Revelation – Seven Candlesticks,

Seven Stars & the Seven Churches

(Revelation Chapters 1-3)

Before we get into the Seven Churches we need to take a look at the beginning a little. The Apostle John receives the information from four sources, which are mention in the first chapter of Revelation.

Revelation 1:1 “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:”

John receives information from an angel sent by God.

Revelation 1:4 “John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;”

John receives information from the seven Spirits, which you will see more clearly as we read about each church.

Revelation 1:5 “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,”

John receives information from Jesus besides the seven Spirits.

Revelation 1:8 “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.”

Revelation 1:11 “Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.”

John will also receive information from God, who is mentioned in verse one, four, eight and eleven.

Throughout Revelation Apostle John will receive information from multiple sources and not just one, which to some may make it hard to understand who is speaking, but it is the information that is given to read and hear that is important. If you have ever received a message from God, which was delivered by an angel you would noticed that the message is delivered as if God Himself is speaking and not the angel for Him. This can be seen even in the Old Testament (Genesis 18; Exodus 3).

Seven Candlesticks & Seven Stars

Revelation 1:12-16 “And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;[13] And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.[14] His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;[15] And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.[16] And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.”

John receives a vision of Jesus in his perfected spiritual body and with it he sees seven candlesticks and seven stars. It is made easy for us to understand for their meaning is given to us, not much farther down in verse twenty.

Revelation 1:20 “The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.”

The seven Churches are seen as candlesticks because they were to be a light unto the world. Matthew 5:14-16 “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.[15] Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.[16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Some did not shine as brightly as others in their time. Jesus standing in their midst having a two edged sword coming out of his mouth is showing that he has the authority to pass judgment upon these seven churches and to punish or reward them according to their works.

The seven Stars are Angels in Jesus’s right hand are under Christ’s authority and given power to deliver word to their corresponding Church and to act on Christ’s behalf; similar to Jesus sitting at the right hand of God. Mark 16:19 “So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.”

The seven Spirits mentioned earlier are not under Christ’s direct authority, but his Father. They act independently from the seven Angels and Jesus. These seven Spirits are sent by God to not just speak, but to act and fulfill God’s Will, so that prophecy comes to pass according to scripture when it pertains to the Churches.

These Churches that are revealed to John speak of the literal churches of his day that were going through their own trials and tribulations brought onto them because of their following the Word of God or their slow backsliding away from God’s Word. Either way we see what they were facing and at the same time given a view of what the Church would go through as time went forward from John’s vision to the end times. Can these show a culmination of all seven churches building up to our day and not just time periods that the church would face? As we look around us today we can see all aspects of the seven Churches mentioned in Revelation unfolding before us. Just look around us today and you will find all seven churches alive and well today, not in their literal locations but in all the different “Christian” denominations. There is much that the churches of today need to work on and overcome if they are to partake of any of the rewards spoken of by the seven Spirits at the end of each letter.

Seven Churches

In each message to the Churches there are about three key insights given. First you will find in the very beginning of each message to a Church is a description or characteristic of Jesus, which is roughly a sentence long. Second is a description of the condition of that particular church, whether it is good or bad. Thirdly we are shown a reward given to those that remain faithful to the Word of God and are able to overcome these troublesome problems that the Churches face. There is one reward that is set apart from all the others and you will find it in the letter to Thyratira. The reward is not for those that overcome, but who overcome and keep his works.

Ephesus

Revelation 2:1-7 “Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;[2] I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:[3] And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.[4] Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.[5] Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.[6] But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.[7] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”

First: “he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks”. We are shown the meaning of this earlier in the first chapter of Revelations. Jesus is also the source of the light that the Churches shine to the rest of the world.

Second: They had slacked off from praying, communicating with their first love. Though they had works, patience, even tried those that came to them with new doctrines and never fainted from their labors they did forget to keep up their relationship with God through prayer. If they were to remain on their course they would be removed and replaced by another church.

Third: “him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God”. Only those that have overcome will enjoy the right to eat from the tree of life. Overcoming something is much more than simply speaking words, but true followers and believers will face many kinds of persecution. It doesn’t always have to be prison or martyrdom, but can be as simple as family and friends mocking and ridiculing you for your belief and standing up for those beliefs. Your life will change or you never did truly accept Christ.

Smyrna

Revelation 2:8-11 “And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;[9] I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.[10] Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.[11] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.”

First: “the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive”. This speaks of Jesus being the First and Last worthy sacrifice that could be made for mankind.

Second: A faithful church that endures persecution and stays true to the Word of God. Only martyrs will receive the crown of life when they enter Heaven for not everyone will face the prospect of having to give up their life for their faith in Christ and their obedience to his Father.

Third: “He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death”. From the first letter to the Churches to the last, only those that overcome will enter Heaven, since it is only those that overcome are given these rewards. Again think not that living for the Lord will be easy, for your life will become a reflection of Christ’s and what did they do to him? How much more will they hate you?

Pergamos

Revelation 2:12-17 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;[13] I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.[14] But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.[15] So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.[16] Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.[17] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.”

First: “he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;” Jesus has been given the authority to pass judgement upon the Church.

Second: The Church has allowed false teachings and believers to remain within the congregation and not doing what is needed by casting them out. Matthew 18:8-9 “Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.[9] And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.” Matthew 18:15-17 “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.[16] But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.[17] And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.”

Third: “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.”

Thyratira

Revelation 2:18-29 “And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;[19] I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.[20] Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.[21] And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.[22] Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.[23] And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.[24] But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.[25] But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.[26] And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:[27] And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.[28] And I will give him the morning star.[29] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

First: “the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass”

Second: The Church has allowed Jezebels (False prophetesses and trouble makers) to remain active in the church and not casting them out. They make the same mistake that Pergamos had done.

Third: “he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star.” They will be rulers who will have good judgement.

Sardis

Revelation 3:1-6 “And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.[2] Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.[3] Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.[4] Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.[5] He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.[6] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

First: “he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars;”

Second: This Church is asleep spiritually and needs to strengthen or revive what spiritual gifts that are about to die.

Third: “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.”

Philadelphia

Revelation 3:7-13 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;[8] I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.[9] Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.[10] Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.[11] Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.[12] Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.[13] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

First: “he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;”

Second: They are a tired Church that has continued to be faithful to the Word of God, even if they have been beaten down by the World there remains in them strength to carry on.

Third: “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name”

Laodicean

Revelation 3:14-22 “And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;[15] I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.[16] So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.[17] Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:[18] I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.[19] As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.[20] Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.[21] To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.[22] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

First: “the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;”

Second: This Church became prideful of what they had and turned their back upon God. Forgetting where it received their blessings from. By doing this they lost the desire to stand tall and strong in the Word of God and began compromising the very Word they had received.

Third: “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.”