Seven Churches and Seven Stars
The 7 Churches is a mystery
This article would reveal the mystery of : The “7 Churches and 7 Stars“, “1260 days” and “a time, times, and half a time“.
Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. – Revelation 1:3
Apostle John got the revelation on the island called Patmos, he heard a loud voice like a trumpet : “Write what you see in a book and send it to the ‘seven churches‘ (seven stars), to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”
Why did Jesus say the Revelation is only for to the 7 Churches? Why not for all churches? Does that mean other churches no need to read the Revelation? Why did Jesus say Seven Churches and Seven Stars is a mystery? Does it mean they symbolize something? If so, what do the 7 Churches symbolize? What do the 7 stars symbolize?
“Mystery”
Yes, Jesus addressed the Revelation only to the 7 churches, and also he was “mainly” giving and speaking to the 7 Stars. However, none of those seven churches exist today. Does that mean the Book of Revelation has already been fulfilled and all of God’s words in it have come to pass?
Surely not, Jesus called 7 Churches it was a “mystery“. This seems it relates to the mystery of Kingdom of God, not referred only to those 7 churches in 1st century. “Mystery” means no one knows what is it mean until God reveals it. Therefore, the seven churches likely symbolize more than just those historical churches — they probably represent something deeper.
Almost all messages in Revelation are symbolic, just like a coded message. Jesus would send the decoded signal (like Morse code) to the seven stars at the right time so that they could understand it, and then the seven stars disclose to all churches. The message is not given to the seven stars only; they have a responsibility to share Jesus’ decoded message with all churches worldwide.
Each Church has a special characteristic, what does it mean? In fact, each Church symbolize a special characteristic “period” in church history, and seven Churches symbolize “7 periods”.
That’s why Jesus said the Revelation was for 7 churches only, his meaning was referring to the 7 periods of his Churches. If the 7 Churches only refer those in 1st century, telling them what would happen in the ending Age is meaningless, for they won’t stay till the ending, they ceased to exist a long time ago. Also the Revelation is worthless to them because they didn’t know what Jesus was talking about, they didn’t understand its meaning, or what does they symbolic.
So, the 7 Churches must symbolize the entire period of all churches from the first century till the End of the Day. It is very important for churches to know what will happen before Jesus’ second come. This understanding is valuable, meaningful and necessary for all churches, especially nowadays. And the seven stars symbolize seven key men who have stewardship and lead all worldwide churches . Why can we say that? Let’s understanding another key point – the “Two Witnesses” first…
Two Witnesses
Revelation 11:2-4 says “…they will trample the holy city for forty-two months. 3 And I will grant authority to my ‘two witnesses‘, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth. 4 These are the two olive trees and the ‘two lampstands‘ that stand before the Lord of the earth.”
Two witnesses symbolize two olive trees and two lampstands. What did Jesus say about the “lampstand“?
Revelation 1:20 says, “As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven ‘lampstands‘ are the seven ‘churches‘.”
Jesus told us the lampstand symbolizes the church. Someone may says the two witnesses symbolize Elijah and Moses, but Jesus said the 2 witnesses are 2 lampstands, and he already explained in Revelation 1:20 that ‘Lampstand‘ means ‘Church‘. So 2 witnesses (2 lampstands) are 2 Churches, just as the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
Elijah and Moses appear with Jesus in the vision of the transfiguration on the mountain. That vision foreshadowed that the prophets Elijah and Moses would prepare the way for Jesus before His return. However, no verse in Scripture proves that the “two witnesses” in Revelation are literally Elijah and Moses. But Jesus clearly tells us “2 Witnesses” are 2 lampstands which refer to 2 Churches.
And the olive tree symbolizes a large organization, such as Church which is similar to a big complex tree structure, this also supports that “2 witnesses” are not “2 persons”. As you know, the Revelation was only given to the 7 Churches, so 2 lampstands shall refer to 2 among the 7 Churches.
So does it mean only 2 Witnesses – 2 Churches will witness and prophesy 1260 days? Why did God specify only two churches instead of all seven? What about the other five? Do they not need to prophesy and witness for Jesus? And when did the “1260 days” witnessing period begin? Let’s see…
7 Churches ; 1260 days ; “a time, times, and half a time”
Revelation chapter 12 describes a heavenly woman who gave birth to a male child (symbolizing Jesus). The male child was caught up to God’s throne. After that, the woman fled into the wilderness for 1,260 days or “a time, times, and half a time”, to the place God had prepared for her.
When did the “1260 days” begin? We can say it started in AD70, because Jerusalem was destroyed in that year(half of “One Seven”). This view connects to Daniel’s vision “seventy sevens” (a symbolic period), specifically the final half (3.5) of “One Seven”.
Revelation 12:17 says the heavenly woman gave birth to her “rest offspring” (144000) who keep the commandments of God and hold the testimony of Jesus (two witnesses-two churches), and the dragon made war against them.
How long did they hold the testimony of Jesus and wage war with the dragon? It is ‘1260 days‘ or ‘a time, times, and half a time‘. This is the period of the 2 witnesses – 2 Churches. But what about the other 5 churches? Do they no need to prophesy and witnessing Jesus? Absolutely not. Why?
Because Jesus commanded all 7 Churches: “do the works you did at first”, “hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith”, “keeps my works until the end”, “that your latter works exceed the first”, “I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent”….
That means all 7 Churches must prophesy and witnessing Jesus. Each Church symbolizes a time period, so 7 Churches symbolize “seven churches period” which began in AD 70 and continues untill the Ending of the Age. On the other hand, the other 5 Churches may have not yet appear so that it wouldn’t come 7 Witnesses.
Why are there specifically “two” witnesses and not one or seven? Why is the 7 Churches called “3.5” periods not 7 periods? This arrangement follows Deuteronomy 17:6: “On the evidence of two witnesses…” At least two witnesses are required to establish a matter. God therefore ordained that two churches (the two witnesses) should be active and witnessing at the same time, meaning their periods would overlap.
Then the witnessing period would be : 2 Churches witnessing together = ‘a time‘; then “One Church” = ‘half a time‘; and “4 Churches” = ‘times‘. If we label the seven churches A through G, then:
- “a time” = A + B (two churches)
- “times” = C + D and E + F (four churches)
- “half a time” = mainly G (the seventh church)
Is this the mystery of “a time, times, and half a time”? Does this mystery has been revealed? Yes, I think so.
But please wait, Revelation 11:4 mentions there should be “2 Churches” witnessing together at the same time (overlapped). But the last 7th Church seems appearto stand alone. How come be like this? Does this not fulfill the condition of “2 Witnesses – 2 Churches” witnessing at the same time?
Timeline of the ‘7 Churches’
Defining the first 2 Witnesses (Ephesus and Smyrna) as “a time” is easy, which marks as the beginning of 7 churches ages in the 1st century. But after that, the other 5 churches rised one by one, and it is difficult for us to define the witnessing end date of Ephesus and Smyrna or other Churches, or exactly define the beginning time of the other 5 Churches. Instead, we can determine which two churches were ‘mainly active‘ witnessing together at the same time.
Therefore, the “2 Witnesses” among 7 Churches represents their overlapped witnessing period “a time, times, and half a time” or “1260 days”. So it should be understood in this way…
“a time”
- “a time” : A ^ B —— (^ represents witnessing at the same time)
(A ^ B : Ephesus + Smyrna, 2 Churches witnessing period) ;
“times”
- “a time” : C ^ D => (B + mainly C) ^ (C + mainly D)
(C ^ D : mainly Pergamum + mainly Thyatira, 2 Churches witnessing period) ;
- “a time” : E ^ F => (D + mainly E) ^ (E + mainly F)
(E ^ F : mainly Sardis + mainly Philadelphia, 2 Churches witnessing period) ;
“half a time”
- “half a time” : G => F ^ mainly G
(G : Philadelphia + mainly Laodicea, 2 Churches witnessing period => the ending of the Age)
The following timeline table shows the “7 Churches period” ; “1260 days” ; “a time, times, and half a time”. You can see that each period has 2 Churches witnessing at the same time. The starting dates of the church periods are approximate rather than exact, except for the Ephesus and Smyrna churches.
The 42 Months
“a time, times, and half a time” and “1260 days” are also equal to “42 months”. All of them symbolize the same period – from AD 70 until the End Day. And the 42 months specifically refers to the period of “Jerusalem is being trampled” (Revelation 11:2-3).
“So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel (the half of ‘One Seven’ – AD70), standing in the holy place (let the reader understand – trample Jerusalem)…” – Matthew 24:15
That means the average of each Church witnessing period is a symbolic six months. We will later see how subsequent historical developments of these 7 Churches fulfill what Jesus said.
The Seven Stars
Then who are 7 the Stars? We are not sure. Only Jesus and Father know them exactly. Although we don’t know who they are, we know Revelation 1:20 says, “the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches”.
Why did Jesus say the 7 stars are angels? Are they really angels?
If they are literal angels, how come Jesus sent message to apostle John first, and then asked John to convey it to 7 angels? Why didn’t Jesus send message directly to the 7 angels in heaven? Moreover, the 7 stars described in Revelation chapter 2-3 seems refer to the men rather than angels.
Therefore, the 7 stars are human whose “face” (that is, their character or personality) resembles that of heavenly angels — just as Acts 6:15 says that “all who sat in the council saw that [Stephen’s] face was like the face of an angel.”
The 7 stars are those entrusted with the stewardship of the 7 Churches. They are responsible for leading the witnessing work of all churches worldwide. Their main duty is to spread God’s message to all the churches around the world. They are God’s messengers, just like angels.
Maybe this is what Jesus said in Luke 12:42,43. He was probably mentioned about the 7th star the leader of the final 7th Church, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time(reveal God’s message)? 43 Blessed is that servant(the last star) whom his master will find so doing when he comes. “
Although we are not sure all 7 stars are, we can reasonably identify the first one: Seems the apostle Paul. Why we can say that? Because Ephesians 3:2 Paul said “assuming that you have heard of the ‘stewardship‘ of God’s grace that was given to me…”. And also the decoded mystery was given to Paul, Ephesians 3:3 says “how the mystery was made known to me by revelation,…”
How do the Seven Stars lead churches around the world to bear witness to Jesus? Is it by their personal talent and charisma? No. Is it because of their impressive appearance or intellectual abilities? No. Is it because they are the richest or most powerful men? No.
Because they are the ones whom God has chosen, like angel who can “rise” prayers before God. Yes, for they lead the global witnessing work primarily through their prayers, for God listens to and accepts their prayers.
Matthew 16:19 Jesus said, “ I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Whatever they pray to the Heavenly Father and to Jesus, heaven will answer. Jesus will send angels to fulfill their prayers — especially prayers concerning the work of testimony. Not only do the 7 stars bear witness, but there is also a great heavenly organization (angels) behind them carrying out the witnessing work.
Revelation 11:5,6 says, “And if anyone would harm them, fire pours from their mouth and consumes their foes. If anyone would harm them, this is how he is doomed to be killed. 6 They have the power to shut the sky, that no rain may fall during the days of their prophesying, and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague, as often as they desire.”
The 7 Stars = The 7 Spirits
It seems the “7 torches of fire” before God’s throne which are the 7 Spirits refer to the 7 Stars. And the 7 eyes and the 7 horns of the Lamb may also refer to the 7 Stars. Because the Revelation was given to the 7 Stars, and then the 7 Stars conveyed the decoded message to the Seven Churches. That is why each letter to the churches ends with the encouragement to “hear what the Star (the Spirit) says to the churches.”
“… and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God” – Revelation 4:5
“To the angel (the first star) of the church in Ephesus write: … 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (hear what the Star says to the churches).” – Revelation 2:1,7
“… I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.” – Revelation 5:6
Moreover, Jesus’ right hand holds the 7 stars, just as the Lamb has 7 eyes and 7 horns. Jesus implies that “the 7 Stars = the 7 Spirits” in Revelation 3:1, “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.”
Additionally, the word “7 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, Bible translations such as the ESV render it literally as “the seven spirits.”
7 Churches – symbolic Period
Why do we say 7 churches represent the timeline of churches from the 1st century to the end time? It relates to the final half “3.5” of prophecy “seventy sevens”, please read it.
Another evidence is that Jesus mentioned the 7 Churches and 7 Stars as “a mystery”. This indicates they carry symbolic significance, just as “Babylon the Great” is also called a mystery, conveying symbolic meaning.
One more is Revelation 1:19-20 says,
“19 Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. 20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.”.
So Jesus said, (some Churches) ‘those that are‘(existing in the 1st century), and (some churches) ‘those that are to take place after this‘(will rise in the future).
Another evidence is : Jesus did not mention his coming to the first four Churches, but he did speak about it to the 5th, 6th, and especially the 7th church. What did he say?
To the star of the 5th church (Sardis), Jesus said,
” I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come”.
That means Jesus won’t come in the 5th church period. If He had come then, the 5th star would have seen Him and known the hour.
To the star of the 6th church (Philadelphia), he said,
“I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon“.
This means Jesus had not yet come but would come soon. The church in Philadelphia would be “keep” until Jesus’ return. Since the literal 1st-century Philadelphia church had already disappeared and could not wait until the end, this proves that the 7 churches represent symbolic periods, not merely the seven literal churches of the 1st century.
Finally, to the star of the 7th church (Laodicea), Jesus said,
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock.”
This means He has arrived and is right at the door, just open the door you will see him. When someone knocks at your door, we say “he has come.” Once you open the door, you would see him. Therefore, Jesus will return during the last Laodicea church period which will be the end of the Age, you will see Jesus!
Thus, the 7 churches represent the period from when Jesus left until His return. When Jesus arrives, it will be the End Day, the Great Tribulation, the end of the Age. This occurs during the Laodicea period. That is why we can say the 7 churches span from the Ephesus period in the 1st century to the Laodicea period. Jesus will return during the Laodicea church age — which means we are likely living in the Laodicea period now.
Lampstand – the light of the world
What church do you belong to?
No matter which church you belong to, some of our knowledge of God or Christian doctrines may differ from one another. The most important thing is to do what Jesus taught us: love good and hate evil. We should also be zealous in witnessing and repent now, as Jesus instructed us.
Matthew 28:19,20 says, “19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 5:14,15 “You are the light of the world(Lampstands). A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.”
So no matter which church(Lampstands) you belong to, we are all part of the one symbolic worldwide Church. All churches have to shine its light by witnessesing Jesus Christ and teaching people God’s Word.
For some evil churches that use Jesus’ name to hurt people and make unrighteous money, Jesus has forewarned them in Matthew 7:22,23 and Matthew 25:31,32,41 says,
Matthew 7:22,23 : On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
Matthew 25:31,32,41 says, When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. ‘”
So may all churches who have ears hear what the 7 Spirits (the 7 Stars) saying, also love good hate evil, be zealous in witnessing Jesus and repent. Amen.
Now, let’s see the history of <the seven churches period> and 7 stars…
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