Messages to the Churches

Welcome to day 97.  Today’s reading is Revelation 2:1 – 3:22

Read the Bible passage here or listen to the audio file below.

From Otago University New Testament Professor Paul Trebilco…

In Revelation 2-3, we have seven real letters that John wrote to particular churches in Western Asia Minor – modern day Turkey – at the end of the first century. These churches are in a whole range of situations – some have been faithful and are commended, but most of them have in some way fallen short of what God wants them to be. They are urged to repent.

These seven letters remind us that life in the church has never been easy. Some of these churches – like the church in Pergamum – were in very hostile environments and are commended for holding fast to the faith. Others have gone off the rails theologically – and are called back to be faithful. Or there is the infamous church at Laodicea that was well off materially, but had become spiritually impoverished and unfruitful.

Only two churches are wholeheartedly commended – Smyrna and Philadelphia. Smyrna is said to be poverty-stricken (2:9) and Philadelphia is said to “have but little power, and yet you have kept my word” (3:8). Both churches seem to be weak, powerless and insignificant in the eyes of the world. Yet they clearly rely on God’s power. This reminds us that the most important thing about any church is not its size or so-called success, but rather whether it really relies on God in everything it does. When we are weak and insignificant the Lord Jesus can be strong through us – provided we depend on him.

But the risen Jesus also does not give up on all of these wayward or highly mixed churches. The church will not be perfect this side of heaven – what is important is that we take heed of the words of the Son of God to us in Scripture and through each other and that we “listen to what the Sprit is saying to the churches”.

Paul

Filed under: Week 20 - Paul Trebilco