Revelation 2:8-11

Smyrna appears first in sacred writ in this connection, and we know nothing of the previous history of the church. The letter to it speaks only words of praise. The city of Smyrna still exists as the most flourishing port of Turkey in Asia, and has. numerous Christian population. On account of the large proportion of Christians in its population it is regarded by strict Moslems as unclean, and is called "Infidel Smyrna." It is at this date the chief center of missionary operations in the East.

THE SEVEN CHURCHES.--At the time when John wrote there were hundreds of churches in existence. On the Asiatic Continent many had been founded in Judea, Syria, and elsewhere, and in the district of which Ephesus was the commercial metropolis, and which was especially designated as Asia, we know that in the last quarter of the first century there were not only the seven churches named, but Colossae, Hierapolis, and perhaps many more. Why then should the Lord direct his message to the seven churches alone? If the reader will turn over the pages of Revelation he will be surprised by the frequency with which the number seven occurs. There are the Seven Spirits of God, the Seven Stars, the Seven Churches, the Seven Horns and Seven Eyes of the Lamb, Seven Trumpets, Seven Thunders, Seven Vials, etc., etc. It will help us to understand the reason for the use of seven in many instances to remember that it is the perfect number and denotes perfection, or completeness. In several of the instances just given this is evidently its meaning, especially where it refers to the Spirit, or to the Lamb, and. suppose that seven churches are named fur. similar reason. This complete number would make them fitting representatives of the entire Church, and those selected probably represent every condition that ever prevails among churches that have not apostatized from the faith. There is first, the metropolitan church of Ephesus, where some had departed from their first love and zeal for Christ, and which is commanded to repent under the penalty of the removal of its candlestick. There is second, the persecuted church of Smyrna, whose members would be cast into prison and endure tribulation, and where. little later Polycarp was burned alive. There is third, the martyr church of Pergamos, persecuted by heathenism, where most had held fast to the name of Christ, but where some had fallen into the worldly sins of Balaam. Next comes the church of Thyatira, seduced by false teachings and induced to compromise with sin. In the fifth place, there is the spiritually dead church of Sardis, which is called to repentance. Sixth comes the tried church of Philadelphia, which had not denied the Lord's name; and lastly, the lukewarm church of Laodicea, which he threatens to spew out of his mouth. In addressing these seven churches the Lord addresses the Church universal in every phase of its existence.

The plan of the seven letters to these churches is in each instance the same. In each we find,

1. An order to write to the angel of the church.

2.. glorious title of the Lord.

3. An address to the church which describes its condition and gives it an admonition to perseverance or repentance, as its state demands.

4. An announcement of what will come to pass.

5.. promise to him that overcometh.

6.. closing injunction: "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."