesus. This means that their lives have reflected the character of Jesus Christ. This only happens when Christians crucify the old nature and allow the life of Jesus to live in them via the filling of the Holy Spirit.  

9. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

a. Literally, there were Jews in the early Church that were particularly troubling to the Christians. Prophetically, there is a group of Christians that came out of the Reformation that believe that God is through with Israel, and that they are spiritual Israel or Jews. This group is very powerful in the Church today, and they look down on the Philadelphia Christians because they are so few and feeble in the Church body.  

b. The synagogue of Satan means a group that performs the will of Satan. The Jews that persecuted the early Church were performing the will of Satan in persecuting the Church. Also, the groups of Christians who think that the Church has replaced Israel will not be among the Philadelphia Christians, so they will literally be worshipping at the feet of Philadelphia Christians. These groups are still in the mainline Protestant Churches. Their false theology is called Replacement Theology.  

c. Philadelphia Christians will be among the four living creatures or the 24 elders, so they will be either in the throne with Jesus or the first row around the throne. This means those among the synagogue of Satan will literally be worshipping Jesus, but they will be at the feet of those who are closer to the throne. These are the Philadelphia Christians.  

d. The Philadelphia Christians are not popular among the larger body of the Church, but it will be clear that Jesus loves them with a special love.  

10. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

Those in the Philadelphia church have patiently endured the trials and tribulations of their Christian walk. They have established themselves as overcomers, and they will be kept from the "hour of trial" that is coming on all Christians who "dwell upon the earth."  

b. Those who "dwell upon the earth" are those who have settled down and gotten comfortable in the world. They are no longer pilgrims just passing through this life, and they have taken up residency and citizenship on the earth. They are not looking for the Lord to return, and they even disdain the idea that Jesus would come and interrupt their life of pleasure. They have become rich and their roots have been sunk deeply into the earth.  

c. The "hour of temptation" (i.e., trial) is the first half of the tribulation period. It will extend from the Firstfruits Rapture up until the Main Harvest Rapture of the Church.  

11. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

a. Jesus states that his coming will be suddenly when it happens, and Philadelphia Christians need to guard against losing what they have attained in works. Even Philadelphia Christians could fall away and lose their crown.  

b. It is possible for one individual to cause another to stumble and fall and lose his crown. Christians should not allow anyone to cause them to stumble. The temptation to fall away will get much greater as we approach the Firstfruits Rapture.  

c. The Philadelphia Christian holds fast with a tight and tightening grip Christ's Word, Name, Patience and Coming. He may surrender life itself, but not the things that make up the crown of his testimony.  

d. The achievements of the Philadelphia Christian are not distinguished in the eyes of the Church, but he lives his life with increasing faithfulness. The crown that is to be guarded is the crown of life, and it refers to the salvation of the soul.  

12. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

a. Overcomers will have prominent positions in the temple of God the Father, and they will never lose these positions. The name of God the Father on them signifies ownership. They will also dwell in and be co-owners of the New Jerusalem as their inheritance. Being linked with the New Jerusalem is analogous to being the Bride of Christ.  

b. The new name of Christ signifies that they will be his Bride.  

13. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

a. This epistle ends as all do with an admonition to the Church to listen and heed the warnings of these letters to the Church.

7.  The Letter to the Church in Laodicea (3:14-22)

Rev 3:14-22 (KJV)  And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. 

The word Laodicea means "peoples rights" and it refers prophetically to the Church Age that began about 1900.  It will continue until the Lord returns.  This Church Age is characterized by apostasy and lukewarmness. This church is a self-satisfied, proud and self-righteous group It has become rich with material possessions, and the primary emphasis is on financial matters and organization. There is a zeal and fervor for organization and works that are seen by men, but very little communion with God and in-depth Bible study. Laodicean Christians are self-deceived, and they do not see that they are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked. This church is made up of immature Christians caught up in the affairs of this world. They represent the largest segment of Christianity today.  

14. And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;  
a. This verse contains the address and statements about the sublime characteristics of Jesus Christ. Amen is a Hebrew word signifying that which is fixed, true and unchangeable. It is referring to Jesus Christ as a descriptive title of him who is sovereign.  

b. Jesus Christ is also the only "faithful and true witness." This means Jesus is a trustworthy and truthful witness. He will be our Judge at the Judgment Seat of Christ and He will also be a witness for and against us according as our works shall be.  

c. "The beginning of the creation of God" means He was the principle, power or agent of creation.  This does not mean that Christ was the first created being as some cults say, but He was the actual creator and sovereign over creation.  

15. I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.  

. Jesus again proclaims his omniscience over the works of Laodicea.  He is a faithful and true witness because of his omniscience. Therefore, his judgment will be perfect and just, and there will be no appeal because of the possibility of error.  

b. Jesus Christ warns Laodicea about their lukewarmness. He prefers coldness over lukewarmness. This is probably because of the hypocrisy involved in lukewarmness. Jesus is referring to the true attitude of the heart here and not the outward professions that are made. The frothy, shallow Christianity on television and radio today is not the fervency that Jesus desires. Laodicea is primarily caught up in emotion hype, rather than spiritual fervency.  

16. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

a. This literally means that Jesus will vomit Laodicea out of his mouth.  Since this does not make sense literally, we take the figurative meaning that Jesus will reject the Laodiceans at the pretribulational Firstfruits Rapture of those who have been faithful or fervent in watching and being prepared for the Lord's return.  The rest of this passage confirms this to be the meaning of this verse.  

17. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

Unfortunately, the Laodicean Christians of today think they are living wonderful Christian lives. They have large luxurious buildings, stained glass windows, and large land interests. This church has abundant material possessions, and they think this is a reflection of their spiritual condition.  

b. The true spiritual condition of Laodicea is not known by them. Jesus says they are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked. The word “wretched” means that they have not endured the trials used to test them.  The word “miserable” means that they are to be pitied instead of admired. The word “poor” means that they have no spiritual rewards stored up in heaven.  The word “blind” means that they do not have spiritual insight, which comes from a study of the Scriptures.  The word “naked” means that they have not made the necessary preparation for the wedding by providing for themselves the wedding garment of good works. It is because of these conditions of the church in Laodicea that it will be rejected at the Firstfruits rapture. This rejection is actually a merciful act by Jesus as the following Scripture confirms that they will be given a final opportunity to rectify all of these shortcomings in their spirituality.  

18. I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.  

a. After its rejection prophesied in verse 16 above because of the spiritual conditions outlined in verse 17 above, Laodicea is counseled in this verse to make the most of the opportunity in the tribulation period. Laodicea is counseled to "buy of me gold," and this means to perform spiritual works that will deserve a reward at the Judgment Seat of Christ. "Tried in the fire" means that these works will be performed during the fires of the tribulation period. The purpose of buying this gold tried in the fire is so they will no longer be spiritually poor (i.e., "thou mayest be rich).  

b. Laodicea will also have a final opportunity to obtain the wedding garment of good works, so they will be clothed and not appear naked at the Judgment Seat of Christ.  

c. Laodicea will also have the opportunity to have their eyes healed and opened to the truths of Scripture. The persecution of the tribulation period will help the Laodiceans wake up to the truths of Scripture.  

d. It is important to note that all of these achievements in spirituality occur after Laodicea has been rejected by the Lord.  If this rejection took place at the Judgment Seat of Christ, then there would be no additional opportunity to earn spiritual rewards and be clothed in the garment of good works. Laodicea will be raptured in the middle of the tribulation period (i.e., Rev. 7:9-17). They are the ones "arrayed in white robes" described in Rev. 7:13.  

19. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

a. This verse proves that the Laodiceans are true believers. Jesus loves them so He will rebuke and chasten them in the tribulation period. Jesus cautions them to be zealous and repent of their sins and the life they are living. In this verse, there is still the possibility of repenting in time to avoid the tribulation period, which will be a time of rebuke and chastisement.  

20. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.  

a. This verse is often misinterpreted as pertaining to spirit salvation, but it has reference to fellowship with Christians who have already been born again spiritually.  

b. Literally, this verse states that Jesus stands in charge of the door, and he is knocking on the door for the Laodicean to hearken to or obey his voice.  If he does heed the warning, Jesus will come in and fellowship at the evening meal, which occurs before midnight and the midnight cry. In this verse, there also appears to be ample time for the Laodicean Christian to repent and be eligible for the "Open Door" promised to Philadelphia.  

21. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.  

a. This verse is also addressed to the Laodicean church during the Church Age. It includes the promise to all that overcome during the present age.  The highest position of reigning and ruling, "in my throne", is still available to the Laodicean Christian who is an overcomer.  

b. Verses 17 and 18 above are apparently the only verses in this passage that are specifically addressed to the Laodicean church in the tribulation period.  Verse 19 contains the warning about rebuke and chastisement in the tribulation, and verse 20 states the requirement for avoiding the tribulation.  That requirement is fellowship and intimacy with the Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 21 contains the promise to overcomers during the Church Age.  

22. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.  

a. This verse contains the universal appeal to all of the churches to hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.  

This ends the letters to the seven churches.  The Church Age ends with the pretribulation Firstfruits rapture of the faithful Philadelphia church. Thyatira, Sardis and Laodicea are left to go through the first half of the tribulation period.  The Church Age ends at Revelation 4:1.