Seven Churches Period
Now, let’s focus on the “seven stars” and the history of the seven churches. Although we don’t know all the details about the seven stars, we can probably know how the seven churches’ historical development, according to what Jesus saying about the 7 Churches. Who knows who the seven stars are? No one except Jesus, the Father, and the star himself — because he knew exactly what Jesus was saying about him.
The 7 Churches period spans from Jesus left aand till the end of the Age(Jesus come back). Jesus first sends the message to each star, and then each star passes the decoded message to churches. The seven stars have stewardship over churches, they seem to be the “seven spirits” before the throne. That is why, at the end of each letter, Jesus says to the church, “Let him hear what the Spirit (the Star) says to the churches”.
Additionally, the word “seven Spirits” is not exactly the same word as “the holy Spirit”. Although some biblical scholars interpret the “seven spirits” as referring to the Holy Spirit, some Bible translations render it literally as “the seven spirits”. Let’s study the Revelation chapters 2 and 3.
The Star of Ephesus church
Revelation 2:1, “To the angel of the church in Ephesus (the first Star) write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands'”
Jesus holds the seven stars and walks among the seven golden lampstands. This means that all churches belong to Jesus Christ and that He knows the situation of each one, encouraging and helping them. The Ephesus Church is very important because it is the first period of churches. Actually, all churches developed from or comes from the first church period.
Revelation 2:2,3, “I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be “false”.3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary”
Who is the first star? Is it talking about Apostle Paul? Yes, most likely because he…
Recognize false apostles : Paul said, “For such men are “false apostles”, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ…” – 2rd Corinthians 11:13
Because Paul recognized the false apostles, so the 1st star must be appeared in 1st century while the apostles were still alive. After that, no one could fulfill “Recognize false apostles“, since everyone knew that all the apostles had already died.
Endured patiently the toil of the witnessing work : Paul “…far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. 24 Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; 26 on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers… 27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst… there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches…”. – 2rd Corinthians 11:23-28
The stewardship of church : Ephesians 3:2 Paul said “assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me.” Also revelation was given to this star(Paul), Ephesians 3:3 says “how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly…”.
Walk among lampstands(churches) : Apostle Paul also walked among, visited churches to admonish and encourage them. For example, “how you cannot bear with those who are evil” – 1 Corinthians 6:9,10
“4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.
5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen(Acts 9:3-6); repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.
Revelation 2:4-6, “…6 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate”
Remember where you have fallen : Acts 9:4 says, And (Paul) falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”…
When “a light from heaven shone around apostle Paul, he falling to the ground”. After that, he became a zealous Christian. He established many churches, encouraged and loved them like a mother. But maybe after some time, his love seemed to decrease.
Jesus reminded him “remember where you have fallen” and repent, do the works you did at first. Presumably after that, Paul rekindled his zeal and love. Even while in prison, he wrote many letters to churches, and appealed to Caesar, and finally he was martyred for Lord Jesus.
Revelation 2:7, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit (the 1st Star?) says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”
The above is the message that Lord Jesus told the first star. But was it only addressed to him? No, because the first star had to pass on to all the churches what Jesus said to him. So, the message to the first star also symbolizes the overall situation of the churches in the first century, since all churches must “hear what the Spirit (the Star) says”. This means Jesus’ words are also applicable to the first church period.
At the beginning of the church’s establishment, they were zealously witnessing Jesus. However, their love later seemed to fade. They should “repent and do the works they did at first”. Starting from the first church period(1st century), the Gospel of God’s kingdom and churches grew strong like seeds sown. At that time, apostasy and factions also began to appear(the Nicolaitans). Nevertheless, Jesus promised that those who overcome would be granted the right to eat from the tree of life in the paradise of God.
Some people may disagree with the idea that the seven churches symbolize the situation of the entire church throughout history. They might argue that their own church is not like this — for example, they have not “abandoned the love they had at first,” or that Jesus was addressing the condition of the third or seventh church.
That may be true for individual congregations. However, Jesus was primarily addressing to the “star” (the angel/messenger) of each church, not directly to the Church. So an individual church may differ from the “star”. Nevertheless, when we look at the overall development of church history, it largely follows the pattern Jesus described to the seven stars and seven churches.
Furthermore, according to the “two witnesses” and “two churches” principle, there should be two churches witnessing for Jesus at the same time. When Jesus returned to heaven, the churches was being nurtured and built up. Therefore, the symbolic churches period began officially in AD 70 the first century, from the foundations of Churches Ephesus and Smyrna. Let’s now look at the Smyrna Church…
Star of the Smyrna Church
Revelation 2:8, “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna (the second Star) write: The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.”
Revelation 2:9,10, “I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
Jesus who “died and came to life, who is the first and the last”. This is what Jesus said to the 2nd star. Maybe this star is the apostle John, who is the first(means 12 apostles?) and the last(maybe the last died of the 12?). Why do we say maybe Apostle John is the second star?
Because Jesus used the “same terms” when speaking to Apostle John and the second star in Revelation 1:17,18 and 2:8
Revelation 1:17,18 “…he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore…”.
Revelation 2:8, “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.”
Jew : John was Jew, he was imprisoned on the island of Patmos and endured tribulation. He also belonged to the church in Smyrna.
Revelation 2:11, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.”
The star of Smyrna also symbolizes the situation of the entire second church period. Starting from the first century, the whole church suffered severe persecution under the Roman Empire. Christians were impoverished because their property was often confiscated. Many were imprisoned simply for being Christians — the true Jews in God’s sight.
Meanwhile, Satan sowed weeds — the sons of the evil one — and introduced false doctrines into the church. Christians suffered greatly and their faith was severely tested. For example, they were thrown to the lions in the Colosseum, burned alive, or killed in other brutal ways. The persecution reached its peak especially in the 3rd and 4th centuries. You can imagine how fearful they felt at that time. Yet Jesus encouraged them: “Do not fear. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death”.
Star of the Pergamum Church
Revelation 2:12, “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum (the third Star) write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword“
Jesus has the sharpest two-edged sword which means the truth of Bible. Jesus used sword symbolizes the 3rd star of Pergamum Church.
“…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” – Ephesians 6:17
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12
Revelation 2:13-16, “I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.
14 But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality.
15 So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.”
Who was the third star? We have no idea, but Jesus said the place where he dwells was Satan’s throne. Also, “Antipas,” the faithful witness, was “killed” (possibly during the Smyrna church period).
During the Pergamum third church period, Satan’s “throne” was present. This symbolized that churches were under the power of Satan, the truth and the sons of the kingdom were suppressed, and God’s word was replaced by the teaching of Balaam, who put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel (144,000 of the heavenly Israel).
In the 4th century and afterward, churches held the teaching of Balaam sacrificing to idols (not worship the only true God) and practicing sexual immorality(intermarriage with Rome Empire). During this time, the Church was divided. A very important meeting, the Council of Nicaea, took place and helped establish the authority of false doctrine.
Revelation 2:16,17, “Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth.
17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.”
Maybe the symbolic 3rd church period (Pergamum) started in 2nd-3rd century. Jesus told the third star that, throughout the entire third church period, they should pick up the sword of the Spirit, focus on defending the truth, and repent. Jesus will come in the end times and use the two-edged sword of truth to defeat all falsehood.
To the conquerors will be given the hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. They will become God’s new creations in heaven.
Star of the Thyatira Church
Revelation 2:18, “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira (the forth Star) write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze’.”
Jesus used the term “eyes like a flame of fire and feet like burnished bronze” when speaking to the fourth star. This hinted that the fourth star would be like Jesus — whose eyes and feet are like fire — meaning the fourth star would be a martyr.
Revelation 2:19-21, “I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first.
20 But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.
21 I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality.”.
Who is the woman Jezebel? Who calls herself a prophetess, teaching Jesus’s servants to practice the Spiritual Sexual Immorality and eat food sacrificed to idols?
She called herself “Roman Catholic Church”, adding her lover’s name “Roman” to her own. She symbolizes spiritual sexual immorality and the worship of idols. If you enter a Catholic church, you will see idols all around you. After the 4th century, the Roman Catholic Church called herself a prophetess and taught God’s servants, but God did not accept it.
Revelation 2:22-25, “Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works,
23 and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.
24 But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden.
25 Only hold fast what you have until I come.”
Jesus warned “her” (the Roman Catholic Church) to repent and stop teaching her children the deep things of Satan (Greek philosophy). Apostle Paul also warned in Colossians 2:8, “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” God’s word comes from God, not based on human’s philosophy.
Revelation 2:26-29, “The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, 27 and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star. 29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Jesus encouraged all churches to keep his work (Matthew 28:19,20), as Acts 1:8 says, “…you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” The conquers will receive the authority also the morning star from Father and Jesus.
Maybe the star symbolizing Thyatira church period began in the 13-14th century. The revival of truth was triggered during the Renaissance, which led to the rise of the Reformation Movement. As a result, the true servants of God (the fourth star) were persecuted and burned at the stake — fulfilling the description “eyes like a flame of fire, feet like burnished bronze.”
The fourth star also symbolizes the persecution and martyrdom of God’s servants that occurred during the Thyatira church period. However, during that period, the rest of Thyatira church knew the truth of Bible(God’s word). They recognized that the teaching of “Jezebel” was wrong, so they established many new churches across Europe and eventually spread them all over the world such as Africa, South America, Asia…
Star of the Sardis Church
Revelation 3:1, “And to the angel of the church in Sardis (the 5th Star) write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. ‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.'”
Maybe the symbolized Sardis Church began in 18-19th century, a time when the theories of Liberalism and Evolution emerged. The fifth star symbolizes the entire fifth church period, which was full of doubt. Many people no longer believed in God’s creation, the Bible, or even God’s existence. That is why Jesus said, “You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” They were nominal Christians who appeared alive but were spiritually dead because they did not believe in God. This mindset has been passed down to the present day. In schools, students are taught that there is no God, no creation, and that they should not believe in God. Then Jesus said,
Revelation 3:3,4, “Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.4 Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.”
Jesus told the fifth star of the Sardis church to repent and wake up. As the fifth star, he should pray for the development of the whole church, remember what he had received and heard, and strengthen the others. He should also let the churches continue to develop and spread the “good news of God’s kingdom” all over the world. Surely, the fifth star accepted Jesus’ advice and revived churches “alive“.
Revelation 3:5,6 “The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Jesus promised that the conquers would be clothed in white garments, and their names would never be blotted out of the book of life.
Star of the Philadelphia Church
Revelation 3:7, “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia (the 6th Star) write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.”
Maybe it symbolizes the sixth star, who will honor and glorify Father God’s name (the holy one and the true one). He knows the mystery of God’s kingdom (the key of David).
Revelation 3:8,9, “I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you.”
For a very long time, God’s name YHWH was hidden and replaced with “Lord” in the Bible. But Jesus opened the door that no one can shut, that means Father’s name would be honored and glorified. The sixth star of the Philadelphia church symbolizes the sixth church period. Especially starting from the 19th and 20th centuries, God’s name YHWH (Jehovah) began to be honored again. During this time, the knowledge and teaching about God’s kingdom also became much clearer.
Revelation 3:10,11, “Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world (7th church period), to try those who dwell on the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.”
Revelation 3:12,13, “The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. 13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
For the one who conquers, Jesus will write on their forehead of God’s name (YHWH), the name of the new Jerusalem, and Jesus’ new name.
Jesus said that he will come soon and will keep the Philadelphia church from the hour of trial. This means Jesus has not yet come, but soon. He will come during the 7th church period, when the trials will come upon the whole world. The 6th church will continue to exist alongside with the 7th until Jesus comes.
The Philadelphia church also shows that the seven Churches carries a symbolic meaning, it represents the “symbolized period“. The literal Philadelphia church of the 1st century has already passed away and can’t remain Jesus returns. That is why Jesus was not only speaking to the literal Philadelphia church but was also referring to the 6th symbolic church period mainly.
Star of the Laodicea Church
Revelation 3:14, “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea (the 7th Star) write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation”
The above verse symbolizes the 7th star of the Laodicean church as “Amen,” “Faithful,” and “True Witness”. Maybe he will be the beginning of God’s creation (the first creature of 144000)?
Revelation 3:15-17, “I know your works : you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked”
Jesus said that the 7th star is “neither cold nor hot,” meaning his witnessing work is neither cold nor zealous. He also said “I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing”. But actually Jesus said that he was wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
Revelation 3:18,19, “I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.”.
Jesus counseled him to buy gold, which means he will become as valuable as gold — like the construction material used in the New Jerusalem.
Jesus also told him to buy “garments so that you may clothe yourself, and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen.” This means he was previously naked and his shameful deeds were exposed. Being clothed with white garments means he will become righteous.
“Salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see,” means Jesus will give him the Holy Spirit so that he can understand Bible truth, and Jesus will reveal God’s mysteries to him.
Finally, because Jesus loves him, He reproves and disciplines him, urging him to be zealous and repent.
Revelation 3:20-22, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock” means Jesus has come (arrived), and it will be the 7th church period. This is the end of the Age, the Great Tribulation times. The 7th star also symbolizes the 7th church period (our present day). We live in the materially richest era compared to the previous six church periods, yet our witnessing work is lukewarm — neither hot nor cold.
This is also “the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.” Sexual immorality and pornography are flooding the world. The internet and smartphones are tools that “try those who dwell on the earth.” Never before in history has the world been filled with sexual immorality on such an unprecedented scale — including homosexuality, transgenderism, LGBTQ+ issues, and more. Even the time of Sodom and Gomorrah did not reach this level. This world is naked, and its shameful deeds are exposed. May all churches buy the white garments of righteousness.
May we all open the door of our hearts to listen to Jesus, repent, and be zealous, for Jesus is truly knocking — He has come. The one who conquers will sit with Jesus on His throne, next to the Father’s throne. Amen.
Let’s make a simplified timeline table for seven churches periods : “a time, times, and half a time”
“a time” : Ephesians and Smyrna churches periods
“times” : Pergamum, Thyatira churches periods + Sardis, Philadelphia churches periods
“half a time” : Laodicea church period
Let’s Prayer
Thank you, Father and Jesus, may we all give honor, glory, praise to You and Jesus. Amen.
From the time of Daniel to the time of the Apostle John, and even up to the 20th century, the mystery of “a time, times, and half a time” has remained hidden. We had no clear understanding of the meaning of the 1260 days, “a time, times, and half a time,” or the 42 months. Many scholars have offered different opinions, but none seemed to fully match. Yet You prophesied that this mystery would be revealed in the end time, and that prophecy is now coming true. The mystery is being revealed: it is the period of the seven churches and the seven stars.
Thank you, Father, Jesus, and heavenly angels. May we all repent, keep fighting against lawlessness and sexual immorality, and zealously witness for our Lord Jesus Christ, for He will come soon. May the Father and Jesus give us all white garments and “salve to anoint our eyes,” so that we may see the truth of your mystery. Amen.
Father YHWH God, may your name be honor and hallowed. May your kingdom come, your will be done. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Father, we love you and you are worthy of our Honor, Worship, Thankful and Praise. Amen.
Prayer is also in the name of the Jesus Christ. Amen.
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