CHAPTER 2 - FIRST 4 LETTERS TO SEVEN CHURCHES Introduction to the seven letters: In chapter one we read what John saw when he was in the spirit and encountered the risen Lord. What John saw in the right hand of Jesus was seven stars. We are told they represent the angels or messengers to the seven... [ Continue Reading ]
2 SMYRNA: THE PERSECUTED CHURCH Background: Smyrna had an excellent harbor and still does today. It is a beautiful seacoast resort town in Turkey called Izmir. The city is the oldest of the seven and the city was probably established not very long after the great flood. Smyrna came under Roman con... [ Continue Reading ]
3. PERGAMOS: THE CHURCH THAT COMMITTED ADULTERY WITH THE WORLD SYSTEM *Background: Pergamos was the great religious center of the area. ZEUS WAS SAID TO HAVE BEEN BORN THERE. The great altar of Zeus stood on a foundation 115 feet above the ground level. Aesculapius (the god of health) and Zeus... [ Continue Reading ]
4. THYATIRA: THE CHURCH THAT COMMITTED ADULTERY WITH THE SATANIC RELIGION OF BABYLON Background: Thyatira was an important military city founded by Alexander three hundred years before Christ. Thyatira stood at the junction of three main roads leading to Pergamos, Sardis and Smyrna. It became a we... [ Continue Reading ]