v1-7: To Ephesus. This was an important church, receiving three other letters, Ephesians, and 1 & 2 Timothy. There was something strategic about its geographical position, and about its relation to the other churches.
Jesus Christ is pictured, full of authority and glory. He commends the measure of faithfulness, doctrinal correctness and discernment, v2, 6, and their discipline and endurance, v3. But without love, such things are a clanging cymbal, v4. Their initial, more fervent, love for Christ has grown cold. The Lord's question comes as it did to Peter, "Do you love me?" "I know your deeds," see comment on 1 Sam 2.3; this is a weighing of motivations also, see also v23.
The command was "repent," and return to those first works. Affection and gratitude must be bases of our service for Christ. We may be determined and busy, but lack such warmth.
Christ's promise, v7, was eternal life, eating from the tree of life.
The Nicolaitans, followers of Nicolas (Acts 6), taught a mixture of philosophy and faith, with secret rites, leading to immoral behaviour; they are also mentioned in relation to Pergamum, v15. It is interesting that the false doctrine of the Nicolaitans was rejected in one church, but accepted at another local church (some 30 miles away) which shared the same apostolic oversight of John. This implies separate autonomous churches, with their own leadership.
Here (v7) as elsewhere, John urges his readers to be overcomers. We are in a battle. Spiritual warfare did not end in the first century! 'Whatever is happening therefore, whether it is pressure from the world outside, or pressure because of the infiltration of false doctrines or practices into the church, our responsibilitity, each of us, is to overcome.' (David Devenish, Demolishing Strongholds) Overcomers (1) reject lies (2) maintain integrity and (3) refuse to submit to fear.
v8-11: To Smyrna. Here was a city of great beauty, culture, where Olympic heroes were paraded in laurel crowns, adored by the people. Christians there would find the daily lifestyle uncomfortable, leading to afflictions; they perhaps identified with the poorer people, and even shared their poverty. In reality, however, they were inheritors of the riches of Jesus Christ.
Jesus comes to them as victor over death, the eternal one, before whom human culture, riches and fame mean nothing. He declares "yet you are rich!" Their riches were in Him, and could not be snatched away, no fading laurel wreath here!
There was persecution from the religious, v9, those who claimed to be Jews, but in reality were a synagogue of Satan, see Rom 9.6.
More suffering was to come, v10, but it would be limited by God to just "ten days." The command was to remain faithful, even to death itself. The promise here is of the crown of life, in contrast to the Olympians' laurel wreaths.
The eternal outcome was not in doubt, v11; they would be preserved from condemnation, the second death. We are never promised an 'easy ride,' but the presence of God remains, and His word is true, bringing us finally into His kingdom.
v12-17: To Pergamum. A large city of 120,000 people, Pergamum was a place of learning, with a library and a medical school, even the name 'Pergamum' is derived from the word 'papyrus.' Idol worship and emperor worship were both strong in the city; and it was the centre of worship of Asklepios (the saviour god). It is a powerful city, exercising authority over other cities, including Smyrna.
The message to the Christians in Pergamum comes from Jesus Christ who holds the two-edged sword, the Word of God, from which nothing is hidden, v12.
Their commendation; faithfulness in severe trials. Smyrna and Philadelphia both had a "synagogue of Satan," whilst Pergamum boasts the throne of Satan, v13; they live where he lives. This may be a reference to the massive altar to Zeus built on a hill overlooking the city, or to the headquarters of Roman authority in the city. The church has already suffered through the death of Antipas, and doubtless there was fear that others may follow. Here is satanic activity, overt opposition to the message and person of Jesus Christ.
Even in their faithfulness, the Christians tolerated false doctrine. Balaam said many correct things, see Num 22-24, but he had led the people of God into sexual immorality and idol worship, v14-15. The proper response is to repent, v16. The Lord will come to fight against those who brought false doctrine, and therefore it is necessary for the faithful ones to prove themselves faithful, and separate from the false, v16.
The Jews hold that the returning Messiah will bring some manna with Him; here is a promise of provision for those who have perhaps suffered loss. In Roman cities, white stones were used as tickets to gain admission to festivals, which Christians would have avoided. The small group of Christians, perhaps persecuted because of their faithfulness to God, were assured of God's full acceptance. Hidden manna (v17) may also refer to the manna placed into the ark, a reminder of God's faithfulness, even when the people of Israel were rebellious.
v18-29: To Thyatira. This city was less well-known, and certainly smaller, than some of the others mentioned. Being a busy commercial centre, there were trade guilds, whose meetings would be held in pagan temples, and involving immorality.
Jesus Christ comes to His church, with purity and perfection and judgment, in contrast to the church which had become corrupt, v18. "I know your deeds," He says, commending what is good, yet that same phrase means that He knew what is wrong as well. He has total authority, and here referred to as the Son of God, the only place in Revelation that this title is used.
The church had tolerated heresy, brought through a false prophetess, named Jezebel, v20. This is probably a code name, but the Christians in Thyatira would be in no doubt who was being referred to. His servants had been beguiled and deceived by false teaching and prophecies, perhaps even miracles, and have been led into serious sins. There was the promise of so-called secrets, know only to the initiated. The Lord had already warned her, and given her opportunity to repent, v21-22. She would be judged, along with any who identify with her, v23. Here is divine judgment in real time. God giving her opportunity to repent, and His patience is a witness against her, see Ps 51.4.
The 'spirit of Jezebel' is recognised as damaging in Church life. David Devenish quotes Francis Frangipane; 'when we speak of Jezebel we are identifying the source in our society of obsessive sensuality, unbridled witchcraft and hatred for male authority.' (Demolishing Strongholds). Jezebel is first mentioned in 1 Kings 16.31, and evidently she massively influenced King Ahab and the entire nation.
Some remained pure, even in the face of such adversity within the church, v24-25. The Lord puts no extra burden upon them. Those who remain faithful will be rewarded with sharing in the very reign and authority of Christ, v26-29. The morning star is a promise of the coming sun; the meaning is that the faithful will see His return early, for we look for His coming.
The rewards promised to the churches reflect the blessings upon all Christians; but each letter brings a particular aspect of that reward relevant to the Christians in the particular situation.