Revelation Gems

The symbolic chronological purpose or identification of the seven churches, with their respective characteristics, serve as a prophetical preview of the seven great periods in Christendom from Pentecost to the Rapture.  The symbolic suggested outline for this predictive panorama may be seen as follows: 

1.  Ephesus (A.D. 30-300) – Its name means “Desirable” and it was known as the Apostolic Church.
2.  Smyrna (A.D. 100-313) – Its name means “Myrrh” and it was known as the Martyr Church.
3.  Pergamos (314-590) – Its name means “Marriage” and it was known as the Compromising Church.
4.  Thyatira (590-1517) – Its name means “Continual Sacrifice” and it was known as the Roman Catholic Church.
5.  Sardis (1517-1700) – Its name means “Remnant” and it was known as the Reformation Church.
6.  Philadelphia (1700-1900) – Its name means “Brotherly Love” and it was known as the Revival Church.
7.  Laodicea (1900-rapture) – Its name means “People’s Rights” and it was known as the Worldly Church.

​As you consider the nature of each of the seven churches and their assigned period within Christendom you should be able to see more clearly the cyclical nature of the church and its relationship with the Lord Thy God.