The first verse gives us the answer: "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John"—(Revelation 1:1 Revelation 1:1The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him, to show to his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel to his servant John:
American King James Version×, NIV).

Revelation was written specifically for God's servants, the Church of God. So it should come as no surprise that the Church itself is the primary topic of discussion in the first three chapters. (See "What Is the Church?")

Jesus commissioned His Church to be the "light of the world"—(Matthew 5:14-16 Matthew 5:14-16 [14] You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [15] Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light to all that are in the house. [16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
American King James Version×). Here in Revelation He symbolically introduces seven specific congregations of the Church as seven lampstands (Revelation 1:12 Revelation 1:12And I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
American King James Version×; Revelation 1:20 Revelation 1:20The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which you saw are the seven churches.
American King James Version×).

This imagery reminds us of the lampstand or menorah, with its seven branches, in ancient Israel's tabernacle and later in its temple (Exodus 25:37 Exodus 25:37And you shall make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it.
American King James Version×; Zechariah 4:2 Zechariah 4:2And said to me, What see you? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl on the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are on the top thereof:
American King James Version×). Now, however, God regards the Church itself as His spiritual temple (Ephesians 2:19-22 Ephesians 2:19-22 [19] Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; [20] And are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; [21] In whom all the building fitly framed together grows to an holy temple in the Lord: [22] In whom you also are built together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
American King James Version×).

Since seven often represents completeness in Scripture, as earlier noted, these seven lampstands seem to portray a composite picture of the Church of God, the light of the world. Paul explains that the Church is one body (1 Corinthians 12:12-13 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 [12] For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. [13] For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
American King James Version×; Ephesians 4:4 Ephesians 4:4There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling;
American King James Version×). However, it has multiple congregations and members scattered throughout the nations. Therefore, these seven specific assemblies of believers appear to effectively represent the totality of the Church.

It appears likely that the prophecies of the Church in Revelation 2 and 3 have multiple meanings and applications. As one authority on the book of Revelation writes:

"There has been some debate concerning the theological significance of these seven churches. It is obvious, as there were many churches located in the area where these churches were found, that God divinely selected seven and seven only, and did not send messages to other churches that conceivably might have been more important ...

"There were from five hundred to one thousand townships in the province of Asia in the first century, some of them far larger than the cities of Thyatira and Philadelphia, and undoubtedly a number of them had Christian churches ... It is understandable that the number of churches should be limited to seven as this is the number of completeness or universality in the Scripture, but there undoubtedly were other principles which determined the selection.

"First of all, each church needed a particular message, and the spiritual state of each church corresponded precisely to the exhortation which was given. The selection of the churches was also governed by the fact that each church was in some way normative and illustrated conditions common in local churches at that time as well as throughout later history. The messages to the seven churches therefore embody admonition suitable for churches in many types of spiritual need.

"Along with the messages to the churches were exhortations which are personal in character constituting instruction and warning to the individual Christian. Each of the messages as given to the churches therefore ends in a personal exhortation beginning with the phrase 'He that hath an ear, let him hear.'

"Many expositors believe that in addition to the obvious implication of these messages the seven churches represent the chronological development of church history viewed spiritually. They note that Ephesus seems to be characteristic of the Apostolic Period in general and that the progression of evil climaxing in Laodicea seems to indicate the final state of apostasy of the church ... The order of the messages to the churches seems to be divinely selected to give prophetically the main movement of church history" (John Walvoord, The Revelation of Jesus Christ, 1989, pp. 51-52).

The overall message is, of course, that Christ reveals the dominant strengths and weaknesses of the Church both in John's day and through the ages. He plainly tells each congregation, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" (Revelation 2:7 Revelation 2:7He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit said to the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the middle of the paradise of God.
American King James Version×). He reveals what appears to be a sweeping picture of the future of His Church. In the midst of the seven lampstands representing His Church until the end of this present age, He appears in all His glory as its Head and High Priest (Revelation 1:13 Revelation 1:13And in the middle of the seven candlesticks one like to the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the breasts with a golden girdle.
American King James Version×; Ephesians 4:15 Ephesians 4:15But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
American King James Version×; Hebrews 8:1-2 Hebrews 8:1-2 [1] Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; [2] A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.
American King James Version×).

Responding to the Church's intense persecution of the time, Christ assures His faithful servants that their suffering is not in vain. He, too, had suffered persecution and death. So He reminds them: "I was dead, and see, I am alive forever and ever; and I have the keys of Death and of Hades [the grave]" (Revelation 1:18 Revelation 1:18I am he that lives, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for ever more, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
American King James Version×, New Revised Standard Version).

Then He urges: "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life" (Revelation 2:10 Revelation 2:10Fear none of those things which you shall suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried; and you shall have tribulation ten days: be you faithful to death, and I will give you a crown of life.
American King James Version×).

At that moment in time Christ's true followers were a persecuted and discouraged body. They longed for Jesus to return in power and glory to judge their adversaries and establish the Kingdom of God. They—desperately needed encouragement and desired a better understanding of what their future held.

They also needed to be put back on the right path spiritually. That was exactly what Christ did for them through this book. During this time of extreme adversity, directly instigated by Satan, Christ was revealing to John the framework of future events and reminding His faithful servants what He expects of them.

Works and faithfulness evaluated

Each congregation exhibits its own set of characteristics. But within these seven assemblies are common virtues and problems that Christians in all generations should either emulate or avoid. These messages make it clear that some congregations and individual members of the Church were developing serious spiritual deficiencies—some even allowing Satan to lead them away from their calling. Christ clearly distinguishes the spiritual works of those acceptable to Him from the works of those flirting with the "depths of Satan" (Revelation 2:24 Revelation 2:24But to you I say, and to 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 on you none other burden.
American King James Version×).

He begins with the congregation in the city of Ephesus: "I know your works, your labor, your patience ..." (Revelation 2:2 Revelation 2:2I know your works, and your labor, and your patience, and how you can not bear them which are evil: and you have tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and have found them liars:
American King James Version×). In the following verses Jesus evaluates the works and faithfulness of each congregation. He compliments the members for their strengths. But He also uses expressions like "Nevertheless I have this against you ..." (Revelation 2:4-20 Revelation 2:4-20 [4] Nevertheless I have somewhat against you, because you have left your first love. [5] Remember therefore from where you are fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come to you quickly, and will remove your candlestick out of his place, except you repent. [6] But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate. [7] He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit said to the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the middle of the paradise of God. [8] And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things said the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; [9] I know your works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but you are rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. [10] Fear none of those things which you shall suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried; and you shall have tribulation ten days: be you faithful to death, and I will give you a crown of life. [11] He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit said to the churches; He that overcomes shall not be hurt of the second death. [12] And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things said he which has the sharp sword with two edges; [13] I know your works, and where you dwell, even where Satan's seat is: and you hold fast my name, and have not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells. [14] But I have a few things against you, because you have there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication. [15] So have you also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. [16] Repent; or else I will come to you quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. [17] He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit said to the churches; To him that overcomes 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 knows saving he that receives it. [18] And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things said the Son of God, who has his eyes like to a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; [19] I know your works, and charity, and service, and faith, and your patience, and your works; and the last to be more than the first. [20] Notwithstanding I have a few things against you, because you suffer that woman Jezebel, which calls herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to idols.
American King James Version×). He tempers His praise with words of warning.

He is particularly complimentary toward those who "have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary" (Revelation 2:3 Revelation 2:3And have borne, and have patience, and for my name's sake have labored, and have not fainted.
American King James Version×). He makes the point: "... The churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts . And I will give to each one of you according to your works" (Revelation 2:23 Revelation 2:23And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searches the reins and hearts: and I will give to every one of you according to your works.
American King James Version×). He appreciates those who "cannot bear those who are evil" and "have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars" (Revelation 2:2 Revelation 2:2I know your works, and your labor, and your patience, and how you can not bear them which are evil: and you have tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and have found them liars:
American King James Version×).

Notice Christ's promises to the faithful: (1) They will "eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God." (2) They will "not be hurt by the second death." (3) They will receive "a new name." (4) They will be given "power over the nations." (5) They will "be clothed in white garments." (6) They will be pillars "in the temple of My God." (7) They will "sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne" (Revelation 2:7-26 Revelation 2:7-26 [7] He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit said to the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the middle of the paradise of God. [8] And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things said the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; [9] I know your works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but you are rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. [10] Fear none of those things which you shall suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried; and you shall have tribulation ten days: be you faithful to death, and I will give you a crown of life. [11] He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit said to the churches; He that overcomes shall not be hurt of the second death. [12] And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things said he which has the sharp sword with two edges; [13] I know your works, and where you dwell, even where Satan's seat is: and you hold fast my name, and have not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells. [14] But I have a few things against you, because you have there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication. [15] So have you also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. [16] Repent; or else I will come to you quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. [17] He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit said to the churches; To him that overcomes 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 knows saving he that receives it. [18] And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things said the Son of God, who has his eyes like to a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; [19] I know your works, and charity, and service, and faith, and your patience, and your works; and the last to be more than the first. [20] Notwithstanding I have a few things against you, because you suffer that woman Jezebel, which calls herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to 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 searches the reins and hearts: and I will give to every one of you according to your works. [24] But to you I say, and to 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 on you none other burden. [25] But that which you have already hold fast till I come. [26] And he that overcomes, and keeps my works to the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
American King James Version×; Revelation 3:5-21 Revelation 3:5-21 [5] He that overcomes, 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 has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit said to the churches. [7] And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things said he that is holy, he that is true, he that has the key of David, he that opens, and no man shuts; and shuts, and no man opens; [8] I know your works: behold, I have set before you an open door, and no man can shut it: for you have a little strength, and have kept my word, and have 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 your feet, and to know that I have loved you. [10] Because you have kept the word of my patience, I also will keep you from the hour of temptation, which shall come on all the world, to try them that dwell on the earth. [11] Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which you have, that no man take your crown. [12] Him that overcomes will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God: and I will write on him my new name. [13] He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit said to the churches. [14] And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things said the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; [15] I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot: I would you were cold or hot. [16] So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth. [17] Because you say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and know not that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: [18] I counsel you to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that you may be rich; and white raiment, that you may be clothed, and that the shame of your nakedness do not appear; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may 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 overcomes 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.
American King James Version×).

These promises, along with the assurances in the remainder of Revelation, must have strengthened and encouraged those early Christians.

Historian Will Durant writes: "The influence of the Book of Revelation was immediate, enduring and profound. Its prophecies of salvation for loyal believers, and of punishment for their enemies, became the sustenance of a persecuted Church. Its theory of the millennium solaced those who mourned the long delay in the second coming of Christ. Its vivid images and brilliant phrases entered into both the popular and the literary speech of Christendom" (The Story of Civilization: Part III, Caesar and Christ, 1972, p. 594).

The Church's battle with Satan

But there is an ominous side to Christ's evaluation of His Church. He refers to the active influence of Satan in—drawing Church members back into the idolatrous and sinful society from which they had just escaped. To "the church in Pergamos" He says, "I know ... where you dwell, where Satan's throne is" (Revelation 2:12-13 Revelation 2:12-13 [12] And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things said he which has the sharp sword with two edges; [13] I know your works, and where you dwell, even where Satan's seat is: and you hold fast my name, and have not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells.
American King James Version×). He also reveals that some in Thyatira had strayed into "the depths of Satan" (Revelation 2:24 Revelation 2:24But to you I say, and to 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 on you none other burden.
American King James Version×).

False teachers posed another problem. The congregation in Thyatira is censured for allowing "that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols" (Revelation 2:20 Revelation 2:20Notwithstanding I have a few things against you, because you suffer that woman Jezebel, which calls herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to idols.
American King James Version×). The congregation in Ephesus is also accosted by "those who say they are apostles and are not," but are "liars" (Revelation 2:2 Revelation 2:2I know your works, and your labor, and your patience, and how you can not bear them which are evil: and you have tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and have found them liars:
American King James Version×).

The Smyrna congregation experiences problems from "those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan" (Revelation 2:9). And Pergamos has "those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality." He adds, "Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate" (Revelation 2:14-15 Revelation 2:14-15 [14] But I have a few things against you, because you have there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication. [15] So have you also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.
American King James Version×).

To the congregation of Sardis Christ says, "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead" (Revelation 3:1 Revelation 3:1And to the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things said he that has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know your works, that you have a name that you live, and are dead.
American King James Version×). The description is of people who are Christians in name only. Yet He adds: "You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy" (Revelation 3:4 Revelation 3:4You have a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
American King James Version×).

Those in Philadelphia "have little strength" but they at least remain faithful (Revelation 3:8 Revelation 3:8I know your works: behold, I have set before you an open door, and no man can shut it: for you have a little strength, and have kept my word, and have not denied my name.
American King James Version×). But the Laodicean congregation is described as lukewarm, "neither cold nor hot" (Revelation 3:16 Revelation 3:16So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth.
American King James Version×). Christ tells Laodiceans: "... You say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked" (Revelation 3:17 Revelation 3:17Because you say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and know not that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
American King James Version×).

These many references and warnings tell us, both from external sources and from within the Church of God itself, that a corrupted form of Christianity was developing through the influence of the devil and those he managed to deceive.

Peter had warned of this dangerous development some years earlier when he wrote: "But there were also false prophets among the people [of ancient Israel], even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be—blasphemed" (2 Peter 2:1-2 2 Peter 2:1-2 [1] But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privately shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. [2] And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
American King James Version×).

Satan masterminded and manipulated an apostate religion that began to masquerade as Christianity as far back as the days of the apostles. The messages to the seven congregations in Asia Minor also seem to imply that this counterfeit Christianity would be one of Satan's main—instruments of deception across the centuries until the end time.

Warnings of a false Christianity

The idea of an apostate religion masquerading as Christianity may sound shocking. But Jesus Himself told His disciples this would happen. When they asked Him, "And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" (Matthew 24:3 Matthew 24:3And as he sat on the mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the world?
American King James Version×), He stated that religious impostors would come in His name. "Take heed that no man deceive you," He warned. "For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many" (Matthew 24:4-5 Matthew 24:4-5 [4] And Jesus answered and said to them, Take heed that no man deceive you. [5] For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
American King James Version×, King James Version).

This prophecy of Jesus has been—and will be—fulfilled through religious leaders who come in the name of Christ, claiming to be His spiritual representatives but whose teachings in reality are contrary to His instructions and so lead people astray.

What, according to Christ, would be the consequences of this deception? "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many" (Matthew 24:9-11 Matthew 24:9-11 [9] Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and you shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. [10] And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. [11] And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
American King James Version×).

Christians faithful to God's Word were prophesied to become a distinct minority and, at the time of the end, be intensely persecuted by a much larger and far more powerful false religion claiming to worship Christ.

Throughout the book of Revelation this false religion, posing as the true religion, is presented as wielding incredible influence at the time of the end. The almost unbelievable power that will be displayed by the great "false prophet" of Revelation will be one of the major signs that the end of the age is imminent.

Jesus explained that, at the time of the end, "there will be great—distress, unequalled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equalled again ... At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible" (Matthew 24:21-24 Matthew 24:21-24 [21] For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. [22] And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. [23] Then if any man shall say to you, See, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. [24] For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; so that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
American King James Version×, NIV).

Christ reveals to His servants that, even during the lifetime of John, Satan was already developing a corrupted version of Christianity. He was already recruiting a following within the Church Jesus had founded. (You can read the history of these two entirely different forms of Christianity, one faithful to Christ and the other deceived by Satan, when you download or read the booklet The Church Jesus Built.)

The prophecies given by Christ and His apostles concerning the development of a counterfeit Christianity came to pass just as they had predicted. This counterfeit even now dominates the world's religious scene—but to nowhere near the extent it will in the coming years.

Now let's examine why we should have confidence in the other—prophecies contained in the book of Revelation.