1.Ephesus - We see a church distracted, or strayed from its original calling, and the Lord's admonition to return to that call. I speculate that the Church in Ephesus was expanding quickly, and probably getting caught up in the details of becoming a large church, rather than attending to its evangelistic ministry that it started out with.

2.Smyrna - Probably a persecuted Church, as mention is clearly made of being thrown in prison, and tribulation, and because they were encouraged to be faithful "even unto death". Clearly, this Church wasn't distracted from its evangelistic nature, as persecution accompanies sharing the Gospel..


3. Pergamos - Here is a church the Lord seems to indicate is inundated with things of the world, and false doctrines, perhaps some that they are not speaking out against. He clearly mentions the same old stuff that existed all along, such as the Nicolaitans. ( people who wished to install a pompous, worldly hierarchal system of "priesthood") which thing the Lord says he hates. This was the same type of system the Jews had, and clearly, Jesus was not happy with this type of "order..

4.Thyatira - Here, the situation in Pergamos seems to be even more progressed, mention is made of "things sacrificed to Idols" The warnings are stern, the promises for overcoming are true. Balaamism, (worldliness) and Nicolaitanism much more prevalent here, along with the presence of false prophets and such.

5. Sardis - The church here seems to be just about dead as the Lord encourages them to keep what little they have left alive. I see this as a church that was trying to emerge from a state of fallen ness trying to get back to the "straight and narrow path".

6. Philadelphia - This church seems to be in a good place, speaking the Word in truth boldly even in the face of death. The Lord mentions an "open door" which no man can shut. I see this as the Lord telling this Church that they could ask what they needed in prayer and it would be granted, meaning that the open door was to him in prayer.


7.Laodicea - Here we see a church deceived about what godliness is, in that they believed that their money was in some way a sign of God's approval. This Church obviously had great wealth, and considered themselves a Christian elite, if you will, and were probably just existing in their faith, enjoying their wealth, and neglecting the call of God.