Part 1: Introduction

1 - (7) is the number of dispensational completness...fullness.

(3) is the number of Trinity

(4) is the number of World

Seven speaks of Trinity & creation come together.

2 - John wrote in 96 A.D. app. 65 years after Pentecost.

3 - Dr. C. I. Scofield in Scofield reference Bible, Footnote, Page 1331
said:

"The messages of the seven churches have a four found application";

1. Local - To the churches actually addressed.

2. Admonitory - To all churches at all times.

3. Personal -"To Him that hath an ear" "to him that overcometh".

4. Prophetic - As disclosing seven phases of the history of the church from A.D. 96 to the end. ...

4 - Ephesus; (means letting go). The apostolic period A.D. 70 to 200. (A backslidden church)
Smyrna; Period of great persecution. 200 - 316. A. D.

Pergamos; 316 to 606  A. P. Church married to world.

Thyatira; 500-1500. Dark ages. Lax church

Sardis; 1500-1750. Period of Reformation.

Philadelphia; 1750-1900 The true church in the professing church.

Laodicea: 1900-Rapture. Final stage of apostasy of professed
religion.

5 - Certain traits and characteristics of each church are seen in each
period of church history. The periods cannot be said to conform
entirely to that which pertains to only one of any of the periods.

Taken together the seven churches portray a constant spiritual decay
and decline.

6 - There is a striking parallel between these seven churches and the seven
parables of Matt. Chapter 13, which describe the religious world during this church age.

SATAN'S METHODS OF CORRUPTING THE CHURCH ARE PORTRAYED IN BOTH MATT. 13 AND REV. 2 & 3

1 - Destruction:  Birds devour seed. Thorns choke.

2 - Counterfeit: Satan has no creative power. He imitates and counterfeits.

3 - Union: For purpose of polluting, what Satan cannot destroy, he joins. (Leaven in meal) (Birds lodge in branches).

By David E. Hubbard

(Used with permission)

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