CHAPTER 3 - LAST 3 LETTERS TO SEVEN CHURCHES 5. Sardis: The spiritually dead carnal church Background: Sardis was also one of the oldest cities in Asia Minor. Sardis was a city of commerce that was noted for its carpet industry and was a very wealthy city. The first gold coins in the world came fr... [ Continue Reading ]
6. PHILADELPHIA: THE CHURCH OF BROTHERLY LOVE Background: Philadelphia was the youngest city of the seven mentioned in the letters. The city was established in 189 BC and was named after two brothers who ruled over the area and who displayed great love for each other. Coins have been found in the... [ Continue Reading ]
7. LAODICEA: THE MATERIALLY RICH APOSTATE CHURCH Background: The city was founded before 1000 BC but the city was named Laodicea in 250 BC. The physical location of the city was about 40 miles east of Ephesus. The city of Laodicea was known for the lukewarm water it got by aqueduct from the hot spr... [ Continue Reading ]