Text: Revelation 2:1–7 & 3:1 –22

A good portion of this service was spent in small group discussion of the text; that portion is not included in the audio recording.

The Churches

Major metropolitan centers

• May think of them as obscure because they’re not thriving cities now – these were like the 5 largest cities of economy and industry and population: think New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio (largest by population in US; Seattle doesn’t make the cut in spite of having Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft and Starbucks in this region)
• Culturally aligned with and completely intertwined with Rome – trade, money, cultic worship
• Christians are not actively persecuted but they are a minority, as are Jews

The Message

Similarities to the epistles to the churches from Paul and other apostles:

• Specific knowledge of communities, directed to their specific needs and issues
• pastoral in nature – both compassionate and instructive

Similarities to the Old Testament prophets

• Use language/formula that echos the OT prophets “Thus says the Lord” “Hear the word of the Lord”
• Formula: 
  • write this to the angel…
  • these are the words of [a character of Christ]
  • I know your works – observations (good and bad) about the church
  • promise of action or response – reward or consequence of works
  • if any have ears to hear, listen!
• ‘Angel of the church’ – both if the church itself was a person and its protector-intercessor

Message

• sometimes “Big but theology” – affirmation with invitation to repentance – with warning
• Sometimes all affirmation – with reward
• Farther the church is from wealth and participation in the empire the better they fare

Specific Observations about the Churches

Ephesus – Rev. 2:1-7

• Founded by Paul, Aquila and Priscilla – one of most prominent churches in the region
• Ephesus is a port city – a center for trade and cultural exchange
• A religion center – many temples worshiping multiple god – center of Diana worship (goddess of moon, fertility, hunting, nature)
• Nicolaitans – accommodationists to the empire

Sardis – Rev. 3:1-7

• Oldest city in Asia minor – known for wealth under Croesus (ie. rich as Croesus)
• Another religious center: Zeus, Artemis, Emperor Tiberius; also Jewish community that was influential but religiously compromised
• Tanahasi Coats: american dream is a state of sleepfulness – only live it when we are asleep

Philadelphia – Rev. 3:8-13

• Called the “Gateway to the East” – founded as a center of Greek language and culture and rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 17 BC
• Newest of the 7 cities addressed
• A church with less power and influence but more faithful

Laodicea – Rev. 3:14-22

• A crossroads and trade center – known for finance and banking 
• Home of textile manufacture medical advancement/medicine (specifically eye powder)

In the middle of two water sources – a hot spring and a cold spring

Questions for reflection and response:

1. What observations do you have? (About the church, the imagery, your reaction, etc.)
2. What questions do you have for the text or the author?
3. If this was written to our church/the contemporary church, where is there the greatest resonance or alignment?
4. What are one or two things the author might write to the angel of the church of Evergreen?

Threads I observe:

John’s vision is calling the churches to boldly claim the way of Jesus. To stand up and speak out even when it defies the dominant culture or ruling empire. To stand up and speak out even when doing so may threaten their way of life or comfort or security. It calls to mind teachers who post and use anti-racist materials in their classrooms, doctors who continue to offer affirming health-care, lawyers and judges who continually challenge unjust laws, people who intentionally live below a taxable income so as to not pay taxes that will support war and violence or who withhold their taxes.

May we not be lukewarm. May we we be boldly awake and alive with the Spirit as we continue to follow the way of Jesus. Amen.