The Church in Ephesus

• Ephesus was the most important city in western Asia Minor (today's Turkey) due to a harbor that opened into the Cayster River, emptying into the Aegean Sea. The city was also at an intersection of major trade routes, making it a large commercial center. The apostle Paul made the church a center for evangelism for approximately three years (Ac 19:10). In Revelation, God illustrates how Ephesus was a pure and righteous city, as He writes "I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men...you have endured hardships for my name and have not grown weary" (Rev 2:1-4).
  
  

Church in Smyrna

• In modern day Izmir, Smyrna was a proud Asian city closely aligned with Rome and eager to meet its demands for emperor worship. This, plus a large and actively hostile Jewish population, made it extremely difficult to live there as a Christian. As a result, God warns the Christians of Smyrna: "I know your afflictions and your poverty -- yet you are rich! I know the slander . . . the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer for ten days. Be faithful, and I will give you the crown of life" (Rev 2:8-11).
  
  

The Church in Pergamum

• In modern day Bergama, Pergamum was the ancient capital of Asia and was built on a cone-shaped hill over 1,000 feet in high. In Greek, the name means "citadel." Because Pergamum was the official center for emperor worship, God warns its people in Revelations: "I know where you live -- where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name" (Rev 2:13).
  
  

The Church in Thyatira

• Thyatira is the modern Akhisar and was founded by Seleucus I between 311 and 280 BC. Although God recognizes the city's good deeds, He is displeased with woman in the congregation: "I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance . . . nevertheless, you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching, she misleads . . ." (Rev 2:19-20). This anger was due to the fact that Jezebel encouraged pagan worship.
  
  

The Church in Sardis

• Located in modern Sart, Sardis was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia and had great wealth and fame. When the angel comes to speak to church in the name of God, he points out how the city has fallen from its holy roots: "I know your deeds; you have a reputation for being alive but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains . . . for I have not found your deeds complete" (Rev 3:1-3).
  
  

The Church in Philadelphia

• In modern Alashehir, Philadelphia was a city of commercial importance and was the gateway between Asia Minor and the high central plateau of the Roman province of Asia. The name means "brotherly love" and commemorates the loyalty of Attalus II to his brother Eumenes II in 220-130BC. Because of the church's devotion, God reassures its people: "I know you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan fall down at your feet" (Rev 3:8-9).
  
  

The Church in Laodicea

• Near modern day Denizli, Laodicea was the wealthiest city in Phrygia during the Roman occupation. It was a major center for banking, medical schools and the textile industry; however, it's main weakness was a lack of adequate a water supply, all of which were addressed during in God's letter (Rev 3:14-22).