In All 7 letters to the 7 Churches:

1. ➥ Starts with “to the Angel.”
2. ➥ Jesus is the Speaker.
3. ➥ Jesus refers to His attributes described in chapter 1.
4. ➥ Jesus says, “I Know…”
➥ Jesus praises positive qualities. (5 of the 7)
➥ Jesus provides “Reproof & Discipline” (Rev 3:19) with a call to “repent.” (5 of the 7)
➥ Jesus describes destruction from Him personally for non repentance. (5 of the 7)
➥ Jesus speaks about “works.” (5 of the 7)
5. ➥ Jesus says, “to he who overcomes…”
6. ➥ Jesus says, “he who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit says to the Churches.”
7. ➥ Jesus speaks of a “Reward” for Conquerors!
5 of the 7 Churches need to Repent or be destroyed by Jesus personally.
Jesus has only good things to say about 2 of the 7 Churches, Smyrna and Philadelphia. Jesus speaks to both of these approved Churches about the “Blasphemy” or “Slander” of the “Lying” “Jews” who are a “synagogue of Satan.” (Rev 2:9 & 3:9)

“to the Angel…”

Each Letter to ALL 7 Churches is Addressed to the Angel of that Church: Rev 2:1, 8, 12, 18, 3:1, 7, 14.
1.➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:1
2.➥ Smyrna – Rev 2:8
3.➥ Pergamum – 2:12
4.➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:18
5.➥ Sardis – Rev 3:1
6.➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:7
7.➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:14
(“angle” appears 64 times in Revelation, aggelos Strongs G32.
Use of Angel in the rest of Revelation – Rev 1:1, 2, 20, 3:5, 5:2, 11, 7:1-2, 11, 8:2-13, 9:1, 11, 13-15, 10:1-10, 11:15, 12:7, 9, 14:6-10, 15-19, 15:1, 6-8)
(Angel or Angels appears 294 times in the Bible, Heb 1:6-7, 14, Heb 2:2, Rev 14:6-12, Exo 3:2, 14:19, 23:20-23, 32:34, 33:2, 2 Kin 6:17)

Jesus is the Speaker
& His Description Refers back to Ch 1 & Forward to Future Visions in Revelation

In ALL 7 Letters to the Churches, Jesus is the Speaker & Provides a Brief Reference back to the description of Himself in the 1st Vision of Chapter 1 & foward to other descriptions of Himself in visions in latter chapters.
1.➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:1 quoting Rev 1:12-13, 16, 20
2.➥ Smyrna – Rev 2:8 quoting Rev 1:17, 22:13
3.➥ Pergamum – Rev 2:12 quoting Rev 1:16, 2:16, 19:15, 21
4.➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:18 quoting Rev 1:14, 15, 19:12
5.➥ Sardis – Rev 3:1 quoting Rev 1:4, 4:5-6, Rev 1:16, 20
6.➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:7 quoting Rev 1:18
7.➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:14 quoting Rev 1:5, 19:11, 21:6

“I know…”

In ALL 7 Letters, Jesus expresses complete Awareness of the 7 Churches condition, good and lacking when He says to each, “I Know…”
1.➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:2
2.➥ Smyrna – Rev 2:9
3.➥ Pergamum – 2:13
4.➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:19
5.➥ Sardis – Rev 3:1
6.➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:8
7.➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:22
Revelation 2:23 – Jesus “searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.”
Jesus “walks in the midst of the 7 golden lampstands” Rev 1:12-13, Rev 2:1.
Jesus Knows!

Positive Qualities

To 5 of the 7 Letters to the Churches Jesus Knows, recognizes & reinforces qualities or conditions He has judged POSITIVE and mandatory for “Overcomers” or “Conquerors!”
2 of the 7 Churches, Sardis & Laodicea, received NO Positive reinforcement.

Summary of POSITIVE Qualities:

1.➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:2-3, 6 – Works, toil, patient endurance, cannot bear those who are evil, tested false apostles, enduring patiently, bearing up for my name’s sake, not grown weary, hate the works of Nicolaitans.
2.➥ Smyrna – Rev 2:9 – Tribulation, poverty yet rich. (ALL POSITIVE! NO Reproof, Discipline or call to Repentance Revelation 3:19)
3.➥ Pergamum – 2:13 – Hold fast my name, did not deny my faith even in days of Antipas
4.➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:19 – Works, love, faith, service, patient endurance, latter works exceed the first.
5.➥ Sardis – NOTHING Positive (Revelation 3:4, yet some at Sardis worthy)
6.➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:8, 10 – Little power yet kept my word, not denied name, kept my word about patient endurance. (ALL POSITIVE! NO Reproof, Discipline or call to Repentance Revelation 3:19)
7.➥ Laodicea – NOTHING Positive

Reproof, Discipline & Zealous Repentance!

To 5 of the 7 Letters to the Churches, Jesus Provides “REPROVE” & “DISCIPLINE“
with a call to REPENTANCE.
PURPOSE = Rev 3:19 “Those whom I LOVE, I REPROVE & DISCIPLINE, so be ZEALOUS & REPENT.”
Only 2 of the 7 Churches, Smyrna & Philadelphia received no reprove or discipline.
5 of the 7 Churches needed to Repent of Jesus’ reprove & discipline or be destroyed by Jesus personally..

His reprove & discipline to these 5 Churches is:
➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:4-5 – Abandoned the love you had at first.
➥ Pergamum – 2:14-15 – Teaching of Balaam, eat food sacrificed to idols, practice sexual immorality & teaching of Nicolatians.
➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:20, 24 – Tolerate Jezebel, practice sexual immorality, eat food sacrificed to idols & learned the deep things of Satan.
➥ Sardis – Rev 3:1-3 – Reputation for being alive but dead, Wake up, strengthen what remains and is about to die, have not found your works complete in the sight of my God,
Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent.
➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:15-18 – I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot, lukewarm, for you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.

Consequences for Non Repentance

To 5 of the 7 Churches Jesus Provides DEADLY CONSEQUENCES for NOT ZEALOUSLY REPENTING of His REPROVE & DISCIPLINE :
Jesus states His PURPOSE of Deadly Consequences at Revelation 2:23 “ALL the CHURCHES WILL KNOW that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.”
➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:5, “Remove your Lampstand.”
➥ Pergamum – 2:16, “War against them with the sword of my mouth.”
➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:20-23, “throw her onto a sickbed,” “throw into great tribulation,” & I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.”
➥ Sardis – Rev 3:3, “If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.”
➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:16, ” I will spit you out of my mouth.”
Rev 3:19 “Those whom I love, I reprove & discipline, so be zealous & repent.”

WORKS & the 7 Churches

Jesus speaks of “works” 11 times to 5 of the 7 Churches!Rev 2:2, 5-6, 19, 22-23, 26, 3:1, 2, 8, 15
Revelation goes on to mantion “works” an additional 8 times. Rev 9:20, 14:3, 15:3, 16:11, 18:6, 20:12-13, 22:12.
According to Strong’s G2041, the Greek word for “works,””Ergon,” appears 176 times and is translated work (152x), deed (22x), doing (1x), labour (1x).“Ergon” appears 19 times in Revelation!

LOW “WORKS”
➥Ephesus – Rev 2:4-5 “…you have abandoned the love you had at first.Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.”
Love for Jesus is Equated to WORKS!
Rev 2:6 “you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.”

“NOT COMPLETE” “WORKS”
➥ Sardis – Rev 3:1“‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.”

“LUKEWARM” WORKS
➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:15-16 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot!” ¹⁶ So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.

“WORKS EXCEED the 1st”
➥ Thyatira – “Works” mentioned 3 times!
Rev:2:19, “your latter works exceed the first.”
Rev 2:23, “I will give to each of you according to your works.”
Rev 2:26-29, Reward for Keeping Jesus’ works until the end!

WORKS COMPLETE!
➥ Philadelphia ⁸ “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut.

The Doctrines of “Once Saved always saved” & “Saved by Grace” is NOT compatible with Jesus’ repeated consistent words, Judging the 7 Churches based on the level of their “Works!”
James 2:17, “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead”
James 2:26, “so also faith apart from works is dead.”
James 2:2 “that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works.”
(consider James 2:14-22 for context)
Acts 26:20 – “they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.”
Just a couple more references to “Works” in the Bible: Titus 2:14, 3:8, 14, 1 Peter 2:11-12, 2 Peter 1:3-8, Eph 2:10.

“Overcome” or “Conquer” or “Victorious”
“to the one who Overcomes….”

Jesus says to ALL 7 Churches, “to the one who overcomes….”
1.➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:7
2.➥ Smyrna – Rev 2:11
3.➥ Pergamum – 2:17
4.➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:26
5.➥ Sardis – Rev 3:5
6.➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:12
7.➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:21

“Overcome” occurs 7 times to the 7 Churches at Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26, 3:5, 12, 21, and 8 times in the visions following at Revelation 5:5, 6:2, 11:7, 12:11, 13:7, 15:2, 17:14, 21:7.
Jesus stated GOAL To ALL 7 Letters to the 7 Churches is to “Overcome,” “Conquer” or gain the “Victory!”
The 7 Letters to the 7 Churches serve as Jesus’ complete GUIDE or INSTRUCTION List for Believers to “Overcome,” “Conquer” or be “Victorious” over the Devil’s world & their own sinful nature.
Believers must follow ALL the instructions to all 7 Churches to “Overcome!”
Failure in any 1 area means failure to “Overcome,” “Conquer” or gain the “Victory.” (See Ephesus – Rev 2:1-7)
Jesus high standard for Overcomers is NOT taught or highlighted in most of today’s Churches.

“Overcome,” Strong’s G3528, nikao, occurs 28 Times in the New Covenant writings. The KJV translates Strong’s G3528 in the following manner: overcome (24x), conquer (2x), prevail (1x), get the victory (1x). Strong’s definition is, 1) to conquer, a) to carry off the victory, come off victorious, i) of Christ, victorious over all His foes, ii) of Christians, that hold fast their faith even unto death against the power of their foes, and temptations and persecutions.
John 16:33 – “But take heart, I have overcome the world.”

“Let Him Hear what the Spirit Says to the Churches”

Jesus Concludes All 7 Letters to each Church with the words, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches”. Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 29, 3:6, 13, 22.
Believers are to listen to what the Spirit says to ALL 7 Churches (es) PLURAL.
1.➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:7
2.➥ Smyrna – Rev 2:11
3.➥ Pergamum – Rev 2:17
4.➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:29
5.➥ Sardis – Rev 3:6
6.➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:13
7.➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:22
1 other occurrence at Rev 13:9-10

“He who has an ear,” or “let him hear,” is mentioned at Eze 3:27, Matt 11:15, 13:9, 43, Mark 4:9, 23, Luke 8:8, 14:35, Acts 28:27, & Rom 11:8.

According to Jesus’ Parable of the Sower, SEEING, HEARING, REMEMBERING, PERCEIVING & UNDERSTANDING God’s Words is EQUATED with PRODUCING FRUIT!.
According to Jesus, True Hearing, Seeing, Perceiving & Understanding is “Small” (Matt 13:31-32) “Secret” (Matt 13:33-35) & “Hidden” ( Matt 13:44).

Parable of the Sower

➥ Parable of the Sower Jesus uses word “hear” 12 times! Matt 13:9, 13-23, 43. Consider Matt 13:3-23 for context.
First occurrence at Matthew 13:9 after Jesus lists 4 scenarios :
According to Matt 13:8, 23 True “Hearing” “PRODUCES 100, 60 & 30.”
Matthew 13:9-17, 35 states the Purpose of Parables is for Jesus to impart the “hidden” “secrets of the kingdom” to those He considers worthy verses those who who worship in vain, Not Hearing, Not Seeing, Not Understanding & Not Perceiving (Matt 13:14-15, 19, 22). Jesus is quoting from from Isaiah 6:8-11.
As for the future fulfillment compare Isaiah 6:11 with the 7th Vial of Wrath at Revelation 16:17, 19.
BLESSINGS & HEALING for Hearing, Seeing, Perceiving & Understanding “secrets of the Kingdom” at Matt 13:15-16.

REWARD

Jesus Concludes ALL 7 Letters to the Churches with a Reward for Overcomes or Conquerors:
1.➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:7, “I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”
2.➥ Smyrna – Rev 2:11, “will not be hurt by the second death.”
3.➥ Pergamum – 2:17, “I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.”
4.➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:26-29, “I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. And I will give him the morning star.”
5.➥ Sardis – Rev 3:5, “clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.”
6.➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:12, “I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.”
7.➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:21, “I will grant him to sit with me on my throne.”

Revelation 11:18 at the 7th Trumpets says, “and the TIME for the dead to be judged, and for REWARDING your servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear your name, both small and great”
Heb 11:6, Luke 6:23-25, 1 Cor 3:14

 Church by Church Summary of Jesus’ Words:

1) EPHESUS

POSITIVE
Rev 2:2-3, Works, toil, patient endurance, cannot bear with those who are evil, tested false apostles, enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary.
Rev 2:6, Hate works of Niclaitians NEGATIVE – Reproof & Discipline (Rev 3:19)
Rev 2:4-5 Abandoned the love you had at first, Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.
CONSEQUENCES for NON REPENTANCE = Rev 2:5, remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

REWARD =  Rev 2:7, To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

Rev 2:7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

2) SMYRNA

POSITIVE
Rev 2:9, Tribulation & Poverty yet Rich, Slander of fake Jews who are Synagogue of Satan
Rev 2:10, Do not Fear what you are about to suffer, Testing & Prison
Be faithful till death! NEGATIVE – Reproof & Discipline (Rev 3:19) = None!
CONSEQUENCES for NON REPENTANCE = None!

REWARD =  Rev 2:11, The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.

Rev 2:11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

3) Pergamum

POSITIVE
Rev 2:13, Dwell where Satan’s throne is, Hold fast My Name, Not deny faith even in days of Antipas who was killed. NEGATIVE – Reproof & Discipline (Rev 3:19)
Rev 2:14, Teaching of Balaam, eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. Rev 2:15, Some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
CONSEQUENCES for NON REPENTANCE = Rev 2: 16 Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth.

REWARD =  Rev 2:17, To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.

Rev 2:17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

4) Thyatira

POSITIVE
Rev 2:19 Works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first.
Rev 2:24 But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden. 25 Only hold fast what you have until I come. NEGATIVE – Reproof & Discipline (Rev 3:19)
Rev 2:20 Tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.
CONSEQUENCES for NON REPENTANCE = Rev 2:22 Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, 23 and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.

REWARD =  Rev 2:26 The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, 27 and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star.

Rev 2:29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

5) Sardis

POSITIVE
Rev 3:4 Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. NEGATIVE – Reproof & Discipline (Rev 3:19)
Rev 3:1-3, “‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent.
CONSEQUENCES for NON REPENTANCE = Rev 3:3, If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.

REWARD =  Rev 3:5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.

Rev 3:6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

6) Philadelphia

POSITIVE
Rev 3:8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. NEGATIVE – Reproof & Discipline (Rev 3:19) = None!
CONSEQUENCES for NON REPENTANCE = None!

REWARD =  Rev 3:12 The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.

Rev 3:13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

7) Laodicia

POSITIVE= NOTHING positive! Wow! NEGATIVE – Reproof & Discipline (Rev 3:19)
Rev 3:15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.
CONSEQUENCES for NON REPENTANCE = Rev 3:16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.

REWARD =  Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.

Rev 3:22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Interpretation by Parable of the Sower
“He who has an Ear, Let him Hear!”

➥ Parable of the Sower Jesus uses word “hear” 12 times! Matt 13:9, 13-23, 43. Consider Matt 13:3-23 for context.
First occurrence at Matthew 13:9 after Jesus lists 4 scenarios :
1) Birds devoured seeds along PATH,
2) Seeds along ROCKY GROUND were scorched by sun and withered away, 3) THORNS choked seeds among them,
4) GOOD SOIL PRODUCES 100, 60 & 30.
Matthew 13:9-17, 35 Purpose of Parables is for Jesus to impart the “hidden” “secrets of the kingdom” to those He considers worthy verses those who remain blind and deaf worshiping God in vanity & name only.
Not Hearing, Not Seeing, Not Understanding, Not Perceiving –  Matt 13:14-15, 19, 22,
Jesus is quoting from Isaiah 6:8-11. As for the future fulfillment compare Isaiah 6:11 with the 7th Vial of Wrath at Revelation 16:17, 19.
Fruitful Hearing Matt 13:23
BlESSINGS & HEALINGfor Hearing, Seeing, Perceiving & Understanding “secrets of the Kingdom” Matt 13:16-17, 11, 15.
Jesus lists what PREVENTS see from falling on Good Soil and Producing:
1) PATH = Devil snatches away – Matt 13:19
2) ROCKY GROUND = Tribulation & Persecution on account of Word & immediately falls away, Matt 13:20-21
3) THORN = cares of the world & deceitfulness of riches choke the word, Matt 13:22
In contrast, Jesus equates GOOD SOIL & Hearing & Understanding with PRODUCING FRUIT – 100, 60 & 30, Matt 13:23.
According to Jesus, True Hearing, Seeing, Perceiving & Understanding is “Small” (Matt 13:31-32) “Secret” (Matt 13:11) & “Hidden” ( Matt 13:33-35, 44).
Jesus Privately explains the Parable of the Sower to his disciples at Matthew 13:-36-43

➥ Mark 8:17-18, 21, REMEMBERING, Hard Hearts, Perceiving & Understanding Mark 8:13-21
➥ Jesus concludes all His Parables at Luke 14 with the saying, Luke 14:35
Parable – Luke 14:7-11,  Honored Position at Wedding Feast.
Parable – Luke 14:12-14, Invite the poor, crippled, lame & blind for repayment at the Resurrection of the Just.
Parable – Luke 14:15-24, Excuses for not attending banquet.
Luke 14: 26-27, 33, Requirements for being a disciple: Hate all family & own life, bear his own cross & renounce all that he has.
Parable – Luke 14:28-30, Counting the cost of building a tower.
Parable – Luke 14:31-32, Counting cost for battle

➥ Matt 11:15, John the Baptist is Elijah, Matt 11:10-15,
Acts 7:51 – Uncircumcised in hearts, ears & resist holy spirit.
also – Acts 28:27, Rom 11:8