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The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.

Revelation 1:20

The seven churches of Revelation were real, physical congregations when the Apostle John wrote this bewildering last book of the Bible around 95 AD, but many scholars believe the passages have a second, hidden meaning.

These churches were seven real churches at the time, and some believe they represent seven church ages, while others argue they represent seven church types that have existed since the church began, and will exist until Christ returns.

The Loveless Church
Revelation 2:1-7

Nevertheless I have this against you, THAT YOU HAVE LEFT YOUR FIRST LOVE. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. Revelation 2:4-5

The Persecuted Church
Revelation 2:8-11

Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. BE FAITHFUL UNTIL DEATH, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10

The Compromising Church
Revelation 2:12-17

But I HAVE A FEW THINGS AGAINST YOU, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. Revelation 2:14-16

The Corrupt Church
Revelation 2:18-29

Nevertheless I HAVE A FEW THINGS AGAINST YOU, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works. Revelation 2:20-23

The Dead Church
Revelation 3:1-6

And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, these things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, THAT YOU HAVE A NAME THAT YOU ARE ALIVE, BUT YOU ARE DEAD. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Revelation 3:1-2

The Faithful Church
Revelation 3:7-13

Because you have kept My command to persevere, I ALSO WILL KEEP YOU FROM THE HOUR OF TRIAL which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. Revelation 3:10-12

The Lukewarm Church
Revelation 3:14-21

And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, these things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, THAT YOU ARE NEITHER COLD NOR HOT. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither [k]cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Revelation 3:14-16