Seven Churches of Revelation

[darkeale]

Hi,

I have been taught that the seven churches of Revelation tell the story of the time period between the first and second advents of Jesus. What I would like to know is how do we know this is the time period in question? I know of the events that go into this interpretation, but to my mind, just because things can fit is not a good enough reason. Where in Scripture do we see explained why the churches are referring to this time period?

Many thanks and blessings,

Alex

[darkeale]

dgrimm60 - thanks for your reply. Perhaps I can try and make my question a bit more clear. I understand those interpretations of Daniel 2 and 7 and Revelation 13. What I am wondering is where does the idea that the 7 churches is referring to church history come from? Why do they have to be referring to a long period of time, rather than just the literal churches? I understand that there are events that fit this interpretation, but for what reason did someone say "hey, maybe this is referring to the history of the church"? What in the Scripture gives this idea?

Sorry, I'm finding it hard to express my question clearly. I know what it is I want to know but don't know how to say it :D

[darkeale]

I am getting closer through reading Uriah Smith's book on Daniel and Revelation. But I welcome any other thoughts anyone has on this! :)

[Bert]

The history of the seven churches given in Revelation 2 and 3 are dualistic in application. It should be remembered that the messages to the seven churches were not letters sent individually, but rather are part of the Book of Revelation and were sent to be read by the churches in question.

The message to each church addresses the problems confronting each church. The reason these messages are dualistic, is that their particular problems and issues parallel those of the church as a whole from the early apostolic days until the present time. In any part of the world today one can almost apply the problems of those early days to a church or churches somewhere today.

As written in the book "Revelation of Jesus Christ", author Prof. Stefanovic has this to say about the seven churches..."Christians are called to see the relevance of these messages today and apply them to their own life situations and needs. Each of the messages concludes with a personal appeal: 'The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." Every Christian living in any place or time is urged to give heed to these messages. The Jesus who knew the situations and needs of those first-century Christians in the province of Asia is still the same Christ. Through these seven messages to the churches, he speaks to the situations and needs of every Christian today".

As you review the periods of church history since the apostolic days, you will find that Christians in each age found comfort in the messages of the seven churches. Also, the situations facing each church age throughout history parallel the problems confronting each church in succession.

In the final analysis, apply the advice given after each message to 'hear what the Spirit says to the churches'. It's a message to us as well.

[darkeale]

Ok, maybe I can post what I have read from Uriah Smith that has helped me:-

"Does what is said of the seven churches in chapter 1, and to them in chapters 2 and 3, have reference solely to the seven literal churches named, describing things only as they then and there existed, and portraying what was before them alone? We cannot so conclude, for the following reasons: {DAR 355.4}

1. The entire book of Revelation (see chapter 1:3, 11, 19; 22:18, 19) was dedicated to the seven churches. Verse 11. But the book was no more applicable to them than to other Christians in Asia Minor, - those, for instance, who dwelt in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, and Bithynia, addressed in 1 Peter 1:1; or the Christians of Colosse, Troas, and Miletus, in the very midst of the churches named. {DAR 356.1}

2. Only a small portion of the book could have personally concerned the seven churches, or any of the Christians of John’s day; for the events it brings to view were mostly so far in the future as to lie beyond the lifetime of the generation then living, or even the time during which those churches would continue; and consequently they could have no personal connection with them. {DAR 356.2}

3. The seven stars which the Son of man held in his right hand (verse 20), are declared to be the angels of the seven churches. The angels of the churches, doubtless all will agree are the ministers of the churches. Their being held in the right hand of the Son of man denotes the upholding power, guidance, and protection vouchsafed to them. But there were only seven of them in his right hand. And are there only seven thus cared for by the great Master of assemblies? May not, rather, all the true ministers of the whole gospel age derive from this representation the consolation of knowing that they are upheld and guided by the right hand of the great Head of the church: Such would seem to be the only consistent conclusion. {DAR 356.3}

4. Again, John, looking into the Christian dispensation saw only seven candlesticks, representing seven churches, in the midst of which stood the Son of man. The position of the Son of man in their midst must denote his presence with them, his watchcare over them, and his searching scrutiny of all their works. But does he thus take cognizance of only seven individual churches in this dispensation? May we not rather conclude that this scene represents his position in reference to all his churches during the gospel age? Then why were only seven mentioned? Seven, as used in the Scriptures, is a number denoting fulness and completeness, being, doubtless a kind of memorial of the great facts of the first seven days of time, which gave the world the still used weekly cycle. Like the seven stars, the seven candlesticks must denote the whole of the things which they represent. The whole gospel church in seven divisions, or periods, must be symbolized by them; and hence the seven churches must be applied in the same manner. {DAR 356.4}

5. Why, then, were the seven particular churches chosen that are mentioned? For the reason, doubtless, that in the names of these churches, according to the definitions of the words, are brought out the religious features of those periods of the gospel age which they respectively were to represent. {DAR 357.1}"

This is taken from his Daniel and Revelation book. What I am really thinking about is point 4 he makes - "The whole gospel church in seven divisions, or periods, must be symbolized by them; and hence the seven churches must be applied in the same manner." So this is the reasoning he gives for why the churches should be interpretated as representing a time period, the gospel age. This is the kind of thing I was looking for.

If anyone has anything to expand on this I would love to hear it!

And thanks for all the responses so far!

[Ted Oplinger]

Hi,

I have been taught that the seven churches of Revelation tell the story of the time period between the first and second advents of Jesus. What I would like to know is how do we know this is the time period in question? I know of the events that go into this interpretation, but to my mind, just because things can fit is not a good enough reason. Where in Scripture do we see explained why the churches are referring to this time period?

Many thanks and blessings,

Alex

First, darkeale, welcome to ClubAdventist! Glad you have come aboard.

Second, there are at least 4 valid applications of these chapters to the Christian. Yes, 4 valid applications the Spirit of Prophecy can apply to the remnant Christian.

1) The application of being Christ's specific admonition to these 7 specific churches. Here, The Remnant Christian understands that even the early church had severe issues God needed to deal with - some severe enough to warrant having their standing before God removed.

2) The application of the panorama of Christendom's history between Christ's ascension and His return. Here, the Remnant believer is shown why the rest of Revelation is relevant to the believer in our time today.

3) The application of Christ's admonition to church congregations today. Here, it is the Spirit of Prophecy which applies the individual letters to Christian congregations today. Christ's words here strike closer to home, as He addresses YOUR congregation...and by extension, your participation/non-participation there. As time goes by, the application of which letter is relevant to a certain congregation may change, but it remains that one of those letters will apply to the congregation. The Spirit of Prophecy sets Christ's words as a hedge between the congregation (including yourself), and real danger.

4) The application of those letters to the individual believer as they progress/regress in their Christian walk. Here, Christ gets very personal. He knows your heart; He knows your works. Does He have aught to say for...or against....you? The Spirit of Prophecy sets Christ's words here as a personal hedge between the believer, and real danger.

How they fit in each case is determined by the symbols contained. How do you understand them to mean?

Blessings,

[darkeale]

Thanks again for the replies. I am aware of the many applications of the seven churches, but the one I am really interested in is number 2 in Ted Oplinger's list - "2) The application of the panorama of Christendom's history between Christ's ascension and His return. Here, the Remnant believer is shown why the rest of Revelation is relevant to the believer in our time today."

I want to know the background and foundation of the application. I know we can find events in history that fit, but I think that can't be the only reason for an application. For example, we see other churches can take many things and make them fit. Making something fit is not good enough. For me, before we even try to make something fit, we have to be able to say clearly from the Bible that it is true to the scripture to make that application. Before trying to fit historical events to the seven churches, it has to be clearly established WHY we can make this application. The quotes I posted from Uriah Smith help me a little. He tries to explain, before making an application, why it is a valid application. But I am hoping someone here can give me some more ideas and information.

Thanks!