1.The Church at Ephesus:
It was the 4th greatest city in the world (with Rome, Alexandria, and Antioch). It was the largest city in Asia Minor with stadiums, schools of philosophy, temples, and gyms. It was the best of the seven cities located in a major city with a seaport and many tourists. People came to see the temple of the Greek goddess Artemis that Romans called Diana. Slavery, prostitution, bathhouses, and idol worship occurred throughout the city. There were popular Gladiator fights at the 10,000 seat stadium. Paul had a revival in Ephesus and wrote a powerful letter to the church at Ephesus.
2. The church at Smyrna:
Smyrna was a seaport city; but the silt increased, making it difficult for ships to enter the ports. It was a wealthy city, with science, medicine and architecture. It was a political city and the Christians were poor and persecuted. The chief goddess was Cybele and hers was the city's largest temple. The followers marked a day when they cut themselves and danced to a frenzy. The male priests were castrated, becoming "third gender"- not male or female. They were noted for oracles, where spirits would speak through a priestess (this was demonic). The saints were poor in material things but rich in their faith and love for the Lord. An early Bishop of Smyrna was Polycarp, a disciple of John, served Christ 86 years. The stadium held 20,000 and for years was a site for executing Christians.
3. The church at Pergamos:
Pergamos means "elevation," built on a hill overlooking the city; Asia Minor's capital. The city had a temple to Caesar and also Zeus, a stronghold city for idols. The patron goddess was Athena, she was believed to protect the city. It was called the "place where Satan dwells" and where "Satan's seat" was located (Rev. 2:13). Antipas, a believer, was martyred in this city. It was home of the Nicolaitans (Rev. 2:15).
4. The church of Thyatira:
Thyatira was located inland in Asia Minor and was known for its color dyes. The city was built in a valley with many trade routes running through it. In Acts 16:14, Lydia was a seller of cloth as far away as Philippi. The chief deity was Apollo, who was said to be linked with the power of the sun. They had allowed a Jezebel to seduce the men in the church (Rev. 2:20).
5. The church at Sardis:
Sardis was noted for its industry, including carpets, it was destroyed by an earthquake. Gold was found in the area and the kings were very wealthy. They had a "Royal Road" connecting the city with Persian cities in the east. The goddess Artemis was the chief deity and was revered as the "mother-goddess".
6. The church at Philadelphia:
It was located at the foot of a mountain plateau in what is today West Central Turkey. It was built on an important travel route linking the city with Laodicea to the south. An earthquake struck in 17 A. D., but it was rebuilt with help from Emperor Tiberius. Agriculture, wool, wine making, and leather were the main industries. Sardis and Philadelphia were both destroyed in 17 A.D. and had been rebuilt.
7. The church at Laodicea:
It was 40 miles from Ephesus and was steeped in Greek culture; had many earthquakes. It had schools, libraries, and even a banking center and was quite well off financially. Two salves were made there, one for the ears and one for the eyes. It was a famous medical center. The one weakness was the water supply. Water had to be piped into Laodicea. Cold water could come from the abundant supply at Colossae, but by the time it traveled the ten or so miles from the cold springs, it was lukewarm. About six miles away in Hierapolis were hot springs, but that water, too, was lukewarm when it reached Laodicea. If they piped in either cold or hot water, it arrived at Laodicea lukewarm.
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