The Seven Churches
More than Meets the Eye
For centuries the letters to the seven churches in
the book of Revelation were
understood to have been literal letters that
were sent to seven churches in Asia minor. But in
the late 17th century, a brilliant eccentric in England
perceived that there was more to the seven
churches than meets the eye.
Isaac Newton determined that the seven
letters were symbols to be interpreted
figuratively. It is said he knew more about
church history than all of England. So he was able to
see the pattern of history fitting the symbols.
Newton recognized that he lived in the 5th church
age, Sardis. He correctly predicted a great
expansion of the gospel to come in the next
"Philadelphia" Church Age and knew that there would
be a falling away in the end.
Historical fulfillment widely accepted today
Expositors only disagree about the dates
It took exceptional discernment and a great
understanding of church history to see the pattern
in his day. But at the end of the age it is easy.
Futurists and historicists today agree that chapters 2
and 3 of Revelation are a panoramic prophecy of the
church from the first to the second advent.
Nevertheless expositors disagree as to the beginning
and ending dates for each era. The differences are
minor and it is perhaps impossible to pick a precise
year.The seven church ages telescope into one
another as opposed to abruptly starting and
ending. However, here is a typical date range:
- Ephesus - 31 to 96 - Apostolic Church
- Smyrna - 96 to 313 - Roman Persecution
- Pergamos - 313 to 538 - Age of Constantine
- Thyatira - 538 to 1517 - Dark Ages
- Sardis - 1517 to 1739 - Reformation
- Philadelphia - 1739 to 1900 - Missionary Age
- Laodicea - 1900 to the end - Drift to Apostasy
Knowledge has greatly increased in the end time
There is Much More to be Seen in the Seven Churches
It would seem that the mystery has been solved and
that nothing further can be gleaned from this part of
the Apocalypse. But, as Daniel prophesied, knowledge
has greatly increased in the time of the end. Even
Isaac Newton would be amazed.
First we will consider the mysterious sequence of the
seven church era's.
