Reveling in Revelation: The Seven Churches Quiz

Answer: Jesus Christ

"The Revelation of Jesus Christ", are the first words in the first verse. Many mistakenly believe that it is the Revelation of St. John the Divine, because that is a sub-caption under the title in many Bibles (including mine.) This is incorrect, although Jesus sends the revelation via an angel to John, who in turn writes it to the seven churches of Asia Minor, and perhaps by extension, to us today.

Answer: those who read, hear, and keep the things written in the book

In Revelation 1:3 we read that those who read, hear and keep those things written in the book are blessed. This logically implies that if we fail to read, hear or keep them in our hearts, no blessing can occur. This is one reason I feel that it is important to read the book.

Answer: seven golden candlesticks and one who appeared as the Son of man among them

Christians believe that this is a representation of Christ walking among the churches of Asia Minor.
The 18th verse implies that this is Christ as "the one who liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive forevermore..."
The 20th verse states that the seven stars represent the seven angels of the churches, while the seven candlesticks are representative of the churches themselves.

Answer: they have left their first love and they should repent

In chapter 2 verses 4-5, it states that unless they repent and return to their first love, Christ, then He will remove their candlestick from its place. The implication seems to be that if they do not return wholeheartedly to their initial fervor as Christians, then they as a body of believers will cease to exist.

Answer: those who overcome will eat of the tree of life in the paradise of God

Arguably, this is perhaps the same tree of life that is mentioned in the garden of Eden, and may also be interpreted as being a "type" of Christ.

Answer: that they are rich; not poor

In verse 9, He tells them that He is aware of their works and their tribulation (troubles) and their poverty. In parentheses He states, "(but thou art rich)." The message here seems to be that while they are poor in worldly goods, money, etc., they are rich in Christ and the heavenly kingdom. While this is not stated per se, it may perhaps lend itself to that line of thinking.

Answer: those who overcome will not be hurt by the second death

This church was the church of the martyrs. The word "smyrna" comes from the same root word as "myrrh."
An aromatic substance that had to be crushed and beaten before it could exude its fragrance, myrrh is the perfect analogy to this early church. The people of this church were the ones who were fed to the lions, tortured and beaten to death for their belief. The promise made at the end of the address in Revelation 2:11 offers them hope.

Answer: Satan

This verse not only says that Satan has a "seat" with them, but also that he dwells with them.

Answer: they will receive hidden food and a white stone

In the text of the verses concerning Pergamos, even though Satan has a place among them, individuals within this church will be able to overcome his influence and will receive rewards for their faithfulness.

Answer: the latter works will be more than the first works

Apparently as this church grows it becomes somewhat stronger, even though it has many false doctrines in it. They do receive warnings to repent, and those who respond will be rewarded.

Answer: power over the nations and the morning star

The church of Thyatira has problems. Even though they have serious issues, there are some who are in it that will be able to overcome satanic influences by faith. In verse 25, they are encouraged to hold on firmly to their faith in God.

Answer: as appearing to live, but actually being dead

Sadly, in verse 4 of Revelation 3, we see only a few mentioned that are considered worthy to walk with Jesus. The rest of this church is already spiritually dead or ready to die. (verses 1-2)

Answer: in white raiment

It is noted in verse 5 that Jesus will confess their names before His Father and before the angels, and that He will not blot out their names from the Lamb's book of Life.

Answer: an open door

He tells them that they have a little strength left in Revelation 3:8, so He has provided them with an open door that no man can shut. This church needs encouragement and hope and Jesus provides what it needs, just when it needs it the most. He also states that He will keep them from being tempted above what they are able to bear because of they kept the word of His patience (verse 10).

Answer: the name of God; new Jerusalem; and the new name of Jesus

This church is encouraged to hold on firmly to what it has, even though it is weak. It still has a measure of faith and will receive its reward.

Answer: lukewarm, wretched, poor, blind and naked

This seems to be the poorest example of all the churches mentioned. God actually states that they are lukewarm and that they will be spewed out of His mouth. Interestingly, the city of Laodicea had to rely on lukewarm sulfuric water or have water imported so its citizens could have something decent to drink, and this analogy was something that they could easily understand.

In verse 20, the implication seems to be that Jesus has been tossed out of this church of His own, and yet is standing and knocking at the door, still ready for its individual believers to allow Him into their hearts.

Answer: they will sit with Christ on his throne

In the 21st verse, Jesus compares those who overcome of Laodicea to Himself with the phrase "even as I also overcame...". Apparently, even this church, which is sadly lacking in many respects, still has some true believers remaining. It is to these that Jesus speaks regarding them sitting on His throne.

Answer: a door opened in heaven

He then hears something as well. A voice that sounds like a trumpet tells him to come up to heaven to see things that are yet to come. I cannot imagine how John must have felt, seeing and hearing all these things, but I feel certain that he was in awe, to say the least.

Answer: a throne set in heaven with someone sitting on it

This seems to be a portrayal of Christ on the throne. We can recognize three of the stones of the tribes of Israel mentioned in verse 3: the jasper, the sardine (sardius) and the emerald.

Answer: it is circular and green

The emerald stone of the Old Testament is a green stone, and this rainbow is emerald as well. It is described as going round about the throne and as such would be in a circular pattern. One interpretation of this might be that green represents "life", e.g. the green of springtime. The never-ending circle might represent "eternal". By extension, this could represent Eternal Life.