THE APOCALYPSE AND THE TEMPLE CODE

6. The church at Philadelphia

a. It was located at the foot of a mountain plateau in what is today West Central Turkey b. It was built on an important travel route linking the city with Laodicea to the south c. An earthquake struck in 17 AD, but it was rebuilt with help from Emperor Tiberius d. Agriculture, wool, wine making, and leather were the main industries

Note: Sardis and Philadelphia were both destroyed in 17 AD and had been rebuilt

7. The church at Laodicea

a. It was 40 miles from Ephesus and was steeped in Greek culture; had many earthquakes b. It had schools, libraries, and even a banking center and was quite well off financially c. Two salves were made (one for the ears and one for the eyes); a famous medical center Note: 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.

C. Each church was given a command to repent or continue in their obedience

1. These were rebuked: Ephesus, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, and Laodicea 2. There were commended: Smyrna and Philadelphia

D. The rebukes or commendations

The Church

The Message from Christ

The Reference

1. Ephesus 2. Smyrna 3. Pergamos 4. Thyatira

They had left their first love

Rev. 2:4 Rev. 2:9

They were enduring tribulation and poverty They were holding to some false doctrines They were being seduced by a woman They had people about to spiritually die They were given an open door and protection They were lukewarm and would be spewed out

Rev. 2:14-15

Rev. 2:20 Rev. 3:2

5. Sardis

6. Philadelphia

Rev. 3:8-10 Rev. 3:15-16

7. Laodicea

E. There is a blessing given for overcoming that is linked to 7,000 years of history

The Church

Historical Backdrop

The Blessing for Overcoming

      

Ephesus Smyrna Pergamos Thyatira

back to Eden

will eat from the tree of life will not be hurt by second death will eat from the hidden manna will be given power over the nations will be dressed in white /Book of Life

the sin of Adam

the Exodus

Joshua and David

Sardis

to crucifixion

Philadelphia

end of church age

will make a pillar in Temple

Laodicea

the millennial

will sit on His throne

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